How To Find The Right Comfort Level
Get Your Best Sleep With the Right Mattress
When it comes to choosing a mattress, comfort is not one-size-fits-all. You might think that side sleepers always need a soft bed or that anyone with back pain needs the firmest option—but the truth is more nuanced.
With so many mattress types—memory foam, hybrid, innerspring, latex—and various comfort levels from plush to ultra-firm, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide will help you navigate the key steps to find the right comfort level for your sleep style, body type, and personal needs.
Why Mattress Comfort Is Personal
Each mattress brand, material, and collection offers slightly different feel and support. A medium-firm mattress from one manufacturer might feel similar to a firm bed from another. That’s why you should focus on how a bed feels to you, not just the label on the tag.
Key factors that affect mattress comfort:
Your sleep position (side, back, stomach, combination)
Your body weight and pressure points
Any medical needs or chronic conditions
The materials used inside the mattress
Your personal comfort preferences (do you like to feel “hugged” or supported?)
1. Don’t Assume Your Mattress Will “Break In” Perfectly
We hear it all the time:
“This bed feels a little firm now, but I bet it will soften over time.”
While it’s true that all mattresses have a minor break-in period (just like a new pair of shoes), you should not assume that a firm mattress will become medium or that a plush mattress will magically firm up over time.
If you’re buying a high-quality, handcrafted mattress with durable materials (like natural latex or pocketed coils), it should maintain its comfort level for many years. Yes, the top layers may relax slightly, but the overall feel—firm, medium, plush—will stay consistent.
2. Choose a Mattress Store That Offers Comfort Adjustments
Even when you lie on a mattress in the showroom, it’s hard to know how it will feel after sleeping on it for a few nights, let alone over the next 10–15 years. That’s why it’s crucial to buy from a local mattress company that stands behind its products and offers a comfort adjustment program or satisfaction guarantee.
At Yankee Mattress, for example, we offer a 100-night comfort adjustment guarantee—because your long-term comfort matters.
Look for:
Return or comfort exchange policies
Local service and support (not just a national call center)
Transparency about materials and durability
3. Go In-Store and Test the Mattresses
Online mattress shopping is convenient, but nothing beats trying a mattress in person. We highly recommend visiting your local showroom to feel the differences between firm, medium, and plush beds.
Pro tips when trying mattresses in-store:
✔ Mimic how you actually sleep—side, back, or stomach
✔ Remove jackets, bulky clothing, or accessories that affect your feel
✔ Spend at least 10 minutes lying on each mattress to let your body settle
✔ Keep an open mind—a trained showroom expert can guide you toward options you may not have considered
Remember, what feels good in the first 30 seconds might not be the best fit long-term. Give yourself time to relax and notice how your body responds.
Bonus Tip: Pay Attention to Materials
Different mattress materials create different comfort experiences:
Memory foam contours and “hugs” your body, great for pressure relief
Latex offers a more buoyant, responsive feel with natural cooling properties
Hybrid mattresses combine coils and foam for support plus contouring
Innerspring models provide classic, firm support with a bouncy feel
Ask the showroom team to walk you through the materials inside each bed, so you understand why one might feel better for you than another.
Final Thoughts: Invest in the Right Comfort
Your mattress is one of the most important investments you’ll make for your health, well-being, and daily energy. By following these tips—taking your time in the showroom, understanding your personal comfort needs, and working with a trusted local company—you’ll set yourself up for years of better, more restful sleep.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Fit?
Visit any of our Western Massachusetts showrooms (Agawam, Northampton, Springfield, or Greenfield) and let our team guide you to the mattress that’s truly made for you.