For some people, a soft mattress might be the key to better sleep. Soft mattresses are best for lightweight sleepers and couples who appreciate the feeling of sinking into a mattress. They also tend to be comfortable for side sleepers.
To find the best soft mattresses, we analyzed data on more than 650 mattress options and ranked them in terms of price, firmness, their try-and-return policies and more. See which mattresses made the list. Note: This ranking focuses exclusively on queen-size mattresses. Prices are accurate as of the publication date, and availability of mattresses are subject to change.
Best Soft Mattresses of 2022
Denver Mattress Doctor’s Choice Plush Mattress
Price: Starts at $799.99 | Type: Hybrid | Sleep trial length: 365 nights
LUCID 10-Inch Firm Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Price: $349.99 | Type: Memory foam | Sleep trial length: 30 nights, if purchased on Amazon
The Allswell Mattress
Price: $449 | Type: Hybrid | Sleep trial length: 100 nights
Sweet Night Whisper Flippable & Double-Sided Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Price: $414 | Type: Memory foam | Sleep trial length: 100 nights
Sweet Night Island Memory Foam & Inner Springs Hybrid Mattress
Price: $405| Type: Hybrid | Sleep trial length: 100 nights
Sweet Night Breeze Cooling Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress
Price: $482 | Type: Memory foam | Sleep trial length: 100 nights
Nolah Original 10-Inch Mattress
Price: $899 | Type: Memory foam | Sleep trial length: 120 nights
Helix Sunset Mattress
Price: $1,099 | Type: Hybrid | Sleep trial length: 100 nights
The Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress
Price: $675 | Type: Hybrid | Sleep trial length: 100 nights
Tulo Memory Foam Lavender Mattress
Price: $319.99 | Type: Memory foam | Sleep trial length: 120 nights
Methodology
To determine the best soft mattresses, we analyzed data on more than 650 mattress options, ranking them in terms of:
- Price
- Firmness
- Free shipping availability
- Free returns availability
- Sleep trial availability and length
- Warranty length and details
- Pillow top option availability
- The brand’s reputation in the industry
For this specific ranking, we focused exclusively on queen size mattresses. Star ratings were determined solely by our editorial team.
What Is a Soft Mattress?
A soft mattress is a mattress with a firmness level of one to four on the mattress firmness scale of one to 10. Soft mattresses offer sleepers a plush, comforting feel that can be appropriate for small and/or lightweight people. On the other hand, they can sometimes feel constrictive for heavier sleepers. Soft mattresses contour around the body, creating an enveloping sensation. Soft mattresses often feature memory foam or a plush layer on top for additional softness.
Who Should Buy a Soft Mattress?
Soft mattresses are best suited for side sleepers. They’re also the best fit for sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds—the threshold between sinking into a cloud and, well, just sinking. If either spinal support or motion isolation are priorities for you, this mattress style likely wouldn’t be a great fit.
What to Consider When Buying a Soft Mattress
Consider longevity when purchasing a soft mattress. The practice of “flipping,” or rotating a mattress to ensure an even spread of pressure through extended use, is a great trick here. It’s also important to consider your partner and their sleep preferences if it’s not just you in bed. Softness takes on a new meaning when there’s more than one body on the mattress.
Keeping price in mind is also important for soft mattress shoppers. Opting for artificial materials might make for a cheaper mattress, but there’s an argument to be made for memory foam or innersprings. Choosing to shop with warranties in mind is one way savvy shoppers can experiment until they find the mattress that’s right for them. Look for trials that last upwards of 100 days to really get a sense of what will give you ample time to sample a mattress. Keep an eye on return policies, which some brands simply don’t offer.
Still confused if a soft mattress is for you? Consider your weight, your sleeping style and your personal preference. If you’re less than 130 pounds, tend to sleep on your side and like the feeling of being hugged by your mattress, then choosing soft is a great call.