Soft Mattresses

Soft Mattresses: The Ultimate Buying Guide

Soft mattresses are designed to provide a more cushioned sleeping surface with greater initial sink than medium or firm mattresses. This softer feel usually comes from the comfort layers above the main support system rather than from a lack of support underneath.

Two soft mattresses can feel very different depending on whether they use pocket springs, memory foam, natural fibres, gel foam or hybrid construction. Body weight, sleeping position and the bed base underneath also influence how soft the mattress feels in practice.

1. Understanding Soft Mattress Firmness

Soft describes the comfort feel of the mattress rather than the strength of its support system.

A softer mattress generally allows the sleeper to sink further into the upper comfort layers, creating a more cushioned and enveloping sensation. The support underneath can still come from pocket springs, foam or another substantial mattress core.

This is why softness shouldn't be confused with weakness or poor support.

2. Softness and Support

A well-constructed soft mattress can combine plush comfort layers with a supportive foundation underneath.

For example, a pocket sprung mattress may have individually responsive springs providing the underlying support, while deep layers of wool, foam or other upholstery create the softer sleeping surface.

The right balance is important. A mattress should feel comfortable while still providing appropriate support for the individual sleeper.

3. Soft Mattresses and Body Weight

Body weight has a significant influence on how soft a mattress feels.

A lighter sleeper generally compresses the comfort layers less and may experience a soft mattress as gently cushioned. A heavier sleeper may sink further into the same mattress and experience a much softer feel.

This makes firmness ratings useful as a guide rather than an absolute measure of how the mattress will feel to everyone.

4. Soft Mattresses for Side Sleepers

Side sleepers often place more concentrated pressure through the shoulders and hips than back or front sleepers.

A softer mattress can provide additional cushioning around these areas, helping the body settle more comfortably into the sleeping surface.

The appropriate softness still depends on body weight and overall mattress construction. A very light side sleeper may appreciate a softer surface, while a heavier side sleeper may prefer a medium or medium-firm mattress with sufficient cushioning but more resistance underneath.

5. Soft Mattresses for Back and Front Sleepers

Some back sleepers enjoy a softer mattress, particularly where the comfort layers provide cushioning without allowing excessive sink.

Front sleepers often prefer a more supportive sensation with less sink through the central body area, so an extremely soft mattress may not suit every front sleeper.

Sleeping position should therefore be considered alongside body weight and the mattress's underlying support system.

6. Pocket Sprung Soft Mattresses

Pocket Sprung Mattresses can be constructed with softer spring tensions and deep comfort layers to create a plush sleeping surface.

Each pocket spring responds independently to pressure, while the upholstery above the springs determines much of the surface comfort.

This allows a soft pocket sprung mattress to retain responsive underlying support while providing greater cushioning on top.

7. Memory Foam Soft Mattresses

Memory Foam Mattresses can create a particularly enveloping soft feel because the foam responds to heat and pressure and contours around the body.

The depth and density of the memory foam influence how deeply the sleeper sinks into the mattress. Thicker or softer foam layers can create a more pronounced body-hugging sensation.

Memory foam softness is different from the buoyant softness of natural upholstery or sprung mattresses, so the preferred feel is very personal.

8. Soft Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid Mattresses can combine pocket springs with soft memory foam, gel foam or other specialist comfort layers.

This creates a mattress that retains spring responsiveness underneath while providing a more cushioned surface above.

Hybrid construction varies considerably, so compare the spring system, foam depth and comfort layers rather than assuming all soft hybrids will feel the same.

9. Soft Cool Gel Mattresses

Some Cool Gel Mattresses offer softer comfort levels while incorporating gel-infused or specialist cooling foam.

This can combine pressure-responsive cushioning with features designed to help manage sleeping temperature.

Gel technology doesn't determine firmness, so cooling gel mattresses can range from soft through to firm depending on the complete construction.

10. Soft Natural Mattresses

Natural Mattresses can provide a softer sleeping surface using materials such as wool, cotton and other natural fibres.

These fillings create a more traditionally upholstered, buoyant softness rather than the deeper contouring associated with memory foam.

Natural materials are often combined with pocket springs, providing responsive support underneath softer layers of upholstery.

11. Soft vs Medium Mattresses

A soft mattress provides more initial cushioning and sink than a Medium Mattress.

A medium mattress still provides cushioning but generally offers more resistance through the comfort layers.

If you enjoy a noticeably plush and enveloping feel, soft may suit you better. If you prefer a more balanced combination of cushioning and support, medium may be the more versatile choice.

12. Soft vs Medium-Firm Mattresses

A Medium-Firm Mattress provides considerably less initial sink than a soft mattress and creates a more substantial sleeping surface.

The difference can be especially noticeable for heavier sleepers, who compress softer comfort layers more deeply.

Choosing between the two depends on preferred comfort, body weight and sleeping position rather than one firmness being universally better.

13. Soft vs Firm Mattresses

A Firm Mattress provides a more solid surface with considerably less initial sink than a soft mattress.

Soft mattresses prioritise cushioning and contouring, while firm designs create greater resistance against the sleeper.

Both can provide effective underlying support when properly constructed; the main difference is how the surface feels.

14. Soft Mattress Sizes

Soft mattresses are available across many standard UK mattress sizes:

• 2ft6 Small Single Mattresses – approximately 2ft6 x 6ft3 (76cm x 190cm)
• 3ft Single Mattresses – approximately 3ft x 6ft3 (92cm x 190cm)
• 4ft Small Double Mattresses – approximately 4ft x 6ft3 (122cm x 190cm)
• 4ft6 Double Mattresses – approximately 4ft6 x 6ft3 (137cm x 190cm)
• 5ft King Size Mattresses – approximately 5ft x 6ft6 (153cm x 200cm)
• 6ft Super King Mattresses – approximately 6ft x 6ft6 (183cm x 200cm)

Not every soft mattress is manufactured in every size, so check the options available on the individual product page.

15. Soft Mattresses for Couples

A soft mattress can work well for couples where both sleepers enjoy a more cushioned surface.

Pocket sprung designs can provide independent response underneath the comfort layers, while foam can help absorb movement across the mattress.

If the two sleepers have very different body weights or firmness preferences, it's worth comparing the complete construction carefully because the same soft mattress may feel very different to each person.

16. Pressure Relief and Cushioning

The deeper cushioning associated with soft mattresses can help distribute pressure around the body.

This is particularly relevant around prominent areas such as shoulders and hips, where a firmer surface may create greater pressure for some sleepers.

The amount of pressure relief depends on the type and depth of the comfort layers, so foam, wool and other upholstery materials can create very different types of softness.

17. Mattress Depth

Soft mattresses are available in many different depths.

A deeper mattress may contain more substantial comfort layers, but depth alone doesn't determine how soft it feels. A deep mattress can still be medium-firm or firm depending on its construction.

Look at the actual spring system and upholstery rather than using depth as a shortcut for comfort.

18. The Bed Base and Soft Mattress Feel

The base underneath the mattress can noticeably affect how soft the complete bed feels.

• Platform-top divans provide firmer underlying support and can make a soft mattress feel slightly more substantial.
• Sprung divan bases introduce additional cushioning and can create a softer overall bed feel.
• Sprung slats provide some flexibility beneath the mattress.
• Solid slats generally create firmer underlying support.

The same soft mattress may therefore feel different when used on two different types of base.

19. Soft Mattresses and Ottoman Beds

Soft mattresses can be used on compatible ottoman beds, provided the size and weight are appropriate for the lifting mechanism.

A deep soft pocket sprung or hybrid mattress can still be relatively heavy despite its softer comfort rating.

Always compare the mattress weight with the requirements of the ottoman bed's gas-lift mechanism before ordering.

20. Rolled Soft Mattresses

Many foam and hybrid Rolled Mattresses are available with softer comfort levels.

Being vacuum packed and rolled doesn't determine firmness. The mattress can still be soft, medium or firm depending on its internal construction.

Allow the mattress to fully expand according to the manufacturer's instructions before judging its final feel.

21. Single-Sided and Double-Sided Soft Mattresses

Soft mattresses can be either single-sided or double-sided.

Single-sided mattresses generally require rotation from head to foot, while double-sided mattresses may need to be turned and rotated.

Follow the manufacturer's care instructions to help the comfort layers settle and wear as evenly as possible.

22. Initial Settlement

Soft comfort layers can show some settlement as the mattress adapts to the sleeper, particularly with deep upholstery or natural fillings.

This can make a new mattress feel slightly different after the initial bedding-in period.

Regular rotation or turning where recommended helps encourage more even settlement across the sleeping surface.

23. Mattress Care and Long-Term Performance

Use the mattress on a suitable supportive base and follow the manufacturer's care guidance.

A suitable mattress protector can help protect the sleeping surface, while rotation or turning where required can help the comfort layers wear more evenly.

When comparing soft mattresses, consider the support system, comfort materials, body weight suitability, sleeping position and bed base together rather than choosing on the soft rating alone.