Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
What do stomach sleepers, combination sleepers, back sleepers, heavy sleepers (those over 250 pounds), and sleepers who struggle with back pain all have in common? They’re often in search of the best firm mattress — a bed that offers a ton of support and doesn’t have too much sinkage or sagging in its composition.
However, just because a bed is firm doesn’t mean that its necessarily right for all types of sleepers. That’s why our Sleepopolis mattress testers put our mattresses to work before we recommend them to any customer. For a mattress to be considered firm, it first has to go through something called a “Rest Test.” This is when our testers lie down on the mattress for an uninterrupted 15-minute power nap. This helps us gage the actual firmness of the mattresses, after which, we rate them on a scale of 1 to ten, with 6.5 being the industry standard for a medium-firm mattress.
Once we determine that a mattress is, indeed, firm, we can put it through our other tests, including our motion transfer and pressure map, which are explained further throughout this review. We also take note of the materials, cooling technology, and layers present in these mattresses, and use all of that information to match our readers to the mattress that is right for them.
So, if you think you’d benefit from a firm mattress but don’t know exactly which one fits your weight, sleeping position, or preferences, read on as we take you through the best firm mattresses of the year. You can also head over to our Mattress Firmness Guide to learn more about how to choose the right firmness level for your needs.
Our Top Pick For Firm Mattresses
The Plank Firm mattress landed at the top of our list because of its versatility. This flippable mattress features two of the firmest feels on the market, and its high-density foam provides tons of incredible support.
Best Firm Mattresses of 2023
- Plank Firm – Best Overall Firm Mattress
- Saatva – Best Innerspring Firm Mattress
- Helix Dawn – Best Firm Hybrid
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Firm Mattress for Sex
- WinkBed – Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution – Best Firm Pressure-Relieving Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Bear – Best Firm Mattress for Athletes
- Birch Natural – Best Firm Mattress for Cooling
- Titan Plus Luxe – Best Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
Best Mattress 2023 Video Review
Compare the Best Firm Mattresses
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| Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Helix Dawn Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Bear Mattress | Birch Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | -- | ✓ | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Combination | Back & Side | Back | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Side |
Best Overall – Plank Firm
The Plank Firm is a super-firm and flippable all-foam mattress, with one firm side and one extra-firm side. The Plank Firm is a super-firm and flippable all-foam mattress, with one firm side and one extra-firm side. The Plank Firm is a super-firm and flippable all-foam mattress, with one firm side and one extra-firm side.Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
The Plank Firm’s most notable feature is that it’s flippable, with both a firm side and an extra-firm side. This gives you two different mattress types for the price of one. We found both sides to be very firm and responsive, especially for an all-foam mattress. Folks can try out both sides of the bed to see which is more comfortable for them. We rated the firm side of the Plank Firm a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, and the extra-firm side ranked an 8.5 out of 10. Both of these scores are firmer than the mattress industry average, which is set at a 6.5 for a medium-firm mattress. Our firmness scale is based on the objective rankings of multiple Sleepopolis mattress testers.
The Plank Firm includes poly foam in both the firm and extra firm sides of this mattress. This helps to provide shape and support to the sleeper, as well as a soft support layer for slight pressure relief. The firm side of the Plank Firm also includes a layer of Brooklyn Bedding’s proprietary TitanFlex foam, which is going to add more cushioning to this side of the mattress than the extra-firm side.
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 it’s a great choice for anyone who loves a firm, cushiony feel.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
The Plank Firm is created by Brooklyn Bedding, and the reviews on the first page of the brand’s website talk about how the Plank Firm helped to relieve the customer’s back and neck pain almost instantaneously. Many commenters also talked about the supportive nature of the Plank Firm, especially for back and stomach sleepers who need more stabilization during the night.
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
- Lightweight sleepers should find enough support on the firm side of the Plank Firm, while the added comfort layer gives them pressure relief at the lumbar region.
- Sleepers suffering from back pain will appreciate the feel of the Plank Firm because it should keep their spine in line while they are sleeping. This will give their lumbar region extra support, helping to alleviate the pain in their lower back.
- The Plank Firm has great motion isolation results, which are tested by dropping a 10-pound steel ball from three different heights and measuring the transfer of motion across the bed using a seismometer. So if you’re a couple, you shouldn’t feel your partner’s tossing and turning throughout the night.
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress
- Side sleepers won’t get the pressure relief they need on either side of the Plank Firm. Instead, they should check out our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers for better options.
Learn more in our full Plank Firm mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or see our best mattress page for more options.
Best Innerspring Firm Mattress – Saatva
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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this 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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this 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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
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
Expert Opinion
The Saatva Classic is a traditional innerspring mattress that comes in three different firmness levels, including Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. For this review, we tested out the Luxury Firm. When lying down on this bed, we immediately noticed how firm and responsive it was. That’s because it has not one, but two layers of coils right on top of one another. They create a bounciness and springiness that’s harder to find in all-foam mattresses. That being said, the Saatva’s firmness and responsiveness are going to vary, depending on which of the three mattress models you pick and which height you go for (either 11.5 inches or 15.4 inches).
The Saatva Classic was rated at a 7 on our firmness scale, so it is slightly firmer than most other beds. It also includes a zoned support system in its construction, meaning it’s softer in areas that need more pressure relief and firmer in areas that need more support.
What our tester says: “The Saatva Classic is a high-quality mattress that’s built to last. I think the Luxury Firm model is a nice option for back sleepers and combination sleepers. It did a great job keeping my spine in alignment.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
The majority of reviews on the Saatva website talk about the stellar customer service received while mattress shopping. Many users also comment on how speedy and convenient the white glove delivery of their Saatva mattress was, with several saying that the Saatva employees took their previous mattress away during the delivery.
Pros of the Saatva Mattress
- Like a typical innerspring mattress, the Saatva Classic has a bouncy feel that allows it to be more responsive to the movements of the sleeper. This is great for combination sleepers who need to be able to move around easily on top of the mattress to switch positions throughout the night.
- Heavier sleepers (those over 250 pounds) should enjoy the firmness of the Saatva Classic. The sturdy materials allow for more support for the sleeper, as well as added durability for the mattress, making it last longer.
- The Saatva has a feel and durability similar to what you’d find in a high-end hotel mattress. This mattress also comes with free white glove delivery, so a member of the company will deliver and set up the bed for you, without you having to put in the work yourself.
Cons of the Saatva Mattress
- The innerspring coils included in the Saatva Classic transfer a lot of motion across the bed, so couples — especially light-sleeping ones — will most likely be able to feel their partner’s movements during the night. If you’re looking for a mattress with lower motion transfer results, check out our roundup of the best mattresses for couples.
Want to learn more? Check out our full Saatva mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or see our best innerspring mattresses page for more options.
Best Firm Hybrid – Helix Dawn
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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this 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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this 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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Helix Dawn Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Dawn Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Helix Dawn Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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
Expert Opinion
Helix has a line of six hybrid mattresses, and the Dawn is their firmest option. The Helix Dawn comes in two models: the Standard Dawn and the Dawn Luxe. 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 a bit firmer than the industry average. However, as a hybrid mattress, the Helix Dawn is made with both contouring memory foam and supportive pocketed coils, so sleepers will receive pressure relief during the night, as well as support.
When we laid down on the Helix Dawn, the springs gave us a lot of bounce, making us feel more on top of the bed than “in” it. This is great for combination sleepers who need a more responsive mattress in order to switch positions as needed throughout the night. This bouncy feel is achievable because the majority of the firmness in the Helix Dawn actually comes from its base layer, which includes a layer of DuraDense foam. This foam helps to keep the mattress structurally sound, and adds to the overall firm feel of the Helix Dawn.
What our tester says: “I really appreciate how supportive the Helix Dawn is. Stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and heavy people could all benefit from the firm feel of this bed. I also think this mattress will be quite durable.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester
What Customers Say
After looking at the reviews on the Helix website, many users pointed how good this mattress is for couples. They stated that there was no change in the firmness of this mattress when moving from the middle of the bed to the edge, and they did not feel the vibrations of their partner throughout the night.
Pros of the Helix Dawn Mattress
- Stomach and back sleepers with back pain will appreciate the Helix Dawn Luxe because of its zoned support layer included in the construction. This layer will give them pressure relief throughout the night. In fact, when we ran the Dawn through our pressure map test, the back region of our sleeper lit up blue and green (a sign of low pressure).
- Heavy sleepers (those over 250 pounds) will experience the Helix Dawn as a bit softer than lightweight or average weight sleepers, and thus get more pressure relief. At the same time, they’ll get the stability and durability they need.
- Couples should appreciate the edge support and cooling technology included in the Helix Dawn. There’s a reinforced layer of pocketed coils around the perimeter, which means couples can use the full surface area without fear of sinkage. The coils also help bring breathability to the mattress. Finally, the Dawn Luxe model includes a special cooling cover, which is a smart choice for anyone who has double the body heat in their bed.
Cons of the Helix Dawn Mattress
- Budget-conscious shoppers might want to stick to a more standard model in the Helix collection than the Helix Dawn. This mattress does come in at a steeper price point, as a queen-size Helix Dawn is over $2,000. Shoppers looking to spend less on their mattress can check out our roundup of the best mattresses under $1,000 to find one that fits their price point.
Want to learn more about the Helix Dawn? Read our full Helix Dawn mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or see our best hybrid mattress page for more options.
Best Firm Mattress for Sex — Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a firm, supportive, and bouncy mattress. A good fit for back sleepers and stomach sleepers, it also has open-celled foam for cooling.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a firm, supportive, and bouncy mattress. A good fit for back sleepers and stomach sleepers, it also has open-celled foam for cooling.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a firm, supportive, and bouncy mattress. A good fit for back sleepers and stomach sleepers, it also has open-celled foam for cooling.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Emma Hybrid Comfort
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
The Emma Hybrid Comfort was built with sturdy materials that help rank it at a 7.5 on our firmness scale, making it firmer than the industry average of a 6.5 for medium-firm mattresses. Its strong edge support should result in less sinkage and sagging, while the layer of coils at the bottom of the mattress has seven different ergonomic zones, which keep the sleeper’s weight evenly distributed.
We also think this is an excellent mattress for sex, mainly due to its responsiveness. We found it very easy to move around on its surface, which tells us it should be easy for sleepers to change positions at night. This mattress also includes heat-wicking materials in the cover, so sleepers can stay cool while sleeping (or during other activities).
What our tester says: “A mattress that’s best for sex will provide a good balance of bounce and responsiveness, allowing both of you to move around and change positions easily. Based on our tests, the Emma Comfort Hybrid Mattress is very responsive, so you’ll have no problems moving around on it.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
The users on the Emma website primarily comment on the breathability of the Emma Hybrid Comfort, stating that their night sweats completely disappeared after purchasing and sleeping on this mattress for the first time. Many commenters also talked about the alleviation of their back pain.
Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress
- The same qualities that make the Emma Hybrid Comfort great for sex also make it great for combination sleepers, since they will be able to move around on top of the mattress with ease.
- The firmness of the Emma Hybrid Comfort will be beneficial for sleepers who spend the majority of the night on their back. The foams in this hybrid mattress should contour the back during the night, while the firmness and stability should keep the sleeper’s back in a neutral alignment.
- The Emma Hybrid Comfort includes open-cell foam and pocketed springs in its construction, which promote airflow throughout the mattress. This is great for hot sleepers or couples who want to stay cool throughout the night, especially with added body heat in the bed.
Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress
- Strict side sleepers might find that the Emma Hybrid Comfort is too firm for their liking. They’ll need a softer mattress to support their hips and shoulders while asleep. Check out our roundup of the best soft mattresses to learn more.
Want to learn more? Read our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or see our best mattress for sex page for more options.
Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain – WinkBed
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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this 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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this 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.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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
Expert Opinion
As a hybrid mattress, the WinkBed is comprised of both a plush pillow top and ultra-supportive coils. However, the coils give this mattress a traditional innerspring feel, which is what makes it so great for back sleepers. The WinkBed also has three different models, including the Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We tested the Luxury Firm model, which came in at a 7 on our firmness scale, making it firmer than the industry average of 6.5 for medium firm.
To test a mattress’ pain-relieving abilities, we roll out a pressure map across its surface, which measures how much pressure the bed is putting on specific areas of the body. The map then visualizes the results so we can easily read it. In the case of the WinkBed, it showed blue all along the back. This means the mattress puts little pressure on the upper back and lumbar regions, which is key to helping to avoid back pain. We’re confident that this mattress will help keep sleepers’ spines neutrally aligned.
What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the WinkBed is its durability. It feels very supportive and well made, yet also super plush. The Firmer model should be a great match for those after a firm feel.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
The majority of reviews on the WinkBed website talk about how supportive this mattress is while staying comfortable for its sleepers. As a hybrid mattress, the WinkBed is able to do both: provide support through its firm layers while also allowing for pressure relief with its plush pillow top. These reviews are evidence that the WinkBed is living up to its potential.
Pros of the WinkBed Mattress
- As an extra-bouncy bed, the WinkBed is a great mattress choice for combination sleepers who need to be able to move about on top of the mattress easily so they can switch positions when needed during the night.
- Back sleepers will appreciate the WinkBed because it includes a quilted Tencel cover made from eucalyptus wood cellulose. This makes the cover extra plush, which helps to contour the lower back region, providing pressure relief for back sleepers throughout the night.
- The WinkBed includes a tall, pocketed coil layer in its construction. This layer will increase the airflow throughout the mattress, making it more breathable for both hot sleepers and couples.
Cons of the WinkBed Mattress
- Strict side sleepers might want to opt for a softer mattress than the WinkBed. These sleepers need more contouring and sinkage in their mattress so they don’t get pressure around their hips and shoulders. Take a look at our best mattresses for side sleepers roundup to learn more.
Interested in the WinkBed, but want to know more? Take a look at our full WinkBeds mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or see our best mattress for back pain page for more options.
Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief – Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution provides good pressure relief and body contouring. It’s a great choice for side sleepers, and back sleepers who like a softer mattress will enjoy it too. The soft pillow top is a great touch for shoulder or hip pain as well.
The Nolah Evolution provides good pressure relief and body contouring. It’s a great choice for side sleepers, and back sleepers who like a softer mattress will enjoy it too. The soft pillow top is a great touch for shoulder or hip pain as well.
The Nolah Evolution provides good pressure relief and body contouring. It’s a great choice for side sleepers, and back sleepers who like a softer mattress will enjoy it too. The soft pillow top is a great touch for shoulder or hip pain as well.
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
The most popular mattress on the brand’s website, the Nolah Evolution combines proprietary AirFoam (a more breathable alternative to memory foam) with support coils to create a hybrid feel that’s bouncy while also offering a lot of pressure relief. This mattress also comes in three different firmness levels (Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm), so you can pick the best one based on your weight and preferred sleeping position. We tested the Luxury Firm, which came it a 6.5 on our firmness scale, making it the industry standard for medium firm. The AirFoam accounts for its slightly softer feel.
When we rest on the hybrid Nolah Evolution, we sink into the top foams of the bed and feel its soft pillow top cushion the shoulders and hips. This tells us that it has a ton of pressure relief and could be a great fit for anyone with pain concerns. They’ll experience a good deal of contouring from the foams, while also getting plenty of support from the bottom layer of support coils.
What our tester says: “This mattress provides good pressure relief and body contouring. I think the Luxury Firm model is a great choice for back-side combination sleepers since it has a cushiony, supportive feel.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many reviews talked about how side sleepers are able to enjoy the Nolah Evolution, despite the fact that it’s a slightly firmer mattress. Many users (including some seniors) also commented on the Nolah Evolution’s ability to alleviate their joint pain.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- Lightweight sleepers in all positions should enjoy the feel of the Nolah Evolution. Back sleepers should get the medium-firm feel they’re looking for, while side sleepers will most likely enjoy the contouring of the AirFoam. Even lightweight stomach sleepers could enjoy this mattress, since they will receive more support from the Nolah Evolution as a lighter sleeper.
- Couples should enjoy the low motion transfer results that the Nolah Evolution offers. This means that they shouldn’t be able to feel the movements of their partner during the night. The Nolah Evolution also includes AirFoamIce (a graphite-infused version of the AirFoam) and ArcticTex fibers in its construction, which eliminate body heat and promote breathability in the mattress, allowing more airflow to both sleepers.
- The Nolah Evolution is a great mattress for side sleepers, which can be rare to find in a firmer mattress. Our Sleepopolis mattress tester felt more sinkage around their hips and shoulders, which means that the Nolah Evolution is helping to alleviate pain in those areas.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- The Nolah Evolution could be too soft for strict stomach sleepers who weigh 150 pounds or more. Even though this is a firm mattress, stomach sleepers need extra lift in order to keep their hips in line with their shoulders for a healthy spinal alignment. The Nolah Evolution may not have enough stability to create this alignment, so stomach sleepers might want to look at our roundup of the best mattress for stomach sleepers instead.
Check out our full Nolah Evolution mattress review for more information. You can also click here to get our best deal.
Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress made out of a combination of memory foam and latex foam. The Signature offers a good amount of bounce that combination sleepers who move around in the middle of the night can enjoy.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress made out of a combination of memory foam and latex foam. The Signature offers a good amount of bounce that combination sleepers who move around in the middle of the night can enjoy.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress made out of a combination of memory foam and latex foam. The Signature offers a good amount of bounce that combination sleepers who move around in the middle of the night can enjoy.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid is an 11.5-inch mattress built with CertiPUR-US Certified foams and pocketed coils. It also comes in three different firmness levels. We tested the Medium model, which 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 back sleepers. However, we think they could be comfortable on the Firm model as well. When lying down on the Signature Hybrid, our Sleepopolis mattress testers felt a lift from the bottom layer of springs, which also experiencing a good amount of cushioning from the bed’s foams at their lumbar region. As well as being good for back sleeping in general, the addition of support around the lower back could also help sleepers suffering from back pain.
The cover of this mattress is made of a poly/cotton blend and is quilted with memory foam, so the sleeper should feel immediate pressure relief. The comfort layer is made of Hyper-Elastic Supreme Response Comfort Foam. This is what gives the Signature Hybrid that body-contouring feel.
What our tester says: “I really like how the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in three different firmness levels. It allows for all kinds of sleepers to find the right fit for them. I also appreciate that it isolates motion well, has strong edge support, and sleeps fairly cool.“ – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many of the reviews on the Brooklyn Bedding website stated that the Signature Hybrid was definitely worth the money, which is also good to hear when a mattress is slightly higher in price. However, some reviews did state that the Signature Hybrid sleeps a little hot, so you may want to opt for a cooling cover if you’re looking at buying this mattress. Note that the cover will cost extra.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- Lightweight sleepers who primarily sleep on their back or stomach should feel at home on the Signature Hybrid. This is because the hybrid construction offers a balance of pressure relief and support. The foams allow sleepers’ joints to sink into the mattress, while the coils keep their spine in a neutral alignment.
- Combination sleepers should appreciate the Signature Hybrid because the coils allow them to easily move around and switch positions.
- The Signature Hybrid did fairly well on our motion transfer test, which tells us that couples shouldn’t be too bothered by their partner’s movements during the night. The bouncy feel of the Signature Hybrid also makes it great for sex, as couples can move around easily on top of this mattress.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- Sleepers suffering from shoulder pain most likely won’t receive the pressure relief they need from the Signature Hybrid. On our pressure map results, there was yellow present during side sleeping, which signals that our tester felt higher pressure around her shoulders. Instead, check out our roundup of the best mattresses for shoulder pain.
Want more details? Head over to our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or see our best mattress for back sleepers page for more options.
Best Firm Mattress for Athletes – Bear
The Bear mattress is an all-foam bed with a cover made of Celliant — a material some believe to aid in recovery. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Bear mattress is an all-foam bed with a cover made of Celliant — a material some believe to aid in recovery. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Bear mattress is an all-foam bed with a cover made of Celliant — a material some believe to aid in recovery. We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
For an all-foam mattress, the Bear is especially firm, coming in at about a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. When we lie down on the Bear, we feel elevated by its thick layer of high-density support foam, while still getting some pressure relief from the top layer of memory foam. While the Bear does include some sinkage and contouring in its construction, the majority of sleepers won’t feel like they’re “sinking” into this mattress. Instead, most sleepers should feel more like they’re “on top” of the mattress and can move around and switch positions easily.
All of these traits bode well for athletes, who need a lot of support to hold up their musculature and pressure relief for post-workout recovery. In fact, Bear designed its original mattress just for them. It also has an infusion of graphite gel in its top layer of memory foam to help active sleepers cool down after a workout, and there is an option to add on a cover made of Celliant. Some studies show that this material absorbs the energy in your body, then redirects it back to you to assist with blood flow and recovery. 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. However, this cover does cost an extra $130, in additional to the price of the mattress itself, so keep that in mind before purchasing the Bear Original.
What our tester says: “I really appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it a great option for active folks who need relaxation and restoration after a day of being on the go.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
The majority of reviews on the Bear website praise the Bear for how well their younger children sleep on it. This is most likely because younger kids are much more active, and they need a mattress that is going to work to regulate their body as they sleep. Other users commented on the fact that the Bear does not include any fiberglass.
Pros of the Bear Mattress
- Sleepers struggling with back pain should like the Bear’s ability to alleviate tension, especially around the lumbar region. Also, the gel memory foam layers in the Bear help to contour the body, while the firmer foams deeper in the mattress help keep sleepers’ spines in a neutral position.
- The top layer of memory foam used in the construction of the Bear keeps movement from traveling across the top of the mattress. This is great for couples who don’t want to feel the movements of their partner during the night.
- The Bear includes a two-inch section of graphite gel-infused memory foam in its construction. This foam has a slow response to pressure, helping alleviate tension for sleepers suffering from joint pain, as well as for athletes recovering from a particularly hard workout.
Cons of the Bear Mattress
- Strict stomach sleepers might find that the Bear is slightly too soft for them. Even though the Bear is a firm mattress, stomach sleepers need extra support in their hips and shoulders. For this, these sleepers can take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
If you’re ready to sprawl out on the Bear, read more in our full Bear mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or see our best mattress for athletes page for more options.
Best Firm Mattress for Hot Sleepers – Birch Natural
The Birch mattress is an all-natural bed that uses organic cotton and wool fibers to create a structure that’s as eco-friendly as it is cozy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Birch mattress is an all-natural bed that uses organic cotton and wool fibers to create a structure that’s as eco-friendly as it is cozy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Birch mattress is an all-natural bed that uses organic cotton and wool fibers to create a structure that’s as eco-friendly as it is cozy.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Birch Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Birch Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Birch Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Expert Opinion
Hot sleepers wanting a firm mattress should set their sights on the Birch Natural, an organic hybrid mattress produced by Helix. At a 7 on our firmness scale, it’s slightly firmer than the mattress industry standard for medium firm. During testing, we noticed that the comfort layer of Talalay latex foam sleeps especially cool, with a pocketed coil system below that leaves lots of room for airflow. The natural wool used in the construction of the Birch Natural also prevents this mattress from trapping body heat, adding even more breathability.
All of the materials used in the Birch’s construction are sourced from sustainable supply chains, including organic cotton and wool fibers. Additionally, the latex is Greenguard Gold certified, ensuring that no chemical emissions or volatile organic compounds are present in the production. The bed’s quilted wool fibers also make it fire-retardant, which is important because it uses no fiberglass in its construction.
What our tester says: “One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is! I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses!” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
The majority of the reviews on the Birch by Helix website praise the mattress for its use of organic materials. However, some reviews did say that this mattress felt a little thin for their taste. Their problems with the mattress were addressed by the Birch staff via email.
Pros of the Birch Natural Mattress
- As a hybrid mattress, the Birch Natural has a bouncy feel from the combination of latex and coils in its construction. This makes it a great pick for combination sleepers who want to stay “on top” of the bed. These sleepers will be able to easily switch into new positions as needed during the night.
- This bouncy and responsive feel is also great for sex, which a lot of couples look for in their mattresses. Partners should be able to move around and switch positions easily on top of the Birch Natural.
- The Birch is a great mattress for sleepers with back pain, which can be seen on the bed’s pressure map results. While back sleeping, our pressure map lit up entirely blue (low pressure), which means that the bouncy latex in the Birch Natural kept our sleepers in a lifted position, relieving the pressure around their lumbar region.
Cons of the Birch Natural Mattress
- Sleepers suffering from hip pain might want to opt for a softer mattress than the Birch Natural can provide. The longer our testers slept on this mattress, the more pressure was visible around the hips and shoulders on our pressure map. You can take a look at our best mattresses with pillow tops for options with a softer feel and added pressure relief.
Want more details? Head over to our full Birch Natural mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or see our best mattress for hot sleepers page for more options.
Best Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers – 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.
The Titan Luxe mattress is a hybrid mattress designed for heavy sleepers, like the firmer Titan mattress, but it is considerably softer.
The Titan Luxe mattress is a hybrid mattress designed for heavy sleepers, like the firmer Titan mattress, but it is considerably softer.
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
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
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Luxe
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
Expert Opinion
The Titan Plus Luxe, like the other Titan mattresses in the Brooklyn Bedding line, was designed specifically for plus-sized sleepers (who are categorized as weighing 250 pounds or more). In order to make sure this mattress works for its intended audience, we brought in Paulie, a powerlifter, to help our Sleepopolis mattress testers try it out. The Titan Plus Luxe ranked in at a 6.5 on our firmness scale for Paulie, but a lighter sleeper might feel like this mattress is closer to a 7 or 7.5. Along with its strengthened coils, the Titan Plus Luxe includes a quilted gel memory foam layer. This foam provides support and pressure relief to the sleeper, and it even helps prevent body impressions on the mattress, which can be common with heavier sleepers.
In terms of who else will enjoy a mattress made specifically for heavier sleepers, our answer is simple: couples. These sleepers need more support and durability since they have double the weight in their bed. The Titan Plus Luxe also had low motion transfer results, making it a great choice for couples who don’t want to feel any movement from their restless partner during the night. Finally, the Titan Plus Luxe includes TitanCaliber coils in its support layer. These coils are individually wrapped, so they promote extra airflow throughout the mattress to keep sleepers cooler longer.
What our tester says: “If you’re a heavy sleeper looking for a bed made of high-quality materials, the Titan Plus Luxe is a great option for you. It’s built to last and should do a great job supporting heavier sleepers, especially back, side, and combination sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
What Customers Say
After reading the reviews on the Titan website, it became clear that the majority of users were impressed by the brand’s customer service before they even received their mattress. These customers stated that they were walked through every step of the mattress buying process, and they always felt like the were being shown beds that worked for their own personal preferences.
Pros of the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress
- Combination sleepers should appreciate that the Titan Plus Luxe has a very “on top” feel to it. Sleepers aren’t likely to sink too far into its layers, so combo sleepers can move around freely and switch sleeping positions.
- Strict stomach sleepers should feel comfortable sleeping on this firm mattress. The Titan Plus Luxe can help lift these sleepers’ hips in line with their shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal alignment.
- The Titan Plus Luxe is a great choice for sleepers with back pain because it should alleviate pressure around the lumbar region. This can be seen in our pressure map test, where Paulie’s back lit up blue, meaning that there was low pressure around that area.
Cons of the Titan Plus Luxe Mattress
- If you’re a heavier sleeper who prefers a memory foam feel, the Titan Plus Luxe may feel too stiff to you. This mattress doesn’t have as much sinkage or body contouring as a memory foam mattress tends to have. Instead, check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people, which includes some memory foam options.
Want more details? Head over to our full Titan Plus Luxe mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or see our best mattress for heavy sleepers page for more options.
How to Choose the Best Firm Mattress
Now that you know more about a few of the best firm mattresses out there, let’s talk a little bit about how to choose the right one when shopping online. Keep in mind that firmness (the initial feel of a mattress when you lie down) is not the same as support (how well a mattress keeps your spine aligned).
Mattress Materials
Certain types of mattresses tend to be firmer than others. If you’re looking for a firm mattress, we’d recommend opting for an innerspring, hybrid, or latex mattress. Here’s some more info about each, and then some.
- Innerspring mattresses are made of steel coils, topped with thin layers of foam, and normally have a firm, bouncy feel. Take a look at our top picks for best innerspring mattresses.
- Latex mattresses use latex foams in their construction. These materials are naturally durable, cooling, and bouncy, and can have very firm, supportive feels. Latex mattresses often combine latex and steel coil support systems. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, read through our best latex mattress page.
- Hybrid mattresses combine top comfort layers with innerspring support coils. They can vary widely in feel, but there are plenty of great options out there for sleepers looking for a firm bed. Learn more in our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses.
- Foam mattresses may not be as durable or supportive as other mattress types because they use foam rather than coil support cores. That being said, there are definitely a handful of firm foam beds out there, which you can find in our list of best memory foam mattresses.
The Best Mattress Firmness for your Body Weight
Next, let’s take a look at what a firm mattress feels like for people with different weights. Depending on your body type, a firm mattress may or may not be the best fit for you.
- Sleepers under 130 pounds are likely to find firm mattresses firmer than average-weight sleepers because they won’t sink as far through these beds’ top layers. In general, light stomach sleepers should fare well on almost any firm mattress because stomach sleepers don’t need much pressure relief. But lightweight back and side sleepers might want to stick to a more medium-firm mattress if they’re looking for a firm feel. These beds will likely feel firm to lighter folks, and will offer them a little more pressure relief.
- Average weight sleepers (130 to 250 pounds) will likely experience mattresses as they’re advertised. That means a mattress marketed as firm will be just that. In general, a firm mattress is a great fit for any average sleepers who prefer this feel. But if you’re a side sleeper, we recommend opting for something a bit softer to ensure you get enough pressure relief at your hips and shoulders.
- Larger sleepers (over 250 pounds) are usually a good match for firm mattresses. These sleepers will likely find many mattresses a bit softer than the average sleeper, which means some firm mattresses may feel more medium firm — the most universally comfortable level of firmness. A mattress designed specifically for heavy people could also be a good fit. Check out our top picks for the best mattress for heavy people for more options.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is another important consideration when choosing a mattress. Firm mattresses tend to offer a bit less pressure relief than softer beds, but that doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice appropriate relief. If pressure relief is a priority for you, we’d recommend looking for a bed that includes a few firm memory foam layers that offer some body contouring. This will provide a bit of pressure relief, but allow for a firm feel.
Motion Transfer
Motion transfer is a measure of the amount of motion that travels from one side of the mattress to the other. Most sleepers who share a bed with a partner or pet prefer a bed with low motion transfer, or good motion isolation. Firm mattresses usually don’t isolate motion as well as softer beds, but you can still find a firm mattress with decent motion isolation. Hybrid mattresses with memory foam top layers, or firm all-foam mattresses are good options for sleepers looking for a bed that isolates motion well.
Price
The last factor you’ll want to consider when buying a new firm mattress is price. A bed’s cost will vary depending on the quality of the materials it’s made with. Generally, you can find certain foam and hybrid mattresses at budget prices, while many latex and innerspring mattresses can be pricier.
A new mattress is a big investment, but you can score good deals by shopping online, shopping during sales, and using our mattress coupons. Check out our best cheap mattresses guide for more tips on how to save money on your new bed.
Who We Recommend a Firm Mattress For
In the list below, I’ll describe who might benefit the most from a firm bed. You can also check out our mattress firmness guide for more information on selecting the feel and firmness that’s most appropriate for your body type and preferred sleeping position.
- Back sleepers can benefit from firm support because it will help them keep their spine neutrally aligned (read: straight) overnight. This is especially important for back sleepers who struggle with any kind of back pain.
- Stomach Sleepers need firm support because there are very few gaps between their bodies and their mattresses when they sleep. This means they really need a bed that won’t let their hips sink into the mattress. Sinking hips create an arch in the back that leads to pain over time.
- Heavy people over 250 pounds tend to do best on firm mattresses because they’re a little more durable, and won’t sag as soon as a softer mattress. We’d also encourage these sleepers to opt for a firmer model than they think they need since most mattresses are built with people between 130 to 250 pounds in mind. This means a mattress will actually feel softer to heavier people than they do to other sleepers. Beds specifically designed for heavy people are more likely to feel as firm to these sleepers as advertised.
- People with back pain often do best on firm mattresses because they need to be extra conscious of their sleep posture. Keeping your spine straight overnight can help alleviate and prevent a lot of lower back pain over time. If this is something you struggle with, we also recommend checking out our best mattresses for back pain roundup.
Who We Don’t Recommend a Firm Mattress For
Certain sleepers actually need softer support or more sinkage to either keep their spines aligned or avoid pain. Take a look below to see who might benefit from a softer feel.
- Side Sleepers often do better on a soft to medium-soft mattress that helps alleviate pressure at their shoulders and hips. Some sinkage around the hips and shoulders actually helps keep your spine straight when you’re sleeping on your side. For specific recommendations, we suggest reviewing our best mattresses for side sleepers.
- Sleepers with shoulder or hip pain can also benefit from the additional pressure relief a soft mattress offers. If that sounds like you, head over to our best mattress for shoulder pain or best mattress for hip pain roundup to find the right fit for your needs.
- Sleepers under 130 pounds often find firm mattresses even firmer than they’re intended to be. So, we often recommend these sleepers stick to more medium-firm or medium-soft mattresses to ensure that they get enough pressure relief.
- Memory foam lovers who enjoy the feeling of “sinking” into bed often fare best on softer mattresses. If you want to feel like you’re really cuddled up inside your bed, instead of lifted up on top of it, one of our best soft mattresses could be a better fit for you.
How Do You Measure Mattress Firmness?
Here at Sleepopolis, we measure mattress firmness using the mattress firmness scale. The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest mattress ever and 10 being the firmest mattress ever. The industry standard for medium-firmness is a 6.5 out of 10. So if you’re looking for a firm mattress, you should opt for a bed that reviewers classify between 7 and 10 on the mattress firmness scale. Take a look below to learn more about mattress firmness levels, and check out our how to choose a mattress buying guide for more info.
- 1–5 mattresses are truly soft beds. But you’ll want to be careful to ensure a mattress in this range is supportive, too. 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 6–6.5 range for side sleepers. The Bear is a nice example of this type of bed.
- 7 mattresses are truly firm beds. The WinkBed above is a great example of a firm bed. Most sleepers on the hunt for a firm mattress should like a bed that falls at a 7 on the firmness scale.
- 8 mattresses are extra-firm beds, and are especially good fits for stomach sleepers who need a lot of support. The Plank Firm is a great example of an extra-firm mattress.
- 9 mattresses as ultra-firm, with almost no cushion at all. I’ve never reviewed a bed that falls at a 9 on the firmness scale.
- 10 is the ranking we’d give to a hardwood floor. You’re very unlikely to ever encounter a bed this firm.
What’s the Most Common Mattress Firmness?
We typically see mattresses fall into the medium-firm category the most since this firmness level can appeal to a wide range of sleep positions and body types.
How Firmness Impacts Pressure Relief
Sometimes, customers may associate a firm mattress with one that’s going to be stiff around their joints. However, that’s not always the case. Many firm mattress can actually help reduce joint pain, especially in the lumbar region (lower back) and around the sleeper’s hips. So how do we measure how much pressure a mattress relieves, and where that pressure is to begin with?
At Sleepopolis, we do this using a pressure map test. To perform this test, a pressure map is stretched out along the length of the mattress, and then our mattress testers lay down on this pressure map on different sleeping positions (usually back, side, and stomach). The pressure map is able to track our tester’s movements as they change positions on the mattress. It also records the force that our tester exerts on the mattress in these positions. At the end of the test, the device creates a map that shows how much pressure our tester felt in each position (with blue and green signaling low pressure, and yellow and red signaling high pressure).
In this photo, you can see that while our tester did not feel much pressure around their lower back while back sleeping, when they switched onto their side, the colors went to yellow and red around their hips and shoulders. From this, we could infer that this specific mattress could help sleepers with back pain, but those with shoulder and hip pain would want to opt for a mattress that better contoured their body in these areas.
For this roundup, most of the mattresses’ mini reviews speak on their ability to relieve pressure, specifically around the hips, back, and shoulders. And the majority of them do, despite their firmness! This is because a firm mattress will help to keep your spine in a neutral alignment during the night. Firm mattresses can also lift your hips farther off the mattress. This is helpful for stomach sleepers with hip pain, as it keeps their hips better in line with the sleeper’s shoulders. So if you’re looking for a mattress that can help with your joint pain, no matter your sleeping position, don’t rule out firm mattresses just yet.
Pros and Cons of a Firm Mattress
Still not sure if a firm mattress is the right choice for you? Take a look at some of the pros and cons of firm mattresses to decide.
Benefits of a Firm Mattress
- Durability is a big perk of firm beds, which often last longer than soft mattresses. Choosing a high-quality firm mattress may help you avoid premature mattress sagging. But you can definitely find a durable soft mattress as well, so don’t let that determine your purchase.
- Firm mattresses can be more supportive than soft mattresses.
Firmness vs Support
Firmness is not the same thing as support, and it is possible to find a soft and supportive bed. But, if you’re looking for a lot of support, choosing a firm mattress is usually a safe bet.
- If you’re looking for great edge support, a firm mattress could be the way to go. The sides of these beds should support your weight without sagging or collapsing. This can actually make your bed feel a little bigger, which is a great added bonus.
- Since many firm beds use pocketed coil layers that promote airflow, they tend to sleep cool. This is a great perk for hot sleepers.
- Firmer mattresses often help you feel more “on top of the bed” than “stuck in” it. This could be nice for combination sleepers who need mobility for switching positions at night.
- It’s easier to distribute your weight evenly over the surface of a firm bed, which is a good way to alleviate aches and pains and prolong your mattress’ life.
- It’s easier for back and stomach sleepers to achieve a healthy spine alignment on a firm mattress. This means that these sleepers will be able to keep their spines in a neutral position.
Drawbacks of a firm mattress
- If you’re looking for a soft and cuddly feel, you may not get what you’re looking for on a firm mattress.
- You often need to sacrifice some pressure relief for support on firm beds. This is not a great feature for side sleepers or folks who struggle with shoulder or hip pain.
- If you like a slow-moving mattress that offers some sinkage and hug, you won’t get what you need from a firm mattress. These beds tend to be more responsive.
- Side sleepers may struggle to keep their spines properly aligned on firm beds, which don’t allow enough sinkage around the shoulders and hips to let the spine drop into a neutral position.
Best Firm Mattresses 2023
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plank Firm | Overall | $1,482 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Innerspring | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Helix Dawn | Hybrid | $1,332 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | Sex | $1,199 | Emma Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed | Back Pain | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Pressure Relief | $2,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Back Sleepers | $1,732 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear | Athletes | $998 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Birch Natural by Helix | Cooling | $2,124 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Titan Plus Luxe | Heavy Sleepers | $1,599 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
FAQs
What is the best firm mattress?
It depends on how you sleep. But if you really want our opinion, the WinkBed won the “best firm mattress” spot in our best mattresses of 2022 list.
How do I shop for a firm mattress online?
When shopping for a firm mattress that you won’t try out in stores, we recommend reading reviews and opting for a bed reviewers rank between a 7 and a 10 on the mattress firmness scale. You can check out our How to Choose a Mattress buying guide for more tips.
Is a firm mattress better for your back?
It depends on how you sleep, but firm mattresses are generally better for your back. They help distribute your weight evenly, which will help you keep the curves of your spine in a neutral position and reduce your chance of back pain.
What is the difference between firmness and support?
Firmness refers to how hard or soft a mattress feels when you lie down on it. Support refers to how well a mattress keeps your spine in alignment. A soft mattress can be just as supportive as a firm mattress.
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 roundup of the best firm mattresses, we also took each bed’s firmness score into consideration (obviously). All of these beds either had a firm option (the WinkBed, for example, has both a Luxury Firm and Firmer model) or scored at least a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale. For context, a 6.5 out of 10 is medium-firm, so all of these mattresses are above that. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
