The Mattress Firmness Scale
Figuring out which firmness to choose for your mattress can be super tricky. Feel is subjective, so what’s a firm mattress to you might feel like a soft mattress to someone else, and vice versa.
We’ve put together this handy mattress firmness scale to give you a general idea of where our mattresses fall on the firmness spectrum and what sleeping positions they support best. Keep in mind, of course, that everyone is different!
How the Firmness Scale is Rated
1
Basically too soft. Mattresses rated 1 will have plenty of plush cushioning and a lot of sink. This is rarified air for soft mattresses.
2-3
A very soft and very common mattress type. Plush with noticeable sinkage.
4-7
The most common range for mattresses. Right in the middle of soft and firm, with some minor sink and contouring.
8-9
Very firm and solid, with little softness and sink.
10
On the other end of the spectrum from 1. This is the firmest you can go.
Basically too soft. Mattresses rated 1 will have plenty of plush cushioning and a lot of sink. This is rarified air for soft mattresses.
2-3
A very soft and very common mattress type. Plush with noticeable sinkage.
4-7
The most common range for mattresses. Right in the middle of soft and firm, with some minor sink and contouring.
8-9
Very firm and solid, with little softness and sink.
10
On the other end of the spectrum from 1. This is the firmest you can go.
Each of these firmness levels has implications outside of comfort and preference. For example, firmer mattresses tend to work better for people with very bad back pain and soft mattresses are better for people who are much lighter in weight.
Find your perfect match by taking our Sleep Quiz.
Helix Mattresses Scored On The Firmness Scale
Sunset Mattress
Firmness Scale
2 to 3
2 to 3
Ideal Sleep Position
Side Sleepers
Side Sleepers
With a softer feel and great pressure relief for side sleepers, we would put the Sunset at about a 2 or 3. Think of it as a soft, but supportive marshmallow.
Moonlight Mattress
Firmness Scale
2 to 3
2 to 3
Ideal Sleep Position
Back and Stomach Sleepers
Back and Stomach Sleepers
The Moonlight is still one of our softest models, but is slightly firmer than the Sunset to provide some support for back and stomach sleepers. If you like a bouncier, more reactive feel, this might be a good choice for you.
Midnight Mattress
Firmness Scale
4 to 7
4 to 7
Ideal Sleep Position
Side Sleepers
This is our most popular model for a reason! The midnight is pretty much smack in the middle of the firmness scale - not too soft, not too firm. Think Goldilocks :).
Dusk Mattress
Firmness Scale
4 to 7
4 to 7
Ideal Sleep Position
Back and Stomach Sleepers
Similar to the Moonlight, the Dusk is a bouncier, more reactive medium feel mattress. It is just slightly firmer than the Midnight, so its great for back and stomach sleepers.
Helix Plus
Firmness Scale
7 to 8
7 to 8
Ideal Sleep Position
Good for All Sleep Positions
This mattress is a Medium Feel mattress for plus size sleepers with more body weight. However, there are plenty of customers who don’t fit that “plus size” description who enjoy the Plus for its extra support. If you fall into the latter category, the Plus will probably feel a bit firmer for you.
Twilight Mattress
Firmness Scale
8 to 9
8 to 9
Ideal Sleep Position
Side Sleepers
Side Sleepers
The Twilight has a nice firm feel, but because it uses memory foam in the comfort layer, it still allows for relief at your pressure points. This hybrid style gives you the best of both worlds between a foam mattress and innerspring mattress.
Dawn Mattress
Firmness Scale
8 to 9
8 to 9
Ideal Sleep Position
Back and Stomach Sleepers
This is the firmest of our standard options, with very little give. None of our options are a full 10, so it won’t feel like you’re sleeping on a rock, but the Dawn will provide lots of support for back and stomach sleepers.