Many companies in the sleep industry advertise that their mattress is the softest and most pressure-relieving. But what about those sleepers wanting the best firm mattress? We’re here to help those prioritizing support above all else.
We’ve created this review of our top picks for the best firm mattresses, all of which have been tested by our team of expert reviewers to determine how well they work for different body types and sleep preferences. When testing firm beds, we pay special attention to factors such as the balance between support and pressure relief, the sleeper’s body weight, and which positions feel most comfortable.
While a couple of beds on this list aren’t technically firm on our firmness scale (8/10 and up), all 10 beds here are firmer than average (we consider the average to be 6/10). These mattresses will give you an “on-top-of-the bed” feel and offer the support that stomach sleepers and many back sleepers need.
For more about how we select and assess sleep products, check out our full test methodology.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Firm Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Plank Firm Luxe as the best firm mattress due to the fact that it’s one of the firmest on the market (we rated it an 8/10 for firmness) and provides excellent support for many different types of sleepers, particularly stomach sleepers.
Best Firm Mattresses
- Plank Firm Luxe — Best Firm Mattress Overall
- Helix Dawn — Best Firm Hybrid Mattress
- DreamCloud — Best Firm Mattress for Couples
- WinkBeds — Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- DLX Classic — Best Firm Flippable Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid — Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Saatva Classic — Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- Nolah Evolution — Best Firm Cooling Mattress
- Bear Original — Best Medium-Firm Mattress
- Titan Plus — Best Firm Mattress for Heavy People
What Matters Most in a Firm Mattress
To make our roundup of the best firm mattress, our first parameter was that a mattress needs to have above-average firmness (or multiple firmness options that include a firm model). An effective firm mattress has lots of support and durability, so we then chose beds that score high marks in both categories. Here’s a bit more about what helped narrow our choices:
- Support: In choosing beds that offer excellent support, testers sought models that kept their spines aligned. Firm mattresses provide a solid surface that lifts your body and holds your spine in a comfortable neutral position while providing extra support for the lower back. All beds on this list learned at least a 4/5 in this category.
- Pressure Relief: Pressure relief is crucial because even a firm mattress needs a little “give” in specific areas. An overly firm mattress can create pressure on the parts of your body that have the biggest impact on the mattress, which can cause discomfort, numbness, and even pain. We look for firm mattresses that use materials that contour to the body to distribute weight more evenly.
- Body Weight – Body size also plays a significant role in choosing a mattress firmness level. Someone around 120 pounds might find some firm mattresses too stiff, as the mattress doesn’t sink enough under their weight to provide pressure relief. Heavier individuals, on the other hand, might need a firm mattress with strong support layers to avoid sinking too far, which can lead to poor spinal alignment. The right firmness level is about balancing support with comfort in a way that matches your body type, so you wake up refreshed rather than sore or stiff.
Compare the Best Firm Mattresses
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| Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Luxe Mattress | Helix Dawn Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | DLX Classic Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Saatva Classic | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Best For |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Couples |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Side Sleepers
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Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Our Best Firm Mattresses Video Guide
Plank Firm Luxe – Best Firm Mattress Overall
The Plank Firm Luxe is a versatile ultra-firm mattress for sleepers who may typically struggle to find a bed that offers the level of firmness they need (heavyweight, stomach, and back sleepers in particular). Moreover, the bed’s dual firmness levels, and cozy, cool, yet durable construction, make the Plank Firm Luxe our favorite firm mattress for back pain.
Brooklyn Bedding created the “Plank” line to satisfy shoppers wanting a truly firm mattress. The Plank Firm Luxe is the higher-end version of its original Plank Firm mattress and provides two firm sleep experiences in one bed, thanks to its flippable construction. We rated the “traditional” firm side at 8/10 on our firmness scale, and the extra-firm side at 9/10. You’d be hard pressed to find a firmer mattress—let alone one that gives you multiple firmness options—which is just one of the reasons we’ve given it top billing. Our expert tester Marten Carlson recommended this bed “for stomach sleepers, most back sleepers, and those who love the feel of an ultra-firm mattress.”
Helix Dawn – Best Firm Hybrid Mattress
The Helix Dawn Hybrid is a firm, supportive mattress designed for back and stomach sleepers who like a cooler sleep surface with minimal sink in. Learn more in our video review.
Hybrid beds are a great option for a firm mattress as they combine the best of coil and spring mattresses. The Dawn is the firmest hybrid we’ve tested from Helix. . This bed came in at a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, and its hybrid construction provides a nice mix of cushioning, support, and response. The Dawn’s well-spaced coils also promote airflow, which helps sleepers stay cool during the night.
DreamCloud – Best Firm Mattress for Couples
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleepers and nice cooling for hot sleepers. Its mix of foam and coils ensures you get the right amount of support, while its breathable materials ensure you don’t sleep too hot. It is a bouncier mattress, and if you prefer more of a memory foam feel, consider the Nectar mattress. Learn more in our video review.
If you and your partner are looking for a firm mattress, you should look no further than the DreamCloud as one of the best mattresses for couples. I recommend it for couples who like an especially bouncy mattress (it earns a 4.5/5 in this category). As a bonus, that responsiveness makes it well-suited to sex because it’s quicker and easier to move around and change positions. We gave the DreamCloud a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, so it’s definitely firmer than average.
WinkBed – Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Stomach sleepers are often most comfortable on a firm bed because it provides the necessary lift to keep hips elevated. The WinkBed should do just this, thanks to its “zoned” support that feels firmer in the center of the mattress, which helps to keep your spine aligned in the stomach-sleeping position. You also get multiple firmness options here: We found the “Luxury Firm” model of the WinkBed feels medium-firm at 6.5/10 on our scale, which means the “Firmer” model should be, well, firmer.
DLX Classic – Best Firm Flippable Mattress
The DLX Classic mattress is a hybrid bed with a mirrored design so that you can flip it as needed for durability (or fun!). It comes in three firmness settings, and we found the Medium model to be a great pick for back sleepers. It’s got plenty of bounce, and a more “on-top” feel. It may not be the best pick for some, especially if you’re concerned about motion isolation or looking for something super-soft.
The DLX Classic mattress has a fairly firm feel and a flippable design (say 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 is meant to maximize the bed’s longevity.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an affordable, no-frills bed with a medium-firm feel that should work for a wide variety of sleepers. While it’s made with durable materials and should last up to 10 years, it isn’t the most luxurious option. If you’re looking for a premium bed, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is an affordable mattress with a balanced feel that should appeal to most back sleepers. As fellow reviewer Elisa put it, “The hybrid design of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid provides the ideal balance of comfort and support, making the bed an especially good fit for side and back sleeping.” It comes in three models, and the Firm should offer ample lumbar support for back sleepers. We also gave it high marks for durability, too, as it’s made with strong coils and memory foam that should last at least a decade.
Saatva Classic – Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
The Saatva is a luxurious hybrid innerspring mattress that should be a great long-term investment. It is available in multiple firmness options, so it should work for the majority of sleeping positions, and its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers. However, lightweight side sleepers and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
If you’re struggling with back pain, a too-soft mattress might be a possible culprit. The Saatva Classic mattress not only comes in two firmer-than-average models — the Luxury Firm (which we tested) and Firm — but it’s also outfitted with tons of nifty features geared toward lumbar support. Underneath the cushy Euro pillow top is the bed’s zoned construction featuring cushioning foams, supportive coils, and other inserts, like a pressure-relieving memory foam lumbar “crown” and a spinal wire — each designed to coax your spine into its proper alignment and alleviate pain.
Nolah Evolution – Best Firm Cooling Mattress
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. It’s not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
Hot sleepers, are you wanting a firm mattress that won’t cause you to wake up in a sweaty tangle of sheets? The Nolah Evolution, which comes in three different firmness levels, including Luxury Firm and Firm, is a standout when it comes to cooling. When we conducted a heat gun test, the temperature of the bed only rose by about 7 degrees Fahrenheit after we lay on it, which makes it a desirable cooling mattresses. Based on this performance, we gave it a 4/5 cooling score.
Bear – Best Medium-Firm Mattress
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isn’t firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Medium-firm beds are the most numerous and versatile beds on the market—popular for their ability to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. This can make it difficult to find the best one for you. Let me help narrow your search to the Bear Original, a memory foam mattress that punches above its weight across all of our sleep categories. We landed on a 7/10 firmness score for this bed, on the firmer side of the medium-firm realm.
Titan Plus – Best Firm Mattress for Heavy People
The Titan Plus mattress works well for many heavyweight back and stomach sleepers. It’s quite firm, coming in at 9/10 on our firmness scale. This means that many side sleepers won’t get the pressure relief they need along their shoulders and hips. Watch our Titan Plus mattress review video to learn more.
Heavier folks can benefit from a firmer mattress, as these beds keep them from sinking in too far, a common complaint on standard mattresses. The Titan Plus is an ultra-firm bed that’s been intentionally designed for heavy people, with features such as industrial-strength coils and responsive TitanFlex foam. This makes it one of the most supportive beds around, clocking in at a 7/10 on our mattress firmness scale.
Other Firm Beds We Researched
Not seeing anything you like? Here’s a few more firm mattresses that didn’t quite make the cut.
- Plank Firm: The Plank Firm mattress is the original version of the Luxe, which made it onto our list. But don’t discount the original—this flippable, all-foam mattress provides two sleep experiences in one, similar to the Luxe. The extra-firm side is one of the firmest I’ve experienced at 9/10. Learn more about it in our Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm mattress review.
- Bear Elite Hybrid: This luxury hybrid comes in three different firmnesses, including Firm. I recommend this bed for stomach and back sleepers who sleep hot, thanks to the beds coils and cooling technology. Read our Bear Elite Hybrid review to learn more.
- Helix Dusk: The Helix Dusk mattress is marketed as a medium-firm mattress, but our testers found it to be a bit firmer than average. We felt that the spine was super aligned when laying on our back, thanks to the robust support from the coils. Check out our full Helix Dusk review.
How We Tested the Best Firm Mattresses
Our team of certified sleep science coaches has reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we create subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty. For firm mattresses, here’s an in-depth explanation of the categories we looked at in our search:
Firmness
We score the firmness of a mattress on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. The majority of mattresses tend to fall between 6–8/10, or a medium to medium-firm firmness. Anything in the 8–10 range (or sometimes the 7–10 range) can be considered a firm or extra-firm mattress. Most extra-firm mattresses you see are a 9/10.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, our Chief Medical Advisor and quadruple board-certified physician with a focus in sleep science, noted that firmness can be subjective: “Individual factors like body weight and specific conditions also influence the ideal firmness.” With that in mind, we determine the firmness of a mattress by resting or sleeping on it and then averaging my rating with that of my fellow testers, ultimately creating a final number out of 10.
Support
Support is paramount for all mattresses, and this tends to be where firm mattresses excel. Dr. Shelby Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine, summed it up simply: “A good mattress will keep your spine aligned while you sleep.”
When testing a mattress for support, our testers will lie down on a mattress in each sleep position, gauging how secure we feel and whether or not our spines are in the proper alignment. To put it in layman’s terms, we want our spines to maintain their natural, slightly curved positions, with some lift in the lower back and some give around the shoulders and hips. Based on our findings, we’ll then rate the bed’s support out of 5. You may have noticed that most of the firm mattresses we recommend have at least a 4/5 in this category—that’s because the firmer layers do well to keep the body lifted and aligned.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is most important for back and side sleepers, so we test it by lying down in both of these positions. From here, we gauge how much tension or discomfort builds up where our bodies make the most contact with the mattress. Firm mattresses are generally less contouring—and thus, less pressure-relieving. Without a soft, cushioned surface, you may develop pain in the shoulders, hips, and other areas that dig into the mattress surface. We recommend checking out our list of best mattresses for pressure relief if this is something you’re looking for.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta described what a mattress with both good support and pressure relief should look like: “A mattress that provides optimal support and pressure relief typically possesses qualities such as medium-firm firmness, contouring materials like memory foam or latex, zoned support, responsive materials, pocketed coils, layered construction, strong edge support, and proper alignment for the spine.”
See More: Best Mattress for Pregnancy
What Else Is Important When Buying a Firm Mattress?
Searching for the best firm mattress doesn’t have to be a guessing game. Here are some more things you should consider to help make your final purchase—and get the best new mattress for your sleep needs.
Body Type
- Lightweight sleepers (less than 130 lbs): Lighter sleepers may experience beds as firmer than they actually are, so they might prefer medium and plush mattresses, which will allow for some comfortable sinkage and pressure relief.
- Average-weight sleepers (130 lbs – 230 lbs): These sleepers often have the luxury of choice. They may be most comfortable on the industry standard medium-firm, but this might differ based on their sleeping positions or individual preferences.
- Heavyweight sleepers (more than 230 lbs): Firm beds are often better at supporting heavyweight people because they allow these sleepers to rest comfortably without sinking too far into the mattress.
Sleeping Position
What position you sleep in will also determine what level of firmness is best for you.
- Stomach sleepers: Those who sleep primarily on their stomachs should consider a firm mattress. They want to ensure that they’re getting enough support through the lower core because, if not, their hips can bow into the mattress and cause the spine to fall out of neutral alignment.
- Back sleepers: Those who need the best mattress for back sleepers will also want something firmer, but not extremely firm. The bed should let a back sleeper’s hips and lower back to sink in just a bit while having enough support to prevent excessive sinkage.
- Side sleepers: In general, firm mattresses aren’t the best for side sleepers because they don’t provide enough pressure relief where the shoulders and hips disproportionately press into the mattress. If you’re a side sleeper, you should look for a medium-firm bed or something softer. That being said, every now and then, a firm mattress can work for side sleepers (i.e. the Bear Original), especially if you’re on the heavier side.
- Combination sleepers: If you switch between sleep positions, you’ll likely want a mattress that allows you to do so easily. Most firm mattresses fit the bill, as they tend to be on the more responsive side and lack the cushy foams that might have you feeling like you’re “stuck” in the bed.
When it comes to deciding which mattress firmness to get, it’s important to consider what might be too firm. Dr. Raj Dasgupta outlines what to look for: “A mattress might be too firm if you experience pressure points, discomfort, lack of spinal alignment, restlessness, numbness, discomfort in certain sleeping positions, limited sinkage, or if the mattress is getting too old. Personal preference matters, so simply adjusting with a [mattress] topper or softer comfort layer can help. If discomfort continues, consider a slightly softer mattress with proper support.”
Mattress Type
The materials that make up a mattress contribute to its overall feel. Thus, some mattress types tend to be firmer than others.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are some of the firmest mattress types since they are made with layers of coils. Some innersprings are bouncier than others, but their surfaces are usually pretty firm. See our innerspring mattress reviews to learn more.
Foam
Foam mattresses are some of the softest mattresses. Memory foam, gel foam, foam blend, and polyfoam mattresses are examples of this. Some of these beds are denser than others and can lean toward the medium-firm side. See our best firm memory foam mattresses to learn more.
Latex
Latex mattresses have a similar feel to foam beds, but they’re bouncier and more breathable. These beds can range from soft to firm depending on the indentation load deflection (ILD) ratings, a measurement similar to density. Usually, we see that they’re on the firmer side, since latex doesn’t have as much “give” as a soft foam. See our best latex mattresses to learn more.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine materials, such as using an innerspring base layer with a top layer made of materials like foam, latex, or wool. These beds can fall anywhere on the firmness spectrum, though they tend to be medium to medium-firm. See our best hybrid mattresses to learn more.
Instead of buying a brand-new mattress, you can also change the firmness and feel of a bed with a mattress topper. These can be made of similar materials, with some even having a micro-coil unit inside, like a mini-mattress on top of your mattress. There are a number of firm mattress toppers we recommend if you’re wanting a firmer bed for half the price.
Durability
Mattresses with a firm feel may score higher in the durability department because of their denser materials, whether this be in foam or coils. Dr. Raj Dasgupta recommends you look for the following in durable mattresses: “high-quality materials, a strong support core, edge support, resilience, motion isolation, minimal sagging, a substantial warranty, positive brand reputation/reviews and regular maintenance.”
The average mattress should last you about 10 years, so it’s important to keep that in mind when weighing other categories, especially price. To gauge how durable a mattress is, we look at the bed’s materials, quality of construction, and edge support, as these are good markers of how long a bed will last before it starts to show wear and tear.
Dr. Harris offered some insight on how to know when your mattress needs replacing: “Every mattress is going to be different depending on its materials and durability, but generally, you should replace your mattress every 5-10 years. If your current mattress shows signs of sinkage in the middle or any other wear and tear, it’s also probably time for a replacement.”
Company Policies
Buying a mattress online involves more than just the bed itself. Companies will offer trial periods, warranties, or even free shipping to sweeten the deal. Most online mattresses are usually shipped compressed in a box, which can make for easy transportation. Other brands offer free white glove delivery, meaning a team will deliver your new mattress and set it up for you (sometimes offering to take away your old mattress).
Sleep trials are a way to test out your mattress before you commit to a final purchase, without having to travel to a brick-and-mortar retailer. Most trial periods are around 100 days, but some companies can offer up to a year. Most will ask you to try out the bed for at least a month before trying to return it, at which point you can usually get a full refund.
Warranties are agreements that will cover the cost of your bed in the event that it is defective, with the terms usually becoming less generous as your bed ages. They’re also a great way to gauge how long your bed should last. You’ll commonly see 10-year warranties, in line with the typical lifespan of a mattress, but longer warranties might indicate a higher-quality product, given that the company is willing to replace or refund your purchase so far down the line. Some companies even offer lifetime warranties, so you’re covered (in some capacity) for as long as you have the bed.
Best Firm Mattress FAQs
What mattress firmness is the best for most sleepers?
Most sleepers are comfortable on a medium-firm mattress, coincidentally considered the industry standard. However, it’s not as simple as that. Your body weight and sleeping position can have an impact on what firmness will work best for you. Side sleepers may do better with something softer to cushion their shoulders, for example, while a sleeper over 230 lbs might like something firmer to keep from sinking too far into their bed.
What mattress firmness is the best for back pain?
There’s some evidence to suggest that a firm bed might be good for back pain, but it all depends on how you sleep. Generally, back sleepers should stick to a medium-firm mattress, side sleepers something on the soft or medium side, and stomach sleepers something on the firm side. Consider how your weight might affect a mattress’s feel too. A heavyweight side sleeper, for example, might even prefer a medium-firm or firm mattress, as it can support them better.
What type of mattress is the most firm?
Innerspring mattresses are often the firmest beds because of their thin comfort layers and the sturdy coils they use for support. Beyond that, it depends on the specific construction of each mattress. For example, it’s possible for an all-foam mattress to be firm if it’s made from high-density foam layers, while latex mattresses often provide a buoyant yet firm feel.
Do doctors recommend firm mattresses?
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician specializing in sleep, noted that a bed’s firmness “should change depending on your sleeping position.” His recommendations were as follows: “Back sleepers generally benefit from a medium-firm mattress for spinal alignment. Side sleepers find slightly softer mattresses comfortable to cushion pressure points. Stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to prevent back strain.”
Recap: The Best Firm Mattresses
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Plank Firm Luxe | Best Firm Mattress Overall |
| Helix Dawn | Best Firm Hybrid Mattress |
| DreamCloud | Best Firm Mattress for Couples |
| WinkBeds | Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers |
| DLX Classic | Best Firm Flippable Mattress |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers |
| Saatva Classic | Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Firm Cooling Mattress |
| Bear Original | Best Medium-Firm Mattress |
| Titan Plus | Best Firm Mattress for Heavy People |
