What Is a Cushion Firm Mattress?

Mattress firmness is a subjective feeling that seems simple at first. Well, how complicated can it really get? 

And then you’re shopping for a new mattress, and you hear this new term and ask yourself, “What is a cushion firm mattress?” 

Luckily for you, we can answer that question. And it’s quite simple. 

What Is a Cushion Firm Mattress?

A traditional firm mattress offers the most support and durability, but their lack of comfort means that not everyone likes them. That’s where a cushion-firm bed comes into play. 

It’s all in the name. A cushion-firm mattress is essentially a firm bed with a cushion on top of it to make it more comfortable for your body. 

This extra cushioning is there to provide the sleeper with softness, comfort, and pressure relief, among other things. And through all of that, this mattress type still remains firm and supportive. 

When it comes to materials, cushion-firm mattresses are usually made from memory foam, latex, or even memory foam hybrids. 

Also, you should know that some manufacturers refer to their cushion firm mattresses as luxury firm mattresses. 

How Firm Is a Cushion Firm Mattress?

But the question still remains: how firm exactly is a cushion-firm bed? 

While the cushioning does have some impact on the firmness level, it’s not that much. A cushion firm mattress is a regular firm mattress with a thin plush layer on top. 

If you go for a cushion-firm mattress, you’ll get a soft and comfortable surface, but you’ll feel the firm support underneath. 

What’s the Difference Between Cushion Firm and Firm?

The one difference between a cushion firm and a firm mattress is obviously in their construction. 

While a firm mattress exists on its own, a cushion firm mattress is a firm mattress with an added cushion for the sleeping surface. 

A firm mattress has a hard feel, but it gives some people the support they need. And a cushion firm mattress is there to give you that same support, but with added comfort. 

Cushion Firm vs Plush Mattress

A cushion-firm mattress and a plush mattress are slightly similar. They both have a plush layer on top of an already firm mattress. So what makes them different? 

Plush mattresses are even softer than cushion-firm mattresses. They have one to four more inches of a soft top layer of foam, so they definitely don’t lack comfort. You might run into even softer versions, called ultra-plush.

Cushion Firm vs Pillowtop Mattress

Pillow-top mattresses are one of the softest mattresses you can find. These mattresses are created by adding a featherbed-like padding to an existing mattress, and this extra padding can sometimes be removable. Some even come with a quilt.

Even though they can be made from any mattress type, the pillow top is usually put on an innerspring mattress. In comparison to a cushion-firm mattress, pillow tops give you more of a cloud-like feeling when you sleep on them. 

Some manufacturers refer to their pillowtop beds as “ultra plush.”

Cushion Firm vs Euro top Mattress

An Euro top mattress has even more layers of additional foam over a firm mattress than a pillow top mattress does. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s softer. 

The added foam layer can create varying levels of firmness, from ultra-soft to firm. You might be wondering, “What’s the point of adding layers if the bed is already firm?” Well, there’s a difference in the way it feels. This mattress gives the sleeper more suspension. 

Who Are Cushion Firm Mattresses Best For?

Cushion-firm mattresses are a good choice for side sleepers. 

The firm bottom layers give optimal support, but the top layers feel softer and relieve pressure points for side sleepers. On this bed, their hips and shoulders will sink into the softness, but their spine will stay aligned during sleep. 

Aside from that, this construction is the right choice for anyone who needs a supportive, firm mattress for their body, but also wants comfort and pressure relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Mattress Firmness Is Best?

There’s no actual answer to this. 

The firmness is a matter of taste, and the best one for you depends on your own needs and sleep preferences. Some people prefer beds with a harder feel, while others want plush mattresses for sleep.

Still, some firmness levels are better suited for certain people and sleep positions. 

For example, side sleepers need to sleep on a softer mattress that will let their hips and shoulders sink, but give support to their spine. On the other hand, back sleepers and stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to sleep on. 

Also, body weight can have a great impact on which bed people should choose. Lightweight sleepers don’t put a lot of pressure on the bed, so they should go for softer mattresses to sleep on. 

Average-weight sleepers would be fine on a medium-firm mattress, and heavier sleepers should sleep on firm ones. In other words, the heavier your body type is, the firmer your bed should be. 

Extremes, like extra-firm and extra-soft mattresses, are only for people with unique needs.

Is Cushion Firm Good for Side Sleepers?

Yes. In fact, this mattress is perfect for side sleepers because it gives them the support they need to keep their spine aligned. But it doesn’t push against their hips and shoulders. 

Is Cushion Firm the Same as Medium Firm?

A cushion firm mattress is neither firm nor soft. So, does that make it a medium? 

Kind of. Some manufacturers will consider their cushion firm mattresses as medium firm ones. So if you’ve already tried a medium mattress and know that it’s perfect for you, you’ll love a cushion-firm one. 

Final Thoughts

Do you think that a firm mattress has the right support and durability you need, but it just isn’t comfortable enough? 

If so, go for a cushion firm mattress. 

You’ll get the same amount of support as from a firm mattress, but that soft top layer will make it feel so much better. 

There are so many different types of mattresses to choose from. Good luck finding your new cushion firm mattress!