Is Your Mattress Too Firm or Too Soft? How to Tell & What to Fix

If you wake up with aches, stiffness, or poor sleep and can’t work out why, your mattress comfort could be the reason. A mattress that’s too firm or too soft can affect spinal alignment, pressure points, and overall sleep quality - often without being obvious at first ⬇️

In this guide, we’ll help you recognise the signs your mattress isn’t right for your body, explain how firmness impacts sleep, and show you how to choose a mattress feel that supports better, more comfortable rest.

We also cover what to adjust first before replacing a mattress, including pillows, toppers, and your bed base, so you can make a smarter long-term decision.

This video is helpful if you’re:

• Waking up with back pain, sore hips, or shoulder discomfort
• Tossing and turning during the night
• Feeling stiff in the morning even though your mattress feels “comfortable”
• Unsure whether you need a firmer or softer mattress

Choosing the right mattress isn’t about guessing or copying someone else, it’s about understanding how your body is supported over the entire night.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How can I tell if my mattress is too firm?

A mattress may feel too firm if you wake up with pressure or stiffness in your shoulders, hips, or lower back, or if it feels like you’re sleeping “on top” of the mattress rather than being gently supported.

2. What are the signs a mattress is too soft?

If your mattress is too soft, you might notice your body sinking too deeply, poor back support, or waking with lower back discomfort due to lack of spinal alignment during sleep.

3. Is a firm or soft mattress better for back support?

Neither is automatically better. The right mattress firmness depends on your body type, sleep position, and personal comfort needs. A supportive mattress should keep your spine in a neutral position while relieving pressure.

4. Can the wrong mattress firmness affect sleep quality?

Yes. A mattress that’s too firm or too soft can lead to discomfort, frequent movement during the night, and less restorative sleep over time.

5. How do I choose the right mattress firmness for my body?

Choosing the right firmness involves considering your sleep position, body weight, and comfort preferences. Testing different feels and focusing on long-term support can help you find the best option.

6. Can a mattress topper fix a mattress that’s too firm or too soft?

A topper can sometimes help fine-tune comfort, but it won’t fix underlying support issues. If your mattress lacks proper support, replacing it may be a better long-term solution.

👉 Learn more or talk it through in store or online

00:00 Too Firm vs Too Soft - Why They Feel Similar

00:09 Why Mattress Comfort Is Often Misdiagnosed 

00:28 Symptoms of a Too Firm Mattress

01:05 Symptoms of a Too Soft Mattress

01:36 How Sleeping Position Changes Mattress Feel

02:10 Simple Mattress Test You Can Do at Home

02:32 What to Adjust Before Replacing Your Mattress

03:10 The Most Common Mattress Mistake

03:17 Final Advice for Choosing the Right Mattress

#MattressAdvice #TooFirmOrTooSoft #BetterSleep #SleepTips #BackPainSleep #MattressBuyingGuide #SleepComfort

Related mattress buying guides

• How to choose the right mattress
• Should you buy a Queen or King?
• The real difference between single and king single for kids

If this guide helped, watch the full Between the Sheets series for more mattress buying advice.

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