What Firmness Mattress Do I Need?

The honest answer? There isn't a right or wrong answer.

You'll often see websites claiming that if you sleep on your side you need a soft mattress, or if you're heavier you need a firm one. While these can be useful starting points, they're only general guidelines. No website, no machine, no salesperson can tell you exactly which mattress will feel right for you. The only person who can decide is you.

At Bedtime Bed Centre, our job isn't to tell you what to buy. We don't work on commission or have sales targets. We want to help you narrow down your options, explain the differences, and let you find the mattress that feels most comfortable.

And that's what we've been doing for over 30 years.

Everyone Feels Firmness Differently

Have you ever tried on someone else's shoes? Even if they're your size, they don't always feel comfortable. Mattresses are exactly the same. Two people of similar height and weight can lie on the very same mattress and have two completely different opinions. One person may describe it as luxuriously soft, another may think it's too firm. Neither is wrong — comfort is personal.

Can We Recommend a Firmness?

Absolutely. We'll ask questions such as:

• Do you currently find your mattress too firm or too soft?
• Do you wake up with aches and pains?
• Do you prefer sleeping on your mattress or in it?
• Have you owned a mattress you loved before?

These answers help us make sensible recommendations — but they are exactly that: recommendations. The final decision should always be based on how the mattress feels for you.

A Starting Point: Sleep Position

Your sleep position is one of the most useful starting points when thinking about firmness. Here's a general guide — but remember, these are guidelines, not rules.

Body weight matters too. If you're lighter, you may find a "medium" feels firmer than expected. If you're heavier, a soft mattress may not give you enough support. When in doubt, come and try them in our showroom — no pressure, just honest advice.

What About Mattress Measuring Machines?

Some retailers use pressure-mapping machines or mattress recommendation systems. They can be an interesting starting point. However, they are not medical devices and cannot tell you what you'll personally find comfortable night after night. They measure pressure points or body shape, but they can't measure personal preference.

We've seen customers receive exactly the same recommendation from a machine and still choose completely different mattresses — because one simply felt more comfortable. Comfort cannot be measured by a computer alone.

Should Couples Choose the Same Firmness?

Not necessarily. Many couples have different comfort preferences. One partner may love a softer feel while the other prefers something firmer. That's why we stock a wide range of mattresses and can help you find something that keeps you both comfortable without compromising.

Our Advice

• Visit our showrooms — if you're unsure where to start, we would love to help.
• We'll explain the differences, answer your questions honestly, and help you find the one that feels right for you — without any pressure or gimmicks.
• Because when it comes to mattress firmness, there is no magic formula. There is only the mattress that helps you get a great night's sleep.

Also worth reading: Mattress Myths Busted