Sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm can lead to pressure points, back pain, and restless nights—especially for side sleepers or those with joint sensitivities. Many shoppers seeking a soft mattress struggle to balance plush comfort with proper spinal support, often ending up with overly squishy options that sag prematurely or trap heat. The right soft mattress should contour gently to your body, relieve pressure, and maintain alignment without sacrificing durability or temperature control.
To find the best soft mattress, we analyzed over 50 models, evaluating foam density, cooling technologies, motion isolation, and real-user feedback. Our top picks deliver a perfect blend of sink-in comfort and supportive structure, using high-quality memory foam, gel infusions, and breathable covers to enhance sleep quality. Each recommendation is backed by CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX certifications, ensuring safety and performance. Keep reading to discover the soft mattress that suits your sleep style and budget.
Best Options at a Glance
Novilla 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam
Best Cooling Comfort
- Queen
- 12 inch
- Medium Plush
- Gel-infused foam
- CertiPUR-US
Kesyup 12 Inch Hybrid Queen
Best Pressure Relief
- 60×80 Inches
- Medium-Soft
- Gel Memory Foam & Pocket Springs
- CertiPUR-US
- 12 Inch
DCOOLAULTRA 12 Inch Hybrid Queen
Best Motion Isolation
- Queen
- 12 Inch
- Medium Soft
- Individually Wrapped Pocket Coils
- CertiPUR-US Certified
Novilla 8 Inch Full Gel Foam
Best Value for Small Spaces
- 8 inch
- 3 layers
- CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX
- NanoGel, gel memory foam
- 10-year
Amazon Basics 12 Inch Memory Foam
Best Budget Friendly
- Queen
- 12 Inch
- Soft Plush
- 3 Layers
- CertiPUR-US, Oeko-Tex
ZINUS 8 Inch Twin Cooling Foam
Best for Kids or Guests
- 8 inch
- Medium
- Breathable cooling layers
- CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX
- 10-year limited
Novilla 14 Inch Gel Queen Mattress
Best Overall
- 14 inch
- Memory Foam
- Cool-Touch Nylon, NanoGEL
- CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX, ISPA
- 100-night, 10-year
Best Soft Mattress Review
How to Choose the Right Soft Mattress
Choosing a soft mattress is a deeply personal decision, as comfort is subjective. However, understanding key features can help you narrow down your options and find the perfect fit for your sleep style and needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors to consider:
Foam Type & Density
The type of foam significantly impacts the feel and support of a soft mattress. Memory foam is known for its body-conforming properties, cradling your pressure points and providing excellent motion isolation. However, traditional memory foam can sometimes trap heat. Gel-infused memory foam addresses this by incorporating cooling gel particles, dissipating heat for a more comfortable sleep. Polyfoam is another common option, generally more affordable than memory foam, offering good cushioning but potentially less durability.
Density, measured in pounds per cubic foot (PCF), also matters. Lower density foams (around 3-4 PCF) feel softer but may wear out faster. Medium density (4-5 PCF) offers a balance of comfort and durability.
Cooling Technology
If you tend to sleep hot, prioritize mattresses with robust cooling features. Beyond gel infusions, look for mattresses with breathable covers made from materials like nylon or rayon. Open-cell foam construction promotes airflow, preventing heat buildup. Some mattresses utilize phase-change materials that actively regulate temperature. A mattress with good cooling properties will keep you comfortable throughout the night, leading to deeper, more restful sleep.
Support & Spinal Alignment
A soft mattress doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of support. A good mattress will still properly align your spine, preventing back pain and discomfort. Look for mattresses with a multi-layer construction, featuring a softer comfort layer over a denser support core. Zoned support is another feature to consider, providing firmer support under your hips and lower back, while maintaining softness in other areas. This is especially beneficial for those who sleep on their side.
Motion Isolation
If you share a bed, motion isolation is crucial for undisturbed sleep. Memory foam excels at minimizing motion transfer, absorbing movement and preventing it from traveling across the mattress. Pocketed coil systems, found in hybrid mattresses, also offer excellent motion isolation as each coil operates independently. A mattress with good motion isolation ensures that your partner’s movements won’t wake you up during the night.
Mattress Construction & Materials
Beyond foam type, the overall construction impacts durability and performance. * Foam Layers: The number and type of foam layers determine the overall feel and support. * Cover Material: Breathable covers enhance airflow and comfort. * Certifications: CertiPUR-US certification ensures foam is made without harmful chemicals, while OEKO-TEX certification guarantees the fabric is skin-safe. * Edge Support: Reinforced edges prevent sagging and make it easier to get in and out of bed.
Soft Mattress Comparison
| Product | Best For | Cooling Technology | Support Type | Motion Isolation | Certifications | Thickness (inches) | Warranty/Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novilla 14 Inch Gel Queen | Best Overall | Gel-infused, Cool-touch Nylon cover, NanoGEL foam | 3-Layer Foam (Gel Memory Foam, Transition Layer, High-Density Support) | High | CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX, ISPA | 14 | 10-Year Warranty, 100-Night Trial |
| Amazon Basics 12 Inch Memory Foam | Best Budget Friendly | Gel-infused Memory Foam | 3-Layer Foam (Memory Foam, Breathable Foam, Convoluted Foam) | Moderate | CertiPUR-US, Oeko-Tex | 12 | Not Specified |
| Novilla 12 Inch Gel Memory Foam | Best Cooling Comfort | Gel-infused Memory Foam, Breathable Cover, Egg Crate Foam | 4-Layer Foam (Gel Memory Foam, Comfort Foam, High-Density Foam x2) | Moderate | CertiPUR-US | 12 | Not Specified |
| DCOOLAULTRA 12 Inch Hybrid Queen | Best Motion Isolation | Breathable Fabric, Egg-crate Foam | Hybrid (Gel Memory Foam, Comfort Foam, Pocket Spring) | Very High | CertiPUR-US | 12 | 10-Year Warranty |
| Novilla 8 Inch Full Gel Foam | Best Value for Small Spaces | NanoGel-infused Memory Foam | 3-Layer Foam | Moderate | CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX | 8 | 10-Year Warranty |
| Kesyup 12 Inch Hybrid Queen | Best Pressure Relief | Bamboo Charcoal Gel Memory Foam | Hybrid (Pocket Spring, Memory Foam) | High | Not Specified | 12 | Not Specified |
| Best Choice 12 Inch Green Tea | Best Natural Materials | Bamboo Charcoal Gel, Green Tea Infusion | Multi-Layer Foam (Green Tea, Charcoal Gel, Support Foam) | Moderate | CertiPUR-US | 12 | Not Specified |
| ZINUS 8 Inch Twin Cooling Foam | Best for Kids or Guests | Airflow Memory Foam | Memory Foam | Moderate | CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX | 8 | 10-Year Limited Warranty |
How We Tested: Finding the Best Soft Mattress
Our recommendations for the best soft mattress aren’t based on subjective impressions alone. We prioritize a data-driven approach, analyzing specifications from over 50 models and synthesizing findings from independent lab tests (where available) and thousands of customer reviews. We focus on key performance indicators linked to soft mattress comfort, including foam density (analyzing PCF for durability and feel), cooling technology effectiveness (assessing materials like gel infusions and open-cell structures), and reported motion isolation scores.
We evaluate memory foam and polyfoam options based on their ability to conform to the body while providing adequate support for spinal alignment – a critical factor we cross-reference with expert opinions from chiropractors and sleep specialists. Comparative analyses highlight differences in construction (layer count, core materials) and certifications (CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX) to assess quality and safety. Customer feedback regarding long-term comfort and durability is weighted heavily to provide a realistic expectation of each soft mattress’s lifespan and performance. We also track reported sleep temperature data to validate cooling claims.
FAQs
What makes a mattress “soft”?
A soft mattress typically uses lower density foams (3-4 PCF) and thicker comfort layers to provide a more plush, sinking-in feel. This allows for greater contouring and pressure relief, making it ideal for side sleepers or those who prefer a cloud-like sleeping experience.
Is a soft mattress good for back pain?
While a soft mattress can relieve pressure points, proper spinal alignment is crucial for back pain. Look for mattresses with multi-layer construction and zoned support to ensure your spine is supported in a neutral position.
How do I keep a memory foam mattress cool?
Many memory foam mattresses now incorporate cooling technologies like gel infusions, breathable covers, and open-cell foam construction to dissipate heat. Look for certifications like OEKO-TEX to ensure breathable materials.
What is the expected lifespan of a soft mattress?
The lifespan of a soft mattress varies depending on the materials and quality of construction. Generally, a well-maintained soft mattress can last between 7-10 years. Higher density foams and quality certifications (like CertiPUR-US) often indicate greater durability.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the best soft mattress is the one that best aligns with your individual sleep preferences and body needs. Consider your sleep position, whether you sleep hot or cold, and if you share a bed when making your decision, prioritizing features like cooling technology and motion isolation accordingly.
Investing in a quality soft mattress can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. By understanding the different foam types, construction elements, and certifications, you can confidently navigate the market and find a mattress that provides the perfect blend of comfort, support, and durability for years to come.





