H1, H2, H3, H4, H5: Almost every mattress manufacturer advertises with firmness levels, but hardly any of them explain what's behind it. The problem: there is no legal standard. What one manufacturer calls H3, another might call H2 or H4. Nevertheless, there's a useful guide if you understand the logic behind it.
Firmness Level Chart by Body Weight
The following chart is the most common recommendation in German-speaking countries. It's a starting point, not a definitive judgment.
| Firmness Level | Description | Body Weight |
|---|---|---|
| H1 | soft | up to 60 kg |
| H2 | medium-soft | 60 to 80 kg |
| H3 | medium-firm | 80 to 100 kg |
| H4 | firm | 100 to 120 kg |
| H5 | very firm | over 120 kg |
Important: this is a recommendation per person, not per double bed. If you and your partner have different weights, a mattress with two different firmness levels in one sleeping surface is often the better choice.
What Firmness Levels Actually Mean
H1 (soft)
Deep sinking, especially for lighter individuals or pronounced side sleepers with sensitive shoulders. Not suitable for heavier sleepers, who would sink too deep.
H2 (medium-soft)
The most common firmness level. Enough adaptation to the body, enough support for the spine. Good for side and back sleepers of average weight.
H3 (medium-firm)
Noticeable resistance when lying down, without feeling hard. Recommended for back sleepers weighing 80 kg or more and anyone who prefers a firmer sleeping comfort.
H4 (firm)
Little sinking depth. Necessary for heavier individuals to prevent the pelvis from sagging. Often too hard for lighter sleepers, can lead to pressure points on the shoulders and hips.
H5 (very firm)
Special firmness for very heavy individuals or stomach sleepers with high support needs. Not necessary in most cases.
Why Body Weight Isn't Everything
The chart is a rough heuristic. Three factors are often underestimated:
- Body type: 80 kg at 1.90 m will lie differently than 80 kg at 1.65 m. A more compact build distributes more pressure over less area.
- Sleeping position: Side sleepers need more shoulder room, back sleepers more lumbar support, stomach sleepers a firmer middle.
- Personal preference: Some sleepers might have "H3" listed in the chart but find an H3 permanently too firm. Those with back sensitivities often do better with one firmness level softer.
Two Firmness Levels in One Mattress: The Reversible Mattress Concept
Some mattresses, like the HERO Mattress, have two different firmness levels in one mattress. One side is medium-soft, the other medium-firm. You can flip the mattress once a quarter and feel for yourself what suits you better. This is especially valuable during the adjustment phase after changing a mattress.
Firmness Level and Sleeping Position
| Sleeping Position | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Side Sleeper | 1 level softer than the weight chart |
| Back Sleeper | exactly as per the weight chart |
| Stomach Sleeper | 1 level firmer than the weight chart |
What Materials Are Available at Which Firmness Level?
Firmness level and material are two different things. An H3 cold foam mattress feels different from an H3 pocket spring mattress, even though both are formally H3. Which material suits you is the subject of our separate comparison pocket spring or cold foam.
30 Nights to Test: The Most Honest Firmness Level Trial
A 5-minute lie-down test in a furniture store says nothing about long-term sleeping comfort. Only after several nights do you know if a firmness level suits you. At BeSports, you can test any mattress at home for 30 nights. If the firmness level isn't right, we'll take it back. Take your time to look at our mattresses, or tell us your sleep type, and we'll recommend the right firmness for you.
