Written by Jillian Mueller, Writer
The best medium-firm mattress can help a wide variety of sleepers get their best night’s sleep. With a firmness level that can balance a firmer level of support to keep your spine in a healthy posture with a soft feel that makes you cozy and comfortable at night, the best medium-firm mattresses can work for most sleeping positions and body types.
Want to learn if a medium-firm mattress is right for you? In this guide, we’ve rounded up our top picks and describe the features that work for different sleeping positions, preferences, and body types.
Our Top Medium-Firm Pick
The Nectar Classic Hybrid is our top pick because it provides a balance of support and comfort that suits most sleepers, and is made with a blend of breathable materials that should also help you sleep cool throughout the night.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress 2024
- Nectar Classic Hybrid – Best Overall Medium-Firm Mattress
- DreamCloud Premier Rest – Best Luxury Medium-Firm Mattress
- Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Helix Midnight – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- WinkBed – Best Hybrid Medium-Firm Mattress
- Saatva Rx – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Heavy People
- Bear Star Hybrid – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Athletes
- Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Medium-Firm Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Birch Natural – Best Organic Medium-Firm Mattress
Compare the Best Medium-Firm Mattresses
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| Nectar Classic Hybrid | DreamCloud Premier Rest | Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid | Helix Midnight Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Saatva Rx Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers,
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Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples, Hip Pain,
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Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
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Back Pain, Hip Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers
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Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers,
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Couples,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,
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Best Medium-Firm Mattresses Video Review
What We Look For In The Best Medium-Firm Mattresses
Support and Comfort
When looking for a medium-firm mattress, you might start the search with supportive yet comfortable mattresses. We want to help you find the best medium-firm bed while not compromising your comfort or support, so we tested all of these mattresses ourselves to find the most supportive and comfortable medium-firm mattresses.
Firmness
Of course, if you are looking for a medium-firm mattress, then firmness matters. We tested out all of the mattresses on this bed ourselves to guarantee you know just how firm each of them are. To do this we used our firmness scale which runs from 1-10, with 10 being the most firm, to measure each mattress consistently. For a medium-firm mattress, we recommend something that ranks around a 6.5-7.5 on our firmness scale.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation, or the degree to which you can feel movement in the bed when you are in it, is important to you. We know this, so we tested the motion isolation properties of each of the mattresses in this list to be sure you can sleep well throughout the night without being disturbed by other movements in the bed. To test this property, we dropped a ball on the mattress and measured how much movement was felt using a seismograph. We also placed a glass of red wine on the mattress and tested how much movement it took to knock the glass over.
Nectar Classic Hybrid – Best Overall Medium-Firm Mattress
The Nectar Hybrid is a medium-firm mattress with a durable hybrid construction. It works especially well for back sleepers, as it provides enough support to keep their spines in neutral alignment. The hybrid design also gives it nice breathability and responsiveness, meaning it stays cool as you sleep and is easy to move around on.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepers should be thrilled by the combination of pressure relief and support the Nectar Classic Hybrid offers. Couples should appreciate the Nectar Classic Hybrid’s edge support, cooling capabilities, and ability to isolate motion.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Many affordable mattresses are built with lower-quality materials that don’t stand up to the test of time. The Nectar Classic Hybrid, however, is a high performing medium-firm bed with a high performing construction and also won’t break the bank. This bed is made with layers of therapeutic memory foam and pocketed springs for ample cushioning and support. Also, it comes with a year-long sleep trial period and lifetime warranty when you commit to your purchase. All of these reasons are why we chose it as our pick for the best overall medium-firm mattress. We actually scored the Nectar Classic Hybrid at a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which is the industry standard for medium firm.
What our tester says: “While testing this mattress on my back, I felt that it was supportive, plush, and comfortable. I think most back sleepers will be thrilled by the combination of pressure relief and support the Nectar Classic Hybrid has to offer.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Who the Nectar Classic Hybrid Is Best For
- Side sleepers: Thick memory foam layers will cradle your joints as you lay on your side, but the bed also has enough support to keep your spine from sagging.
- Budget shoppers: The Nectar mattress comes at a reasonable price point and also includes a year-long sleep trial period and lifetime warranty.
- Hot sleepers: Built with a cooling cover, breathable memory foam, and airy innerspring coils, this bed sleeps cooler than average.
Who Should Avoid the Nectar Classic Hybrid
- Stomach sleepers: This hybrid bed likely won’t have enough support to keep stomach sleepers who weigh over 130 pounds comfortable.
- Combination sleepers: The thick foam layers near the top of the mattress make it less easy to move around and change sleeping positions than an innerspring mattress.
You can get more info in our full Nectar Classic Hybrid review and get the best deal here. Want to keep looking? Check out our other best mattresses for more options.
DreamCloud Premier Rest – Best Luxury Medium-Firm Mattress
The DreamCloud Premier Rest is a medium-firm hybrid mattress that’s versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. The plush pillow top and individually wrapped coils create a balanced feel that should appeal to back and side sleepers. Couples should appreciate the impressive motion isolation and responsiveness. See our full DreamCloud Premier Rest video review for additional information.
What our tester says:
“I also like that this bed offers pressure relief without sacrificing support. Its quilted pillow top layer is a great value add that I think many sleepers should appreciate. All in all, if you’re looking for durable support and pressure point relief, the Premier Rest is a great pick.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
Expert Opinion
Made with top-of-the-line materials and luxurious touches, the DreamCloud Premier Rest is our pick for those who like the finest things in life. This bed-in-a-box mattress is built with five high-quality layers — a durable poly foam layer, a bouncy and responsive layer of innerspring coils, and three plush foam layers that cushioned our curves and provided superior motion isolation. Luxe touches like a cashmere cover make you feel like you’re sleeping at a five star hotel.
What our tester says: “I also like that this bed offers pressure relief without sacrificing support. Its quilted pillow top layer is a great value add that I think many sleepers should appreciate. All in all, if you’re looking for durable support and pressure point relief, the Premier Rest is a great pick.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester
Who the DreamCloud Premier Rest Is Best For
- Back sleepers: This bed offers a combination of comfort and support that back sleepers need.
- Side sleepers: Our reviewers noted that this bed was well-suited for side sleepers of all body types due to its plush feel.
- Luxury shoppers: Built with luxe features like a cashmere cover, a quilted pillow top layer, and a high-quality complex construction, this bed is a great fit for those after a lush sleep experience.
Who Should Avoid the DreamCloud Premier Rest
- Budget shoppers: The high-end features of this luxury bed come with a higher price tag, but be sure to use our coupons to get the best deal.
- Those who need deep pressure relief: This hybrid bed gently contours around your curves, but won’t provide deep pressure relief like a memory foam bed.
Check out our DreamCloud Premier Rest review to get all the details and be sure to click here for the best deal. If you want to keep looking, you can read up on the other best luxury mattress options.
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid gives sleepers an equal amount of contouring and support, thanks to its combination of soft foams and sturdy coils. Back sleepers are likely to be the most comfortable and should find that their spines stay neutrally aligned. Most side sleepers should also get the pressure relief they need. Finally, hot sleepers should also be happy on this bed due to all of its cooling features.
What our tester says:
“I really enjoyed how this mattress felt laying on my back and side. I was so comfortable and loved the medium-firm feel that had a touch of softness. I think the foam layers offered a contouring feeling while also making me feel supported. It’s also a very responsive bed, so it could be a great choice for combination sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Expert Opinion
Of all the sleeping positions, back sleepers benefit the most from a medium-firm mattress, as they need enough support to keep their spine neutrally aligned, while also getting enough pressure relief for their lumbar region. With its construction of eco-friendly foams and sturdy coils, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid delivers both of these traits. When we laid down on it to test it out, we felt a slight lift, as well as cushioning at our lower back. We should also point out that the mattress uses many green-minded materials in its construction, including organic wool, eco-friendly foams, and recycled steel for the coils.
What our tester says: “I was so comfortable and loved the medium-firm feel that had a touch of softness. I think the foam layers offered a contouring feeling while also making me feel supported.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Who the Saatva Memory Foam Is Best For
- All body types: The Saatva’s steel coil core should support all body types, including plus-sized sleepers.
- Couples: The bed’s thick foam layers absorb movements so your partner won’t disturb you if they toss and turn.
- Hot sleepers: A moisture-wicking organic cover and breathable coils help draw body heat away from the bed so you can sleep cool.
Who Should Avoid the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
- Budget shoppers: There are financing options available, but this bed comes at a higher price point than other mattresses on this list.
- Sleepers with sensitive joints: If you need deep pressure relief, this hybrid bed may not perform as well as all-foam options.
Is the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid the right medium-firm mattress for you? Get the best deal here or learn more in our full Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid review. Not sure about the Saatva? Check out our other best mattresses for back sleepers.
Helix Midnight – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Back Pain
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Helix Midnight’s balanced support structure is designed to help alleviate pain and promote healthy spinal alignment. We liked how its medium-soft to medium-firm feel kept us cushioned where we needed it, but also kept us supported overall. If you’re looking for extra plushness, cooling, and support, you can upgrade to the Helix Midnight Luxe.
What our tester says: “When I performed the pressure map test, it showed that the Helix Midnight is adept at relieving pressure for sleepers with back pain, shoulder pain, and hip pain. Notice how the map is mostly blue, with just a touch of green and yellow in all of those areas.”– Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Who the Helix Midnight Is Best For
- Sleepers with pain: Helix’s Memory Plus Foam should help alleviate pain around the joints, while the individually wrapped coils provide support for healthy sleep posture.
- Combination sleepers: The Helix Midnight responds to your movements and its middle-of-the-road firmness level especially suits back and side sleepers.
- Couples: A combination of strong edge support, cooling features, and enough responsiveness for sex make this bed a good pick for anyone who sleeps with a partner
Who Should Avoid the Helix Midnight
- Heavyweight sleepers: Heavyweight sleepers may need a mattress with firmer top layers to prevent sinkage.
Helix has lots of model and firmness options to choose from. Learn more about the Helix Midnight and Helix’s other offerings in our comprehensive Helix Midnight mattress review. And if you’re interested in the Midnight, be sure to get the best deal here.
WinkBed – Best Hybrid Medium-Firm Mattress
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
This hybrid bed truly is the best of both worlds — thick foam layers contour around your curves as you sleep, while a tall row of helix coils provide zoned support to your spine and a responsive feel. The foams in this bed are upgraded with a gel infusion and are CertiPUR-US certified to be free of heavy metals and other harmful chemicals. Our tester noted that these high-quality materials and the bed’s sturdy edge support will add extra durability to the mattress so your bed won’t break down for years to come.
What our tester says: “If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Who the WinkBed Is Best For
- All sleeping positions: The WinkBed comes in multiple firmness levels, so you can pick the right one for your sleep style.
- Hot sleepers: A tall coil layer allows air to flow through the mattress to keep you cool at night.
- Sleepers with back pain: The WinkBed helped redistribute our tester’s weight evenly across the mattress to keep the spine in a healthy alignment.
Who Should Avoid the WinkBed
- Heavyweight sleepers: This mattress may not be supportive enough to keep heavyweight sleepers in a healthy posture throughout the night. WinkBeds does have a WinkBed Plus mattress, however, that is better suited for larger body types.
- Memory foam lovers: The WinkBed features more of a traditional innerspring feel with plushness than a feel of deep-sinking memory foam.
Want to learn more? Read our full WinkBeds review and see where this bed fits in our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses. Be sure to click here for the best deal.
Saatva Rx – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Heavy People
Designed specifically for sleepers with back pain and joint pain, the Saatva Rx features several layers that combine both foam and coils. This creates a blend of comfort and support throughout the entire mattress that’s cushioning enough for any aches and pains while still being sturdy enough for a neutral spinal alignment. Learn more in our Saatva Rx video review.
What our tester says:
“I found that this bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Saatva RX specializes in delivering pressure relief and orthopedic support, which can be key to experiencing restorative sleep and reducing chronic joint or back pain. It’s also built with a durable design that can support the weight of two 300-pound sleepers or up to 600 pounds without compromising support. Typically, heavier sleepers will need a firmer firmness for additional support, but we found that heavier back and side sleepers were sufficiently supported on the RX, with heavier stomach sleepers varying in experience.
The Saatva RX’s strategic design is worth mentioning and helps explain how it stands out as a luxury mattress. On top is an organic cotton cotton plush cover that’s very breathable and hypoallergenic due to an antimicrobial treatment and plant-based build. After that comes a gel-infused half-inch layer of comforting foam that helps to relieve pressure while dissipating body heat. Underneath is a cushioning foam layer that helps to cradle your body safely with responsive support. Finally, at its base is a 1″ micro coil layer and huge innerspring layer of 8″ coils on top of an all-natural solid non-woven base. The purpose of this last layer is to generate posture and orthopedic support upwards, while also promoting airflow and durability throughout the bed’s core.
Heavier sleepers who love softer beds but need firmer support should consider the Saatva RX. Despite its medium firmness, its potential firm therapeutic effects and weight capacity really stand out.
What our tester says: “I think heavy back sleepers should be extremely comfortable on the Saatva Rx. As I mentioned before, this bed is super-supportive, so heavy folks shouldn’t have to worry about being adequately supported. This bed provides a nice lift, but still offers comfy cushioning.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Who the Saatva Rx Is Best For
- The Saatva RX offers a medium-firm feel, but can still support upwards of 600 pounds without compromising support and pressure relief for most sleepers.
- The RX has multiple zoned lumbar support layers that can potentially help alleviate or prevent inflammation.
- Couples who share the bed can appreciate the RX’s quality motion isolation, bounce, and sturdy edge support despite its medium firmness.
Who Should Avoid the Saatva Rx
- While some heavier stomach sleepers may find their spot on the RX, others may still want a more firm mattress.
See all the details about the Saatva Rx mattress in our comprehensive review and click here for the best deal. Learn more about other options in our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.
Bear Star Hybrid – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Athletes
The Bear Star Hybrid is a softer hybrid mattress with memory foam and innerspring coils. It offers pressure relief, contouring, and solid support for many sleeper types, but especially back, side, and combination sleepers. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“After testing out the Bear Star, I found it to be really cozy. I loved how plush the surface of the mattress felt as I was lying on it, but I still felt super supported. Lying on my back and my side, I felt comfortable and would definitely sleep on this at night in my own home.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or trying to go pro, a good night’s sleep is key to a strong recovery and performance. The Bear Star mattress is built with features designed to restore your tired muscles. There is Celliant fiber woven into the bed’s quilted cover, which Bear asserts will help assist with recovery, and the pressure-relieving foam in this bed is infused with copper for an extra cooling feature.
What our tester says: “After testing out the Bear Star, I found it to be really cozy! I loved how plush and cozy the surface of the mattress felt as I was lying on it, but I still felt super supported. Lying on my back and my side, I felt really comfortable on this bed and would definitely sleep on this at night in my own home.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Who the Bear Star Hybrid Is Best For
- Active sleepers: Bear designed this mattress with Celliant technology and copper-infused memory foam to help your body recover faster.
- Joint pain sufferers: The cushy foam layers in this bed cradle your joints to prevent pressure from putting stress on tender areas of your body.
- Luxury shoppers: The Bear mattress is built with the latest sleep technology that will appeal for those who want a best-in-class mattress.
Who Should Avoid the Bear Star Hybrid
- Foam mattress lovers: The Bear mattress is built with foam layers, but it doesn’t provide the deep sinking feeling that you’d expect from a memory foam mattress.
- Some stomach sleepers: Strict stomach sleepers weighing more than 130 pounds may prefer a bed with firmer top layers to keep the midsection supported.
If you’re an active person looking for the right bed to aid in your recovery, read more about this bed in our Bear Star hybrid review and get the best deal here, or check out the other options in our best mattresses for athletes roundup.
Nolah Evolution – Best Cooling Medium-Firm Mattress
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you sleep hot or live in a warmer climate, the Nolah Evolution mattress is designed just for you. Built with graphite-infused memory foam, specially-formulated breathable fibers, and airy innerspring coils, this bed outperformed all the medium-firm mattresses we tested in terms of keeping you cool. If you need a softer or firmer bed — you’re in luck because the Nolah Evolution comes in multiple firmness level options.
What our tester says: “Nolah’s AirFoamICE™ is designed to keep the bed and body cool. It feels similar to traditional memory foam, but doesn’t trap body heat the same way. Hot sleepers who enjoy the softness of a memory foam mattress should like this Nolah. The Evolution’s cover is also made from organic cotton to help you stay cool throughout the night.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
Who the Nolah Evolution Is Best For
- Hot sleepers: This mattress is our top pick to keep hot sleepers cool in all seasons thanks to its cooling materials.
- All sleeping positions: Since this mattress is offered in three different firmness levels, it can work well for all sleeping positions.
- Seniors: The Nolah Evolution has firm edge support that creates a sturdy and safe surface for senior citizens to get in and out of bed.
Who Should Avoid the Nolah Evolution
- Budget shoppers: This mattress brings a luxury experience, but it also has more of a luxury price tag.
- Memory foam lovers: If you prefer an all-foam bed, this mattress may be too bouncy and not have the right feel to keep you comfy.
Interested in the Evolution? Click here to snag the best deal. If you’re not sold on the Nolah Evolution, check out our best cooling mattresses.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Combo Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you tend to toss and turn all night, you’ll want a mattress that responds to your movements so you can switch positions with ease and be supported however you end up sleeping. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid’s bouncy feel allowed us to move around without feeling stuck in the bed, and we noticed that the bed could help us get comfortable in every sleeping position. The bed promoted a healthy, neutral spine in the back sleeping position, while also relieving pressure for side sleepers and supporting the midsection of average and lightweight stomach sleepers.
What our tester says: “This mattress has a bouncy, innerspring feel. I felt lifted up and out of the bed. I like this feel for combination sleepers. No matter which positions you cycle through, you should feel supported by the Signature Hybrid. And it should be easy to roll over and switch positions throughout the night.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Who the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Is Best For
- All sleeping positions: This mattress comes in three different firmness levels along with an optional pillow top, so it can work for a variety of sleepers and their needs.
- Combination sleepers: You’ll be able to move around with ease, and the mattress will support you in most sleeping positions.
- Budget shoppers: Our coupons can regularly score you this bed for under $1,000.
Who Should Avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Luxury shoppers: The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid isn’t built with luxury features or new technology.
- Those sensitive to off-gassing: Like most bed-in-a-box mattresses, you may experience a harmless off-gassing smell within the first 48 hours of unboxing the bed.
Learn more about this bed in our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid review and click here to get the best deal. Want to keep browsing? Check out the other top picks for our best mattresses for combination sleepers.
Birch Natural – Best Organic Medium-Firm Mattress
The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
Expert Opinion
A medium-firm organic mattress made from latex foam is probably going to be a bit bouncier and more cooling than other models. That’s because, as a material, latex is naturally responsive and temperature-regulating. And in the case of the Birch Natural, it’s combined with a layer of individually wrapped coils that allow for plenty of airflow. This makes the mattress an especially good match for hot sleepers and combination sleepers who need to be able to easily switch sleeping positions at night. When we tested out the Birch, we found it very easy to move around.
What our tester says: “It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester
Who the Birch Natural Is Best For
- Back sleepers: As long as they don’t mind a bouncier bed, they should get a lot of support from the Birch and feel that their spine is neutrally aligned.
- Stomach sleepers: These folks need more support than any other sleeping position, and the Birch Natural is up to the task. The coils should give them the lift they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders.
- Eco-conscious shoppers: The mattress’s organic materials include the latex foam, a layer of organic wool, and an organic cotton cover.
Who Should Avoid the Birch Natural
- Budget shoppers: Because of their high-quality construction and materials, organic mattresses tend to be more expensive than other types of beds, an the Birch Natural is no exception.
See all the details in our full Birch Natural mattress review and click here for the best deal. Learn more about other options in our roundup of the best organic mattresses.
About Mattress Firmness
At Sleepopolis, we test mattress firmness by polling multiple sleep experts in our lab, and determining the firmness level together. The industry firmness scale measures between 1 and 10, with 1 being the softest possible mattress and 10 being the firmest.
True medium-firm beds clock in at a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. However, it’s important to know about other firmness ratings. Typically, softer mattress measure around 3 to 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, while firmer mattresses tend to clock in at a 7 out of 10 or higher.
For more information, see our Sleepopolis Mattress Firmness Guide.
Pros of Medium-Firm Mattresses
- These mattresses widely appeal to average-weight sleepers, back sleepers, or anyone wanting a balanced feel.
- Folks teetering between lightweight and average-weight sleepers might find comfort in all sleeping positions on some medium-firm beds.
- Couples with different sleeping preferences might find a compromise on a medium-firm bed, which has a mix of comfort and support.
Cons of Medium-Firm Mattresses
- Strict side sleepers may not find enough pressure relief on some medium-firm beds.
- The same goes for stomach sleepers and support; the medium-firm beds may not be firm enough to keep the hips lifted into alignment in the prone position.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Medium-Firm Mattress
There are several factors you’ll want to think about when looking for a medium-firm mattress, including your sleeping position, support level, type of mattress and overall feel. We’ll cover these components more below.
Sleeping Position
You’ll want to consider your sleeping position when shopping for a new mattress. A medium-firm mattress is a middle-of-the-road firmness level that supports most sleeping positions, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Most of us prefer to sleep on our sides, which can put added pressure on the hips and shoulders while they press into the mattress. While a medium-firm mattress will provide the support they need, side sleepers should look for a bed with a softer feel on the surface — especially if you have a lighter body type — to cushion these joints.
Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, need a bed with firmer support towards the top to prevent the midsection from sinking too far into the bed. When stomach sleepers rest on a soft bed, they risk developing back pain.
Back sleepers need a bed that is soft enough to contour to their natural curves while still being firm enough to support the natural curves of the spine, so a medium-firm bed will work for most.
Body Type
A Note on Body Type
We recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type.
Lightweight Sleepers
Folks who are considered to be lightweight sleepers weigh less than 130 pounds. Because they’re not as heavy, they don’t compress as many of the materials, so mattresses with denser comfort layers will likely feel overly foam. We recommend softer beds for these sleepers as a medium-firm mattress will not contour their body as nicely and might create pressure points in their hips, back and shoulders.
Average-weight Sleepers
Average-weight sleepers weigh between 130 and 250 pounds. It’s important to note that most mattresses are designed for this type of sleeper, so most firmness ratings should be pretty accurate. We consider a medium-firm mattress a 6.5 on our firmness scale, so these sleepers should look out for medium-firm mattresses.
Heavyweight Sleepers
Larger body types are classified as falling at or over the 250 pound category, For these sleepers, we recommend enhanced support and thicker comfort layers. Medium to firm mattresses are best for this type of sleeper as they need more pressure relief and support in the heavier parts of their bodies.
What Foam Density Should Heavy People Aim For?
Foam density refers to the amount of layers of foam in included in the mattress construction and directly relates to the mattress thickness. We recommend heavy sleepers go for a denser mattress foam that allows for extra comfort and support, more specifically we recommend memory foam and polyfoam be at least 4 pounds per cubic foot and 2 pounds per cubic foot, respectively. If you weight over 230 pounds, this extra amount of support is true worth your investment so you feel supported in your spine, back and hips but also still get that hugging, contouring feel that foam lovers love.
Support & Spinal Alignement
Most medium-firm beds provide a balanced level of support if you are an average-weight sleeper. A true medium-firm bed is a 6.5 on the firmness scale, where 1 is the softest bed and 10 is the firmest. However, we think beds in the 6 to 7 category can often offer the same feel. A medium-firm bed will allow for your spine to stay aligned and supported throughout the night.
What About Body Weight?
If you have a heavier body type, you will sink further into your mattress and you may need a bed with firmer support. Likewise, you may want to try a bed on the softer side If you have a lighter body type.
Pressure Relief
Those who have joint pain or prefer to feel as if they are sinking deeply into their mattress will want a bed that provides pressure relief. While latex mattresses will gently contour around your curves, memory foam and poly foam beds generally have the deepest pressure-relieving qualities. You can also add a foam mattress topper to your mattress to provide pressure relief to a medium-firm bed.
To test for pressure relief of each of our medium-firm beds, we use a pressure mat that we roll across the bed and lay on it in various sleeping positions. The mat then reads the pressure points on various parts of the body using thermal technology and gives us a map showing those pressure points. On the map, blue and green indicate low-pressure buildup and good pressure relief, whereas red and yellow show poorer pressure relief.
What is Spinal Alignment?
Spinal alignment refers to how your hips and shoulders are stacked on top of each other throughout the day and night. When your spine is not aligned you might feel a lot of pain in your back or neck. Stomach sleepers tend to struggle the most with spinal alignment because of the natural pressure that gets added to their hips. We recommend you use an extra pillow under your hips and/or a firmer mattress in order to keep your spine in place. Mattresses that are too soft will allow your hips to sink too deep, thus messing up your spine.
Edge Support
Edge Support refers to the level of support from the perimeter and edges of the mattress. Edge support is crucial for anyone needing any extra help getting out of bed for example, seniors, anyone dealing with chronic pain, heavy sleepers, or women who are pregnant. We test for edge support by laying or sitting on the edge of the bed and measuring the level of sinkage using a yard stick. Anything larger than a 5 inch sink is what we consider bad edge support. This directly effects the medium-firm mattress because you don’t want to accidentally roll off of the mattress.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to the movement that is felt across the mattress when your partner, kids, or pets move on the mattress. The last thing you want if to be woken up in the middle of the night because the person next to you can’t stop tossing and turning. We test for motion isolation in a couple of ways. The first is our drop ball test which involves dropping steel balls at various heights and using a seismograph to measure the level of movement felt across the bed. The higher the waves in the graph, the worst the mattress performed.
Our other test is much more simple and involves a full glass of red wine. We place the full glass on one side of the mattress, and our testers toss and turn in various sleeping positions on the other side of the bed. If or how fast the glass tips over determines how well the medium-firm mattress has performed for motion isolation. Motion Isolation is especially important for couples.
Cooling
When shopping for a mattress, you might be prioritizing firmness and coolness. Cooling abilities of a mattress are crucial as there are numerous studies that say sleeping cool improves our sleep drastically. When testing mattresses, we look for cooling specific materials such as coils, gels, phase changing materials… they help immediately know how this mattress will perform. We then put it to the test and use a thermal gun to determine how fast the heat dissipates across the mattress. Our testers lay on the bed for several minutes and then using the temp gun, measure how long it take for the mattress to return to its original temperature. We consider an 8 degree change or under to be good cooling, and a change of 5 degrees and under to be great cooling.
Company Policies
Sleep Trials
An extended sleep trial will give you a chance to test your new bed in the comfort of your own home and figure out whether it’s suited for you or not. Typically, manufacturers offer around 100 days, but some can allow shoppers to test the mattress for up to a whole year.
Warranties
Mattress warranties are helpful when it comes to customer protection. Each company’s warranty is different— that’s why we recommend reading the fine print – but typically, warranties protect the customer from damages upon delivery or mattress defects. It’s also important to note that warranties give you an idea of how long that mattress should be durable for. We recommend looking at warranties that range from 10-20 years and staying clear of anything under 5 years.
Shipping
Every mattress selected on this list offers free shipping with your mattress purchase so you don’t have to worry about that added cost. For an extra cost, however, some mattress companies offer a service called white glove delivery which involves them hand delivering, setting up the bed and removing your old mattress all included. This is a great option if you struggle with any chronic pain or if you are alone when the mattress is delivered.
Shipping can also be very expensive if you are purchasing internationally, so we also looked into some of the Best Canadian mattresses to help you navigate international mattress shopping.
What is the Best Type of Medium-Firm Mattress
The best type of medium-firm mattress depends on your sleeping positions, preferences, and body type. We’ll outline a few of the most popular medium-firm mattress types and point out their pros and cons so you can pick the one that is best for you.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Made from layers of thick foam, memory foam beds provide deep pressure relief and the feeling like you are floating on a fluffy cloud as you sleep. Although they have a soft and squishy feel, there are many medium-firm memory foam options that also provide a sturdy level of support. Memory foam beds also come at a wide variety of price points, making them a good option for budget shoppers, but they can tend to trap heat at night.
Sleepopolis Tip
If you want a memory foam bed but are concerned about overheating, look for ones with cooling materials, such as:
- Phase Change Materials
- Gel, copper, or graphite infusions
- Open-cell or aerated foams
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses are made from two or more mattress materials so you can benefit from the perks of multiple mattress types in a single bed. Hybrid beds are usually made with a combination of innerspring coils, which provide bounce and sturdy support, and pressure-relieving foam layers. These beds have a complex construction that can come with a higher price tag, so they aren’t always the best picks if you’re looking for a cheap mattress.
Latex Mattresses
Latex beds are made with synthetic or natural latex layers. Latex is bouncy, responsive and naturally aerated. In addition to sleeping cool, latex beds are more durable than most other mattress types and are hypoallergenic. They don’t provide as much pressure relief as memory foam or poly foam beds, and tend to be more expensive than many other mattress types.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses have a bouncy “traditional” feel that many sleepers are used to. Innerspring beds are breathable and easy to move around on, making them a good pick for combination sleepers. Innerspring beds typically don’t have a lot of pressure relief, but this can easily be remedied by adding a mattress topper if you want more cushion. Innerspring beds can be less expensive than other mattress types, but also tend to be less durable over time.
FAQs
Which medium-firm mattress is best?
The best medium-firm mattress for you depends on your budget, mattress material preference, and body type. Check out our roundup of the best medium-firm mattresses to find which one is right for you.
What is considered a medium-firm mattress?
A medium-firm mattress is a bed that is around a 6.5 on a firmness scale where 1 is the softest option and 10 is the firmest.
Is medium-firm good for side sleepers?
A medium-firm mattress can be good for side sleepers as long as it provides adequate pressure relief to the hips and shoulders as they press into the mattress. You can add a mattress topper or mattress pad to find a balance of cushion and support to keep you comfortable.
What mattress firmness is best for your body?
The mattress firmness that is best for your body depends on your sleeping position and body type. Heavier sleepers need a firmer bed to provide more support, and lightweight sleepers are typically more comfortable on a softer bed. Side sleepers also prefer a softer mattress, while stomach sleepers need a firmer level of support.
What’s the difference between firm and medium-firm mattresses?
Medium-firm mattresses are about a 6.5 on a firmness scale where 1 is the softest mattress and 10 is the firmest. They provide a balance between soft cushioning and firm support that suits most sleepers. Firm mattresses land between a 7 and 10 on the firmness scale and provide a more sturdy level of support.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
For our picks on this list, we made sure they all came in at or around a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, since that’s what we consider to be a true medium-firm. We’ve also given special consideration to both comfort and support. Click here to learn more about our methodology. And if you’re still not sure of the right mattress at the end of this article, you can take our mattress quiz to be shown a selection of mattresses curated to your sleep preferences.
Best Medium-Firm Mattresses 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
| Nectar Classic Hybrid | Overall | $1,199 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| DreamCloud Premier Rest | Luxury | $2,332 | Dreamcloud Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid | Back Sleepers | $1,795 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Helix Midnight | Back Pain | $1,373 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed | Hybrid | $1,799 | Winkbed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva Rx | Heavy People | $3,295 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Star Hybrid | Athletes | $1,732 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Cooling | $2,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature | Combination Sleepers | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Birch Natural | Organic | $1,874 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
Jillian Mueller
Writer
About Author
Jillian is a health, wellness, and lifestyle writer living in Charlotte, NC. As a recovering insomniac, she knows firsthand the importance of a good night’s sleep and loves sharing the latest tips and tricks to help you get the rest you need. She also is an avid runner and is studying to become a certified Balanced Body Pilates Instructor.
Side Sleeper