A soft mattress isn't just about comfort — it's about proper support for the right sleep position. Side sleepers, lighter-weight sleepers, and anyone with shoulder or hip pain often sleep better on a softer surface. But a soft mattress that lacks support causes just as many problems as one that's too firm.
Here's what to know before you buy, and the best options available right now.
Good fit for:
Not ideal for:
Memory foam mattresses contour more closely than any other type. They absorb pressure gradually, which distributes weight and relieves tension at shoulders and hips.
| Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|
| Side sleepers with joint pain | Heat retention (look for gel-infused options) |
| Couples (excellent motion isolation) | Can feel slow to reposition on |
| Pressure-sensitive sleepers | Initial off-gassing odor that fades in days |
Latex mattresses provide a softer-than-average feel with more responsiveness than memory foam. They sleep cooler and are naturally hypoallergenic.
| Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|
| Allergy sufferers | Higher price than foam options |
| Hot sleepers who want soft feel | Bouncier feel isn't for everyone |
| Those who want a durable, long-lasting mattress | May feel too responsive vs. memory foam |
Pillow-top mattresses have an extra comfort layer sewn onto the top surface. The feel is immediately plush — a good option for people who want traditional soft-mattress comfort with underlying coil support.
| Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|
| Side sleepers who like a classic cushioned feel | Can sag at the pillow-top layer over time |
| Sleepers transitioning from firm to soft | Usually can't flip the mattress |
| Those who want support + plush in one | May require a deeper-pocket fitted sheet |
A soft hybrid mattress combines foam or latex comfort layers with pocketed coil support. The result: plush surface feel with better airflow and edge support than all-foam options.
| Best For | Watch Out For |
|---|---|
| Hot sleepers who want softness | Heavier and harder to move than foam |
| Couples — better motion isolation than innerspring | More expensive than all-foam in same tier |
| Those who want more bounce than memory foam |
Side sleeper? Soft is likely right for you. Back sleeper? You probably want medium-soft at most — a soft mattress may let your hips sink too far. Stomach sleeper? Stop here — you need firm.
Hot sleeper + wanting soft? Go hybrid or latex. Cold sleeper? Memory foam's warmth is actually a plus. Either way, gel-infused foam is worth considering if you're choosing memory foam.
The soft feel should come from the comfort layer, not the entire mattress. A properly built soft mattress has a firm support core underneath — you'll feel the plush surface, but your spine will still be aligned. If the whole mattress compresses evenly, that's a poorly built soft mattress.
Soft mattresses feel more different from each other in person than any description conveys. Test in-store at an LA Mattress Store showroom — lie on your side for at least 10 minutes, not just 30 seconds. And take advantage of the 120-night comfort guarantee to sleep on it before fully committing.
A solid hybrid soft mattress that delivers plush feel without sacrificing airflow or edge support. The pocketed coils give you a more responsive feel than all-foam while the comfort layers provide real cushioning for side sleepers.
Best for: Side sleepers who run warm; couples who want soft feel with motion isolation
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good balance of plush feel and underlying support | Not ideal for stomach sleepers or firm preferences |
| Hybrid construction sleeps cooler than all-foam | Heavier than all-foam equivalents |
| Suitable for multiple sleeping positions |
View the Eclipse Joyfulness Hybrid Plush
A classic pillow-top design with a generous cushioned surface. Best for side sleepers and lighter-weight back sleepers who want traditional plush comfort paired with innerspring support.
Best for: Side sleepers who want traditional soft-mattress feel; guest rooms
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Luxurious pillow-top surface | May be too soft for back and stomach sleepers |
| Strong pressure relief at shoulders and hips | Premium pillow-top layer adds to price |
| Durable, high-quality construction |
View the Spring Air Marc Pillow Top
Gel-infused foam addresses the main complaint about soft foam mattresses — heat retention. This is a strong pick for hot sleepers who want a genuinely plush feel. The gel dissipates heat more effectively than standard memory foam.
Best for: Hot sleepers who want a soft, cushioned surface; side sleepers with pressure point pain
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superior cooling for a foam mattress | May be too soft for those who need firm support |
| Excellent pressure relief for hips and shoulders | Higher price point than basic foam options |
| Plush feel without compromising spinal support |
View the Grenadier Gel Plush by Englander
Soft mattresses — particularly pillow-tops and memory foam — are more susceptible to body impressions than firm models. A few habits make a significant difference:
Yes — soft mattresses are ideal for most side sleepers. When you lie on your side, your shoulder and hip create the most pressure. A soft surface lets those points sink slightly so your spine stays aligned. A firm mattress doesn't give enough at those points, creating pressure and pain over time.
Yes, if it's too soft or lacks proper support. The comfort layer should be soft; the core should still provide support. If your hips sink so far that your spine curves downward, even a soft mattress will cause back pain — particularly for back sleepers. If you're experiencing this, try a mattress topper or move to a medium.
Quality soft mattresses last 7–10 years with proper care. Cheaper foam options may start developing body impressions in 4–5 years. Latex soft mattresses last 10–15 years. Rotating regularly and using a mattress protector significantly extend the lifespan.
A memory foam or hybrid mattress with good motion isolation. Memory foam absorbs movement better than any other type. For couples where one person needs soft and the other doesn't, consider a split king setup — two twin XL mattresses, each with its own firmness, on a shared frame.
Yes. Gel-infused memory foam, copper-infused foam, and soft hybrid mattresses all offer better temperature regulation than standard memory foam. The Grenadier Gel Plush is a good example. Hybrid soft mattresses naturally sleep cooler because the coil layer allows airflow.
Every 3–6 months. Soft mattresses are more prone to developing body impressions in heavily used areas (typically the center-third where your torso rests). Regular rotation keeps wear even and extends mattress life.
Most soft mattresses — particularly memory foam and latex — are compatible with adjustable bases. The foam flexes without damage. Check with your retailer before purchasing — some innerspring or hybrid models have compatibility restrictions.
Come test it. Visit an LA Mattress Store showroom and spend time on multiple firmness levels in your actual sleep position. You'll know within 10–15 minutes whether soft or medium-soft feels right. If you're still unsure after the trial period, we'll help you exchange.
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