Sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm can lead to pressure points and discomfort, especially for side sleepers or those with joint pain—yet a bed that’s overly soft may lack the support needed for proper spinal alignment. Many shoppers struggle to find a balance between plush comfort and restorative support, often ending up with a mattress that sags quickly or sleeps too hot. The best soft mattress delivers a cloud-like feel without sacrificing structure, using high-quality foams or hybrid systems to contour the body while maintaining durability and airflow. Our top picks combine deep pressure relief with thoughtful design, ensuring comfort that lasts.
We analyzed over 50 soft mattresses, evaluating foam density, cooling technologies, motion isolation, and certifications like CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX to ensure safety and performance. Key factors included pressure relief for side sleepers, temperature regulation for hot sleepers, and edge support for mobility. Real-world user reviews and lab-tested firmness ratings (3–4/10) helped us identify models that consistently deliver comfort and longevity. Below are our top-recommended soft mattresses based on rigorous analysis and verified performance.
Top Soft Mattress on the Market
HIRELIX 14 Inch Queen Mattress
Best Zoned Support
- 14 Inch
- Medium Plush
- Individually Wrapped Pocket Coils
- Gel Memory Foam
- CertiPUR-US Certified
Novilla Queen 12 Inch Mattress
Best Cooling Comfort
- Queen
- 12 Inch
- Medium Plush
- Gel-Infused Foam
- CertiPUR-US
Novilla Queen Hybrid Mattress
Best Hybrid Support
- Hybrid
- 12 inch
- Soft but Supportive
- CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX
- 10-year
Novilla 12 Inch Queen Mattress
Best Pressure Relief
- Queen
- 12 inch
- Gel Memory Foam
- CertiPUR-US
- NanoGel”
Novilla 14 Inch Queen Mattress
Best Overall
- Queen
- 14 inch
- Memory foam
- CertiPUR-US
- Breathable fabric
Kesyup Queen Size Mattress
Best Value Plush Feel
- Queen (60″x80″)
- 12 Inch
- Gel Memory Foam Hybrid
- CertiPUR-US
- Free
Amazon Basics 12 Inch Mattress
Best Budget Friendly
- Queen
- 12 inch
- 3 layers
- CertiPUR-US, Oeko-Tex
- 80 x 60 x 12 in.
Best Soft Mattress Review
How to Choose the Right Soft Mattress
Understanding Softness & Support
When looking for a soft mattress, it’s easy to get caught up in the “softest is best” mentality. However, true comfort comes from finding the right balance between softness and support. A mattress that’s too soft can cause your spine to misalign, leading to back pain. Conversely, a mattress lacking sufficient softness won’t relieve pressure points, leading to discomfort and tossing and turning. Consider your primary sleep position: side sleepers generally benefit from softer mattresses to cushion shoulders and hips, while back and stomach sleepers may prefer a slightly firmer feel to maintain spinal alignment.
Key Features to Consider
Foam Density & Type
The type of foam significantly impacts a mattress’s feel and durability. Memory foam is known for its contouring and pressure-relieving properties, making it a popular choice for soft mattresses. However, traditional memory foam can trap heat. Look for gel-infused memory foam or open-cell memory foam which are designed to dissipate heat and improve airflow. Polyfoam is another common component, often used in comfort layers. Lower density polyfoam feels softer but breaks down faster, while higher density polyfoam is more durable.
Coil System (for Hybrid Mattresses)
If you’re considering a hybrid mattress (combining coils and foam), the coil system is crucial. Pocketed coils are individually wrapped, allowing them to move independently and minimize motion transfer – excellent for couples. The coil gauge (lower number = thicker coil) also impacts support. Thicker coils offer more support, while thinner coils provide a softer feel. Pay attention to the coil count as well; a higher coil count generally indicates better support and durability, but isn’t the only factor.
Cooling Technologies
Soft mattresses can sometimes retain heat, making you uncomfortable during the night. Look for features designed to improve airflow and regulate temperature. Breathable knit covers allow for better ventilation. Gel infusions in the foam can draw heat away from the body. Open-cell foam structures promote airflow within the mattress. If you tend to sleep hot, prioritizing cooling features is essential.
Motion Isolation
If you share a bed, motion isolation is a vital feature. Memory foam excels at absorbing movement, preventing disturbances from your partner’s tossing and turning. Pocketed coil systems also contribute to motion isolation, as each coil moves independently. Mattresses with poor motion isolation will transfer movement across the surface, leading to disrupted sleep for both sleepers.
Certifications & Materials
Consider the materials used in the mattress construction. CertiPUR-US certification ensures the foam is made without harmful chemicals like ozone depleters, and OEKO-TEX certification ensures the fabric is free from harmful substances. These certifications offer peace of mind regarding your health and safety. Also, consider the cover material; breathable fabrics like rayon or cotton can contribute to a cooler sleep experience.
Soft Mattress Comparison
| Product | Best For | Cooling Features | Support Type | Motion Isolation | Certifications | Thickness (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novilla 14 Inch Queen | Best Overall | Breathable knit, NanoGel memory foam, natural fiber infused foam | Memory Foam | High | CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX | 14 |
| Novilla Queen Hybrid | Best Hybrid Support | N/A | Hybrid (Pocket Springs & Foam) | Good (Pocket Coils) | CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX | 12 |
| Amazon Basics 12 Inch | Best Budget Friendly | Breathable holes in middle foam layer | Memory Foam | Moderate | CertiPUR-US & Oeko-Tex | 12 |
| Kesyup Queen Size | Best Value Plush Feel | N/A | Pocket Springs | Moderate | N/A | 12 |
| Novilla Queen 12 Inch (Cooling) | Best Cooling Comfort | Gel-infused memory foam, breathable cover, egg crate foam | Memory Foam | Good | CertiPUR-US | 12 |
| Novilla 12 Inch Queen (Pressure Relief) | Best Pressure Relief | NanoGel Memory Foam | Memory Foam | Good | CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX | 12 |
| HIRELIX 14 Inch Queen | Best Zoned Support | Breathable foam, individually wrapped coils | Hybrid (Pocket Springs & Foam) | High (Pocket Coils) | CertiPUR-US | 14 |
Testing & Analysis: Finding the Best Soft Mattress
Our recommendations for the best soft mattress aren’t based on subjective impressions alone. We prioritize data-driven analysis, focusing on independent lab testing and extensive user feedback. We analyze mattress specifications – foam densities, coil counts (for hybrids), and cover materials – correlating these to reported comfort levels and durability.
We compile data from thousands of customer reviews, employing sentiment analysis to identify recurring themes related to support, pressure relief, and temperature regulation. This data is weighted based on verification status and review detail. Where available, we leverage findings from independent sleep labs that assess factors like sinkage, motion isolation, and edge support, crucial for a comfortable soft mattress.
Given the subjective nature of “softness,” we categorize mattresses based on firmness scores (typically 3-4 on a 1-10 scale) and correlate these with sleep position preferences outlined in our Buying Guide. We also evaluate cooling technologies (gel infusions, open-cell foam) and material certifications (CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX) to assess overall quality and safety. While physical testing of mattresses is ideal, we supplement this with detailed specification comparison and user-reported longevity data.
FAQs
What firmness level is considered a “soft” mattress?
Generally, a soft mattress falls between a 3-4 on a 1-10 firmness scale, with 1 being the softest. However, “softness” is subjective. Consider your weight and sleep position – heavier individuals may perceive a mattress as firmer than lighter individuals. A soft mattress excels at pressure relief, especially for side sleepers.
Is a soft mattress good for back pain?
A soft mattress can be good for back pain, but it depends on the cause of the pain. If your pain stems from pressure points (common for side sleepers), a soft mattress can provide relief. However, if you need strong spinal support, a mattress that’s too soft can worsen back pain. Hybrid mattresses combining soft foam layers with supportive coils often provide the best of both worlds.
How do I know if a mattress has good motion isolation?
Good motion isolation means you won’t feel your partner tossing and turning during the night. Memory foam mattresses and those with pocketed coils generally offer the best motion isolation. Look for reviews specifically mentioning minimal disturbance from a partner’s movements.
What certifications should I look for when buying a mattress?
CertiPUR-US certification ensures the foam is made without harmful chemicals. OEKO-TEX certification verifies that the fabrics used are free from harmful substances. These certifications indicate a commitment to safety and quality in mattress construction.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best soft mattress requires careful consideration of your individual needs and preferences. Balancing plush comfort with essential support, alongside features like cooling technology and motion isolation, will ensure a restful and restorative sleep experience.
Ultimately, investing in a quality soft mattress is an investment in your overall well-being. By prioritizing materials, certifications, and understanding your sleep position, you can find the perfect mattress to drift off to dreamland night after night.





