8 Best Soft Mattresses of 2026: Reviewed by Sleep Experts
Find plush comfort and the support you need with our picks for the best soft mattresses
- The overall best soft mattress is the Helix Sunset, which combines a plush, airy feel with strong support and a good value.
- The soft mattresses in this roundup cost between $949–$3,449 for a queen size before discounts or taxes.
- Softer mattresses may work well for side sleepers, people with chronic pain, and lighter-weight sleepers.
- Many soft mattresses feel plusher on the surface, but their support layers can make a big difference in comfort and durability.
- In our testing, the best soft mattresses still offered enough support to help keep the spine aligned.
NCOA supports everyone’s right to age well. So we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that can help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 2,500 hours researching and testing mattresses to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best mattresses, we:
- Consulted with sleep specialists like doctors, occupational therapists, and physical therapists for guidance on choosing the best mattress
- Put more than 130 models through a series of 19 different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery-shopped more than 40 brands
- Surveyed more than 2,000 older adults on their sleep quality
- Interviewed experts on the importance of good sleep for older adults
- Worked with older adult testers to evaluate mattresses and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new mattresses and sleep products to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our mattress review methodology.
When it comes to finding a great mattress, sleep experts tend to recommend a medium-firm one. This common mattress firmness level offers a good balance of comfort and support, and research shows it can improve sleep quality.1
But soft mattresses can be a better fit in some cases. “Some people enjoy the comfort of sinking into and becoming enveloped in their mattress versus the resistance of a firmer mattress,” says Paul Fath, PT, DPT, OCS, a physical therapist and owner of HUB Physical Therapy in Bedford, Massachusetts. “They will likely prefer the soft, cushioned feeling that provides just enough support but gives the sensation of floating on a cloud.”
Side sleepers, people with a lighter weight, or anyone who wakes up with aches and pains may find a softer mattress more comfortable. The key is to find a soft mattress that still provides enough support to keep your body in a healthy position.
“Softer mattresses, while comfortable, are often harder to get up off of,” says Heather Swain, PT, DPT, CIDN, CPT, owner of Ally Total Physical Therapy in Toledo, Ohio. “If you are a person with mobility issues, it may not be the right choice. Even if you are currently healthy, if you were to have a hospital stay for a surgery and your muscles became deconditioned, you may find it a little more challenging to get up from a softer bed.”
We tested many beds to see which ones truly deliver that balance of cushion and support. After testing them at home and in our lab, we found the softest mattresses that stand out for comfort, quality, and value. Here are the best soft mattresses, according to our testing.
- Soft, cloudlike feel while still keeping the spine aligned
- Strong pressure relief scores
- Responsive, with reinforced edges
- Soft, body-hugging feel
- Excellent pressure relief for side sleepers
- 365-night trial, one of the longest among mattresses we tested
- Testers gave it a perfect score for side-sleeping support
- Layers for improved airflow and cooling cover regulate temperature
- Great pressure relief for both shoulders and hips
Best soft mattresses in 2026
- Helix Sunset: Best Soft Mattress Overall
- Nectar Premier Memory Foam: Best Affordable Soft Mattress
- Leesa Sapira Chill: Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
- DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam: Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress
- WinkBed GravityLux: Best Soft Luxury Mattress
- Saatva Rx: Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best Soft Hybrid Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best Soft Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Need help picking out the right mattress?
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Comparing the best soft mattresses for 2026
| Comparison Features | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score (out of 10) | 9.7 |
9.2 |
9.8 |
8.6 |
9.1 |
9.5 |
7.9 |
8.4 |
| Best for | Overall |
Affordable |
Side Sleepers |
Memory Foam |
Luxury |
Back Pain |
Hybrid |
Stomach Sleepers |
| Brand firmness rating (out of 10) | 3 |
6.5 |
6 |
6.5 |
5 |
3 |
6 |
5 |
| Trial period (nights) | 120 |
365 |
120 |
365 |
120 |
365 |
120 |
120 |
*Ratings reflect a brand's overall offering; the best overall pick doesn't necessarily have the highest score
Understanding accessibility and pain relief scores
Based on our testing, surveys, and focus groups with older adults, we created these two scores:
- Accessibility score: The higher the score, the easier it is to get in and out of the bed and change positions.
- Pain relief score: The higher the score, the more likely it can help relieve pain.
Top features of the best soft mattresses
We looked for the following features when choosing the best soft mattresses:
Helix Sunset: Best Soft Mattress Overall
We chose the Helix Sunset as the Best Soft Mattress Overall because it offers a soft, cloudlike feel while still supporting your body. It feels plush and cozy but supportive enough to help keep your spine aligned, no matter what position you sleep in. For sleepers who love soft mattresses, this one stood out as both comfortable and dependable.
- Helix review
- Plush pillow-top feel with supportive foam and steel coils
- Reinforced edges for better stability
- GlacioTex cooling cover designed to help regulate temperature
- Our pain relief score: 4.57/5
- Accessibility score: 4.3/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 3/10
Pros
- Very soft, puffy feel with strong pressure relief
- Supportive edges and good responsiveness for a soft bed
- Fiberglass-free design at a reasonable price
Cons
- Doesn't completely isolate movement to one side of the bed
- Very soft feel may not suit people who prefer firm beds
- Cooling is good, but it can warm slightly after lying in one spot
Nectar Premier Memory Foam: Best Affordable Soft Mattress
We chose the Nectar Premier Memory Foam as the Best Affordable Mattress Overall because it has a pillowy-soft feel and costs less than $1,000 with ongoing discounts. We also like that this mattress has good bounce, which makes it easier to move on than many foam mattresses.
- Nectar review
- Soft, body-hugging feel many testers loved
- Dense, pressure-relieving foam
- Good motion isolation for couples
- Our pain relief score: 4.2/5
- Accessibility score: 4.06/5
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- Least expensive mattress on this list after discounts, with a long trial period
- Excellent pressure relief, especially for side sleepers
- Good motion isolation
Cons
- Only average cooling
- May feel too soft for some sleepers
- Not the best option for people with mobility issues
Leesa Sapira Chill: Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers
We chose the Leesa Sapira Chill as the Best Soft Mattress for Side Sleepers because it feels plush yet still supports key areas for side sleepers, such as the shoulders and hips. It also had some of the highest overall scores among the mattresses we tested, including a perfect score for side-sleeping pressure relief.
- Leesa review
- Has three firmness options, including plush
- High-airflow layers to help reduce heat buildup
- Made in the United States
- Our pain relief score: 4.78/5
- Accessibility score: 4/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 5-7/10
Pros
- Excellent pressure relief for side sleepers
- Plush, luxurious feel with strong support underneath
- Uses cooling foam and fibers to prevent heat buildup
Cons
- Higher profile (14 inches) may feel too tall for shorter sleepers
- May require deep-pocket sheets
- In-home setup costs extra
DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam: Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress
We chose the DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam mattress as the Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress for its great mix of comfort, support, and value. It stood out for its contouring feel and even support, and can be a good choice for couples due to its high motion isolation and cooling scores.
- DreamCloud review
- CloudQuilt cover for a soft, cozy top layer
- Five-layer memory foam design for comfort and support
- 365-night trial period and strong overall value
- Our pain relief score: 3.28/5
- Accessibility score: 3.57/5
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- Perfect 5/5 motion isolation
- Good cooling for a memory foam bed (4/5)
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Moving around may be harder for people with mobility issues
- 15-inch height may be too high for some bed frames
- The mattress ships in a box, which can be difficult to move and handle
WinkBed GravityLux: Best Soft Luxury Mattress
We chose the WinkBed GravityLux as the Best Soft Luxury Mattress because it offers a plush, high-end feel while still keeping your body well-supported. This memory foam mattress stood out for its high-quality materials and construction, strong cooling and motion-isolation features, and firmness options.
- WinkBed review
- AirCell memory foam is designed to reduce motion transfer and help with cooling
- Targeted support foam in the low back area
- Quilted, plush comfort layer for a soft, hotel-like feel
- Our pain relief score: 3.58/5
- Accessibility score: 4.58/5
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Brand’s firmness rating: 5/10
Pros
- Excellent motion isolation for couples
- Strong edge support for using the full bed
- Plush, luxury feel with durable materials
Cons
- Average bounce, so it’s not very springy
- Medium-firm model may feel too firm for people who want deep sink
- No white-glove delivery
Saatva Rx: Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain
We chose the Saatva Rx as the Best Soft Mattress for Back Pain because it felt ultra-plush while still supporting our backs. In our tests, it stood out among soft mattresses for its excellent pressure relief and support, making it feel both gentle and stable. It’s a strong choice if you want the comfort of a forgiving mattress without losing the support your back needs.
- Saatva review
- Soothes chronic back and joint pain
- Supports and cradles joints to ease pain
- Excellent pressure relief in all positions
- Targeted support keeps the spine aligned
- Our pain relief score: 4.32/5
- Accessibility score: 4.04/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10
Pros
- Very soft, plush feel with strong back support
- Excellent pressure relief and easier movement
- Good cooling and high bounce
Cons
- Average motion isolation
- Edge support is weaker than some competitors
- Higher price than many soft mattresses
Bear Elite Hybrid: Best Soft Hybrid Mattress
We chose the Bear Elite Hybrid as the Best Soft Hybrid Mattress because it feels as soft as an all-foam bed but has the responsive support of innersprings. Our testing found it to be evenly supportive in every sleeping position, with a soft, cushioned feel. It also stayed cool at night, with top scores for temperature regulation.
- Bear review
- Hybrid design with memory foam layers and individually wrapped coils
- Celliant-infused cooling cover designed to help regulate temperature
- Quilted plush top that adds softness and pressure relief
- Our pain relief score: 3.53/5
- Accessibility score: 3.54/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10
Pros
- Very soft, plush feel with supportive coils underneath
- Even pressure relief in all sleeping positions
- Good cooling and bounce for easier movement
Cons
- Poor motion isolation, so partners may feel movement
- Edge support is weaker when sitting or getting up
- Some sleepers may find hips sink slightly too much in softer areas
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best Soft Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
We chose the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid as the Best Soft Mattress for Stomach Sleepers because it felt even softer than it is and earned high overall support scores, especially when stomach sleeping. It can be tough to get good support when lying face down, but our testing found that this mattress provided it with a plush, softer-than-usual feel.
- Brooklyn Bedding review
- Hybrid design with foam layers over supportive coils
- Cushioned feel that still keeps the spine aligned for stomach sleeping
- Breathable construction to help reduce heat buildup
- Our pain relief score: 3.57/5
- Accessibility score: 3.59/5
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Brand’s firmness rating: 5/10
Pros
- Very soft, pressure-relieving feel for stomach sleepers
- Strong bounce makes it easier to move and change positions
- Good cooling for a softer mattress
Cons
- Edge support could be stronger
- Motion from a partner can be noticeable compared with all-foam beds
Our process testing the best soft mattresses
Our team has spent thousands of hours researching and testing mattresses so you can feel confident in our reviews. For this roundup, we personally tested more than 30 mattresses with a particular focus on comfort and cushion. Each mattress was tested by older adults to ensure we have real-world data on its performance in motion isolation, pressure relief, edge support, cooling, and more. If you’d like to see more mattress options for every type of sleeper, read our roundup of the best mattresses for seniors. To find the best soft mattresses, we looked at the following features:
Pain relief
A good night’s sleep can be harder to get as pain-related sleep interruptions become more common with age.2 For that reason, it was important to ensure that the mattresses on our list earned high pain-relief scores. We used a special scoring method that factored in firmness, pressure relief, and support to decide how well each mattress eased pain. If you’re interested in more pain relief options, read our review of the best mattresses for sciatica.
Pressure relief
To measure pressure relief, testers lie on each mattress with a pressure mat underneath. The mat has sensors that show areas of pressure buildup on a color-coded thermal map. Blue and green mean low pressure, which is what we want to see in key areas like the shoulders, hips, and knees. We looked for good pressure relief readings for all sleeping positions.
Spinal support
It’s important that your mattress keeps your spine aligned, especially if it is soft. We tested spinal support by having older adults lie on the mattresses on their backs, sides, and stomachs and rate how comfortable and supported they felt in each position. We asked them to note how much pressure they felt under their hips, knees, shoulders, and other joints, and whether their spine felt curved or in alignment.
Firmness
How firm a mattress feels can vary depending on body weight, personal preference, and other factors. We evaluated mattresses not only by their given firmness rating, but also by how firm each felt to our testers. Check out our best firm mattress guide for more insight.
Value
Mattresses can range in price quite a bit. The cost depends on size, materials, and construction, among other factors. But we also looked at what you get for that price. Some brands offer free shipping or extended trial periods, or will remove your old mattress. We also considered what kind of warranty is offered on the mattress.
Who should consider a soft mattress?
When mattress shopping, you’ll likely notice that medium-firm seems to be the most popular option. “Generally, we try to stick to recommending medium-firm mattresses for various reasons such as spinal and joint support, and improved respiration during sleep,” says Chelsie Rohrscheib, PhD, a sleep expert, neuroscientist, and sleep consultant with Wesper, a sleep diagnostics company. “With that said, sometimes a soft mattress may be beneficial.”
People who may benefit from a soft mattress include:
- Side sleepers: “Side sleepers may sleep better on a softer mattress because it doesn't place as much pressure on the shoulders, hips and knees,” says Rohrscheib. Those are areas where pressure tends to build up in that position.
- Lighter-weight sleepers: “To small individuals with a lower body weight, a medium-firm mattress may feel more like a classic firm mattress because their body weight isn't high enough to compress the mattress,” says Rohrscheib. So people with a lower body weight may feel supported by and more comfortable on a softer mattress.
- Older adults: A plush mattress can feel gentler on aging joints and may help reduce morning stiffness or soreness.
- People with chronic pain: “Some individuals with heightened sensitivity due to chronic pain issues like arthritis or nerve pain may find that a medium-firm mattress is too hard on sore areas,” says Rohrscheib. A softer mattress may feel gentler on those spots.
- Sleepers who simply prefer a softer feel: Some people just sleep better on a soft mattress. As long as it doesn't cause them any health concerns, that’s fine, says Rohrscheib. Personal comfort is an important part of good sleep.
What to look for when choosing a soft mattress
Firmness is only one thing to keep in mind when shopping for a mattress. The best soft mattresses balance comfort with support so your body and spine stay aligned. “If your preference is for a soft mattress, you should look for one that is made of high-quality, breathable materials that offer evenly distributed support across your whole body,” says Rohrscheib. “The mattress should be known for holding its form for at least five years. Mattresses with noticeable dips and bumps should be avoided.”
Here are some other features to look for:
Zoned support systems
Zoned support uses denser foam or reinforced coils to add extra strength in the center to lower third of the mattress. This added firmness can provide more lower back support and keep it from sinking too far. This can be helpful for side sleepers, who need more support in that region.
Hybrid construction
Hybrid mattresses use foam for cushioning and coils for support. This mix can give you the feel of the softest mattress without feeling stuck in it. It helps with ease of movement and pressure relief.
Support layers under a soft top
Many soft beds have firmer layers underneath a plush topper to keep the spine aligned. This balance helps prevent sagging while still feeling super soft.
Cooling features
Gel foams, breathable covers, and airflow through coils can help prevent overheating, making a soft bed more comfortable all night for hot sleepers.
Edge support and motion isolation
Strong edges make it easier to sit or sleep near the side, and motion isolation helps reduce sleep disturbance from movement.
Trial periods and warranties
A good trial period lets you make sure the mattress truly works for you. A solid warranty helps protect your investment in the best plush mattress that should last for years
How much do the best soft mattresses cost?
The mattresses in this guide range from $949–$3,449 for a queen size (without discounts). Many factors affect a mattress’s cost, including size, materials and construction, warranty length, and added features.
| Comparison Features | Helix Sunset |
Nectar Premier Memory Foam |
Leesa Sapira Chill |
DreamCloud Premier Memory Foam |
WinkBed GravityLux |
Saatva Rx |
Bear Elite Hybrid |
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost for a queen | $1,332 |
$949 |
$2,467 |
$1,199 |
$2,570 |
$3,449 |
$2,427 |
$1,732 |
| Shipping costs | Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
Free |
| White glove delivery available? | No |
Yes, $199 |
Yes, $179 |
Yes, $199 |
No |
Yes, free |
Yes, $175 |
Yes, free for orders $1,500+ $199 under $1,500 |
| Warranty length | Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
Limited lifetime |
| Return fees | None |
None |
None |
None |
None |
$99 |
None |
$99 |
*Most mattress brands run frequent or ongoing promotions. Sale prices are typically lower and may change often.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of mattress is the softest?
When people ask about the softest mattress, they are usually talking about thick memory foam or pillow-top beds that let the body sink in. These kinds of soft mattresses feel gentle and deeply cushioned. Our list of the best pillow top mattresses also include many extra soft and memory foam options.
Which mattress feels like a cloud?
Mattresses that claim to feel like a cloud are often plush with fluffy top layers that cradle you as you lie down. Many shoppers looking for the best soft mattress say this light, floating feeling is what they want most.
Which mattress is best for softness?
The best soft mattress is one that has deep comfort layers and a soft, cozy top that eases pressure on the shoulders and hips. That is why many soft mattresses use memory foam or thick quilting to boost softness.
Are soft mattresses good for side sleepers and older adults?
Yes, soft mattresses can be a great choice for side sleepers and older adults because they cushion joints and pressure points. Many side sleepers and older adults prefer a plush mattress since it feels gentle on hips, shoulders, and knees.
How does a soft mattress compare to a medium or firm mattress for pressure relief?
A soft mattress can provide good pressure relief if it has support underneath its cushioning layers. It can also support certain sleeping positions by allowing heavier parts to sink in more, keeping the spine in a neutral position. The best soft mattress often feels more comfortable on sore joints.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
