Shopping for a mattress online, many companies advertise that their mattress is the softest, that their mattress has the best pressure relief – what about those people who are looking for a firm, supportive mattress?
Those who are seeking a quality firm mattress can stop looking – we’ve got our picks for the best firm mattresses – these eight mattresses are all firmer-than-average and offer the support that stomach sleepers and some back sleepers really need.
While these are all firm mattresses, they vary in terms of style and construction – there’s something here for everyone –Â read on to find the absolute best firm mattress!
The Best Firm Mattresses
- Editor’s Pick – Helix Dawn
- Best Extra Firm Mattress – Plank
- Best Luxury Firm Mattress – Saatva
- Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers – GhostBed
- Best Rated Firm Mattress – Birch
- Best Medium-Firm Mattress – WinkBed
- Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress – Layla
- Best Firm Hybrid Mattress – Awara
- Best Cooling Mattress – Cocoon Chill
- Best Firm Mattress For Back Pain – DreamCloud
Those who are in the market for a firm mattress should check out these eight fantastic options – while they are all firm mattresses, they have significantly different designs, feels, and features.
Editor’s Pick
Helix Dawn
If you’re searching for a firm mattress to help soothe your back pain, look no further than the Helix.
The great thing about Helix is that it is a company whose primary focus is customization and flexibility. Helix makes it particularly easy for customers to find the exact firmness and feel that they are seeking, making it a great option for people with specific pain points. Customers can take a sleep quiz in which they answer questions regarding sleeping position, firmness preferences, and sleeping temperature; Helix will then send a mattress specifically based on these answers.
Customers can also select from Helix’s extensive line of mattresses. Those who are looking for a firmer mattress can choose either the Helix Dawn or Helix Twilight, their two firmest mattresses – these two should definitely provide the requisite amount of support you need.
The Helix mattresses are also fantastic for couples; each partner can take their own sleep quiz and Helix will find a good compromise. Many couples often have issues finding a mattress that fits both partners’ sleeping preferences, but that shouldn’t be a major issue with the Helix mattresses!
If that’s not enough, Helix also offers Luxe upgrades for all of their mattresses – this adds features like a quilted pillow top, zoned coils, and a breathable Tencel cover to the mattress . People who are looking for a more luxurious option should definitely consider the upgrade.
What Makes The Helix Stand Out?
- Customers can participate in a sleep quiz, and Helix will send a mattress based on their specific answers.Â
- Helix offers two firm, supportive mattresses, the Helix Dawn and Helix Twilight; they should both be a good match for stomach sleepers.Â
- Both sides of the mattress can be customized, making it one of the best mattresses for couples with different sleeping preferences.Â
- Hot sleepers should consider the Helix mattresses – the coils promote airflow and, with the Luxe upgrade, the Tencel cover should provide additional cooling.
Read the full Helix Dawn mattress reviewÂ
The Helix Dawn is one of the company's firmest mattresses, and it will offer great support for stomach sleepers. Click the button to save up to $200 on the Helix Dawn and get 2 free pillows.Â
Best Extra Firm Mattress
Plank
So there are firm mattresses, and then there are extremely firm mattresses; the Plank is definitely the latter. It is a flippable mattress and features two sides that are firmer-than-average – the ultra-firm side is a 9/10, and the firm side is an 8/10 – the firm side is absolutely the firmest mattress I have slept on.
This extra firmness makes the Plank ideal for stomach sleepers who need even more support; stomach sleepers of many sizes shouldn’t feel their hips bowing into the mattress. In addition, back sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress could find what they are looking for on both sides of the Plank.
The Plank comes from Brooklyn Bedding, producer of high-quality, value mattresses –Â the company owns its own factory, allowing them to cut out the middleman and sell their mattresses for a significantly lower price.
Those who are looking for a mattress that is firmer-than-firm and don’t want to break the bank should love the Plank mattress from Brooklyn Bedding.
What Makes The Plank A Great Extra-Firm Mattress?
- The mattress is flippable and offers an ultra-firm side and firm side; this offers sleepers two firmness options in one mattress
- Brooklyn also offers the Plank Hybrid mattress with coils in the support layer.Â
- The firm side is exceptionally firm, making the Plank one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers on this list.Â
- Back sleepers who require more support will find what they need on both sides of the Plank.
- The Plank is made by Brooklyn Bedding, so it is a fantastic match for those who are on a budget.Â
Read the full Plank mattress review
The Plank is a very firm mattress that is a great match for stomach sleepers and those who need extra support. Click the button to save 25% on the Plank.Â
Best Luxury Firm Mattress
Saatva
The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that is available in three firmnesses. If you are looking for a firm mattress, the Firm model will, of course, be best for you.Â
It features two sets of coils, memory foam, and a pillow top above that. In addition, the mattress is zoned so that it feels firmer toward the center of the mattress. With supportive coils and this extra center support, the Saatva should work for stomach sleepers and back sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress.Â
The Saatva is also one of the best firm luxury mattresses on the market. With its hotel look and feel, the Saatva is a firm mattress for those who sleep like they’re on vacation every night.Â
What Makes The Saatva Stand Out?
- The Firm model should offer excellent support for stomach and back sleeping.Â
- The mattress features some very durable materials so it should stay in good shape for a number of years.Â
- Hot sleepers should not be waking up covered in sweat when using the Saatva.Â
- The Saatva boasts a luxury look and feel that should please those looking for something on the higher end.Â
Read our full Saatva mattress reviewÂ
Saatva is a great value that happens to be both comfortable and supportive at the same time. You can save $200 on a Saatva mattress simply by clicking the link below.
Best Firm Mattress For Side Sleepers
GhostBed
While firm mattresses are a fantastic option for stomach sleepers and back sleepers, they usually aren’t the best mattresses for side sleepers – but with the GhostBed mattress, this is not the case – it should be an excellent choice for side sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress.
Side sleepers require a mattress that provides pressure-relief on their shoulders and hips, and the GhostBed features a latex layer over a soft, comfortable memory foam layer; together, these layers should provide the necessary pressure relief while still feeling on the firmer side.
At the same time, the GhostBed should be supportive enough for both back sleeping and stomach sleeping; on our firmness scale, we rated the GhostBed at a 7.5/10, firmer-than-average.
Those who are seeking a firm mattress that will work for all three sleeping positions should check out the GhostBed!
What Makes The GhostBed Stand Out?
- The mattress is great for combination sleepers who switch positions at night.
- The GhostBed features an excellently balanced foam feel that shouldn’t make sleepers feel stuck in the mattress.Â
- The mattress contains ventilated latex and gel memory foam, two materials that should promote cooling in the mattress.
Read the full GhostBed mattress reviewÂ
Ghostbed is a very supportive mattress that is ideal for back and stomach sleepers, and it is also a great value - right now, customers can get 30% off the GhostBed and 2 free pillows.Â
Best Rated Firm Mattress
Birch By Helix
The Birch mattress is one of our highest rated firm mattresses we’ve personally tested with an overall score of 4.2 out of 5. The Birch scored particularly high for its support, durability, and cooling ability. If you’re looking for a long-lasting firm mattress, the Birch is a great choice.
Let’s take a look inside the mattress: The Birch by Helix is a firm latex hybrid mattress that incorporates Talalay latex, organic cotton, and individually-wrapped coils. The use of natural materials in the construction of the Birch helps make it a naturally cooling mattress so you won’t have to sweat through your sleep. If you want something a little less firm, the mattress is also available with an optional pillow top.Â
Without the pillow top, the Birch by Helix is one of the firmer mattresses we have tried. The Talalay latex is a dense material that has very little give and, together with the coils, they should offer the firm support that many are looking for. This makes the Birch a great choice for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and anyone else who’s looking for extra support from their mattress.
The other upside of Talalay latex is its excellent durability. That means the Birch will stay firm and supportive for many years to come.Â
What Makes The Birch By Helix Stand Out?
- The Birch contains eco-friendly materials for those who prefer something more organic.
- The Birch by Helix’s latex and coils should make for a cooler night of sleep.Â
- The mattress is quite durable and should be a good long-term investment.Â
- The Birch is a firm latex mattress that should provide excellent support.Â
Read the full Birch by Helix mattress review
The Birch is a comfortable and supportive latex mattress. Save $400 on the Birch and get 2 free pillows by clicking the button below.Â
Best Medium-Firm Mattress
WinkBed
The majority of these mattresses are considerably firmer-than-average, but what about those people who want something just a little firmer-than-average? Well, that’s where the WinkBed mattress comes in – it scored a 7/10 on our firmness scale and is the best medium-firm mattress on our list.
This makes the WinkBed a fantastic fit for back sleepers and side sleepers as well. The WinkBed also comes in multiple firmness options. So, if you want something firmer or softer, WinkBed can definitely work for you.Â
The mattress boasts a pillow top feel that one might find in a nice hotel. The plush pillow top relieves pressure on those trouble areas while supportive coils hold up the body and keep it properly aligned.Â
What Makes The WinkBed Stand Out?
- The WinkBed is medium-firm and a great option for those who want something firm but not too firm.
- The mattress has an excellent pillow top feel, providing good pressure relief while still allowing sleepers to move around.
- The WinkBed features a breathable cover and coils for airflow; the mattress should not be sleeping particularly hot.
- Back sleepers of many sizes should find the perfect balance of comfort and support on the WinkBed mattress.
Read the full WinkBed mattress reviewÂ
Winkbeds has a mattress that is an excellent balance of comfort and support. You can get $300 off + Free Sleep Bundle with our coupon. Just enter your email to save.Â
Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress
Layla
While memory foam mattresses are usually on the softer side, there are some firm options out there as well. One of our favorite firm memory foam mattresses is the Layla. The Layla is a unique mattress that features both a soft side and a firm side. This gives you two firmnesses in one mattress!
Looking at the firm side, the Layla features a thin layer of copper-infused memory foam over more supportive layers. This offers just the right amount of softness right on top of the mattress, but stomach sleepers and those who need something firmer will not be sinking in too far.Â
Also, while it is a memory foam mattress, it’s not going to be sleeping too hot. The mattress boasts cooling Thermogel in its cover and copper infusions in the memory foam. This should still be a good option for hot sleepers.Â
What Makes The Layla Stand Out?
- The Layla is a flippable memory foam mattress that features two firmnesses in one.Â
- The firm side of the Layla mattress is comfortable but supportive enough for stomach sleepers.Â
- The mattress features cooling materials in the cover and memory foam, so it will be a cooler sleeping mattress.Â
Read the full Layla mattress reviewÂ
Layla is an innovative mattress that happens to be one of the most comfortable mattresses I've ever slept on. You can get up to $200 off a Layla mattress plus free accessories by clicking the link below.
Best Firm Hybrid Mattress
Awara
The Awara mattress is a latex hybrid that contains 4″ of Dunlop latex and 9″ of pocketed coils; latex hybrids are some of the firmest types of mattresses, and the Awara is no exception – we found it to be approximately 8/10 on our firmness scale.
The Dunlop latex is an extremely supportive material as are the pocketed coils – they will provide an exceptional amount of support for stomach sleeping – the mattress also features a tufted cover that should allow back sleepers’ hips to sink in just the right amount. Even heavier stomach sleepers and back sleepers should receive the support they need with the Awara mattress.
Latex is also a fantastically durable material – while some mattresses might start to sag under heavier weights, this should not happen with the Awara – again, this makes it a excellent match for larger sleepers.
Those who are looking for a supportive mattress without harmful chemicals are also going to like the Awara – Dunlop latex is an all-natural material that is both organic and eco-friendly – people who want to sleep on a clean and all-natural mattress should definitely consider the Awara.
What Makes The Awara Stand Out?
- It is an all-natural latex hybrid that does not contain harmful chemicals; it is organic and significantly better for the environment than many other foam mattresses.
- The Awara is one of the best latex mattresses out there.Â
- The Awara mattress should be a supportive option for both back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
- The latex is extremely breathable and the coils allow for a good amount of airflow; this makes it an excellent pick for hot sleepers.
- The mattress shouldn’t sag too quickly, and it should also be able to handle heavier weights.
Read the full Awara mattress reviewÂ
The Awara is a firmer latex hybrid mattress that could be a good pick for back and stomach sleepers. Click to save $300 on your purchase and get $499 of free accessories.
Best Cooling Mattress
Cocoon Chill
Those who want a firm mattress and also struggle with sleeping hot are going to want to check out the Cocoon Chill mattress. The Cocoon Chill is a memory foam mattress that boasts excellent cooling materials like Phase Change Material. This makes the top of the mattress feel cool to the touch!Â
While it is a memory foam mattress, it is not the plushest. Lying down on top of the mattress, you’ll get a bit of that memory foam feel, but you won’t sink in too far. Its firm feel makes it a particularly good fit for stomach sleepers.
Finally, the Cocoon Chill mattress is an exceptionally good deal. With discounts, the Chill costs less than $1000 for a Queen size. That’s a great value for a cooling firm mattress.Â
What Makes The Cocoon Chill Stand Out?
- The Cocoon Chill mattress boasts Phase Change Material to help you sleep cool.Â
- It is a firm, supportive memory foam mattress.Â
- The Cocoon Chill should be a great fit for stomach sleepers.Â
Read the full Cocoon Chill mattress reviewÂ
The Cocoon by Sealy is a comfortable mattress that is also a great value. You can save up to $660 on the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam mattress by using our coupon.
Best Firm Mattress For Back Pain
DreamCloud
Back pain can really disrupt your life. Sometimes, this discomfort is exacerbated by an uncomfortable mattress. If you’re searching for a firm bed that will also help ease the pain, check out the DreamCloud.Â
This bed creates both comfort and support, which exactly what you’ll need if you often wake up with back pain. It has a soft cover made out of cashmere-blend material, and there’s a tufted pillow top. The soft memory foam layer creates much-needed pressure relief, and the individually-wrapped coils provide support.Â
This hybrid mattress is made with high-quality materials, so it’s especially durable. Plus, this mattress comes with a 365-day sleep trial period and a lifetime warranty.Â
What Makes The DreamCloud Stand Out?
- The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that’s very durable.Â
- It has a tufted pillow top and supportive coil system, so it’s great for people who suffer from back pain.Â
- This mattress has impressive customer service terms, such as a one-year sleep trial period and a lifetime warranty.Â
Read the full DreamCloud mattress review.Â
The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price - click the button to save $200 on the DreamCloud mattress and get $399 of free accessories.Â
Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230 lbs
Firmness really is subjective – that means a mattress that feels firm to me might not feel the same to someone else – this is especially true when we think about larger sleepers – they have more support needs and may find these mattresses to be firmer or softer than we did. The following firm mattresses should work for heavier people.
The Big Fig mattress because is made specifically for larger people. It is a very firm mattress that offers the support larger stomach sleepers need. Much larger back sleepers should also find this to be a fantastic match.
The Plank is the absolute firmest mattress we have slept on – both sides are supportive and the firm side is a fantastic fit for heavier stomach sleepers – the less firm side should be a better option for much heavier back sleepers.
The Awara is a latex hybrid that definitely provides me with the support heavier people need; it is a particularly good choice for heavier back sleepers and stomach sleepers. The GhostBed should also work for heavier back sleepers.
Helix is excellent because they will customize a mattress to meet sleepers’ specific needs; they even make the Helix Plus mattress for larger people.
How To Choose a Firm Mattress
When you’re shopping for a firm mattress, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. The first, as covered in our previous section, is what types of mattresses you’re looking for–certain types are more firm than others.
You should also factor in how firm of a mattress you really need and what firmness type will be best for your body type. We’ll dive into each of these factors.
The Mattress Firmness Scale
Most people who talk about mattresses score their firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Most mattresses tend to fall between a 6-8/10 with a medium to medium-firm firmness feel.
Anything in the 8-10 range can be considered a firm or extra firm mattress. The most extra firm mattresses you will see are usually a 9/10 like the Plank mattress.
Body Type
Keep in mind that firmness is subjective. That’s why when we evaluate mattresses, we use Joe and Marten’s perspectives to show how firmness changes based on your body type.
Heavier people put more pressure on a mattress, sinking further into the layers and usually feeling the more firm base layer. Those who are around 200+ pounds typically experience a firmness around 1 to 1.5 points higher than average weight people.
To rest comfortably on a mattress, heavy people should look for firmer mattresses with a dense comfort layer on top to avoid sinking into the mattress. Check out our list of the best mattresses for heavy people to learn more.
Mattress Type
Innerspring mattresses are some of the firmest mattress types since they are made with layers of coils. Some innersprings are more bouncy than others, but their surfaces are usually pretty firm. See our best innerspring mattresses to learn more.
Foam mattresses are some of the softest mattresses. Memory foam, gel foam, foam blend, and poly foam mattresses are all generally the most soft, though some foam mattresses are more dense than others and can lean more towards the medium-firm side.
Latex mattresses have a similar feel to foam beds except they are more bouncy and breathable. These beds can range from soft to very firm depending on the indentation load deflection (ILD) ratings, a measurement similar to density.
Hybrid mattresses combine materials, using an innerspring base layer with a comfort layer of top made of varying materials like foam, latex, or wool. With so many combinations, hybrid mattresses can fall anywhere on the firmness spectrum, though they tend to be medium to medium-firm.
Pros Of A Firm Mattress
- Firm mattresses support great spine alignment and edge support.
- Firm mattresses isolate motion well. This is great for couples who don’t want to feel their partner moving around on the other side of the bed.
- You won’t sink in too far. If you like sleeping on the bed rather than in the bed, this will appeal to you.
- Firm beds support heavyweight people well so they can sleep comfortably.
Cons Of A Firm Mattress
- Firm mattresses are less pressure-relieving. Without a soft, contouring surface, you may get pain in the shoulders, hips, and other pressure areas.
- It takes a more particular sleeper to be comfortable on a firm mattress. Most people like a soft to medium mattress.
- Firm mattresses take longer to fully break-in and adjust to. You may need to use up more of your sleep trial period to determine if it’s right for you.
RELATED: Firm vs. Soft Mattress
Who Should Get A Firm Mattress?
Firmness is, of course, subjective, but most will agree that these five mattresses are on the firmer side – besides those who simply like the feel of a firm mattress, who should consider getting a firmer mattress?
- Stomach sleepers. Those people who sleep primarily on their stomachs should be considering a firm mattress – they want to ensure that they’re getting enough support on their hips because, if not, they can bow into the mattress and cause the spine to get out of neutral alignment.
- Back sleepers. Those who need the best mattress for back sleepers will also want something firmer, but not extremely firm; they want a mattress that will let their hips sink in just a bit and, at the same time, they need that firmness and support to ensure that they don’t drop into the mattress.
- People who like to sleep on top of their mattress. For those who prefer not to sink into their mattress, a firm mattress is a particularly safe bet – firmer mattresses usually don’t have the “give” that one finds on softer mattresses and, because of this, most should be sleeping on top of the mattress as opposed to “in” it.
- Hot sleepers. When someone sleeps “on top” of a mattress, they have less of a chance of sleeping hot – in contrast, if someone sinks into a softer mattress (especially something with memory foam), they could feel themselves start to heat up. Memory foam can trap heat and direct it back at sleepers, however, if one is on top of a firmer mattress, they have less chance of this happening.
Who Shouldn’t Get a Firm Mattress?
Firm mattresses are not for everyone so, if customers fit the following criteria, a firm mattress is probably not the best choice for them.
- Side sleepers. In general, firm mattresses are not the best match for side sleepers because they usually require a mattress that will provide pressure relief for their shoulders and hips – firm mattresses are not fantastic with pressure relief, so side sleepers should look for something softer. Check out the best mattresses for side sleepers.
- Those who like to sink into their mattresses. Those who like to sink into their mattress and feel enveloped by it might not find a firm mattress to be an excellent choice – they will want to look for something softer, perhaps a mattress that contains memory foam.
Overall
In the end, a firm mattress can be a great fit for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, larger sleepers, and those who just want some extra support – those who are in the market for a firmer mattress should definitely start with these eight fantastic options.
As a reminder, here are our top picks for the best firm mattresses:
| Mattress | Best For |
| Helix | Editor’s Pick |
| Plank | Best Extra Firm Mattress |
| Saatva | Best Luxury Firm Mattress |
| GhostBed | Best For Side Sleepers |
| Birch | Best Rated Firm Mattress |
| WinkBed | Best Medium Firm Mattress |
| Layla | Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress |
| Awara | Best Firm Hybrid Mattress |
| Cocoon Chill | Best Cooling Mattress |
| DreamCloud | Best Firm Mattress For Back Pain |
FAQs
Is an extra firm mattress good for your back?
Those who sleep on their back or deal with back pain usually want to find a mattress that is approximately medium-firm – if a mattress is too firm, it could push the hips out of the mattress and the spine out of proper neutral alignment – this could lead to significant issues with back pain.
Is a firm mattress good?
It really depends on what people are looking for – for instance, a firmer mattress might not be good for side sleeping because it won’t offer enough pressure relief – it could be good for people who require more support, such as back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and larger people.
Do firm mattresses get softer?
All mattresses, no matter how firm, will get softer over time – materials such as memory foam and even coils will start to weaken after they have been in use for a few years – some materials, such as latex foam won’t soften as quickly, however.
