A medium-firm mattress is a mattress that combines firm back support with light contouring for balanced comfort. It’s a popular choice, ideal for someone who values the pressure-relieving benefits of a medium mattress but prefers a slightly firmer, more solid feel.

A medium-firm mattress typically lands at around 6-7 on the firmness scale, which ranges from 0 for very soft/ultra plush to 10 for super or extra firm.

A medium-firm mattress feels supportive but comfortable. It feels firmer than a standard medium mattress but yields more under pressure and provides more of a hugging sensation than a firm mattress.

While often offering the same level of support, a medium-firm mattress has a softer feel, with more cushioning, than a firm mattress. A firm mattress sits at a robust 8 on the firmness scale (1-10), whereas a medium-firm mattress usually falls at 6-7 – with medium starting at 5.

Different mattress firmness levels suit different sleepers, so neither a firm nor medium-firm mattress is categorically better. The right mattress firmness for you will depend on your personal comfort preference, sleep position, body weight and any specific sleep concerns such as back pain.

Balancing support with light contouring, a medium-firm mattress is considered a good option for the majority of sleepers. It is suitable for many back sleepers, freestyle sleepers and those with back pain.

Keeping the spine in alignment, firm mattresses are also often recommended for back pain. As well as heavier individuals. A top pick for stomach sleepers as they prevent the hips from sinking, they also suit many back sleepers. However, side sleepers will likely prefer a medium to medium-firm mattress as it provides more cushioning for their pressure points.