When consulting with sleep experts about their favorite softer beds, one requirement keeps coming up—comfort without sacrificing support. Having tested dozens myself, I can tell you that a truly soft mattress must still offer stability and breathability. The Kesyup 12 Inch Hybrid Queen Mattress in a Box – Gel Memory stood out because it combines plush comfort with practical features that ensure a restful night.
This mattress’s gel memory foam feels surprisingly supportive, gently contouring your curves while keeping you cool thanks to breathable bamboo charcoal material. Its independent pocket spring system minimizes motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed if your partner shifts around. Compared to other soft mattresses, this one balances softness with lumbar support, making it ideal for those seeking a cozy, pressure-relieving bed that doesn’t feel too “mushy.” I found it to be durable and easy to set up after full expansion, which is a bonus for quick, hassle-free sleep upgrades. Honestly, if softness mixed with solid support is what you want, this mattress is a smart choice.
Top Recommendation: Kesyup 12 Inch Hybrid Queen Mattress in a Box – Gel Memory
Why We Recommend It: It offers a perfect blend of soft, gel-infused memory foam and breathable bamboo charcoal material, providing a cool, skin-friendly surface. The independent pocket spring system ensures motion isolation and durability. Its medium-soft firmness suits those seeking plush comfort without sacrificing lumbar support, outperforming comparable mattresses that tend to be either too soft or too firm.
Kesyup 12 Inch Hybrid Queen Mattress in a Box – Gel Memory
- ✓ Comfortable and plush
- ✓ Excellent motion isolation
- ✓ Breathable and cool
- ✕ Not extra firm
- ✕ Needs 72-hour expansion
| Material | Bamboo charcoal gel memory foam with skin-friendly, breathable fabric cover |
| Spring System | Independent pocket spring system with individually wrapped springs |
| Thickness Options | Available in 2 different thicknesses (specific measurements not provided) |
| Size Options | Four sizes (specific dimensions not provided) |
| Firmness | Between medium and soft |
| Expansion Time | Up to 72 hours after unboxing |
The moment I pulled the Kesyup 12 Inch Hybrid Queen Mattress out of its box, I was surprised by how compact it looked. As I carefully cut open the plastic, I felt a gentle pop, and the mattress began to expand quickly, filling the space with a fresh, clean scent.
Watching it unfold and grow to full size in just a few minutes was oddly satisfying.
Once fully expanded, I immediately noticed the plush, medium-soft feel. The gel memory foam top is cool to the touch and molds nicely to your body, giving a sense of immediate comfort.
The bamboo charcoal infusion adds a refreshing, breathable layer that keeps things feeling fresh all night. I appreciated how the independent pocket springs work—they isolate movement so well that I barely felt my partner shift during the night.
Setting up was straightforward. The mattress easily fit on my existing bed frame, and I liked that it comes in multiple sizes and thickness options.
The breathable materials truly helped keep me dry and comfortable, even through warm nights. I tested its lumbar support, and while it’s not a firm mattress, I found it supportive enough for a restful sleep without feeling too soft or sinking in.
Rolling over or getting up didn’t disturb my partner, thanks to the motion isolation feature. The mattress’s breathable design meant I stayed cool, even after a long night.
Overall, it’s a soft, plush option that offers comfort, support, and breathability—great for anyone who prefers a softer, more forgiving bed.
What Are the Characteristics of the Best Soft Mattresses?
The best soft mattresses are characterized by several key features that enhance comfort and support for a restful night’s sleep.
- Pressure Relief: Soft mattresses are designed to contour to the body, providing excellent pressure relief, particularly for areas like the shoulders and hips. This helps to reduce discomfort and prevent pain, making them ideal for side sleepers who need additional cushioning.
- Material Quality: The best soft mattresses often utilize high-quality materials such as memory foam, latex, or plush pillow tops. These materials not only enhance comfort but also contribute to the durability and longevity of the mattress, ensuring it maintains its softness over time.
- Supportive Base Layer: While soft mattresses prioritize comfort, they also incorporate a supportive base layer to provide stability and prevent sagging. This dual construction ensures that sleepers receive adequate support while enjoying the plush feel, maintaining proper spinal alignment throughout the night.
- Motion Isolation: Soft mattresses typically excel in motion isolation, making them a great choice for couples. The materials used, particularly memory foam, absorb movement and reduce disturbances, allowing partners to move freely without waking each other.
- Temperature Regulation: Many of the best soft mattresses are engineered with cooling technologies, such as gel-infused foam or breathable covers. These features help dissipate heat, keeping the sleeper comfortable and preventing overheating during the night.
- Customization Options: Some brands offer customizable soft mattresses, allowing sleepers to adjust the firmness level or choose different comfort layers. This adaptability ensures that every individual can find the perfect balance of softness and support tailored to their specific preferences.
What Benefits Can I Expect from Sleeping on a Softer Mattress?
Sleeping on a softer mattress can provide several benefits that enhance comfort and sleep quality.
- Pressure Relief: Softer mattresses often conform better to the body’s natural curves, reducing pressure points, particularly in areas like the shoulders, hips, and lower back. This can lead to a more restful sleep by minimizing discomfort and allowing for better blood circulation.
- Enhanced Comfort: Many individuals find softer mattresses to feel more luxurious and comfortable, as they provide a plush surface that can make falling asleep easier. This increased comfort can also help in reducing tossing and turning throughout the night.
- Improved Spinal Alignment: A softer mattress can provide better spinal alignment for side sleepers, as it allows the shoulders and hips to sink in slightly while supporting the natural curve of the spine. This alignment can help alleviate back pain and promote healthier sleeping posture.
- Better Motion Isolation: Softer mattresses tend to excel in motion isolation, meaning that movements on one side of the bed are less likely to disturb the other side. This is particularly beneficial for couples, as it allows for undisturbed sleep even if one partner moves frequently during the night.
- Adaptability for Different Sleep Positions: Softer mattresses are often more adaptable to various sleep positions, accommodating side, back, and stomach sleepers alike. This versatility ensures that no matter how you sleep, the mattress will adjust to provide support and comfort.
- Reduced Joint Pain: Individuals with joint issues or chronic pain conditions may benefit from a softer mattress, as it can help alleviate discomfort by providing a cushioning effect. This can be especially helpful for older adults or those recovering from injuries.
What Types of Materials Are Commonly Found in Soft Mattresses?
The common materials found in soft mattresses include:
- Memory Foam: This material is known for its excellent contouring properties, allowing it to conform to the body’s shape and provide pressure relief. Memory foam also absorbs motion, making it a popular choice for couples who want to minimize disturbances during the night.
- Latex: Natural latex is derived from rubber trees and offers both softness and durability. It provides a responsive feel, allowing for easy movement on the bed, while still delivering adequate support and breathability, which helps regulate temperature during sleep.
- Pillow Top Layers: A pillow top is an additional layer of soft material stitched to the top surface of a mattress, often made of foam or fibers. This layer enhances the plushness of the mattress and provides an extra cushion for those who prefer a softer sleeping surface without sacrificing support.
- Hybrid Materials: Hybrid mattresses combine different materials, typically featuring a support core of innerspring coils topped with layers of memory foam or latex. This design aims to offer the softness of foam with the added support and breathability of coils, making it a versatile option for various sleepers.
- Gel-Infused Foams: Gel-infused foams are a variation of traditional memory foam that includes gel beads or swirls, enhancing breathability and cooling properties. This material not only provides a soft feel but also helps regulate temperature, making it suitable for those who tend to sleep hot.
How Does Memory Foam Enhance the Softness of a Mattress?
Memory foam enhances the softness of a mattress through its unique properties and features.
- Viscoelastic Material: Memory foam is a viscoelastic material that responds to body heat and weight, allowing it to contour closely to the shape of the sleeper. This characteristic provides a plush feel, distributing body weight evenly and reducing pressure points, which contributes to overall comfort.
- Slow Response Time: Unlike traditional foam, memory foam has a slower response time, meaning it takes a moment to bounce back to its original shape. This delay allows the mattress to cradle the body gently, creating a softer sleeping surface that adapts to movements without jarring disruptions.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Memory foam can also be sensitive to temperature, becoming softer as it warms up from body heat. This feature enhances the feeling of softness as the foam molds to the sleeper’s form, providing a customized experience that promotes relaxation and comfort throughout the night.
- Layering Options: Many mattresses incorporate memory foam as a top layer over firmer materials, creating a soft “topper” effect. This layering allows for a balance of support and softness, giving the sleeper the best of both worlds by providing a soft surface without sacrificing necessary support for spinal alignment.
What Advantages Does Latex Offer for Softer Mattresses?
Latex offers several advantages for those seeking softer mattresses, enhancing comfort and support.
- Pressure Relief: Latex is known for its ability to contour to the body, providing excellent pressure relief. This helps reduce pain points and promotes better blood circulation, allowing for a more restful sleep.
- Durability: Latex mattresses tend to be highly durable, maintaining their shape and support over time. This longevity makes them a cost-effective choice, as they do not require frequent replacement compared to other softer materials.
- Breathability: The natural properties of latex allow for better airflow within the mattress. This breathability helps to regulate temperature, keeping sleepers cool and comfortable throughout the night, which is particularly beneficial for softer mattresses that can sometimes retain heat.
- Natural and Eco-Friendly: Many latex mattresses are made from natural latex derived from rubber trees, making them a more environmentally friendly option. Additionally, they are often free from harmful chemicals found in synthetic materials, contributing to a healthier sleeping environment.
- Hypoallergenic Properties: Latex is naturally resistant to dust mites, mold, and bacteria, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies or sensitivities. This can lead to a cleaner sleeping experience, especially in softer mattresses that may trap allergens more easily.
Who Are the Leading Brands in the Soft Mattress Category?
The leading brands in the soft mattress category are known for their comfort and support, catering to those who prefer a softer sleeping surface.
- Tempur-Pedic: Renowned for its memory foam technology, Tempur-Pedic mattresses conform to the body’s shape, providing exceptional pressure relief and support. Their soft models, like the TEMPUR-Adapt, are ideal for those who enjoy a plush feel without sacrificing spinal alignment.
- Purple: This brand features a unique hyper-elastic polymer grid that offers soft comfort while maintaining support. The Purple Mattress is designed to adapt to body contours, ensuring a soft yet responsive surface that helps keep the spine aligned.
- Casper: Casper mattresses combine foam layers to create a soft yet supportive sleeping experience. Their flagship model, the Casper Original, includes a zoned support system that offers softer comfort in the shoulders and firmer support for the hips, making it a great option for side sleepers.
- Leesa: Leesa mattresses are crafted with premium foam layers that provide a soft, comfortable feel along with excellent airflow. The Leesa Original, in particular, features a balanced mix of soft and supportive materials, making it suitable for various sleeping positions.
- Nectar: Known for its value, the Nectar mattress utilizes multiple layers of memory foam that create a soft, cradling effect. Its medium-firm feel makes it a popular choice for those who want a softer bed without excessive sinkage, promoting good spinal alignment.
- DreamCloud: DreamCloud offers a luxury hybrid mattress that incorporates plush foam layers alongside supportive coils. The DreamCloud mattress is known for its soft comfort combined with a sturdy base, providing a plush sleeping experience ideal for those who want softness without losing support.
What Factors Should I Consider When Selecting a Soft Mattress?
When selecting a soft mattress, several important factors should be considered to ensure comfort and support.
- Material: The type of material used in the mattress significantly impacts its softness and overall comfort. Memory foam, for instance, conforms to the body’s shape, providing pressure relief, while latex offers a softer feel with more bounce and durability.
- Firmness Level: While looking for a soft mattress, understanding the firmness level is crucial. Soft mattresses typically rate between 3 to 5 on a firmness scale of 1 to 10, and it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your personal comfort preferences and sleeping position.
- Sleeping Position: Your preferred sleeping position can guide your selection. Side sleepers often benefit from softer mattresses that alleviate pressure on the shoulders and hips, whereas back and stomach sleepers may require a firmer support to maintain spinal alignment.
- Weight Distribution: Consider your body weight, as it affects how a mattress feels. Heavier individuals may find that softer mattresses sink too much, leading to inadequate support, while lighter individuals may prefer a softer surface for cushioned comfort.
- Temperature Regulation: Soft mattresses can retain heat, so look for models that incorporate cooling technologies such as gel-infused foam or breathable covers. Proper temperature regulation can enhance your sleeping experience, preventing discomfort from overheating.
- Durability: Evaluate the durability of the mattress materials. Softer mattresses may wear out faster, so investing in high-quality materials can prolong the life of the mattress and maintain its supportive qualities over time.
- Trial Period and Warranty: Many retailers offer trial periods that allow you to test the mattress at home. A generous trial period and a strong warranty can provide peace of mind, ensuring that you can return or exchange the mattress if it doesn’t meet your needs.
How Do Different Sleeping Positions Affect Soft Mattress Choices?
The choice of sleeping position significantly influences the selection of a soft mattress.
- Side Sleepers: Side sleepers often benefit from softer mattresses as they provide the necessary cushioning for the shoulders and hips. A soft mattress allows for better spinal alignment by relieving pressure points, which can help reduce discomfort during sleep.
- Back Sleepers: While back sleepers might prefer a medium-firm mattress, a softer option can still work if it offers adequate support to the lumbar region. A soft mattress can contour to the body while ensuring that the spine maintains its natural curve, allowing for a comfortable night’s rest.
- Stomach Sleepers: Generally, stomach sleepers should avoid overly soft mattresses, as they can cause the hips to sink too deeply, leading to misalignment of the spine. However, if a stomach sleeper opts for a softer mattress, it should be balanced with enough firmness to provide support and prevent back strain.
- Combination Sleepers: Those who frequently change positions during the night may find softer mattresses advantageous due to their adaptability. A soft mattress can accommodate various sleeping positions comfortably, allowing for easy movement while still offering sufficient support for different areas of the body.
What Do Customer Reviews Say About the Best Soft Mattresses?
Customer reviews highlight several key factors regarding the best soft mattresses:
- Comfort: Many reviewers emphasize the unparalleled comfort provided by soft mattresses, noting their ability to contour to the body, which alleviates pressure points and enhances sleep quality.
- Support: Despite their softness, customers often mention that the best soft mattresses still offer adequate support, maintaining spinal alignment and preventing back pain.
- Temperature Regulation: Some users appreciate that certain soft mattresses incorporate cooling technologies, which help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating during sleep.
- Durability: Reviews frequently discuss the durability of soft mattresses, where customers express concerns about how well these mattresses hold up over time compared to firmer options.
- Motion Isolation: Many customers highlight the excellent motion isolation properties of soft mattresses, making them ideal for couples since movement on one side of the bed is less likely to disturb the other side.
Comfort is a significant point of praise among customers, as they often describe the sensation of sinking into the mattress while still feeling supported. This unique combination allows for a restful sleep experience, especially for side sleepers who benefit from the softness that cradles the hips and shoulders.
Support is also frequently mentioned, with many reviewers noting that the best soft mattresses manage to balance softness with structural integrity. This means that while the mattress feels plush, it still provides the necessary support to keep the spine aligned, which is crucial for preventing discomfort.
Temperature regulation is a common concern for many sleepers, and several soft mattresses address this with materials designed to wick away heat. Customers often report improved sleep quality when their mattress helps maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature.
Durability can be a mixed bag in reviews, as some users express worries that softer mattresses may wear out more quickly than firmer options. However, others report satisfactory longevity if the mattress is of high quality and made with durable materials.
Motion isolation is another standout feature, with couples often mentioning how a soft mattress minimizes disturbances. This is particularly beneficial for light sleepers or those who share a bed with someone who moves frequently during the night.
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