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 it’s 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. We test every mattress to evaluate its firmness, comparing it to the hundreds of other beds we’ve tested and rating it on our firmness scale, from 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
Once we determine that a mattress is, indeed, firm, we 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 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.
Best Firm Mattresses of 2024
- Plank Firm Luxe – Best Overall Firm Mattress
- Helix Dawn – Best Firm Hybrid
- DreamCloud – Best Hybrid Mattress
- WinkBed – Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- Saatva – Best Innerspring Firm Mattress
- Nolah Evolution – Best Firm Pressure-Relieving Mattress
- Bear Original – Best Firm Mattress for Athletes
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Firm Mattress for Sex
- Titan Plus – Best Firm Mattress for Heavy People
Best Firm Mattress 2024 Video Review
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 | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | ✓ | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | ✓ | -- | ✓ | -- |
| Sleep Position | Combination | Back & Stomach | Back | Combination | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach |
What We Look For In the Best Firm Mattresses
Firmness Score
We classify any mattress that scores a 7 out of 10 or higher on our mattress firmness scale as firm. Our team ensured that every bed on this list has at least a 7, or is available in several different firmness levels. For instance, the Saatva Classic offers shoppers the same model in Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm options.
Responsiveness
Part of why shoppers love a firm mattress is for its responsiveness, which refers to how fast the bed’s material bounces back to its original shape once compressed. Through testing, we’ve found that responsive mattresses make it easy to move around. They generally provide more of an “on-top-of-the-bed” feel as well, as opposed to a lot of sinkage. We tested the responsiveness of each of these mattresses by dropping a weighted ball on each of the mattresses in this list and seeing how quickly they returned their shape.
Support
Although we’ve observed that support isn’t guaranteed in a firm mattress, firmer beds are likely to have more support than softer ones. When curating this roundup for shoppers, our team ensured that all of the mattresses here have a high level of support. These beds should keep you propped up and assist with maintaining a neutral spinal alignment. When testing for supportiveness in these mattresses, we make sure to prioritize the contouring of the mattress and pressure relief abilities while still ensuring the mattress is firm.
Best Overall – Plank Firm Luxe
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
Expert Opinion
The Plank Firm Luxe’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 the extra-firm side to be super firm with very minimal sinkage. The firm side feels more medium firm and offers more pressure relief. Folks can try out both sides of the bed to see which is more comfortable for them.
The Plank Firm Luxe includes high-density 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 Luxe also includes a layer of supreme response comfort foam, which is going to add more cushioning to this side of the mattress than the extra-firm side. As the luxury upgrade of the standard Plank Foam, this layer is unique to this mattress.
How Did the Plank Firm Luxe Mattress Perform On Our Firmness Scale?
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 and feels plush. Our firmness scale is based on the objective rankings of multiple Certified Sleep Science Coaches here at Sleepopolis.
What our tester says: “I really like that the Plank Firm Luxe 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 the firm side is a great choice for anyone who loves a firm, cushiony feel.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The Plank Firm Luxe is created by Brooklyn Bedding, and the reviews on the first page of the brand’s website talk about how this mattress helped to relieve the customer’s back and neck pain almost instantaneously. Many commenters also talked about the supportive nature of the Plank Firm Luxe, especially for back and stomach sleepers who need more stabilization during the night.
Highlights of the Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
- The firm side is great for side sleepers with just the right amount of plush cushioning. The extra-firm side is ideal for back and stomach sleepers and should keep their spine in neutral alignment regardless of your weight.
- Heavy sleepers (those weighing over 250 pounds) should feel very supported on this mattress.
- This mattress sleeps cool and could be a nice choice for hot sleepers. The coils within the Plank Firm Luxe help promote airflow and breathability.
What to Keep in Mind about the Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
- Most sleepers should be able to benefit from both sides of this mattress. However, I think lightweight sleepers (those weighing less than 130 pounds) will only be comfortable on the firm side. These sleepers may not enjoy the flippable design.
Learn more in our full Plank Firm Luxe mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or see our best mattress page for more options.
Best Firm Hybrid Mattress – Helix Dawn
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
Expert Opinion
Helix has a line of six hybrid mattresses, and the Dawn is their firmest option. 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. It’s available in two different models: the Standard Dawn and the Dawn Luxe.
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.
How Did the Helix Dawn Mattress Perform On Our Firmness Scale?
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.
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.
Highlights 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.
What to Keep in Mind about 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 Hybrid Mattress – DreamCloud
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
Expert Opinion
Hybrid mattresses have a construction that blends foam with coils to give sleepers a blend of comfort and support. The DreamCloud is one such bed, with soft memory foam up top that gives you a little bit of contouring, followed by some firmer foams and a layer of tall springs at the bottom. They give the mattress a firm, responsive feel that should be a good match for back sleepers. They should get some pressure relief from the memory foam and spinal support from the coils.
How Did the DreamCloud Mattress Perform On Our Firmness Scale?
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. For context, 6.5 is the industry standard for medium firm, so this is definitely on the firmer end of the 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.
What our tester says: “The DreamCloud is a luxury hybrid mattress that strikes a super satisfying balance between pressure relief and support. From the cashmere blend cover to the innerspring coils, this bed features high-quality materials and is the brand’s most popular model.“ – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The DreamCloud website has almost 9,000 customer reviews of its flagship mattress, and an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. When filtering the reviews based on the word “hybrid,” 24 customers specifically praise the bed’s coil/spring construction.
Highlights of the DreamCloud Mattress
- It comes outfitted with several luxurious touches that you’d find at a high-end hotel — most notably a soft, cashmere-blend cover.
- Because of the DreamCloud’s responsiveness, combination sleepers should have no trouble switching positions in bed.
- The coils leave plenty of room for air to flow through the DreamCloud, helping the mattress sleep cool.
What to Keep in Mind about the DreamCloud Mattress
- Even though this is a firm and supportive bed, it’s likely not a good fit for stomach sleepers, who tend to need more sturdiness than any other sleeping position.
- On the other end of the spectrum, side sleepers will probably need something softer with more contouring at the shoulders and hips.
Want more details? Head over to our full DreamCloud 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 Back Pain – WinkBed
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
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.
To measure a mattress’s pain-relieving abilities, we roll out a specialized mat across its surface, which measures how much pressure the bed is putting on specific areas of the body. It does this by creating a “pressure map” that visualizes the results via thermal imaging 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.
How Did the WinkBed Mattress Perform On Our Firmness Scale?
The Luxury Firm model came in at a 7 on our firmness scale, making it firmer than the industry average of 6.5 for medium firm. If you want something extra-firm, we recommend opting for the Firmer model of the WinkBed.
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, former 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.
Highlights 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.
What to Keep in Mind about 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 WinkBed 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 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. 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
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).
How Did the Saatva Mattress Perform On Our Firmness Scale?
We rated the Saatva Classic a 6.5 on our mattress firmness scale. So for purposes of this roundup, we recommend the Firm model, which should come in at a 7 or higher. Regardless of which model you choose, you’ll get a zoned support system, meaning the bed is softer in areas that need more pressure relief and firmer in areas that need more support.
What our tester says: “The DreamCloud is a luxury hybrid mattress that strikes a super satisfying balance between pressure relief and support. From the cashmere blend cover to the innerspring coils, this bed features high-quality materials and is the brand’s most popular model.” – Bridget Chapman, former 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.
Highlights 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.
What to Keep in Mind about 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 Mattress for Pressure Relief – Nolah Evolution
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
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.
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.
How Did the Nolah Evolution Mattress Perform On Our Firmness Scale?
The Luxury Firm model 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, and you can always opt for the Firm model, which is likely to be closer to a 7 or 7.5.
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, former 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.
Highlights 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.
What to Keep in Mind about 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 Athletes – Bear Original
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
Expert Opinion
For an all-foam mattress, the Bear Original is especially firm. When we lie down on it, 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 Original 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.
How Did the Bear Original Mattress Perform On Our Firmness Scale?
The Bear Original came in at about a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale — much firmer than many other all-foam beds on the market.
What our tester says: “I really appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear Original 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, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The majority of reviews on the Bear website praise the Bear Original 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 Original does not include any fiberglass.
Highlights of the Bear Original Mattress
- Sleepers struggling with back pain should like the Bear Original‘s ability to alleviate tension, especially around the lumbar region. Also, the gel memory foam layers in the Bear Original 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 Original 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 Original 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.
What to Keep in Mind about the Bear Original Mattress
- Strict stomach sleepers might find that the Bear Original is slightly too soft for them. Even though the Bear Original 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 Original, 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 Back Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
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
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 and found it to be especially comfortable for back sleepers. However, we think they could be comfortable on the Firm model. 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.
How Did the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress Perform On Our Firmness Scale?
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. If they choose the Firm model, they’re likely to experience it as a 7 or 7.5 on the firmness scale.
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, former 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.
Highlights 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.
What to Keep in Mind about 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 Sex – Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a firm mattress with a durable hybrid construction. It works well for heavyweight stomach and back sleepers, as it provides enough support to keep these sleepers’ spines in neutral alignment. In addition to making it a good choice for heavier people, the Emma Hybrid Comfort’s design also gives it nice breathability and responsiveness, meaning it stays cool as you sleep and is easy to move around on.
What our tester says:
“After five minutes of lying on the Emma Hybrid Comfort, it increased 7.7 degrees. This indicates good temperature regulation. I really did feel cool when resting on it. Considering this, the airy hybrid construction, and the additional cooling features, I feel that the Emma Hybrid Comfort is one of the best cooling mattresses.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Emma Hybrid Comfort was built with sturdy materials that help keep it extra firm. 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).
How Did the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress Perform On Our Firmness Scale?
We ranked the Emma Hybrid Comfort at a 7.5 on our firmness scale, making it firmer than the industry average of a 6.5 for medium-firm mattresses.
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.
Highlights 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.
What to Keep in Mind about 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 Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus
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
Expert Opinion
The Titan Plus — created by Brooklyn Bedding — 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. He found it to be very firm, but a lighter sleeper might feel like it’s even firmer. Along with its strengthened coils, the Titan Plus 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 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 includes 961 TitanCaliber coils in its support layer. These coils are individually wrapped, so they promote extra airflow throughout the mattress to keep sleepers cooler longer.
How Did the Titan Plus Mattress Perform On Our Firmness Scale?
The Titan Plus ranked in at a 7.5 on our firmness scale for Paulie. Lighter or average weight sleepers might experience it as being closer to an 8.
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.” – Bridget Chapman, former 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.
Highlights of the Titan Plus Mattress
- Combination sleepers should appreciate that the Titan Plus 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 can help lift these sleepers’ hips in line with their shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal alignment.
- The Titan Plus 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.
What to Keep in Mind about the Titan Plus Mattress
- If you’re a heavier sleeper who prefers a memory foam feel, the Titan Plus 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 mattress review. You can also click here to get our best deal, or see our best mattress for heavy sleepers page for more options.
Other Firm Mattresses We Love
- Purple Mattress: This mattress has a 7 out of 10 firmness score from our testing lab, so it’s just a bit firmer than true medium-firm (6.5 out of 10) and should widely appeal to side and back sleepers who like a firmer feel. While it offers impressive results for light and average-weight sleepers, those falling on the heavier side likely won’t receive the same amount of support. Read our full review.
- Tuft & Needle Mattress: This bed also scored a 7 out of 10 firmness, and maintained what we call an “on top of” feel that should appeal to side sleepers, back sleepers, and combination sleepers. Still, it’s not supportive enough for heavy sleepers over 250 pounds, and not nearly firm enough for stomach sleepers over 130 pounds. Read our full review.
- Tempur-Cloud Mattress: During testing, we rated this mattress a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, and found that its cloud-like memory foam feel and supportive base foam work together spectacularly for back and side sleeping. As an all-foam mattress primarily focused on delivering a trademark feel, though, we found it lacked the firmness and support necessary for stomach sleepers and heavy sleepers. Read our full review.
- DreamCloud Mattress: The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress, also with a 7 out of 10 firmness, and we think its individually-wrapped coils and 4.5 out of 5 support score warrants a heavy consideration from back sleepers and side sleepers wanting a firm, uplifting feel. Stomach sleepers over 130 pounds and those who consider themselves to be heavier sleepers should select something a bit firmer. Read our full review.
How Do We 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.
Hear From the Experts: Should Mattress Firmness Change Depending on What Type of Sleeper You Are (Stomach/Back/Side)?
“Yes, the firmness level of a mattress should change depending on your sleeping position. Back sleepers generally benefit from a medium-firm mattress for spinal alignment. Side sleepers find slightly softer mattresses comfortable to cushion pressure points. Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to prevent back strain. Individual factors like body weight and specific conditions also influence the ideal firmness. It’s crucial to strike a balance that supports your sleeping position while providing comfort.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
Coming Up With Our Firmness Score
We should note that firmness — more so than any of our testing categories — is fairly subjective and varies from person to person, so we like to get a few different opinions on every mattress we test. First, our lead mattress reviewer lies down on the bed and gives it a numbered score on the firmness scale. They then have several colleagues do the same thing and come up with an average of everyone’s scores. That’s the final number you see for each mattress’s firmness.
Take a look below to learn more about the various mattress firmness levels, and check out our how to choose a mattress buying guide for more info.
What Firmness are Different Types of Foams?
Depending on the type of foam and how many layers the mattress has, the firmness will try greatly. In general, memory foam, poly foam and latex have a bit more of a hugging, pressure relieving feel to them. Perfect for side sleepers. On the other hand, the thinner that top layer of foam is and the less there is in the bed’s construction, the firmer the bed will feel, making it perfect for stomach sleepers. Some beds have a mix of foams and constructions so keep that in mind. Hybrid beds are best recommended for sleepers who want that cushiony feel from foam beds but the spinal alignment that a firmer bed would offer.
Firmness Levels
- 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 Luxe 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, which is a 6.5 on our scale, since this firmness level can appeal to a wide range of sleep positions and body types.
How We Test for the Best Firm Mattress
Now that you know more about a few of the best firm mattresses out there and how we determine firmness, 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
These beds 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.
Foam Mattresses
All-foam beds 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.
Hybrid Mattresses
You truly get the best of both worlds with hybrid mattresses, which 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.
Latex Mattresses
Not surprisingly, 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.
Which Materials are Eco-friendly?
If you’re looking for an organic, eco-friendly material you should look check out a natural latex mattress. They are made from extracting latex from rubber tree sap. They tend of have a higher price tag because of their production costs and organic nature but they perform great. Natural latex is breathable, cooling, supportive and tends to perform great with motion isolation.
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.
So how do we measure how much pressure a mattress relieves, and where that pressure is to begin with? Here Sleepopolis, we use a pressure map test. First, a specialized mat is stretched out along the length of the mattress. Our mattress tester then lies down on the mat in different sleeping positions (usually back, side, and stomach) so it can track their movements and record the force being exerted on their body. At the end of the test, the device creates a “map” that uses thermal imaging to show how much pressure our tester felt in each position (with blue and green signaling low pressure, and yellow and red signaling high pressure). See below for an example.
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 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.
What is Spinal Alignment?
Spinal alignment refers to how your hips and shoulders are stacked on top of each other throughout the day and night. When your spine is not aligned you might feel a lot of pain in your back or neck. Stomach sleepers tend to struggle the most with spinal alignment because of the natural pressure that gets added to their hips. We recommend you use an extra pillow under your hips and/or a firmer mattress in order to keep your spine in place. Mattresses that are too soft will allow your hips to sink too deep, thus messing up your spine.
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.
We measure motion transfer using a few different tests. First, we just go off of feel. Our tester lies down with a colleague and they go through various movements (rolling around, getting in and out of bed, etc.). They then record how much of each other’s movement they can feel. After that, the tester fills a glass with wine or water, places it on the bed next to them, and observes how much the liquid moves around. The more movement, the higher the motion transfer.
Finally, there’s the seismometer test. This is where our tester drops a steel ball onto the mattress’s surface from three different heights and measures the vibrations with a seismometer. High spikes of movement indicate motion transfer. Below, you can see the results of the Saatva Classic, a bed with very high motion transfer.
Cooling
Cooling is an important consideration for many mattress shoppers, especially if they sleep hot. To give them an informed recommendation, we look at a few different factors.
First, there’s the mattress’s construction. While there are certainly exceptions, memory foam beds tend to sleep the hottest due to the density of the material. Hybrid mattresses sleep a little cooler because they have a layer of springs that leaves plenty of room for airflow. The coolest-sleeping beds are probably latex (a naturally cooling material) and innerspring mattresses. Of all the different constructions, innersprings have the most space for airflow because of their coils, which have tons of gaps and aren’t very dense at all. This is optimal for airflow.
Once we’ve assessed a mattress’s construction, we see how cool it feels when we lie down on it. Finally, we use a device called a thermal gun to measure how much it heats up after five minutes of us lying on the bed’s surface. More than 15 degrees Fahrenheit indicates poor cooling, 10 to 15 degrees indicates decent cooling, 5 to 10 degrees indicates good cooling, and less than 5 degrees indicates excellent cooling. The device tells us this by using thermal imaging. As you can see in the below example, the bed in question only heated up 8 degrees, signaling good cooling.
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 mattress guide or our recommendations for the best mattresses under $1,000 for more tips on how to save money on your new bed.
Company Policies
Sleep Trials
A sleep trial is a huge benefit that buying a mattress online offers. A sleep trial is a period of time that you are able to test the mattress in the comfort of your own home and determine whether its a good fit for your sleep preferences and lifestyle. Each company offers a different length of sleep trial, however we recommend you look for sleep trials at least 90 to 100 days. In our expert opinion, that is the right amount of time to see if you are comfortable and thriving with your new bed.
Warranties
Warranties are able to tell us a lot. Not only does it mean that if the mattress doesn’t perform in the time frame they given, you can get your money back, it also is the brands way of telling you the durability of the mattress. Each company offers different mattress warranties but we recommend looking at a 10 year minimum warranty to guaranty durability and longevity of your new bed.
Shipping
The last thing you want when making a large online purchase is having to add a shipping cost at the end. So every mattress we have selected here, we have made sure they offer free shipping straight to your door. For an extra cost, a lot of brands are now offering a white glove delivery service which involves the brand hand delivery the mattress, setting up wherever you want it and removing your old mattress. For the convenience and ease, its definitely worth considering if you have extra room in your budget.
If you’re a Canadian shopper shipping might look different for you. Check out our Best Canadian mattresses to see better shipping rates and great mattress options made in Canada.
The Best Mattress Firmness for Your Body Weight
We recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call “average” (130 to 250 pounds).
As a general takeaway, lighter sleepers don’t require as much firmness and support as average weight sleepers, and mattresses will tend to feel firmer to them. On the other hand, heavy sleepers tend to need more firmness and support than average weight sleepers, and tend to sink into the mattress more.
As far as sleeping positions go, side sleepers tend to need a softer mattress while stomach sleepers usually need a firmer, more supportive one. Back sleepers are usually somewhere in the middle.
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average-Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| < 160 pounds | 160 – 230 pounds | > 230 pounds |
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.
Hear From the Experts: How Can a Mattress Alleviate or Exacerbate Lower Back Pain? Which Features Can it Include?
“A mattress can either alleviate or worsen lower back pain based on its features. Alleviation is promoted by proper spinal alignment, medium-firm to firm support, pressure relief from materials like memory foam or latex, zoned support, and motion isolation. Exacerbation occurs with insufficient support, inadequate cushioning, mattress sagging and wrong firmness.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
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.
Hear From the Experts: How do you Know if Your Mattress is Too Firm?
“A mattress might be too firm if you experience pressure points, lack of spinal alignment, restlessness, numbness, discomfort in certain sleeping positions, or limited sinkage. Personal preference matters, so simply adjusting with a topper or softer comfort layer can help. If discomfort continues, consider a slightly softer mattress with proper support.” – Dr. Raj Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine
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 isn’t a great feature for side sleepers or those struggling 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.
When to Buy a Mattress
There are typically sales going on for brands throughout most of the year. However, it’s around these holidays where the best price slashes take place:
- Presidents’ Day (February)
- Memorial Day (May)
- Labor Day (September)
- Cyber 5 (November)
- Christmas (December)
Best Firm Mattresses 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plank Firm Luxe | Overall | $1,482 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Helix Dawn | Hybrid | $1,332 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| DreamCloud | Hybrid | $1,332 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed | Back Pain | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva | Innerspring | $1,995 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Pressure Relief | $2,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Original | Athletes | $998 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Back Sleepers | $1,732 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | Sex | $1,199 | Emma Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Titan Plus | Heavy Sleepers | $1,249 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
FAQs
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.
Which mattress types are most firm?
Although it’s possible for any type of mattress to be firm, innerspring mattresses tend to be the most consistently firm. Because an innerspring’s construction is made up mostly of coils with very little foam, they’re usually not very cushioning or contouring.
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 firmness is better for back pain?
While there’s evidence to suggest that a firm mattress (a 7 or higher on our firmness scale) can help reduce back pain, it also comes down to your sleeping position. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Back sleepers with back pain – medium firm to firm (6.5–7 on our scale)
- Side sleepers with back pain – soft to medium soft (5–6 on our scale)
- Stomach sleepers with back pain – firm to ultra firm (7–8 on our scale)
- Combination sleepers with back pain – medium firm (6.5 on our scale)
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 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.
Bridget Chapman
Former Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Combination Sleeper