6 Best Soft Mattresses That Won't Sacrifice Support, According to Bedding Experts and Testers

We also considered several other popular mattresses in our search for the best soft mattresses. Below are our quick thoughts on some notable options that didn't make the final cut, along with the reasons why:

• While the Saatva Classic Mattress is our best overall mattress pick, we've found that it runs firm, despite having a Plush option. While it's very supportive, survey panelists and consumer testers who prefer softer beds weren't huge fans of this bed's firmer feel.
• Beautyrest's World Class Mattress is a great choice for someone who wants a classic soft, pillow-top mattress. However, innerspring models tend to be less popular compared to foam and hybrid styles amongst our testers who prefer soft beds. The brand does offer a hybrid variation with two plush options that look promising, though we haven't gotten the chance to test it yet.
• The Winkbed, a popular hybrid model, also tends to run firm, so we don't think it's the best choice for anyone looking for an extra-plush mattress.
• When it comes to organic latex mattresses, the Avocado Green Mattress is our favorite. We recently tested the Plush box-top option, and while it's very well-made and luxurious, we felt that it ran more medium than soft.
• The Helix Sunset Luxe is a traditional soft foam hybrid mattress, but panelists told us that while it's comfy, it runs hot. They also found it hard to set up and maneuver, since it's 14.5 inches tall and doesn't have any handles.
• Tuft & Needle's Mint Mattress is another popular choice. While it's a solid option that's performed well in our evaluations, it wouldn't be my first choice for someone looking for a soft mattress. The brand's foam has a more responsive feel, and testers who prefer a plush bed usually describe it as a bit firm rather than Medium Plush.
• We've received mixed feedback for the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress. While many users found it initially comfortable and dreamy, a good number noticed sagging earlier than expected. Testers also noted it slept warm.
• The Leesa Sapira Hybrid has a soft, plush foam feel that many panelists praised, but it received varying opinions on durability. Some users found that the mattress sagged a bit earlier than expected.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, our scientists and engineers have tested over 250 mattresses in the past five years. Each year, our analysts research hundreds of models, both old and new, and use our scientific expertise to review materials and design.

We then match dozens of mattresses with at-home consumer testers, who report back on everything from setup to overall comfort and support over time. Beyond that, we've surveyed over 10,000 Good Housekeeping readers for feedback on the mattresses they own and regularly interview medical professionals for extra insight.

READ MORE: How We Test Mattresses at Good Housekeeping

Here are the key factors we consider:

• Ease of ordering and delivery: We ask survey respondents to share their experiences buying the mattress and having it delivered, including whether there were any issues and, if so, how they were resolved.
• Ease of setup: Our testers provide detailed thoughts on the process of setting up the mattress, whether DIY or via a delivery service. This includes whether the mattress took shape quickly.
• Edge support: Testers also rate how much the perimeter of the bed sinks in under their weight. (Brands might claim their mattresses offer edge support, but sometimes users don't feel it.)
• Comfort and support: Testers provide specific ratings for comfort, support, and satisfaction, both at the start of their review and over an extended period of time.
• Firmness: We ask testers to rate the firmness of the mattress. Even though most brands specify a firmness level, we want to verify how it feels in real life—especially when the brand claims it'll feel soft.
• Temperature: We ask consumers to rate their perceived body temperatures throughout the night (soft memory foam is notorious for retaining heat, for example). If a mattress claims to have cooling properties, we also ask testers if they noticed them.
• Perceived sleep quality: Users weigh in on whether they felt the mattress affected their sleep quality or relieved any aches and pains. They're also asked to compare their current mattress to previous ones they've used.
• Additional feedback: Finally, testers and survey panelists are asked to give their overall impressions, as well as share any likes, dislikes, or other comments about their experiences with the mattress.

• Mattress type: If you’re specifically looking for a soft mattress, I’d recommend an all-foam or hybrid mattress. The top layer of foam will conform to your body, so you'll feel cradled by your bed. In our tests, innerspring and latex options have a more responsive feel that'll make it hard to find something truly plush.
• Height: The height of your mattress can significantly impact comfort. Taller mattresses feel more luxurious but may require deep-pocket sheets, while shorter ones are ideal for adjustable beds and certain frames, though they may be harder for some to lie down on. Always consider your bed base's height, as a mattress that sits higher or lower than your current one may feel awkward to adjust to.
• Temperature: If you sleep hot, choose a hybrid for better airflow or look for a mattress with cooling features infused directly into the foam, rather than relying solely on a cool-to-the-touch cover.
• Back pain: If you suffer from chronic back pain but prefer a softer feel, consider a Medium-Plush mattress. Medium-firm mattresses are often recommended for back pain, as mattresses that are too soft or too firm can lead to misalignment.
• Price: Cost can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the mattress's size, materials, and layers. Our tests show a quality Queen-size mattress typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500, though there are excellent luxury mattress options over $2,500 and good mattress finds under $500.
• Trial period: Most mattress brands and retailers offer a trial period, usually at least 100 nights, allowing you to test the mattress and return it if it's not a good fit—especially helpful when shopping online. Be sure to check for any return fees and review the return process details to avoid issues later.
• Certifications: Most soft mattresses use memory foam; the most relevant certification you'll see is CertiPUR-US. This certifies that any foam in the mattress is made without certain harmful chemicals and has been tested for low VOC emissions.

Who is a soft mattress best for?

Softer mattresses are typically recommended for side sleepers (to relieve pressure on shoulders and hips) or those with smaller frames, as heavier individuals may need a firmer mattress. For combination sleepers or those who sleep on their back or stomach, a Medium-Soft or Medium-Firm mattress with a plush surface is a better choice.

Though the primary goal is to maintain a neutral spine alignment—so there's no extra pressure on your body—feel is also a matter of personal preference.

Which type of mattress is the softest?

Memory foam feels softest. It adapts to your body and makes it feel like you're being cradled. The softest mattresses in our tests are primarily (if not entirely) made up of memory foam. In comparison, latex and hybrid options fall somewhere in the middle, whereas innerspring mattresses are typically on the firmer side.

How can I make a firm mattress softer?

I recommend using a plush memory foam mattress topper (ideally one that's 2 inches or taller). You can also opt for a featherbed or latex topper, but memory foam tends to be the softest in our tests. Mattress toppers are a great way to refresh your bed and extend the life of your existing mattress if you're not ready to replace it.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've been testing home products for 125 years. We've closely followed the online mattress industry's rapid expansion since 2014. Each year, we review dozens of mattresses, relying on detailed firsthand feedback from at-home testers, survey responses from real mattress consumers, and the scientific expertise of our textiles analysts.

Senior Textiles Analyst Grace Wu currently oversees mattress testing at Good Housekeeping. She regularly evaluates mattresses herself, coordinates consumer testing, and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. Wu holds a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.