- We spent over 1,000 hours researching and testing the top mattresses on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated over 100 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
- We paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process.
- We tested each mattress specifically for firmness features, including a firmness score out of 10 (6.5 is considered medium firm in the industry), pressure mapping, and test-motion isolation.
Learn more about how we tested the best firm mattresses.
Key takeaways
- The WinkBed is our top pick for the best firm mattress overall because it has four different mattress firmness levels to choose from, as well as the highest tested performance for pressure relief and motion transfer performance.
- Based on over 1,000 hours of testing and surveying 600 mattress owners, we found that firm mattresses are best for anyone who sleeps on their back, has back pain, or weighs more than 250 pounds. Firm mattresses can also be a personal preference, as some people simply prefer the feel of a firmer mattress.
- The best firm mattresses usually are made of a hybrid construction, with a mix of interspring coils and memory foam layers.
- You can expect to pay $1,000 and up for a high-quality firm mattress, but we did find options as low as $786.
Firm mattresses can provide benefits to some sleepers, like providing critical support to joints and back, as well as improving overall sleep quality. The right amount of good-quality sleep is critical for repairing and maintaining brain and neurologic function. Without this nightly upkeep, you may find it harder to regulate emotions, or you may experience other symptoms of poor mental health. Finding the best firm mattress for your body shape can be the difference between a good night’s sleep and a poor one.
Having a comfortable and supportive place to rest is a huge piece of the puzzle, as studies show muscle relaxation can help people fall asleep and feel less fatigued. You’re unlikely to feel relaxed on a mattress that makes you feel pressure in some areas of your body and out of alignment in others. Mattress comfort is highly subjective, but you might need a firm mattress if you sleep on your back or stomach or weigh more than 250 pounds. That’s why we rate mattress firmness with clearly measurable markers, using real-person testing and measuring mattress support with pressure mapping and the use of weights.
Our Handbook Team testers have been hard at work lying, sitting, and bouncing on mattresses to collect firsthand data, and we’ve selected the best options with a firmness score above six (out of 10) to help you narrow down your choices.
9 best firm mattresses of 2024
- The WinkBed: Best firm mattress overall
- Helix Plus: Best firm mattress for back pain
- DreamCloud Original Foam: Best medium-firm mattress
- Plank Firm Luxe: Best extra firm mattress
- Saatva HD: Best mattress for heavy side sleepers
- Bear Original: Best firm memory foam mattress
- Saatva Classic: Best mattress for back and stomach sleepers
- Sparrow by Nest Bedding: Best firm mattress for couples
- DreamCloud Premier Rest: Best cooling firm mattress
What to look for in a firm mattress
- Coil composition: In general, any mattress with interspring coils will be more firm than a mattress without. Steel-reinforced spring coils will provide the maximum amount of firmness.
- Material: Latex mattresses typically offer more firmness than all-memory foam options.
- Layers: A spring coil mattress or a hybrid option will provide the most firmness, but modern memory foam can also offer high levels of firmness. Look for layers of foam instead of a single layer for more firmness.
The WinkBed: Best firm mattress overall
Why the WinkBed is our pick for best overall
Scoring a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale during testing, The WinkBed gets our vote as the best firm mattress for a variety of sleepers, thanks to chart-topping pressure relief and excellent cooling, edge support, and motion transfer performance.
Who should consider The WinkBed: The WinkBed is a firm mattress option ideal for side and back sleepers.
Who should consider other options: Anyone who can’t set up the mattress alone, as they don’t offer in-home setup.
WinkBed tester insights
The WinkBed’s firm models include Firm (6.5 out of 10) or Plus (8 out of 10), depending on your preference. Each showed excellent performance across the board during testing, making it our choice for best firm mattress overall. In particular, The WinkBed shines in terms of pressure relief for side and back sleepers, indicating minimal to no pressure in pressure map A mat rolled across a mattress that uses color-coded thermal imaging to show how much pressure someone puts on the bed when they lie down on it. images.
It also has impressive edge support thanks to a perimeter of coils that are narrower than the coils that support the main sleeping area. Our testers didn’t feel like the mattress would give out when lying on the edge of the bed, and they said it’s easy to sit on the edge without awkwardly sinking.
From one of our WinkBed testers:
“This bed feels very stable when I sit at the edge in the middle of the bed, but it sort of collapses if I move toward the corner. “
The WinkBed also does a fantastic job of isolating motion. We tested this by asking one of our mattress testers to crawl around on the mattress, roll a heavy ball on it, and jump up and down while another tester lay with their eyes closed. Only faint movement was felt by the “sleeping” tester in all scenarios.
Additionally, the cover on this mattress incorporates breathable fabric to assist with cooling, so we tested it using a temperature gun. After lying on the mattress for five minutes, one tester left an imprint that was six degrees warmer than before, which is a great result. To put that into perspective, we’ve seen imprints that were 12 degrees warmer on other mattresses we tested.
Helix Plus: Best firm mattress for back pain
Why the Helix Plus is our pick for best for back pain
The Helix Plus demonstrated exceptional pressure relief for back sleepers during our tests, earning it a spot on our list of best mattresses for back pain. However, some people may still need to make adjustments (like sleeping with their knees elevated) to reduce back pain.
Who should consider the Helix Plus: Helix Plus is ideal for back sleepers and plus-sized individuals.
Who should consider other options: Because the Helix Plus mattress is designed for higher-weight individuals (over 250 pounds), it may feel too firm or unyielding for those of lower or average weight.
Helix Plus tester insights
A few other mattresses scored just as high as the Helix Plus for pressure relief and comfort for back sleepers, but we like that the Helix Plus is designed for larger people thanks to its steel-reinforced eight-inch coils. Studies show that weight gain can cause and exacerbate lower back pain, so the Helix Plus is uniquely positioned to help more people with back pain sleep better.
When one tester lay on her back, the pressure map images showed even weight distribution with no significant pressure build-up. However, pressure relief is different from support, and one tester noted their lower back was unsupported in this position. But this may be due to their size and shape as a petite, average-sized sleeper. To learn more, read our in-depth Helix mattress review.
From one of our Helix Plus testers:
“For lighter curvy people, the Helix Plus may not support the spine’s curves. But the mattress is intended for heavier people, who may have a better experience than I did.”
Helix advertises the Plus mattress as a six or seven on the firmness scale, which would make it medium-firm. Our testers noted the Helix Plus felt much firmer and more resilient than other medium-firm models tested, so we gave it an eight out of 10 for firmness.
DreamCloud Original Foam: Best medium-firm mattress
Why the DreamCloud Original Foam is our pick for best medium-firm mattress
We gave this mattress a 6.5 out of 10—the Goldilocks of mattress firmness scores. While the DreamCloud Original Foam mattress is supportive, it’s a slightly softer firm mattress, like The WinkBed Firm.
Who should consider the DreamCloud Original Foam: Anyone who wants a firm mattress with a slightly softer memory foam layer feel.
Who should consider other options: Anyone who needs or prefers the support of a mattress with coils, as the DreamCloud is memory foam only.
DreamCloud Original Foam tester insights
This DreamCloud model is a great choice for people who want a slightly firm mattress. It contains five layers of foam and no coils. (If you’re looking for a truly firm memory foam mattress, keep scrolling to learn about the Bear Original.)
Our testers were impressed with how quickly the memory foam conformed, supporting them even when quickly changing positions. Because this mattress is on the firmer side, they weren’t fighting to get repositioned. They felt comfortable and supported when lying on their backs and sides, but their hips sank lower than the rest of their bodies when imitating a stomach sleeper.
From one of our DreamCloud Original Foam testers:
“This feels really middle-of-the-road. There’s give when I press my hand into the mattress but it’s still firm. It’s not so firm that it’s like rolling on a plank. There’s softness to it where it conforms to your position.”
Because it doesn’t have an innerspring layer, the DreamCloud Original Foam has no bounce and average edge support. Memory foam mattresses have a reputation for holding onto body heat, but this DreamCloud model demonstrated good cooling capabilities—the tester’s imprint increased the mattress’s temperature by only six degrees. As a reminder, a change of five degrees or fewer is considered an excellent performance in our cooling test. We ended up giving this a four out of five for cooling.
Handbook Team survey
According to a Handbook Team survey of 600 recent mattress consumers, 92 percent of people who own a DreamCloud memory foam mattress said they were satisfied with their purchase.
Learn more in our DreamCloud mattress review.
Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding: Best extra firm mattress
Why the Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding is our pick for best extra firm mattress
With a firmness score of 8.5 out of 10, the Plank Firm Luxe offers tons of support without sagging. Perhaps the best part is the price tag: all models cost less than $1,800.
Who should consider the Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding: Anyone unsure of the level of firmness they want in a mattress or someone who wants two firmness options.
Who should consider other options: If occasionally flipping the mattress is a deal-breaker for you, you might want to skip this option.
Plank Firm Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding tester insights
The Plank Luxe Firm features a flippable design, with one side considered firm (7.5 out of 10) and the other considered extra firm (8.5 out of 10). Brooklyn Bedding (the maker of Plank mattresses) suggests occasionally flipping the mattress to lengthen its lifespan, but the biggest benefit of this design is that it gives you some breathing room to figure out which firmness level is best for you.
The brand’s hybrid design combines six-inch coils with deceptively thin layers of foam on either side. We’ve found that Plank Luxe Firm users report the foam holds up well over time without sagging. The same can’t be said for the original Plank Firm, which is why we’re highlighting the Luxe Firm model in particular. Our testers found lying on it barely compresses the foam, making it great for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and higher-weight folks. Still, other mattresses performed better when we tested for back pressure relief.
From one of our Plank Firm Luxe testers:
“The top of this mattress is unusually slippery, which makes it easy for me to slide sheets over the corners.”
The original Plank Firm mattress is just as supportive as the Plank Firm Luxe but has different types of foam, a shorter height, and a smaller price tag. The Plank Firm Natural is on the softer side and uses organic cotton, organic wool, and natural latex materials for a more sustainable product.
Read our Plank Firm review to learn more.
Saatva HD: Best mattress for heavy side sleepers
Saatva HD is our pick for best for heavy side sleepers
Designed with four foam layers and stronger steel coils than other mattresses we tested, the Saatva HD was built with higher-weight people in mind.
Who should consider the Saatva HD: Side sleepers, sleepers who are heavier weights, or those who require extra lumbar support.
Who should consider other options: Anyone on a strict budget, because you’ll also have to buy a foundation to use the Saatva.
Saatva HD tester insights
We’ve reviewed tester data for dozens of mattresses, and it’s been challenging to find one that doesn’t have a pressure relief map riddled with yellow or red spots indicating pressure at the hips, spine, or shoulders. So, you can imagine the double-take we did when we landed on the Saatva HD. The side pressure map showcased one tiny yellow dot at the shoulders, but the rest of the image indicated the tester’s weight was evenly distributed and well-supported.
From one of our Saatva HD testers:
“I could feel the foam hugging me the entire time, but in a firm, supportive way. It felt just as good when I rolled from my side to my back. “
And if you’re a higher-weight side sleeper, this bed was truly made for you. Saatva has incorporated 12.5-gauge steel coils with layers of foam on both sides to reduce the amount of sag in this mattress and improve its longevity. Our testers reported it has great edge support, responds quickly when shifting positions, and maintains a cooler temperature than many other mattresses.
One important thing to keep in mind with the Saatva HD: you’ll need to buy a foundation from Saatva, too. The company warns the HD mattress won’t work with “regular foundations and box springs” because the HD needs extra support to accommodate higher weights. Although a Saatva customer service rep we spoke with said a platform frame with a flat, solid surface could also work. There’s also a separate metal frame that lifts the foundation off the ground. Expect to spend an extra $359–$589 for these necessary structural components.
Even though Saatva offers the HD as a split king, this mattress is not flexible enough to use with an adjustable base.
To learn more, read our Saatva mattress review.
Bear Original: Best firm memory foam mattress
Bear Original is our pick for best firm memory foam mattress
The Bear Original mattress provides a 10-inch layer of memory foam that’s supportive in most positions and doesn’t sag. One of our testers believes it’s even firmer than the company claims, rating it eight out of 10 on the firmness scale.
Who should consider the Bear Original: Stomach sleepers and anyone who likes the more plush feel of memory foam and still wants a firm mattress.
Who should consider other options: Side sleepers may not get even weight distribution with the Bear.
Bear Original tester insights
Based on our testers’ experiences, stomach sleepers will feel extra comfy on the Bear Original memory foam mattress. One tester, a petite sleeper under 140 pounds, noted their shoulders felt “jammed up” when lying on their side, and lying on their back produced a small gap between the bed and the lower back. But the Bear Original perfectly supported them in a stomach-sleeping position.
From one of our Bear Original testers:
“It’s a firmer type of memory foam surface versus other more forgiving memory foam surfaces that would make my hips sink down, but this doesn’t do that. “
That said, everyone’s body is different. If your entire back makes contact with the Bear Original, our pressure relief tests suggest you’ll feel like your weight is evenly distributed across the mattress. Curvy or lightweight people may find this firm mattress doesn’t sink enough to support the whole body properly.
Handbook Team survey
Ninety-three percent of the Handbook Team’s mattress survey respondents reported feeling satisfied with their Bear memory foam mattress.
To learn more, read our Bear mattress review.
Saatva Classic: Best mattress for back and stomach sleepers
Saatva Classic is our pick for best mattress for back and stomach sleepers
Our testers confirmed they felt great sleeping on their back or stomach on the Saatva Classic. The mattress also supports combination sleepers (people who sleep in multiple positions), thanks to responsive material that doesn’t make you fight to roll over.
Who should consider the Saatva Classic: Back and stomach sleepers of average height, because they will find support through the built-in lumbar support section of the mattress.
Who should consider other options: Anyone who moves frequently at night or sleeps with a partner, as the mattress did not test well for motion isolation.
Saatva Classic tester insights
Made of two coil layers with a thin layer of memory foam in the lumbar region—the lower vertebra of the spine—the Saatva Classic allows your hips to rest on firmer material than your feet and head. One tester reported this made a big difference in how comfortable they felt lying on their stomach or back. They also noticed the lumbar zone is the only area of the mattress that bounces. These functional differences may take some getting used to, as this tester—who is five feet, three inches—had to scoot down to make sure their body was correctly positioned over the lumbar support area.
From one of our Saatva Classic testers:
“I felt like I was laying on top of the mattress, which is what I expect from a firm option. I was also really impressed by the edge support in the Saatva Classic because not only was it firm, it felt like it was protecting me from rolling off the bed.”
According to our pressure relief tests, the Saatva Classic does a better job of reducing pressure points when people sleep on their back rather than their side. This mattress fails to significantly limit motion transfer, though, as testers felt it was “very disturbing” when a second person jumped on the opposite side of the bed.
If you want to use this mattress with the Saatva adjustable base, be sure to get the 11.5-inch version.
Stomach sleepers should choose a firm mattress to prevent the hips from sinking too deeply and causing spinal misalignment. Medium-firm to firm mattresses are usually ideal for back sleepers.
Drew Miller, vice president of marketing at Sit ‘n Sleep
Sparrow by Nest Bedding: Best firm mattress for couples
Sparrow is our pick for best firm mattress for couples
If different support preferences make mattress shopping tricky for you and your partner, the Sparrow Signature Hybrid by Nest Bedding offers mattress sizes for split king (typically, two twin XL mattresses) and California split king, so you can have a firm comfort layer on one side and a plush or medium comfort layer on the other.
Who should use Sparrow Classic: Anyone who wants a split mattress with different levels of firmness.
Who should not use Sparrow Classic: If you don’t sleep with a partner who has different firmness needs than you, the Sparrow Classic may not be worth the cost.
Sparrow by Nest Bedding tester insights
Split comfort layers can be a bonus when you and your partner don’t agree on the definition of a comfy bed. However, they can also be slightly problematic because the middle seam creates a dip you may unintentionally roll into—something our testers have had personal experience with. The dip’s gravitational pull is great news if you and your partner love to cuddle, but if not, you’re safe to hug the edge of the bed thanks to the Sparrow’s good edge support.
Couples will also appreciate this mattress’s motion isolation, which can help you sleep soundly even while your partner tosses and turns. Sparrow testers noted it was easy to move around in the bed without feeling stuck, which makes intimate moments a little more graceful. There’s also a slight bounce in the Sparrow thanks to its hybrid design, which sandwiches metal coils between multiple layers of foam.
From one of our Sparrow testers:
“There’s a nice plush top on the mattress that acts as a buffer between you and the firm, supportive materials. The firm version of the Sparrow would be great for back and stomach sleepers, but I felt pressure in my shoulder when I turned to my side.”
The mattress’s medium comfort layer is sufficiently firm for most people, coming in at 6.5 based on testers’ experiences, and the firm layer is around eight. If you get the wrong firmness or your needs change, you can swap out the comfort layers one time for free, thanks to the company’s Lifetime Renewal Exchange program.
Why not the Owl?
The Owl by Nest Bedding also offers split comfort layers for couples. Unlike the Sparrow, the Owl includes a layer of latex, making it even firmer. But our testers noted it had poor edge support and motion isolation—two features that are crucial for many couples—so the Sparrow is our pick for this category.
DreamCloud Premier Rest: Best cooling firm mattress
Why DreamCloud Premier Rest is our pick for best cooling firm mattress
After our testers relaxed on the DreamCloud Premier Rest for five minutes, a temperature gun showed the mattress warmed by only 3.7 degrees—a fantastic cooling performance.
Who should consider the DreamCloud Premier Rest: Anyone looking for a firm mattress with cooling properties. It’s a medium-firm mattress, so it’s also an ideal pick for a standalone cooling mattress.
Who should consider other options: If you tend to sleep cold already, the DreamCloud Premier may not be right for you.
DreamCloud Premier Rest tester insights
The data doesn’t lie—the DreamCloud Premier Rest is an effective cooling mattress. Few mattresses show a temperature difference under five degrees, and those that do are rarely firm. The DreamCloud Premier Rest memory foam is technically a medium-firm mattress, earning a rating of 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale from our testers. Consider getting the DreamCloud Premier Rest in hybrid materials to get extra support and firmness from the inner coils.
From one of our DreamCloud Premier Rest testers:
“The DreamCloud Premier Rest is softer than the Original Foam option but feels way cooler.”
DreamCloud sells several mattresses under the name “Premier,” but they don’t all offer exceptional cooling. Our temperature results came from the DreamCloud Premier Rest memory foam mattress. If you don’t choose the mattress labeled “Rest,” you’ll be disappointed in its cooling capabilities—the temperature rose more than 13 degrees in five minutes when we tested the regular Premier memory foam mattress.
Your core body temperature needs to drop slightly to initiate sleep and move through your sleep states. Warm sleeping temperature is also associated with very restless sleep, night sweating, and frequent awakenings.
Chelsie Rohrscheib, head sleep expert and neuroscientist at Wesper in New York City
Read more in our DreamCloud mattress review.
Other firm mattresses to consider
The Nolah Evolution is one of the best split king mattresses available for couples who want options-there are three different levels of firmness to choose from and a taller side that offers premium motion isolation.
- Rating: 9.5/10.
- Price: $974-$3,198.
- Firmness: 7/10 (medium-firm).
- Material: Hybrid.
- Warranty: Lifetime.
- Trial period: 120 nights.
- Shipping: Free, with optional white glove delivery available.
Our thoughts and why we recommend this platform
We like that couples can personalize their own desired level of firmness on each side of the split king with plush, luxury firm, or standard firm options. Through testing, we also found that the Nolah Evolution offers above-average motion isolation, meaning couples who move around a lot won’t disturb each other and if you like to do a lot of nightime activity, you won’t get sucked in either.
Premium edge support also helps with avoiding falling into a mattress pit-the sides are tall, which makes it easy to stay secure on the mattress.
We found that stomach sleepers will most likely prefer the firm mattress level for maximum support and any sleeper who needs more support or weighs over 300 pounds may want to consider the Nolah Evolution Comfort+ for an upgraded level of firmness.
The Emma Hybrid is durable and versatile, making it one of the best king size mattresses thanks to several layers of different types of foam, including a cooling layer, middle, high-density foam layer, and a bottom coiled layer for maximum support.
- Brand rating: 8.7/10.
- Firmness: 7.5/10.
- Material: Hybrid (memory foam and coils).
- Cost: $812-$1,649.
- Warranty: 10 years.
- Trial period: 365 nights.
- Shipping: Free shipping.
Our thoughts and why we recommend this platform
Because the Emma Hybrid is above the threshold of what’s considered a firm mattress (6.5 is considered firm and the Emma Hybrid is a 7.5), we found it to be most helpful for back and stomach sleepers who prefer the feel and support of a firm mattress.
The extra firmness also makes the Emma Hybrid an ideal mattress for heavier-weight sleepers over 250 pounds.
How we test and choose the best firm mattresses
Sleep is integral to our well-being, including physical and mental health. It helps us reset our bodies, process our emotions, and ease daily stress. Research shows that any type of sleep deprivation can increase our risk of developing anxiety and depression.
Of course, getting the best sleep you can starts with the right mattress for your body. Not everyone has the same body or mattress preferences, which is why the Handbook Team researched over 100+ mattress models. Based on our research, we tested 10 of the best models to determine our list of the best firm mattresses.
First-hand testing experience
We personally test every mattress we review and use standardized processes to evaluate each mattress for its firmness. The firmness of a mattress can be subjective from person to person, which is why it’s important to have a standardized set of guidelines to evaluate the mattress—and help you decide which firm mattress is best for you. We test each mattress’s overall firmness score with several parameters, like a 10-pound bowling ball, firmness in different positions, test-motion isolation, and pressure mapping.
Mattress surveys & interviews
Our survey of 600 mattress owners helps us identify the specific features sleepers are looking for in a firm mattress, as well as overall mattress quality. For instance, by interviewing real people, we discovered many people seeking a firm mattress are looking for specific pain relief, like lower back pain relief, while other people simply prefer the feel of a firm mattress. Others are part of a couple who have different firmness needs, so adjustable or split firmness are important features. Understanding what people are looking for in a firm mattress can help accurately evaluate the features that shoppers need.
Objective and honest ratings
Using our mattress user surveys and real-person interviews, we focused on the features that shoppers are looking for in a firm mattress. Every firm mattress we recommend meets the minimum threshold industry standard of a score of 6.5 in firmness. We also evaluated other weighted features in each mattress as well as the overall brand components, such as customer service, quality, and price, to compile a final score for each mattress. Even with standardized testing and scoring, it is important to keep in mind that everyone has different needs for their holistic health—sleep included—so even standardized scoring may need to be evaluated against your own personal needs and preferences in a firm mattress.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15% | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10% | Years in business, lawsuits & class actions against this company |
| Features | 20% | Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, add-ons included (free sleep accessories) |
| User Experience | 35% | White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials |
| Affordability | 20% | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology.
Our firm mattress testing process
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
How to choose a firm mattress for a good night’s sleep
Because everyone has different preferences when it comes to mattresses—and different perceptions of firmness—even with measurable ratings and firmness scores, you’ll still ultimately want to choose the best mattress for your body and needs.
Here are a few considerations to keep in mind as you select the best firm mattress for you.
Pressure relief
Firm mattresses can offer plenty of pressure relief, but there’s a lot of variability based on what the mattress is made of. For instance, firm inner layers with more plush tops may provide cushioning and support that some people find most comfortable to relieve their pressure points. Others may need less plush and more firmness all throughout. Both options can provide pressure relief, but personal preference as well as other factors like your body weight, sleeping position, and painful areas also play a role.
Material
The construction of the mattress, along with the components and how they are layered, determine the actual real-feel firmness of a mattress. The material makeup of the mattress can change both how much support it provides and how the mattress feels to each body. Here are some ways the materials may affect a mattress’s firmness:
- Innerspring: With strong steel coils in the innermost layer that provide the main framework, innerspring mattresses typically offer the most firmness and support.
- Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses do not have coils and can have a more plush, “sinking-in” feel. The firmness and feel can vary depending on the type and number of layers of memory foam used in the mattress.
- Hybrid: A hybrid mattress combines layers of memory foam with innerspring coils to provide both firmness and soft support.
- Latex: Latex mattresses can have a medium firmness that doesn’t feel as plush as memory foam, so it’s ideal for people who like more “spring” in a mattress without the actual springs.
- Organic: Organic mattresses often include latex along with other eco-conscious components. The firmness of an organic mattress will depend on what type of latex, as well as other materials, are used.
Sleeping position
Your sleeping position determines where you will need the most support from your mattress and what firmness might offer the best pressure relief for you. Back, side, and stomach sleepers will all need support in different areas, and based on your sleeping position, you may want a more firm or less firm mattress.
- Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers usually prefer a firmer mattress to support the entire body and prevent collapse in the hips, which could lead to back pain.
- Side sleepers: Often, side sleepers find that a slightly less firm mattress offers softness to help with body contouring and keep them in a comfortable and neutral spine position. A too-firm mattress may lead to hip and/or shoulder pain, especially in side sleepers.
- Back sleepers: Back sleepers may benefit from a medium-firm mattress. Like side sleepers, a mattress that’s too firm or too soft could lead to misalignment that could lead to joint or spine pain. However, everyone is different, and your weight and height compared to the mattress could impact your preferred firmness level, so it may take some experimenting if you’re looking for the best mattress for back sleepers.
Sleeper’s body
Speaking of your body type, your height, weight, and overall body structure can play a role in what type of mattress is best for you.
- Weight: In general, the higher the weight you are, the more firmness may play a role in your comfortable mattress experience. If you are over 250 pounds, exploring specific mattresses for heavier individuals can be helpful, as they have features that are meant to offer ultimate support.
- Age: Children and teens will have different mattress firmness needs, with some softness necessary to support growing bones. A good option is dual-sided mattresses for kids that allow for changing firmness as kids grow.
- Health conditions: Your mattress firmness needs may vary based on your health conditions, such as sleep apnea or snoring. You’ll also need to experiment with the right firmness in a mattress if you have back or hip pain.
Temperature
A cool body temperature is how your body primes itself for sleep, so for some people, a cooling mattress can help them get the best night of sleep possible. Not all of the best firm mattresses on our list have cooling properties, but some, like the DreamCloud Premier Rest, are specifically designed for firmness and cooling.
Price
In our findings, most of the top-rated firm mattresses were in the mid-$1,000 price range, although the best luxury mattresses can cost upwards of $3,000. Some of the best affordable mattresses are in the under $800 range.
Who should use a firm mattress?
Firm mattresses are good for people who sleep on their stomachs and backs, as well as higher-weight people who want a mattress that’s less prone to sagging. Individuals with joint pain may also benefit from a firm mattress that provides pressure point relief (although if you’ve never slept on a firm mattress, you may need a few nights to adjust to the feel). Firm mattresses can also be a personal preference, as some people prefer more support when they sleep. Keep in mind that how firm a mattress is depends on factors like its construction, what it’s made of, and the thickness of each layer.
Our final verdict
Our overall pick for the best firm mattress is The WinkBed because it offers two different firmness options (Firm or Plus) and has additional helpful features for any type of sleeper, including excellent pressure relief, cooling, edge support, and motion transfer performance.
Compare the best firm mattresses of 2024
| Price | $1,149–$2,049 | $811.30–$1,811.30 | $839–$2,178 | $924–$1,732 | 1,995–$4,390 | $786–$1,690 | $1,295–$2,790 | $1,226–$2,452 | $1,849–$4,198 |
| Firmness | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.5-8.5/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 | 8/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Memory foam | Innerspring hybrid | Hybrid | Memory foam or hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 15 years | Lifetime | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Trial period | 120 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights |
| Best for | Best firm mattress overall | Best firm mattress for back pain | Best medium-firm mattress | Best extra firm mattress | Best mattress for heavy side sleepers | Best firm memory foam mattress | Best mattress for back and stomach sleepers | Best firm mattress for couples | Best cooling firm mattress |
Frequently asked questions
Not necessarily. Back sleepers need a mattress that’s soft enough to make contact with the spine with no gaps, yet firm enough to not allow the hips or shoulders to sink uncomfortably low. Depending on your body weight and shape, a firm mattress may not give you the support you need when sleeping on your back.
Doctors acknowledge that mattress comfort is a personal decision. There’s no mattress firmness that’s suitable for everyone. However, firm mattresses are suggested for heavier people or those who typically sleep on their back or stomach.
Lightweight people may not sink down enough on a firm mattress to create supportive contact between the mattress and the body. This could cause strain and pain.
We chose The Winkbed in Firm or Plus as the best firm mattress because it passed all our tests with flying colors, including pressure relief, cooling, edge support, and motion isolation. But choosing a mattress is a highly subjective process, so we’ve also included other options from DreamCloud, Saatva, Helix, and more in this round-up.
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