While many people like the idea of a cloud-like mattress, some of them lack the proper support and leave you sinking into the bed’s comfort layers. The best soft mattresses are plush and pressure-relieving without compromising on support. Our sleep team has tested and researched hundreds of mattresses between them—and the Amerisleep AS5 is our overall favorite soft mattress. It ticks all the boxes for people seeking a mattress with a plush, marshmallowy feel.
The AS5 Mattress is one of the best soft mattresses and boasts a doughy, pressure-relieving memory … [+] foam feel.
Should you be sleeping on a softer mattress? If you’re strictly a side sleeper or weigh under 150 pounds, a plush bed is usually the right call—ditto if your pressure points are triggered and you often wake up in pain. In addition to our top pick, we’re also highlighting eight other soft mattresses that cater to a range of needs and budgets. Of course, choosing the right mattress is highly individual, which is why all of the beds featured here come with a generous at-home trial.
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Best Soft Mattress Overall: Amerisleep AS5 (Queen)
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Best Soft Mattress For Back Sleepers: Leesa Legend (Queen)
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Best Soft Mattress For Side Sleepers: Helix Sunset Luxe (Queen)
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Best Luxury Soft Mattress: Puffy Lux (Queen)
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Best Soft Mattress For Back Pain: Saatva Classic (Queen)
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Best Soft Mattress For Couples: The WinkBed (Queen)
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Best Soft Memory Foam Mattress: Layla Memory Foam (Queen)
Forbes Vetted readers get $600 off any Amerisleep mattress by entering code FORBES600 at checkout (Forbes Exclusive).
Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Extra-soft | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 20 years | Delivery: Free shipping
Pros:
- Responsive and pressure-relieving for side sleeping
- Ultra-plush feel without sacrificing support
- Cooling cover with far infrared tech
Cons:
- Not as supportive as the hybrid for sleepers over 250 pounds
Our top pick for the best soft mattress, the Amerisleep AS5 has an all-foam construction that hugs your body—yet it’s designed to be more responsive than other all-foam beds. It has a layer of pressure-relieving memory foam that cushions your body while also adapting to movement. A proprietary transition layer adds more support under your head, back and legs, with extra cushion under your hips and shoulders. As a result, you get individualized support along with comfort and cooling features. It’s also ultra plush, with a rating of 2 on a firmness scale of 1 to 10, according to the company. Another added bonus is that this mattress is flexible enough to work with adjustable bases.
For extra support, stronger edges and better airflow, consider the hybrid AS5 for $300 more. It adds a layer of 8-inch pocket coils but while largely maintaining this bed’s plush feel.
What our testers say: “With a prominent memory foam feel and ultra-soft profile, this is a good pick for side sleepers or petite profiles who want to sink into their bed’s marshmallowy foam layers,” says Forbes Vetted mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon. “I also like its special infrared cover, a feature found on a handful of foam mattresses meant to help promote more restful, reparative sleep.” For more, check out our Amerisleep As5 review.
The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Lux plush (4 to 6) | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years | Delivery: Free shipping
Pros
- Dual-coil design makes it ultra-supportive
- Comfortable for back sleepers
- Soft, supportive construction may help with back pain
Cons
- Some reviewers note edge support is lacking
- Not great for stomach sleepers or heavy sleepers
The Leesa Legend is a soft-to-medium mattress for side and back sleepers, coming in around a 4 to 6 on the firmness scale, according to the brand. The mattress, which is designed to isolate motion, has two types of foam above a zoned layer that combines foam and micro-pocket springs. The zoned layer provides targeted pressure relief and support where your body needs it most. Beneath that is a transition layer followed by a “quick response” layer of springs, which helps make the mattress feel more responsive. The primary support layer is made from pocketed coils, which completes its dual-coil design. This combination makes for the softest mattress in Leesa’s lineup that offers maximum support. Leesa also has sound ethical practices, such as donating one mattress for every 10 sold. The cover is made from a blend of materials, including organic cotton, wool and recycled bottles.
What the reviews say: “Don’t buy this bed if you ever want to get of bed again!,” starts one glowing review. “[It’s] soft, yet with great support. We are side sleepers and back sleepers, and always comfortable.” Says another Leesa customer, “I used to dread going to bed, now I cannot wait. This mattress is so comfortable and my back thanks you all.”
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Premier Rest (Queen)
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I’m a freelance writer here at Forbes covering sleep and beauty. I’ve been freelancing for the last 17 years and I’ve written extensively about fitness, health, sleep, general wellness, beauty, parenting and lifestyle topics. For more about me, check out my website or connect with me on Instagram and Linked In.
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