The Best Soft Mattresses for Well-Rested Nights
These plush beds feel like sleeping on a cozy, supportive cloud.
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When it comes to soft mattresses, the best ones will balance plush comfort with solid support and durability. But it's not always that simple: After surveying over 10,000 people, we noticed that mattress firmness is the top concern. Anything that's too firm or too soft can be a deal-breaker. That's why we've rounded up our top recommendations for the best soft mattresses, including all-foam, innerspring and hybrid models (which combine both foam and coils), after testing 193 different options.
Our Top Pick: The Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress. Our testers loved its plush yet supportive feel and how it didn't sink in too much. Plus, it kept its shape well over time.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we've been obsessively covering the online mattress industry since its boom in 2014, staying on top of new products and innovations. Beyond leveraging my background in materials science, I've spent hundreds of hours combing through feedback from our at-home mattress testers and consumer survey panel, in order to make the best mattress recommendations. After extensive research and testing, here are my picks for the best soft mattresses, along with a detailed buying guide and more information on how we rate and review mattresses.
- Best Overall: The Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
- Best Value: Allswell Luxe Hybrid
- Best Cooling: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
- Most Comfortable: Amerisleep AS5 Mattress
- Best on Amazon: Novilla Bliss Mattress
- Most Supportive: Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best for Back Pain: Nolah Evolution 15
Pros
- Plush yet supportive
- Testers said it improved their sleep quality
- Kept its shape over time
Cons
- Hot sleepers didn't seem to notice claimed cooling effects
Mattress type: Hybrid | Height: 12 in. | Firmness: Medium Plush | Trial period: 101 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Side sleepers, those with back pain or anyone seeking a plush, cushy bed that doesn’t sink in too much
Many of our readers tell us they love the feel of soft mattresses but struggle with needing more support. That’s where the Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress shines — it offers plush comfort without sacrificing stability.
Our testers praised the "cradling" feel, noting how the mattress gently molded to their bodies without collapsing in under their weight. One called it "dreamy," while another said, "It’s so soft, it feels like sleeping on a cloud." Other testers also appreciated the balance between the soft comfort of the foam layers and the reinforcement of the coils.
Compared to other soft mattresses I've personally tested, Puffy stands out for its exceptional support and cloud-like feel. It's a classic hybrid (which combines memory foam with coils) and has that subtle foam-feel for pressure relief.
In our surveys, panelists with chronic back and hip pain reported much-needed relief with this mattress. One recent tester reported that it was particularly helpful for her lower back pain. Plus, many have told us how well the mattress has held up over time.
FYI: Despite cooling features throughout the mattress, our testers haven't noticed a significant cooling effect.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Puffy Lux Mattress
Pros
- Low cost for a hybrid with foam and coils
- Fast delivery and easy DIY setup
- Users praised its "cozy" feel
Cons
- Edge support is lacking
Mattress type: Hybrid | Height: 12 in. | Firmness: Medium | Trial period: 90 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Budget-conscious shoppers looking for solid comfort at a good value
If your budget is more limited, I'd recommend the Allswell Luxe Hybrid. No one mattress is perfect for everyone, but this one outperformed many others in our tests, including some that were three times the price.
It's a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines the best features of both all-foam and innerspring mattresses for a balanced sleep experience. (The layers of foam offer cushioning for comfort and motion isolation, while the coils provide support and bounce.) Plus, at under $500, it's a steal — considering the average cost of a Queen-size hybrid mattress in 2023 was $2,050. It's a great choice for anyone needing fast delivery and easy DIY setup.
The first time I tried out this mattress, I was pleasantly surprised by its comfort. I’m not alone — out of 60 survey respondents who own this bed, 58 praised its "cozy" feel, with many noting how well it molded to their bodies. Several even compared it to a hotel bed, with one saying, "It feels like sleeping on a real, plush hotel mattress, but at a fraction of the price." While Allswell describes its firmness level as "medium," it felt more like a medium-soft to me and several other testers.
However, it's not perfect. The edge support is lacking, which can make getting in and out of bed more challenging, especially for those with mobility issues.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Allswell Luxe Hybrid
Pros
- Cushioning layers of foam
- Top marks from testers for cooling features
- Great pressure relief and support in key areas
Cons
- Pillow top costs extra
Mattress type: Hybrid | Height: 13.25 in. | Firmness: Soft, Medium, Firm | Trial period: 120 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Hot sleepers who want the plush comfort of memory foam without the concern of overheating
Memory foam, while soft and comfortable, can sometimes trap heat. If you're a hot sleeper looking for a softer bed, a hybrid mattress is worth considering: It still offers that cushy foam feel but the coils provide better airflow.
This hybrid mattress from Brooklyn Bedding goes a step further, with added cooling technology. The foam is infused with Phase Change Material (PCM), which has been proven to pull excess heat away from your body. There's also a silky, cool-to-the-touch cover and the coils are zoned, meaning there's extra support in key areas, like the lumbar region.
While many mattresses claim to sleep cool, our testers and survey panelists noticed a real difference with this one. GH Home Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine, who has personally tested several cooling mattresses, calls this one of her favorites. “There’s an initial icy feel when I lie down, which fades while I sleep, but I rarely wake up too warm. If I do, adjusting my position brings instant relief,” she says. “I’ve never slept on a more comfortable mattress — whether at home, in a hotel or elsewhere.”
We found that this model runs on the softer side, so if you prefer a medium-soft feel, I recommend choosing the medium option. For around $300 extra, you can also add on a pillow top that's flush to the sides of the mattress — it adds 2 inches of foam for more cushioning, but whether you need it is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
RELATED: The Best Cooling Mattresses
Amerisleep AS5 Mattress
Pros
- More substantial layers compared to other all-foam mattresses
- Described as "cloud-like" by users
- Compatible with adjustable beds
Cons
- Heavy to set up
Mattress type: Foam or Hybrid | Height: 14 in. | Firmness: Ultra Soft | Trial period: 100 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Side-sleepers, especially those with smaller frames, or anyone looking for the softest of soft mattresses
All of the mattresses on this list are soft, but if you're looking for an ultra plush mattress, my top pick is the Amerisleep AS5, which is available in both all-foam and hybrid versions.
Both versions have won over every one of our testers who has told us they prefer a softer bed. One recent tester of the hybrid option said, "It’s truly the softest bed I've ever slept on. If you're after a cloud-like, super soft mattress, this is it." Another shared, “I sometimes snooze my alarm because I sleep so comfortably.”
Amerisleep's top foam layer is designed to bounce back, so you won’t feel "stuck" when changing positions, something our testers appreciated. It has a tall, 14-inch profile, thanks to several substantial layers of foam, which is rare for an all-foam bed. The all-foam version also performs well on adjustable beds without feeling too thin, a common problem with compatible mattresses.
Just keep in mind, its taller height makes it a bit heavier, so you may need help with setup.
Novilla Bliss Mattress
Pros
- Under $500
- Lightweight for easy setup
- Fast and free shipping from Amazon Prime
Cons
- Brand doesn't offer a trial period
Mattress type: Foam | Height: 12 in. | Firmness: Medium Plush | Trial period: None, but covered by Amazon's 100-day return policy
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Amazon shoppers who prize convenience and affordability, and don't mind a mattress that's not super luxurious
If you want the speed of ordering a mattress on Amazon, I'd recommend this popular option from Novilla with 4.4 stars and more than 32,000 reviews. While it may not be as plush as other picks on this list, it's a great no-frills, budget-friendly option, especially for spare bedrooms.
The consumers we surveyed highlighted its excellent value. Several users highlighted the price point and comfort, and one told us it "feels like a soft hug." Others liked the convenient shipping and easy setup process. In our evaluations, a tester described it as "A bit soft but still firm enough that I don’t feel sucked in by the foam."
The all-foam design cradles your hips and shoulders, which is great for side sleepers. Of the four heights Novilla offers, I'd recommend the 12-inch model if you prefer a soft mattress, as it uses the most foam. (The 6-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch models won’t feel as plush.)
Just note that Amazon doesn’t offer a trial period, though your purchase is covered by the retailer's 100-day return policy.
RELATED: The Best Affordable Mattresses
Bear Elite Hybrid
Pros
- Targeted zones for spinal alignment
- Top comfort and support ratings from testers
- Users said it improved their sleep quality
Cons
- Plush version leans more medium-soft
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT: Good Housekeeping readers can take 35% off their order and receive two free pillows with code GH35.
Mattress type: Hybrid | Height: 14 in. | Firmness: Soft, Medium, Firm | Trial period: 120 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those who can't choose between memory foam and innerspring, or people with back pain
If I had to recommend just one hybrid mattress, it would be the Bear Elite Hybrid. It’s perfect if you’re accustomed to the traditional support of innerspring mattresses but want to try memory foam. It features targeted zones that provide extra give or support in key areas to help maintain proper spinal alignment. Few mattresses we’ve tested offer this level of comfort and support — one tester even mentioned sleeping through alarms for the first time in years.
While this mattress is similar in feel to our best overall pick, it feels a bit more supportive and pillow-y, reminiscent of a hotel bed, whereas the Puffy feels like a true foam hybrid. Despite the glowing reviews from our testers, I was skeptical, but after trying it myself, I'm convinced — I slept soundly through the night and woke up refreshed, even with my persistent insomnia.
But the Bear Elite Hybrid isn't for everyone. Despite offering a soft option, I'd say it feels more medium-soft due to its supportive structure. That means it's great for anyone looking for a cushioned feel with solid support, but side sleepers with smaller frames might find it too firm.
Also, Bear claims to use natural minerals that promote recovery in its materials. We couldn’t verify these claims in our research but still stand by its comfort.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Nolah Evolution 15
Pros
- Top scores for comfort and support
- Testers reported that it helped relieve chronic pain
- Ideal for side sleepers, but works with multiple sleep positions
Cons
- Heavy for DIY setup and bed-making
Mattress type: Hybrid | Height: 15 in. | Firmness: Plush, Luxury Firm, Firm | Trial period: 120 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Side sleepers as well as those dealing with chronic pain, such as hip or back pain, pregnancy-related discomfort or conditions like sciatica
If you need to ease pressure in sensitive areas, I'd recommend this Nolah mattress. Many testers with back pain, whether from pregnancy or conditions like scoliosis, praised how the foam cradled and cushioned their pain points without sinking under their weight.
While it's obviously not a cure-all for chronic pain, we think the consistent positive feedback we've heard from testers and panelists is noteworthy. One user, after 20 years of on-and-off back pain, told us that the Nolah Evolution 15 "is extremely comfortable, and I now have no back pain from my mattress." Another shared, "It saved me in the last trimester of my pregnancy. I was overdue and miserable, and it helped me sleep really well.
It's another one of many hybrids we recommend on this list, but what sets this mattress apart is its unique foam, which is injected with air at a microscopic level, making it more breathable and responsive without taking away from its pressure-relieving qualities. When sleeping on this bed, it felt like a literal weight was being lifted off my shoulders.
However, at 15 inches tall, it's quite heavy, making setup a bit challenging. If you prefer a medium to medium-soft firmness, I'd also recommend checking out the lighter and more affordable Nolah Signature 12 mattress.
RELATED: Nolah Original 10" Mattress Review
Beautyrest Harmony Lux
Pros
- Pillow-top cushions pressure points
- Available in stores if you want to try in person
- Free delivery and in-home setup
Cons
- Users found it difficult to find well-fitting sheets
Mattress type: Innerspring | Height: 14.75–15.75 in. | Firmness: Plush, Plush Pillow Top, Medium Pillow Top, Firm, Firm Pillow Top | Trial period: 100 days
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those who prefer traditional coil mattresses over memory foam, anyone looking for full-service delivery and users who like a classic pillow-top mattress to cushion pressure points
Though the mattress market is currently dominated by foam and hybrid models, many people tell me they still prefer a classic innerspring. If that's you, this is my top recommendation. It comes in both flat top and pillow-top options, allowing you to choose an extra layer of cushioning if desired. And unlike many boxed options, this model comes with free delivery and setup, plus it's available in stores if you want to try in person.
While most innerspring models we've tested tend to run firm, our testers found this model's firmness labels were on point. One tester praised its cushioned feel telling us, “The first night on this bed, I had the best sleep in a long time.” Another reviewer told us, "It’s soft yet firm enough that you don’t sink into the mattress."
Keep in mind, the pillow-top adds extra height, so you may need to buy deep pocket sheets, as several of our testers found. (But you can also opt for the standard flat top if you don't want the added cushioning.)
Note: This model is currently on clearance, but we're in the process of testing new equivalent models from the brand. For an alternate premium option from the brand, the new Beautyrest Black model performed well in our recent tests.
The competition
We also considered several other popular mattresses in our search for the best soft mattresses. Below are our quick thoughts on some notable options that didn't make the final cut, along with the reasons why:
- While the Saatva Classic Mattress is our best overall mattress pick, we've found that it runs firm, despite having a plush option. While it's very supportive, survey respondents and testers who prefer softer beds weren't huge fans of this bed's firmer feel.
- The Winkbed, a popular hybrid model, also tends to run firm, so we don't think it's the best choice for anyone looking for an extra-plush mattress.
- The Helix Sunset Luxe is a traditional soft foam hybrid mattress, but panelists told us that while it's comfy, it runs hot. They also found it hard to set up and maneuver, since it's 14.5 inches tall and doesn't have any handles.
- Tuft & Needle's Mint Mattress is another popular choice. While it's a solid option that's performed well in our evaluations, it wouldn't be my first choice for someone looking for a soft mattress. The brand's foam has a more responsive feel and testers who prefer a plush bed usually describe it as a bit firm rather than medium plush.
- We've received mixed feedback for the DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress. While many users found it initially comfortable and dreamy, a good number noticed sagging earlier than expected. Testers also noted it slept warm.
- The Leesa Sapira Hybrid has a soft, plush foam feel that many panelists praised, but it received varying opinions on durability. Some users found that the mattress sagged a bit earlier than expected.
How we test mattresses
The scores and reviews featured in this roundup are a synthesis of our consumer testing methodologies, survey data analysis and our Lab experts' research. Here are the key factors we consider:
- Ease of ordering and delivery: We ask survey respondents to share their experiences buying the mattress and having it delivered, including whether there were any issues and if so, how they were resolved.
- Ease of setup: Our testers provide detailed thoughts on the process of setting up the mattress, whether DIY or via a delivery service. This includes whether the mattress took shape quickly.
- Edge support: Testers also rate how much the perimeter of the bed sinks in under their weight. (Brands might claim their mattresses offer edge support, but sometimes users don't feel it.)
- Comfort and support: Testers provide specific ratings for comfort, support and satisfaction, both at the start of their review and over an extended period of time.
- Firmness: We ask testers to rate the firmness of the mattress. Even though most brands specify a firmness level, we want to verify how it feels in real life — especially when the brand claims it'll feel soft.
- Temperature: We ask consumers to rate their perceived body temperatures throughout the night (soft memory foam is notorious for retaining heat, for example). If a mattress claims to have cooling properties, we also ask testers if they noticed them.
- Perceived sleep quality: Users weigh in on whether they felt the mattress affected their sleep quality or relieved any aches and pains. They're also asked to compare their current mattress to previous ones they've used.
- Additional feedback: Finally, testers and survey panelists are asked to give their overall impressions, as well as share any likes, dislikes or other comments about their experiences with the mattress.
What to consider when shopping for the best soft mattress
✔️ Mattress type: Beyond the firmness rating, the type of mattress you choose can vary in texture and feel:
- Memory foam mattresses conform to your body, creating a cradling sensation. Softer options can feel like you're sinking into them, depending on firmness. However, memory foam is also known for trapping heat.
- Innerspring mattresses have a firmer, bouncier nature due to their steel coils. They offer solid support, though you can opt for a pillow-top model or add a mattress topper for a plusher feel.
- Latex mattresses have a responsive, springy feel, which can make finding a truly plush option challenging. For a softer feel, choose mattresses with Talalay latex rather than Dunlop latex. Talalay is injected with air during manufacturing, making it softer and less dense.
- Hybrid mattresses combine memory foam or latex with coils, offering a balanced feel between the two. This design lets you enjoy the benefits of both, providing a mix of comfort and support that many testers rave about.
- Adjustable mattresses contain either modular layers or inflatable air chambers that let you adjust the firmness of the bed. They tend to be the most pricey option but are great for users who want a precise level of softness.
✔️ Firmness: How firm a mattress feels can vary based on your body size and shape; the same mattress might feel soft to one person and firm to another. In our tests, the "firmness" advertised by a brand doesn’t always match what our testers' experience. Your ideal firmness depends on a combination of factors, including your body type, sleep position and personal preference.
✔️ Body type: Your height and weight distribution can affect how a mattress feels — what's soft for one person may feel firm to another. Heavier individuals may need a firmer mattress to prevent excessive compression, while lighter sleepers might prefer an ultra-plush bed. If you and your partner have different body types, consider a medium firmness or a modular bed with customizable firmness levels.
✔️ Sleep position: Not all soft mattresses are the same — some are more plush, while others verge on medium firmness. Softer mattresses are typically recommended for side sleepers to relieve pressure on shoulders and hips. For combination sleepers or those who sleep on their back or stomach, a medium-soft or medium-firm mattress with a plush surface is a better choice.
✔️ Height: The height of your mattress can significantly impact comfort. Taller mattresses feel more luxurious but may require deep pocket sheets, while shorter ones are ideal for adjustable beds and certain frames, though they may be harder for some to lie down on. Always consider your bed base's height, as a mattress that sits higher or lower than your current one may feel awkward to adjust to.
✔️ Temperature: If you're a hot sleeper but want a mattress with foam, look for mattresses with cooling features infused directly into the foam, rather than relying solely on a cool-to-the-touch cover. Alternatively, you can choose a mattress with coils to promote better airflow.
✔️ Back pain: If you suffer from chronic back pain but prefer a softer feel, consider a medium-plush mattress. Medium firmness mattresses are often recommended for back pain, as mattresses that are too soft or too firm can lead to misalignment.
✔️ Price: Cost can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the mattress' size, materials and layers. Our tests show a quality Queen-size mattress typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500, though there are excellent luxury mattress options over $2,500 and good mattress finds under $500.
✔️ Trial period: Most mattress brands and retailers offer a trial period, usually at least 100 nights, allowing you to test the mattress and return it if it's not a good fit — especially helpful when shopping online. Be sure to check for any return fees and review the return process details to avoid issues later.
✔️ Certifications: When shopping for a mattress, you'll come across various emblems and certifications. It's important to understand these, as they're often mistaken for indicating a mattress is natural or organic.
- CertiPUR-US: This certifies that any foam in the mattress is made without certain harmful chemicals and has been tested for low VOC emissions.
- OEKO-TEX: The Standard 100 by Oeko-TEX shows that any fabric (like the outer cover) has been tested to ensure there are no unsafe levels of known harmful chemicals.
- GOTS: The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) ensures a mattress meets strict standards throughout production and is the gold standard for picking an organic mattress made of natural materials. However, some brands misuse this certification by only applying it to one component, like an organic cotton cover, so check the GOTS public database to verify.
- GOLS: The Global Organic Latex Standard is similar to GOTS, but it shows that latex is certified organic. You'll often see these two organic certifications used together.
FAQs
Who is a soft mattress best for?
A soft mattress is ideal for side sleepers (to better relieve pressure on shoulders and hips) and those with smaller frames (heavier individuals may need a firmer mattress). However, the feel of a mattress is ultimately a matter of personal preference, with the primary goal being to maintain neutral spine alignment.
What is the softest material for a mattress?
Memory foam feels softest. It adapts to your body and makes it feel like you're being cradled. The softest mattresses in our tests are primarily (if not entirely) made up of memory foam. In comparison, latex and hybrid options fall somewhere in the middle, whereas innerspring mattresses are typically on the firmer side.
How can I make a firm mattress softer?
I recommend opting for a plush memory foam mattress topper (ideally one that's 2 inches or taller). You can also opt for a featherbed or latex topper, but memory foam tends to be the softest in our tests. Mattress toppers are a great way to refresh your bed and extend the life of your existing mattress if you're not ready to replace it.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've reviewed hundreds of mattresses over the past decade, relying on detailed firsthand feedback from at-home testers, survey responses from real mattress consumers and the scientific expertise of our textiles analysts.
As a textiles product review analyst, I've overseen GH's mattress testing since 2022 — in the past year alone, I've personally evaluated over 150 mattresses. I also have a Master of Engineering in materials science and engineering and Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University.
In recent years, to identify the mattresses we can confidently recommend, our team of expert scientists and engineers have:
✔️ Researched hundreds of new models, diving deep into the details around materials, design, customer service and online reviews.
✔️ Leveraged our backgrounds in fiber science, materials engineering and consumer science to assess everything from materials and structure to brand reputation.
✔️ Interviewed dozens of medical professionals and kept up with relevant sleep studies.
✔️ Surveyed more than 10,000 readers on our GH survey panel, analyzing over 170,000 answers to questions about the mattresses they own.
✔️ Sent mattresses to hundreds of our consumer testers to review at home, both short and long term.
✔️ Visited dozens of mattress factories and showrooms, interviewing everyone from CEOs to in-house product experts.
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.
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