Best Firm Mattresses (2025)

Brooklyn Bedding created the Plank line to satisfy shoppers who want the firmest of the firm. The Plank Firm Luxe is the higher-end version of the original Plank Firm mattress, and like the original Plank, it has a flippable construction. We rated the “traditional” firm side at 7/10 on our firmness scale, and the extra-firm side at 8/10. 

On the extra-firm side,you’d be hard pressed to find a firmer mattress However, what really stood out to us is that the Plank Firm Luxe has two firmness options—which is just one of the reasons we’ve given it top billing for firm mattresses. Aside from being firm, the Plank Firm Luxe performed well across multiple testing categories, earning a 4/5 or higher in responsiveness and pressure relief.

The Plank Firm Luxe is a hybrid mattress, so the bulk of its responsiveness comes from a layer of individually wrapped innerspring coils, sandwiched between layers of open-celled memory foam on each side. This combination helped it earn a 4.5/5 and 5/5 in responsiveness on its firm and extra-firm sides, respectively.

“It is very easy to switch between sleeping positions on this mattress,” said mattress tester Sosha Lewis. “The foam contours a little, but it doesn’t create an obstacle in turning over.”

The gentle contouring from the memory foam in the Plank Luxe’s construction also contributed to its strong pressure-relieving performance. Our in-house team gave it a 4.3/5 (firm) and a 4.5/5 (extra firm) in the pressure relief category. Despite its firmer-than-average feel, our expert testers experienced significant pressure relief in the side and back-sleeping positions.

“I really enjoyed this bed on my back,” Sosha said. “The longer I lay on it, the more I liked it. It made my lower back feel great. It actively pulled away tension. I think back sleepers would love this mattress.”

Edge support was the only area in which the Plank Firm Luxe didn’t excel. During testing, Sosha found that its perimeter sank in more than the center of the mattress. While she was able to lie on the edge of the bed without falling off, she did not recommend it to sleepers with mobility concerns who need a sturdy surface to bear down on in the morning.

Additionally, our testers noted that this mattress is too firm for sleepers under 130 pounds. Sleepers in this weight category will not sink into the memory foam enough to get the gentle contouring they need around their hips, shoulders, and lower backs.

You can read our full Plank Firm Luxe mattress review to learn more about this model before you buy it. Looking for a similar bed at a more reasonable price? Check out the original Plank Firm mattress instead.

If you and your partner are looking for a firm mattress, the DreamCloud is one of the best mattresses for couples. We gave the DreamCloud a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, so it’s definitely firmer than average. Its responsiveness (5/5), cooling (4/5), and edge support (4.4/5) ranked pretty well with our testers, too, so people who share a bed shouldn’t overheat or find themselves in danger of slipping off.

Couples who prefer an especially bouncy mattress for sex should appreciate the perfect 5-star responsiveness score. Not only does this responsiveness make it one of our best mattresses for sex, but it also makes it easier for combination sleepers (folks who frequently change positions at night) to toss and turn without feeling like they are swimming against the current.

Our in-house testing team found that they could comfortably spread out all the way to the edges of this mattress without feeling like they were missing out on structure or support. The same robust support in the center of the DreamCloud mattress extended to its far reaches, helping it earn a strong 4.4/5 edge support score.

“This mattress has amazing edge support and helps lift you out of the bed,” said one of our testers. “It has a bouncy feel, and the edge barely collapses when sitting down. My bottom felt like it was stopping right at the coil layer and did not sink past that point very much.”

The innerspring coils in the DreamCloud mattress also help it regulate temperature and promote airflow. The DreamCloud earned a 4/5 for cooling, thanks to its impressive results on our thermal gun test, where we measure its surface temperature before and after lying on the bed for 7 minutes. During this test, we found that it only increased by 6 degrees.

“I did feel the mattress heating up while lying there, but it only went from cool to the touch to temperature neutral,” said our in-house tester. “I don’t believe this mattress would be a cause for concern with heat retention.”

However, the DreamCloud might not be the best option for stomach sleepers. During testing, our testers noted that its firmness made it uncomfortable because of the way it pushed up against her chest.

“I wasn’t a huge fan of this mattress for stomach sleeping,” our expert said. “Because of its firmness, I was experiencing some pressure around my chest. I think a softer mattress would be better for this position for sleepers like myself.”

It also lacks some support for heavier sleepers, so we would not recommend this bed for individuals over 300 pounds. These sleepers might prefer the Titan Plus Core, which is designed specifically for bigger bodies.

For more information about this model, check out our full DreamCloud mattress review.

If you’re a side sleeper, finding a comfortable yet firm mattress can be quite the challenge. That’s because this sleeping position usually requires a good deal of cushioning at the shoulders and hips — the areas of the body where side sleepers put the most pressure. 

That said, the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid could be a good match due to its soft foams at the top, balanced by supportive coils below. During testing, we awarded the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid a 4/5 or higher in the pressure relief and edge support categories.

We should note that this bed comes in three different firmness levels. For purposes of this article, we naturally recommend the Firm model. For context, our testers scored the Medium model a 6 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale, so the Firm model will likely be closer to a 7 or 7.5.

That said, the Medium Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid showed strong edge support during testing, which bodes well for the even firmer version of this model. Our team gave it a 4.3/5 in this category, noting that they felt just as supported along the perimeter as they did in the very center.

“I could feel the reinforced edges trying to resist my downward movement,” said mattress tester Melanie Kassel. “It was almost like a second edge trying to push me up. The sides felt very strong.”

The supportive innerspring coils in the Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid also helped balance out the soft memory foam layers, providing deep pressure relief. Mattress tester Matt Schickling was particularly impressed with its performance in the side-sleeping position, and awarded it an overall pressure relief score of 4.3/5.

“This feels great!” Matt said. “This mattress feels very pleasant on my side. I feel relief in my shoulder, which is usually a pain point for me. This bed is highly supportive and super cozy.”

Our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, Dr. Hannah Habeeb, agreed with Matt.

“It’s very comfortable, especially on the side,” said Dr. Habeeb. “[It] allows you to sink into it, and it contours your body really well. It distributes pressure really well across the hip area.”

The only area where the Leesa Sapira Chill fell short was in motion isolation. While its innersprings are highly supportive, they also cause motion to ripple from one side to the other. In other words, if you or your partner is sensitive to movement, this mattress is probably not the best fit.

If you are interested in an option that provides better motion isolation, consider checking out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe instead. You can also read our full Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid mattress review for more information on this mattress.

Hybrid beds are often an excellent option for firm mattress lovers as they combine the best of coil and spring mattresses. The Dawn is the firmest hybrid we’ve tested from Helix. This bed was a 7/10 on our firmness scale, and its hybrid construction provides a supportive and responsive sleep surface. Our testing team gave it a 4/5 or higher in the edge support and responsiveness categories.

The Helix Dawn is marketed as a firm mattress built for stomach and back sleepers, and our testers found that it delivers. During testing, it kept our spines aligned and in a neutral position in both of these sleep positions. Its innerspring coils also made its perimeter resistant to sagging, helping it earn a 4.6/5 in the edge support category.

“I found the side of the bed has great edge support,” said one of our in-house experts. “There is just enough sinkage so you feel stable without being trapped.”

While testing this model, we invited our chief medical product tester, Dr. Hannah Habeeb, to lie on this mattress in the back and side-sleeping positions and offer her feedback. She preferred its supportive surface for back-sleeping; however, she said it might be a bit too firm for strict side sleepers.

“It keeps you as flat as a pancake on your back; my spine was really nice and neutral,” said Dr. Habeeb. “On your back, your spine is aligned, but there’s also still some cushioning along the lower back that feels good.”

Aside from its excellent edge support and back-sleeping alignment, the Helix Dawn also performed well in responsiveness, earning a perfect 5/5 in this category.

“It’s incredibly easy to move on this bed,” said one mattress tester. “There isn’t any position where you significantly sink into the bed. You never feel stuck in one position and can easily move between them.”

That said, we would not recommend this mattress to couples who are easily disturbed by movement. Its firm, responsive surface causes motion to ripple from side to side, meaning you or your partner will feel every bit of movement on the bed.

Learn more about this model in our full Helix Dawn mattress review. For a similar mattress with better motion isolation, consider the Helix Midnight Luxe instead.

Stomach sleepers are often most comfortable on a firm bed because it provides the necessary lift to keep hips elevated. The WinkBed Plus should do just this, thanks to its zoned support that feels firmer in the center of the mattress, helping keep your spine aligned in the stomach-sleeping position. During testing, Livvi DiCicco and I gave the WinkBed Plus a 4/5 or higher in edge support, cooling, and pressure relief.

When I lay on the WinkBed Plus, I found its edges to be quite sturdy (4.2/5) thanks to its heavy-duty hybrid construction. It has a sturdy, high-quality build that maintains its support and structure from corner to corner. 

Livvi agreed, saying, “In each position, I felt relatively supported, even as I swung a leg over the edge. The most sinkage I noticed was on my back and side, but even then, it wasn’t enough to make me feel any less secure.”

The bed also did well on our thermal gun test: The WinkBed’s surface temperature rose by a mere 3.7 degrees Fahrenheit after a tester’s nap, which we consider excellent cooling (we gave it a 5/5 in this category).

“It seems like the pillow top layer would hold onto heat, but I think the coils are pulling their weight here, keeping air flowing,” Livvi said. “Hot sleepers should be satisfied with this bed.”

The WinkBed Plus can also accommodate sleepers across different weight categories and preferred sleeping positions, thanks to its plush pillow-top cover layer. My fellow mattress testers and I gave the WinkBed Plus a 4.3/5 for pressure relief.

“It feels extremely comfortable on my side, which is interesting because it’s so firm,” said mattress tester Matt Schickling. “I think the pillow top helps make it softer and relieves some of the pressure points.”

The only criticism of the WinkBed Plus that arose during testing was that our lightweight tester (under 130 pounds) felt some pressure buildup while lying on her side. Based on her feedback, we believe strict side sleepers and individuals under 130 pounds may find the Plus too rigid.

Learn more about this model in our full WinkBed Plus mattress review. For a similar model that is more suitable for those under 130 pounds, consider the original WinkBed mattress instead.

The Saatva Classic is my favorite firm mattress for back pain, thanks to its stellar combination of sturdy support, luxurious cushioning, and consistent performance across our tests. Two layers of innerspring coils and a plush pillow to provide a firm, balanced feel that people with back pain need. During testing, Livvi DiCicco and I awarded the Saatva a 4/5 or higher in edge support, cooling, and pressure relief.

When Livvi DiCicco and I tested the Saatva Classic, we gave it a 5/5 edge support score, making it one of the few mattresses to receive a perfect rating. The Saatva stayed impressively stable around its perimeter while I was lying, sitting, and shifting around on it. I barely sank into the corners (a common weak spot on most beds), which makes this an especially appealing option for anyone who needs a firm, reliable surface to get in and out of bed without strain.

The Saatva’s innerspring coils also helped facilitate airflow and keep the bed’s temperature under control. Using a thermal gun, Livvi and I measured the surface temperature before and after lying on the mattress for seven minutes. The surface rose by 7.7 degrees, a result that indicates good temperature regulation. That said, if you or your partner (or guests) tend to run hot, you may still need something with more advanced cooling tech.

However, where the Saatva truly stands out for folks with back pain is pressure relief. The mattress earned a 4.5 out of 5 in this category, thanks to its ability to align the spine while providing gentle cushioning. 

Our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, Dr. Hannah Habeeb, had high praise for the Saatva’s back-sleeping performance specifically.

“On my back, the Saatva is providing really great contouring at my hips and lower back while also providing a great level of support,” said Dr. Habeeb. “It’s soft, but not too soft. My spine feels aligned, and my lumbar region is supported.”

That said, the Saatva Classic is not perfect for every sleeper. It scored just a 2.7/5 in motion isolation due to its dual-coil system. The bounce that supports healthy spinal alignment can also cause movement to travel easily across the mattress. 

As someone who owns the Saatva personally, Livvi confirmed that it may not be the best option for those sensitive to motion, noting that she could feel every toss and turn coming from the opposite side of the mattress.

We also wouldn’t recommend the Saatva Classic to strict side sleepers or sleepers with significant joint pain. The firmer feel may not provide enough cushioning for shoulders and hips. These sleepers will benefit more from a plush memory-foam option that offers deeper contouring.

Need more details before committing to the Saatva? Check out our full Saatva Classic mattress review. If you’re interested in the Saatva brand, but want better motion isolation, the all-foam Saatva Contour5 may be a better fit.

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is an affordable mattress with a balanced feel that should appeal to most back sleepers. With three firmness levels to choose from and the option to add a cooling pillow top, the Signature Hybrid can suit a wide range of back sleepers. During testing, I awarded it a 4/5 or higher in both cooling and edge support.

Firm mattresses for back sleepers should feel solid from edge to edge. A stable perimeter allows sleepers to fully stretch out without feeling unstable. It also ensures spinal alignment regardless of where they lie on the mattress. I gave the Signature Hybrid a 4.2/5 in edge support because it remained sturdy along the edges, whether I was sitting or lying down. I never felt any awkward dips along my lower back.

Temperature regulation is another area where this model stood out for me during testing. The breathable cover and innerspring system work together to encourage airflow and move heat away from the body. Using a thermal gun, I measured only a six-degree increase after lying on the mattress for five minutes, which is an excellent result that earned the Signature Hybrid a 4.5-star score for cooling.

That same edge-to-edge stability plays a significant role in back-sleeping pressure relief. The hybrid design of the Signature Hybrid helps maintain spinal alignment and elevate the hips, both of which help prevent morning stiffness. 

That said, we also found that the Signature Hybrid could work for side sleepers. When our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, Dr. Hannah Habeeb, evaluated the mattress, she was impressed by how naturally it supported her side-sleeping posture.

“I feel comfortable in the side sleeping position because it’s not extremely firm, so I’m finding pressure relief here,” said Dr. Habeeb. 

However, the Signature Hybrid may not be the ideal match for everyone. It performed only average in motion isolation and responsiveness. Couples with restless partners or pets may want something that dampens movement more effectively, and combination sleepers will likely prefer a springier surface that helps them move around with less effort.

Head over to our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review to learn more about this model. For a more responsive hybrid option, consider checking out the Helix Midnight instead.

Medium-firm beds are the most numerous and versatile beds on the market—popular for their ability to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. The Bear Original is one such mattress that stood out to our testers, thanks to its balanced feel, excellent value, and surprisingly strong performance for an all-foam build. During testing, we awarded the Bear a 4/5 or higher in cooling and edge support.

Memory foam mattresses often struggle to regulate temperature because they lack the same ventilation as innerspring and hybrid mattresses have. Fortunately, the Bear Original’s cooling performance is a significant part of why this mattress is so comfortable. While many foam beds trap heat, the Bear earned a 4/5 in cooling, making it an excellent match for hot sleepers who prefer the classic, body-hugging feel of memory foam.

“While the mattress got warmer under the places where my body was applying the most pressure (my head and hips), its temperature didn’t fluctuate much for a foam mattress,” said mattress tester Melanie Kassel.

Edge support can be another weak spot for all-foam models due to the lack of innerspring coils reinforcing the perimeter. However, the Bear exceeded our expectations in this category. A medium-firm mattress should feel stable from center to edge, and the Bear consistently delivered that sense of security.

Melanie gave it a 4.2 out of 5, noting, “Surprisingly, I never felt like I was about to roll off the mattress, but I could sense the edge of the mattress dip slightly.”  A colleague who is a longtime Bear owner agreed: “I’ve never had any issues sliding off the edge or feeling like I was going to fall off the bed.”

That said, where the Bear Original reveals its limitations is in pressure relief. While its medium-firm feel is ideal for back and stomach sleepers who prefer a flatter, more supportive surface, side sleepers will likely find that the mattress doesn’t adequately contour their shoulders and hips.

Dr. Hannah Habeeb, our chief medical product tester and licensed physical therapist, came to the same conclusion after evaluating it herself.

“I don’t feel myself sinking in much,” said Dr. Habeeb. “I’m noticing a little more pressure around my hips than I would like for a side sleeper. I feel it around my shoulder too. However, my spinal alignment is neutral, which is a good thing.”

Check out our full Bear Original mattress review for more information and to see how it performed across all our testing categories. For sleepers who prefer a medium-firm feel but need extra cushioning, the Bear Elite Hybrid may be a better fit.

Hot sleepers seeking a firm mattress that will prevent them from waking up in a sweaty tangle of sheets should love the Nolah Evolution, which comes in three different firmness levels, including Luxury Firm and Firm. This mattress impressed our testers with its cooling, motion isolation, and pressure relief, earning a 4/5 or higher in each category.

Cooling is one area where the Nolah Evolution truly shines. Hybrid mattresses with memory foam layers can sometimes trap more heat because sleepers rest on top of the surface rather than sinking into it, but the hybrid design of the Evolution mattress counters overheating with breathable, heat-dissipating innerspring coils. 

Mattress tester Cait Giddings gave it a 4/5 in our cooling category after lying on it for seven minutes and using a thermal gun to measure its temperature increase. After several minutes of uninterrupted rest, the Nolah Evolution only increased by 6.9 degrees.

“I didn’t feel the mattress getting warmer beneath me—it stayed at an even-feeling temperature,” Cait said.

Strong motion isolation may not be the first item on your wishlist when shopping for a cooling mattress, but for firm hybrids, it’s often a sign of efficient, well-layered construction. Out of all our testing categories, the Nolah Evolution performed best in motion isolation, earning a perfect 5/5. So even as it delivers firm, stable support, it also dampens movement remarkably well.

“While testing the motion isolation on this mattress, I had another mattress tester lie on the opposite side and toss and turn,” Cait said. “During this test, I could barely feel them get on the mattress and move around. My side of the mattress remained static, regardless of what was happening on the other side.”

Beyond temperature and stability, the Evolution also offers deep pressure relief and support for individuals, especially sleepers who prefer firmer sleep surfaces. 

When our chief medical product tester, Dr. Hannah Habeeb, assessed the mattress, she found it particularly well-suited for back sleepers who benefit from firm support paired with subtle contouring. Her feedback led us to give the Nolah Evolution a 4.5/5 for overall pressure relief.

“I like this mattress for back sleepers,” said Dr. Habeeb. “I’m finding some nice sinkage and great support at my lumbar region. My hips aren’t tilting uncomfortably, and the space at my lower back is filled in.”

The only notable drawback is the company’s policies. Nolah’s 120-night sleep trial is shorter than what we typically expect from a mattress at this price point, which is why we gave the company a 3.9/5 in customer experience. While it’s not a bad trial window, an extended period would better match the Evolution’s premium construction.

Check out our full Nolah Evolution mattress review to see if this cool-sleeping hybrid is right for you. If you would prefer a more robust trial period for added peace of mind, consider the Nectar Premier Hybrid instead.

Designed for sleepers who require stronger-than-average support, whether to replace a sagging mattress or provide a firmer, more reliable surface, the Titan Plus Core combines eight inches of individually encased innerspring coils with three inches of plush foam to keep the spine aligned without compromising stability. Our in-house testing team was impressed with its edge support and cooling, awarding it a 4/5 or higher in both categories.

Brooklyn Bedding’s Titan line has a reputation for delivering durable, firm support, and its affordable Core model is no exception. Our team praised its edge-to-edge stability, awarding it a 4.2/5 in the edge support category.

“When I sit along the perimeter of the mattress, it gives slightly—maybe an inch or two—but still feels supportive,” one of our experts said. “I don’t get that sensation of sliding off the edge, and the coils underneath do a solid job of keeping me propped up instead of sinking too far in.”

According to Dr. Dasgupta, that kind of structural integrity is also an indicator of long-term support. For sleepers who need firmness that doesn’t fade, sag, or dip over time, that’s a huge win.

“Durable mattresses typically always have a strong support core and edge support,” Dr. Dasgupta explains. “These are mattresses that withstand wear and maintain their structural integrity over time.” 

Cooling and temperature regulation are other areas where the Titan Plus Core surprises, especially for such a sturdy mattress. The dense coil system keeps air circulating through the support layers, and our testers noted that adding the optional GlacioTex cooling cover makes an immediate difference.

“After hauling and setting up this heavy mattress, it was such a relief to lie down and feel it instantly draw away the heat,” said another tester. “The surface did warm up ever so slightly over time, but never to the point of feeling hot. I think sleepers who run warm will really appreciate how quickly the GlacioTex fabric delivers that refreshing, cool-to-the-touch feel.”

While the Titan Plus Core scored well across all categories, it is not a one-size-fits-all mattress. Its firmer feel (7.5 out of 10 on our scale) is likely too stiff for side sleepers with sensitive joints or individuals under 130 pounds. Sleepers in these categories will need deeper contouring around the hips, shoulders, and lower back.

Want more details on materials, performance, or who this mattress is best for? Head over to our full Titan Plus Core mattress review. For the signature durability of the Titan line with some additional cushioning, the Titan Plus Elite offers a softer alternative without sacrificing that robust support.

The DLX Classic mattress has a firm feel and a flippable design (try saying that five times fast). Its interior consists of a sturdy spring unit sandwiched between outer layers of comfort foam. When you flip the bed over, you should still experience the same feel—springy and supportive, with a 7/10 firmness level. This flipping maximizes the bed’s longevity. The DLX Classic also excels in pressure relief, edge support, and cooling, earning a 4/5 or higher in each category.

Despite its above-average firmness, the DLX Classic performed well in the pressure-relief department. Our average-weight tester, Sosha Lewis, was especially taken with how it felt when she rested on her back, and shared a rare highlight.

“My butt feels great, and I don’t know if I have ever said that about a mattress.” She went on to say there was no strain on her neck or shoulders, either. She awarded it a 5/5 for back sleeping and a 4/5 for side sleeping.

Sleepers should also appreciate the bed’s solid edge support (4.6/5), which makes it easy to spread out and use all the available surface space without feeling like you’re going to tumble off. 

“I feel very secure on my side and on my back when lying near the edge,” Sosha said. “I didn’t notice much sinkage at all and wasn’t worried about rolling out. This would make a good choice for couples who like to spread out or people who sleep on the edge, like me.”

Couples and hot sleepers alike should also appreciate the DLX Classic’s 4-star cooling. Using a thermal gun to measure its surface temperature before and after lying on it for seven minutes, Sosha found that it only increased by 6.2 degrees, indicating exceptional cooling.

The only area where the DLX Classic mattress falters a bit is motion isolation, which earned a 3.3/5 from our testing team. The super-bouncy coils hurt the bed’s ability to absorb motion, so couples that include a restless or light sleeper may want to consider a bed with thicker comfort foams.

Read more about this model in our full DLX Classic mattress review. For a similar mattress with better motion isolation, consider the Silk & Snow Hybrid instead.