Best Soft Mattress: Expert Tested and Reviewed

When picking the best overall soft mattress, I looked for a bed that excelled in comfort, support, and durability – without breaking the bank. The Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress easily stood out, earning 4 stars or higher on all of our performance tests. While it’s plush and body-contouring, the bed still provides excellent spinal alignment, making it a knock-out option for soft mattress seekers.

 In terms of firmness, our expert tester, Kenny Timper, rated the Nectar a 6.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale, indicating that it falls in the medium-firm category. However, with an all-foam construction featuring two top layers of plush memory foam, it gives sleepers the soft feel that they crave. At the same time, the firmer support layer of high-density foam strikes a balance between pressure relief and support. Our average-weight tester Sosha Lewis summed up the experience perfectly, saying, “I sink in further the longer I lie on the bed, but my hips are still elevated and in line with my shoulders, creating fantastic spinal alignment.” 

When they assessed the Nectar Classic for pressure relief, our three testers of different body types found the mattress most comfortable in the side and back sleeping positions, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars for both positions. 

In this side sleeping position, our heavy tester Caine Wilkes felt a combination of gentle cushioning and sturdy support, saying, “This bed feels more supportive than I was expecting. Back sleeping was also a dream, with lightweight sleeper Asha Birjah saying, “My lower back feels very supported, with no gap at my lumbar spine.” 

We also invited our Chief Medical Product Tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, into our studio to evaluate the Nectar for pain relief. He praised the Nectar for its ability to align the spine when sleeping on the side and back, while keeping pressure low. “There’s a lot of structural support provided,” he said. “If you have a shoulder issue, this bed won’t make it worse — and may even offer relief.” 

In addition to comfort, I chose the Nectar because of its overall value. Although Nectar says a queen has a value of $1,490, it’s currently offered at $649. Moreover, the mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, which speaks to its overall durability. 

The entire bed is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning it’s free from harmful chemicals, like fiberglass. The cover also features an antimicrobial treatment and cooling fibers, which helped it earn a 4.5-star rating in our cooling tests.  

While average-weight and heavy-weight sleepers are compatible with this bed in any sleeping position, lightweight side sleepers may need a mattress with slightly more body contouring, as our lightweight tester didn’t sink far enough into the foam to experience proper pressure relief. 

Another thing to note is the bed’s slow-moving, all-foam construction that doesn’t allow for much bounce. If you’re looking for something more responsive, you may prefer Nectar’s hybrid model. 

For a deep dive into this bed, read our full Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress review. For additional support, check out the Nectar Classic Hybrid mattress.

Sleeping next to another person can come with unique challenges, so when choosing the best soft mattress for couples, I focused on four key categories:edge support, cooling, responsiveness, and motion isolation. During testing the Saatva Classic stood out for its responsive coil-on-coil construction and plush Euro top, which lets couples fully spread out, keep cool, and experience support in every position.

The Saatva Classic is available in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested the Luxury Firm, which our testers rated a 7.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. For those seeking a softer feel, the Plush Soft model is likely a better fit. This option provides more sinkage and cushioning, especially around the hips and shoulders, while still supplying supreme support. 

Our testers rated the Luxury Firm model 4 stars for back-sleeping pressure relief, calling out the dual coil layers for promoting healthy spinal alignment. While our testers’ rating side sleeping slightly lower at 3.7 stars, you’ll likely find more pressure relief from the Plush Soft model.

Our Chief Medical Product Tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, especially likes the Saatva for its ability to provide pain relief. He rated the Luxury Firm model 4.5 stars for back pain, noting that its evenly distributed pressure and strong support could benefit sleepers with hip or joint pain. He said, “No matter my sleeping position, my spine is in a neutral position.”

Couples in particular can appreciate strong edge support, as it allows both partners to fully sprawl out and use the entire surface of the bed. Our testers assessed the Saatva’s edges by placing weighted plates on them, sitting on them, and lying near them, awarding an overall perfect edge support score of 5 stars. This is especially useful for older adults who need extra support when getting in and out of bed.

The Saatva also shines in responsiveness and cooling, earning 5 and 4 stars, respectively. Our tester Kenny Timper thought the coils made it super easy to switch between sleeping positions, saying, “I had no trouble switching from my back to my side to my stomach.” The coil-on-coil design also helps promote airflow, keeping the bed nice and cool.

That being said, this bed scored lower on our motion isolation test, earning only 2.8 stars. Since the bed has not one, but two layers of bouncy innerspring coils, it doesn’t absorb movement well, and light sleepers may experience sleep disruption. According to Dr. Dasgupta, finding a bed with good motion-isolating abilities is crucial for those with sensitivity to movement, as it can lead to a sounder sleep. 

This mattress also only earned 1 star on our adjustable base compatibility test, so it’s not a great choice if you plan to pair it with a moving bed frame.

Get all the details you need in our full Saatva Classic mattress review. If you’re looking for a mattress with better motion isolation, check out the Silk & Snow Hybrid mattress.

The Helix Sunset is the softest hybrid mattress in Helix’s six-mattress Luxe collection, offering premium upgrades like a plush pillow top, zoned support layer, and copper- and gel-infused memory foam. These qualities make this bed a great match for sleepers with chronic hip pain, as it provides cushioning along the pressure point.  We also found this bed to be ideal for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers, as well as back sleepers of all body types.

Falling at a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, the Sunset Luxe is a medium-soft mattress that offers both comforting sinkage and sturdy support. The pillow-top layer and copper gel-infused foam offer a soft, cradling sensation, while the coils provide targeted support, being firmer under the hips and softer under the shoulders.

During testing, the Sunset Luxe earned an average of 4.2 stars for pressure relief. When I tested this bed, I felt extremely comfortable in both the side and back sleeping positions. As someone prone to hip pain, I appreciate the soft cushioning from the pillow top, which cradled my joint while maintaining alignment. Our average-weight tester Sosha Lewis agreed, saying, “I’m sinking in a bit at my hip, but my spine is still aligned.” 

However, heavy side sleepers may find the Sunset Luxe too soft. Product tester Caine Wilkes, who weighs more than 230 pounds, found this mattress too soft to support his body type in this position, lowering the average side-sleeping pressure relief score to 3.7 stars.

Back sleeping was a standout position for all testers. Both Sosha and I rated this position 5 stars for pressure relief, noting excellent lumbar support. While I felt some sinkage at the hips, the pillow top layer swooped in to support my lower back and prevent my spine from bending unnaturally. Sosha said, “This is primetime. My shoulders feel like they’re floating, in a good way.” Caine found more sinkage at his hips in this position, but still felt supported enough to rate it 4 stars for pressure relief.

Despite its soft feel, the Sunset Luxe doesn’t create a quick-sand effect like some other beds. Our testers found it easy to move around on without feeling stuck, rating it 4 stars for responsiveness, which means that combination sleepers should be able to move around without too much resistance. As tester Erin Chiles put it, “It was a bit harder to switch positions because it’s so plush, but not necessarily difficult.” 

Before clicking “add to cart,” there are a few things to keep in mind. Based on Caine’s experience, we don’t recommend this mattress to heavy sleepers, who may need a firmer, more supportive bed.  Additionally, the copper and gel infusions provide some relief, but the mattress only earned 3.5 stars for cooling, so hot sleepers who prefer a more breathable option will want to consider something else. 

Learn more about this mattress in our full Helix Sunset Luxe mattress review. For a luxury hybrid with better cooling abilities, check out the Helix Dusk Luxe.

The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid combines premium materials with soft, supportive layers, making it one of the best soft luxury mattresses on the market. With six layers, including a plush CloudQuilt Euro top and 2 inches of memory foam, this bed offers a softer experience than the brand’s Classic Hybrid model. The contouring foam helped this bed stand out during testing, earning an overall pressure relief score of 4 stars. 

The Premier Hybrid combines layers of soft memory foam with sturdy spring coils. When our testers lay on the mattress, they rated it at a 5.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Although this rating indicates that it is softer than average, the testers found it to be a supportive mattress nonetheless. When expert tester Sosha Lewis lay on this bed, she appreciated the  contouring around her hips and shoulders, saying, “This mattress felt as if it were actively pulling the pain away.” 

I tested this mattress for pressure relief alongside Sosha, and we agreed that it’s a dream for side sleepers. According to Dr. Dasgupta, side sleepers require a soft, contouring mattress to distribute their weight evenly, and the Premier Hybrid does precisely that. Although I love sleeping on my side, I typically experience a buildup of pressure around my joints. However, Sosha and I both felt completely pain-free on this bed, so we gave it 4.5 stars for pressure relief in this position. 

While we also felt comfortable sleeping on our backs, rating the bed 4 stars for pressure relief in this position, we don’t recommend this soft bed to back sleepers with back pain. Sosha and I noticed our hips sinking in slightly further than our shoulders, placing a slight strain on the lower back. If you have back issues, you may need firmer support to keep your spine completely straight.

The Premier Hybrid really stands out due to its 8-inch layer of individually wrapped steel coils. This design helps isolate motion and prevents disturbances from spreading across the mattress, earning 4.3 stars for motion isolation. The reinforced coil perimeter also provides solid edge support, making it easier for people with mobility issues to get in and out of bed, earning 4.5 stars in this category.

Another standout aspect of this mattress is its pricetag. While most luxury hybrid mattresses fall within the $1,500 to $2,500 range, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid is surprisingly affordable. While DreamCloud lists the total value for a queen-size mattress at $2,313, you can usually bring it home for under $1,000. Finding a luxury bed at this price is rare, making this mattress an excellent value.

Although it deserves its many accolades, this bed is likely too soft for back sleepers with back pain. We also don’t recommend this bed for sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds, as these folks will likely require more lift and support to prevent “bottoming out.”

For a further look at this bed, check out our full DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress review. If you need more support for back sleeping, I recommend trying the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid mattress. 

When it comes to back pain, we typically recommend firm mattresses that keep the spine in neutral alignment — but if you’re here, you’re likely seeking a softer feel. According to Dr. Dasgupta, poor spinal alignment can occur when a mattress is too soft and lacks sufficient support. With that in mind, I sought a hybrid construction that strikes a balance between cushioning and lift. The Leesa Sapira Chill stepped up to the plate during our pressure relief test, earning an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It also impressed us with its cooling abilities, making it a great pick for hot sleepers. 

As someone who loves a soft mattress, the Leesa Sapira Chill is one of my personal favorites. It lands at a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, indicating a medium-soft feel that leans slightly softer than average. I love this sweet spot — it provides the soft cushioning I’m craving while still supporting my body, which my back thanks me for in the morning. The plush quilted cover, followed by three upper layers of foam, and a tall layer of pocketed coils creates a contouring and cozy surface that still keeps the spine aligned.

We had three testers of different weight classes evaluate the Leesa Sapira Chill for pressure relief by lying on their backs and sides, taking note of where the mattress was cushioning their body. All three testers felt great pressure relief in both sleeping positions, awarding the mattress an average of 4.7 stars for side sleeping and 4.3 stars for back sleeping. We were also surprised by how well the bed supported stomach sleeping, as the coils lifted the hips to prevent sagging. 

One of the Leesa Sapira Chill’s outstanding features is its zoned support system. The coils provide extra support around the hips and lumbar area, while the foams in the quilted cover fill in the natural curves of the spine. Those experiencing lower back pain can appreciate the overall soft feel that doesn’t skimp on alignment.

As its name implies, the Leesa Sapira Chill excels in cooling. Using a thermal gun, I measured the bed’s temperature before and after lying on it for five minutes. The mattress only warmed up by 5 degrees, earning it 4.5 stars for its cooling properties.

While the bed stayed extremely cool during testing, it was too chill on our responsiveness test, earning 3.5 stars. If you’re a combination sleeper, you may have to exert a bit of effort to move between positions. We were also unimpressed with its 3.7-star motion isolation score. If you sleep lightly, you’re likely to experience sleep disturbance if you share a bed with a restless partner.

For more details, check out our full Leesa Sapira Chill mattress review. For a bed with more responsiveness, I recommend the Leesa Original mattress.

If hot and sweaty nights feel all too familiar, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is worth a look. Soft mattresses often get a bad rap for trapping heat, but the Aurora Luxe blew us away with a perfect 5-star score on our cooling test. Although it’s soft and cozy, we found it super easy to move around on, earning another 5 stars for responsiveness, making it a great choice for combination sleepers and sexually active couples.

The Aurora Luxe mattress is available in three different firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. While we tested the Medium model in our studio, we recommend that soft-mattress seekers opt for the Soft model. The Medium model landed at a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, meaning it’s slightly firmer than medium-firm. The Soft model will likely feel more medium-soft.

During our pressure relief test, we found the Medium model to be the best for back sleepers, earning 4.7 out of 5 stars. In this position, our average-weight tester Sosha Lewis said, “My hips feel aligned with my shoulders. The foam is filling in the space at my lumbar region, and it actually seems to be relieving some pain in my lower back.” Our testers gave the Medium model a lower score of 3.7 stars for side-sleeping pressure relief, so we recommend choosing the Soft model for more contouring and sinkage. 

When our Chief Medical Product Tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, evaluated this bed, he found it ideal for individuals with back and hip pain. He said, “On my side and my back, my thoracic and lumbar spines are very neutral. This neutral anatomical position is beneficial for individuals experiencing pain anywhere in their back. People with hip pain may also love this bed.”

Not only is this bed super comfy, but it’s also very cooling. A cool-to-the-touch cover, copper-infused foam, and breathable coils, all work together to maintain airflow and dissipate heat. In our thermal gun test, the bed only warmed up by 4 degrees after 5 minutes of lying on it — a stellar result that earned it 5 stars for cooling.

In addition to being great for hot sleepers, I also think the Aurora Luxe is one of the best mattresses for couples. Along with 5-star cooling, we also found 5-star responsiveness, 4.7-star motion isolation, and 4.4-star edge support. This means couples should have an enjoyable co-sleeping experience without worrying about disturbing each other or crowding the mattress.

One downside is the price. A queen retails at $2,265, although Brooklyn Bedding frequently runs sales, making it more affordable. You can check out our Brooklyn Bedding coupon page for more deals. We also don’t recommend the Medium model to side sleepers, who should opt for the Soft model for increased pressure relief at the joints.

For a closer look, head over to my full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review. For a cheaper cooling bed, try the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid.

Stomach sleepers need stellar support to keep their hips lifted and aligned with their shoulders. Otherwise, the spine can bow into a U shape, leading to back pain. While we typically recommend firm mattresses for this sleeping position, some softer hybrids can still provide the necessary support. The WinkBed is one of them, containing a plush pillow top for cushioning and sturdy coils that maintain spinal alignment.

The WinkBed is available in three firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We tested the Luxury Firm model, which landed at 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. If you want even more cushioning, the Softer model is a better fit, but all models should have enough structure to support stomach sleepers’ hips and prevent misalignment. 

While pressure relief isn’t the top priority for stomach sleepers, I still appreciated the gentle contouring the WinkBed offered around my pelvis and torso. My hips were cushioned, but stayed lifted enough to keep my spine neutral. Dr. Joe Tedesco agreed, saying, “The soft top allows you to sink in just enough, but isn’t so soft that you dip too low and experience discomfort.”

Back sleepers will also find a lot to love here. Our testers gave the Luxury Firm model an average of 4.3 stars for pressure relief in this position, as it provided sufficient contouring to relieve pressure at the lower back while maintaining a straight spine. Our heavy tester Caine Wilkes said, “My spine feels aligned in this position, and I feel some nice cushioning along my body with no noticeable pain or pressure building.” While side sleepers may prefer the Softer model, our testers think the Luxury Firm model doesn’t provide quite enough contouring around the joints, so they gave the mattress 3.3 stars in this position.

The WinkBed has strong support that stretches from edge to edge. Our testers evaluated the bed’s perimeter strength and gave it a rating of 4.4 stars for edge support. When stacking weighted plates on the sides and sitting along the edges, the coils remained strong, while the pillow top allowed for some slight sinkage.

However, this mattress isn’t ideal for hot sleepers, earning only 3.5 stars on our thermal gun test, which measures how the bed responds to body heat. As a result, you may find yourself more prone to overheating. Responsiveness was another downside, scoring only 3 stars, which means combination sleepers might struggle to switch positions with ease.

If you want to learn more about the WinkBed, read our full WinkBeds mattress review. For a more cooling mattress for stomach sleepers, we recommend the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress.

Side sleepers, you’ve come to the right place. In general, side sleepers are the group best suited to a soft mattress. In this position, a soft mattress is able to adapt to the natural curvature of the body, cradling the hip and shoulder joints and evenly distributing the weight to relieve pressure. 

I chose the Bear Elite Hybrid’s Soft option (it is also offered in Medium and Firm) as the best soft mattress choice for side sleepers.The combination of a plush quilted cover and copper-infused memory foam creates excellent cushioning at the sensitive pressure points, while the zoned support coils keep the spine neutral and aligned. 

While we tested the Medium model, rating it a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, we recommend side sleepers choose the Soft option. The Medium model is ideal for back sleepers, earning 3.9 stars for pressure relief during testing; however, it may be slightly too firm for side sleepers who prefer a softer mattress. In this case, we recommend choosing the Soft model. 

Our testers rated the Bear mattress 3.7 stars for pressure relief when sleeping on the side on the Medium model. While the Medium may appeal to side sleepers seeking a firmer feel, those looking for a softer bed will find plusher cushioning in the Soft model without compromising support. When side sleeping on the Medium model, our average-weight tester Sosha Lewis said, “Although this bed is slightly firmer than average, the pillow top contoured around my side, and I found it very comfortable.” 

We asked Dr. Joe Tedesco, a doctor of physical therapy, to assess the Bear Elite Hybrid for side sleepers, and he had a glowing review. He said, “On my side, it feels great. It’s soft enough to provide contouring but not so soft that I’m sinking without support. I don’t have any noticeable pressure buildup.” However, he notes that heavier sleepers may sink in further, which may lead to pressure buildup in certain areas.

In addition to being a great choice for side sleepers, our testers believe this bed can also appeal to couples due to its high performance in the categories of cooling, edge support, motion isolation, and responsiveness. The 4.5-star cooling and 4-star responsiveness scores mean sexually active couples will be able to easily switch between positions without overheating. When it’s time for bed, both partners can fully spread out due to the 4.4-star edge support and sleep soundly because of the 4.7-star motion isolation.

While the Bear Elite Hybrid excelled on most of our tests, it fell short when we placed it on an adjustable base in our studio. Due to its sturdy hybrid construction, the coils prevented the bed from bending and conforming as the base moved. If you’re looking for a bed to pair with an adjustable base, you’ll want to choose a different mattress.

For a deep-dive into this mattress, check out our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. If you’re looking for a bed to pair with an adjustable base, we recommend trying the Leesa Plus mattress. 

Many people associate soft mattresses with all-foam, orthopedic beds due to their slow sinkage and deep body contouring. However, all-foam beds can present their own challenges, including heat trapping, premature sagging, and a lack of responsiveness. 

Hybrid mattresses can address these issues by combining both foam and coils, providing more airflow and stronger support and bounce. I chose the Nolah Evolution as the best soft hybrid mattress, not only because it allows for deep sinkage and 4.3-star pressure relief, but also because it earned 4 stars or higher on all of our main performance tests.

The 15-inch Nolah Evolution is available in three firmness options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested the Luxury Firm model in our studio and rated it a 7 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale, meaning it’s slightly firmer than medium-firm. For those wanting a soft mattress, we recommend choosing the Plush model. Although the Luxury Firm option still provides ample sinkage and cushioning, it’s not quite as cushiony as you may want.

Whether you choose the softest option or the firmest, the Nolah Evolution provides great support for side and back sleepers, earning an average of 4.3 stars for pressure relief in each position. The mattress offers deep sinkage while preventing sleepers from bottoming out. Our heavy tester Caine Wilkes was surprised by how much support this mattress offered, given the softness of the pillow top, saying, “I feel equally supported with great contouring at my lower back.” 

When our chief medical advisor, Dr. Joe Tedesco, assessed this mattress for pain relief, he thought sleepers with sensitive hips could be ideal candidates. “I think this mattress could help people with hip pain who are either back or side sleepers,” he said. “You get some great weightlessness and slight posterior tilt on this mattress, which is ideal to alleviate hip and back pain when back sleeping. Even on your side, you may experience a bit of a weightless feeling throughout your midline.”

As we continued putting this bed through various performance tests, we were consistently impressed with its high scores. Since the mattress earned 4.5 stars in cooling, 4.6 stars in edge support, and 4 stars in responsiveness, I think it’s a great choice for sexually active couples who rely on all three elements for an ideal intimacy experience. I was especially wowed by the Evolution’s 5-star motion isolation score. If you’re easily awakened by someone tossing and turning next to you, you’ll likely find deeper sleep on this mattress.

The hybrid construction enabled this mattress to score highly during testing, but some sleepers prefer an all-foam construction. If you’re set on a memory foam mattress that offers slow, firm sinkage, you probably won’t like the feel of this bouncy hybrid. The bed also won’t be a great match for budget shoppers, as it’s priced higher than most standard mattresses.

For more on how we tested this bed, read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. For a cheaper hybrid option, consider the Helix Midnight mattress.