Mattress firmness is genuinely personal, but your sleep position is one of the strongest predictors of what will actually feel comfortable — it's a far better starting point than guessing based on what a mattress looks or sounds like.
Side Sleepers: Lean Softer
Side sleeping puts concentrated pressure on the shoulder and hip, so a softer or medium mattress that cushions those points tends to feel more comfortable than a firm surface, which can create pressure points and discomfort over a full night. Memory foam or a foam-topped Pocket 1500 construction suits this position well — see our Mattresses range.
Back Sleepers: Lean Medium to Firm
Back sleeping benefits from a mattress that supports the natural curve of the spine without letting the hips sink too far — too soft and the lower back can arch uncomfortably; too firm and pressure points can build under the shoulders. A medium-firm Sprung or Pocket 1500 mattress is usually the safer choice here.
Stomach Sleepers: Lean Firmer
Stomach sleeping needs firmer support to prevent the hips sinking and putting strain on the lower back overnight. A firm Sprung mattress is generally the better fit for this position.
Sharing a Bed With Different Preferences
If you and a partner sleep in different positions, a medium-firm option is often the safest middle ground, and a Pocket 1500 construction's independently wrapped springs mean each side can respond somewhat independently to different weights and movement.
Buying for a Guest Room or Child's Bed
If the mattress isn't for your own nightly use, a mid-range firmness is generally the safest, most universally comfortable choice rather than optimising for one specific sleep position.
Browse our full Mattresses range across Sprung, Full Foam and Pocket 1500 constructions.