Firmness describes how soft or hard a mattress feels when you lie on it. Plush mattresses let you sink in more, firm mattresses keep you more on top, and medium sits in between. Firmness is about comfort, not quality: a plush mattress can be just as supportive as a firm one.
The three main feels
Plush
A plush mattress has a soft top that you sink into. Many people describe it as a hug. Plush feels often come from thick pillow tops, euro tops or memory foam comfort layers. As a general guideline, plush suits many side sleepers and lighter people who want pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.
Example: the Sleep In Spine Comfort Hybrid Mattress comes in a Plush or a Firm feel at the same price: $340.99 twin, $385.99 double, $470.99 queen and $670.99 king.
Medium
Medium is the middle ground: some cushioning on top with steady support underneath. It's a common choice for couples who sleep differently, people who change positions at night, and many back sleepers.
Most of the Canadian-made mattresses in our medium mattresses collection list a rating on the manufacturer's firmness meter:
- 5/10: Hybrid Ice Mattress ($375.00 queen), Snow Hybrid Mattress ($550.00 queen), Revive Hybrid Mattress ($630.00 queen)
- 6/10: 7" Prime Foam Mattress ($150.00 queen), Parkview Hybrid Mattress ($400.00 queen), Nora Hybrid Mattress ($450.00 queen), Spinopedic Pocket Coil Mattress ($500.00 queen)
Firm
A firm mattress keeps you on top of the surface with less sink. Many stomach sleepers, and some back sleepers, prefer this feel. Firm mattresses often have high density foam or a firm foam core with a thinner quilted top.
Examples (queen prices):
- Sleep In Premium Spring Free Firm Foam Mattress, firm foam core with no springs: $294.99
- Alora Hard Foam Mattress (Extra Firm), an extra hard high density foam block base with a soft foam filled quilted top: $340.99
- Sleep In Spine Comfort Hybrid Mattress in the Firm feel: $470.99
Browse our firm mattresses.
How firmness scales work
Many manufacturers rate firmness from 1 (softest) to 10 (firmest). As a rough guide, people often call 1 to 3 plush, 4 to 6 medium and 7 to 10 firm. Keep in mind:
- Scales are not standard. Each brand uses its own scale, so a 6/10 from one maker may not feel the same as a 6/10 from another.
- Labels can overlap. "Medium firm" or "medium to firm" usually means just above the middle. For example, the Dreamtime Dream Classic Euro Top Pocket Coil Mattress is described as a medium to firm feeling ($390.99 queen), and the Sleep In Velvet Rose Euro Top Mattress has a one-side medium firm euro top ($325.99 queen).
- Body weight changes the feel. Many heavier people find a mattress feels softer than its rating, and many lighter people find it feels firmer.
Firmness vs support
Firmness is how the top feels. Support is how well the mattress holds your body in a comfortable line. The support usually comes from the core: pocket coils in a hybrid, or high density foam in an all-foam mattress. The comfort layers on top decide most of the feel.
That's why two mattresses with similar support can feel very different. The Dreamtime Emperor Dream Euro Top Pocket Coil Mattress uses firm foam in the topper so you don't sink as much ($445.99 queen). The Dreamtime Aagean Series Pillow Top Pocket Coil Mattress has a plush foam pillow top for a softer feel ($525.99 queen). Both have a 3-zone pocket coil core.
Can't decide? Some mattresses give you two feels
Two-sided mattresses let you flip for a different feel. The Alora Hazel Two-Sided Memory Foam Mattress has a memory foam top on one side and a high density quilted top on the other ($535.99 queen). The Alora Sweet Sleep Reversible Foam Mattress (Rolled) is another reversible option ($310.99 queen).
Before you order
We are an online store, and mattresses are final sale under our returns policy, with no sleep trial. Read the product details and choose your size first (see mattress sizes in Canada). If you'd like help, call us at 437-995-4507. Mattress warranties come from the manufacturer, vary by mattress, and are listed on each product page.
Quick answers
Is plush or firm better for back pain?
There is no single answer. Many people with back discomfort choose a medium to medium-firm feel, but comfort is personal. If you have a medical condition, ask your health care provider.
What does 6/10 firmness mean?
On the manufacturer's own scale, 6/10 is just above the middle, a medium feel. Scales vary between brands.
Is medium firmness good for couples?
Medium is a common choice for couples because it sits between what side and back sleepers tend to prefer.
Does a firmer mattress last longer?
Firmness is about feel, not lifespan. How a mattress holds up depends on its materials and how it's used.
Compare our plush, medium and firm mattresses, or read how to choose a mattress for your sleep position.