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Mattress firmness is rated on a scale from 1 to 10. Although people have different needs, most like a balance between firm and soft. While soft beds allow more sinkage, they may not be as good for support. On the other hand, a mattress that’s too firm can easily create pressure points.
Medium-firm beds are popular because they can provide this balance between soft pressure relief and firm support. These models fall between a 5 and 7 on the firmness scale.
Follow along as we share the best medium-firm mattresses, why they’re so highly recommended, and everything else you need to know about when shopping for a medium-firm bed.
10 Best Medium-Firm Mattresses Reviewed
- DreamCloud Premier – Editor's Choice
- Nectar Hybrid Mattress – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Couples
- Helix Midnight – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Saatva Classic – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- Wink Beds EcoCloud – Best Medium-Firm Cooling Mattress
- Nolah Signature – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief
- Bear Mattress Original – Best Medium-Firm Memory Foam Mattress
- Leesa Sapira – Best Medium-Firm Hybrid Mattress
- Aurora Luxe – Best Mattress with Customizable Firmness
- Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt – Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
Top Medium-Firm Mattresses
Editor’s Choice
DreamCloud Premier
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Cashmere Blend Quilted Cover
- Individually-Wrapped Coils
- 365-Night Trial
- Lifetime Warranty
The DreamCloud Premier is designed to bring versatility, comfort, and support. The bed features a luxurious cashmere blend cover, memory foam, and innerspring coils, all working together. The innerspring coils are individually wrapped to move independently, allowing motion isolation and targeted support in areas you need most.
The Premier has three memory foam layers between the quilted cover and the innerspring unit. There’s also a base layer under the coils, ensuring the quality performance of the layers above. The bottom layers are wrapped in a shift-resistant cover with handles that make it easy to move the Premier.
Why did it make the list?
- This medium-firm mattress has enhanced edge support thanks to the thicker coils around the perimeter. This allows sleepers to sit and sleep near the edge without rolling off.
- The DreamCloud Premier comes in a box, so it’s easy to move from your doorstep to the bedroom. The company offers a lifetime warranty and a 365-night trial.
Want to see more? Read our complete DreamCloud Premier bed review.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Couples
Nectar Hybrid Mattress
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Quilted Cooling Cover
- Antimicrobial Protection
- Forever Warranty
- 365-Night Trial
Couples looking for versatility and comfort should consider the Nectar Hybrid Mattress as one of the best medium-firm models for those who share a bed. The hybrid combines individually-wrapped coils with gel memory foam for ultimate responsiveness, cooling, and contouring support.
The Nectar has a cooling cover woven with heat-wicking fabric. In addition, the cover is treated with an antimicrobial treatment to keep the bacteria away. Another thing couples will like is the motion isolation coming from the two memory foam layers above the individually-wrapped coils. The coils move separately, so you shouldn’t be disturbed by your partner’s tossing and turning.
Why we like it
- This Nectar hybrid has a layer of gel memory foam underneath the quilted cover. This foam is meant to cushion the body, adapt to the curves, and provide some cooling for hot sleepers.
- Although this is a hybrid, the mattress has memory foam layers that contour the body for maximum pressure relief.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Two Cooling Covers Available
- Made in the USA
- 8-Inch Steel Coils
- 100-Night Trial
Side sleepers usually struggle with pressure build-up because most weight pools across a narrow surface when sleeping like this. For this reason, side sleepers need a cushioning bed that’ll contour the curves and prevents pressure from building up on the shoulders, hips, and knees.
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid model and an excellent choice for side sleepers as it’s not too firm or soft. Instead, each layer cushions the body, relieving the pressure in sensitive areas. Plus, the 950 individually-wrapped coils provide unmatched support, so you can still enjoy other sleep positions.
What stands out?
- Helix offers two covers, so you can choose between a Breathable Soft Touch knitted cover or the GlacioTex Cooling Cover, depending on how hot you sleep.
- The Midnight has reinforced edges, so the mattress shouldn’t collapse if you sit or sleep near the edge of the bed.
Want to see more? Read our complete Helix Midnight mattress review.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Back Pain
Saatva Classic
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Innerspring Design
- 3-Inch Euro Pillow-Top
- Lumbar Zone® Quilting
- Lifetime Warranty
- 365-Night Trial
Sleepers struggling with back pain should focus on getting maximum support from their mattress. The Saatva Classic is a good choice in this case as it’s designed with the brand’s patented Lumbar Zone® Technology. The bed’s innerspring unit supports the body in all sleep positions while the rest of the layers provide cushioning comfort and pressure relief.
The Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire is in the middle of the mattress, enhancing lower back support, which is especially important for back sleepers. The bed also has two innerspring units with pocketed 13-gauge and 14.5-gauge coils for unmatched support and responsiveness.
What should you know?
- The Saatva Classic is a good choice for eco-conscious shoppers as it has an organic cotton cover, CertiPUR-US® certified foams, recycled steel coils, Guardin™ antimicrobial treatment, and a natural thistle pulp flame-retardant barrier.
- Saatva offers this mattress in multiple sizes, two heights, and three firmness levels, so it’s easy to find one that suits you.
Want to see more? Read our complete Saatva Classic review.
Best Medium-Firm Cooling Mattress
WinkBeds EcoCloud
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Handmade in the USA
- Lifetime Warranty
- Pocketed Coil Support
- Organic Cotton Cover
Hot sleepers often struggle to fall and stay asleep, especially during warmer months. One way to reduce night sweats and overheating is by sleeping on a cooling mattress like the WinkBeds EcoCloud. This is a hybrid, so it’s naturally more breathable because of the coil unit that allows maximum airflow. The bed also has Talalay latex and New Zealand wool, both of which are known to enhance cooling.
The WinkBeds EcoCloud provides targeted support and weight distribution in multiple zones. Plus, the latex adapts to your movement, making this hybrid a good option if you often change positions.
Why we picked it
- This medium-firm mattress is naturally ventilated, thanks to the construction and materials. The top layers have heat-wicking properties, which help pull heat away from your body and keep the bed’s surface cool to the touch.
- The EcoCloud is hand-made in the USA so you may notice slight variances between two same mattresses.
Want to see more? Read our complete WinkBeds EcoCloud bed review.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief
Nolah Signature
HIGHLIGHTS:
- AirFoam™
- Organic Cotton Cover
- Made in the USA
- 120-Night Trial
Pressure build-up is a serious issue that keeps many people awake at night. Even when you finally fall asleep, you're likely to wake up with pressure on the shoulders, hips, and knees. While pressure build-up can occur for multiple reasons, sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress is the most common one. The Nolah Signature is made specifically to tackle pressure build-up as it has various layers of AirFoam™ contouring your body.
The first layer of AirFoam™ is plush, so it cushions the pressure points without trapping you. The second layer of this proprietary material is firmer, further enhancing pressure relief while adding more support for a healthy sleep posture.
What are the key features?
- The brand’s proprietary AirFoam™ does an amazing job of relieving pressure but also excels in cooling. The material is temperature-neutral and doesn’t contain any heat-sensitive viscoelastic chemicals.
- This 12-inch mattress comes with a lifetime warranty and a 120-night trial.
Want to see more? Read our complete Nolah Signature mattress review.
Best Medium-Firm Memory Foam Mattress
Bear Mattress Original
HIGHLIGHTS:
- CertiPUR-US® Certified
- Organic Cotton Cover
- Made in the USA
- 120-Night Trial
Memory foam is one of the best materials for pressure relief and support. The Bear Original mattress is an all-foam model that contains memory foam at the top, providing that hugging feel without taking away from support. Although it’s made with memory foam, this bed doesn’t overheat, so it’s a good option for those who sleep hot.
The construction of the Bear Original Mattress starts with a Celliant® cover, followed by gel memory foam that further enhances cooling. Next are the transition and support foam layers, providing balanced support, pressure relief, and durability.
Why should you consider it?
- This medium-firm mattress is an excellent choice for supporting your body in all sleep positions. The foams respond to movement and adapt to your curves so that no pressure can build up in sensitive areas.
- The Bear Original mattress is GREENGUARD Gold certified, meeting rigorous chemical exposure and pollutants standards.
Want to see more? Read our complete Bear Mattress Original review.
Best Medium-Firm Hybrid Mattress
Leesa Sapira
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Made in the USA
- 100-Night Trial
- 10-Year Warranty
- CertiPUR-US® Certification
If you’re after a medium-firm hybrid with contouring foams and pocketed coils, you may want to check the Leesa Sapira. This award-winning hybrid has CertiPUR-US® foams and up to 1,000 pocketed coils, delivering support, cushioning, and everlasting comfort.
The top layer is made from hole-punched foam to allow the air to pass through, preventing the foam layers from overheating. Plus, the bed has a breathable cover that ensures no heat is trapped around your body. The combination of foams and pocketed coils eliminate motion transfer, while the reinforced perimeter enhances edge support, allowing you to use the entire surface of the bed.
What’s worth noting?
- The Leesa Sapira offers pressure relief, responsiveness, and bounce thanks to its memory foam and coil construction. The mattress has a 10-year warranty and is designed to last a long time.
- This hybrid is made-to-order in the USA. The company assembles and compresses the Sapira before shipping it to you in a box.
Want to see more? Read our complete Leesa Sapira review.
Best Mattress with Customizable Firmness
Aurora Luxe
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Ascension® Coils
- GlacioTex Cooling Cover
- CopperFlex™ Foam
- 10-Year Warranty
The Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress by Brooklyn Bedding and is available in three firmness levels. The medium firmness is the golden middle between a soft and firm feel.
The Aurora Luxe has an 8-inch coil unit with 1,032 individually-wrapped Ascension® coils. In addition, the mattress has a layer of CopperFlex™ treated with phase-change treatment to help draw body heat away from the surface of the bed. Copper is known to help with cooling, but it also has antimicrobial properties helping the mattress stay fresh. The bed’s 2-inch hyper-elastic memory foam provides contouring and responsiveness, adjusting to pressure and movement.
What stands out about it?
- The Aurora Luxe comes with a 120-night trial, giving customers enough time to test if this medium-firm mattress fits their needs. In addition, Brooklyn Bedding offers free shipping, even on returns and exchanges.
- This hybrid is shipped in a box, making it easy to move it from your front door to the bedroom.
Want to see more? Read our complete Aurora Luxe mattress review.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Tempur® Material
- 90-Night Trial
- 10-Year Warranty
- Cool-to-the-Touch Cover
Back sleepers need a supportive mattress that doesn’t allow the hips to sink into the layers. This is important in ensuring proper spine alignment and healthy sleep posture so you don’t wake up with an aching back. The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Adapt mattress features proprietary materials originally developed by NASA, so it’s sure to deliver both support and pressure relief.
The Tempur® material has a cellular structure that adapts and responds to your shape, weight, and temperature. As a result, it should provide personalized comfort suitable for back sleepers who share a bed. The foam layers absorb motion, so it is unlikely partners with different sleep habits would wake each other up.
Why we like it
- The TEMPUR-Adapt is an all-foam mattress, but a hybrid version is also available. Both models offer excellent pressure relief and support, although the all-foam version is better at motion isolation.
- Tempur-Pedic offers a 90-night trial, a 10-year warranty, and optional White-Glove delivery with this mattress.
Medium Firm Mattress Buyer's Guide
Medium-firm mattresses are great for their balance of support and pressure relief. Although many models are available, buying one takes a bit of thought. In most cases, it’s not enough to pick any medium-firm mattress since other factors play equally significant roles in the overall comfort and quality.
What Is a Medium Firm Mattress?
A medium-firm mattress is considered a bed that’s rated between a 5 and 7 on a firmness scale. As such, these beds can provide both softness and support and are suitable for the majority of sleepers.
While the firmness of these beds is similar, the construction among them varies. Medium-firm beds can include hybrids, innerspring mattresses, memory foam beds, and latex models.
Medium-firm mattresses are the most common option, but they’re not for everyone. For this reason, it’s always best to consider your weight and sleep position to determine if a medium feel is right for you.
Types of Medium Firm Mattresses
There are several types of medium-firm mattresses for you to choose from, each with their unique set of pros and cons.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are highly popular among people looking for support, bounce, and breathability. These offer a blend of contouring foam and steel coils. The foam is typically included in the top layers, whereas the coils are towards the bottom. Medium-firm hybrid mattresses have a sturdy coil unit and multiple foam layers working together to bring pressure relief and support for sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Hybrids are also breezy and less likely to overheat, thanks to the coil unit that fosters airflow.

Foam
Foam mattresses have a few layers made from memory foam or polyfoam, though some models may include both. These beds have a high-density foam core that supports the upper layers and ensures durability. The top layers are typically softer to contour the body for pressure relief. Medium-firm memory foam mattresses can be better at pressure relief than certain hybrids and innerspring models, but they may be too hot unless they feature cooling technologies and materials. Nevertheless, they’re ideal for most sleepers, although heavyweight sleepers may want a bed with more pushback support.

Latex
Latex mattresses are a good choice for eco-conscious shoppers. Latex is a responsive material harvested from the sap of rubber trees. This unique material is known for its moderate contouring properties, so a medium-firm latex bed would be good for back and stomach sleepers. In addition, these beds should provide much-needed support for the hips, preventing them from sinking into the mattress. Another great characteristic of latex beds is their durability, so while they may cost more upfront, they should last you longer.

Innerspring
Innerspring beds are similar to hybrids in that they have spring coils. However, innerspring models don’t have thicker comfort layers like hybrids do. Instead, they have a thin foam layer on top of the coil unit. In some cases, the coils are individually wrapped, while others are interconnected. The performance of an innerspring mattress depends on the coil unit. For this reason, these sometimes lack motion isolation, but they’re airy and suitable for hot sleepers. Innerspring beds are also a great budget-friendly option compared to hybrid or latex models.

Who Should Sleep on a Medium Firm Mattress?
Medium-firm mattresses are versatile and should fit most sleepers. However, certain sleepers may need a softer or firmer bed depending on their body type and sleep position. For example, a lightweight sleeper may not find comfort in the same mattress as a heavier person and vice versa.
Back Sleepers

Medium-firm mattresses are excellent for back sleepers as they provide sufficient support to keep the spine aligned. Sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds should find these particularly comfortable, getting gentle contouring for pressure relief and support for a healthy sleep posture.
For More Information: Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers
Back Pain Sufferers
Those who struggle with back pain should focus on finding a bed that supports the spine, ensuring it’s always in proper alignment. A medium-firm mattress can help with pain relief by keeping the hips from collapsing into the bed as this could throw the spine out of alignment and cause you to wake up with an aching back. A medium-firm mattress gives a balance of support and contouring to relieve back pain without causing pressure build-up in other sensitive areas.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers need an equally supportive bed that supports the hips. Softer mattresses allow the hips to sink too much, which causes the lower back to hyperextend, eventually leading to back pain. A medium-firm bed is a golden middle between too firm and soft, supporting the hips while cushioning the rest of your body. However, some heavier stomach sleepers may feel better supported with firm beds since their weight will cause more compression into the layers.
Read More: Best Mattresses for Stomach Sleepers
Plus Size Sleepers

Heavier folks usually prefer sleeping on firmer mattresses due to the support they provide. Medium-firm beds can typically support sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. One thing to keep in mind is that a heavier sleeper may find such mattresses softer than sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. Significantly heavier side sleepers may like a medium-firm mattress, but back and stomach sleepers weighing over 230 pounds will likely opt for a firmer one.
Learn More: Top-Rated Mattresses for Heavy People
What to Consider When Buying Medium Firm Mattress
Although most people focus on the firmness of a mattress, other factors are equally important when considering overall comfort and quality.
Material
Although all medium-firm mattresses should feel the same, the materials they’re made from can make a difference. In other words, a memory foam bed won’t feel the same as an innerspring, even though they’re both medium-firm. In addition, materials can impact how warm or cool the bed’s surface is. Therefore, you should carefully inspect the construction, checking each material to ensure it fits your needs, especially if you’re looking for an eco-friendly or hypoallergenic bed.
Firmness
Firmness describes how hard or soft the bed feels when you lie on it. Medium-firm is the most versatile feel, and these mattresses fall between a 5 and 7 on our firmness scale, so they’re neither soft nor firm. These beds are suitable for most sleepers, though some lightweight and plus-size sleepers may prefer other firmness options. Still, it’s important to remember that firmness is subjective and two medium-firm beds may not feel completely the same, depending on their comfort layers or lack thereof.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how well the bed prevents motion from transferring from one side of the mattress to the other. This feature is helpful for couples and everyone else sharing a bed. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses are usually better at motion isolation than latex and innerspring beds. Memory foam is excellent at absorbing motion while the use of pocketed coils and foams in hybrids helps reduce motion transfer.
Cooling
If you or your partner sleep hots, then a great cooling bed is going to be important. Memory foam beds are known to overheat, but manufacturers now use gel and copper infusions to cool the material and make these more suitable for hot sleepers. Latex is more cooling as it’s naturally more breathable. Hybrids and innerspring models are also good for hot sleepers because the coil units provide sufficient airflow to keep the other layers cool. Many models also have unique covers that remain cool to the touch.
Read More: Best Cooling Mattresses
Edge Support
Edge support is important for couples and single individuals who like to spread across their mattresses. Without edge support, you’d likely feel like rolling off the mattress if you sit or sleep near the edge. Hybrid mattresses have the best edge support thanks to the coils that often go from one side of the bed to the other. Some even have a reinforced perimeter with thicker gauge coils that prevent the edges from collapsing.
Pressure Relief
Pressure build-up is a common issue many sleepers struggle with, although folks who sleep on their side usually struggle the most. The best way to achieve relief is to choose a bed with contouring and cushioning layers that allow a gentle hug. This way, sensitive points like the shoulders, hips, and knees are more “in” the bed than “on” it. Memory foam and latex beds are excellent at pressure relief but so are hybrids with foam and latex comfort layers.
Price
Medium-firm mattresses are available at different prices, but the firmness rarely affects the overall cost. You’ll notice this by checking different firmness options of the same bed. The price usually depends on the size, materials, unique features (like cooling), height, and brand quality. Although you should have a pre-set budget, try not to let the price be the only deciding factor when buying a medium-firm mattress.
Warranty
All reputable brands will include a warranty with their product. However, warranties vary, so you’ll come across different deals depending on the brand you’re looking at. Some companies offer a 1-year long warranty, while others go as far as providing a lifetime warranty. Although most companies cover the same things, the length of a warranty can make a difference. The longest-lasting deals often indicate how confident a brand is in its product, quality of materials, and craftsmanship.
Sleep Trial
Sometimes it’s hard to decide if a mattress is good for you without trying it out. Brands have recognized this problem, which is why they include a sleep trial during which you can use the mattress without commitment. If you decide you don’t like it, the company will take it back before the pre-determined sleep trial ends and will refund your money. The trial can last anywhere between 30 and 365 nights.
How to Make Your Bed More Comfortable
Did you know you can adjust how your mattress feels? There are ways to make it more comfortable and suitable for your sleep habits and preferences.
Pillows
A quality pillow can support your head and neck, keeping the spine aligned and allowing a healthy sleep posture. Side and back sleepers should look for a medium or high loft pillow, and stomach sleepers will need a lower loft to prevent the neck from resting at an uncomfortable angle. Therefore, it’s best to consider your preferred sleeping position before picking a pillow to compliment your medium-firm mattress.
Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers are meant to adjust the feel and firmness of a bed. This means you can turn your soft mattress into a firmer one and vice versa. Toppers come in a range of firmness levels and heights, so they can make your mattress taller. Most toppers are between two and four inches thick. A topper sits above your mattress under the fitted sheet. Most models are made from foam, fiberfill, latex, and down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a medium-firm mattress is right for me?
You should first consider your sleep position and weight. Medium-firm beds are typically the best for back sleepers, although some side and stomach sleepers may also like them depending on their body weight. Luckily, most brands offer a sleep trial for customers to see if the mattress is right for them.
Is a medium-firm mattress good for your back?
A medium-firm mattress should be good for your back, especially if back sleeping is your preferred position. These beds provide sufficient support and gentle contouring to fill the gap between your lower back and the mattress. Some models are even specifically made for reducing back pain.
What is the difference between firm and medium firm mattresses?
The difference between firm and medium-firm mattresses is in how they feel and their rating. Firm beds are noticeably more rigid and have firmness ratings above 7. Firm mattresses often have minimal contouring pressure relief but excellent support, particularly for heavier bodies.
Is a medium-firm mattress good for side sleepers?
Whether a medium-firm mattress is good for side sleepers depends on the person. Some side sleepers love soft beds that let them sink into the first layer. Others prefer to sleep “on” the bed instead of “in” it but still like a bit of contouring to prevent pressure build-up. Plus, lightweight and heavier side sleepers won’t get the same feel from the same firmness level. This means your body weight is crucial in deciding if a medium-firm mattress is good for side sleeping.
For more information, check our guide on best mattresses for side sleepers.

Olivera Janckin
Olivera is a content writer for Sleep Advisor and is enthusiastic about sleep. She firmly believes in the benefits of daytime naps on top of getting a full 8-hour sleep at night.
She started writing in 2016 and never looked back. What she appreciates the most is her flexible working hours and the ability to work with people worldwide.
In her free time, Olivera enjoys reading Spanish literature, taking pilates classes, and trying out new cocktails with friends.