When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, mattress firmness plays a pivotal role.
Whether you’re waking up with back pain or tossing and turning all night, chances are your mattress might not be offering the right support for your body weight or sleep style.
We will break down everything you need to know about mattress firmness, from the different firmness levels to how to find the most comfortable mattress for your needs.
Whether you’re in the market for a plush side sleeper mattress or a firm mattress for back pain, understanding the science of mattress support can help you make a smarter choice — especially if you're shopping in Australia, where climate, quality standards, and lifestyle all influence the ideal sleep surface.
What Is Mattress Firmness?
Mattress firmness refers to how soft or hard a mattress feels when you lie on it. It’s typically rated on a scale from 1 to 10:
- 1-3: Soft or Plush
- 4-6: Medium or Medium-Firm
- 7-10: Firm or Extra-Firm
However, it’s not as simple as soft vs firm.
What feels soft to one person might feel firm to another depending on factors like body weight, sleeping position, and personal preference.
Mattress Firmness vs Mattress Support
It's important not to confuse mattress firmness with mattress support.
While firmness is about feel, support refers to how well the mattress keeps your spine aligned.
You can have a soft mattress that’s supportive or a firm mattress that isn’t.
Ideally, you want a balance between comfort and proper alignment.
How Your Sleep Style Affects Mattress Firmness Choice
Your sleeping position has a significant impact on the ideal firmness for your mattress. Here's how to choose the right firmness based on how you sleep:
1. Side Sleepers
If you sleep on your side, pressure relief is key. A mattress that’s too firm can push against your hips and shoulders, leading to discomfort or even numbness. Look for:
- Recommended firmness: Medium (6-7/10)
- Best match: A comfortable mattress with contouring foam or a hybrid build
- Key benefit: Cushions joints while still supporting your spine
2. Back Sleepers
Back sleepers need a mattress that maintains neutral spine alignment without sinking too much.
- Recommended firmness: Medium to firm (7-8/10)
- Best match: A firm mattress with balanced support
- Key benefit: Reduces pressure on the lower back while supporting the upper body
3. Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers need a firmer surface to prevent the hips from sinking, which can lead to back strain.
- Recommended firmness: Firm to extra firm (9/10)
- Best match: A firm mattress or innerspring style
- Key benefit: Keeps the body elevated and aligned
4. Combination Sleepers
If you move around a lot during the night, you’ll want a mattress with balanced firmness and good responsiveness.
- Recommended firmness: Medium-firm (7 out of 10)
- Best match: A hybrid mattress or responsive foam model
- Key benefit: Adapts to movement and multiple sleeping positions
How Body Weight Influences Mattress Firmness Needs
Your body weight directly impacts how a mattress feels.
Heavier individuals tend to sink deeper into the mattress, making it feel softer, while lighter individuals may feel like they’re floating on top of a firm surface.
For Light Sleepers (Under 60 kg)
- Firmness Tip: Choose softer or medium mattresses (5 out of 10)
- Why: Softer surfaces allow for better contouring and pressure relief
For Average Weight Sleepers (60–100 kg)
- Firmness Tip: Medium to medium-firm (7 out of 10)
- Why: Offers balanced support and comfort.
For Heavy Weight Sleepers (Over 100 kg)
- Firmness Tip: Medium-firm to firm (7 to 8 out of 10)
- Why: Firmer mattresses provide needed support without sagging over time.
Mattress Firmness and Back Pain
Choosing the right mattress for back pain is essential if you want to wake up feeling refreshed.
A mattress that’s too soft can lead to misalignment, while one that’s too firm might put unnecessary pressure on your joints.
Signs Your Mattress Might Be Causing Back Pain:
Waking up stiff or sore
Feeling like you’re sinking too deep
Constantly shifting to find a comfortable position
Best Firmness for Back Pain:
Medium-firm mattresses (7 out of 10) like DuuDuu are typically best for alleviating back pain. Studies have shown they offer the ideal balance between support and pressure relief.
Mattress Types and Their Firmness Feel
Different materials and constructions will influence how firm or soft a mattress feels:
1. Memory Foam Mattresses
- Typically feel softer and contouring
- Ideal for side sleepers or those with joint pain
- Can retain heat, so look for cooling options in Australia’s warmer climates
2. Innerspring Mattresses
- Naturally firmer and more bouncy
- Good airflow, which is a bonus in Australian summers
- Ideal for stomach or back sleepers
3. Hybrid Mattresses like DuuDuu
- Combine coils and foam for balanced firmness
- Suitable for all sleep positions depending on the build
- Popular in Australia for their durability and comfort
4. Latex Mattresses
- Naturally firm and responsive
- Great for heavier individuals or back sleepers
- Hypoallergenic and sustainable – a good fit for eco-conscious Aussies
Finding the Right Mattress Firmness in Australia
Shopping for a mattress in Australia means navigating a unique climate and lifestyle.
Here’s how to factor that into your firmness decision:
- Heat Regulation: Look for breathable or cooling materials, especially if you're in warmer regions like Queensland or WA.
- Trial Periods: Many Australian brands like Koala, Eva, and DuuDuu offer trial periods, allowing you to test firmness at home.
- Support Standards: Ensure your mattress meets Australian safety and durability standard.
Tips for Choosing the Right Mattress Firmness
1. Try Before You Commit (Even Online)
When shopping online, it's important to experience the mattress in your natural sleep position.
If you're in-store, spend at least 15 minutes lying down in the position you usually sleep in.
For online shoppers, choose a brand that offers a generous home trial period — like DuuDuu, which allows you to test the mattress in the comfort of your own home and return it if it’s not the perfect fit.
2. Use a Firmness-Adjusting Topper
Not quite ready for a new mattress?
A mattress topper can instantly adjust the feel of your current bed.
Add softness to a too-firm mattress or extra support to a sagging one — it’s a quick, affordable way to get closer to your ideal firmness.
4. Get Expert Help from Sleep Specialists
Choosing the right mattress firmness can be overwhelming.
That's why DuuDuu’s team offers personal, down-to-earth advice based on your weight, sleep style, and comfort needs.
Whether through online chat or email, DuuDuu is proud to support Aussies with transparent recommendations — no gimmicks, just honest help to get you sleeping better.
Top Mattress Brands in Australia Offering Multiple Firmness Options
When it comes to finding the perfect firmness, not all mattresses are created equal. Some brands go beyond the basics to offer a tailored sleep experience — and DuuDuu is leading the way in Australia.
DuuDuu – Designed for Real Sleep Needs
At the top of the list is DuuDuu, an Australian-owned brand that puts comfort, support, and transparency first.
Unlike many mattress companies that overwhelm customers with multiple firmness choices, DuuDuu simplifies the process by offering a thoughtfully engineered Level 7 firmness — a medium-firm feel that's been carefully designed to suit the vast majority of sleepers.
This firmness level strikes the ideal balance between comfort and support, making it a reliable choice for those who suffer from back pain, need reinforced support due to weight or posture, or simply want a no-fuss mattress that just feels right.
By removing the confusion around firmness selection, DuuDuu takes the guesswork out of mattress shopping — so you can focus on better sleep, not complicated options.
What sets DuuDuu apart?
- 3 Zone support for proper spinal alignment
- Motion isolation for uninterrupted rest
- Breathable materials for Australia's varying climate
- Affordable luxury without inflated markups
- Honest pricing – no constant fake sales, just quality at a fair price
Whether you’re a side sleeper needing gentle contouring or someone seeking a firm mattress that supports your lower back, DuuDuu’s range makes it easy to get it right the first time.
Koala
Well-known for its signature medium-firm foam feel, Koala is a popular choice for those who like a balanced level of firmness with some responsiveness.
It’s great for average-weight sleepers and comes with an easy online buying experience.
Emma
Emma mattresses are typically on the soft to medium-firm side, offering good pressure relief through memory foam. They're a great choice for lighter individuals or side sleepers who prefer a hugging feel.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Firmness Is Personal
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mattress firmness.
What matters most is how a mattress supports your unique body type, weight, and sleeping style.
Whether you’re searching for a firm mattress for back support, a soft side sleeper mattress, or a comfortable mattress that balances everything in between, the key is alignment and comfort.
If you're in Australia, consider climate, trial periods, and local brands when making your decision.
A good mattress is an investment — not just in better sleep, but in better health.
