Best Extra-Firm Mattress

Written by Esther Shittu, Writer

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 220 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.
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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.

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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. 

Our Top Pick for Extra-Firm Mattresses

The Plank Firm earned the top spot on this list because it has two sides: firm and ultra firm. We think it’s great for stomach sleepers who need extra support in their hips. Likewise, it’s ideal for back sleepers wanting additional firm support.

Best Extra-Firm Mattresses 2023

• Plank Firm – Best Overall Extra-Firm Mattress
• Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Couples
• Saatva – Best Extra-Firm Innerspring Mattress
• WinkBeds – Best Pillow Top Extra-Firm Mattress
• Titan Plus – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
• Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Luxury Extra-Firm Mattress
• Helix Dawn – Best Value Extra-Firm Mattress
• Minocasa – Best Extra-Firm Hybrid Mattress
• Airweave – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

Compare Mattresses for Platform Beds

Plank Firm – Best Overall Extra-Firm Mattress

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.

What our tester says: “I really like that the Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with two firmness options. This makes it feel like you’re getting two beds for the price of one. I also think this is a great choice for anyone who loves a firm feel — if you’re looking for the firmest mattress out there, the ultra-firm side of the Plank is the way to go.”- Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

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 polyamorous 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.

Does the Plank Firm sound like the best extra-firm mattress you need? Get our best deal here or learn more in our full Plank Firm mattress review. 

Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Couples

Expert Opinion

The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress could be a couple’s dream because it has great edge support, cooling abilities, and responsiveness. It’s one of the bouncier mattresses we’ve tested, making it a great option for sex. It also has decent motion isolation, meaning you shouldn’t be too bothered if your partner is tossing and turning at night. Additionally, this mattress comes in at 7.5 on the firmness scale (where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest), so it’s quite firm. 

What our tester says: “The Emma mattress’s supportive foam layers and responsive coil system make it a fantastic choice for couples who prioritize motion isolation and mobility.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer

Who the Emma Hybrid Comfort Is Best For

• Couples: The Emma Hybrid Comfort is super supportive for two people sharing the bed and has just the right amount of responsiveness and bounce for sex. Also, the open-cell foam and pocketed springs make it an excellent choice for couples since two bodies tend to overheat faster than one.
• Back and stomach sleepers: The mattress should help align back sleepers’ spines and feel comfortable for those after a firmer feel. Its firmness can mean elevated hips and a healthier sleep posture for stomach sleepers as well.
• Hot sleepers: The coils in the mattress leave plenty of room for airflow, which can assist with cooling. The open-celled foam also promotes ventilation and should help hot sleepers keep a low temperature, plus the mattress boasts a temperature-regulating cover.

Who Should Avoid the Emma Hybrid Comfort

• Lightweight or average weight side sleepers: The mattress will likely be too firm for these sleepers and might cause pain.
• Those who don’t want bounce: The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a pretty bouncy and responsive bed, so if you’re looking for a memory foam feel, this is not the mattress for you.

If you think Emma Hybrid Comfort might be the perfect extra-firm mattress you and your significant other have been looking for, then get our best deal here. You can also check out our entire lineup of our picks for the best mattresses for couples. Learn more in our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review.

Saatva – Best Extra-Firm Innerspring Mattress

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.

What our tester says: “The Saatva Classic is a bouncy, high-quality mattress with durability and great edge support. I think it’s a nice option for back and combination sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

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.

Is the Saata the type of extra-firm mattress you need? Check out our full Saatva Mattress Review and get our best deal here. If you’re looking for other options, check out our review for the best mattresses for side sleepers.

WinkBeds – Best Extra-Firm Pillow Top Mattress

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. 

What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the WinkBed is its durability. This is a high-quality mattress that should really stand the test of time. This is great news for any sleeper, but especially nice for heavy people and couples.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

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.

Titan Plus – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers

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. 

What our tester says: “Heavier people with back problems will likely enjoy the lower body alignment the Titan Plus provides. Couples will find a lot to love with the Titan Plus because of its motion isolation and edge support. Stomach sleepers usually need hip support, which the Titan Plus provides nicely.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

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 looking for 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.

Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Luxury Extra-Firm Mattress

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. 

What our tester says: “I honestly like a lot about the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress — starting with how you can choose your firmness level. I tested out the middle level (Medium), and I think it’s great that each sleeper can pick what option works best for them.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

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.

Helix Dawn – Best Value Extra-Firm Mattress

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.

What our tester says: “No matter which model you choose, the Helix Dawn really delivers on lumbar support. If you’re looking for extra plushness and cooling components, I’d upgrade to the Luxe version.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester

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.

If either Helix Dawn models sound appealing, check out our full Helix Dawn review and click here to snag the best deal.

Minocasa – Best Extra-Firm Hybrid Mattress

Expert Opinion

This 12-inch tall hybrid mattress has a soft Tencel cover, pressure-relieving foam, and gel-infused memory foam on top of zoned pocketed springs. We found it to be very firm with little sinkage or pressure relief. We thought it kept us propped up on top of the bed, rather than “in” it. It does have some firm cushioning for those who need it and is also a great choice for budget shoppers.

What our tester says: “The Minocasa offers a super firm feel. When I first laid down on the bed, I immediately noticed how firm it was. I didn’t experience much sinkage or pressure relief on this bed. Still, it did offer some cushioning — it wasn’t like laying on a hard plank, even though it was super firm.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer

Who the Minocasa Is Best For

• Back sleepers: Back sleepers after a firm feel should appreciate how supportive this mattress is and how it keeps their spine in alignment.
• Budget shoppers: At under $1,000 for a queen size, sleepers on a budget should love this hybrid choice. 
• Stomach sleepers: The mattress offers great support for sleepers who prefer to sleep on their stomachs and will help keep their hips aligned with their shoulders.

Who Should Avoid the Minocasa

• Side sleepers: The mattress will likely be too firm for side sleepers. They should choose an option with more sinkage and pressure relief.
• Memory foam lovers: The Minocasa offers very little sinkage and doesn’t have a ton of give to it, so these sleepers may want to check out other models on this list.

Want to learn more about the Minocasa? Head over to our full Minocasa Mino Hybrid mattress review and click here to get the best deal. If you’re looking for other mattresses with budget-friendly price tags, check out our roundup of the best cheap mattresses.

Airweave – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

Expert Opinion

Airweave has made its name in the mattress industry for designing mattresses used at the Tokyo Olympics. The brand’s Airweave Mattress Advanced bed has a nontraditional construction and is made of three core blocks using a material called airfiber. Unlike a lot of beds with foams and coils, airfiber kind of resembles woven plastic noodles (but is much more supportive than them). We gave this bed a score of 8.5 on our firmness scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. This bed kept us really supported overall. Sleepers can also rearrange the three air fiber blocks in the mattress to make the mattress firmer or softer. 

What our tester says: “I really like how sleepers can customize the firmness of the bed by arranging the three different firmness blocks to their liking. It’s also helpful Airweave has an app to help people find the right firmness configuration for their body type and sleeping position.” –Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Airweave Is Best For

• Hot sleepers: Airweave’s build promotes airflow, so it will help sleepers maintain a lower body temperature by helping dissipate body heat.
• Back sleepers: This mattress offers nice support beneath the lower back and helps maintain a healthy spinal alignment for these sleepers. 
• Stomach sleepers: The mattress offers excellent lift for these folks and will help keep the hips aligned with the shoulder, alleviating back pain.

Who Should Avoid the Airweave

• Sleepers with shoulder or hip pain: This mattress likely won’t provide the proper cushioning for these sleepers and their sensitive joints.
• Budget shoppers: This mattress is the most expensive bed on this list and may be out of some shoppers’ price range.

If the Airweave Advanced appeals to you, check out our full review of the mattress and click here to get the best deal.

What to Look for In An Extra-Firm Mattress 

Now that we’ve covered our top extra-firm mattress picks, let’s go over what you should look for when shopping for your new bed. Buying a mattress is a big deal, after all — you could commit to this decision for years.

To help you with this choice, we’ll go over the different components you should keep in mind while shopping, like sleeping position, support, pressure relief, your personal preference, and materials.

Sleeping Position 

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. For example:

• Side sleepers 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 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 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.

Body Type

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.

Our Recommendations for Heavy Sleepers

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.

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 the 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.

Materials Matter

It’s always good to look for a mattress with durable materials, especially a high-quality support layer, that provides the correct spinal alignment for your body.

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. 

How Do You Measure Mattress Firmness? 

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 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 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 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 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 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!

What is the Best Type of Extra-Firm Mattress? 

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 Mattresses 

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 Mattresses 

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 Mattresses 

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 Mattresses 

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. 

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.

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 landed around an 8 out of 10 or higher on our firmness scale, since that’s what we consider to be a true extra-firm bed. 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 Extra-Firm Mattresses 2023

Mattress	Best For	Price (Queen)	Coupon	Review
Plank Firm	Overall	$1,332	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
Emma Hybrid Comfort	Best for Couples	$1,199	Emma Coupon	Read Our Review
Saatva	Best Innerspring	$1,995	Saatva Coupon	Read Our Review
WinkBeds	Best Pillow Top	$1,799	WinkBeds Coupon	Read Our Review
Titan Plus	Best for Heavy Sleepers	$1,249	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
Bear Elite Hybrid	Best Luxury	$2,111	Bear Mattress Coupon	Read Our Review
Helix Dawn	Best Value	$1,373	Helix Mattress Coupon	Read Our Review
Minocasa	Best Hybrid	$899	Coupons	Review Coming Soon
Airweave	Best for Stomach Sleepers	$6,000	Coupons	Read Our Review

Esther Shittu

Writer

About Author

Esther Shittu is a journalist and freelance writer living in the Northeast. Her favorite hobbies are writing, reading, and spending time with family.

Combination Sleeper