Guide · Mattresses & sleep
Mattress firmness guide: soft, medium or firm?
Firmness is about comfort and feel, not just support: a good mattress of any firmness should keep your spine in a natural line. The right firmness is the one that does that for your body and sleeping position.
Our firmness scale
| Rating | Feel |
|---|---|
| 3 – Medium soft | Plenty of give; you sink in a little |
| 4 – Medium | A balanced, middle-of-the-road feel |
| 5 – Medium firm | Supportive with some cushioning on top |
| 6 – Firm | You lie "on" rather than "in" the mattress |
| 7 – Ultra firm | Very little give |
By sleeping position
These are general rules of thumb, not medical advice:
- Side sleepers often prefer medium soft to medium, so shoulders and hips can sink in slightly.
- Back sleepers often prefer medium to medium firm, supporting the lower back.
- Front sleepers often prefer firmer, so the hips don't sink and arch the back.
- Heavier people often find a firmer mattress more supportive; lighter people may find a firm one too hard.
- Couples who differ may want the firmer of the two preferences; a pocket sprung mattress reduces movement passed across the bed.
If you have back pain or another medical condition, ask your GP or physiotherapist for advice.
Medium (4) mattresses
MaxitexMaxitex Kids Premier Sprung MattressFrom €119.99
MaxitexMaxitex Kids Deluxe Pocket Sprung MattressFrom €179.99
MaxitexMaxitex Hybrid 3000 Pocket Sprung Memory MattressFrom €489.99
Free delivery
MaxitexMaxitex Cloud Pocket Sprung Pillow Top Memory MattressFrom €379.99
Free delivery
Medium firm to firm (5–7) mattresses
View all (8)
NoomiNoomi Bamboo Natural Latex Pocket Sprung MattressFrom €219.99
NoomiNoomi Waterproof Eco Foam Mattress Single€159.99
MaxitexMaxitex Orthopaedic Pocket Sprung MattressFrom €319.99
Free delivery
MaxitexMaxitex Nirvana Pocket Sprung MattressFrom €309.99
Free delivery
Still not sure?
The mattress quiz asks about your sleeping position, weight range and preferences and suggests mattresses in stock. Or read the mattress buying guide.
Common questions
Is a firm mattress better for your back?
Not necessarily. The aim is to keep your spine in a natural line, and too firm can be as unhelpful as too soft. Many people do well on medium to medium firm. If you have back pain, ask your GP or physiotherapist.
What firmness is best for side sleepers?
Side sleepers often prefer medium soft to medium (3 to 4 on our scale), which lets the shoulders and hips sink in a little.
Keep reading
All guides & quizzes- Mattresses & sleepMattress buying guide: types, sizes & depthHow to choose a mattress: pocket sprung, open coil, memory foam, hybrid and foam compared, plus firmness, size and depth, so it fits your bed.
- Mattresses & sleepSleep tips: how to sleep betterPractical tips for better sleep, based on HSE advice: how much sleep you need by age, a bedtime routine, screens, caffeine and a bedroom set up for sleep.
- Mattresses & sleepLooking after your mattressHow to look after a mattress: airing a new one, rotating, protectors, cleaning spills, normal settlement, and signs it may be time for a new mattress.
- Quiz & toolFind your perfect bed: a 5-question quizAnswer 5 quick questions about your room, storage and budget and we will suggest a bed size and type, with matching beds in stock for Ireland.
- Quiz & toolWhich mattress suits you? Take the quizAnswer a few quick questions about how you sleep and we will suggest a mattress firmness and type, with matching mattresses in stock for Ireland.
- Quiz & toolKids' bed finder: by age & room sizeTell us your child's age, the room size and what you need (storage, desk, sleepovers) and we'll suggest suitable kids' beds in stock for Ireland.
Free delivery on orders of €250 or more to the Republic of Ireland.