Mattress Guides

What Is a Cloud Mattress?

If you’ve been shopping for a new mattress recently, chances are you’ve come across the term “cloud mattress.” It sounds dreamy, luxurious, and honestly… kind of irresistible. But what does it actually mean? Is a cloud mattress a specific type of mattress? Is it just marketing language? Or is it a real sleep experience that can improve comfort and support? 

This article explores exactly what a cloud mattress is, what it feels like, what materials create that “sleeping on a cloud” sensation, and how to choose the best one for your needs. Let’s float right in.

Key Takeaways

• A cloud mattress is designed to feel plush, soft, and cradling while still providing proper support.
• It relieves pressure on shoulders, hips, and joints, making it ideal for side sleepers.
• Most cloud mattresses use memory foam, latex, or hybrid designs for comfort and durability.
• Cooling features help regulate temperature and reduce overheating during sleep.
• Choosing the right firmness ensures comfort, spinal alignment, and long-term sleep quality.

What Is a Cloud Mattress?

A cloud mattress is soft and plush, offering a very comfortable sleep surface. It is designed to feel like you are sleeping on a cloud. That’s why it is called a “cloud” mattress for its soft, cozy feel.

Most cloud mattresses are made from memory foam or latex. These materials shape around your body and help reduce pressure on areas like your shoulders, hips, and back. Many cloud mattresses also include cooling features, such as breathable layers or cooling gel, to help you stay comfortable during the night.

They are made to feel soft on top but still supportive underneath. This balance helps keep your spine in a healthy position while you sleep.

Cloud mattresses are also good at reducing motion transfer. This means if you share a bed, you won’t feel your partner moving around as much. That can help you sleep more peacefully.

What Does a Cloud Mattress Feel Like?

The hallmark of a cloud mattress is its luxuriously soft and airy feel.

When you lie down, you may notice:

• Immediate softness under your shoulders and hips
• Gentle contouring around your body
• Reduced pressure points
• A cozy “hugging” sensation
• Relaxation similar to hotel beds

It often feels like you’re being cradled rather than sleeping on a hard surface.

However, a true cloud mattress shouldn’t feel like quicksand. The best ones balance softness with enough structure so your spine stays aligned.

Benefits of Sleeping on a Cloud Mattress

A cloud mattress isn’t just about comfort. It can also improve your overall sleep quality and physical well-being.

1. Better Spinal Alignment

Despite their softness, high-quality cloud mattresses are engineered to support your spine’s natural curve. The plush top layers relieve pressure, while firmer base layers prevent excessive sinking. This can help reduce lower back pain, neck stiffness, and morning soreness.

Read Also: What Is a Plush Mattress

2. Excellent Pressure Relief

Cloud mattresses excel at pressure relief. By contouring to your body, they reduce stress on sensitive areas like shoulders, hips, knees and lower back. This is especially beneficial for side sleepers and people with joint pain or arthritis.

3. Cooling Comfort

Modern cloud mattresses often include cooling features, such as gel-infused foam, open-cell foam structures, breathable covers and coil systems that promote airflow. These features help regulate temperature and prevent heat buildup throughout the night.

4. Reduced Motion Transfer

If you share your bed, motion isolation matters. Cloud mattresses, especially memory foam and hybrid models, absorb movement exceptionally well. This means fewer sleep disruptions when your partner tosses and turns or gets up.

5. Improved Blood Circulation

By minimizing pressure points, cloud mattresses can promote healthier blood flow. Better circulation helps reduce numbness, tingling, and stiffness during sleep.

6. Healthier Sleep Environment

Breathable, moisture-wicking materials help prevent excess humidity from building up inside the mattress. This reduces the risk of dust mites, mold, and mildew, creating a cleaner sleep environment.

In short, a cloud mattress is soft, supportive, cooling, and comfortable. It is made to help you sleep better and wake up with less pain.

Types of Cloud Mattresses

There are a few main types of cloud mattresses. Each one offers a soft, comfortable feel but uses different materials.

1. Memory Foam Cloud Mattresses: Memory foam cloud mattresses are made from foam that shapes around your body. They help relieve pressure on your joints, back, and hips. These mattresses are a good choice for people with back pain or joint pain because they provide strong pressure relief.
2. Latex Cloud Mattresses: Latex cloud mattresses are made from natural or synthetic rubber. They feel soft but slightly firmer than memory foam. Latex mattresses offer good support and are great for people who like a supportive yet comfortable mattress.
3. Hybrid Cloud Mattresses: Hybrid cloud mattresses combine different materials. They usually have a soft foam or latex layer on top and springs underneath. This gives you both comfort and support. Hybrid mattresses are also known for their durability and breathability.

Innerspring mattresses use metal coils for support. They are usually firmer and more bouncy than cloud mattresses. On their own, they do not feel very cloud-like.

However, some innerspring mattresses include a pillow top or Euro top. These add a soft, cushioned layer on top of the mattress. With this extra padding, an innerspring mattress can feel closer to a cloud mattress. Still, not all pillow top mattresses feel the same. The comfort depends on the materials and how the mattress is made.

In short, memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are the most common types of cloud mattresses. Innerspring mattresses can feel similar only if they have extra soft layers on top.

Read Also: Memory Foam Mattress Density Guide

Cloud Mattress vs Regular Mattress: What’s the Difference?

Here is how a cloud mattress compares to a more traditional mattress:

A cloud mattress is all about softness without sacrificing support.

Who Should Buy a Cloud Mattress?

Cloud mattresses aren’t for everyone but they’re perfect for certain sleep styles.

1) Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a soft mattress that cushions the shoulders and hips. A cloud mattress provides this soft support and helps reduce pressure in these areas. This can prevent pain, numbness, and discomfort that often happen on very firm mattresses.

2) Petite Sleepers

People who weigh under 130 pounds often don’t sink enough into firm mattresses. A cloud mattress allows lighter sleepers to sink in just enough to get proper support and pressure relief. This makes sleeping more comfortable and balanced.

3) People with Joint Pain

Cloud mattresses help reduce pressure on joints, making them a good option for people with joint pain or arthritis. A soft top layer cushions the body and can ease pain. Cloud hybrid mattresses with good edge support are especially helpful if movement is limited.

4) Couples with Different Sleeping Styles

Cloud mattresses reduce motion transfer. This means you won’t feel your partner moving during the night. They are a great choice for couples who have different sleep habits or schedules.

5) People Who Sleep Hot

Many cloud mattresses feature cooling features such as breathable fabrics or gel-infused foam. These help regulate body temperature and keep hot sleepers more comfortable throughout the night.

6) Anyone Who Wants Better Comfort and Sleep

If comfort and quality sleep matter to you, a cloud mattress is a great option. Its soft feel, pressure relief, and support can help you sleep more deeply and wake up feeling refreshed.

A cloud mattress is best for people who want a soft, comfortable, and supportive bed that helps reduce pain and improve sleep quality.

Who Should Avoid a Cloud Mattress?

While comfortable, cloud mattresses may not suit everyone.

• Stomach sleepers (risk of lower back sinking)
• Heavy sleepers (may need firmer support)
• People who prefer a firm surface
• Those who dislike the “hug” feel of memory foam

If you need strong lumbar support, consider a medium-firm or firm mattress instead.

Maintenance and Care for Your Cloud Mattress

Cloud mattresses can be expensive, so it’s important to take good care of them. Proper care helps the mattress stay comfortable and last longer. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions for your mattress.

Here are some tips:

• Rotate your mattress every few months to help prevent sagging.
• Air it out sometimes to remove odors. You can also use baking soda to freshen it up.
• Use a waterproof mattress protector to protect your mattress from spills, stains, and allergens.
• Place it on a sturdy bed base for proper support.

Taking these simple steps will help keep your cloud mattress in great shape for years.

Read Also: Graphite Infused Mattress

How to Choose the Best Cloud Mattress

If you’re shopping for a cloud mattress, keep these factors in mind:

1. Materials and Quality

The materials inside the mattress determine how soft and strong it will be. Look for good foam, latex, or coils. Some mattresses also have safety or organic labels, such as GOTS, GOLS, or GREENGUARD Gold. A good soft mattress should feel cozy but still support your body. Poor-quality soft beds can make you sink too much.

2. Firmness Level

Cloud mattresses come in varying levels of softness. Choose one based on your body and sleeping style:

• Lightweight people usually like softer beds.
• Heavier people need more support so they don’t sink too deep.
• Side sleepers prefer soft mattresses for their shoulders and hips.
• Back sleepers need medium support to keep the spine straight.
• Stomach sleepers often need firmer support to avoid back pain.
• Combination sleepers do best with a medium-firm mattress, so it’s easy to move.

Firmness is very important, especially when buying online.

3. Edge Support

Edge support means the mattress’s sides stay strong. This helps you feel secure and prevents you from rolling off. Good edges also make it easier to sit on the bed and help the mattress last longer.

4. Targeted Support

Some mattresses give extra support to certain body parts. For example, firmer under the hips and softer under the shoulders. This helps keep your spine aligned and reduces pressure points. It’s a great choice for people with back or joint pain.

5. Noise Reduction

A good cloud mattress should be quiet, especially for couples. Foam mattresses reduce movement noise, and mattresses with wrapped coils are also quieter.

6. Cooling and Breathability

Cooling features help you sleep comfortably without overheating. Look for breathable materials, gel foam, or heat-wicking fabrics. Good airflow also reduces moisture and keeps the mattress healthier.

7. Warranty and Return Policy

Always check the warranty and sleep trial. A long trial period lets you test the mattress at home. A strong warranty protects you from defects or sagging. Companies with good return policies usually make better products.

How Long Does a Cloud Mattress Last?

A high-quality cloud mattress typically lasts:

• 7–10 years for foam
• 8–12 years for hybrids
• 10+ years for latex

To extend lifespan, use a mattress protector, rotate regularly and avoid placing it on weak foundations. Cheap plush mattresses may sag faster, so quality matters.

Is a Cloud Mattress Good for Back Pain?

The answer depends on the source of your back pain. If your pain is caused by pressure points or joint stress, a cloud mattress may help.

However, if your pain is due to poor spinal alignment, you may need a medium-firm mattress instead. For many people, a medium cloud mattress (not ultra-soft) offers the best balance of comfort and support.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a cloud mattress and a memory foam mattress?

A cloud mattress refers to the feel (plush and cloud-like), while memory foam refers to the material. Many cloud mattresses use memory foam, but not all memory foam mattresses feel like clouds. Some are firm.

2. Is a cloud mattress too soft for everyday use?

Not necessarily. Many cloud mattresses have supportive base layers to prevent excessive sinking. However, ultra-soft models may not suit stomach sleepers or heavier individuals.

3. Are cloud mattresses good for side sleepers?

Yes. They are especially beneficial for side sleepers because they cushion shoulders and hips while reducing pressure points.

4. Do cloud mattresses sleep hot?

Older memory foam models could retain heat. Modern cloud mattresses often include cooling technologies like gel-infused foam or breathable coil systems to regulate temperature.

5. Can a cloud mattress help with shoulder pain?

Yes. The pressure-relieving comfort layers can reduce stress on the shoulders, making them ideal for side sleepers with shoulder discomfort.

6. How firm is a cloud mattress?

Most cloud mattresses range from soft to medium-soft (about 3–5 on the firmness scale).

7. Can stomach sleepers use a cloud mattress?

Stomach sleepers may find ultra-soft cloud mattresses uncomfortable because excessive sinkage can strain the lower back. A medium-firm mattress may be better.

Final Thoughts: Is a Cloud Mattress Worth It?

A cloud mattress isn’t just a trend. It’s a real comfort style designed for people who want a soft, pressure-relieving, luxurious sleep experience. If you love plush comfort, sleep on your side, or want that cozy “hotel bed” feel at home, a cloud mattress can be absolutely worth it.

Just remember: The best cloud mattress isn’t the softest one, it’s the one that feels weightless while still supporting your spine. Sleep should feel like floating, not sinking.