Everybody needs support, and sometimes, that comes in the form of an extra firm mattress. Unfortunately, these beds are often difficult to find. But don’t fret – we’ve tested hundreds of bedding products and found the best extra firm mattresses on the market.
Keep reading to see our top picks, and don’t forget to check out our buyer’s guide below. We’ll answer all of your questions about supportive mattresses and help you determine which firmness level is right for you. Let’s dive in!
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Extra Firm Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Helix Dusk mattress as the best extra firm mattress because of its thick foam comfort layer and its responsive coils.
Best Extra Firm Mattresses
- Helix Dusk – Best Overall
- Plank Firm – Firmest Mattress
- Titan Plus – Best Extra Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
- Birch – Best Organic Extra Firm Mattress
- WinkBed – Best Extra Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Saatva – Best Luxury Extra Firm Mattress
- Emma CliMax – Best Extra Firm Mattress for Couples
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Extra Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Nolah Evolution – Best Extra Firm Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Extra Firm Mattress for Athletes
Best Extra Firm Mattresses: Video Roundup
Want to see these beds in action? Check out our video review below!
Compare the Best Extra Firm Mattresses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Helix Dusk Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Titan Plus | Birch Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Emma CliMax Hybrid | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Firm: 8/10 | Firm: 9/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | -- | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Combination | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back | Back & Side | Back & Side |
How We Chose The Best Extra Firm Mattresses
The Mattress Clarity team has tested more than 150 mattresses using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We don’t simply give an overall score; our expert reviewers also test each mattress’s firmness level, edge support, motion isolation, and cooling features.
There are many different types of extra firm mattresses, so we included a range of products that meet different people’s needs.
Best Overall – Helix Dusk
Helix Dusk Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Helix Dusk Mattress
The Helix Dusk is a medium-firm mattress that is going to be a great fit for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Helix Dusk Mattress
The Helix Dusk is a medium-firm mattress that is going to be a great fit for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
Helix Sleep sells over a dozen different mattresses, so there’s something for everyone. However, fans of luxurious and firm beds should check out the Helix Dusk. This mattress has a thick foam comfort layer and a responsive coil system.
But what really makes this mattress luxurious is its Soft Touch cover. This material feels soft-to-the-touch as the name suggests, and it’s breathable which is great if you’re a hot sleeper. And because this mattress contains high-quality materials, it should last for about a decade.
What the testers say: “The coils in the Helix Dusk gave me extra support under my hips when I was back sleeping. I was confident I was going to have proper spinal alignment all night long.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of Helix Dusk
- Great for back sleepers
- Has a special soft cover
- Bouncy and responsive
Cons of Helix Dusk
- Not great for side sleepers
- Lacks in contouring
Read our full Helix Dusk mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of the best mattresses of 2023 for more great options.
Firmest Mattress – Plank Firm
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress that is a great match for stomach sleepers and those who need extra support.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress that is a great match for stomach sleepers and those who need extra support.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re looking for the absolute firmest mattress on the market, check out the Plank Firm. This flippable all-foam mattress has two firmness levels in one. The softer side comes in at 8/10 on our firmness scale, and the firm side feels like 9/10. These are some of the highest firmness levels we’ve ever seen.
While it may not work for everybody, the Plank Firm is a great choice for heavier folks, stomach sleepers, and people who need lots of lumbar support.
What the testers say: “The Plank is, hands down, the firmest mattress I have ever tried. The extra firm side offered great support across my entire body.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of Plank Firm
- Has a flippable design
- One of the firmest mattresses on the market
- Works well for heavier people
Cons of Plank Firm
- May be too firm for some
- No memory foam feel
Read our full Plank Firm mattress review. Or check out our list of the best firm mattresses for more options.
Best Extra Firm Mattress for Heavy People- Titan Plus
Titan Plus
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 9/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Titan Plus
The Titan Plus is Brooklyn Bedding's mattress for heavy people. It is a firm, supportive mattress that can support heavier weights.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 9/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Titan Plus
The Titan Plus is Brooklyn Bedding's mattress for heavy people. It is a firm, supportive mattress that can support heavier weights.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 9/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
Heavy sleepers over 230 lbs usually need a mattress that offers a ton of support, and they should have no problem finding it in the Titan Plus. This hybrid mattress from Brooklyn Bedding comes equipped with industrial-strength coils that can easily hold up extra weight. There’s even an added layer of high-density foam below the springs for added support, and to prevent the mattress from sagging over time. Above the coils, a comfort layer of patented TitanFlex foam creates a bit of pressure relief and contouring, all while still being more supportive than standard memory foam.
What the testers say: “Even as a bigger guy, I got all the support I needed on the Titan Plus. I usually struggle getting enough support for stomach sleeping, but the Titan Plus was up to the challenge.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of Titan Plus
- Made with plus-size folks in mind
- Boasts great cooling features
- Scored a 9 out of 10 in firmness
Cons of Titan Plus
- Not designed for lightweight people
- Too firm for side sleeping
Read our full Titan Plus mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of best mattresses for heavy people for more great options.
Best Organic Extra Firm Mattress – Birch
Birch Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Mattress
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Mattress
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
Fans of eco-friendly mattresses will love the Birch. Made with organic cotton, wool, and Talalay latex, this mattress is free from harmful chemicals. It has a layer of strong coils at the bottom, which is both supportive and cooling.
Another perk – latex foam is especially durable. We expect this mattress to last at least 10 years, so it’s a great investment.
What the testers say: “Without the pillow top, the Birch provided a very firm sleeping surface. I felt great support while stomach and back sleeping.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of Birch
- Made with organic materials
- Sleeps cool
- Is especially durable
Cons of Birch
- Doesn’t let you sink in
- Not the best motion isolation
- No contouring
Read our full Birch mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of best organic mattresses for more great options.
Best for Stomach Sleepers – WinkBed
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
Stomach sleepers need a mattress that will help support their spine and keep their hips from sinking into their mattresses, and typically, firm mattresses are the best option for this type of support, which makes the WinkBed a great fit.
The WinkBed is a customizable mattress, meaning it comes in multiple firmness options. For stomach sleepers, the Firmer option will probably be the best option, as it is the firmest option from the brand except for the WinkBed Plus, a mattress specifically designed for heavier people.
What the testers say: “I felt a nice balance of comfort and support on the WinkBed. The zoning offered me some great lumbar support and I got some great pressure relief. I think the Firmer model of this mattress should be a great fit for stomach sleepers.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of The WinkBed
- A luxury mattress
- Sleeps cool
- Responsive
Cons of The WinkBed
- Not budget friendly
- May not work for couples
Read the full WinkBed mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of best mattresses for stomach sleepers for more great options.
Best Luxury Firm Mattress – Saatva Classic
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Our Expert’s Take
The Saatva Classic mattress is available in three different firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. For this roundup, we’ll focus on the Firm option. This innerspring mattress offers ample lumbar support, and the tufted pillow top adds a touch of luxury.
The Saatva Firm mattress works well for back and stomach sleepers, and it’s firm enough to support heavier people. Best of all, Saatva never compresses its mattresses into cardboard boxes. You can even opt for white glove delivery and get your mattress set up in your bedroom.
What the testers say: “The Firm model of the Saatva Classic gave me great support for back sleeping and stomach sleeping. I could really feel the two sets of coils holding up my body.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of Saatva Classic
- Luxurious tufted pillow top
- Never compressed into a cardboard box
- It’s supportive and durable
Cons of Saatva Classic
- Lacks a memory foam feel
- Pricey
- Doesn’t offer too much contouring
Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of best luxury mattresses for more great options.
Best for Couples – Emma CliMax Hybrid
Emma CliMax Hybrid
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a supportive, high-quality option for heavier people and couples.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Emma CliMax Hybrid
The Emma CliMax is a supportive, high-quality option for heavier people and couples.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
The Emma CliMax is one of the brand’s firmer mattresses, as it comes in at a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, meaning that this comfy mattress made of quality materials often makes our lists of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers and heavy people, but it’s also a great option for couples.
The CliMax® Pocketed Springs give the CliMax a bouncy and responsive feel, making it a great mattress for sex. What’s more, in spite of its bouncy nature, the CliMax isolates motion well, so if you’re someone who wakes up during the night as your partner shifts positions, the CliMax helps keep motion transfer at bay.
What our testers say: “The Emma CliMax is made with high-density foams and coils and offers some really great lumbar support. Though it was too firm of a mattress to allow my hips to sink as a back sleeper, couples should still enjoy all of the benefits that this mattress offers.”– Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Emma CliMax
- Good for heavy people
- A good mattress for sex
- Sold at a great value
Cons of the Emma CliMax
- Not great for side sleepers
- Not great for lightweight sleepers
Read our full Emma CliMax mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of best mattresses for couples for more great options.
Best for Back Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding has amazing products that are sold at very affordable prices. This mattress is extremely high-quality and a great option for combination sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding has amazing products that are sold at very affordable prices. This mattress is extremely high-quality and a great option for combination sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
Much like other mattresses on the page, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a mattress that comes in multiple firmness options: soft, medium, and firm. We tested the medium version of the mattress, which feels like a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale (making it a perfectly medium-firm mattress!) and we found it to be a great fit for back sleepers, but sleepers looking for an even firmer mattress should opt for the firm model.
The mattress offers a great deal of comfort and support since the top layers of the mattress offer some great contouring and softness from the memory foam, and the coil layers underneath offer a more sturdy and supportive feel, creating the balance that back sleepers need.
What the testers say: “When I tested the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid on my back, I could feel my hips sink right into the top foam layers while I got some contouring at the same time. It was both comfortable and supportive for me as a back sleeper.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Sold at a value price
- Responsive
- Great for back sleeping
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Not great for all-foam lovers
- Not great for cradling-mattress lovers
For more information, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. For more hybrid options, see our roundup of the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Best for Combination Sleepers – Nolah Evolution
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a high-end hybrid mattress that features great support, comfort, and cooling.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a high-end hybrid mattress that features great support, comfort, and cooling.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
With a Eurotop comfort layer that cushions pressure points and Eco Support coils that provide a nice amount of support, it’s no wonder that the Nolah Evolution consistently makes our list of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
The hybrid Nolah Evolution mattress is another mattress model that comes in three models: plush, luxury firm, and firm, with the firm option being ideal for someone looking for a more supportive feeling mattress. It’s bouncy and responsive, making it a great choice for sleepers who move around and shift positions throughout the night.
What the testers say: “The Nolah Evolution mattress is a high-quality mattress made with great materials, and even offers some cooling benefits. As a back sleeper, I felt a balance of comfort and support on the Nolah.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
- Cooling features
- Great for back sleepers
- Durable
Cons of the Nolah Evolution
- Expensive
- Not great for stomach sleepers
Read our full Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress review. Looking for more recommendations, take a look at our best mattresses for combination sleepers for other great options.
Best for Athletes – Bear Elite Hybrid
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With a zoned support system, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a great fit for those with back pain.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
With a zoned support system, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a great fit for those with back pain.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Our Expert’s Take
Bear is well-known for their mattresses since their mattress models come equipped with celliant to help with muscle recovery and blood flow. The Bear Elite Hybrid is a more luxurious and upgraded version of Bear’s original hybrid mattress, the Star, and is equally equipped to help athletes recover while they sleep.
The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in three models including an extra firm model, and in addition to the celliant fibers, the Bear Elite has some other great features such as phase change materials to help with temperature regulation and copper infused into the foam layers so that it doesn’t overheat. Overall, the Bear Elite Hybrid is a great pick for athletes!
What the testers say: “The Bear Elite Hybrid is made with a lot of great materials to help with cooling and muscle recovery, and I could really feel them getting to work when I laid on it. The phase change material and copper-infused foam really helped keep me cool for the night!”–Marten, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid
- Responsive and easy to move around on
- Multiple firmness options
- Cooling benefits
Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid
- Expensive
- Not good for heavy stomach sleepers
- Lengthy return process
Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of the best mattresses for athletes for more options.
Pros and Cons of Extra Firm Mattresses
| Pros | Cons |
|
Great for stomach sleepers |
Doesn’t provide enough pressure relief for most side sleepers |
|
Ideal for heavier sleepers |
Not always ideal for lightweight sleepers |
|
Often more durable | Not ideal for lovers of soft mattresses |
|
Can be good for back pain | Might not be comfortable for sleepers with back pain |
Who Should Get an Extra Firm Mattress?
Extra firm mattresses don’t work for everyone, but certain sleepers can really benefit from that extra boost of support. Here are the three main groups who may want to consider getting an extra firm bed.
- Stomach Sleepers – In this sleeping position, it’s especially important to make sure your back remains in the correct position. Extra firm beds help support the hips and prevent them from sinking out of alignment. If your bed is too soft, you might develop lower back pain.
- Back Sleepers – When you rest on your back, you need significant lumbar support. Lightweight and average weight people probably won’t need a mattress that feels firmer than 7.5/10, but heavier folks can benefit from an extra firm bed.
- Heavier People – Because heavier folks tend to compress the mattress’s comfort layers, they often need more support. If you sink into the top comfort layers of a mattress, your spine might crane out of its natural alignment. This can cause pain and discomfort over time.
How to Choose an Extra Firm Mattress
There are a number of factors that go into picking the best extra firm mattress, including your weight and sleeping preferences. These are important because they directly affect how you adjust to the firmness and materials of your mattress. Keep reading below to get a better idea of how to know which type of extra firm mattress is best for you.
How Firm is an Extra Firm Mattress?
The Mattress Clarity firmness scale ranges from 1-10, with 6.5/10 representing medium-firm. Most firm mattresses range from 7-8 on our firmness scale, but extra firm beds are even more supportive. It’s important to remember, however, that firmness is subjective. Heavier people often think mattresses feel firmer because they compress the top layers and feel more of the support layer underneath.
Types of Extra Firm Mattresses
If you’ve been mattress shopping for a while, chances are you’ve noticed several different makes and models. But what do they all mean? We’ll go over the main types of extra firm mattresses and explain who they’re right for.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses offer lots of body contouring. They tend to work well for side sleepers who need pressure relief, but you can also find all-foam beds that work well for back and stomach sleepers.
Memory foam mattresses have a bad rep for trapping body heat, but many of them have cooling features to help combat that issue. If you’re concerned about sleeping hot at night, look for a memory foam mattress made with phase change material. Gel, graphite, and copper infusions also help dissipate heat.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine foam and coils to create a balanced and responsive feel. Thanks to the thick foam comfort layer, sleepers feel relief along pressure points. The supportive innerspring layer helps prevent sleepers from “bottoming out” and offers additional lumbar support.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are similar to hybrids, but their comfort layers aren’t as thick. When you rest on an innerspring mattress, you’ll feel more of the support coils underneath. For this reason, innersprings tend to feel a bit firmer than hybrids. They often have luxurious, tufted pillow tops for additional comfort.
Latex
Latex looks a lot like memory foam, but it’s more responsive and breathable. Sleepers won’t “sink” into a latex mattress. Instead, they’ll feel like they’re sleeping on top of the bed. This also helps with cooling, because the foam layers don’t trap as much body heat.
Latex mattresses tend to be more durable than other models, and many of them are eco-friendly. These beds usually feel firmer than memory foam mattresses, so they’re great picks for folks who need extra lumbar support.
How Much Does an Extra Firm Mattress Cost?
Mattress prices run the gamut – some are pricey while others are more affordable. No matter your budget, you should be able to find a bed that suits your needs. The Brooklyn Bedding Plank mattress is a great budget-friendly pick, coming in at $1249.00 for a queen. If you want something more luxurious, opt for the Saatva. This high-end bed costs $1995.00 for a queen.
For more information, see our article on How Much Does a Mattress Cost?
Is an Extra Firm Mattress Good for Back Pain?
If you’re a stomach sleeper or a back sleeper who suffers from back pain, an extra firm mattress is a great match for you. Firm mattresses tend to distribute weight more evenly than softer mattresses, so stomach sleepers and back sleepers who need extra support to keep their spines aligned will benefit from an extra firm mattress.
Keep in mind that firmness is subjective and that the amount of support a mattress provides depends on its construction and materials. Just because a mattress feels very firm does not necessarily mean it will provide the best support for you. An extra firm mattress is only best for back pain if it keeps your spine in good neutral alignment.
Summary
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Helix Dusk | Best Overall |
| Plank Firm | Firmest Mattress |
| Titan Plus | Best Extra Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers |
| Birch | Best Organic Extra Firm Mattress |
| Saatva | Best Luxury Extra Firm Mattress |
| Emma CliMax | Best Extra Firm Mattress for Couples |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Best Extra Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Extra Firm Mattress for Combination Sleepers |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Best Extra Firm Mattress for Athletes |
Best Extra Firm Mattresses FAQs
What is the firmest mattress called?
The Brooklyn Bedding Plank is the firmest mattress on the market. This flippable bed has two firmness levels in one. The softer side comes in at 8/10 on our firmness scale, and the other side feels like 9/10. It’s a great choice for stomach sleepers and heavier folks.
Who should use an extra firm mattress?
Stomach sleepers can really benefit from extra firm mattresses. The supportive base layer prevents hips from sinking out of alignment and can alleviate lower back pain. Extra firm mattresses also work well for heavier people because they offer ample support.
Is an extra firm mattress good for your back?
They can be, depending on your particular needs. Extra firm mattresses can help stomach sleepers alleviate back pain, but side sleepers will likely develop shoulder and hip pain from sleeping on one of these beds.
How do I know if my bed is too firm?
If you wake up with neck, shoulder, or hip pain, your bed might be too firm. It’s important to make sure your mattress can cushion joints and alleviate pressure. If you find your bed is too firm, don’t stress! You might not have to buy an entirely new mattress. You can also soften your bed with the help of a mattress topper.