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. As a result, we’ve created this roundup of our top picks for the best firm mattresses. While a couple of beds on this list aren’t technically firm on the firmness scale (8/10 and up), all 10 beds are firmer than average. So, they have an “on-top-of” feel and offer the support stomach sleepers and some back sleepers need.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Firm Mattress?
Best Firm Mattresses of 2023: Our Top 10 Picks
- Best Overall – Plank
- Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers – Helix Dawn
- Best Firm Mattress for Couples – Emma CliMax Hybrid
- Best Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus
- Best Firm Innerspring Mattress – Saatva
- Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain – DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid
- Best Luxury Mattress – WinkBeds
- Best Medium-Firm Mattress – Bear
- Best Firm Cooling Mattress – Nolah Evolution
- Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers – Leesa
Video Review: Best Firm Mattresses
Compare the Best Firm Mattresses
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| Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Helix Dawn Mattress | Emma CliMax Hybrid | Titan Plus | Saatva Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Bear Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Leesa Original Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 8/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 9/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | -- | -- | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back | Combination | Back & Side | Back & Side | Combination |
How We Chose the Best Firm Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 150 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
For our roundup of the best firm mattress, our first parameter was that all products need multiple firmness options or above-average firmness. An effective firm mattress has lots of support and durability, so we chose beds scoring high in both categories. Of the 10 products on this list, eight of them scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in these two areas.
Best Overall: Plank Firm
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress that is a great match for stomach sleepers and those who need extra support.
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress that is a great match for stomach sleepers and those who need extra support.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re tired of firm mattresses still not being firm enough, then the Plank Firm from Brooklyn Bedding could be a great fit for you. The Plank is one of the best extra-firm mattresses on the market, and it provides a flat sleeping surface. This flippable mattress has a firm side (an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale) and an ultra-firm side (a 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale). The Plank is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve ever tested, and that’s why it’s made its way to the top of our list.
What our testers say: “I found the extra-firm side of the Plank Firm to be a bit too firm for back-sleeping, but the firm side was a much better fit because it’s a touch softer. I think stomach sleeping should be great on either side of the mattress, thanks to the bouncy firm foam feel of the mattress.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Plank Firm
- High-quality value mattresses for a low price
- Great for some back sleepers
- Plank Firm Luxe mattress is the hybrid version
Cons of the Plank Firm
- Not great for side sleepers
- Not great for back sleepers
Read our full Plank Firm mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for more great options.
Best for Stomach Sleepers: Helix Dawn
Helix Dawn Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
The Helix Dawn is one of the company's firmest models. Because of this, it should be a supportive option for stomach sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
The Helix Dawn is one of the company's firmest models. Because of this, it should be a supportive option for stomach sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
As a brand, Helix focuses on customization and flexibility, and they created the Helix Dawn as their firmest model (7.5/10 on the firmness scale). This bed has a hybrid composition of latex foam, polyfoam, and individually wrapped coils, all of which work together to provide a responsive and supportive feel. Stomach sleepers will enjoy how this mattress elevates their hips and keeps their spine aligned. This makes the Plank one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers, who need extra support.
What our testers say: “The firm nature of this mattress kept my spine well supported and aligned when sleeping on my back but it didn’t offer much pressure relief though. On my side, my hip and shoulder felt jammed up, and I wasn’t too comfortable in this position, but for sleeping on my stomach, I thought this was a great fit.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Helix Dawn
- Helix offers Luxe upgrades for mattresses
- Both sides of the mattress can be customized
- It’s breathable
Cons of the Helix Dawn
- Not great if you want a soft mattress
- Not great for side sleepers
Read our full Helix Dawn mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers for more great options.
Best Firm Mattress for Couples: Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a supportive, high-quality option for heavier people and couples.
The Emma CliMax is a supportive, high-quality option for heavier people and couples.
Emma CliMax Hybrid
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Emma CliMax Hybrid
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Emma CliMax Hybrid
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
The CliMax Hybrid — dreamed up by Emma — is a hybrid mattress made with quality foams and pocketed coils. What we love about this mattress is that it was made with couples and heavy sleepers in mind. With a 7.5/10 firmness, the bed’s support and durability are primary focuses. With its HRX Supreme Edge Support, couples should be able to make full use of the mattress surface. The CliMax Pocketed Springs in the support layer ensures that each partner is properly supported.
What our testers say: “The Emma Climax is on the firmer side, but with that said, I should note that I weigh 270 lbs., and if you’re heavier than me, you could compress the top layers more than I did and find the mattress to be a bit softer. I’m a back sleeper, so when laying on the Emma, I could feel the coils holding my body up and the zoning gave me lumbar support.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Emma CliMax Hybrid
- Long-lasting
- Cooling features
- 365-night trial and 10-year warranty
Cons of the Emma CliMax Hybrid
- Most side sleepers will want more pressure relief
- Lightweight sleepers will want more pressure relief
Read our full Emma CliMax Hybrid mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Couples for more great options.
Best Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers: Titan Plus
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Titan Plus is Brooklyn Bedding's mattress for heavy people. It is a firm, supportive mattress that can support heavier weights.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Titan Plus is Brooklyn Bedding's mattress for heavy people. It is a firm, supportive mattress that can support heavier weights.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Titan Plus
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 9/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Titan Plus
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 9/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Titan Plus
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 9/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Our Expert’s Take
Brooklyn Bedding has a variety of models for all types of sleepers, from the extravagant Aurora Luxe to the more streamlined design of their Signature Hybrid mattress. The Titan Plus is the brand’s mattress that caters to heavy people, with features such as industrial-strength coils and responsive TitanFlex foam. It’s also one of the firmest beds around, clocking in at a 9 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale.
What our testers say: “I got plenty of spinal support on the Titan Plus, but my hips didn’t sink in enough for pressure relief. If you’re not a fan of firm mattresses, I think the Titan may not be the best choice, since this one is fairly firm for me as a heavier sleeper, and would probably feel even firmer for someone lighter than me.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Titan Plus
- Comes in many sizes
- Cooling benefits
- Back sleepers should feel supported
Cons of the Titan Plus
- Most average sleepers will think it’s too firm
- Lightweight sleepers will find this mattress to be way too firm
Learn more in our full Titan Plus mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Heavy People for more great options.
Best Innerspring Mattress: Saatva
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Our Expert’s Take
The Saatva is available in three different firmnesses. For purposes of this roundup, we have to recommend the Firm model. It features memory foam, a cushy pillow-top, and two sets of coils. The construction gives this mattress a supportive and traditional innerspring feel. In addition, the mattress is zoned so that it feels firmer toward the center, contouring to sensitive areas. The result is a firm mattress excellent for stomach-sleeping and back-sleeping.
What our testers say: “As a back sleeper, I experienced a nice balance of comfort and support and my hips sank right into the pillow-top. On the comfort levels, the coils were comfortable and supportive to sleep on, and offered me some contouring. I also got some great lumbar support, and I think it’s one of the best mattresses for lower back pain.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Saatva
- Durable materials
- Great airflow
- Gives a hotel mattress feel
Cons of the Saatva
- Not great for soft mattress lovers
- Not great for lightweight side sleepers
Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Innerspring Mattresses for more great options.
Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain: DreamCloud
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Financing Options
Our Expert’s Take
Back pain can disrupt your life, and sometimes this discomfort is exacerbated by an uncomfortable mattress. If you’re searching for a firm bed that will also help ease the pain, check out the DreamCloud. It creates both comfort and support, and this balanced feel is essential for maintaining proper alignment. This hybrid mattress is made with high-quality materials, so it’s especially durable.
What our testers say: “The DreamCloud mattress provides me with a nice balance of comfort and support, especially when sleeping on my back. My hips sink into the top foam layers but don’t sink in too far. The coils on the bottom layer of the mattress help hold me up while I lay on it.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the DreamCloud
- Features a tufted pillow-top and a soft cover
- Pressure relief and support
- One-year sleep trial
Cons of the DreamCloud
- Heavier sleepers may want a more supportive mattress
Read our full DreamCloud mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Back Pain for more great options.
Best Luxury Mattress: WinkBed
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Our Expert’s Take
The majority of the mattresses on this roundup are a lot firmer than average, but what about those people who want something just a little firmer-than-average? Well, that’s where the luxury WinkBed mattress comes in. It scored a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, making it slightly higher than medium firm. This makes the WinkBed a fantastic fit for back sleepers and side sleepers, who should find the blend of comfort and support they need to keep the body relaxed and properly aligned. They should also enjoy the bed’s luxurious feel, which is similar to what you’d find in a high-end hotel.
What our testers say: “The zoning in the WinkBed gave me great lumbar support, and the zoning makes this one of the best orthopedic mattresses and best mattresses for lower back pain and sciatica. I also had an easy time moving around on the WinkBed, thanks to its bouncy and responsive innerspring feel.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the WinkBed
- Multiple firmness options
- Great pressure relief
- Cooling features
Cons of the WinkBed
- Not budget friendly
- Not good for couples
Read our full WinkBeds mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Luxury Mattresses for more great options.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress: Bear
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Our Expert’s Take
For a memory foam mattress, the Bear is truly unique. For one, it’s firmer and more supportive than your typical all-foam bed, classified as medium firm, as opposed to soft. This means it offers some responsiveness, as well as a blend of comfort and support that’s a good fit for back sleepers. The Bear also has a cover made of something called Celliant — a material than many believe assists with blood flow and circulation. For that reason, the Bear is a popular choice among athletes and those with an active lifestyle.
What our testers say: “I sank comfortably into this mattress and felt great lumbar support. It’s all foam, so it helped with proper spinal alignment, and the top foam layer also conformed to the shape of my body when I slept on my back.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Bear Mattress
- Celliant can help keep you cool
- Great motion isolation
- Great price point
Cons of the Bear Mattress
- Customers don’t love the refund process
- Not great for stomach sleepers
Learn more in our full Bear mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Medium-Firm Mattresses for more great options.
Best Cooling Mattress: Nolah Evolution
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a high-end hybrid mattress that features great support, comfort, and cooling.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a high-end hybrid mattress that features great support, comfort, and cooling.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
The Nolah Evolution is a mattress with options, as it comes in three different firmness levels, but for this roundup, we’ll be focusing on the firm model. It’s a luxury mattress equipped with zoned construction, which makes it firmer in the center. It also features supportive coils, and is topped with memory foam layers that contain heat dissipation materials like graphite, as well as an AirBreath heat escape gusset that helps with cooling in the comfort layers.
What our testers say: “The Nolah is one of the more luxurious mattresses that I’ve tested, and the mattress materials really felt cool to the touch. The mattress is infused with graphite, so along with feeling cool, I also got some great pressure relief!” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Nolah Evolution Hybrid
- Three firmness options
- High quality materials
- Graphite infused
Cons of the Nolah Evolution Hybrid
- Expensive
Read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Cooling Mattresses for more great options.
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers: Leesa
Leesa Original Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Leesa Original Hybrid Mattress
The Leesa Original Hybrid is a comfortable, affordable mattress that should work for hot sleepers and back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Leesa Original Hybrid Mattress
The Leesa Original Hybrid is a comfortable, affordable mattress that should work for hot sleepers and back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
When you lay on the Leesa, the comfortable and contouring proprietary LSA200 foams give the top layer of the mattress a slow-moving memory foam feel, while the support layers give a bit more bounce and responsiveness, allowing for an overall balanced foam feel. The pillow-top layer allows the spine to sink in and stay aligned, making this a perfect fit for back sleepers.
What our testers say: “As a back sleeper, the Leesa felt great for me to sleep on. It was supportive and kept my hips and body aligned properly throughout the night, and the balanced foam feel gave a nice bit of comfort without the mattress feeling difficult to move around on.” -Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Leesa
- Great pressure relief
- Good for hot sleepers
- Good for side sleepers
Cons of the Leesa
- Not the best edge support
- Not great for some heavy sleepers
Read our full Leesa mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses For Back Sleepers for more great options.
Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230 lb
Keep in mind that firmness is subjective, depending on one’s preferences and body type. A mattress that feels firm to one person might not feel the same to someone else.
For example, 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 230 lb or more 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 that prevents them from sinking too far into the sleep surface. We think the following firm mattresses fit this description and should be a good fit for larger sleepers.
Big Fig
While we didn’t include it on this roundup, the Big Fig mattress is made specifically for larger people. It’s a very firm bed offering the support larger stomach sleepers need. Much larger back sleepers should also find this to be a fantastic match.
Plank Firm
The Plank Firm mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is the absolute firmest one we’ve 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.
Awara
This latex hybrid mattress provides the support heavier people need. The Awara is a particularly good choice for heavier back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
Helix
As a brand, Helix stands out because they’ll customize a mattress to meet sleepers’ specific needs. While we talked about the Helix Dawn in the above roundup, there’s also the Helix Plus, which is designed specifically for larger people.
RELATED: Best Mattresses for Heavy 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, from the mattress construction to your own needs and preferences. Let’s dive into each of these factors in detail!
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. The majority of mattresses tend to fall between 6–8 out of 10 with 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 (such as the Plank mattress) are a 9 out of 10.
RELATED: 2023 Mattress Buying Guide
Mattress Type
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 best innerspring mattresses to learn more.
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 memory foam mattresses to learn more.
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. See our best latex mattresses to learn more.
Hybrid mattresses combine materials, using an innerspring base layer with a comfort layer or top 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.
RELATED: How Is Natural Latex Made?
Benefits of a Firm Mattress
- Firm mattresses often support a neutral spine alignment and have great edge support.
- Firm mattresses isolate motion well. This is great for couples who want to avoid feeling their partner moving around on 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 are better at supporting heavyweight people, allowing them to sleep comfortably.
Downsides to a Firm Mattress
- Firm mattresses are less pressure-relieving. Without a soft, contouring surface, you may develop pain in the shoulders, hips, and other pressure areas.
- It takes a more particular sleeper to be comfortable on a firm mattress. Most sleepers like a soft to medium mattress.
- Firm mattresses take longer to fully break in and adjust to. You may need to use more of your sleep trial period to determine if it’s the right type of bed for you.
RELATED: Firm vs Soft Mattress
Who Should Get a Firm Mattress?
- Stomach sleepers: Those who sleep primarily on their stomachs should consider 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. The bed should let their hips sink in just a bit while having enough support to prevent excessive sinkage.
- 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 safe bet. Firmer mattresses don’t have the “give” that one finds on softer mattresses, so 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 overheated. That’s because memory foam can trap heat and direct it back at sleepers. Check out our best cooling mattress guide for more recommendations.
Who Shouldn’t Get a Firm Mattress?
- Side sleepers: In general, firm mattresses aren’t the best for side sleepers because they require a mattress that provides pressure relief for their shoulders and hips. Firm mattresses are not exceptional when it comes to pressure relief, so side sleepers should look for something softer. That being said, every now and then, a firm mattress can work for side sleepers. For example, take the Layla, which we mentioned in this article. Check out the best mattresses for side sleepers.
- Those who like to sink into their mattresses: These folks might not like a firm mattress. They’ll want to look for something softer, such as a mattress containing memory foam.
How to Make a Mattress Firmer
If you’re unhappy with your mattress’ current feel, there are some steps you can take to make your soft mattress firmer:
Check the Sleep Trial
If a mattress is within its sleep trial period, you can often return it and buy a firmer one.
Add Plywood
Adding a piece of plywood between the mattress and the foundation can give the mattress a firmer feel. It adds an additional layer of support and helps prevent the mattress from sagging.
Replace the Box Spring
Box springs can lose their support over time, so replacing your box spring with a newer, stronger foundation can create a firmer mattress feel. Box springs can last up to 10 years, so if you’ve had yours longer than that, consider getting a new one.
Get a Firmer Mattress Topper
Purchasing a firm mattress topper, such as the Avocado Mattress Topper, can add a new feel to your bed and provide additional support.
Flip Your Mattress
While not all mattresses are meant to be flipped, older mattresses and some innerspring mattresses should be flipped. The springs can wear out over time when someone sleeps in the same spot each night, so flipping your mattress can more evenly spread the wear and help prevent sagging.
Overall
In the end, a firm mattress can be a great fit for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, larger sleepers, and those who want extra support. As a reminder, here are our top picks for the best firm mattresses:
| Mattress | Best For |
| Plank Firm | Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers |
| Helix Dawn | Best for Stomach Sleeper |
| Emma CliMax Hybrid | Best Firm Mattress for Couples |
| Titan Plus | Best Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers |
| Saatva | Best Firm Innerspring Mattress |
| DreamCloud | Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain |
| WinkBed | Best Luxury Mattress |
| Bear | Best Medium-Firm Mattress |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Cooling Firm Mattress |
| Leesa | Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers |
Best Firm Mattress FAQs
Is an extra-firm mattress better 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 bed 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’ve been in use for a few years. Some materials, such as latex foam, won’t soften quite as quickly, however.
Can a firm mattress cause back pain?
While we wish we could get a straight answer, whether or not a firm mattress causes back pain is entirely dependent on your sleeping position and body type. If you do have a mattress that fits your individual needs, chances are it’s not going to cause back pain. Stomach sleepers often need a firmer mattress to lift up the hips and keep the spine in neutral alignment. Side sleepers and lightweight sleepers, however, will likely find that a firm mattress doesn’t provide enough cushion to sink into. This can result in back pain overtime.
What firmness is best for back pain?
In general, medical professionals recommend medium-firm mattresses (about a 6.5/10 on the industry firmness scale) for back pain. These mattresses often have a nice balance of comfort and support and fit a wider variety of sleepers. However, it’s important that you utilize sleep trials offered by companies or even consult a medical professional so you can make the best decision for your own needs.
Can a mattress be too firm?
Just as a mattress can be too soft, a mattress can also be too firm. One of the best indicators of excessive firmness is a tense feeling in your body, or more obviously pain. That’s why it’s so important to consider your sleeping position and body type when selecting a mattress. For example, it’s very likely a mattress made for stomach sleepers is going to be way too firm for a side sleeper!
What mattress firmness is best for stomach sleepers?
We would recommend a 7/10 or 8/10 on the firmness scale for most stomach sleepers. It’s crucial these sleepers have enough support to lift the hips into alignment, and enough cushioning to prevent too much pressure build-up.
