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Everyone experiences mattress firmness differently.
It comes down to what way you sleep, body shape, body weight, and of course, personal preference. Mattress firmness is measured by what exactly is in the mattress—for example, memory foam, firmer fillings, pocket springs—all contribute to the mattress firmness scale.
DFI helps customers find the right mattress comfort level by including a firmness chart with each mattress so customers know exactly which rating the mattress falls into.
Mattress firmness refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels when you lie on it. It is also an indicator of the mattress comfort level. Every mattress will be different as the materials used inside the mattress can vary and increase or decrease the firmness.
DFI’s meter has 5 different ratings of firmness. Our ratings are based on a survey of 25 Sleep Experts. The softness of a mattress is at the start of the scale, and firmness is at the end.
Normally, the more pocket springs in a mattress, the firmer the mattress is. This is not always the case as it also depends on the filling layers on top. However, a mattress without comfort layers will typically be firmer while still offering support.
Foam comes in many firmness options, not just memory foam. Manufacturers can add firmer foam fillings into a mattress to increase thickness and firmness, offering varied levels of support.
A hybrid mattress combines pocket springs and comfort layers of foam. This combination allows for a wide range of firmness levels, balancing support and comfort.
Below is the DFI Mattress Firmness chart, which is included in each mattress specification. Our firmness scale has 5 different ratings: soft, soft-medium, medium, medium-firm, and firm.
Sometimes customers find it difficult to understand the scale and the difference between soft and soft-medium or medium-firm to firm. We recommend thinking of the scale as numbers 1-10.
A mattress with this rating is likely made of memory foam. It shapes to the sleeper's body quickly, providing a "sink-in" feeling. This is not ideal for heavier individuals as the mattress may show significant settlement and not last as long.
Slightly firmer, this type of mattress has a soft surface with minimal springs for support. It still moulds to the sleeper’s body, offering a comfortable top layer.
Medium mattresses use more pocket springs and firmer foam fillings compared to softer mattresses. These sink less but still adapt to body contours for a balanced feel.
Medium-firm mattresses provide more support, with minimal sinking. They feature more springs than memory foam layers, resulting in a firmer feel while retaining a comfort layer.
Firm mattresses, at the top of the scale, are made with springs and firmer fillings, typically without memory foam. They offer minimal sinking, excellent support, and long-lasting durability.
Before purchasing a mattress, consider all the points in this guide. Think about your sleeping position, body shape, weight, and whether you sleep alone or share your bed.
Medium firmness is a popular choice as it balances comfort and support, catering to a wide range of sleepers. At DFI, we offer a variety of medium firmness mattresses to suit your needs.
Explore our daily offers and speak to our sleep experts for personalised advice and feedback to find the mattress that’s best for you.
Our Managing Director Brian's expertise in crafting comfortable sleep experiences makes him a reliable voice for all things bedding-related. Brian publishes advice and tips on mattresses, beds and the overall sleep experience based on extensive industry experience.
Author Profile: Brian McCann Bio
Mattress Firmness Scale & Comfort Levels [2024]
