8 Best Soft Mattress (Review) In 2021
Last Updated: January 15, 2021Getting a good night's sleep is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health and well-being. Where you sleep is a critical element of this and choosing the best mattress for you will take some thought and research. Soft mattresses are a popular option for many people and the best soft mattress for your needs will offer you support and comfort and look after your posture as you rest.
There are lots of different types of soft mattresses to choose from. Some people prefer a coil mattress but others prefer a memory foam mattress. Your choice of soft mattress will also depend on your body weight and how you sleep. Side sleepers tend to prefer soft mattresses. If you are looking for a soft mattress, check out our comprehensive guide and we will help you choose the best soft mattress for your needs.
The Best Soft Mattress
1. DreamCloud Premier Soft Mattress - Best Choice
HIGHLIGHTS:
Multiple memory foam layers for comfort
Cashmere blend top layer to dissipate body heat
Low transfer motion foam for motion isolation
Plush mattress with three foam layers
Double‑row rim for superior edge support
Lifetime warranty for peace of mind
1.
DreamCloud Premier Soft Mattress - Best Choice
Our pick for the best soft mattress is the premium 6-layer hybrid design of the DreamCloud Premier Soft Mattresses which ensures that you get the pressure relief you'd expect from a memory foam mattress with the stability offered by innerspring coils resulting in restful sleep. Holder of the Best Hybrid Mattress Award from the Mattress Advisor, the top layer of this plush mattress is provided by Mongolian cashmere which offers a natural, lightweight and ultrasoft wicking that keeps you cool. Beneath this are a premium high‑loft memory foam for pressure relief, high-density gel-infused memory foam, and a low transfer motion foam so that you are not disturbed by your sleeping partner. At the base of the soft mattress, there is a layer of heavy-duty encased coils and finally, a porous foam base that increases airflow and re‑distributes coil vibrations.
To safeguard your investment, these plush mattresses come with a 365 day trial period and a lifetime warranty as well as free shipping and returns. You even get a free cooling pillow, a sheet set, and a mattress protector with the mattress.
Learn more about DreamCloud Premier Soft Mattress
2. Layla Memory Foam Mattress
HIGHLIGHTS:
Mattress can be flipped to be firm or soft
Very comfortable for side sleepers
Anti-microbial copper infused memory foam
Surface Modification Technology for cooling
Removable and color-coded top layers
120-night money-back guarantee for peace of mind
If you are looking for a soft mattress but are worried that a firm mattress would suit you better, this mattress is for you. Two mattresses in one and arriving in a convenient box, the Layla Memory Foam Mattress is especially loved by side sleepers and was the Forbes Best Memory Foam Mattresses 2019. Its memory foam is infused with copper which is antimicrobial and condenses under pressure leaving you feeling energized. Meanwhile, the mattress stays looking and smelling fresh.
Especially suitable for side sleepers, you can choose to use the soft layer at the top of the mattress - this uses thermo gel technology to cool you and can be removed by the zipper for cleaning. By flipping the mattress over, you can have the firm layer uppermost which is a dark color so that you can tell which layer you are using. Back sleepers may prefer the firmer layer. In between the two outer layers, there is the copper gel memory foam layer for rapid cooling and odor-control. Following this is the max airflow support layer with Surface Modification Technology and deep channeling to keep you cool and for pressure relief. The four-inch core of support foam prevents motion transfer and this is followed by another copper gel memory foam layer. The mattress comes with a 120-night money-back guarantee for your peace of mind, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping. You also get two free Layla Memory Foam Pillows with the mattress.
Learn more about Layla Memory Foam Mattress
3. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid Mattress - Best Value
HIGHLIGHTS:
Five layer hybrid mattress
Available as firm medium or soft firm for different sleepers
Advanced cooling fabric top layer
Patented CopperFlex for contouring pressure points
Patented TitanCool layer maintaining skin temperature at 88 degrees
Delivered boxed and for free
3.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid Mattress - Best Value
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid Mattress offers advanced cooling technology and everything you need to get a good night's sleep. It's available as soft, medium, and firm so you can customize the mattress to suit your posture and sleeping style. Side sleepers often prefer a softer mattress.
On the top of this plush mattress, there is an advanced cooling fabric that covers the patented CopperFlex and TitanCool layer that offers responsive contouring and pressure point relief where you need it as well as maintaining skin temperature at 88 degrees which is the optimum temperature for sleep. The copper has antimicrobial properties to keep you and your mattress fresh. Beneath this is the 2-inch thick Titanflex layer which is a hyperelastic foam that adjusts when you move. The fourth layer is a one-inch thick transition layer that provides deep compression support and pressure relief. The final layer is a one-inch thick high-density foam layer with individually encased coils. These ultra-plush mattresses are delivered boxed for free and have a 120 night trial period as well as a 10 year Brooklyn Bedding warranty.
Learn more about Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Hybrid Mattress
4. Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress - Premium Pick
HIGHLIGHTS:
Ergonomic zones for pressure relief
Supportive gel pods under the waist and lower back
Softer foam around the shoulder area for spine alignment
Breathable foam perforated with air channels to keep you cool
Resilient springs for lift and support
100 night risk-free trial for peace of mind
4.
Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress - Premium Pick
The Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress provides plenty of support, relieves pressure, and helps to keep you cool. It places supportive gel pods under the waist and lower back which provides additional support to the foam and keeps the spine aligned. These are complemented by the softer foam around the shoulder area. It also features breathable foam that is perforated with air channels that allow the heat to escape and keep you feeling fresh as you sleep.
The five layers comprise a top thin coating of cooling gel that sits on the AirScape™ foam that is breathable and relieves pressure. The second AirScape™ layer has small holes to let heat escape. The third layer contains the softer ergonomic zones for the shoulders and the fourth contains the gel pods. The final layer contains springs that provide support at the edge of the mattress and makes it easier to get out of bed. These foam mattresses come with free shipping and a 100-night risk-free trial as well as a 10-year limited warranty for your peace of mind.
Learn more about Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress
5. Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress
HIGHLIGHTS:
Latex flippable mattress giving two comfort options
Luxury plush option for pressure relief for side sleepers
Gentle firm option for stomach sleepers and back sleepers
100% natural latex - naturally hypoallergenic
Breathable organic wool layer
Latex core has five zones to offer superior lower back support
Zenhaven Latex Mattress is flippable to give you two possible comfort options and the best sleeping experience. The luxury plush version contours to your body and relieves pressure points whatever your sleeping position. The gentle firm version is 18% firmer and gives stomach sleepers and back sleepers more uplift and support whilst maintaining the pressure-free characteristics.
It is manufactured using 100% natural latex to provide a naturally hypoallergenic area to rest and to get some quality sleep. The natural materials include breathable organic cotton and New Zealand wool that meet organic certification standards and naturally resist dust mites and bacteria.
The top layer is made from quilted organic cotton that is both soft and breathable as well as being hypoallergenic. It has been treated with a Guardin® botanical antimicrobial treatment. Under this, is the organic wool layer that is breathable and naturally regulates body temperature. The latex core has five zones to offer superior lower back support and pressure relief for side sleepers. Under this is a 100% natural latex base layer which is highly resilient and durable to offer maximum support. You get delivery to the room of your choice, a 180-night trial, and a 20-year warranty for risk-free mattress purchasing.
Learn more about Saatva Zenhaven Latex Mattress
6. Casper Original All Foam Mattress
HIGHLIGHTS:
All foam mattress for support and comfort
Three zones of ergonomic support for shoulders and hips
AirScape™ technology for cooling body heat
Durable base to prevent sagging
Free shipping
100 night commitment-free trial for peace of mind
The Casper Original All Foam Mattress provides both support and cooling for a restful night's sleep. Support is provided in three zones, placing the shoulders and hips in the correct position for maximum spinal support. Soft foam is placed at shoulder level to give pressure relief to the upper body whilst firmer foam is positioned under the lower back, hips, and waist so that spinal alignment is achieved. The cooling effect is provided by AirScape™ technology that has tiny holes to allow heat to move away from the body.
There are three layers of foam: a pressure-relieving and breathable layer to increase airflow and prevent overheating, the zoned support layer for ergonomic support and spinal alignment, and the durable base that prevents sagging and supports the whole body. You get free shipping, a 100-night commitment-free trial, and a 10-year limited warranty for complete peace of mind when purchasing.
Learn more about Casper Original All Foam Mattress
7. Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid Mattress
HIGHLIGHTS:
Options to suit any sleeping position
Combines memory foam with coils
Eco-friendly zipper to prolong the life of the mattress
8-inch Quantum edge pocketed support coils
Quilted thermic phase change top
100-night trial period for risk-free purchasing
The Alexander Signature Hybrid Mattress from Nest Bedding combines innovative titanium infused foam with high-quality coils that are individually pocketed and give extra stable edge support. You get a memory foam feel but with the added comfort and support of coils.
It is available as a Plush option for those who like a soft mattress, are a side sleeper, weigh under 140 pounds, and need pressure point relief with gentle support. If you are not sure which to choose, the medium mattress would be the best option - it suits people of average weight who like to feel supported by the mattress but also want some give. It will suit combination sleepers, back sleepers, and side sleepers. The Lux Firm option is mainly for those who like to sleep on their back or stomach and who like lumbar support.
To protect the environment and to save money, this mattress has a zipper that allows you to exchange the inside for another layer and to rotate or flip it to evenly distribute wear and triple the lifespan. There are six layers: a reinforced polyester encasement, a 1-inch base support foam, an 8-inch Quantum edge pocketed support coils, a 1-inch SmartFlow support foam, a 3-inch TitanChil Endurance Foam® and a 1/2 inch luxury memory foam, quilted thermic phase change top. It comes with a 100-night trial, free shipping, and a lifetime warranty for peace of mind when purchasing.
Learn more about Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid Mattress
8. Brooklyn Bedding DreamFoam Copper Dreams Mattress - Budget Pick
HIGHLIGHTS:
Memory foam mattress with two firmness options
Five layers for maximum support and comfort
Premium smooth weave top layer to keep you cool
Copper-graphite infusion memory foam to dissipate heat
Final 6-inch thick structurally firm layer
120-night risk-free trial period for peace of mind
8.
Brooklyn Bedding DreamFoam Copper Dreams Mattress - Budget Pick
Brooklyn Bedding DreamFoam Copper Dreams Mattress offers exceptional comfort at a reasonable price. They come as firm or medium options to keep you cool, comfortable, and rested. In all, there are four layers of foam with a top weave. The top layer is a premium smooth weave that keeps you cool and the second layer is 1.5-inch thick copper-graphite infusion memory foam that draws excess heat away from the body. The third memory foam layer is 2.5 inches thick and contours to your body so that it provides pressure point relief. The fourth layer is 2 inches of transition foam which provides a gradual transition to the final 6-inch thick structurally firm layer with a durable core. The mattress has free delivery, a 10-year warranty, and a 120-night risk-free trial for peace of mind.
Learn more about Brooklyn Bedding DreamFoam Copper Dreams Mattress
Features To Consider With Soft Mattresses
A mattress is a big investment and it is always best to take your time and do your research before making a final decision. Read all the mattress reviews before you make your order. As well as reading the mattress reviews, check if the mattress has a trial period. This is often around 100 days and gives you a chance to check if it is the best soft mattress for you. If you don't like the mattress after the trial period, you can return it and get your money back. This safeguards your investment and gives you peace of mind as you make this significant purchase.
Before you make your choice, here are some of the things that you should look out for in the best soft mattress.
Firmness Level vs. Support
The best soft mattress will be soft to lie on but will also give you support. You should not confuse firmness with support. A soft mattress should still offer support to prevent aches and pains and joint problems. Often, a memory foam soft mattress will have many layers in order to provide an overall level of support. Some layers are firm and some may even contain encased springs. This ensures that your spine alignment is preserved as you sleep.
Back sleepers and stomach sleepers, in particular, may prefer a soft mattress that offers support at key ergonomic points such as the lower back. Often, supportive gel pods are positioned under the waist and lower back which provide additional support to the foam and keeps the spine aligned. This is sometimes called responsive contouring. It is important that the mattress has a durable base that prevents sagging and supports the whole body.
Temperature
One problem that you can encounter when you sleep on a soft mattress is that you can get too hot. However, modern mattresses have built-in systems to prevent you from overheating. Often, the best soft mattress will have a copper gel memory foam layer. This helps to dissipate heat and is also anti-bacterial so it keeps the mattress fresh.
You may find a mattress that uses cashmere which offers a natural, lightweight, and ultrasoft wicking that keeps you cool, or a max airflow support layer with deep channeling. In fact, many mattresses use a layer with perforations that allow the heat to escape and keep you feeling fresh as you sleep. This is an important feature to look out for because maintaining the correct body temperature is a key factor in getting a good night's sleep.
Edge Support
As well as being very comfortable, the best soft mattress will make it easy for you to get up after you have had a sleep. Some people think that they have to choose a medium-firm mattress if they have difficulties getting into a standing position from the bed. The problem with some memory foam soft mattresses is that they tend to collapse under your thighs as you lift yourself to stand.
However, some soft mattresses have specific edge support to counteract this issue. You may find that the soft mattress has a double‑row rim for superior edge support or a layer of heavy-duty encased coils - this would be called a hybrid mattress. Springs are there to provide support at the edge of the soft mattress and make it easier to get on and off it. This feature is especially important if you have mobility issues.
Material/Type
Mattresses can be made from memory foam, latex, encased springs, or various combinations of these. There are also different types of memory foam that serve different purposes. For example, copper-infused memory foam is used to stop the growth of bacteria and to keep the mattress fresh. High-density memory foam is used for extra ergonomic support and specific points such as the waist. Soft foam is positioned at pressure points such as the hips and shoulders. You can even get titanium infused foam that provides additional support to the soft foam.
The best soft mattress will have an ultra plush cover and a plush mattress may have a cashmere, cotton, or wicking top layer that keeps you cool as you sleep. Other mattresses are manufactured using 100% natural latex to provide a naturally hypoallergenic area to rest and to provide you with quality sleep. The natural materials include breathable organic cotton and New Zealand wool that meet organic certification standards.
The other option is to choose a 100% natural latex mattress. This will be naturally hypoallergenic and will resist dust mites and bacteria. Some mattresses are even made from recycled plastic bottles!
Motion Isolation
If you share a bed with someone, you will know how much they can disturb your sleep. The best softer mattresses will include elements that stop the motion transfer from one person to another. A soft mattress with a motion transfer system offers comfort to both people using the bed and helps you to avoid nighttime arguments!
When your partner turns over, your section of the bed will stay still. This is especially useful for those who share their beds with restless sleepers! A bed's comfort rating is often decided by how much it protects sleepers from being disturbed by the other person in the bed.
Other Factors to Consider
Who Should And Shouldn't Pick A Soft Mattress
There are a lot of myths surrounding soft mattresses and many of them are simply not true. You may have been told that soft mattresses will ruin your posture and give you back problems. You may even have read on websites that firm mattresses can cause postural issues because they do not follow the contours of your body. It can get very confusing when all you want is a good night s sleep!
There are some soft mattresses, such as an air mattress, that are only suitable for short term use. They provide very little support and are likely to give you a bad back if you use them over a prolonged period of time. Overall, the choice of a firm mattress or a softer mattress will depend on some personal parameters. These are your body, your budget, and your personal preferences. We all have different heights, weights, and sleeping positions. Side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and back sleepers all have different pressure points and different requirements for a mattress. Pricing is another important factor. The type of softer mattress that you choose will also play a part and these can be memory foam, latex, innersprings, or hybrids which are a mix of memory foam and springs.
The Importance Of Mattress Firmness
The best mattress for your body will provide adequate support and pressure relief. If the mattress is too firm, it can acerbate issues at the pressure points and cause problems to the spinal alignment which can trigger pain in the joints particularly the hips and shoulders.
The comfort layers of a mattress often dictate how soft or firm it feels. Comfort layers are the body-cushioning system that is found at the top layers of the mattress. The composition of the comfort layer controls how much the mattress follows the contours of the sleeper’s body. Many comfort layers are made from polyfoam, latex, or memory foam. But you can also get a comfort layer made from steel microcoils. The mattress cover forms part of the comfort layer. In some mattresses, the comfort layer is a single layer whereas other comfort layers are more like a 'comfort system' and have up to four or five layers.
Mattress firmness is also controlled by the steel coil gauge in innerspring mattresses and by the indentation load deflection (or ILD) in foam and latex mattresses. A softer mattress has a lower ILD because less weight is required to indent the surface. Believe it or not, the temperature is also an issue when it comes to memory foam mattresses. In very cold environments, a memory foam mattress will feel harder.
Firmness And Sleeping Position
People can be categorized as side sleepers, back, and stomach sleepers. Sleep position is arguably one of the most important factors in choosing a mattress.
- Back Sleepers: Increased support of the spine, especially the lower back, is required by back sleepers. This is needed to align the spine and prevent aches and pains from developing.
- Side Sleepers: Pressure points are a particular problem for side sleepers. The hips and shoulders of a side sleeper press into the mattress and it is important that the support system follows the contours of the body. Also, side sleepers have to be very careful about how their neck is supported on the pillow top.
- Front Sleepers: In general, stomach or front sleepers need at least a medium-firm mattress and may find that a soft mattress does not suit them. Their hips need to be well supported so that they do not feel like they are sinking into the mattress. Some people have no choice but to sleep on their front because of medical issues. However, from a postural point of view, it is not a recommended sleeping position.
The take-away message is that side sleepers will often do well with a softer mattress but back and stomach sleepers may prefer a medium soft mattress, a medium-firm mattress, or even a firm one.
Your weight is another important factor when choosing a mattress. If you are below-average weight, you are likely to prefer a soft mattress. This is because a medium-firm mattress simply will not give under your weight and will provide no pressure relief for you. This may interfere with the alignment of your spine. However, if you weigh more than 230 pounds, you may experience an uncomfortable sinking sensation on a soft mattress, and even on a medium soft mattress, so you may want to choose a firmer version to give you enough support and make you feel comfortable.
The overall message is that heavier people and those who sleep on their back should choose a firmer mattress. Whereas, a soft mattress is most suitable for lighter individuals that sleep on their side.
Soft Mattress FAQ
Q: Can a soft mattress cause back pain?
Back pain can be caused by multiple things and softer mattresses often get the blame when something else entirely is causing it. Your back pain could be caused by your posture, your hobbies, your occupation, or by how you sit in front of your TV. Sometimes, it is a medical condition that requires treatment.
However, there are a few indicators that flag up a soft mattress as a potential cause. Think about when your pain occurs or when it is at its most severe. If you wake up every morning with back pain but it gets better within 30 minutes of getting out of bed and after a few simple stretches, it is a sign that your soft mattress is causing the problem. It may be time to change it.
Another sign that your mattress is too soft and is causing your back pain is waking up several times during the night. If you are doing this and you cannot get back to sleep because of your back pain, it is time to think about replacing your mattress. Even if you are not experiencing any pain, experts recommend that you should change your mattress every eight years because soft mattresses are often older mattresses that have lost their structure and are no longer providing support. Old unsupportive mattresses can cause a lot of aches and pains.
Softer mattresses can cause back pain by failing to provide adequate support. This is a particular problem if you are heavy and if you sleep on your back. If your mattress is too soft, your hips and back will sag so your spine is not aligned correctly and strain is placed on delicate joints. This eventually leads to pain.
Q: How can I make a firm mattress softer?
Buying the wrong type of mattress can be a costly mistake. This is why most manufacturers offer a free trial period. However, if you are stuck with a firm mattress that is too firm for you, there are a few things that you can do to make it feel softer.
Firstly, check with the manufacturer that the foundation that you are laying the mattress on is correct. A different foundation may convert your firm mattress into a medium soft mattress that you find very comfortable.
Some mattresses just need a little time to soften up. A memory foam mattress in particular will get softer with exposure to the weight and heat of your body as you sleep. You may find that within a week, your memory foam mattress is just what you were looking for.
If all else fails, mattress toppers can convert a firm mattress into a plush mattress and ensure that you get a great night s sleep. In the short term, using a duvet will do. It will feel like an ultra plush mattress but is not a great idea in the long term as it will probably be too soft and will make your sleep hot and uncomfortable.
A better option would be a specifically designed mattress topper made from a thin layer of memory foam. Some are even machine washable and will keep the mattress fresh and protected from stains.
Q: Can I sleep with a partner on a soft mattress?
Getting a good night's sleep can be even more challenging when you sleep with another person! Whilst they may be getting good sleep, you may be awake all night and getting increasingly annoyed. Two factors come into play when there are two people who sleep in the same bed. The first is temperature. Some people sleep hot - their temperature rises considerably as they sleep and this can affect the other person in the bed. It can make you uncomfortably warm and stop you from getting to sleep. If you sleep with another person, you may want to consider one of the best soft mattresses that dissipate heat and cools you down. This will prevent you (and your sleeping partner) from overheating and you will both feel more rested in the morning.
The second issue can be more of a problem with a soft bed. It is the transfer of motion or movement from one person to another. Every time your partner turns over, it sends a wave of movement towards you and this is very disturbing for your sleep. The best soft mattresses have elements that stop this from happening. Look for a soft mattress that has a special type of foam that prevents the transfer of movement. You will often see this described as low motion transfer foam in the mattress description.
Q: When can my baby start sleeping on a soft mattress?
A parent's instinct is to want to make their baby as comfortable as possible as they sleep and the obvious assumption is that a soft bed with a soft mattress will be the best choice. However, that is not actually the case and there are very real health risks associated with babies using soft mattresses.
The concern centers around the risk of Sudden Infant Death Sydrome (SIDS). Several studies have shown that soft mattresses contribute towards the risk of SIDS and that it is much safer for a young baby to sleep on a firm mattress. You should never use a pillow or pillow top for young babies and you should not use quilts or mattress toppers to make their mattress soft. They should also be put to sleep on their backs.
The problem is that babies often flip themselves over and become stomach sleepers even though you have put them to sleep on their back. Very young babies have limited movement and, when they are face down, they cannot get their heads in a position where they can breathe properly. This can lead to a lack of oxygen and sadly also to death. A firm mattress is best because it gives a baby the best chance of being able to carry on breathing, even if they flip themselves onto their stomach.
Also, overheating is a risk factor for SIDS and this is more likely on a soft mattress. A soft mattress makes it harder for a baby to control their overnight temperature and this can present a risk of overheating.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a firm mattress is best for babies aged under six months. Many experts agree that young babies that cannot move around need a firm mattress. The risk of SIDS persists until a baby is one year old so they should not sleep on a soft mattress before this.
Q: Are memory foam mattresses firm or soft?
Some people think that a memory foam mattress would not be the best option for them because they will be too soft. They may like the memory foam feel but would prefer a medium-firm mattress over a soft one.
Whilst many memory foam mattresses are soft, some are also medium and if you read the mattress reviews, you will find that they can suit people who prefer a slightly firmer mattress. Some mattresses can be flipped over, with a medium-firm side and a softer side to choose from. This is an excellent choice if you are undecided about how firm you want your mattress to be.
However, if you like a very firm mattress, it is not so likely that a memory foam mattress will be your best option. It is more likely that a sprung mattress will be best for you and there are many of these that you can choose from.