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Written by Sosha Lewis, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleepopolis and a certified sleep science coach. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing. Lewis also has had articles featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer, and her sleep recommendations have been featured in Livingetc. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
She lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, daughter, and lovable trash-panda of a dog, Olive.
Kenny is a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. He tests the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things sleep, so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good night’s rest. As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, his recommendations and insights on healthy sleep have appeared in various publications, including Livingetc, U.S. News & World Report, and the magazine for mattress brand Avocado. Kenny graduated from William Peace University with a degree in English and a minor in communication. Outside of testing and writing about mattresses, he enjoys hiking, biking, or avoiding the pit at your local heavy metal concert.
Kenny is a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. He tests the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things sleep, so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good night’s rest. As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, his recommendations and insights on healthy sleep have appeared in various publications, including Livingetc, U.S. News & World Report, and the magazine for mattress brand Avocado. Kenny graduated from William Peace University with a degree in English and a minor in communication. Outside of testing and writing about mattresses, he enjoys hiking, biking, or avoiding the pit at your local heavy metal concert.
Riley is a staff writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach at Sleepopolis. She’s a firm believer that there’s nothing better than a good night’s sleep. You can find her insights and recommendations on sleep health in publications such as Woman’s World, Yahoo News, Livingetc, and Real Simple. Riley graduated from Elon University with a degree in journalism and creative writing. In her free time, she loves to paint, cook, and spend time with family (especially her pets).
Livvi DiCicco is a staff writer and Certified Sleep Science Coach. She has been writing, editing, and researching sleep-based content for over a year, and her sleep recommendations and insights have appeared in Bustle, Livingetc, and Authority Magazine. After graduating from the University of Iowa with a degree in English & Creative Writing, she decided to work in the digital marketing field, continuing her creative works on the side. Her other interests (besides napping and writing) include digital art, history, and boba tea.
Kenny is a Staff Writer at Sleepopolis. He tests the good, the bad, and the ugly of all things sleep, so you can skip the trial and error and jump straight into a good night’s rest. As a Certified Sleep Science Coach, his recommendations and insights on healthy sleep have appeared in various publications, including Livingetc, U.S. News & World Report, and the magazine for mattress brand Avocado. Kenny graduated from William Peace University with a degree in English and a minor in communication. Outside of testing and writing about mattresses, he enjoys hiking, biking, or avoiding the pit at your local heavy metal concert.
After Goldilocks — who may have been the world’s first mattress tester — broke into a home and plopped down on much of the furniture, she emphatically declared that Mama Bear’s bed was “just right.” Given that Papa Bear’s bed was “too hard” and Baby Bear’s was “too soft,” it’s safe to assume that Mama Bear preferred a medium-firm mattress that fell somewhere between her husband’s and son’s.
Mama Bear and Goldilocks are not alone in their love of these mattresses: Medium-firm beds are universally appealing for their balanced comfort and support. Couples often seek them out because they hit the sweet spot between soft and firm, which is an excellent compromise if you prefer a different firmness level than your partner.
Given their health benefits and versatility, we set out to test hundreds of medium-firm mattresses in our Charlotte, NC, studio and present you with the best of the best. Read on for our favorite do-it-all medium-firm mattresses for every type of sleeper.
Sleepopolis’ Best In Rest — Medium-Firm
The Nectar Classic Hybrid is our top pick because it provides a balance of support and comfort that suits a host of sleepers. We think couples and those who prefer sleeping on their backs will most enjoy this bed. It’s made with a blend of breathable materials that should help you sleep cool throughout the night, making it an exceptional choice for hot sleepers.
Firmness is a key consideration if you’re looking for a medium-firm mattress. We tested all the mattresses on this bed ourselves to ensure you know how firm each one is. The industry standard for medium-firm is 6.5 on our firmness scale, but because firmness is also subjective, we included beds here that fall between 6 and 7 or are available in multiple firmness levels.
Medium-firm mattresses often offer balanced pressure relief for a range of sleeper types. To get a full view of each bed’s ability to offset pressure buildup, we gather personal feedback from our testers about how a mattress makes them feel and use a specialized mat that provides thermal images of where pressure accrues on the body. Many of the mattresses on this list scored a 4 out of 5 on our pressure relief tests.
We’ve developed a rigorous 13-point testing methodology that tells us how each mattress performs and who it might be a good fit for. All of the beds on this list have been evaluated for pressure relief, cooling abilities, responsiveness, edge support, and much more.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has tested more than 500 mattresses over the last decade, allowing us to guide more than 145,000 people to the best mattress for them. Not only do we use and evaluate these products ourselves, but we also consult with Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, who’s quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine, to ensure we keep up to date with the latest in sleep science and medicine.
Additionally, Dr. Joe Tedesco, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, comes into our studio to personally test mattresses and give a medical perspective on each product that he evaluates, and sleep and nutrition experts such as Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD, regularly verify our articles.
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
Need help finding the right mattress?
Based on your answers, we’ve carefully selected the best mattresses tailored to your needs.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Nectar
Nectar Classic Hybrid
Medium-Firm Comfort
Breathable Cover
Responsive Springs
Hybrid
365 nights
Free shipping outside of HI and AK
Memorial Day Deals
Save Up to 50% on Mattresses & 66% on Bundles See Details
The Nectar Hybrid is a medium-firm mattress with a durable hybrid construction. It works especially well for back sleepers, as it provides enough support to keep their spines in neutral alignment. The hybrid 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:
“I think back sleepers should be thrilled by the combination of pressure relief and support the Nectar Classic Hybrid offers. Couples should appreciate the Nectar Classic Hybrid’s edge support, cooling capabilities, and ability to isolate motion.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why the Nectar Classic Hybrid Stands Out
If you’re old enough to remember “New Coke,” you know that change is not always positive. However, when Nectar, long known for its quality all-foam mattress, decided to try its hand at a hybrid, the brand nailed it. Our team of sleep science coaches was impressed with the Nectar Hybrid’s versatility, as evidenced by its 4.3 or above scores in back pressure relief, cooling, and motion isolation. I selected it as the best overall medium-firm mattress because it seamlessly blends comfort and support into one universally appealing package.
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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
We found that the soft foam in Nectar’s construction effectively dampened motion, making it a solid choice for couples.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
Our mattress experts noted that its surface felt slightly cool to the touch and didn’t retain much heat during testing.
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Response: 3/5
Despite the innerspring coils in its construction, the Nectar Hybrid isn’t the most responsive option.
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Edge Support: 3.4/5
During testing, we found that the Nectar Classic Hybrid’s edge support was about average, meaning sleepers with mobility concerns will likely need something more stable.
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Pressure Relief: 3.9/5
The Nectar Classic Hybrid impressed us in the pressure relief category, especially for back sleepers.
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Firmness: 6/10
At 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, the Nectar Classic Hybrid is a touch softer than the industry standard of medium-firm.
One of the main reasons the Nectar Classic Hybrid is considered the medium-firm mattress MVP is its ability to satisfy a wide range of sleepers–especially back sleepers.
“This mattress did an awesome job molding to my body, especially the lower half,” said Asha Birjah, our lightweight tester. “I feel a lot of pressure relief in my legs, particularly my calves. My upper body is also very comfortable.”
Our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, Dr. Joe Tedesco, also joined us to test the Nectar Classic Hybrid. He agreed with Asha, saying that he felt “anatomically perfect” on this mattress.
“I’m getting some good contouring,” Dr. Tedesco added. “I feel supported. My feet are pointing straight upward, and my body is in a nice, neutral position.”
In addition to giving us their feedback on how a mattress performs in terms of pressure relief, we also ask our testers to lie on a specialized mat that provides thermal images of potential pressure buildup. This data device gives us each person’s pressure reading in pounds per square inch (PSI), and our light and average-weight testers were well under the average score of 12.4. Our three testers’ average back pressure relief score was 4.3, again showcasing its versatility.
The Classic Hybrid also had a standout performance in cooling. My colleague, Kenny Timper, measured the surface temperature of the mattress before and after he lay on it for five minutes and saw a modest 6-degree increase. He said, “I feel like the surface was slightly cool to the touch, and it was very comfortable to lie on. I didn’t feel like I was heating up during the 5 minutes I was on the mattress.”
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar Classic Hybrid
Although its overall performance and tester evaluations led me to select the Nectar Classic as the best medium-firm mattress, it doesn’t mean I don’t have constructive criticism. Kenny found that the bed’s responsiveness and edge support left a little to be desired. When it came to responsiveness, he noted that although the springs gave him a little boost, he still had to put in “noticeable effort” to move from his stomach to his back. As for edge support, Kenny said, “The cover feels a little slippery, but my main concern was that the mattress’s top layer will probably sink too much for those with mobility issues.”
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.7
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Premier Mattress
Soft, Supportive Feel
Quilted Euro-Top Cover
Three Layers of Foam
Hybrid
365 nights
Free shipping
Memorial Day Deals
Up to 60% Off Mattresses + 66% Off Bundles See Details
Hybrid, combining soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the DreamCloud Premier a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. A 6 means that the DreamCloud Premier is fairly soft.
Price
$1,119–$2,119 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
The softness and contouring should give side sleepers the relief they need at the shoulders and hips.
Combination Sleepers
The DreamCloud Premier is responsive enough for you to easily change positions.
Couples
The bed’s stellar motion isolation means couples can sleep soundly without waking each other up with tossing and turning.
Pros of the DreamCloud Premier
Couples should sleep undisturbed with the Premier’s excellent motion isolation.
The softness of the foams should give side sleepers the contouring they need at the shoulders and hips.
Luxury shoppers should enjoy the Premier’s cashmere Euro top and multiple layers of foam.
Cons of the DreamCloud Premier
Stomach sleepers likely won’t get the firmness or support they need for a neutral spinal alignment.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Free returns after at least 30 days and within the 365-night trial period
The DreamCloud Premier’s construction is a thoughtful, luxurious take on the company’s flagship mattress. It uses a hybrid of foam and coils to achieve a softer feel that’s still supportive. We think many side sleepers and combination sleepers alike should appreciate this mattress. Learn more in our DreamCloud Premier video review.
What our tester says:
“The latest Premier is considerably softer and plusher than the previous iteration of this bed, which had a firmer feel. While the former version was more suited for back sleepers, the latest one favors side sleepers. I consider both versions to be luxury mattresses that are sold at an affordable, off-brand price.” – Sosha Lewis, senior staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Why the DreamCloud Premier Stands Out
If you’re shopping for a medium-firm mattress with all the trimmings, the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid is a luxury model that offers comfort rivaling mattresses found in the best hotels. The Premier became a fast favorite among our crew, earning a 4 out of 5 or higher across most categories, including edge support, pressure relief, and motion isolation.
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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
During testing, we found that minimal motion rippled across the surface of the DreamCloud Premier.
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Cooling: 4/5
The breathable pocketed coils and cool-to-the-touch surface make this a good mattress for hot sleepers.
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Response: 4/5
The individually-wrapped coils make the Premier’s surface easy to move around on.
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Edge Support: 4.5/5
There was very minimal sinkage near the perimeter of the Premier Hybrid, making it a solid option for sleepers who gravitate toward the edge.
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Pressure Relief: 4.1/5
Most sleepers should experience solid pressure relief; however, side sleepers with larger bodies may experience more pressure buildup.
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Firmness: 6/10
The plush cover layer of the DreamCloud Premier gives it a softer feel than most hybrid models.
Since DreamCloud constructed the Premier with corner-to-corner comfort in mind, sleepers will experience the same support and pressure relief at the far reaches of the bed as they do toward the center. My fellow mattress testers and I awarded the Premier scores of 4.5 and 4.1 out of 5 in the edge support and pressure relief categories, respectively.
I felt very secure while lying on my side on the perimeter of this mattress. During testing, there was no point where I felt unsteady or like I was going to fall off the side of the bed.
While performing our pressure relief tests on the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid, I also brought in Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, to offer his professional opinion on this mattress.
“Overall, I think most sleepers should find this bed comfortable,” he said. “However, I notice a slight amount of pressure near my shoulders while lying on my back. Sleepers with shoulder pain should consider this before buying.”
The doughy cover layer of the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid also impressed our testers with its ability to dampen motion. My fellow mattress testers and I awarded it a strong 4.3 out of 5 in our motion isolation category.
When my testing partner was getting in and out of bed, I could feel it slightly. For example, when they were changing positions, I noticed a gentle rocking, but there was not an aggressive amount of motion. For most people who share a bed with a restless partner or pet, I think this should be a good mattress for isolating motion.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Premier
Similar to Dr. Tedesco, one of our heavyweight testers experienced some pressure buildup on his shoulder while on his side. Based on his results, we think sleepers with larger bodies will likely need a firmer sleep surface to maintain proper spinal alignment and stay comfortable on this mattress.
For more details about this model, visit our full DreamCloud Premier Hybrid mattress review. For sleepers with larger bodies seeking additional support and durability, we recommend checking out the Helix Plus instead.
DreamCloud Premier Rest Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Helix Midnight – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Back Pain
Best for Back Pain
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Helix
Helix Midnight Mattress
Cooling Mattress
Medium-Firm Comfort
Reinforced Edges
Hybrid mattress
100-night trial on all mattresses
Free shipping on all orders
Memorial Day Sale
27% Off Sitewide with Code SLEEPOPOLIS27 See Details
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
Firmness
We rated the Helix Midnight a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. This means it’s slightly softer than the industry standard (6.5 out of 10).
Price
$937–$1,749 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation, so you shouldn’t feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Pros of the Helix Midnight
Back sleepers should get some cushioning in the lumbar region, and the coils will help keep their spines neutrally aligned.
Side sleepers should experience nice pressure relief and contouring at their shoulders and hips. For extra pressure relief, we recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe, the standard Helix Midnight’s luxury version.
The Helix Midnight has low motion transfer, which means partners aren’t likely to feel each other moving around at night.
The Midnight is a responsive mattress, so it’s ideal for combination sleepers.
You can return your bed after the 30-day “break-in” period and before the trial period ends for a full refund.
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Why the Helix Midnight Stands Out
Back pain can make getting a good night’s sleep seem like an impossible dream. However, studies have shown that mattresses promoting spinal alignment can ease discomfort. Dr. Dasgupta followed up on the study’s findings, adding, “To help ease back pain, you’ll want a mattress that keeps your spine straight, as this will reduce some muscle strain. To keep uncomfortable pressure buildup at bay, your mattress must distribute your body weight evenly.”
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Aside from gentle movements, our testers could not detect much motion transfer.
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Cooling: 3/5
During testing, we found that the Midnight feels neutral rather than cool to the touch.
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Response: 4/5
While the Helix has layers of soft foam, its bouncy innerspring coils make it easy to maneuver.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
Our testers felt super secure when lying near the edge of the Midnight in every sleeping position.
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Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
The Helix Midnight effectively relieves pressure overall, despite our average-weight tester detecting slight back tension.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The plush foam layers and reinforced innerspring coils give the Helix Midnight a true medium-firm feel.
With its medium-firm feel, balanced support structure, and lower-than-average pressure reading for many sleepers, the Helix Midnight earned a 4.3 in back pressure relief and is my pick for the best medium-firm mattress for back pain. However, alleviating back pain isn’t this bed’s only attribute. It also earned a 4 or above in edge support, motion isolation, and responsiveness, propelling the Midnight to a 4.3 overall score.
During testing in our Charlotte, NC sleep studio, we had three testers, representing lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight sleepers, use a specialized mat that produces a color-coded map of where pressure tends to build up on the body. For the Helix Midnight, the thermal images were nearly entirely blue for all three testers, indicating little to no pressure accumulation.
The testers’ subjective pressure relief feedback matched the objective data. My colleague Riley Otis, who represented sleepers under 130 pounds, said, “I really dig this mattress when I am on my back. My hips and shoulders are aligned, and both are experiencing cushioning. At the same time, there is no gapping at my lower back. Overall, I just feel super cozy, with no pressure anywhere.”
Licensed physical therapist Dr. Joe Tedesco was also among our panel of testers that day, and he agreed that the Helix Midnight should be a good match for most back sleepers. “I’m getting support at my shoulders, and they aren’t caving in when I’m on my back,” he said. “It is appropriately soft without a bouncy feel. It has some good support between my hips and lower back.”
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight
However, if you prefer your cozy with a side of cool, the Midnight may not be for you. Riley used a thermal temperature gun to record the Midnight’s initial surface temperature of 73.2 degrees. After resting on it for 5 minutes, her second reading showed a 10.5-degree climb. “When I first lay on this bed, I thought it felt the same temperature as the room, and the longer I was on it, the more I could feel it heating up,” she said. Although she said she didn’t feel uncomfortably warm, we don’t recommend this bed to those who tend to overheat during the night.
Other than its lack of cooling, the Helix Midnight put in a solid performance in all other categories. If you’d like a bed that sleeps cooler, check out the Leesa Sapira Chill. If you’d like to learn more about this mattress, read our comprehensive Helix Midnight mattress review.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Hybrid, combining a plush pillow top with coils and foams for a luxury feel.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We tested the Luxury Firm and scored it a 7 out of 10, meaning it’s on the firmer side of medium-firm.
Price
$1,149–$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
A great option for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the WinkBed
Back sleepers should get the support they need
It has a traditional, supportive feel
The WinkBed has cooling capabilities to help people who sleep hot
Sturdy edge support and good motion isolation make this a good choice for couples
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
Why the WinkBed Stands Out
If you can’t decide between the cradling comfort of a memory foam mattress and the steady support of an innerspring, I recommend the delightful WinkBed. Not only did this bed land right on the medium-firm nose for back, stomach, and side sleeping, but it also garnered performance scores of 4.3 or higher in back pressure relief, edge support, and motion isolation.
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Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
Our tester didn’t notice much movement during our ripple test.
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Cooling: 3.5/5
Our cooling test found that the WinkBed did not excel at temperature regulation.
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Response: 3/5
It was a little difficult to move around on the WinkBed, despite its hybrid construction.
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Edge Support: 4.4/5
We found the WinkBed’s edges to be very strong.
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Pressure Relief: 3.8/5
While pressure mapping the WinkBed, our testers found some pressure buildup on their side.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Luxury Firm WinkBed has a medium-firm feel.
The WinkBed landed the top spot for the best hybrid largely because of how it contours the body while keeping the spine in a pressure-relieving neutral alignment. Our Chief Medical Product Tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, was a big fan of the WinkBed in the three most common sleeping positions — stomach, side, and back. He gave it high marks and recommended it for sleepers with shoulder, hip, neck, and back pain. “I really like this mattress for back pain, especially for back sleepers with back pain,” he said. “I noticed that when I was on my back, I had no pressure in my pelvis or my sacrum, and I felt very supported.”
When I represented average-weight testers during our pressure relief test, I found myself agreeing with Dr. Tedesco. Although I have never been a back sleeper, if I slept on the WinkBed every night, it might convert me. The bed kept my hips lifted but also provided contouring around my lower back. I could feel the stress and tension in that area melt away when I relaxed on the WinkBed. However, I recommend using a higher or firmer pillow if this is your preferred sleeping position. Without a pillow with enough loft, you may find that your hips are raised too much, putting unnecessary strain on your upper back and neck.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
Unfortunately, although my heavyweight testing counterpart Caine Wilkes and I enjoyed this bed on our backs and sides, the same can’t be said for Asha Birjah, who represented sleepers weighing under 130 pounds. “When I was on my side, my weight just wasn’t evenly distributed,” she said. “This caused strain on my mid-back and some pressure on my hips.” Also, although sleep science coach Riley Otis didn’t feel noticeably warmer when she tested the bed’s cooling capabilities, the bed did heat up by close to 9 degrees. With that in mind, I still don’t recommend this for particularly hot sleepers.
Saatva Classic – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
Best for Back Sleeping
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Innerspring, for a bouncy mattress that’s easy to move around.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options. We tested the Luxury Firm model and scored it a 7.5 out of 10, meaning it’s definitely on the firmer side.
Price
$935–$2,450 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
This mattress is ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Stomach Sleeping
It’s also a nice option for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Saatva
With three firmness options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that works for them.
The Saatva uses high-quality materials that will last you a long time.
Its bouncy and responsive feel means it’s great for combination sleepers.
The Saatva’s reinforced edges give it some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen.
Cons of the Saatva
If you’re looking for lots of sinkage or amazing motion isolation, you’re better off with one of the best memory foam mattresses.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period. Saatva charges a $99 pick-up fee
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:
“The Saatva Classic’s springy surface is perfect for combination sleepers looking for ease of movement as they toss and turn throughout the night. Also, back sleepers are perhaps best suited to the bed’s lifted support and balanced cushioning from the pillow top.” – Livvi DiCicco, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Why the Saatva Classic Stands Out
Classics have earned their reputation for a reason. Saatva’s flagship innerspring mattress has garnered a stellar reputation based on its high-quality materials, outstanding performance, and versatility. With scores of 4 out of 5 or higher in back pressure relief, cooling, and edge support, and a perfect 5 in responsiveness, it’s easy to see how the Saatva Classic lands on so many of our best-of lists.
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Motion Isolation: 2.7/5
Our tester could feel a lot of his partner’s movement on the Saatva.
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Cooling: 4/5
This bed has a temperature-neutral feel.
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Response: 5/5
The Saatva’s innerspring feel makes it super bouncy and easy to move around on.
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Edge Support: 4.8/5
The perimeter of the Saatva Classic is rock-solid.
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Pressure Relief: 4/5
Pressure relief is better for back sleepers than side sleepers on this bed.
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Firmness: 7.5/10
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic has a firmer feel.
One of my favorite aspects of this bed is that it offers three firmness options — Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm — and two heights, 11.5 and 14.5 inches. This allows sleepers to hone in on their personal preferences to achieve their ultimate sleep experience. We tested the Luxury Firm and found it pushed slightly north of medium-firm, but I still think it hits the middle-of-the-mattress road well.
I sleep on a medium-firm bed at home and gravitate toward them during testing, and I was a big fan of this option. However, I recommend ordering the Plush Soft if you want a true medium-firm mattress since all of these mattresses run a bit firmer. And now that we have that bit of housekeeping out of the way, let’s break down one of my favorite mattresses.
Our lightweight sleeper experienced a decent amount of pressure on her back, and I think that back sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds would be better served with the Plush Soft. However, our average-weight and heavyweight testers sang the Classic’s praises for back sleeping.
Caine Wilkes, our heavy tester, experienced slight sinkage around his lower back but said he still felt good (larger-bodied sleepers could choose the Firm model for more support). However, this mattress shone for our average-weight tester. After lying on it on her back, she said, “This is a super comfortable mattress. It’s firm but soft, and I can feel the relief in my lower back.”
Chief Medical Product Tester Dr. Joe Tedesco echoed our tester’s sentiments when he evaluated the Classic. “I feel pretty weightless on this mattress, orthopedically speaking,” he said. “I’m super comfortable. My spine is neutral, but I’m not getting a posterior tilt. Generally, if you’re a back sleeper, this could be great for people with many issues.”
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Classic
Although you’ll find this mattress on many of our best-of lists, it won’t be on any for motion isolation. Staff writer and sleep science coach Kenny Timper noted this when he performed the ripple test, which consists of placing a large container of water on one side and evaluating how much the water splashes when he rolls around on the other. “The water was sloshing around violently,” he said. “Motion isolation isn’t the Classic’s strong suit, but that’s probably because of its double individually wrapped coil construction, which, in fairness, makes it extremely responsive.”
If you’re interested in this mattress, our full Saatva Classic review provides more information. However, if motion isolation is an important feature for you, I recommend checking out the Nolah Original.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Leesa
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Soft Comfort
Gel-Infused Foam
Zoned Support
Hybrid
100 nights
Free shipping
Memorial Day Sale
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Leesa doesn’t have the lengthiest trial period or warranty.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free returns within 100-night trial period
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress, available in three firmness levels. We tested the Medium-Firm model and felt it was just softer than average. It should be especially comfortable for back sleepers and side sleepers. The bed also has some effective cooling technology built into it, which helps to keep sleepers cool throughout the night. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“Sleepers with joint pain can appreciate the soft, plush feel, which can reduce tension and stiffness at their pressure points. I also think back sleepers and side sleepers will be comfortable on this mattress.” – Riley Otis, staff writer
Why the Leesa Sapira Chill Stands Out
When my husband tucks himself in at night, his body temperature rockets to roughly that of the surface of the sun, causing him to toss and turn. So, whether or not a mattress can successfully regulate temperature always piques my interest. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid earned a 4.5 out of 5 in cooling. Its cooling results, combined with other high marks — like a 4.3 and 4.7 in back and side pressure relief, respectively — went a long way to us selecting it as the best cooling medium-firm mattress.
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Motion Isolation: 3.7/5
The water sloshed around quite a bit during our ripple test, indicating just-average motion isolation.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
This bed lived up to its name with its exceptional cooling abilities.
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Response: 4.5/5
Moving around was largely seamless, save for rolling over on the doughier pillow top.
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Edge Support: 3.9/5
While our tester found the edge support acceptable, there was more sagging in our weighted tests.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Our pressure map results showed almost no pressure buildup on the Leesa Sapira Chill.
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Firmness: 6/10
We found the Leesa Sapira Chill’s construction to have a softer feel.
We knew the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid was a cooling champion after seasoned mattress tester Riley Otis performed our cooling tests. “I was very impressed with this mattress’s cooling abilities,” she said with enthusiasm. “When I first lay on this bed, it had a cool-to-the-touch feel that was there the whole time I was lying on it. I didn’t notice the bed heating up, and I honestly think its name is pretty accurate — it’s chill. I would for sure recommend this bed to hot sleepers. The gel-infused foam quilted into the pillow top was noticeably cool.”
To boost temperature regulation, the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has a cooling-fiber-infused cover that Leesa says helps maintain the ideal skin temperature of 88 degrees. The bed’s comfort layer is made of breathable foam and individually wrapped springs that promote airflow. The bed’s cooling powers were evident when Riley used a thermal gun to measure its surface temperature before and after lying on it for 5 minutes. The first reading showed 68.1 degrees, and the second was only 5degrees warmer.
The Sapira Chill’s cushioned yet supportive hybrid construction also makes it a pressure relief superstar. Our lightweight tester, Asha Birjah, gave it a perfect score in back and side pressure relief. “Oh, this mattress is ‘spinalicious,’” she said. “I love it when I am on my back because it fills in all the gaps that need filling in. I am also a fan when I switch to my side, as everything is in line and there is no pressure at my shoulder or hips.”
Our chief medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, also praised the Leesa Sapira Chill for its side-sleeping pressure relief.
“I am very comfortable on my side,” he said. “My hips aren’t sinking too deeply into the mattress, thanks to the coils. My ankles and hips don’t have any extra pressure. It’s soft enough to relieve pressure at the joints, but the coils provide enough support to keep my spine straight and neutral.”
What to Keep in Mind About the Leesa Sapira Chill
As well as this bed does in cooling and pressure relief, it falls a little short in responsiveness and motion isolation. After testing its responsiveness by rolling around on the bed, Riley said, “I found it difficult to quickly and easily move around on this bed. Despite its springy coils, there is a lot of foam up top that hugs the body. This prevented me from seamlessly rolling from one side to the other, as the foam trapped me a bit. I think the pillow top limits mobility since it has deep tufts that can hold you down.”
When she tested the bed for motion isolation with a partner, she also felt a lot of her fellow tester’s movements, stating that those who share their bed with a restless partner may experience some disturbances.
For more information, check out our full Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid review. If you want a medium-firm mattress with better motion isolation, check out the Nolah Evolution (Luxury Firm option).
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Bear
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
Medium-Soft Comfort
Reinforced Edges
Copper-Infused Foam
Hybrid construction
120 nights
Free shipping
Sleepopolis Deal
40% Off Sitewide with Code SLEEPOPOLIS40 + Free Sleep Bundle with Mattress Purchase See Details
Full refund after 30 nights and within the 120-night trial period
The Bear Star Hybrid is a softer hybrid mattress with memory foam and innerspring coils. It offers pressure relief, contouring, and solid support for many sleeper types, but especially back, side, and combination sleepers. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“After testing out the Bear Star, I found it to be really cozy. I loved how plush the surface of the mattress felt as I was lying on it, but I still felt super supported. Lying on my back and my side, I felt comfortable and would definitely sleep on this at night in my own home.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Why the Bear Star Hybrid Stands Out
Recovery is a crucial aspect of training for all athletes. One of the easiest ways to rejuvenate and relax aching muscles is by sleeping on a mattress that supports and cradles them. Fortunately, mattress manufacturer Bear recognized the special needs of active folks and designed the Star Hybrid — a luxurious, multifaceted medium-firm mattress — with them in mind.
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Motion Isolation: 3.7/5
Our testers felt some movement ripple across the mattress surface during our motion isolation tests.
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Cooling: 4/5
The innerspring coils in the Bear Star Hybrid provide some nice ventilation for hot sleepers.
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Response: 5/5
Combination sleepers who frequently change positions will love the Bear Star Hybrid’s 5-star responsiveness.
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Edge Support: 4.6/5
The strong edge support of the Bear Star Hybrid makes it a solid choice for couples, folks with mobility issues, and those who sleep near the perimeter.
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Pressure Relief: 3/5
We found that the Bear Star Hybrid’s pressure relief was about average, making it less than ideal for joint pain.
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Firmness: 7/10
The Bear Star Hybrid is on the firmer side of medium-firm at 7 out of 10 on our scale.
This mattress achieved at least a 4 out of 5 in cooling, edge support,, and responsiveness. If that’s not enough and you want additional temperature regulation, you can purchase an upgraded cover with cooling phase change material (PCM) called Celliant. This material may speed up muscle recovery and absorb body heat.
Among the Star Hybrid’s many benefits is that if your muscles are aching, you won’t have to worry about changing positions or getting in and out of bed on it. The mattress hit back-to-back home runs in responsiveness and edge support. My colleague Kenny Timper performed tests for both categories; when all was said and done, the Star Hybrid earned high marks from this seasoned mattress testing veteran.
This mattress has a plush top, which is a feature known to hug sleepers and make it difficult to change positions. In the case of the Star Hybrid, however, the tall coils offer a substantial counter, allowing you to move with ease. “I had no trouble whatsoever moving around on this mattress,” Kenny said. “It was super easy to roll from one sleeping position to another. “ He also found that the supportive nature he experienced in the middle of the bed extended to the perimeter, making it a breeze to get in and out of bed.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Star Hybrid
Although this bed was an all-star in many categories, it faltered in the motion isolation department. This won’t affect all athletes, but those who share a bed with a restless partner or pet may want to look for a mattress that will better prevent movement from rippling across the surface. Kenny said that he could feel his testing partner, Livvi DiCiccio, get in and out of bed and change positions.
If you’re an active person looking for the right bed to aid in your recovery, read more about this bed in our Bear Star Hybrid review. If you want a bed that offers exceptional cooling, you can keep it in the Bear family and take a look at the Bear Elite Hybrid.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Silk & Snow
Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress
Medium-Firm feel
Cooling
Zoned Support Coils
Hybrid
100 nights
Free shipping
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This mattress falls at a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which means it’s a true medium-firm mattress.
Price
$650–$950
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
There’s enough softness in the layer of gel memory to contour their shoulders and hips.
Back Sleepers
They should enjoy the mattress’s combination of comfort and support.
Hot Sleepers
Per its name, the Silk & Snow aims to keep sleepers cool with coils that promote airflow and an infusion of gel in the memory foam layer.
Pros of the Silk & Snow Hybrid
We definitely think this is a cooler-sleeping mattress. We measured its temperature increase with our thermal gun, and found it to have good cooling capabilities
A queen size can often be found for under $1,000 before discounts, so we think the Silk & Snow is a natural choice for anyone with a strict budget
Our pressure map showed that the Silk & Snow Hybrid puts hardly any pressure on the back. So it could be a sensible choice for anyone who experiences back pain
Cons of the Silk & Snow Hybrid
As a medium-firm mattress, the Silk & Snow Hybrid is probably too soft for stomach sleepers.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Returns
Free returns, as long as it’s after 30 days and within the 100-night trial period
As an affordable option with a medium-firm feel, we think that the Silk & Snow Hybrid should appeal to a wide variety of sleepers, including back sleepers, side sleepers, hot sleepers, and budget shoppers. Learn more in our full video review, where we compare the Silk & Snow Hybrid to the original Silk & Snow, which doesn’t have coils.
What our tester says:
“The Silk & Snow Hybrid is a great middle ground firmness for those who don’t want an ultra-firm bed, but also want to feel well-supported.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Why the Silk & Snow Hybrid Stands Out
If you’re a budget shopper looking for a true medium-firm mattress with an affordable price tag, it doesn’t get much better than the Silk & Snow Hybrid. Despite a queen-size model being only $850 before any discounts, the mattress achieved scores of 4 or above in back pressure relief, cooling, motion isolation, and responsiveness. Also, I’m impressed that a bed in this price range is offered in two different firmness levels — Medium Firm (which we tested) and Plush (which offers more of a medium-soft experience).
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Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
Our tester could barely feel when their colleague rolled around on the other side of the bed.
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Cooling: 4.5/5
True to its name, the Silk & Snow kept a very low temperature while we rested on it.
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Response: 4/5
It was pretty easy to switch positions on this bed, though we felt a little sinkage while doing so.
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Edge Support: 3.6/5
The edge of the mattress sank quite a bit when our tester sat on it.
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Pressure Relief: 3.9/5
Back sleeping was comfortable on the Silk & Snow, but side sleeping led to more pressure buildup.
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Firmness: 6.5/10
The Silk & Snow Hybrid has a medium-firm feel.
Since “snow” is part of this online mattress’s name, it’s probably not shocking that it excels at temperature regulation. Under the antimicrobial and quilted cover, you’ll find a layer of gel-infused cooling foam resting atop a base of pocketed coils, allowing ample airflow. This dedication to cool sleep burst through when my colleague Dan Caffrey tested how much the Silk & Snow heated up. The mattress’s initial surface temperature was 66 degrees. After Dan rested on it for 5 minutes, he used the thermal temperature gun to take another reading and was impressed that it had only risen a smidge over 4 degrees. He said, “I didn’t feel this mattress heating up at all. It kept a cool temperature throughout and should be comfortable for hot sleepers.”
When it comes to relieving pressure, I found the Silk & Snow left me with few worries. To get some subjective data to accompany my objective pressure relief evaluation, I used a specialized mat that provides color-coded thermal images of pressure spots when lying on the mattress. My back and side pressure maps showed almost all blue, indicating that very little pressure was felt in either position. This matched with my feedback on how this mattress made me feel. It provided an excellent combination of contouring and support, no matter how I was situated.
Chief Medical Product Tester Dr. Tedesco appreciated how this mattress could benefit back sleepers. “This mattress offers good support through my legs, so I don’t feel arched,” he said. “This means I have a little bit of a posterior tilt. This makes it feel like I have a small pillow under my knees, but without the pressure buildup you might get from having something under them.”
What to Keep in Mind About the Silk & Snow Hybrid
Although the budget-friendly Silk & Snow Hybrid rivals many luxury mattresses on several fronts, it falls a little short in edge support and side pressure relief for sleepers weighing over 230 pounds. If you have mobility issues or you and your partner like to use the whole surface of the bed, you’re likely to find that the perimeter of this hybrid doesn’t offer you as much support as the center.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Hybrid (this mattress combines both memory foam and coils)
Firmness
Multiple firmnesses (Soft, Medium, and Firm). We tested the Medium and rated it a 7.5 out of 10, which is very firm.
Price
$999–$2,265 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Hot Sleepers
This mattress features a number of cooling features that should prevent overheating.
Back Sleepers
The thick comfort layer provides good body contouring, but the coils provide enough support to keep you from bottoming out.
Stomach Sleepers
There’s enough support here to keep the hips elevated and in line with the shoulders.
Couples
Due to the mattress’s exceptional motion isolation, it could be a home run for couples, who are unlikely to feel each other tossing and turning at night.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
The coils allow for airflow, the cover uses material that’s cool to the touch, and the foam has a gel infusion to fight heat.
Its hybrid construction makes it easy to move around on.
The coils provide enough support for stomach sleepers, preventing them from sinking too far into the bed.
Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick-up fee.
The Brookyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s more high-end mattresses. It has a ton of cooling features in it that can help hot sleepers sleep cool all night. It’s also available in three different firmnesses, so it can accommodate a variety of sleeping positions and body types. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Back sleepers should find enough support to promote proper spinal alignment while also getting a bit of cushioning at the lumbar region. And the cooling, motion isolation, edge support, and responsiveness scores indicate the Aurora Luxe is a great match for couples.” – Riley Otis, staff writer and certified sleep science coach
Why the Aurora Luxe Stands Out
Combo sleepers like to enjoy a little of this sleep position, and a little of that sleep position. Before I got out of the habit of sleeping on my stomach (pregnancy will do that to you), I was a combo stomach and side sleeper. I mainly sleep on my side, but like to switch between the left and right. If I sleep on a mattress that lacks bounce, I can be stirred from my slumber because of the effort it takes to move. However, responsive beds like Brooklyn Bedding’s delightful Aurora Luxe allow combo sleepers to snooze like Sleeping Beauty.
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Motion Isolation: 3.8/5
We noticed a bit of disturbance in our water test when someone was switching positions on the other side of the bed.
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Cooling: 4/5
The Aurora Luxe has a cool, crisp-feeling cover.
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Response: 4/5
You sink into the surface of this bed a little bit, but it’s still relatively easy to switch positions and move around.
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Edge Support: 4/5
We only noticed the edge dipping beneath our weight when we sat at the perimeter.
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Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
This mattress earned an impressive perfect rating for back-sleeping pressure relief.
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Firmness: 7/10
The Medium model of the Aurora Luxe feels slightly firmer than true medium-firm.
With strong scores (4 out of 5 or higher) in responsiveness, cooling, edge support, and pressure relief, it’s easy to see how this mattress earned our spot for best medium-firm mattress for combination sleepers.
When my fellow certified sleep science coach, Riley Otis, tested the Aurora Luxe’s responsiveness, she found it easy to move around on. According to her, the ease of movement was aided by the bed’s innerspring coil base and firmness, which she put at the high end of medium firm (7 out of 10 on our scale). Although the pillow top should provide you with a plush entry, the foam and coils prevent you from sinking too far into the mattress, so there’s no need to exert too much energy when switching positions.
Based on Riley’s results, we think the Aurora Luxe should be great for relieving pressure across all sleeping positions (again, great news for combination sleepers). She gave it a perfect 5-star rating for back-sleeping pressure relief and a strong 4 out of 5 for side-sleeping relief.
“I think this mattress is an excellent choice for back and side sleepers alike,” she said. “On my back, it has the right level of firmness to keep the spine lifted and properly aligned, while still offering plenty of softness to cushion the upper back. Side sleeping should also feel comfortable for most people. I didn’t notice any major pressure at my hips or shoulders, though sleepers with more sensitive joints might want a bit more contouring.”
What to Keep in Mind About the Aurora Luxe
According to Riley, the only area where the Aurora Luxe faltered is motion isolation. She gave the mattress a 3.8 out of 5 in this category, meaning it was about average. In other words, people who share a mattress with a restless bedmate will likely fare better with something with stronger motion isolation.
“It was not bad overall, but not the most isolating either,” she said. “When I invited a colleague to roll around on the opposite side of me, I picked up on most of their movement when they rolled in my direction.”
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Birch
Birch Natural Mattress
Firm Mattress
Organic
Cooling
Latex Hybrid
100-night Trial and 10-year Warranty
Free Shipping
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The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
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.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
Why the Birch Natural Stands Out
Being a good steward of the planet should be rewarded with a soothing night’s sleep. However, some organic beds seem to believe that eco-consciousness and comfort can’t co-exist. Enter the Birch Natural. This mattress has organic materials and sustainability on lock and provides eco-warriors with universally appealing medium-firmness, top-shelf bounce, and natural cooling. The Natural earned a 4 or above in motion isolation, edge support, cooling, and back pressure relief, and landed in our spot for the best organic medium-firm mattress.
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Motion Isolation: 4/5
Despite its springy feel, the Birch Natural does a surprisingly good job of dampening motion.
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Cooling: 4/5
Hot sleepers shouldn’t have to worry about overheating on the Birch Natural mattress.
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Response: 5/5
The combination of bouncy latex and responsive innerspring coils make this mattress easy to move around on.
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Edge Support: 4/5
Sleepers who gravitate toward the edge of the bed should appreciate the Birch’s reinforced perimeter.
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Pressure Relief: 4/5
While the Birch provides solid pressure relief for various types of sleepers, it is ideal for back sleepers.
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Firmness: 7/10
The Birch Natural is slightly firmer than the industry standard of medium-firm (6.5 out of 10).
Combination sleepers and sexually active couples will like the exceptional responsiveness that the Natural’s combination of bouncy latex and recycled steel coils provides them. My colleague and certified sleep science coach Dan Caffrey, evaluated this organic mattress’s responsiveness. He said, “It’s super-easy to switch on this bed. I’m not experiencing much sinkage when I roll over and have no problem going from back to side to stomach.”
Given how much bounce this bed provides, we weren’t necessarily expecting it to show out in motion isolation. However, the Natural surprised us by keeping a lot of movement contained to one side of the bed. Dan said he could feel when his testing partner moved around or got in and out of bed, but it wasn’t jarring. “I don’t think most sleepers would be disturbed by their spouse or pet moving around, but light sleepers should remember that it may be enough to bother them,” he said.
The Natural also hit a pressure-relief trifecta for back sleepers, with our lightweight, average-weight, and heavyweight testers giving it a 4 or 5 in this position. We use a specialized mat that provides us with a pressure reading in pounds per square inch (PSI), and all three of our Birch Natural testers had PSIs below the overall mattress average of 12.4.
Dr. Joe Tedesco, our chief medical product tester, also vouched for the pressure-relieving abilities of the Birch Natural mattress while lying on his back.
“It’s got some softness, and it has a very responsive feel to it,” said Dr. Tedesco. I don’t notice any pressure hot spots. I am feeling like I am relaxing into it.”
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch Natural
Considering the use of premium natural materials in this bed and its excellent performance, it’s not unreasonable that it comes with a higher price tag than others. You might want to keep that in mind when deciding on a mattress budget. See all the details in our full Birch Natural mattress review and click here for the best deal. For another organic mattress choice, take a look at the Nolah Natural.
There is a veritable smorgasbord of medium-firm mattresses on the market. To find which ones are worth your money, we use a rigorous testing methodology and gather expert opinions before making final decisions. It’s tough to cut some of the worthy contenders, so I wanted to share some that just barely got edged out when we made our list.
The Bear Original is a budget-friendly, all-foam bed that stays cool throughout the night. If you are a particularly hot sleeper, you can add the cooling Celliant cover for an additional cost. However, it just missed the list because I don’t think it will provide heavier sleepers the kind of support and pressure relief they need.
I considered the Avocado Green for the best organic mattress because it’s environmentally friendly, and performed exceptionally well in responsiveness and edge support. However, it lacks the cooling capabilities of the Birch Original, so we opted to include that one instead.
How We Picked and Tested These Mattresses
We test each mattress we write about in a specially designed studio. Our team of experts has developed a thorough methodology that includes objective data and subjective evaluations designed to tease out which mattresses work best for different types of sleepers. This process allows us to provide you with detailed reasoning and a comprehensive overview of each bed we test.
Although we are mattress experts and certified sleep science coaches, we recognize that we are not medical professionals. Therefore, we’ve also developed a close working relationship with a host of doctors, chiropractors, and physical therapists to ensure that we are also bringing you medically sound information.
Pressure Relief
Those who have joint pain or prefer to feel as if they are sinking deeply into their mattress will want a bed that provides good pressure relief. While latex mattresses will gently contour around your curves, memory foam and poly foam beds generally have the deepest pressure-relieving qualities. You can also add a foam mattress topper to your mattress to add more pressure relief and cushioning to a medium-firm bed.
To test for pressure relief of each of our medium-firm beds, we use a pressure mat that we roll across the bed and lie on in various sleeping positions. The mat then reads the pressure points on various parts of the body using thermal technology and generates a map showing those pressure points. On the map, blue and green indicate areas of low pressure buildup and good pressure relief, whereas red and yellow show poorer pressure relief.
Our mattress testers generating a pressure map.
Edge Support
Edge Support refers to the level of support along the perimeter and edges of the mattress. Good edge support is a sign of overall mattress durability and is also crucial for anyone needing any extra help getting out of bed — for example some elderly sleepers, anyone dealing with chronic pain, those with larger body types, or women who are pregnant. We test for edge support by lying or sitting on the edge of the bed and measuring the level of sinkage using a measuring tape. Anything larger than a 5-inch sink is what we consider weak edge support. This directly affects the medium-firm mattress because you don’t want to accidentally roll off.
Seated edge support test on the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to the movement that’s felt across the mattress when your partner, children, or pets move on it. The last thing you want is to be awakened in the middle of the night because the person next to you can’t stop tossing and turning. We test for motion isolation in a couple of ways.
Partner Test: While one tester lies stationary on one side of the bed, another gets in and out of bed and changes positions. The tester who is lying down raises their hand every time they can feel any movements that their partner generates.
Our testers perform the partner test.
Ripple Test: We place a large container on one side of the mattress and then toss and turn in various sleeping positions on the other side of the bed. How much the water waves and splashes help us determine how well the medium-firm mattress performs in terms of motion isolation.
Our tester Riley Otis about to perform the ripple test.
Cooling
It’s crucial that your mattress be able to keep you from overheating at night, as there are numerous studies that say sleeping cool improves our sleep drastically. When testing mattresses, we look for cooling materials such as innerspring coils, copper- and gel-infused foams, and phase change material (PCM), as these features help us determine how this mattress will perform. We then put the mattress to the test and use a thermal gun to determine how fast it dissipates heat. Our testers lie on the bed for several minutes and then measure how much the bed’s surface increases from its initial temperature. We consider an 8-degree change or less to be good cooling, and a change of fewer than 5 degrees to be great cooling.
Taking temperature readings with a thermal gun.
What to Consider When Buying a Medium-Firm Mattress
Several factors should be considered when looking for a medium-firm mattress, including your sleeping position, support level, type of mattress, and overall feel.
Sleeping Position
Sleepopolis team testing mattresses in every sleeping position
A medium-firm mattress is a middle-of-the-road firmness level that supports most sleeping positions, but there are a few additional things to keep in mind.
Most of us reportedly prefer to sleep on our sides, which can put added pressure on the hips and shoulders as they press into the mattress. While a medium-firm mattress will provide the support they need, side sleepers should look for a bed with a softer feel on the surface to cushion sensitive joints, especially if you have a lighter body type.
Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, need a bed with firmer support toward the top to prevent the midsection from sinking too far in. When stomach sleepers rest on a soft bed, they risk developing back pain.
Back sleepers need a bed that is soft enough to contour to their natural curves while still being firm enough to support the natural curves of the spine, so a medium-firm bed will work for most.
Body Type
A Note on Body Type
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.
Lightweight Sleepers
Folks who are considered to be lightweight sleepers weigh less than 130 pounds. Because they’re not as heavy, they don’t compress as many of the materials in a mattress, so beds with denser comfort layers will likely feel overly firm. We recommend softer beds for these sleepers, as a medium-firm mattress may not contour their bodies as nicely and could create pressure points in their hips, back, and shoulders.
Average-Weight Sleepers
Average-weight sleepers weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. It’s important to note that most mattresses are designed for this type of sleeper, so most firmness ratings should be pretty accurate for them. We consider a medium-firm mattress a 6.5 on our firmness scale, so these sleepers should look out for medium-firm mattresses.
Heavyweight Sleepers
Larger body types are classified as those above 230 pounds. For these sleepers, we recommend enhanced support and thicker comfort layers. Medium-firm to firm mattresses are best for this type of sleeper, as they need more pressure relief and support in the heavier parts of their bodies.
Type of Mattress
The best type of medium-firm mattress for you depends on your sleeping positions, preferences, and body type. We’ll outline a few of the most popular medium-firm mattress types and point out their pros and cons so you can pick the one that is best for you.
Memory Foam Mattress: Made from layers of thick foam, memory foam beds provide deep pressure relief, giving you the feeling of floating on a fluffy cloud as you sleep. Although they have a soft and squishy feel, many medium-firm memory foam options also provide a sturdy level of support. Memory foam beds also come at a wide variety of price points, making them a good choice for budget shoppers, but they also tend to trap heat at night.
Hybrid Mattresses: Hybrid mattresses are made from two or more mattress materials so you can benefit from the perks of multiple mattress types in a single bed. Hybrid beds are usually made with a combination of innerspring coils, which provide bounce and sturdy support, and pressure-relieving foam layers. These beds have a complex construction that can come with a higher price tag, so they aren’t always the best picks if you’re looking for a cheap mattress.
Latex Mattresses: Latex beds are made with synthetic or natural latex layers. Latex is bouncy, responsive, and naturally aerated. In addition to sleeping cool, latex beds are more durable than most other mattress types and are hypoallergenic. They don’t provide as much pressure relief as memory foam or poly foam beds, and tend to be more expensive than many other mattress types.
FAQs
Which medium-firm mattress is best?
The best medium-firm mattress for you depends on your budget, mattress material preference, and body type. That’s why we created this roundup — not to just recommend the best medium-firm mattress, but the best medium-firm mattress for you.
What is considered a medium-firm mattress?
A medium-firm mattress is a bed that is around a 6.5 on a firmness scale, where 1 is the softest option and 10 is the firmest. However, some beds that feel like a 6 or 7 for some folks may feel like a 6.5 to others.
Is medium-firm good for side sleepers?
A medium-firm mattress can be good for side sleepers as long as it provides adequate pressure relief to the hips and shoulders. You can add a mattress topper or mattress pad to find a balance of cushion and support to keep you comfortable.
What mattress firmness is best for your body?
The mattress firmness that is best for your body depends on your sleeping position and body type. Heavier sleepers need a firmer bed to provide more support, and lightweight sleepers are typically more comfortable on a softer bed. Side sleepers generally also prefer a softer mattress, while stomach sleepers need a firmer level of support.
What’s the difference between firm and medium-firm mattresses?
Medium-firm mattresses are about a 6.5 on a firmness scale, where 1 is the softest mattress and 10 is the firmest. They provide a balance between soft cushioning and firm support that suits most sleepers. Firm mattresses land between a 7 and 10 on the firmness scale and provide a more sturdy level of support.