The best mattresses support the spine in proper alignment while balancing pressure distribution and cushioning. Adequate support from a mattress is important for reducing back pain.

But for those who prefer a softer sleeping experience, you may be wondering if a soft mattress provides support or is just bad for your back. The good news is that a mattress can be both soft and supportive, as long as the mattress has enough support layers.

If you're looking for a soft yet supportive bed, the best mattress is one that fits your body type, sleep style, and sleep needs. Here's how to choose a soft yet supportive mattress. Let's get started.

Soft mattresses are not famous for being supportive, but mattresses can be both soft and supportive. Likewise, a mattress can be firm but not supportive. The amount of support a mattress provides depends on how many support layers there are.

Firmness is subjective, and body type and sleeping style can make a mattress softer or firmer. However, a firmness rating of 4 or 5 out of 10 is widely considered soft. On the other hand, a rating of 2 or 3 out of 10 is called marshmallow soft, meaning it is fluffy and sinks in noticeably.

A mattress with a soft firmness rating does not necessarily mean it is less supportive. The Saatva Classic, which we rate as the best mattress in the world (you can see why in our Saatva Classic mattress review), has five distinctive support layers and three different firmness levels, including plush soft.

Saatva rates the plush-soft firmness as a 3 out of 10. Despite its softer firmness, the Saatva Classic is one of the best mattresses for back pain due to the supportive combination of coils and pressure-dispersing foam.

As for mattress firmness, it depends on your sleeping style. Medium to medium firmness is the best because it balances comfort, pressure dispersion, and healthy spine alignment. Side sleepers, on the other hand, benefit from the sink-in and pressure-relieving support provided by soft or plush mattresses.

However, body type also has a significant impact on which firmness mattress to choose. A light-weight person (150 lbs. or less) will find a medium firm or firm bed to be much firmer than someone over 150 lbs. In this case, a softer mattress may be necessary for a lighter-than-average weight person to provide adequate back support.

Similarly, a person weighing 250 pounds or more will find a medium-firm mattress much softer than a person of average weight. In that case, finding the best firmness mattress will give them the medium firmness they are looking for.

Mattresses will naturally soften over time, which could indicate that they are beginning to lose support. However, if the mattress is relatively new and firmer than feels comfortable, it can be made to feel softer.

The best mattress toppers can change the firmness of a mattress, making a hard mattress feel softer. A fluffy mattress topper, about 4 inches deep, provides the sink-in support, like a pillow, that is currently lacking in sleep.

Bed toppers made of down or memory foam also provide soft, comfortable support, cradling the body and gently relieving pressure points.

However, it is also worth checking the thermostat in the bedroom, as the mattress may feel firmer if the room is cold. If you cannot turn on the heat, use a heating blanket or hot water bottle to add warmth to the bed. Heated blankets can be used on memory foam mattresses as long as the blankets are not placed directly on top of the foam or left on all night.