Best Firm Mattresses

Mattress Nerd consulted Dr. Max Cohen, DC, CCEP to ensure that this article met our editorial standards

If you are looking for a new mattress on the firmer side, but find yourself unsure which firmness level or bed is right for you, this guide can help! The firmness is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best mattress. Everyone has a preference, and for many, a requirement for the level of firmness they desire in a bed.

If you’re a stomach sleeper, a heavy sleeper, or maybe you suffer from back pain, a firm supportive mattress can be a great option for you. Some people may not even realize they prefer a firmer mattress until they try it. Luckily, all of the options we’ll review in this guide offer a generous trial period for customers to fall in love with their bed if they aren’t so sure upon purchase.

Whatever your reasons, if you’re in the market for a firmer mattress, we can help you make the best choice. This article will review what firmness level actually means, several factors to consider, and we’ll share with you the best firm mattresses on the market. By the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

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Best Firm Mattresses of 2021

• Best Firm Hybrid Mattress – Saatva
• Best Firm Mattress for Heavy People – Helix Dawn Luxe
• Best Firm Innerspring Mattress – WinkBeds
• Best Extra Firm Mattress – Plank by Brooklyn Bedding
• Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain – Leesa Original
• Best Firm Mattress for Sciatica – Puffy
• Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress – Bear Original
• Best Affordable Firm Mattress – GhostBed
• Best Firm Cooling Mattress – Cocoon Chill
• Best Firm Mattress for Couples – Layla Hybrid

The Saatva is a hybrid mattress that comes in three different firmness levels: plush soft, luxury firm and firm. While the luxury firm is their best-seller, if you prefer a mattress with a little extra firmness, the firm option is the better choice. 

The construction starts at the top layer with a thin piece of quilted organic cotton foam to cushion your joints and provide pressure-point relief. Underneath that is a layer of individually wrapped pocket coils designed to conform to your body and reduce motion transfer. Saatva also contains a layer of gel memory foam that supports the spine. Their goal was to make an affordable luxury product with complementary white glove delivery, free removal of your old mattress and excellent customer service.

Read our full Saatva Mattress Review to learn more.

Helix has designed several versions of their mattress, one to suit every type of sleeper. Some of the factors they considered include weight, body type and sleeping position, as one mattress does not fit all. Their firmer mattress options include the Helix Twilight and the Helix Dawn. Both offer a layered composition of memory foam and dynamic foam to create the right combination of pressure relief and contouring for the body. Bottom line: They are comfortable, yet solid.

The Helix Dawn Luxe mattress’s combination of foam and pocketed coils give it a firm, supportive feel that’s perfect for larger sleepers. The Dawn is best suited for back and stomach sleepers and conforms well to the body, while the Twilight Luxe is the best mattress for side sleepers and provides excellent pressure-point relief. All Helix mattresses come with free shipping to the United States, a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty. Helix is also one of our top picks for the best bed-in-a-box.

Read our full Helix Dawn Mattress Review for more details.

How firm would you like your mattress? At WinkBeds, you get four firmness options: soft, luxury firm, firmer and plus, with the luxury firm being the most popular. All this support adds up to a mattress that can handle any sleep position. It’s good for side, back and stomach sleepers, as well as combination sleepers, thanks to its hybrid design with both innerspring layers and multiple layers of foam.

Handmade to order in the USA, this luxury mattress also features a natural eucalyptus-derived TENCEL cover (think cooling) and a Euro-pillow top with gel-infused foam (even more cooling). At 14” tall, it’s a plush, sturdy combination of contouring foam and steel coils, making it a long-lasting, durable mattress at a nicer price point than other luxury beds with similar features.

See our WinkBeds mattress reviews for more details.

Like its name suggests, the Plank mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is one of the firmest mattresses on the market. This is a flippable mattress with a firm side (a 7 on the firmness scale) and an extra firm side (a 9 on the firmness scale). It has foam layers on both sides and a top comfort layer of quilted foam for some cushioning. 

The Plank is minimally conforming. It’s s a great option for stomach sleepers and those who weigh over 230 pounds. In addition, this bed excels at motion isolation and makes no noise while bearing weight, so it’s a great option for couples. If your posture is a concern, this mattress promises to keep it in check while you sleep. The Plank increases blood flow to all areas of the body, while keeping sleepers cool and giving them a customizable sleeping experience. 

Crafted of three layers of foam, the Leesa Original registers a 6.5 out of 10 for firmness, making it a medium-firm mattress. The first two layers—a proprietary foam and a slow-moving memory foam—offer a balance of comfort and support, particularly for back sleepers. Then the base layer, the support layer, features a denser polyfoam that is firm, durable and supportive.

Side sleepers should also get plenty of cushioning for their shoulders and hips. Even hot sleepers should find adequate temperature regulation, despite the all-foam construction. In sum, the Leesa Original gets high marks for both comfort and support—and all at a price point that should appeal to those on a budget.

Read our full Leesa Mattress Review for more information. 

The Puffy hovers right between a 6 and a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. While certainly a firm mattress, side sleepers need not fear; the plush top actually provides enough pressure relief to accommodate you as well. So much so, in fact, that the Puffy earns the award of best firm mattress for sciatica.

Sciatica can cause substantial lower back pain, making it very difficult to get to sleep. A mattress with high pressure relief and conforming abilities can help mitigate this symptom. The Puffy, despite being a firm mattress, does excel in these fields. So much so that it made our list of best mattresses for sciatica.

Related: Sleep and Sciatica

See our full Puffy Mattress Review for more details.

Made with pain relief and comfort in mind, the Bear Mattress can afford a great night’s sleep for active people. In fact, it was designed for athletes who will benefit from its Celliant cover that promotes healthy blood flow and cooling for faster recovery times.

At a more firm level of 7 out of 10, the Bear Original features four foam layers to ease pressure on key areas of the body (hips, back and shoulders). The graphite gel infused into the first layer of memory foam adds another cooling effect, which also boosts recovery times. In sum, we recommend this mattress for all weights of back sleepers, and lightweight to average-weight side sleepers. It has a bouncier, more responsive feel than classic memory foam, which should also appeal to combination sleepers who change sleep positions through the night.

For more information, check out our full Bear Mattress Review.

The original GhostBed combines latex and memory foam to provide firm support that is optimal for many lightweight and average-weight sleepers. We gave the GhostBed a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, putting it right in that sweet spot between too firm for those who sleep on their back, and too soft for those who sleep on their stomach. In other words—just right. 

As far as its other qualities go, we have a lot of good things to say about this bed’s responsiveness. The top layer of latex adds much needed bounce to the memory foam layers, making for a surface that is easy to move around and change positions on. All of this for an affordable price that is often discounted. Check the sales frequently and it shouldn’t be very difficult for you to snag a queen size mattress for under $1,000.

Read our full GhostBed Review for more information. 

If you are a hot sleeper looking for a firm mattress, the Cocoon Chill by Sealy is your perfect match. A lot of mattresses claim to have “cooling features” and promise not to trap body heat, but how many of them have “Chill” in their name? Only one. To have as many added features and the proven ability to perform like a cool memory foam mattress, the Cocoon sells at a very reasonable price.

Whether you sleep alone, with a partner or with a pet, this mattress promises you an undisturbed night’s sleep, and they do live up to that promise as far as motion transfer goes. The memory foam absorbs most of the movement, so you shouldn’t be shaken around by a restless sleeper. However, some combination sleepers complain that they feel “stuck” in memory foam mattresses and find them hard to move around on. So that is something to consider if you or your partner are very active sleepers. All in all, this mattress is a great value that will keep you comfortable and cool.

Read our full Cocoon Chill Mattress Review for more information. 

Layla’s hybrid version of their original mattress gives sleepers a truly customizable sleeping experience. The mattress is dual-sided: One is a relatively soft feel (4/10), and the other is a more firm feeling (7/10). Since we’re talking about firm mattresses here, we recommend sleeping on the firm side if that is what you prefer, but it is nice to know you have the option to change it up anytime you want.

The mattress is ideal for couples and heavier sleepers since it is constructed with coils, and has a lot of support. On the firmer side, you feel more support from the coils, but you will also feel some contouring and sinking from the memory foam. The Layla Hybrid mattress is really easy to move around on, and it will accommodate just about any sleeping position.

Read our full Layla Hybrid Mattress Review for more information. 

Mattress Firmness Scale

Firmness is judged differently from person to person based on your comfort level. But for the purpose of internet shopping, there is a scale that all mattress manufacturers use to help guide customers during their purchase. The scale goes from 1 to 10, with 1 being extremely soft and 10 being extremely firm.

1: Extremely Soft These are plush mattresses that you can sink into.

2-3: Soft Slightly more firm than extremely soft, but still have a “sinking” feeling.

4-6: Medium These mattresses are not too soft, but not too hard. Many hybrid mattresses are medium firmness.

7-9: Firm These are less conforming, stiffer mattresses that you don’t sink into.

10: Extremely Firm These are very hard and stiff. There is no sinking or softness.

For a more comprehensive breakdown, head over to our mattress firmness guide.

Understanding Your Ideal Firmness

Mattress firmness can be a difficult thing to communicate to someone who hasn’t tried the mattress. A number of variables play into whether a particular firmness level will provide you with that perfect blend of support and comfort; body type, sleeping position, history of back pain, and personal preference are just a few.

The purpose of this buyer’s guide is to provide you with a better understanding of the characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks of a firm mattress so you can make a more educated purchase when shopping for your new mattress online.

Related: Soft vs. Firm Mattresses

Who Are Firm Mattresses Best For?

It’s no secret that firm beds are not for everyone. However, there are many categories of people who are likely to prefer and/or benefit from a firm mattress:

Sleepers with Back Pain

We often find firm mattresses to be some of the best mattresses for back pain, as they can keep your spine better aligned by supporting the hips and shoulders . The improved spinal alignment that firm mattresses provide can reduce the likelihood of added soreness because of the mattress.

Big & Tall Sleepers

Firm mattresses can also help provide support for those who carry more bodyweight and sink too deeply into soft mattresses. If you’re heavier than average (around 230 lbs) there’s a good chance that a firm mattress will feel perfectly soft to you, while still holding up sensitive areas. 

Related: Best Mattresses for Heavy People

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers of average or heavy weight tend to do well on a firm mattress. The reason being that if the mattress is too soft, then the front of their hips will sink deep into the mattress, throwing their spine out of alignment and possibly leading to soreness. Lightweight stomach sleepers, however, can likely get by with a medium-firm mattress.

Who Are Firm Mattresses Not Best For?

Lightweight Sleepers

If you’re less than 130 lbs and you lie down on a firm mattress, there’s a chance it’ll feel like lying on the floor. That’s because your body does not have enough weight to push you into the surface of the mattress. This is especially the case for lightweight side and back sleepers, who need a decent amount of sinkage around their hips and shoulders to relieve the pressure in those areas. We suggest you hop over to our best plush mattresses page for some great suggestions for lighter folks.

Side Sleepers

As we alluded to above, side sleepers need a mattress with a good amount of give. Of course, there should be some support provided, but it’s very important for the hips and shoulders to be properly cushioned by the bed. If your mattress is too firm, it can push against your shoulder and cause stress on the area. If this is something you’re experiencing as a side sleeper, it could be that your mattress is too firm. 

Take a look at the roundup we put together, which includes recommendations for the best mattress for side sleepers with shoulder pain.

How Much Will my Weight Affect How Firm a Mattress Feels to Me? 

Your weight is the number one thing that will determine how firm, or how soft, a mattress feels to you. A petite person may feel uncomfortable on a firm surface while a heavier person gets a comfortable deep sleep.

Mattresses are constructed of multiple layers, most of which become denser (firmer) as you get closer to the base of the mattress. On some mattresses, if you are a heavier person (over 230 pounds), you will sink into the mattress more, meaning you will feel more of the firmer materials deeper in the mattress.

If you are a heavier person who likes a firmer mattress, you want to make sure you are looking for a mattress with a firm upper layer, not just firm base layers. This means you will be feeling the firmness intended for the sleeper to feel, as opposed to the inner layers.

Will Some Sleeping Positions Sleep Better on a Firm Mattress?

Technically, all sleeping positions can sleep and find comfort on a firm mattress. However, if you are a side sleeper, you are the one sleeping position I would caution. Side sleepers have to find a delicate balance of supporting their spine, as well as avoiding jamming their hips and shoulders

For stomach and average to heavy back sleepers, a firmer mattress is typically best. If a mattress is too soft, it can cause the hips to sink down in these positions, throwing the spine out of alignment and increasing the risk for aches and pains.

Related: Best Mattress for Back Sleepers, Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers

Combination sleepers will find that firmer mattresses are easier to move around on, but may not provide that “contouring feeling” once you get into your next comfortable position, so it is more about personal preference. Our best mattresses for combination sleepers has a great variety of products for you to look at.

Types of Firm Mattresses 

Innerspring

Hybrid 

Foam

Latex 

Popular Accessories For Firm Beds

Mattress Toppers

There are now more ways than ever to customize your mattress. If you are in need of more support but tend to like a softer surface, consider the addition of a euro or pillow top to your bed. These toppers are made in a variety of materials that give your firm mattress a more plush feel. Our best mattress toppers guide should help you find what you’re looking for. Or, if you’re a side sleeper who feels that your mattress is too firm, our specific best mattress toppers for side sleepers can help add some softness to the equation.

Pillows 

If you are shopping for a firm mattress due to neck, back or hip pain, you may want to consider the addition of a pillow depending on your sleeping position. Pillows come in every shape and size from a wedge pillow to flat and from small to large. There are pillows for every pain concern. This can add some focused support to different areas of the body. Take a peek at our best pillows roundup for suggestions that pertain to every sleeping situation.

Conclusion

We’ve talked about why you might be in the market for a firm mattress and the varying degrees of firmness based on standards used by all the mattress manufacturers. In addition, we’ve covered the best, high-quality, firm mattresses on the market based on our very high standards of comfort and function. Finally, we reviewed the factors to consider and the components to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a firm mattress. 

Whether you require better spinal alignment to combat chronic back pain, you are a heavier sleeper who requires extra support, or you prefer a firmer surface to sleep on, you are now ready to decide with confidence and clarity. Go forth boldly and be on your way to a better night’s sleep!

Recap of the Best Rated Firm Mattresses

Dr. Max Cohen is part of our panel of medical expert contributors on the subject of sleep health. They provide important perspectives on the topics we discuss to help make our content as accurate and dependable as possible. They do not personally endorse any products, nor are they associated with any brands featured in our review content.