Best soft medium mattress: what it means & who it’s for
- Jennifer Connelly
- May 6
- 3 min read
If you’re looking for the best soft medium mattress, you’re probably not thinking about technical terms, you just want something that feels comfortable, supportive, and right for your body.
A soft medium mattress sits in that ideal middle ground. It gives you a gentle, cushioned feel that relieves pressure on your shoulders and hips, while still providing enough support to keep your spine aligned.
This guide breaks it all down clearly - what a soft medium mattress actually feels like and who it’s best suited to.
If you want to get straight into it and see the best soft medium mattresses available, these two options are excellent choices:
The Fountains 4,000 Pocket Mattress
A beautifully balanced medium-soft pocket sprung mattress, the Fountains 4,000 offers:
4,000 individual pocket springs for responsive support
Generous natural fillings for a plush, cushioned feel
Excellent pressure relief for shoulders and hips
A breathable design to help regulate temperature
A medium mattress with a soft pillow topper
The Sawley 8,000 Pocket Mattress
For a more premium feel, the Sawley 8,000 takes comfort to the next level:
8,000 pocket springs for enhanced contouring and support
Natural fillings for better breathability and temerpature control
Superior pressure relief and weight distribution
A high-end, hotel-quality feel
This mattress is best for those wanting a medium mattress on the softer side, especially ideal if you want a softer feel but still need extra support thanks to the higher spring count.
What is a soft medium mattress?
A soft medium mattress (often called medium-soft) sits just below a true medium on the firmness scale. A soft medium mattress has noticeable sink and cushioning, gently contours around shoulders and hips, but still offers underlying support to keep your spine aligned
It’s essentially the sweet spot for people who want comfort and support without feeling like they’ve sunk into the mattress.
Here’s where things get tricky. There is no universal standard for mattress firmness across the industry. That means one company’s “medium-soft” could feel like another’s “medium”. Materials like memory foam vs pocket springs, can also change how firmness feels. Even the same mattress can feel different depending on your body weight.
Labels are a guide, not a guarantee. That’s why it’s important to look beyond the name and focus on construction (e.g. pocket springs vs foam), fillings and comfort layers and your own body weight and sleeping position.
Your weight is the most important factor
When choosing any mattress, especially a soft medium, your body weight is the single biggest factor in how it will feel and perform.
Your weight determines how deeply you sink into the mattress, how much support you need and how evenly your body weight is distributed.
If you're under 13 Stone (aprox 82kg)
A soft medium mattress typically works beautifully. It provides enough softness for pressure relief and enough support to keep the spine aligned.
If you're over 13 stone (but still want a softer feel)
You don’t necessarily need to avoid a soft medium mattress, but you do need to choose more carefully. If you prefer a softer feel but carry more weight, look for a higher spring count and choose a mattress with strong underlying support.
This is important because:
More springs help distribute your weight more evenly
This prevents excessive sinkage in one area
It improves overall support and spinal alignment
It significantly increases the longevity of the mattress
Another great option is choosing a medium or firm mattress, and then buying a soft pillow topper to add the softness that you're looking for.
If you'd like more help on how to choose the right mattress for you, you can learn more in our mattress buying guide, or call us on 01845 444 365 to chat to one of our sleep experts.
Who is a soft medium mattress best for?
A soft medium mattress is typically best suited to:
1. Lighter to average weight sleepers (under 13 stone)
Better contouring without losing support
Comfortable cushioning at pressure points
2. Side sleepers
Side sleepers benefit from:
Softer support at shoulders and hips
Improved spinal alignment
3. Those who prefer a plush, comfortable feel
Perfect if you enjoy:
A cosy, cushioned surface
A gentle “sink-in” feel
When a soft medium mattress might not be right
It may not suit:
Heavier individuals who choose lower spring counts
Those who prefer a firmer, more supportive feel
Stomach sleepers who need extra support
A soft medium mattress is all about balance, giving you enough softness to provide indulgent comfort, while still supporting your body properly.
The key things to remember:
Firmness labels vary between brands
Your weight matters more than the label
Higher spring counts are essential for support and durability if you’re heavier
If you’re after that “sink-in comfort” without losing support, a soft medium mattress like the Fountains 4,000 or Sawley 8,000 is a fantastic place to start.
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