The Best Firm Mattress – Top Picks for 2023

Shoppers have their pick of different mattress types when searching for a firm mattress.

The innerspring mattress is the oldest, most traditional type on the market. Innerspring beds typically contain an interconnected coil unit and a thin layer of cushioning on top. Because of their construction, these beds are inherently firm already since they don’t have much cushioning to them.

A hybrid mattress contains several foam layers on top of an innerspring unit, though some include additional foam at the base. While traditional innerspring beds have minimal cushioning, hybrids input softer, thicker comfort layers on top. The firmness of a hybrid can vary depending on the manufacturer’s design, though you should be able to find a firm hybrid bed.

Latex mattresses contain latex foam that’s either natural, synthetic, or blended. They may also contain other foams or coils in their construction. Latex mattresses are known for being an eco-friendly alternative that offers great bounce and cooling. Certain latex beds are firmer than others depending on the design.

Foam beds include poly foam and memory foam. The firmness of these foams depends on the manufacturer’s design, as well as where the material is located in the mattress. Many foam beds contain softer memory foam on top with dense poly foam at the base. Companies produce foam mattresses in varying firmness levels.

As you search online, there are a few guidelines you can use to help find something you will be comfortable with for years to come. 

There is a wide range of mattress firmness levels. We’ve decided to focus on those who score on the higher end of the scale.

Typically, for a mattress to be above the average, it has to be medium-firm, firm, and extra firm. These all have different purposes.

For instance, medium-firm beds are preferred by the vast majority of sleepers. Firm ones would feel slightly tougher in comparison, and the firmest ones are very sturdy.

Medium-firm beds are typically great for back sleepers while extra-firm ones can be used by stomach sleepers or heavyweight sleepers. The added firmness can help guarantee the necessary support.

There are different types of materials that you can go for when shopping for a new bed. The four most common mattress types are memory foam, latex, hybrid, and innerspring. Many companies offer varying firmness levels in different types of beds, but some designs are naturally going to be firmer because of the specific materials. 

If you are a fan of memory foam mattresses, you could have a harder time finding a firm, let alone an extra firm bed. This is due to the natural properties of the material.

On the other hand, innerspring and latex materials are generally more responsive, and they can make it easier for the mattress to be firm. They are the predominant materials for most extra-firm solutions just for that reason.

Interested in exploring further? Follow our guide for different types of mattress materials.

Good edge support allows you to feel equally supported along the perimeter, a beneficial feature for couples or anyone who wants more surface space use. Sturdy edge support also allows you to feel comfortable if you regularly sit on the side of your bed to change or put on shoes. 

The good news here is that firmer beds tend to perform well for edge support. In some cases, couples may be able to just get a bigger mattress if they need more space, but with a firmer mattress, you shouldn’t have to worry about feeling supported on the sides.

Your body weight will also be a factor in deciding whether a firmer bed is right for you. Typically, firm mattresses are recommended for the heaviest sleepers because they can help prevent them from bottoming out through the layers. Some average-weight sleepers may enjoy firm beds if they regularly lie on their stomachs or want firmer support in the back sleeping posture. 

On the flip side, lightweight individuals won’t like these beds because they’re too rigid to provide them with any pressure relief. A lightweight stomach sleeper may do okay on a medium-firm bed, though, and they can test this out during the at-home trial period.

Temperature regulation is one of the most commonly underestimated characteristics and also one of the most important ones for many people. The airflow that your mattress allows largely determines the overall temperature of the unit.

The last thing you’d want is to wake up sweating through the night because you’ve picked a unit that retains a substantial amount of heat. Overall, a cooler bed is attributed to better sleep and proper rest. Innerspring, hybrid, and latex mattresses sleep the coolest. However, many companies use cooling gels to mitigate heat in memory foam beds as well.

The good news for hot sleepers is that the firmer feel allows you to be more on top of the mattress as opposed to in it. As a result, this should further help with temperature control.

View Our Full Guide: Best Cooling Mattresses

Motion isolation refers to the bed’s ability to keep the movement from transferring across the bed. This is often another big concern for couples who want to avoid being disturbed by the other person’s movements. Memory foam beds containing all-foam layers usually perform best. Hybrids may have some motion transfer, but most of them have pocketed coils to manage this. Additionally, hybrid models with memory foam on top will further help with motion isolation. Innerspring and latex beds typically provide the least amount of motion isolation.

Pressure relief is the bed’s ability to alleviate discomfort in common pressure points like the hips and shoulders. Mattresses typically provide this through comfort layers and materials like memory foam and latex that are designed to cradle the sleeper to melt away pressure build-up. Because firmer beds don’t allow you to sink in as much, they may not provide as much pressure relief. However, medium-firm beds are often a great solution because they can still deliver good pressure relief.

Sagging in firmer mattresses could be a serious issue for sleepers. In certain situations, excessive sagging is caused by the low quality of the material. That’s why we recommend making no compromises if you’re going to buy a firm bed.

Old mattresses, however, may no longer have the material or structural integrity to deliver the necessary amount of support. Keep in mind that the average useful lifespan for the majority of beds will range between 7 and ten years. Of course, there are a lot of factors that might affect and alter this such as usage, body type, and maintenance.

Get More Info: 7 Signs You're Sleeping On a Bad Mattress

Your budget will also factor into your decision on which bed to get. The materials used in the mattress and whether they’re good quality will impact the price.

Innerspring beds, which are usually one of the firmness types, are also some of the cheapest to get. Latex is another style that can offer good firmness, but because it’s a more top-of-the-line material, it will cost more. This is especially true for all-natural latex beds.

Hybrids are another mattress type that can offer substantial firmness depending on the model, but these can be more expensive due to their advanced design. Firmer memory foam mattresses may be a higher investment, especially if the foam contains cooling properties too.

Something to remember, though, is that online shopping is a great way to save on premium mattresses. The direct-to-consumer sales model cuts out middle-men costs so shoppers don’t have to pay as much as they might in-store.

If you want to make your mattress firmer without investing in a whole new bed, you can get creative—and save money—by utilizing these tips and accessories.

Altering the support structure around your mattress can make a big difference in its feel. You might need a new bed frame with more slats or base materials beneath the bottom of the mattress, or you could even try laying your mattress on the floor.

If you’ve been using a box spring or a similar foundation, try replacing it. Like mattresses, these foundations can wear out and sag over time.

If your mattress started out firmer than it is now, then you may be able to regain some of its former feel. You could check its layers to see if any of them are underperforming, and potentially replace them if the bed allows for it.

You might also try airing out your mattress in an effort to rid it of absorbed moisture (and any accumulated germs).

Firm pillows could help compensate for the pressure points that sink into your current mattress. For example, if you’re a stomach sleeper and your pelvis dips too far, causing back problems, try placing a pillow under your hips to level out your spine.

Firm mattress toppers are an excellent way to adjust your bed’s feel for hundreds of dollars less than the cost of a new mattress. Toppers are usually available in standard mattress sizes to fit the dimensions of your bed. To create a harder surface, look for toppers that are listed specifically as firm.

Latex mattresses and innerspring mattresses tend to feel firmer than other types. However, any type of mattress can be constructed for standout firmness, including memory foam models. The firmest mattresses don’t have plush tops or especially soft comfort layers. Rather, they prioritize robust support materials that keep the body from sinking into the bed.

The best medium-firm mattresses provide a good balance of pressure relief and support to most sleepers. You want a bed that is soft enough to cushion the places where the body tends to develop pressure when lying down, but you also want a bed with enough support in place to keep your weight resting evenly. This blend is not the same for everyone or every sleeping position, but medium-firm tends to accommodate most sleepers in most positions.

Mattress manufacturers looking to capture the largest market for their brand aim for this firmness because it tends to be the most versatile feel across the largest population of body types.

You should also keep in mind that not every sleeper will experience a bed in the same way, and what feels medium-firm for one person might feel firmer to someone lighter than average. Likewise, someone significantly heavier might experience a medium-firm bed as softer.

A firm mattress is great for those who have back pain because it can help keep the spine in a healthy, neutral posture. Poor back posture during sleep can cause or worsen back pain, so good support is vital for this.  

The best firm mattress depends on individual preference. For some, the extra-firm types are ideal while others may feel most comfortable on a medium-firm option. You’ll also have to consider other important features the bed provides, such as materials, cooling, edge support, motion isolation, and bounce. 

The firmness of a mattress refers to how soft or hard it feels when you lie down, whereas support refers to the bed’s ability to keep your spine in optimal alignment. Firmness may be able to enhance the bed’s overall ability to keep you supported, but ultimately, these are two different performance features.