7 of the Best Soft Mattresses of 2025

During our years of mattress testing, we’ve developed a set of tests that we use to test mattresses for major issues.

To settle is to feel

You can think of firmness as a firm or soft mattress when you sleep. We’ve tested hundreds of mattresses and have an extensive guide to compare every bed we test.

In trying to hear, we become bedridden. As we push the bed, we look at what the subject is doing. Does it take a second to bounce back like memory foam, or does it run faster and faster like latex foam?

Lasting

Mattresses don’t last long, and you want to buy one that lasts. Depending on the design, we estimate how well the mattress can be used throughout the night. Beds with metal slats as a foundation usually last longer than foam mattresses.

Isolation

Isolation is where the mattress reduces movement on the surface. It is especially difficult for people who sleep with a friend or a pet that walks at night. We jump and jump on the mattress to isolate ourselves and see the range of motion. We also put a glass of water on the edge of the bed and go around and around. If it doesn’t move, the mattress can move smoothly.

Edge support

The edge support of the mattress is the power of the round bed. We lie down and sit on the edge of the mattress and check how firm it is. If we feel like we’re going to fall, then the bed doesn’t have good edge support.

Heat

Hot sleepers should look for mattresses with cooling technology. Many mattresses claim to have them, but we know the difference between advertising and cool construction that will keep you cool.

Our CNET Sleep editors selected the beds and other products we write about based on editorial merit. When you make a purchase through our links, we may receive a service. Find out more about how we measure mattresses.