Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
While some beds offer a plush, hug-like sensation, others keep your back straight and your body lifted with a firmer feel. These firm mattresses range from hard-as-a-rock to lightly cushioned, and for some people, they’re far more comfortable than a pillowy surface.
Firm mattresses tend to be great options for back and stomach sleepers, as they help the spine stay aligned by supporting the hips and stomach. For heavier sleepers, a firm mattress can also prevent the kind of sinkage that causes discomfort, uneven support, and eventual sagging.
After testing an impressive lineup of firm beds, my team and I selected our favorites below.
What’s the Best Firm Mattress?
The Plank Firm is one of the best firm mattresses available, owing to its truly firm feel and flippable construction. You can choose between a traditional firm side and an ultra-firm, almost floor-like side. It’s a sturdy, all-foam bed that comes at an affordable price, too.
9 Best Firm Mattresses
- Plank Firm – Editor’s Pick
- Nolah Evolution – Best Firm Mattress for Couples
- Helix Dawn – Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- WinkBed – Best Firm Hybrid Mattress
- Bear Original – Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress
- Saatva Classic – Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Firm Mattress for Hot Sleepers
- Titan Plus – Best Firm Mattress for Heavy People
Our Video Review of the Best Firm Beds
Compare the Best Firm Mattresses
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| Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Helix Dawn Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Saatva Classic | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Firm: 8/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Couples | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Couples | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors |
How We Test the Best Firm Mattresses
Because firmness is a subjective metric, we have multiple testers with different body types try each bed and report their findings.
I’m an average-weight person (between 130 and 230 pounds), but I reviewed these beds alongside a lightweight person (Loren) and a plus-size person (Spencer).
Heavier people often experience beds as softer than lighter people, so we take everyone’s notes into account when averaging a bed’s firmness level and assigning it a number on a scale from 1 to 10. Lower numbers signify a very soft bed, while higher numbers mean it’s quite firm.
We assess the firmness of each bed by lying on top of it, but our testing doesn’t end there. We also give the bed scores in performance categories such as support, pressure relief, motion isolation, and cooling.
For this roundup, we focused specifically on the aspects that signal a quality firm mattress: an above-average firmness score and even support, balanced with enough pressure relief for comfort.
What We Want to See in a Firm Mattress
Above-Average Firmness Level
On our firmness scale, a rating of 5 to 7 is medium-firm, and anything above that is truly firm. All of the beds below are a 7 or greater on this scale. That means they range from firm to ultra-firm, with enough variation to suit a variety of preferences.
Solid Support and Even Weight Distribution
This may surprise you, but support is a separate consideration from firmness. It refers to how evenly “lifted” and aligned your body is on the bed. If your mattress doesn’t hold your spine relatively straight with reliable support, it puts you at risk for back pain and discomfort.
Every mattress on this list received a 4.5 out of 5 or higher in the support category. In fact, only one bed—the memory foam one—got a 4.5 instead of a perfect 5.
Enough Pressure Relief for Comfort
Even if you prefer a brick-like mattress, you’ll still need some amount of pressure relief from its materials to guard against soreness and strain. We only selected beds with a pressure relief score of 3.5 out of 5 or higher to ensure that they balance their firmness with some (subtle!) cushioning.
Top 9 Firm Mattresses, Reviewed
Plank Firm – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: We’re constantly calling this mattress one of the firmest in the online market, and if you don’t believe us, try it for yourself! It offers both a classic firm and extra-firm feel in its flippable design, alongside posture-aligning support. Bonus points for good marks in performance for cooling, bounce, and couples.
| Firmness | 7 to 8.5 out of 10 (Dual-Sided) |
| Support | 5 out of 5 |
| Pressure Relief | 3.5 out of 5 |
How Firm Does It Feel?
This bed lives up to its name by being one of the firmest mattresses available today. It takes inspiration from the flat, pragmatic sleeping surfaces used in certain parts of Asia, and for my money, it really does feel like a combination of a standard American mattress and a shikibuton (a fold-up floor mattress traditionally used in Japan).
Important note: there are two usable sides to this mattress. One side is firm, the other is ultra-firm.
During testing, my fellow reviewers and I unanimously found the ultra-firm side to be too floor-like for comfort. Props to Plank for following through on their promises!
The firm side, on the other hand, was awesome for spinal alignment across the board. It achieves a rare balance in terms of feel: enough firmness for sturdy support, plus some very light cradling from the quilted top.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“Somehow this bed is relieving pressure, which is nutty since it’s so firm. To be clear though, it may not be comfortable for everyone.”
Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
What Makes It So Firm?
The key ingredient inside the Plank Firm is its 6-inch high-density foam core. This big slab of foam makes up the majority of the bed, and is far more unyielding than most mattress foams.
Instead of sinking in when you lay down, it stays sturdy and flat. The “firm” side gets its extra cushioning mostly from the additional layer of TitanFlex™ foam between its cover and this thick core.
What Else Is Inside the Plank Firm?
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with firm and ultra-firm sides. It’s 9.5 inches thick and has four total layers.
- Layer 1 – Quilted Top (Ultra-Firm Side). The ultra-firm side increases its buoying properties with less loft to its quilted top.
- Layer 2 – Foam Core. The middle of the bed features a 6-inch high-density foam core that should satisfy sleepers who want a durable, anti-sink surface.
- Layer 3 – TitanFlex™ Foam. Two inches of TitanFlex™ comfort foam lend springiness and slight cushion to the “firm” side of the bed.
- Layer 4 – Quilted Top (Firm Side). On the other side, due to its tack-and-jump stitching, the quilted top layer has slightly more loft.
To augment the Plank, you can choose to add a GlacioTex™ cooling cover to both sides. The cover’s fabric contains fibers that help to absorb and disperse excess body heat.
Customer Reviews of the Plank Firm
On Plank’s website, the Plank Firm gets 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm mattress for its exceptional firmness, but some have found it to be too rigid for their comfort preferences.
Want to know more about the Plank? Read our comprehensive Plank Firm mattress review.
Want to see our absolute favorite beds? Browse the best mattresses of 2024.
Nolah Evolution – Best Firm Mattress for Couples
The Advisor Says: The Nolah Evolution is a team favorite with a highly competitive score spread—our testers gave it at least a 4 out of 5 in every single performance category. It’s definitely a luxury mattress, with the height (and price) to match.
| Firmness | Multiple Firmness Options |
| Support | 5 out of 5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4 out of 5 |
How Firm Does It Feel?
The Nolah Evolution has a real hotel mattress feel: cozy plushness at the very top, but with strong, consistent support underneath. It’s available in three firmness levels, and those who prize lift over plushness should order the Firm variant. We tested the Luxury Firm and clocked it at a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, so the Firm should be firm indeed.
Helix Dawn – Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Advisor Says: Helix’s firmest mattress certainly lives up to the hype. We recommend this bed to firm mattress fans (stomach or back sleepers, we’re looking at you) who are looking for a bed that prioritizes support.
| Firmness | 7.5 to 8 out of 10 |
| Support | 5 out of 5 |
| Pressure Relief | 3.5 out of 5 |
How Firm Does It Feel?
If you sleep on your stomach (like me), you’ll need a mattress that keeps your hips boosted and in alignment with the rest of your body. The Dawn’s coils and firmer foams really do deliver on this front. They make the mattress feel very uplifting and buoyant, with little to no sinking.
We gave it a 7.5 to 8 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which makes it one of the firmer beds in this lineup.
WinkBed – Best Firm Hybrid Mattress
The Advisor Says: Our testers often compare the WinkBed to a luxury hotel mattress, which is no surprise given its handcrafted touches and elegant hybrid design. It’s also one of the most customizable beds out there, with a firmness level for every body type.
| Firmness | Multiple Firmness Options |
| Support | 5 out of 5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4 out of 5 |
How Firm Does It Feel?
We tested the Luxury Firm version of the WinkBed, and found it to be pleasantly cushiony on the surface with a standout support system beneath. It encouraged very consistent spinal alignment from all three testers, and we agreed that its hybrid design reminded us of a luxury hotel bed.
The Firm model should be similar, but with even more lift and less sink from the pillow top. To be precise, WinkBeds told me that the Firm bed is about 15% to 20% firmer overall, and we imagine it would be a 7 or 8 on our firmness scale.
There’s also a Plus version of the WinkBed designed for plus-size sleepers. We’ve tested that bed, too, but we think the Firm WinkBed may actually feel firmer—the Plus came in at around a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which is squarely medium-firm.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“The zoned support really pops off here. There’s great weight distribution and alignment.”
Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
What Makes It So Firm?
There are two construction elements that give the Firm WinkBed its feel: the pillow top and the lumbar support pad.
Although both the Luxury Firm and Firm models have a 2-inch pillow top, the one in the Firm bed boasts a more supportive foam inside it. Additionally, the strip of foam positioned beneath the lumbar spine is denser in this model, resulting in a more solid, uplifted feel for your lower back.
What Else Is Inside the WinkBed?
The WinkBed is 13.5 inches tall and available in four firmnesses: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus.
- Tencel™ Cover – A soft, breathable cover made of fabric derived from wood pulp.
- Euro Pillow Top – Outfitted with “hypersoft” foam, the firmness of this pillow top actually changes depending on the model of WinkBed you select.
- Additional Foam Layers – Between the upper comfort layers and the spring unit, you’ll find the WinkBed’s LumbarLayer™ and other foams that offer both cushion and support.
- Zoned Coils – The individually wrapped springs are split into zones that correspond to different parts of the body. The zones compress more easily where you’d want some give, and push back more where you’d want resistance (such as beneath the lower back).
Customer Reviews of the WinkBed
On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed has over 8,500 reviews and a score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. One drawback of the WinkBed mattress is that it might be too expensive for budget-conscious shoppers, but overall it offers excellent durability and customizable firmness options.
Intrigued by this bed? Read more in our full WinkBed review.
Shopping for a hybrid? Get to know the best hybrid beds on the market.
Bear Original – Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress
The Advisor Says: With a name that inspires hibernation, it’s no surprise we found the Bear Original to be an attractive all-foam mattress at its fair price. It’s got a firmer feel that’s sure to please folks looking for support—and a surprising amount of bounce.
| Firmness | 7 out of 10 |
| Support | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4.5 out of 5 |
How Firm Does It Feel?
For a foam bed, the Bear Original feels firmer than you’d expect. It kept all three testers well-aligned without a lot of sinkage, and I was surprised by how strong and supportive it was, given its 10-inch profile.
At the same time, we still experienced some of the benefits that set all-foam mattresses apart from their hybrid competitors. Loren, our lightweight tester, commented that she felt the foam contouring comfortably to her back, “which doesn’t happen often.”
Testing Studio Soundbite
“You stay elevated on the bed—there’s basically no sink. It has great support and alignment for foam.”
Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
What Makes It So Firm?
The initial layer of cooling gel memory foam inside the Bear Original doesn’t have much sink and plushness to it.
Instead, it’s designed for even, spine-aligning support, proving that memory foam can be quite firm if it has the right structure and density.
What Else Is Inside the Bear Original?
With four discrete layers, the Bear Original mattress is 10 inches thick.
- Layer 1 – Tencel™ or Celliant®-Infused Cover. You have two options for the cover: the standard breathable Tencel™ cover that feels soft to the touch, or the swanky Celliant®-infused cover for an additional fee. Celliant® is a unique fiber that is said to boost the rejuvenation of strained muscles by transforming body heat into infrared energy.
- Layer 2 – Cooling Gel Memory Foam. A layer of gel memory foam encourages cooling and proper alignment of the spine.
- Layer 3 – Bear Dynamic Foam. This foam delivers deep pressure relief.
- Layer 4 – High-Density Support Foam. A thick foam base.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Original
According to over 10,000 reviews on Bear’s website, the Bear Original scores about 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Bear Original mattress for its excellent pressure relief but have reported that its edge support may be lacking, which could affect those who like to spread out.
Want more info? Check out our in-depth Bear Original mattress review.
Love the hug-like feel of foam? Peruse the top memory foam mattresses.
Saatva Classic – Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain
The Advisor Says: The Saatva Classic is the gold standard for lower-back support, strong edges, and customizable luxury. It’s not the softest or most motion-isolating bed out there, but it’s a dependable, bouncy hybrid that consistently impresses our testers with its two coil units.
| Firmness | Multiple Firmness Options |
| Support | 5 out of 5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4 out of 5 |
How Firm Does It Feel?
I’ve tested the Luxury Firm version of the Classic, and it felt decently firm—a 7 out of 10 on our scale.
One of our editors owns the Firm version, and she says that it’s ideal for anyone who likes to feel “boosted up” atop their mattress, especially around the lower back. It still retains enough cushion to feel very comfortable, but lacks sinkage.
That’s good news for people with back pain, who need a bed that keeps their spine straight and level.
The Saatva Classic’s construction is extremely mindful of spinal alignment: both its Euro pillow top and the strip of memory foam underneath provide additional support in the middle of the mattress, specifically targeting the lumbar region.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“My midsection feels perfectly lifted on my back and on my stomach as well.”
Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
What Makes It So Firm?
The key element for firmness in the Saatva Classic is its Euro top. In the Plush Soft model, this top layer has very soft foam inside it. In the Luxury Firm and Firm models, however, the foam becomes progressively more supportive and less prone to sinkage. Unsurprisingly, the Firm model has the firmest foam up top.
What Else Is Inside the Saatva Classic?
Saatva offers this mattress in multiple sizes, two heights (11.5 and 14.5 inches), and three firmness levels (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm), so it’s easy to find one that suits you.
- Euro Pillow Top. This three-inch Euro top has an organic cotton cover with specialized quilting in the center for back support.
- Memory Foam Lumbar Crown. A crest of memory foam called a lumbar crown contours to the lower back for balanced lift and pressure relief.
- First Innerspring Unit. Pocketed coils make up the first innerspring layer, stronger in the center to better support the lumbar spine.
- Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire. Within the two innerspring units is a strong wire that promotes proper alignment.
- Second Innerspring Unit. A traditional interconnected innerspring layer adds extra airflow and durability to the mattress.
- High-Density Foam Rails. Lining the perimeter, foam rails keep the edges from sagging while bearing your weight.
Customer Reviews of the Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic rates 4.8 stars out of 5 on Saatva’s website. One negative aspect customers found with the Saatva Classic mattress is that it may feel too firm for some users, while a notable advantage is its high-quality materials, providing durability and support.
Want to know more about this bed? Read our full Saatva Classic review.
Does your back hurt at night? Browse the best mattresses for back pain.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief
The Advisor Says: For shoppers on a budget, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is one of the top hybrids we recommend. It’s simultaneously soft and bouncy, with three firmness options and decent cooling power.
| Firmness | Multiple Firmness Options |
| Support | 5 out of 5 |
| Pressure Relief | 5 out of 5 |
How Firm Does It Feel?
Having tested the “Medium” version of this bed, I think people who prefer firm mattresses will definitely want to order the “Firm” model. The Medium felt almost soft, though its support layers held my spine in perfect alignment. The Firm should feel decidedly more flat and less hug-like while preserving the bed’s overall pressure relief.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Firm Mattress for Hot Sleepers
The Advisor Says: This is a memorably bouncy and supportive hybrid with state-of-the-art cooling elements. It had a delightful balance of cushion and lift for back and stomach sleeping in particular.
| Firmness | Multiple Firmness Options |
| Support | 5 out of 5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4 out of 5 |
How Firm Does It Feel?
I gave the Medium version of the Bear Elite Hybrid a 6 out of 10, but luckily, this bed comes in a Firm model as well, and that should hit a 7 or 8 on our scale. Even on the Medium, I felt totally buoyed and supported by the bed—as did my fellow testers.
Spencer, our heavyweight tester, was satisfied in every single sleeping position. Loren, our lightweight tester, felt a bit of shoulder pressure when trying the bed on her side.
But in the end, all of us agreed: this bed mixes comfort with full-body support in a really appealing balance.
It’s also liable to stay quite cool throughout the night. When we tested it with our temperature gun, we saw its temperature increase by 10 degrees after we lay on the bed for 10 minutes.
That’s less of a temperature increase than average, illustrating the cooling power of the hybrid’s state-of-the-art cover, copper-infused foam, and airflow between the coils.
Testing Studio Soundbite
“On my back, I’m completely aloft, with the lightest amount of sink around the hips. It’s so buoyant and cloudlike, I love it.”
Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
What Makes It So Firm?
The layer that changes its feel between models is the copper-infused memory foam. In the Firm version, this foam feels especially supportive and flat rather than plush. The copper inside of it also assists with cooling.
What Else Is Inside the Bear Elite Hybrid?
The Bear Elite Hybrid has five layers if you count its top cover. You can order it in a Firm, Medium, or Soft Feel.
- Layer 1 – Cover. Phase change material (PCM) in this top layer helps to absorb and redirect unwanted heat. For an extra fee, you can also add Celliant® fibers that may encourage muscle recovery after an active day.
- Layer 2 – Copper-Infused Memory Foam. A contouring, supportive foam that benefits from the cooling and antimicrobial properties of copper.
- Layer 3 – Dynamic Transition Foam. A responsive transitional layer between the comfort foam above it and the springs below it.
- Layer 4 – Coils. A zoned spring unit provides enhanced support beneath the lower back and along the edges of the bed.
- Layer 5 – High-Density Support Foam. A strong foam foundation.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Elite Hybrid
According to Bear’s website, the Bear Elite scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Some customers find the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress too firm for their liking, but it receives praise in its reviews for its advanced cooling technology and pressure relief.
Want to get a closer look? Read our fill Bear Elite Hybrid review.
Overheating at night? Check out the best cooling mattresses.
Titan Plus – Best Firm Mattress for Heavy People
The Advisor Says: Brooklyn Bedding created the Titan Plus to cater to heavier shoppers looking for a bed that truly met their needs, and we believe they’ve delivered. Consider buying the Titan Plus if you’re looking for a comfortably supportive mattress with added benefits like cooling and bounce.
| Firmness | 7.5 out of 10 |
| Support | 5 out of 5 |
| Pressure Relief | 4 out of 5 |
How Firm Does It Feel?
Heavier sleepers often need firmer beds to prevent sinkage and keep their spines in good alignment. Not only does the Titan Plus feature a firmer feel, but the mattress is specially designed for larger sleepers.
What Makes a Mattress Firm?
A firm mattress is built with denser, more rigid layers designed to prevent the sleeper from sagging into the bed. These layers should still consist of high-quality materials (typically foams on top of an innerspring support unit).
Some mattresses are available in multiple firmness levels. When this is the case, the difference between each model usually comes down to a firmer-feeling foam or foams in the upper portion of the bed.
Who Should Sleep On a Firm Mattress?
Heavier Sleepers
Plus-size sleepers may sink too deeply and unevenly into a soft mattress, compromising their spinal alignment. A firm bed can counteract this problem, keeping heavier bodies elevated and spines straight with robust foams and springs.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers benefit most from a flatter, firmer surface that encourages neutral spinal alignment. A soft bed can cause some parts of the body to dip lower than others, whereas a firm one promotes straight spines and even weight distrubition.
Stomach Sleepers
More than any other type of sleeper, stomach sleepers (like me!) need a firm, supportive bed. Without one, their hips—the area where the most pressure is concentrated—will sink too low into the mattress, misaligning their spine and potentially causing lower back pain.
This sleeping position needs a lot of lift beneath the lumbar region, and a bracing feel that prevents uncomfortable sagging.
Who Shouldn’t Sleep On a Firm Mattress?
Lightweight Sleepers
If you’re more petite, then firm mattresses will feel especially hard and brick-like to you. Lightweight sleepers need a softer surface that they can sink into just a bit.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers put the most pressure on their hips and shoulders, and these sharper joints need lots of cushioning to feel comfortable. A firm mattress may contribute to pressure buildup rather than pressure relief around these areas.
If you’re an exclusive side sleeper, I recommend looking at softer mattresses instead—but don’t sacrifice support, which is necessary to keep the hips and shoulders aligned.
How to Find the Best Firm Mattress For You: Other Aspects to Consider
Mattress Type
Regardless of the type of mattress you choose, you’ll be able to find a firm option. But the various types of mattresses do feel a bit different from one another, and some are more durable than the rest.
Firm Hybrid Mattresses
While traditional innerspring beds have minimal cushioning on top of their coils, hybrids boast multiple upper comfort layers of foam. Firmer hybrids will swap denser, more responsive foams in place of slow-sinking, softer ones.
Firm Memory Foam Mattresses
Although memory foam is often associated with a hugging, sinking feeling, firmer foam beds are indeed available. They won’t have the same underlying bounce or support of a coil unit, but some people prefer the advanced contouring and pressure relief they offer.
Firm Latex Mattresses
A latex mattress uses latex foam somewhere in its construction, so it can be an all-foam bed or a hybrid. Latex has a bouncier feel than synthetic foams, and many people experience it as more firm and taut than memory foam.
Firm Innerspring Mattresses
The innerspring mattress is the 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, but they aren’t very durable and may sag over time.
Pain Relief
If you’re experiencing any kind of pain, you may be interested to know how a firm mattress could help (or hurt).
Can a Firm Mattress Help with Shoulder Pain?
A firm mattress probably won’t help with shoulder pain, and may even make it worse. Because your shoulder is a “sharper” joint that needs lots of cushioning around it, firmer beds aren’t the best choice for this type of pain—especially if you sleep on your side.
Browse the best mattresses for shoulder pain to see some better options.
Can a Firm Mattress Help with Hip Pain?
A firm mattress isn’t likely to help with hip pain. If you sleep on your side, your hips need a soft, pressure-relieving surface to cradle them, and a firm mattress won’t provide that.
Take a look at the best mattresses for hip pain to learn more.
Can a Firm Mattress Help with Back Pain?
Yes, a firm mattress can help with back pain. Because firmer beds tend to encourage straight spines without uneven sinkage, they can help to combat both upper and lower back pain. The best mattresses for back pain prioritize support over softness for this reason.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to the bed’s ability to keep movement from transferring across the bed. Unfortunately, firmer beds often have poor motion isolation, because they lack the soft, sinking foams that absorb motion well.
If you’re a very light sleeper who needs a firm mattress, we recommend prioritizing the beds from our list with high motion isolation scores, such as the Titan Plus.
Best Firm Mattress FAQs
Is a firm mattress better than a soft one?
A firm mattress can have many benefits, especially for heavier people, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers. Firmer beds can help ensure these sleepers remain lifted and supported for better body alignment.
However, firmer beds aren’t for everyone. Lightweight people and side sleepers usually don’t find firm mattresses to be very comfortable, and they may even cause painful pressure buildup around sensitive joints.
What is the firmest type of mattress?
Hybrid 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.
What is a medium-firm mattress?
A medium-firm mattress provides a good balance of pressure relief and support, and falls between a 5 and 7 on our firmness scale. So, they’re not truly firm, but they’re not super soft, either.
Is a firm mattress good for back pain?
Yes, a firm mattress can be great for people with back pain, because it helps the spine to stay aligned in a healthy, neutral posture.
What is the difference between mattress firmness and support?
The firmness of a mattress refers to how soft or hard it feels when you lie down. Support refers to the bed’s ability to keep your body lifted, your weight evenly distributed, and your spine in optimal alignment.
Firmness may enhance the bed’s overall ability to keep you supported, but ultimately, these are two different performance features.
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
| Plank Firm | Editor’s Pick | $1,249 | Plank Firm Mattress Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Couples | $2,299 | Nolah Evolution Mattress Review |
| Helix Dawn | Stomach Sleepers | $1,332 | Helix Dawn Mattress Review |
| WinkBed | Hybrid | $1,799 | WinkBed Mattress Review |
| Bear Original | Memory Foam | $998 | Bear Original Mattress Review |
| Saatva Classic | Back Pain | $1,995 | Saatva Classic Mattress Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Pressure Relief | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Hot Sleepers | $2,305 | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Titan Plus | Heavy People | $1,249 | Titan Plus Mattress Review |
Julia Forbes
Lead Product Tester
About Author
Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach