Firm vs Medium Mattress: Which Mattress Firmness Is Right for You?

Choosing the right mattress firmness is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your sleep. If you’re comparing a firm vs medium mattress, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common questions UK mattress buyers ask.

At Simply Mattresses, we’ve created this mattress firmness guide to help you understand the difference between firm, medium, and medium-firm mattresses, so you can choose the best mattress for your sleep position, body type, and comfort needs.

What Is a Firm Mattress?

A firm mattress provides a solid, supportive sleeping surface with minimal sink. It’s designed to keep your spine aligned and prevent your hips and lower back from dipping too deeply into the mattress.

Who should choose a firm mattress?

A firm mattress is ideal for:

• Back sleepers who need strong spinal support
• Stomach sleepers who benefit from a flatter surface
• Heavier sleepers, as firmer mattresses provide better long-term support
• Anyone looking for a firm mattress in the UK that feels stable and supportive

If you prefer a mattress that feels supportive rather than soft, a firm mattress could be the right choice.

What Is a Medium Mattress?

A medium mattress offers a balance of comfort and support. It provides gentle cushioning while still supporting healthy spinal alignment, making it one of the most versatile mattress firmness options.

Who should choose a medium mattress?

A medium mattress is ideal for:

• Side sleepers, who need pressure relief at the shoulders and hips
• Combination sleepers, who change positions during the night
• Shoppers unsure whether to choose a firm or soft mattress

Medium mattresses are also commonly used in hotels, as they suit a wide range of sleepers. If you’re searching for a medium mattress in the UK, this firmness level is often the safest and most popular option.

Medium-Firm Mattresses: The Best of Both Worlds

A medium-firm mattress sits between firm and medium, offering supportive structure with added comfort. Many people find this firmness level ideal for everyday comfort and spinal alignment.

A medium-firm mattress is often recommended for:

• Back pain relief
• Couples with different firmness preferences
• Sleepers torn between a firm vs medium mattress

Firm vs Medium Mattress: Key Differences

When comparing a firm vs medium mattress, the main difference is how much cushioning and contouring you feel.

How to Choose the Right Mattress Firmness

Your sleeping position

• Back sleepers: Firm or medium-firm mattress
• Side sleepers: Medium mattress for pressure relief
• Combination sleepers: Medium or medium-firm mattress

Your body weight

• Heavier sleepers: Firmer mattresses offer better support
• Lighter sleepers: Medium mattresses provide better contouring

Comfort preference

If you like a softer feel, a medium mattress is usually best. If you prefer a solid, supportive surface, a firm mattress may suit you better.

Is a Firm or Medium Mattress Better for Back Pain?

For most people, a medium-firm mattress is considered the best mattress for back pain. It supports the spine while reducing pressure points. However, the ideal mattress firmness depends on your sleep position and personal comfort preferences.

How to Tell If Your Mattress Is Too Firm

Your mattress may be too firm if you:

• Wake up with shoulder or hip pain
• Feel pressure points while sleeping
• Experience stiffness rather than support in the morning

In these cases, switching to a medium or medium-firm mattress may improve comfort and sleep quality.

Find the Right Mattress at Simply Mattresses

Whether you’re looking for a firm mattress, medium mattress, or medium-firm mattress in the UK, Simply Mattresses offers a wide range of options to suit every sleeper.

Browse our collection today and discover a mattress that delivers the comfort and support you need for a better night’s sleep.