Mattress Firmness: How to Make the Right Choice

When buying a mattress, there are several factors you should consider. It’s one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your health. After all, you spend a third of your life on your mattress. Firmness is one of the most important characteristics to consider before making a purchase.

Your mattress’s firmness level plays a key role in your sleep, health, and well-being. The right firmness level supports proper spinal alignment without creating uncomfortable pressure points—which is exactly how you should be sleeping. A mattress that’s too soft or too firm can lead to muscle tension, back pain, and other issues.

In this article, you’ll learn about the different mattress firmness levels and which one is right for your individual sleeping comfort.

Firmness is a measure that indicates how soft or firm a mattress feels. However, mattress firmness levels are not standardized and can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. A mattress’s firmness rating therefore serves only as a rough guide.

Whether a mattress feels firm or soft depends on factors such as material and construction. The ways in which mattresses can be constructed are very diverse. Commonly used materials include innerspring cores, cold foam, memory foam, gel foam, and latex. Thicker mattress systems made of conforming materials give the mattress a softer feel. Systems made of thinner layers and less conforming materials give the mattress a firmer surface.

In addition to mattress firmness, there are, of course, other factors such as durability and temperature management that influence sleep comfort.

What are the different firmness levels for mattresses?

The different firmness levels of mattresses are usually abbreviated with the letter H. H1 stands for very soft, H2 for soft, H3 for medium, H4 for firm, and H5 for very firm. In some cases, the letter H for firmness is replaced by the letter F for firmness. The most common mattress firmness levels are H2 and H3.

What is the difference in mattress firmness?

As mentioned earlier, firmness ratings are not standardized. Some manufacturers distinguish between only two different firmness levels, while others offer models with five different levels of firmness. Therefore, the firmness rating from two different manufacturers does not necessarily indicate the same level of firmness for the mattress. It is possible that an H1 mattress from Manufacturer A is firmer than an H2 mattress from Manufacturer B.

Even firmness ratings from the same manufacturer do not provide a reliable basis for comparison. For example, a spring mattress rated H2 might be firmer than a latex mattress rated H2.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. A mattress is healthy if it’s tailored to your body. The alignment of your spine plays a key role here. Your spine’s natural alignment should be maintained, regardless of whether you sleep on your side, stomach, or back.

This can be illustrated using the example of a side sleeper.

The same principle applies to back and stomach sleepers. Here, too, it’s important that the spine is kept in its natural position. Compared to side sleepers, stomach and back sleepers need slightly more support in the pelvic area to prevent sinking in too deeply. People who prefer these two sleeping positions should therefore choose a slightly firmer mattress than side sleepers.

A mattress that’s too firm can significantly impair sleep and cause various discomforts. Those affected often report back pain, muscle tension, or pain along the spine. Body weight, in particular, plays a decisive role in determining which level of firmness is perceived as comfortable. For example, if you choose a mattress with the wrong level of firmness, you run the risk of your back not being able to relax properly during the night.

If your sleeping position is unfavorable and the mattress is too firm, your body cannot sink in sufficiently—this leads to pressure points and disrupts the spine’s natural alignment. This often results in restless sleep and additional strain on certain areas, such as the lower back. In such cases, it can help to make the mattress softer by adding a suitable topper. A high-quality topper adapts better to the body and ensures a more comfortable position in bed.

It’s also worth taking a look at the sleeping surface as a whole: It’s not always just the mattress—sometimes the slatted base or bed frame also affects how comfortable you feel while lying down. Anyone experiencing ongoing problems with their mattress should consider checking its firmness level or choosing a mattress tailored to their individual needs. The goal is to prevent back pain and improve sleep quality in the long term. The ideal mattress provides optimal support for the body and adapts to both body weight and preferred sleeping position.

An ergonomic mattress strikes the right balance between pressure relief and support. We sleep ergonomically when our spine is aligned neutrally and, at the same time, pressure is relieved from sensitive areas of the body. To achieve an orthopedically correct sleeping position, the mattress must give more at specific pressure points to conform to the body’s contours. When lying on our side, one such contour is the waist; when lying on our back, it is the lumbar spine.

In addition to mattress firmness, it is possible to incorporate zones into the mattress to ensure ergonomic sleep. This means that the mattress is softer in certain areas so that pressure points—such as the shoulders and pelvis in side sleepers—can sink in. In cold-foam mattresses, for example, the firmness zones are created by cuts in the foam core.

Manufacturers often provide charts or recommendations to help you determine the optimal firmness level for you. Such recommendations are usually based on height and body weight.

A typical firmness recommendation looks like this:

The heavier you are, the firmer your mattress can be. However, the chart also shows that height plays a role. This is because weight is distributed more evenly along the length of the body in taller people. A person who is 1.80 m tall and weighs 100 kg may need to choose a firmer mattress than a person who is 2 m tall and weighs 100 kg.

Note: The recommendation tables are just as unstandardized as the firmness ratings.
It therefore always makes sense to use only the table provided by the specific manufacturer. Incidentally, there are also manufacturers who do not specify a firmness rating at all.

The manufacturer’s specifications are therefore only a general guide. The optimal firmness depends not only on weight and height but also on factors such as sleeping position and personal preferences. The most important firmness levels are discussed in detail below.

Mattress Firmness Level 1: Is the soft H1 mattress right for me?

H1 is the softest firmness level, which is also quite rare. This mattress is primarily suitable for side sleepers with a lower body weight (under 60 kg) and for those who prefer a soft sleeping surface. Heavier individuals should not choose a firmness level 1 mattress.

Mattress Firmness Level 2: Is the medium-firm H2 mattress right for me?

The firmness level 2 mattress is also suitable for light- to normal-weight side sleepers. The H2 mattress might be right for you if you weigh between 60 and 80 kg and primarily sleep on your side. Along with the H3 firmness level, the H2 mattress is one of our bestsellers.

Firmness Level 3 Mattress: Is the medium-firm H3 mattress right for me?

Most mattresses are rated at firmness level 3. This is a standard medium firmness that is widely used by the general population. The H3 mattress generally offers more support than an H2 mattress and is therefore particularly suitable for back and stomach sleepers. However, side sleepers weighing between 80 and 110 kg can also opt for the H3 mattress. In any case, it’s recommended that you try out the H3 mattress for a while.

Mattress Firmness Level 4: Is the firm H4 mattress right for me?

Models labeled with firmness level 4 feel quite firm. You might want to consider buying an H4 mattress if you weigh over 110 kg. For heavier people in particular, this firmness prevents the mattress from sagging. For side sleepers, however, this firmness isn’t ideal because it may not allow the shoulders and pelvis to sink in sufficiently.

Mattress Firmness Level 5: Is the firm H5 mattress right for me?

The H5-firmness mattress represents the highest level of firmness and is even firmer than the H4 mattress. People who are severely overweight (over 150 kg) should consider an H5 mattress.

If you’re having trouble deciding on a firmness level, our BASE—which offers four firmness levels in one—might be the solution. Learn more about how you can adjust the firmness at home.

Many mattresses become softer over time and lose their support, especially in areas where a lot of weight is placed on the mattress. But even when you first buy it, a mattress can be too soft. Below, you’ll learn whether you can make a mattress firmer. You’ll also get tips on how to deal with a mattress that’s too soft.

A mattress topper is an additional layer placed on top of the mattress to enhance sleeping comfort. For example, a topper can be used to soften a hard mattress. Toppers are typically between 3 and 10 cm thick and vary in material and firmness level. A high-quality mattress topper can even extend the life of your mattress. While a topper won’t work miracles if the mattress is too soft or has sagging spots, it can conceal minor signs of wear and provide additional comfort. The most commonly used materials in toppers include PU foam, cold foam, memory foam, latex, gel, and mesh.

Just like a mattress, a topper can be classified by firmness level. However, this is uncommon because the firmness of the sleeping surface is usually defined by the mattress itself. If a firmness rating is provided, it is generally listed using the same scale as for mattresses (H1, H2, H3, H4, H5). However, some manufacturers use other terms, such as “soft” or “hard,” to distinguish between them.

Among the firmest toppers are cold foam toppers. These are also called HR toppers. In this context, HR stands for “high resilient.” This means that the topper is highly resilient. A firm cold foam topper is therefore recommended for people who prefer a firmer sleeping surface and primarily sleep on their back or stomach. The softer toppers are usually those made of memory foam or gel foam.

When two people sleep on a single mattress, choosing the right firmness level can be particularly challenging—especially if their weights, sleeping positions, and body types differ significantly. In such cases, it’s best to choose two different mattresses rather than sharing one.

The advantage of having two different mattresses is that each partner can choose their preferred firmness level. Additionally, movements during sleep do not affect the other side of the bed.

The downside of two different mattresses is the gap that forms between them. The “visitor’s gap” or “trench” (as the gap is colloquially called) can make cuddling together difficult. Below are a few tips on how to avoid this uncomfortable gap.

Tip 1: Mattress Wedge

A mattress wedge, also known as a “love bridge” or “gap filler,” is a T-shaped foam wedge that is pressed into the “visitor’s gap” to close the gap. The downside of the love bridge is that, due to the slight elevation, the wedge is usually still noticeable under the bedsheet.

Tip 2: Mattress topper

A mattress topper that covers both mattresses can also help reduce the uncomfortable gap. A mattress topper has the added benefit of protecting the mattress from stains. The topper is secured on the sides with elastic straps, which pull the two single mattresses together. In addition to a classic topper, a mattress pad can also be used to eliminate the gap between the mattresses.

Tip 4: Double Mattress

A couple’s mattress—most commonly available in the 180x200 cm size—eliminates the guest gap entirely. The downside is that, in these cases, the couple usually has to agree on a single firmness level. However, there are also couple’s mattresses with different cores, which are then placed inside a single large cover and glued together if necessary. This also helps prevent the guest gap.

Waking up with back pain in the morning is a common occurrence for many people. Your mattress could be the cause of the pain. The biggest sign that your mattress is contributing to your back pain is if your back hurts particularly badly in the morning right after you get out of bed. If your spine isn’t properly supported while you sleep, there’s a risk that the muscles around your spine will tense up during the night. This can result in uncomfortable muscle tension. A good mattress for back pain is one that supports the spine’s alignment and promotes its natural curvature. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for which firmness level is best for back pain. Especially if you suffer from back pain, it’s important to choose a firmness level that suits your weight and your preferred sleeping position.

Note: A poor-quality mattress can contribute to back pain. However, back pain can have many different causes. Not least among these is our predominantly sedentary lifestyle, which places constant strain on our musculoskeletal system. Compensatory exercises and lifestyle changes can work wonders.

Infants and children are still growing and, on average, spend much more time in bed than adults. A mattress for children should support the healthy development of the spine. Especially for infants and very young children, it’s important that the mattress isn’t too soft, since the spine hasn’t yet developed its S-shape at this age. As a rule of thumb, a baby shouldn’t sink more than 3 cm into the mattress. You usually can’t go wrong with a medium-firm baby mattress. Toddlers and young children can sink in a bit more; 4 cm is a good guideline for children between 2 and 3 years old. As the child gets a little older, the mattress firmness depends more and more on individual sleeping habits. Most children aged 4 and older are best served by a firmness level of 2. It’s also important here to ensure that, in addition to proper spinal alignment, pressure points are relieved. If your child complains of physical pain in the morning, you should consider a different mattress.