Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 300 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories. Learn more
In This Article
We’ve rounded up our top picks for the best extra-firm mattresses and included insight from the testers in our lab. You can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.
While many sleepers love soft or medium-firm mattresses, others need or want an extra-firm bed to get their beauty rest. It can be quite the feat to try to find the best extra-firm mattress with so many options out there, but don’t worry — Sleepopolis is here to help.
We’ve done all the work for you and compiled our top picks for the best extra-firm mattresses below that will work for a variety of sleepers. Each of these models has been tested in our mattress lab for a number of categories, including firmness, edge support, and materials.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with a different firmness option on each side. We score firmest with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, and the Plank Firm features a Firm side (7.5/10) and an Ultra Firm side (8.5/10).
Price
$749–$1,532 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king, short full, short queen, Olympic queen, short king, RV king
Back pain
Support for those living with back pain.
Stomach Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Pros of the Plank Firm
The Plank Firm often appears on many of our roundups pertaining to spinal health and back pain.
This mattress is a good choice for couples; it scored 4 out 5 or more for motion isolation, edge support, and cooling.
The quality materials, from its firm cover to its high-density foams, make it an extremely durable option.
Cons of the Plank Firm
Side sleepers won’t receive the proper cushioning or contouring on the Plank Firm. They should look at our best mattresses for side sleepers
instead.
It’s not the best mattress for alleviating joint pain because of its firmer feel — take a look at our best soft mattresses
for alternative options
Shipping
Free within the contiguous US, but $125 for AK and HI
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
There is a $99 return fee.
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
Plank Firm Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
Expert Opinion
We chose the Plank Firm mattress as the best extra-firm mattress overall because it is a flippable mattress with a firm side and an ultra firm side. The extra-firm side makes you feel like you’re sleeping on a comfy plank (hence the name). We felt especially cozy sleeping on our stomachs on this all-foam bed. There isn’t a lot of sinkage, and it scores an 8.5 on our firmness scale where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. The firm side is still firm but has some extra cushioning to make it a touch softer
Who the Plank Firm Is Best For
Back sleepers: The firmness level can help these sleepers keep their spine aligned, which is especially beneficial for those who suffer from back pain.
Stomach sleepers: The mattress offers the right amount of support to align the hips and shoulders of these sleepers, creating a dreamy sleep experience.
Couples: The extra-firm side of the Plank mattress creates a perfect mixture of bounce and responsiveness for amorous activities. The Plank Firm also tested well for motion isolation and edge support.
Who Should Avoid the Plank Firm
Side sleepers: Both sides of the Plank will likely be too firm for these sleepers and might end up causing some pain in pressure points like the hips or shoulders.
Hot sleepers: While you can buy an optional cooling panel, those who choose not to add this $100 to $150 extra expense might feel warm in bed.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
Helix
Helix Dawn Mattress
Firm Feel
Responsive Springs
Coils Promote Airflow
Hybrid
100 nights
Free shipping
Cyber Monday Sale – Extended
Save 20% sitewide + 2 FREE pillows with any mattress ($150+ value) See Details
You can return your bed after the 30-day “break-in” period and before the trial period ends for a full refund.
The Helix Dawn is one of the firmest mattresses offered by the company. Its construction provides good comfort for heavy people and stomach sleepers, both of whom need extra support to keep from sinking uncomfortably below the mattress surface. Like the other Helix mattresses, it can be upgraded to the Luxe version if you’re willing to pay a little extra for luxury features. To learn more, check out our video on Helix mattresses.
Helix Dawn Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
Expert Opinion
The Helix Dawn is the firmest model offered by Helix Sleep, a popular online mattress and bedding company. It is one of six options in the Helix standard line and features multiple layers of supportive foam on top of individually wrapped coils. You also have the option to upgrade to the Helix Dawn Luxe, which features additional cooling, support, and a pillow top. We found the Helix Dawn mattress to be super comfortable while stomach sleeping since it helped prevent our hips from sinking into the bed.
Who the Helix Dawn Is Best For
Stomach sleepers: Many stomach sleepers should appreciate how the mattress helps with healthy sleep posture by promoting spinal alignment.
Couples: We found this mattress to have excellent responsiveness and bounce for couples, along with good cooling abilities and edge support.
Heavy sleepers: The Helix Dawn offers solid support for a lot of sleepers who are more than 250 pounds. It will likely feel closer to a medium-firm bed to these folks.
Who Should Avoid the Helix Dawn
Side sleepers with hip pain: We found this mattress to create too much pressure around the hips, which could create some discomfort.
Light sleepers: The Helix Dawn models did not test great for isolating motion, so people who wake up at every movement from their partner may want to pick a different option.
Titan Plus – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
Best for Heavy Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Brooklyn Bedding offers returns and exchanges with a $99 return fee
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
Titan Plus Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
Expert Opinion
Made with plus-size people in mind, the Titan Plus features quilted gel memory foam, high-density foam, and up to 961 individually encased TitanCaliber coils. This all brings heavier folks support, comfort, and pressure relief where they need it. The Titan Plus comes in at a 7.5 on the firmness scale (where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest), so it’s a truly firm mattress.
Who the Titan Plus Is Best For
Heavy sleepers: Heavy sleepers will get the deep compression support and durability they need with this mattress. We especially think it’s a great fit for heavy back and stomach sleepers.
Couples: The low motion transfer means you shouldn’t be disturbed by your partner turning and tossing at night and vice versa.
Stomach sleepers: The firm support will help keep these sleepers’ hips and shoulders aligned for a perfect straight spinal alignment.
Who Should Avoid the Titan Plus
Those wanting sinkage: If you’re looking for a mattress with a classic memory foam feel, this probably isn’t the one for you.
Side sleepers: If you only sleep on your side, we recommend finding a softer mattress to get better contouring and pressure relief.
If you’re a heavyweight sleeper (meaning you weigh 250 pounds or more) who thinks the Titan Plus will give you the perfect support, check out our full review of the mattress and click here to get the best deal.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Hybrid, combining a plush pillow top with coils and foams for a luxury feel.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We tested the Luxury Firm and scored it a 7 out of 10, meaning it’s on the firmer side of medium-firm.
Price
$1,149–$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
A great option for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the WinkBed
Back sleepers should get the support they need
It has a traditional, supportive feel
The WinkBed has cooling capabilities to help people who sleep hot
Sturdy edge support and good motion isolation make this a good choice for couples
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.
WinkBed Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
Expert Opinion
The WinkBed measures 14 inches from base to cover. It’s constructed with a Tencel cover, pillow top comfort layer, and mattress coil support layer. All these materials make it plush, supportive, and cooling. It comes in three different firmness levels, along with a Plus model for heavier folks, and we recommend those after an extra-firm feel go for the Firmer model.
Who the WinkBed Is Best For
Seniors: With the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed is great for seniors who not only want that classic feel, but also need extra back support.
Hot sleepers: The mattress’ pocketed coil layer will help keep you cool by allowing air to flow through the bed.
Back and stomach sleepers: The mattress is excellent for these sleepers. They should feel propped up on top of the bed with an ideal mix of support and cushioning, which will help them maintain healthy sleep posture.
Who Should Avoid the WinkBed
Budget shoppers: While the WinkBed is usually on sale, it does feature high-quality materials and comes with a luxury price tag. Be sure to use our coupons to get the best deal though.
Side sleepers: If you only sleep on your side, we recommend considering a softer mattress or the Softer model of the WinkBed.
If you’re convinced that the WinkBed offers the best firmness with a superb pillow top option, read our full WinkBed mattress review and get our best WinkBeds deal here.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Bear
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Designed for Athletes
Soft Feel
Luxurious Foams
Hybrid mattress
120 nights
Free shipping
December Deals
Use code DEAL30 for 30% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
As a luxury mattress with many special features, the Bear Elite Hybrid is priced higher. Budget shoppers may want to check out the best cheap mattresses
Shipping
Free Shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
If you return within the 120-night trial period, you can get a full refund.
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
Expert Opinion
The Elite Hybrid is Bear’s “ultra-luxurious” mattress model and comes in three different firmness levels. We’d recommend sleepers wanting an extra-firm feel check out the Firm option. The Elite Hybrid features a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. We thought the mattress’s layers of foam and its coil system with zoned support provided an excellent blend of comfort and support.
Who the Bear Elite Hybrid Is Best For
All sleeping positions: Since this bed comes in three different firmness levels, it can work for all sleeping positions. We specifically think the Firm model will provide the pressure relief and support that back and stomach sleepers need.
Couples: The Bear Elite Hybrid is very responsive, cooling, and supportive for couples sharing the bed. It also did a good job isolating motion — another major perk for couples.
Hot sleepers: The mattress’ Phase Change Material cover and copper-infused foam make the mattress breathable and cool for these sleepers.
Who Should Avoid the Bear Elite Hybrid
Budget shoppers: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly mattress, you may want to check out some other beds on this list. This bed offers sleepers a luxury experience and comes with a luxury price tag.
Eco-conscious sleepers: If you’re looking for a mattress made with only natural, eco-friendly materials, it might be better to check out our list of organic mattresses.
Think the Bear Elite Hybrid is the right pick for you? Check out our full review of the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress to learn more and click here to get the best deal.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Medium mattress is too firm for side sleepers
and too soft for stomach sleepers
(though the Soft or Firm model may work, respectively)
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick up fee
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.
The Signature Hybrid is the flagship mattress from Brooklyn Bedding, and remains one of the brand’s most popular models. It has a simple construction of memory foam, transition foam, and individually pocketed coils at the very bottom of the bed, making for a well-balanced bed that delivers both comfort and support. When we tested it out, we found that we got a slight lift from the coils while also experiencing some soothing pressure relief from the foam.
We should note that the Signature Hybrid is available in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm. We found that the Medium was about a 6.5 on the mattress firmness scale — the industry standard for medium firm. So for purposes of this list, we’re recommending the Firm model, which should feel like a 7.5 or 8 on the firmness scale.
Who the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Is Best For
Combination sleepers: The coils give the Signature Hybrid a good amount of bounce, so it should be easy for these folks to change sleeping positions on its surface.
Stomach sleepers: There should be enough firmness and support for them, as long as they opt for the Firm model. Back sleepers might also be comfortable on this model, but side sleepers should go for the Soft or Medium model.
Couples: The coils make the Signature Hybrid responsive enough for sex, plus the bed has low motion transfer, which means partners aren’t likely to feel each other tossing and turning at night.
Who Should Avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Luxury shoppers: As we mentioned, the Signature Hybrid has a fairly simple construction without a ton of bells and whistles. If you’re searching for something fancier, we recommend looking at our list of the best luxury mattresses.
Nolah Evolution – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best for Back Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Nolah
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Multiple Firmnesses
ArcticTex Cover
HDMax Support Coils
Hybrid Mattress
120-night Trial and Lifetime Warranty
Free shipping
Winter Sale
35% off all mattresses + 2 free pillows See Details
Hybrid, meaning this bed combines foam and coils in its construction.
Firmness
Multiple Firmness Options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested the Luxury Firm and rated it as 6.5 out of 10, meaning it is a medium-firm mattress.
Price
$1,499–$3,198 (before any discounts)
Sizes
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Hot Sleepers
If you overheat while you sleep, this mattress may help you stay cool.
Side Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
Great for couples due to its good edge support and low motion transfer
Works for back sleepers who need good lumbar support
Side sleepers should appreciate the pressure relief
Full refund after 30 days and within the 120-night trial period
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.
Many of Nolah’s mattresses are outfitted with the brand’s proprietary AirFoam — a more breathable alternative to memory foam. The Nolah Evolution is no different, but because the bed is available in three different firmness levels, you can get an extra-firm option with the Firm model. When we tested out the Luxury Firm model, we got a lot of support from the bed’s 8-inch layer of HD Max EcoSupport coils, and ultimately scored the mattress a 6.5 on the mattress firmness scale — the industry standard for medium firm. That means the Firm model should come in somewhere between a 7.5 and 8.
Both of these models should be very comfortable for back sleepers. When we tested out the Nolah Evolution in the back-sleeping position, we got enough support for a neutral spinal alignment, while still getting some cushioning at our lumbar region from the AirFoam. We also ran the mattress through our pressure map test, which uses a specialized mat to detect how much pressure is being put on different parts of our body. In the back-sleeping position, the graphic lit up almost entirely blue, indicating almost no pressure.
Who the Nolah Evolution Is Best For
Hot sleepers: The AirFoam in the Nolah Evolution is technically called AirFoamICE, as it has an infusion of graphite that assists with cooling. This, along with the airflow-promoting coils and the presence of ArcticTex fibers in the comfort layer, should help hot sleepers keep a low temperature.
Stomach sleepers: Like back sleepers, they should get the support they need from the Firm model of this mattress.
Side sleepers: While we don’t recommend the Firm model for these folks, they should be comfortable on the Soft or Luxury Firm model, getting all the contouring they need at the shoulders and hips, where they put the most pressure.
Who Should Avoid the Nolah Evolution
Budget shoppers: The Nolah Evolution is definitely a more expensive mattress. If you’re on a budget, check out some of our best affordable mattresses instead.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Innerspring, for a bouncy mattress that’s easy to move around.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options. We tested the Luxury Firm model and scored it a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm.
Price
$935–$2,450 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
This mattress is ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Stomach Sleeping
It’s also a nice option for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Saatva
With three firmness options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that works for them
The Saatva uses high-quality materials that will last you a long time
Its bouncy and responsive feel means it’s great for combination sleepers
The Saatva’s reinforced edges give it some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen
Cons of the Saatva
If you’re looking for lots of sinkage or amazing motion isolation, you’re better off with one of the best memory foam mattresses.
None of the Saatva Classic models will likely be supportive enough for heavy stomach sleepers. For these folks, we recommend the Saatva HD.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period. Saatva charges a $99 pick-up fee
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
Saatva Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
Expert Opinion
The Saatva Classic mattress has a traditional innerspring feel and offers a luxurious, firm sleeping experience. It comes in three different firmness levels, so we recommend sleepers wanting an extra-firm mattress to pick the Firm model. The bed’s memory foam and coil-on-coil system bring sleepers cushiony support. In addition, it has a zoned support system, which will help promote spinal alignment.
Who the Saatva Is Best For
Back sleepers: The Firm model provides enough cushioning to offer relief for back sleepers, while the coil-on-coil system provides support to help align their spine.
Hot sleepers: The mattress’ construction allows for a lot of airflow and breathability, so if you get hot while sleeping, it can help you stay cool.
Stomach sleepers: The Saatva should offer firm support to these sleepers in order to keep their hips lifted in line with their shoulders, ultimately helping prevent back pain.
Who Should Avoid the Saatva
Some couples: This bed doesn’t do the best job isolating motion, so if you wake up easily by a tossing and turning partner you may want to consider a different option.
Side sleepers: The Firm version will likely be too firm for side sleepers and not provide the sinkage they need at the hips and shoulders. The Plush Soft model would be a better fit for these folks.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Birch
Birch Natural Mattress
Firm Mattress
Organic
Cooling
Latex Hybrid
100-night Trial and 10-year Warranty
Free Shipping
Cyber Monday Sale – Extended!
Save 20% sitewide + 2 FREE pillows with any mattress ($150+ value) See Details
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.
Birch Natural Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
Expert Opinion
As a material, latex foam tends to be more responsive, cooling, and yes, firmer than memory foam. So we knew we had to include at least one latex bed on our list of the best extra-firm mattresses. We ended up going with the Birch Natural (created by Helix Sleep), a latex hybrid that has an organic cotton cover, a fire barrier of organic wool, a comfort layer of natural Talalay latex, and a support layer of individually wrapped coils. Together, these materials are environmentally friendly and have earned several organic certifications, including GREENGUARD Gold and GOTS. You can read more about what those certifications mean here.
When we tested out the Birch Natural, we found it to be firm and springy, coming in at a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. We think sleepers should find it easy to move around on this bed, which makes it ideal for combination sleepers who need to move around and change sleeping positions at night. The mobility also makes the Birch one of the best mattresses for sex.
Who the Birch Natural Is Best For
Hot sleepers: The springs in the Birch leave plenty of room for airflow, plus latex’s natural breathability makes it a good cooling option for people who sleep hot.
Eco-conscious shoppers: Environmentally minded sleepers will surely appreciate the Birch’s numerous organic certifications.
Back sleepers and stomach sleepers: They tend to require more support than side sleepers, and they’ll likely find it in the Birch Natural.
Who Should Avoid the Birch Natural
Side sleepers: There isn’t a ton of contouring in the Birch Natural, so they probably won’t get the pressure relief they need at their shoulders and hips. We recommend they see our list of the best mattresses for side sleepers for more suitable options.
It may sound obvious that you should consider firmness when buying an extra firm mattress, but the firmness of your mattress is really important to your comfort, support, pressure relief, and more.
Extra firm mattresses will likely be best for stomach sleepers, but some back sleepers may also find them comfortable. Side sleepers, however, will not find enough pressure relief on extra firm mattresses, so we advise those folks to stay away from firmer beds.
We measure firmness at Sleepopolis on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest (like you’re sleeping on cotton candy) and 10 being the firmest (like you’re sleeping on concrete). We use 6.5 as our standard for medium-firm, which is a firmness level that can work for a variety of sleepers and their needs. We typically consider anything 8 and above to be extra firm.
Take a look at the breakdown below and check out our mattress buying guide for more info.
1 to 5 Mattresses
These are truly soft beds. If interested in a bed in this range, you’ll want to make sure it’s supportive enough for your body and sleeping position. Because of this, it’s unusual for us to come across a bed that’s softer than a 5. The Helix Sunset is a good example of a soft, yet supportive mattress.
6 Mattresses
6 mattresses are medium-soft beds. Mattresses closer to a 6.5 are medium-firm. We’d recommend mattresses that fall in the 6 to 6.5 range for side sleepers. Back sleepers can also feel great in that range, but may do best closer to a 6.5. The Bear Star Hybrid is a nice example of this type of mattress.
7 Mattresses
7 mattresses are firm beds. The WinkBed in the middle firmness model is a great example of a firmer mattress. Most sleepers on the hunt for a firm mattress should like a bed that falls at a 7 on the firmness scale.
8 to 9 Mattreses
8 to 9 mattresses are extra-firm beds, and are especially good fits for stomach sleepers who need a lot of support and heavier folks. The Plank Firm is a great example of an extra-firm mattress.
10’s
10 is the ranking we’d give to a hardwood floor, so it’s pretty unlikely to come across a bed this firm. At least, we haven’t so far.
Sleeping Positions and Extra-Firm Mattresses
As we mentioned with some of the different mattresses above, depending on your sleeping position, some extra-firm mattresses may end up causing more harm than good. Considering how you sleep can help you decide what kind of mattress is best, and it affects the firmness of the mattress you are looking for.
We test all of the mattresses we review for each sleeping position by laying on the bed in every postion and using our expert knowledge of mattresses, pressure relief, contouring, and firmness needs, we can help you determine if a certain bed is good for you.
Side Sleeping: These folks typically do best on a softer mattress so they can get the necessary pressure relief and cushioning around their shoulder and hip. If they’re set on a firmer mattress, they should look for one that is still soft enough to provide sinkage and relief around these areas. It’s unlikely they’ll find an extra-firm mattress that will work for their needs.
Back Sleeping: Back sleepers can do well on a lot of different types of mattresses, but they usually do best on a medium-firm bed. That being said, a firm mattress can still be a great option and keep their spine aligned while preventing back pain.
Stomach Sleeping: Stomach sleepers tend to be the happiest on firm or extra-firm mattresses because they need their hips to stay elevated and in line with their shoulders. These beds can get the job done and provide a healthy spinal alignment for them.
Combination Sleepers: Combination sleepers move from one position to another throughout the night What these sleepers need in terms of firmness and pressure relief changes depending on what positions they move from, but we generally recommend a more responsive bed for combination sleepers, as they will find those mattresses to be easier to move on.
Support
While it may be easy to assume that any extra-firm mattress you get can give you good support, support and firmness are not the same thing. A mattress that offers you adequate support will keep your spine in proper alignment for your sleeping position and not create pain around pressure points that hurt your sleep quality.
Depending on how you sleep and any pain that you may already be feeling, we recommend different levels of support. for example, stomach sleepers need support through their hips, side sleepers through their shoulders and back, and back sleepers through their back and neck. How each type of sleeper gets this support is not directly related to firmness. Stomach sleepers, for example, generally benefit from a softer mattress that is more contouring but still supports their hip and spinal alignment.
Pressure Relief
When considering an extra-firm mattress, you’ll also want to keep in mind how the bed will feel against various pressure points along your body while you sleep. While firm mattresses tend to offer less pressure relief, some feel softer over time or have a comfort layer that offers the right amount of sinkage for your sleep position. If you are experiencing chronic pain, or struggling with pain when you sleep, it may be a good idea to opt for a mattress that is softer and more cradling of sensitive joints. However, if you prefer a firmer mattress, or do not need as much deep pressure relief, then an extra firm mattress may be the way to go.
To test pressure relief on the mattresses that we review, we like to use a pressure mat. We roll this mat out across the bed and lay on it in different positions. The mat then gives us a thermal map, which you can see to the right. The map tells us where pressure is building up by showing red and orange, and where pressure is relieved by showing blue and green.
Mattress Material
The best type of extra-firm mattress depends on your personal needs and sleep style. Below we’ll look at some of the main mattress types and who they are typically a good match for.
Memory Foam
These mattresses consist of all-foam layers and can vary in firmness from super soft to super firm. Memory foam mattresses are historically popular because the materials can be gentle, pressure-relieving, and cozy. That being said, many brands use high-density foams that don’t offer as much sinkage as traditional memory foam and can offer a firmer feel.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are made of steel coils and have thin layers of foam on top. They bring sleepers a more traditional mattress feel and are usually very supportive, bouncy, and airflow-promoting. Because of their materials, they tend to be medium-firm or firmer.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are beds with a combination of two or more mattress materials, like foams and coils. These mattresses are great for sleepers wanting a bed with more than one material and are often considered to be the “best of both worlds” of having the benefits of both a foam and innerspring bed. Hybrid mattresses work great for most sleepers since they can range in firmness and feel.
Latex
These mattresses use latex foams in their construction. The materials can feel very firm and durable. Brands often combine latex and steel coil support systems to bring sleepers bounce and support. As a natural cooling material, this bed type is excellent for hot sleepers. These mattresses can vary in firmness level, but are typically medium-firm or firmer.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the strength of the edges on your mattress, and can also be a good sign of durability. If you are looking for an extra firm mattress, you may want to be sure that the edges of your mattress will not sag when sleeping or using the bed. This can also be important for couples who want to use the entire surface of their bed, and elderly sleepers who need help getting in and out of bed.
We test for edge support by applying pressure to the edges of a mattress and seeing how far the edges sink and how much pressure is required to push them down. The less sagging and more pressure required indicate better edge support across the mattress.
Body Type and Extra-Firm Mattresses
Editor’s Note: 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, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call “average.”
We use the following categories for body types:
Lightweight sleepers: Less than 130 pounds
Average weight sleepers: Between 130 and 250 pounds
Heavy sleepers: More than 250 pounds
Beds are typically going to feel firmer to lightweight sleepers than they do heavyweight sleepers. Because of this, lightweight sleepers tend to do best on softer mattresses. If you’re heavier in weight, you’re going to need more support from a bed and will typically do well on a firm or extra-firm mattress. If you weigh more than 250 pounds, it’s essential to find a mattress that’s going to fit your needs. We recommend taking a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people to see some great options.
Price
The price of your mattress will vary depending on the materials, brand, and type of bed. There are beds on the market that cost less than $500, and beds that cost upwards of $2,500. Like anything on the market, some mattresses are more expensive because of branding, and others truly are better quality. We recommend considering what attributes are most important for you and buying a new mattress based on those factors, not brand. If you are looking for deals, shopping around holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Black Friday may be a good idea, or you can check out our recommendations for the best cheap mattresses and best mattresses under $1,000.
FAQs
What type of mattress is the firmest?
Latex or innerspring mattresses can feel very firm. However, there are also memory foam and hybrid mattresses designed to be extra firm.
What is the hardest firm mattress?
Mattresses will feel firmer to some sleepers more than others. The Plank Firm mattress came in at an 8.5 on our firmness scale (where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest), and is one the firmest and flattest beds we’ve tested.
Is it good to have an extra-firm mattress?
It depends on your sleeping position and body type. An extra-firm bed can be beneficial for some stomach and back sleepers. It’s typically not suitable for side sleepers since they usually need a softer mattress to get ample pressure relief.
Is it better to sleep on an extra-firm mattress?
It’s not necessarily better to sleep on an extra-firm mattress. However, depending on the support you need, whether you’re a heavy sleeper, or what type of position you sleep in, an extra-firm bed might be the right choice for you.
Logan is the former content director of Sleepopolis. As content director, he reviewed new mattresses every week and curated the comparisons, best of pages, and video guides on the site. Logan perfected his method by personally testing over 200 different mattresses, so he’s not only able to discern the overall vibe of a specific bed, but to contextualize its feel within the bed-in-a-box market as a whole.