I Tested 43+ Mattresses to Find the 10 Best Soft Mattresses of 2026

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Every mattress we recommend is tested hands-on by Sarah Anderson, our Certified Sleep Coach and Mattress Tester, who has personally tested 43+ mattresses using our mattress testing methodology. Each guide is scored on the same fixed measures and cites only credible sources, and our health-related content is reviewed by an independent board of sleep and medical experts. As products change, we re-test them so our recommendations reflect the current version of each bed.

After testing 43+ mattresses and narrowing this guide to 10 soft picks, the best soft mattress of 2026 is the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid because it gave me the strongest mix of plush cushioning, responsiveness, motion control, and edge support. I focused on pressure relief, spinal alignment, cooling and breathability, response time, motion transfer, edge support, trial period, and value so softer-mattress shoppers can choose a bed that matches their sleep position and body type.

Want to Just Know the Best Soft Mattresses of 2026?

• The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid is my top soft mattress pick because it delivered the best balance of plush cushioning, responsive movement, and hybrid support during testing. My shoulders and hips settled into the surface without the deep drag I felt on slower foam beds, and the coil base helped the mattress feel steadier near the edges.

How I Tested & Ranked the Best Soft Mattresses of 2026

I have personally tested 43+ mattresses, scoring every bed with the same six-part rubric and checking how each surface behaves in back, side, and stomach positions. For this guide, I also compare shoulder and hip cushioning, midsection support, sinkage depth, edge compression, partner movement, surface recovery, temperature feel, trial coverage, and the practical value delivered at the listed price.

Soft comfort carried the most weight in this ranking, but deep sinkage alone did not earn a place. A mattress needed to relieve pressure around the shoulders and hips without allowing the sleeper’s midsection to drop excessively. It also needed to respond well during position changes, provide a usable trial, and avoid a major support or performance weakness for its intended sleeper. The accordion below explains how the fixed scores and category-fit decisions were applied.

Our Take:

During testing, the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid felt like the softest pick that still gave me enough lift to move without feeling buried. My shoulders and hips settled into the Bio-Pur comfort layer, but the Active Flex layer added quicker pushback than I usually feel on deeply plush foam.

The hybrid build also helped the AS5 Hybrid feel steadier around the edges than the all-foam AS5. When I sat near the side, the perimeter compressed less than I expected for a soft mattress, which makes it a stronger fit for couples who want more usable surface area.

Best For:

• Side sleepers who want a soft hybrid that cushions the shoulders and hips.
• Combination sleepers who like plushness but still need easier repositioning.
• Couples who want a soft mattress with stronger edge support than all-foam options.

Compare Instead:

• Amerisleep AS5 if you want a softer all-foam memory foam feel.
• Zoma Boost if you want a medium-soft hybrid with less sinkage.
• Nest Bedding Sparrow if you want split firmness options for partners.

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid

Our Take:

The Zoma Boost is not as plush as the AS5 Hybrid, but it worked well as the responsive hybrid pick because it gave me more lift and easier movement. When I rolled from my side to my back, the Reactiv layer pushed back faster than the deeper foam beds, so I did not feel stuck in the surface.

During edge testing, the sides stayed steady when I sat near the perimeter. That makes the Zoma Boost a better choice for sleepers who want a softer feel but do not want the deep cradle of the AS5 Hybrid.

Best For:

• Side sleepers who want a medium-soft hybrid instead of an ultra-plush bed.
• Combination sleepers who need easier repositioning.
• Couples who want motion control with a more lifted feel.

Compare Instead:

• Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid if you want deeper plush cushioning.
• Vaya Hybrid if you want a lower-priced hybrid.
• Saatva Classic Plush Soft if you want a more traditional innerspring feel.

Read Our Full Review of the Zoma Boost

Our Take:

The Vaya Hybrid works as the budget pick because it gave me a softer, cushioned surface with quicker bounce than I expected at this price. When I changed positions, the foam and coil combination responded quickly, which matched its 10/10 Response Time score.

The tradeoff is motion and edge strength. Its 8/10 Edge Support and 8/10 Motion Transfer scores are lower than the top hybrids here, so couples who want the most stable perimeter or the quietest shared-bed feel may want AS5 Hybrid or Nest Bedding Sparrow instead.

Best For:

• Budget shoppers who want a soft-to-medium hybrid.
• Combination sleepers who want quicker movement than slow memory foam.
• Side and back sleepers who want cushioning without an ultra-plush feel.

Compare Instead:

• Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid if you want deeper cushioning and better edge support.
• Nest Bedding Sparrow if you want stronger motion control for couples.
• Zoma Boost if you want a medium-soft hybrid with a steadier edge.

Read Our Full Review of the Vaya Hybrid

Our Take:

The Helix Midnight Luxe worked best for side sleepers because the pillow top softened the first contact at my shoulders and hips. When I lay on my side, the surface had more give than the Vaya Hybrid, but the zoned support kept my midsection from dipping too far.

The feel is not as deeply plush as AS5 Hybrid, which is a tradeoff for sleepers who want a very soft mattress. It is better for side sleepers who want cushioning with a more balanced, medium feel.

Best For:

• Side sleepers who want shoulder cushioning with midsection support.
• Couples who want a soft-feeling hybrid with strong edges.
• Sleepers who want a pillow-top surface without an ultra-plush sink.

Compare Instead:

• Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid if you want a softer, deeper cushion.
• Nolah Evolution 15 Plush if you want a taller pillow-top feel.
• Saatva Classic Plush Soft if you want more innerspring bounce.

Read Our Full Review of the Helix Midnight Luxe

Our Take:

The Saatva Classic Plush Soft felt more buoyant than the foam-heavy soft mattresses. When I changed positions, the coil-on-coil build pushed back quickly, so I stayed more on top of the bed than inside it.

The Plush Soft top added cushioning at my shoulders, but this is still a more responsive innerspring feel, not a deep memory foam cradle. That makes it a better fit for sleepers who want a soft surface with bounce and edge strength.

Best For:

• Side sleepers who want a plush innerspring feel.
• Combination sleepers who like bounce and easy movement.
• Edge sleepers who sit or lie close to the side.

Compare Instead:

• Amerisleep AS5 if you want deeper memory foam contouring.
• AS5 Hybrid if you want a softer hybrid with less bounce.
• Nolah Evolution 15 Plush if you want a taller pillow-top feel.

Read Our Full Review of the Saatva Classic

Our Take:

The Nolah Evolution 15 Plush felt more cushioned at first contact than most hybrids on the page. When I lay on my side, the pillow top softened the surface around my shoulder, while the coil system kept the mattress from feeling flat or unstable.

Motion transfer was also stronger than I expected from a plush hybrid. When my testing partner shifted on the other side, movement stayed controlled, which makes this a good option for couples who want a softer pillow-top feel.

Best For:

• Side sleepers who want a cushioned pillow top.
• Couples who want a plush hybrid with low motion transfer.
• Sleepers who like a taller, more substantial mattress.

Compare Instead:

• AS5 Hybrid if you want a softer feel with more foam contouring.
• Saatva Classic Plush Soft if you want more bounce.
• Vaya Hybrid if you want a lower-priced option.

Read Our Full Review of the Nolah Evolution 15

Our Take:

The Organica Plush felt softer than the standard Organica but still more buoyant than memory foam. When I rolled from my side to my back, the latex responded quickly, so I did not feel trapped in the mattress.

The main tradeoff is feel. Latex has a springier surface than Bio-Pur or AirFoam, so sleepers who want a slow, deep hug may prefer Amerisleep AS5 or AS5 Hybrid. For shoppers who want plushness with faster rebound, Organica Plush is the better fit.

Best For:

• Side sleepers who want a plush latex hybrid.
• Combination sleepers who want quick response.
• Shoppers who prefer certification-backed natural materials.

Compare Instead:

• Amerisleep AS5 if you want deeper memory foam contouring.
• Nolah Evolution 15 Plush if you want a pillow-top hybrid feel.
• Saatva Classic Plush Soft if you want a more traditional innerspring feel.

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep Organica

Our Take:

The AS6 Black Series Plush should be framed as a 14-inch luxury hybrid, not a memory foam mattress. During testing, the surface felt cooler on first contact than the denser foam beds, and the Plush Soft option gave the deepest cushion in the Black Series lineup.

The PrecisionCoil core helped the mattress feel more stable than a soft all-foam bed, while the comfort layers absorbed movement well enough to support its 10/10 Motion Transfer score. The tradeoff is price: this is a luxury pick, so shoppers who want softness at a lower cost should compare it against AS5 Hybrid or Vaya Hybrid.

Best For:

• Side sleepers who want a plush hybrid with a cool-to-touch surface.
• Couples who want strong motion control.
• Shoppers who want a luxury soft mattress with firmness options.

Compare Instead:

• Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid if you want a lower-priced soft hybrid.
• Amerisleep AS5 if you want all-foam contouring.
• Zoma Boost if you want a more medium-soft feel with less sink.

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep AS6

Our Take:

The Amerisleep AS5 is the better fit for shoppers who want the softest all-foam feel instead of the extra lift of coils. During side testing, the top foam let my shoulders and hips settle more deeply than they did on AS5 Hybrid.

The Active Flex layer helped the surface recover better than traditional slow memory foam, but the 8/10 Response Time score shows it is still not as quick as the hybrid options. That makes it best for side sleepers who prioritize deep contouring over bounce.

Best For:

• Side sleepers who want an all-foam plush feel.
• Couples who want a soft mattress with low motion transfer.
• Sleepers who like deeper contouring and less coil bounce.

Compare Instead:

• AS5 Hybrid if you want stronger edge support and more lift.
• Zoma Boost if you want a quicker medium-soft hybrid.
• Nest Bedding Sparrow if you want split firmness options.

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep AS5

Our Take:

The Nest Bedding Sparrow Plush worked best for couples because it combined strong motion control with stable edge support. When my testing partner shifted on the other side, movement stayed quiet, and the edge felt steady enough for sitting and sleeping near the side.

The Plush version gives a softer surface, but the Energex foam responded faster than slow memory foam when I changed positions. The main tradeoff is setup choice: split firmness can be helpful, but couples need to choose each side carefully.

Best For:

• Couples who want plushness with low motion transfer.
• Partners who need different firmness options on larger sizes.
• Side sleepers who use the edge of the bed.

Compare Instead:

• AS5 Hybrid if both partners want the same soft hybrid feel.
• Amerisleep AS5 if you want an all-foam plush mattress.
• Nolah Evolution 15 Plush if you want a taller pillow-top surface.

Read Our Full Review of the Nest Bedding Sparrow

Benefits of a Soft Mattress

A soft mattress can be a strong fit for sleepers who need more cushioning at the shoulders, hips, or upper back. In testing, the best soft mattresses let the body settle into the surface without letting the hips sink so far that the sleeper felt unsupported.

Soft beds are usually most helpful for side sleepers, lightweight sleepers, and shoppers who dislike firm pressure at first contact. The key is balance: a soft mattress should cushion the body while still keeping the sleeper level enough to move and rest comfortably.

Who Should Consider a Soft Mattress?

Soft mattresses are not right for every sleeper. They work best when the plush surface matches your body weight, sleeping position, and support needs.

a. Side Sleepers

Side sleepers usually need more give at the shoulders and hips than back or stomach sleepers. During testing, the strongest soft picks cushioned those areas while still keeping the midsection from sinking too far.

b. Lightweight Sleepers

Lightweight sleepers often do not compress firmer mattresses enough to feel the comfort layers. A soft mattress can make the surface feel more adaptive and less rigid, especially for side sleepers under about 130 pounds.

c. Couples Who Want Cushioning and Motion Control

Soft foam and hybrid beds can help absorb movement when one partner shifts. Couples should still check edge support and motion transfer scores because some plush beds feel less stable near the perimeter.

d. Who May Want a Firmer Mattress?

Stomach sleepers, heavier sleepers, and back sleepers who feel their hips sinking too far may need a medium-firm or firm mattress instead. A soft bed should feel cushioned, not collapsed under the midsection.

Soft Mattress Types

Soft mattresses can be made from foam, latex, coils, or a mix of materials. The type of mattress affects how the softness feels during movement.

a. Soft Memory Foam Mattresses

Soft memory foam mattresses usually offer the deepest contour. They are best for sleepers who like a closer hug and lower bounce.

b. Soft Hybrid Mattresses

Soft hybrids combine plush comfort layers with coils. They usually feel easier to move on than all-foam soft beds and often have stronger edge support.

c. Soft Latex Hybrids

Soft latex hybrids feel more buoyant than memory foam. They are better for sleepers who want cushioning with faster response.

d. Soft Pillow-Top Mattresses

Pillow-top mattresses add a cushioned top layer over a support system. They can feel plush at first contact while still keeping more lift underneath.

How to Choose the Best Soft Mattress

Start with your main sleep position. Side sleepers usually need the deepest cushioning. Back sleepers should look for a soft mattress with enough support under the hips. Stomach sleepers should be cautious with very soft beds because they can allow too much midsection sink.

Then compare response time, edge support, motion transfer, and cooling and breathability. These scores help separate soft mattresses that feel plush but stable from soft mattresses that feel difficult to move on.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best soft mattress of 2026?

After testing 43+ mattresses for this guide, my best soft mattress pick is the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid. It gave me the strongest mix of plush cushioning, responsive movement, motion control, and edge support. It is best for side sleepers, combination sleepers, and couples who want a soft hybrid that does not feel overly sunken.

2. Is a soft mattress good?

A soft mattress can be good for side sleepers, lightweight sleepers, and shoppers who want more cushioning at the shoulders and hips. It is not the best fit for everyone. Back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and heavier sleepers should make sure the mattress still keeps the hips supported.

3. How do I know if my mattress is too soft?

Your mattress may be too soft if your hips sink much deeper than your shoulders or if changing positions feels difficult. A soft mattress should cushion your body, but it should not make the surface feel collapsed. If you feel more supported on a medium or medium-firm bed, your current mattress may be too soft.

4. Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress?

Neither firmness is better for every sleeper. Soft mattresses usually fit side sleepers and lightweight sleepers. Firmer mattresses usually fit stomach sleepers, many back sleepers, and heavier sleepers. The better choice is the mattress that keeps your body feeling level in your main sleep position.

5. What can I do if my mattress is too soft?

If your mattress is new, check whether you are still inside the sleep trial. If the mattress has softened with age, a firmer topper or more supportive base may help temporarily. If the surface is sagging or uneven, replacement is usually the better option.

6. Why are hotel mattresses so comfortable?

Hotel mattresses often feel comfortable because hotels pair the mattress with clean bedding, plush pillows, and sometimes a mattress topper. Many hotel beds also use a balanced medium or medium-soft feel, which can suit a wider range of guests than a very soft or very firm mattress.

Conclusion

After testing 43+ mattresses for this guide, the Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid is my top soft mattress pick because it gave me the best balance of plush cushioning, responsive movement, edge support, and motion control. It is the strongest starting point for side sleepers and combination sleepers who want a soft hybrid that still feels steady.

If you want a medium-soft hybrid with less sinkage, Zoma Boost is the better fit. If you want a lower-priced hybrid, Vaya Hybrid is the value pick. If you want deeper all-foam contouring, Amerisleep AS5 is the better memory foam option. Before buying, check the current price, sleep trial, warranty, and return terms on the brand’s website.