Which Firmness Is Right?
Soft, medium or firm?
The right firmness isn't about preference alone — it's set by how you sleep and your build.
Slide through the feels below and see which one is matched to how you actually sleep.
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Find the right mattress hardness for your needs …
Tap a feel to explore — from plush to solid
Soft — sink-in, cloud-like comfort
Deep, plush comfort layers that let shoulders and hips sink in and take the pressure off.
Best for
- Lighter side sleepers
- People with sore shoulders or hips
- Anyone who loves a plush, hotel-bed feel
Heavier builds can sink too far on soft: try medium-soft for the same comfort with more lift.
Medium-soft — cushioned, with gentle support
Noticeable cushioning at the surface, but with more push-back underneath than a true soft feel.
Best for
- Side & combination sleepers
- Average builds who want pressure relief
- Restless sleepers who fidget at night
A great middle ground if medium feels a touch too firm for you.
Medium — balanced comfort and support
An even mix of give and lift: enough cushioning to feel comfortable, enough support to keep you level.
Best for
- Combination sleepers
- Couples with different preferences
- Lighter back sleepers
The safest choice if you are not sure, and the easiest compromise for two people.
Medium-firm — supportive, with a softer top
Firm, structured support underneath with a comfort layer on top, so you lie on the mattress rather than in it.
Best for
- Back sleepers
- Average to heavier builds
- People who wake with a stiff lower back
Our most popular feel for back pain: support first, comfort on top.
Firm — solid, even support
Very little sink. Your weight is held evenly on the surface, with the spine kept straight and level.
Best for
- Front sleepers
- Heavier builds
- Anyone advised to sleep on a firmer surface
Lighter side sleepers may find firm hard on the shoulders: try medium-firm instead.
Still can't decide?
Answer three quick questions and we'll match you to the exact mattress and firmness for how you sleep — in about 60 seconds.
Take the 60-second finder →The honest rule of thumb
Two things decide your firmness
How you sleep sets the support you need; your body weight changes how firm that same mattress feels. Here's where most people land.
Side sleeper
- Lighter build
- Soft
- Average build
- Med-soft – Medium
- Heavier build
- Medium
Back sleeper
- Lighter build
- Medium
- Average build
- Medium – Med-firm
- Heavier build
- Med-firm – Firm
Front sleeper
- Lighter build
- Med-firm
- Average build
- Firm
- Heavier build
- Firm
Combination sleeper
- Lighter build
- Med-soft
- Average build
- Medium
- Heavier build
- Med-firm
Why the feel lasts
Handmade in Yorkshire, not built in a box
Hand-tuftedLayers hand-stitched in place
Natural fillingsBritish wool, cotton & cashmere
Liversedge workshopMade by Yorkshire artisans
Edge-to-edge supportMore usable sleep space
Good to know
Firmness questions
Is a soft, medium or firm mattress better?
None is better for everyone. The right firmness is the one that keeps your spine level in the position you sleep in, for your weight. Most people land between medium and medium-firm, which is why that's where most of our range sits.
What firmness is best for side sleepers?
Soft to medium. Your shoulder and hip need to sink in slightly so your spine stays straight. Lighter side sleepers suit soft or medium-soft; heavier side sleepers should go up to medium so they don't sink too far.
Is a firm mattress better for back pain?
Not always. Medium-firm usually works best: firm support underneath keeps your spine aligned, while a comfort layer on top stops pressure building at the shoulders and hips. A mattress isn't a medical treatment, so if pain carries on please speak to your GP.
Does my body weight change which firmness I need?
Yes. The same mattress feels firmer to a lighter person and softer to a heavier one, because a heavier body presses deeper into the comfort layers. As a rule, go a step softer if you're under about 9 stone and a step firmer if you're over about 17 stone.
What if I choose the wrong firmness?
Every mattress is made to order, so it's worth getting right first time. Try them at our Liversedge showroom, take the 60-second Selector, or ask our team before you buy. Our returns terms are set out in the refund policy.