Who wants to sleep on a firm mattress? If you’re someone with a bigger body, a stomach sleeper, or if you hate the comfy sink of your bed, a firmer mattress might be the best fit for you. Firm doesn’t necessarily mean “uncomfortable,” and sometimes the extra support provided by a firm bed can help you sleep more soundly.
Our testers have tried all of the best mattresses on the market — and over 330 total mattresses to be exact. Many of these mattresses claim to be firm, but we’ve done the work to give you our top picks in this category. Firmness can be pretty subjective, but we consider a bed from all angles, taking into account body type, sleeping position, and other personal preferences that factor into who a bed is best for.
Per our testing methodology, we score beds from 1–5 in a number of performance categories. For firm beds, the following criteria are most pertinent:
- Support: Support is important in all mattresses, but firm beds tend to be champions at this, as they prioritize firm foundations that yield a more lifted sleep surface.
- Pressure relief: You may see a lot of beds with low pressure relief scores, but don’t fret. Firm beds tend to keep you “on top” of the mattress, rather than allowing you to sink into it. This may not work for folks who need to relieve pressure on parts of their body that dig into the mattress. (But you should see there are multiple beds on this list that can provide this feeling while still remaining firm.)
- Response: Response is another word for bounce. Most firm beds will also have a higher bounce score, as a doughy feel that restricts movement is often associated with softer mattresses.
- Materials: What a bed’s made of will contribute to its overall feel, but also its durability. We take a look at a mattress layer by layer to assess the quality of the bed itself, and gauge which materials are doing most of the heavy lifting.
To create this guide to the best firm mattress, we consulted with Chaunie Brusie, RN, BSN, to review the content from a medical perspective, and Dr. Raj Dasgupta, who is board-certified in sleep medicine, to help us evaluate what to look for in a firm mattress. Let’s dive in.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
Our Top Pick For Firm Mattresses
The Plank Firm Luxe mattress landed at the top of our list because of its versatility. This flippable mattress features two comfortable firmness levels, and its high-density foam provides tons of incredible support.
10 Best Firm Mattresses of 2025
- Plank Firm Luxe – Best Overall Firm Mattress
- Helix Dawn – Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- DreamCloud – Best Hybrid Mattress
- WinkBed – Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- Saatva – Best Innerspring Firm Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Nolah Evolution – Best Firm Pressure-Relieving Mattress
- Bear Original – Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress
- Titan Plus – Best Firm Mattress for Heavy People
- Birch Natural – Best Organic Firm Mattress
What I Looked For in the Best Firm Mattresses
We’ve tested dozens of different mattresses, many of them claiming to be firm, but how many really delivered on that promise? Here’s what we considered to help finalize our list:
- Firmness score: This is a score from 1 to 10 letting the shopper know how soft or firm a bed is. Our firmness scale is based on the objective rankings of multiple Certified Sleep Science Coaches here at Sleepopolis.
- Responsiveness: We test responsiveness by seeing how easy it is to move around on the bed’s surface, then give it a score out of 5.
- Support: We’ll rate a mattress based on how secure and comfortable we feel, including whether or not our spine is aligned.
This list has a bunch of mattresses with varying construction and performance features, but all of them share one thing: They all have models that earn at least a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale. We consider anything over 6.5, the industry standard for medium-firm, a firm mattress.
Note: If a mattress comes in multiple firmness options, we mostly test the mid-range model (e.g., Medium). We may recommend choosing a firmer option of the same mattress based on our findings for a true firm experience, though many options should be firm enough at this mid-range level.
Compare the Best Firm Mattresses
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Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress | Helix Dawn Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Titan Plus | Birch Natural Mattress | |
Rating | ||||||||||
Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid |
Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||||||
Best For |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Couples
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Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Couples |
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors
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Back Sleepers,
Hip Pain, Couples |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain,
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,
|
Best Firm Mattress 2025 Video Review

Plank Firm Luxe – Best Overall
The Plank Firm Luxe is not only unique in that it’s one of the firmest mattresses out there, but it’s also flippable. Each side boasts sturdy support, reinforced with a core layer of pocketed coils. Additionally, the option to test out which side is best for you should largely appeal to back, stomach, combination sleepers, and those with larger body types. It’s also the luxury upgrade version of the standard Plank Firm, so it has some added cushioning foam and a slightly plusher feel, as well as the springs (the standard Plank Firm is all-foam). For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“The Plank Firm Luxe has a very similar feel to the Plank Firm mattress, except the firm side on the Plank Firm Luxe is the softest, plushest side either bed offers. I like that it has a little more versatility.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
The Plank Firm Luxe, created by Brooklyn Bedding, lives up to its name and its number-one spot on this list. “Plank” refers to its super-firm feel (like a plank of wood), while “Luxe” refers to its luxurious hybrid construction. This bed combines two firm mattresses in one: an extra-firm side and a more “traditional” firm side. Mattress expert and tester Bridget Chapman really liked how “this makes it feel like you’re getting two beds for the price of one.” It also earned a 4 or higher in nearly every performance category.
We rated the firm side of the Plank Firm Luxe a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, and the extra-firm side ranked an 8 out of 10. The firm side definitely has a more medium-firm feel, so true firm fans might want to stick to the extra-firm side. (Just be warned that you might really feel like you’re lying on a wooden plank.)

Lying down on this bed, support was the first thing we noticed. The combination of high-density foam and coils helps to keep proper spinal alignment, reducing the risk of aches and pains from improper posture. For this reason, we gave the bed a 4.5 out of 5 in support. Bridget also thought “the firm side is a great choice for anyone who loves a firm, cushiony feel.”
And if you find yourself needing a break from the bed’s unyielding surface, you can always switch over to the less firm side to experience a bit more pressure relief. It also earned a 4 out of 5 in motion isolation, alongside 4.5 out of 5 in both cooling and edge support, all of which I think should make it a great mattress for couples.
If you’re looking for a cheaper but similarly flippable firm option, you should consider Brooklyn Bedding’s original Plank Firm model. Otherwise, check out our full Plank Firm Luxe review.
Helix Dawn – Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
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.
What our tester says:
“I really appreciate how supportive these mattresses are. Stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and heavy people (those over 250 pounds) could all benefit from the firm feel of this bed. No matter which model you choose, the Helix Dawn really delivers on lumbar support.” Logan Block, former Sleepopolis content director and mattress tester
Stomach sleepers often prefer firmer beds, as they need more support to keep their hips from sinking in. How lucky, then, that Helix has a firm mattress designed for back and stomach sleepers: the Helix Dawn.
Don’t believe me? Mattress tester Logan Block noted that “stomach sleepers could really benefit from the firm feel of this bed” because it “really delivers on lumbar support.” It also comes in an upgraded version, the Dawn Luxe, which I also recommend for this group.
The Dawn Luxe came in at a 7 on our firmness scale, while the standard Dawn is a little bit firmer, coming in at a 7.5. Both of these models are firmer than the industry average, good news for firm mattress fans. This mattress has an “on top” feeling that’s only bolstered by its bounciness, for which we gave it a perfect response score.

The mattress itself isn’t the only thing that’s supportive — the edges hold up pretty well when bearing weight, so you should be able to spread out to your heart’s content on the bed’s surface. It’s important to note that, as expected of a firmer mattress, we only gave this mattress a 3.5 out of 5 for pressure relief, though this may not be a concern for most stomach sleepers.
Some restless couples, however, may want to look at a different mattress, as the motion isolation score was also a sub-par 3.5 out of 5. These folks might feel their partner’s movements from the other side of the bed.
For a cheaper bed for stomach sleepers, you might want to consider the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, also on this list. If you’re already sold, consider reading our full Helix Dawn mattress review to find out more about this bed. You might also want to check out other mattresses for stomach sleepers.
DreamCloud – Best Hybrid Mattress
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
Hybrid beds are made with coils and foam, and the best hybrid mattress provides an ideal mix of cushioning and support. For firm mattress fans, this combination can yield a more balanced feel. The DreamCloud itself is one such bed, thanks to its individually wrapped coils and comfort layers. As mattress tester Bridget Chapman put it, “I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers.”
When we laid down on the DreamCloud to test it, we found it to be a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. It has much more of a responsive, on-top-of-the-bed feel than a plush, slow-sinking feel, despite the presence of memory foam up top. This also gives the bed more pressure-relieving ability than other firm mattresses, hence why we recommend it for folks who sleep on their back.

I find the DreamCloud is a relatively well-rounded mattress. We gave it 4.5 out of 5 in support, pressure relief, and edge support, while responsiveness got a perfect score. One place where it’s lacking is motion isolation, coming in at only 3.5. Our testers found there was some noticeable motion transfer, enough to deter some especially light sleepers looking for a great mattress for couples.
Looking for better motion isolation? You might like the Nolah Evolution, which is our pick for a pressure-relieving firm mattress. You can also head over to our full DreamCloud mattress review to find out more about this bed.
WinkBed – Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Did you know that sometimes a firmer mattress is actually better for back pain? If you’re looking for a firm mattress that should help address an achy back, let me introduce you to the WinkBed. This hybrid mattress has zoned support coils that help lift the spine into proper alignment and prevent unnatural back wrenching, earning it a 4.5 out of 5 in the support category. When I tested out the WinkBed, I noticed the quilted pillow top contouring to my body, so it should also comfortably fill in the hollow near your lower back, providing back support.
This bed is offered in three different firmness levels: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. (There’s also a version specifically created for bigger bodies, the WinkBed Plus.) The Luxury Firm model came in at a 7 on our firmness scale. If you want something extra-firm, mattress tester and expert Bridget Chapman’s recommendation is that “the Firmer model should be a great match for those after a firm feel.“

WinkBeds’ industrial-strength coils certainly bring the support, but I found it to be a fairly pressure-relieving mattress too, an added bonus for back pain. We gave it a favorable 4.5 out of 5 in this category. Bridget also championed the bed’s durability: “It feels very supportive and well made.” It’s a good option for couples, too, as we gave it high scores for motion absorption and edge support. One drawback of note is the price, with a queen size coming in at nearly $1,700 after sales. I wouldn’t consider this a budget-friendly mattress.
If you’re over 250 pounds, you might want to check out the WinkBed Plus. Otherwise, consider reading our full WinkBed review or checking out the other best mattresses for back pain.
Saatva – Best Firm Innerspring 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. 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.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
I sleep on a Saatva myself (for half a year now) and absolutely adore it. The innerspring feel gives it plenty of bounce, earning it a perfect 5-out-of-5 score in this category, which I appreciate as a combination sleeper who switches between my stomach and side. If you’re looking for a firm mattress with a luxury feel and perks, the Saatva Classic checks all the boxes and more.
Even the Luxury Firm (medium-firm model) is on the firmer side of medium-firm at a 6.5 on our scale, but I found myself able to comfortably sink a little on my side. But for purposes of this roundup, I might recommend the Firm model to true firm fans, which should come in at a 7 or higher. Tester Nichole Mondshein also recommends this bed for folks needing back support: “The support of the coils should keep their back in a healthy neutral position, which can help combat back pain.”

We nearly gave the Saatva all fives in our performance category scores. I’ve yet to find a mattress that has better edge support. It also gets a gold star for its policies. I, for one, appreciated the free white glove delivery when I moved, and I still have the opportunity to make use of their generous 365-night trial — though I don’t plan on it.
The one place where Saatva falters is its motion isolation, and it’s close to unbearable if you’re an extremely light sleeper like myself. For reference, we gave it a 3 out of 5 during testing. I felt everything, from the littlest twitch to getting in and out of bed. However, I can overlook it for all the other benefits, and perhaps most couples can too, if they’re sounder sleepers than I am.
If you’re looking for a comparable mattress with better motion isolation, you might want to consider the WinkBed. Otherwise, read our full Saatva Classic review to find out more. You can also check out our other picks for the best innerspring mattresses.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Sometimes I say back sleepers are the easiest to please, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have to be picky when it comes to a firmer mattress. Thankfully, Brooklyn Bedding’s Signature Hybrid comes in a Firm model, though we loved the Medium for back sleepers. It has just the right mix of pressure relief and support (earning 4.5 out of 5 for both scores) that should keep these sleepers aligned and comfortable.
After seeing some great results on the pressure map test, mattress tester and expert Nichole Mondshein proclaimed “I think the Signature Hybrid could be a nice choice for back sleepers with back pain.”
The Medium model came in at a 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. This is the industry standard for medium firm — a firmness level that’s usually good for folks who sleep on their back, but perhaps not for firm mattress fans.

If you choose the Firm model, you’re likely to experience it as a 7 or 7.5 on the firmness scale. If you also suffer with back pain, the Signature Hybrid’s firm feel might offer some respite, too. Nichole noted that “this mattress should promote a healthy sleep posture, which is key to avoiding pain and soreness.”
Once again, we have another well-rounded mattress gracing our list. The Signature Hybrid gets near-perfect scores in support, pressure relief, edge support, and cooling. It’s definitely got the bounce to make moving around easier for combination sleepers or during sex. However, some couples might notice a bit more motion transfer on this hybrid’s springy surface based on the sub-par readings from Nichole’s seismometer test.
Looking for a Brooklyn Bedding mattress better built for couples? You might want to check out the Aurora Luxe mattress, which also comes in a Firm option.
Nolah Evolution – Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Picking a firm mattress doesn’t mean sacrificing pressure relief. Maybe you’re a back or side sleeper who likes or needs a firm mattress, as both of these positions require some relief on the hips, shoulders, or lower back. The Nolah Evolution is here to offer you the best of both worlds. This mattress scored a 5 out of 5 in our pressure relief category.
Staff writer and certified sleep coach Sosha Lewis sleeps on a Nolah Evolution and corroborated this: “My personal favorite aspect is the pressure relief! As a middle-aged CrossFitter with a janky hip, this bed eases so much of my pain.” It also just so happens to come in a Firm model.
The Luxury Firm model we tested came in at a 6.5 on our firmness scale, making it the industry standard for medium-firm. The AirFoam accounts for its slightly softer feel and pressure relief, and you can always opt for the Firm model, which will likely be closer to a 7 or 7.5.

The Nolah Evolution scored a 4 or higher in every category. Based on this, and the fact that it comes in three firmnesses, I’d wager you’d be hard-pressed to find someone for whom this bed doesn’t work. Perhaps the only drawback is that as a luxury mattress, the Evolution costs a pretty penny, but we believe it’s worth it.
Looking to save rather than splurge? You might want to look at the Helix Dawn, our firm mattress pick for stomach sleepers. Feel free to read our full Nolah Evolution review for more information. If you want to look at more pressure-relieving mattresses, check out the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Bear Original – Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Most people associate the best memory foam mattresses with cushy softness, but firm mattress fans might be surprised to learn that there are plenty of firm foam beds out there. The Bear Original is one such bed — dare we call it a rare gem? It came in at about a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, which is much firmer than many other all-foam beds on the market. Tester Nichole Mondshein cited that the “double poly foam construction gives it a firm, supportive feel” after trying it out.

Where the Bear Original truly stands out from the competition is the optional Celliant cover. For an additional $130, you can reap the purported benefits of this performance textile. Some clinical trials show that this material absorbs the energy in your body and then redirects it back to you to assist with blood flow and recovery, also helping to reduce excess body heat.
While Sleepopolis has not personally tested this, we can attest to the cooling technology present in Celliant, which helps to keep sleepers cooler throughout the night. This is a rarity in memory foam mattresses, which are usually known for trapping heat, and therefore not good mattresses for hot sleepers. We gave the Bear mattress a solid 4 out of 5 score for its cooling cover.
As a foam mattress, it’s worth noting that this bed might not give you the same support as a hybrid mattress. However, Nichole still felt lifted on the surface, so it’s by no means unsupportive. The edges also didn’t hold up under weight, garnering a low score at 3 out of 5, which is a common complaint with foam mattresses. But if you sleep with a partner, you should rest easy without feeling their movements from the other side of the mattress, thanks to the Bear’s 4 out of 5 motion isolation score.
Feel free to find out more about this mattress in our full Bear mattress review. Not a fan of foam? Bear also offers a hybrid mattress, the Bear Elite, which comes in a Firm model.
Titan Plus – Best Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
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.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
The Titan Plus has a majestic name that echoes its purpose: to supply industrial support for folks who need it, like those with bigger bodies or those who weigh over 250 pounds. Most of these folks need a firmer mattress anyway; their weight tends to have them sinking further into softer beds, leading to a misaligned spine or overall discomfort. Our tester Paulie, a powerlifter in this weight category, tested this mattress and shared his experience, helping us reach our 5-out-of-5 support score for this bed.
The Titan Plus ranked at a 7.5 on our firmness scale for Paulie. We think this bed should work for heavyweight sleepers in each sleeping position, including side sleepers looking for a firmer mattress. Mattress tester and expert Bridget Chapman proclaimed it should “offer the deep compression support and durability [heavyweight sleepers] need.” Lighter or average weight sleepers might experience it as being closer to an 8 on the firmness scale, which is important to note if you sleep with a partner of a different size who may need something softer.

Speaking of couples, these folks may have trouble sleeping soundly, as the Titan Plus didn’t absorb motion as nicely as we’d like. It was scored above a 4 in every other performance category though, so you can expect a supportive, responsive, and pressure-relieving mattress with strong edges that also keeps cool.
If you’re looking for more mattresses for heavy people, you might like the Titan Plus Luxe, Brooklyn Bedding’s upgraded version of this bed. You can also read more about the Titan Plus in our dedicated review.