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.
Best Extra-Firm Mattresses 2024
- Plank Firm – Best Overall Extra-Firm Mattress
- Saatva – Best Extra-Firm Innerspring Mattress
- Helix Dawn – Best Value Extra-Firm 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
Compare Mattresses for Platform Beds
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Helix Dawn Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | |
Rating | ||||||
Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options |
Material | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
Cooling | -- | ✓ | -- | ✓ | -- | ✓ |
Sleep Position | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Combination | Back & Side | Back & Stomach |
Best Extra-Firm Mattresses Video Review
Plank Firm – Best Overall Extra-Firm Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
This is my 4th foam mattress. Lasting firmness is one of the challenges I have come across with the mattresses. This is the most firm I have purchased and after a few weeks, I am still happy.
Ray, Brooklyn Bedding customerBrooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
This is my 4th foam mattress. Lasting firmness is one of the challenges I have come across with the mattresses. This is the most firm I have purchased and after a few weeks, I am still happy.
Ray, Brooklyn Bedding customerBrooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank mattress is an all-foam, flippable mattress with a firm side and an extra-firm side, which makes it great for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress should provide stomach sleepers with the right amount of support needed, while back sleepers will be happiest on the firm side.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
This is my 4th foam mattress. Lasting firmness is one of the challenges I have come across with the mattresses. This is the most firm I have purchased and after a few weeks, I am still happy.
Ray, Brooklyn Bedding customerExpert 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.
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.
Saatva – Best Extra-Firm Innerspring Mattress
Saatva Mattress
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.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
We were skeptical of buying a mattress on line but it could not have gone any smoother. Anthony answered all of our questions during our many phone conversations. Delivery was prompt and went without a hitch. Best of all the mattress is so comfortable! I haven't had such a good night sleep in years. Highly recommend this.
Patty, Saatva customerSaatva Mattress
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It's a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
We were skeptical of buying a mattress on line but it could not have gone any smoother. Anthony answered all of our questions during our many phone conversations. Delivery was prompt and went without a hitch. Best of all the mattress is so comfortable! I haven't had such a good night sleep in years. Highly recommend this.
Patty, Saatva customerSaatva Mattress
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It's a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
We were skeptical of buying a mattress on line but it could not have gone any smoother. Anthony answered all of our questions during our many phone conversations. Delivery was prompt and went without a hitch. Best of all the mattress is so comfortable! I haven't had such a good night sleep in years. Highly recommend this.
Patty, Saatva customerExpert 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.
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.
Helix Dawn – Best Value Extra-Firm Mattress
Helix Dawn Mattress
The Helix Dawn is the firmest model Helix Sleep offers. It uses strong support to provide a great feel for back and stomach sleepers. The hybrid build provides good bounce and mobility so you’ll be able to change positions easily too.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
The Helix Dawn is the firmest model Helix Sleep offers. It uses strong support to provide a great feel for back and stomach sleepers. The hybrid build provides good bounce and mobility so you’ll be able to change positions easily too.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
The Helix Dawn is the firmest model Helix Sleep offers. It uses strong support to provide a great feel for back and stomach sleepers. The hybrid build provides good bounce and mobility so you’ll be able to change positions easily too.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this 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.
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.
WinkBeds – Best Extra-Firm Pillow Top Mattress
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Absolutely the greatest mattress I've ever slept on. It is soft yet firm in the right spots. Quality is on another level. You get what you pay for.
Sobhana P., WinkBeds customerWinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Absolutely the greatest mattress I've ever slept on. It is soft yet firm in the right spots. Quality is on another level. You get what you pay for.
Sobhana P., WinkBeds customerWinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that comes in three firmness levels, so most sleepers should find a model that suits their needs. It could also be a good fit for couples, thanks to reinforced edge support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Absolutely the greatest mattress I've ever slept on. It is soft yet firm in the right spots. Quality is on another level. You get what you pay for.
Sobhana P., WinkBeds customerExpert 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.
Titan Plus – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
The Titan Luxe mattress is a hybrid mattress designed for heavy sleepers, like the firmer Titan mattress, but it is considerably softer.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
The Titan Luxe mattress is a hybrid mattress designed for heavy sleepers, like the firmer Titan mattress, but it is considerably softer.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
The Titan Luxe mattress is a hybrid mattress designed for heavy sleepers, like the firmer Titan mattress, but it is considerably softer.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
Made with plus-size people in mind, the Titan Plus features quilted gel memory foam, high-density foam, and up to 961 individually encased TitanCaliber coils. This all brings heavier folks support, comfort, and pressure relief where they need it. The Titan Plus comes in at a 7.5 on the firmness scale (where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest), so it’s a truly firm mattress.
Who the Titan Plus Is Best For
- Heavy sleepers: Heavy sleepers will get the deep compression support and durability they need with this mattress. We especially think it’s a great fit for heavy back and stomach sleepers.
- Couples: The low motion transfer means you shouldn’t be disturbed by your partner turning and tossing at night and vice versa.
- Stomach sleepers: The firm support will help keep these sleepers’ hips and shoulders aligned for a perfect straight spinal alignment.
Who Should Avoid the Titan Plus
- Those wanting sinkage: If you’re looking for a mattress with a classic memory foam feel, this probably isn’t the one for you.
- Side sleepers: If you only sleep on your side, we recommend finding a softer mattress to get better contouring and pressure relief.
If you’re a heavyweight sleeper (meaning you weigh 250 pounds or more) who thinks the Titan Plus will give you the perfect support, check out our full review of the mattress and click here to get the best deal.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Luxury Extra-Firm Mattress
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
Elise M., Bear customerBear Elite Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
Elise M., Bear customerBear Elite Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear's “ultra-luxurious” model with a traditional mattress feel, plus advanced cooling and support technology. It comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Love it! I absolutely love this mattress and the adjustable frame. It’s helping my back issues so much. I highly recommend this mattress to anyone with back pain
Elise M., Bear customerExpert 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.
Pros of an Extra-Firm Mattress
- Allows stomach sleepers proper support
- Can be good for heavy sleepers
Cons of an Extra-Firm Mattress
- May lack in pressure relief
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.
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.
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.
Additional Considerations When Buying an Extra-Firm Mattress
To help you with this choice, we’ll go over some additional components you should keep in mind while shopping like pressure relief, your personal preference, and materials.
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.
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.
To test this in our lab, we use a pressure map, which uses thermal imaging to present a graphic based on areas of high and low pressure buildup. This shows us whether or not a mattress is sufficiently pressure relieving in whatever position we choose.
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.
Best Extra-Firm Mattresses 2024
Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
Plank Firm | Overall | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
Saatva | Best Innerspring | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
Helix Dawn | Best Value | $1,373 | Helix Mattress 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 |
Logan Block
Mattress Reviewer
About Author
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.
Combination Sleeper