Mattress Firmness Scale: How Firm Should Your Bed Be?

It’s one of the first questions you’ll need to consider when shopping for a new bed: how soft or firm do you want it to be? While your answer mostly depends on personal preference, there is some research-backed advice you should consider when it comes to finding the right firmness level, especially if you experience back pain or you find yourself waking up stiff most mornings.

No two mattress companies have the exact same definition of “firm,” and everyone’s experience of what’s comfortable is different.