A medium firm mattress is often described as a versatile option that provides a balance of comfort and support. But who exactly benefits from it? Here’s a breakdown of the types of sleepers who may find a medium firm mattress ideal:
The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Medium-Firm Mattress
Let's be real—buying a mattress is confusing. You’re bombarded with terms like "plush," "ultra-firm," and everything in between. But if you’re looking for that just-right feeling—not too soft where you sink in like quicksand, and not so hard that you wake up stiff—you're probably looking for a medium firm mattress.
This guide will help you understand why a medium firm mattress might be the perfect fit for you, how to choose one, and which models are worth considering in Australia.
Whether you're a back, side, or combination sleeper, this mattress could be the solution you’ve been searching for.

In this article
Who Needs a Medium Firm Mattress?
- Back Sleepers: If you sleep on your back, you need a mattress that provides support for your spine’s natural curve while preventing sagging. A medium firm mattress offers the right amount of firmness to keep your back aligned without feeling too rigid.

-
Side Sleepers Who Hate Sagging: Many side sleepers automatically look for soft or plush mattresses. But if you’ve ever woken up with a numb shoulder, you know that too soft is just as bad as too hard. The ideal surface for a side sleeper cradles the pressure points—your shoulders and hips—while still supporting your waist.
A high-quality medium firm mattress with targeted zoning can achieve this beautifully. The Newentor ergonomic hybrid mattress offers enough resistance to keep your hips from bottoming out but enough give to prevent your shoulder from jamming up. If you are comparing it against a true firm option, the medium firm provides the essential pressure relief needed to avoid morning aches.

- Combination Sleepers: Are you a sleeper who performs nightly acrobatics, flipping from your back to your side to your stomach? If so, you need a mattress that can keep up with your changing needs—you need versatility. A mattress that’s too specialized (like an ultra-soft cloud) will only work for one position, leaving you unsupported for the others. The balanced construction of the medium firm mattress supports all three major sleeping positions equally well. When you’re choosing your size, whether it’s a medium firm mattress queen for a spacious sleep or a medium firm double mattress for a smaller room, the inherent versatility of the medium firm feel remains constant.
- Heavier Sleepers: If you weigh more than average, you may prefer a medium firm mattress because it prevents you from sinking too deeply while providing solid support for spinal alignment. This can reduce pressure on areas like the lower back and hips. For more details, check out Best Mattress for Heavy People.
What is a Medium-Firm Mattress? How to Choose One?
To make the right selection, you first need to understand where the medium firm option sits on the standard firmness scale and what features define the best medium firm mattress.
What Defines a Medium Firm Mattress?
On a 1 to 10 firmness scale (where 1 is cloud-soft and 10 is brick-hard), the medium firm mattress typically falls in the 6.5 to 7.5 range.
- Soft (1–3): Deep sink, great pressure relief, poor spinal alignment for most.
- Medium (4–6): Good balance, but still slightly too soft for heavier sleepers.
- Medium Firm (6.5–7.5): The balanced sweet spot. It provides the support you need, but with a noticeable comfort layer. You sleep on the bed, but the top layer slightly contours to your curves.
- Firm (8–10): Very little contouring; you sleep strictly on top of the mattress.
The key difference between a firm and medium firm mattress lies in that top comfort layer. The firm option skips the luxurious top padding, while the medium firm adds a softer layer over a rigid support core.

What You Should Consider When Buying a Medium Firm Mattress?
1. Material: Hybrid vs. Foam
When choosing a medium firm queen mattress (or any size), the construction dramatically impacts the feel:
- Hybrid (Coils + Foam/Latex): These are often the best medium firm mattress options because the pocketed coil base provides the firm structural support (the "firm" part), while the top foam or latex layer provides the contouring cushion (the "medium" part). This combination also offers excellent bounce and superior airflow for cooling.
- All-Foam (High-Density Polyfoam/Memory Foam): To achieve a medium firm feel, all-foam models use a dense polyfoam base topped with a slightly softer memory foam. Look for gel or graphite infusions, especially if you tend to sleep hot.
- However, some memory foam mattresses offer an exception to the typical fixed firmness, such as the Newentor Hesperis Memory Foam Mattress. This model allows you to adjust the firmness by rearranging the layers of memory foam, giving you the flexibility to choose between firm, medium-firm, or soft options for a personalized sleep experience.
2. Understanding Size Options
Your choice of size impacts price, space, and motion transfer.
Size Option | Dimensions & Use |
---|---|
Medium firm double mattress | Ideal for single sleepers or smaller rooms. |
Medium firm queen mattress | The most popular choice for couples. |
Medium firm mattress king | Offers maximum space for couples or families. |
3. Trial Period and Warranty
Always look for a risk-free home trial (100 days or more) and a warranty covering structural defects for at least 10 years. Firmness is subjective—you need time to truly test if the chosen medium firm mattress is right for your body.
Best Medium Firm Mattress Australia You Should Try
If you're looking for a mattress that offers the perfect balance of comfort, durability, and value, the Newentor Hybrid Mattress is a top contender. Made with premium materials, it includes CertiPUR-US® certified foams and an OEKO-TEX® certified cover, ensuring a safe and chemical-free sleep environment.
What makes this mattress stand out is its 7-zone hybrid design, which combines memory foam with individually pocketed springs. This unique structure delivers precise support for your spine and joints, making it especially helpful for side sleepers who often experience pressure on their shoulders and hips.
Additionally, the mattress is equipped with superior edge support, preventing sagging and offering extra stability, making it an excellent choice for couples or anyone who enjoys sleeping near the bed's edge.
Ideal for: Side sleepers, those seeking a mix of comfort and support, hot sleepers, and budget-conscious buyers.
Newentor Hybrid Mattress (Medium-Firm)

FAQs About Medium-Firm Mattress
1. Is a medium firm mattress good for the back?
Yes, the Sleep Foundation states that a medium firm mattress is the most suitable option for the majority of people experiencing back pain.
2. Which mattress firmness should I choose?
Choosing the right firmness is dependent on your primary sleeping position and your body weight. Here is a simplified guide to matching your needs to the firmness level:
Firmness Level (1-10 Scale) | Applicable Sleepers & Body Weight | Why This Level? |
---|---|---|
Soft (1-3) | Lightweight sleepers (under 130 lbs) / Strict side sleepers. | Allows for deeper contouring to alleviate pressure points without compromising alignment for lighter bodies. |
Medium (4 - 6) | Average weight (130 - 230 lbs) / Combination sleepers / Those preferring cushioning. | Provides a good mix of sinkage and support; versatile for multiple positions. |
Medium Firm (6.5 - 7.5) | Most common recommendation / Average to heavy weight (130 - 230+ lbs) / Back and side sleepers. | The ideal balance (our focus!). Excellent spinal alignment, and enough comfort for side sleepers. |
Firm (8 - 9) | Heavier individuals (230+ lbs) / Strict stomach sleepers / Those with specific orthopaedic needs. | Prevents excessive sinkage, offering uniform support and maintaining a flat spinal posture (crucial for stomach sleepers). |
Bottom Lines
Choosing the right mattress can make all the difference in your quality of sleep. A medium firm mattress is a versatile option that strikes the right balance between comfort and support, making it a popular choice for back, side, and combination sleepers alike.
With options like the Newentor Hybrid mattress, you can find the perfect mattress to suit your needs and preferences. Invest in a medium firm mattress today for a better night’s sleep!