Jessica Snyder, PT, DPT October 22, 2019 Soft versus firm: which is the better type of mattress? Jessica Snyder, PT, DPT October 22, 2019 Soft versus firm: which is the better type of mattress?This is a question we get asked a lot. When it comes to low back pain, we often consider the type of mattress and whether or not it is helping to alleviate or contributing to symptoms.