Written by Natalie Grigson, Fortune Recommends Writer
While studies show most sleepers do best on a medium-firm mattress (1), you might sleep better on a firm bed depending on your sleep position and mattress type preference. For example, sleepers who weigh more and need extra support, those who prefer sleeping on their stomachs, and some back sleepers who just love a firmer feeling all might love a firm mattress—though new research shows that those with lower back pain should avoid firm mattresses. (2, 5)
Whatever your reason, if you sleep better on a firm bed, this is the list for you. Our team has tested over 60 of the best mattresses in categories like firmness, support, comfort, pressure relief, and more to narrow it down to this list of the best 10 firm mattresses. Our favorite? The Plank Mattress Firm.
Best mattress firm mattress overall
We chose the Plank Firm Mattress as our best overall pick. This all-foam mattress is flippable with two firmness options, making it a great pick for back and stomach sleepers who love an extra-firm bed.
Our picks for the best firm mattresses
- Best overall: Plank Firm
- Best medium firm: Helix Dawn
- Best extra firm: WinkBeds The WinkBed Firm
- Best memory foam: Nectar Original Memory Foam
- Best for back pain: Saatva Classic
- Best hybrid: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Firm
- Best queen: Bear Original
- Best for side sleepers: Nolah Evolution
- Best mattress in a box: Titan Plus
- Best organic: Birch Natural
Compare firm mattresses
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| Plank Firm | Helix Dawn | WinkBeds The WinkBed Firm | Nectar Original Memory Foam | Saatva Classic | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Firm | Bear Original | Nolah Evolution | Titan Plus | Birch Natural | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Best for (superlative) | Overall | Medium firm | Extra firm | Memory foam | Back pain | Hybrid | Queen | Side sleepers | Mattress in a box | Organic |
| Price | $1,332 | $1,373.80 | $1,799 | $1,099 | $2,095 | $1,865 | $998 | $2,499 | $1,249 | $1,873.80 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Foam | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and foam) | Hybrid (coils and latex foam) |
| Trial period | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights (optional) | 120 nights | 100 nights |
Best overall firm mattress: Plank Firm
Key product features
What you should know
Our sleep experts found that the Plank Firm mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is the best overall firm mattress, considering that it’s versatile and flippable and does an excellent job keeping the hips elevated and spine aligned.
- The Plank Firm is the only flippable mattress on this list, with two firmness levels.
- Our testers rated one side’s firmness at a 7.5 out of 10 and the other at an 8.5 out of 10.
- This bed will be best for stomach and back sleepers.
- Both sides of this mattress are likely too firm for side sleepers.
- For an additional $150, you can upgrade to include the GlacioTex™ cooling cover.
Why we like Plank Mattress Firm as best overall
The Plank Firm describes itself as the firmest all-foam mattress on the market—and after testing it out, we can see why. This mattress is an excellent choice for those lying on the floor and thinking, “This feels comfortable.”
On its firmer side, our reviewers rated this bed’s firmness at an 8.5 out 10, describing it as “very, very firm.” They added that this side “offers no body sinkage” but that the body stays “lifted and supported—great for keeping the spine aligned.”
On its other side, they rated it a 7.5 out of 10, noting that this side includes a plusher cover along with Brooklyn Bedding’s proprietary TitanFlex™ foam. Both these features give this side a little more cushioning. Even so, both sides seem best suited for back or stomach sleepers and should keep the hips and back well supported in these positions, but not so great for side sleepers.
In 2022, the American Chiropractic Association™ (ACA) concluded that this mattress’s firm support can reduce spinal stress, improve lumbar support, and alleviate back pain. (3)
However, this mattress won’t be a good fit for everyone. It will likely be too firm for side sleepers and some lightweight sleepers, and it may not have the motion isolation some couples would prefer. When our testers moved around on the bed, they found it was easy to switch positions, but they could feel their bed partner’s movements.
It also isn’t especially cooling. However, you can add the GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover for an additional $150.
To learn more about this brand, check out our full Plank mattress review.
What customers are saying
On Amazon, when we sort specifically for reviews of the all-foam Plank Firm, they’re mostly positive. However, getting an overall rating is impossible because reviews for all Plank Firm models (including the hybrid Luxe) are mixed together on Amazon.
Here’s what people are saying:
“The price was quite reasonable, so I thought I’d try it, and I am so glad that I did. I have had it for one month now, and it is perfect. This is one dang firm mattress! It might be too firm for some, but for me, it is just right.”
MPB, verified Amazon customer
“It has been 3.5 years since [buying] this mattress, and I still love it and highly recommend it. [It] does not sink and we are very happy with this purchase.” – Verified Amazon Buyer, Ash Atul
Several who didn’t love this mattress complained of the return process. For example, verified Amazon buyer “Jyo” warned, “If you have to return this item for any reason then it is very difficult as you will have to drop it off at the location on your own. It is a very heavy mattress to do so on your own.”
Specs
| Price | $1,332 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best medium firm mattress: Helix Dawn
Key product features
What you should know
The Helix Dawn is considered to be firm compared to other Helix models but compared to some of the extremely firm beds on this list, this one is more contouring. This is why our experts chose it as the best medium-firm mattress.
- The Helix Dawn feels like a 7.5 out of 10 regarding firmness.
- This level of firmness should work well for back, stomach, and heavier sleepers.
- It has a hybrid design featuring supportive coils and layers of responsive, contouring foam on top, all of which are fiber-glass-free.
- You can upgrade to the GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover for an additional $299.
- It comes in three options, from more basic to luxurious: Helix Dawn, Helix Dawn Luxe, and Helix Dawn Elite.
Why we like Helix Dawn as best medium firm
Compared to other Helix models, the Helix Dawn is considered to be the firmest—but for this list, which includes some of the firmest mattresses on the market, it’s more in the middle. Our mattress testers rated its firmness at a 7.5 out of 10, which is about the same as the Plank Firm’s softer side.
The Helix Dawn includes a base layer of Dura Dense foam, a layer of supportive innerspring coils, a layer of cradling foam (specifically designed for back and stomach sleepers), and a layer of dynamic foam on top. All of this makes for a nice, firm mattress for back and stomach sleepers who still like a bit of contouring.
Since this bed includes innerspring coils, it’s a great fit for heavyweight sleepers who need some extra support and hot sleepers. Innerspring coils allow air to more easily pass through the bed, which makes for a mattress that doesn’t trap heat.
If you happen to be going through perimenopause, taking certain medications, experiencing anxiety, or have another medical condition that is causing you night sweats, you might want to upgrade to the GlacioTex Cooling Cover for an additional $299. (4) This cover has a pillow top design and will soften the bed a bit.
The Helix Dawn is designed specifically for back and stomach sleepers, so side sleepers might prefer one of these best mattresses for side sleepers.
Visit our comprehensive Helix mattress review for more insights.
Specs
| Price | $1,373.80 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
Best extra firm mattress: WinkBeds The WinkBed Firm
Key product features
What you should know
The original WinkBed mattress is a hybrid available in several firmness options. When testing the Firmer option, our reviewers found it to be an excellent choice for those who love an extra-firm mattress.
- The Firmer option feels like an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to firmness.
- This model features WinkBed’s firmest and most supportive Euro-pillow top.
- It also includes a layer of durable innerspring coils, making this a great choice for heavyweight, back, and stomach sleepers.
- The coils provide airflow, so this mattress won’t trap heat.
- This bed is made with high-quality materials and has a lifetime warranty, so we feel it’s a great overall value.
Why we like The WinkBed Firm as best extra firm
WinkBeds has become one of the better-known names in the bed-in-a-box world due to its high-quality materials and overall excellent value.
The WinkBed comes in four different options: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus (for heavyweight sleepers). The Firmer option feels extra firm, at an 8.5 out of 10.
Our mattress testers found that this bed didn’t have much give. This is a great option for those who sleep on their stomachs and for back sleepers who prefer a very firm bed, but it likely won’t work well for side sleepers or those with joint pain. If you have joint pain, you might opt for the softer model. (5)
This bed is made from high-quality materials, including a soft Euro-pillow top with gel-infused foam, a moisture-wicking TENCEL™ cover, and individually wrapped innerspring coils.
With its quality materials, lifetime warranty, and a price tag of less than $1,800, the WinkBed is a great overall value. Plus, if you try out this model and it’s too firm, WinkBeds offers a risk-free 120-night trial, so you can exchange or return it.
Specs
| Price | $1,799 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, Plus |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best firm memory foam mattress: Nectar Original Memory Foam
Key product features
What you should know
The Nectar mattress comes in two options: memory foam or hybrid. Our reviewers tested the all-foam option and found it to be the best memory foam bed for those who love a firm mattress because of its overall value, simple design, and comfort for side sleepers.
- Out of 10, this bed is a 6 in terms of firmness.
- This makes it a great option for side and back sleepers but not so great for stomach sleepers.
- Its all-foam design gives it excellent motion isolation but also traps heat and makes it harder to change positions.
- Though its design is simple compared to some hybrids, it’s a good overall value at $1,099, with a Forever Warranty™ and a year-long trial.
Why we like Nectar Original Memory Foam as best firm memory foam
The original Nectar memory foam mattress has made a name for itself as a high-quality, all-foam bed-in-a-box. In fact, we rated it as one of the best memory foam mattresses earlier this year.
With a firmness rating of 6 out of 10, it’s more on the medium side of firm, but it’s going on this list since it’s still more supportive than some memory foam mattresses on the market. From our mattress tester: “No bells or whistles but my body did feel supported on this bed, and the foam offers a nice cushion for my joints.”
The tester also noted this bed’s excellent motion isolation—meaning when someone moves on one side of the bed, you’re less likely to feel it on the other. On the other hand, this also means this bed won’t be extremely bouncy or responsive, which might be a negative for combination sleepers or sexually active couples.
Although this all-foam bed doesn’t have “bells or whistles,” it does feature high-quality materials. These include therapeutic gel memory foam for pressure relief, transition foams to minimize motion transfer, a thick ActiveSupport base for stability, and a breathable cooling cover. All foams included are CertiPUR-US® certified.
All in all, our reviewer deemed this bed best for light- to average-weight side and back sleepers but not a great fit for heavyweight or stomach sleepers.
Check out more of the best memory foam mattresses or read our full Nectar mattress review.
What customers are saying
When we search Amazon for reviews of the Nectar memory foam mattress, the overall tone seems positive. However, we can’t get an overall star rating because Amazon groups all Nectar mattresses together.
Here’s what people are saying about the Nectar Original Memory Foam:
“Right now, my wife and I are in love with this bed. We sleep very well, and will stay with the product as long as they exist. Highly recommended.”
David Hobgood, verified Amazon customer
“This works just fine. It’s comfortable,” says Tim, a verified Amazon shopper. “I wouldn’t say that my back is any better than it was before. It’s a comfortable bed. I’d buy it again.”
On the other hand, some people complained about this bed’s durability over time.
“I’ve slept on this mattress for about nine months now and concluded four months ago that I wish it was out of my life,” writes Amazon customer ‘Saguaro.’ “It sags in the middle and seems to have formed vertical lumpy ‘waves’ of…gel that make it difficult to sleep.”
Specs
| Price | $1,099 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best firm mattress for back pain: Saatva Classic
Key product features
What you should know
Our sleep experts found the Saatva Classic to be the best firm mattress for those with back pain due to its patented Lumbar Zone® Technology. No matter your sleep position, this zoned support should help keep the spine in proper alignment, alleviating strain on the back.
- The Saatva Classic comes in three firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm.
- For those who love a firm mattress, we recommend the Firm.
- Our testers found this mattress bouncier and more responsive than other beds on this list.
- It is “chiropractor-approved” for lower back pain. (6)
- It comes with a lifetime warranty, a year-long trial, and free white glove delivery.
Why we like Saatva Classic as best for back pain
The Saatva Classic is consistently rated one of the best mattresses for its high-quality materials and excellent customer support. (7) This luxury mattress is very customizable, and you can choose between three firmness options, two thickness options (11.5” or 14.5”), and eight bed sizes.
No matter which options you choose, the Saatva Classic will feature zoned support, so the mattress is slightly firmer beneath the lower back. Research shows that beds with this sort of extra lumbar support tend to improve back pain. (8) Our mattress tester could definitely feel this.
“[This bed feels] very plush, soft, and comfortable to lie on, thanks to the zoned support. It helped ease my back pain when lying on my back. Some areas feel firmer than others… and my hips and spine stayed in alignment,” our tester said.
Aside from supporting the lower back, our reviewer found that this bed felt sturdy and plush. They tested the Luxury Firm version, though it’s also available in Plush Soft and Firm. Lightweight sleepers may want to opt for the Plush, and heavier sleepers for the Firm.
Though this mattress is not cheap at $2,095 for a queen, it does come with a lifetime warranty, a year-long trial, and free white glove delivery, giving it an excellent overall value.
If this isn’t the right mattress for you, check out our other picks for the best mattresses for back pain. Or, learn what else Saatva has to offer through our full Saatva mattress review.
What customers are saying
It’s worth noting that customers on third-party review site, Trustpilot, have given Saatva high ratings as a company, with 4.7 out of 5 stars. (7) While it’s difficult to parse out ratings for this particular mattress, overall, customers reported excellent customer service and satisfaction with the quality of the product.
Reviewer Brent Showerman sums it up well:
“I reached out to Saatva’s Support Team to find out when I could expect my mattress to be delivered. It was taking longer than expected, but the team was super responsive and helpful in keeping me posted along the way. They offered help and solutions and really made me feel like my issue was important to them.”
Brent Showerman, verified Trustpilot review
Specs
| Price | $2,095 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best firm hybrid mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Firm
Key product features
What you should know
Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe Cooling includes some of the most features we’ve seen in a hybrid mattress, including zoned support and advanced cooling technology. Sleepers who love a firm mattress will love their Firm option, though it also comes in Soft and Medium.
- The Aurora Luxe Cooling includes innerspring coils, Copperflex™ foam, a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover, and an optional cooling pillow top.
- All of this combined makes for a bed that feels breathable and cool to the touch.
- It comes in three firmness options—the Firm will be an excellent choice for stomach and back sleepers.
- Our reviewer found this bed to be extremely supportive of the low back, with its coil layer zoned for support.
- For an additional $400, add a cooling cloud pillow top for a softer, more luxurious feel.
Why we like Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Firm as best hybrid
If you’re looking for a firm hybrid mattress, the Aurora Luxe Cooling by Brooklyn Bedding is an excellent option. Not only does it have zoned support for back pain, but it also includes advanced cooling technology for those who sleep hot.
Let’s take a closer look at this mattress’s features: It has a bottom layer of solid, sturdy base foam and then a layer of pocketed coils that are zoned for support. These coils promote airflow throughout the bed and, in the Firm model, are plenty supportive for all body types. On top of the coils is a layer of responsive comfort foam, and at the very top, a layer of Copperflex™ foam, which draws heat away from the body. Optionally, add a cooling pillow top for an additional $400. However, if you love a firm mattress, you may want to avoid adding on the pillow top.
Our mattress tester found this bed to be very supportive and cool to the touch.
However, it’s not the most budget-friendly on our list, with a price tag of $1,865 ($2,265 with the pillow top), and it is heavy, weighing up to 105 pounds. With no option of white-glove delivery, be sure you have somebody to help you unpack and set up this mattress.
Check out more options in our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses.
Specs
| Price | $1,865 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best firm queen mattress: Bear Original
Key product features
What you should know
The Bear Original mattress combines a medium-firm feel with advanced cooling technology, which means this bed will sleep cooler than most other all-foam mattresses. All of this for less than $1,000 for a Queen makes it an excellent deal.
- Our mattress tester rated this bed’s firmness at 7.5 out of 10.
- Because it’s all-foam, it doesn’t offer the sort of support or spinal alignment you’ll get from a hybrid bed.
- This means it’s probably not the best option for heavyweight sleepers.
- It includes cooling gel memory foam, which our team found kept cooler than other memory foam mattresses on the market.
Why we like Bear Original as best queen
The Bear Original is our top pick for a firm queen mattress. This simple, all-foam bed does not have many bells and whistles, and our review team found both positives and negatives.
On the plus side, the Bear Original is an affordable mattress—especially if you snag a good deal with a holiday sale. Regularly, the queen-sized bed costs $998. For that price, you get a 10-inch-thick mattress made of three layers: a bottom layer of high-density support foam, a layer of dynamic foam for motion isolation and pressure relief, and, on top, a layer of cooling gel memory foam. If you sleep especially hot, you can add a CELLIANT®-infused cover for an additional $200.
The Bear Original also has excellent motion isolation, which might make it a good fit for couples sharing a bed. However, our reviewer points out that the mattress is relatively thin and made entirely of foam, so it won’t be a good fit for heavyweight sleepers. “It feels like a heavier person (over 250 pounds) would sink through this mattress.”
This bed is best for shoppers on a budget, light-to-average-weight sleepers, back and stomach sleepers, and those who love a simple, firm, all-foam mattress.
To view more options, check out the best queen mattresses.
What customers are saying
On Amazon, the Bear Original has a 3.8 out of 5 stars. Here’s what customers are saying:
“We are loving our new Bear mattress and have had the opportunity to sleep on it for the past week,” writes Jennifer, a verified Amazon shopper. “The mattress is firm but is very comfortable. I am a stomach sleeper and a runner. I used to experience some pain in my kneecaps and achy restlessness the night after a long run on our old mattress. With the Bear mattress, I have not had that problem.”
“I have only slept on it a few days, but I already feel like I made a great decision. I know for the next several years I will be getting great sleep.”
Michael Mahan, verified Amazon customer
On the other hand, some rated it poorly.
“I have used the bed for about one year, with only one person sleeping on it (130 pounds). It has become too soft,” writes Cindy on Amazon. “My whole body is in pain every morning after I wake up. I am already shopping for another mattress. Waste of money.”
Specs
| Price | $998 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best firm mattress for side sleepers: Nolah Evolution
Key product features
What you should know
The Nolah Evolution combines individually wrapped coils with a plush top layer for a luxury hotel-feeling sleep. It also includes zoned support, offering responsive pressure relief where side sleepers need it most.
- The Nolah Evolution’s zoned support coils and foams make it a great option for any sleep position.
- You can choose between three firmness options, or if you weigh over 300 pounds, you can choose the Comfort + option.
- The mattress features enhanced cooling capabilities, including a cooling Euro topper, ArcticTEX™ cover, and AirFoam™.
- Thanks to the great motion isolation, couples shouldn’t disturb each other.
- The cost is among the priciest on the list at $2,499.
Why we like Nolah Evolution as best for side sleepers
Usually, a firm mattress and side sleepers do not go hand in hand. This is because when sleeping on your side, your shoulder and hip will press down into the mattress. A bed that is too firm will cause a lot of pressure buildup in these areas and could even lead to joint pain or problems.
Typically, we recommend a medium-firm or even soft bed for side sleepers, but this might be a problem if you also sleep on your back or stomach throughout the night and prefer something firmer.
The Nolah Evolution seems to have figured out how to cover all your bases here. Our mattress testers (who tried out the Luxury Firm) loved this mattress. They gave it a nearly perfect score across the board—a five out of five for its spinal support, edge support, cooling, and bounce and responsiveness. They even found that this bed had great motion isolation, which was “surprising for a hybrid mattress.”
Overall, this bed is a good fit for sleepers of all positions. Our reviewers just noted that lighter-weight sleepers might want to opt for the Plush model, which is the average weight for the Luxury Firm and the heavyweight for the Firm.
Remember, this luxury mattress is our most expensive on the list, retailing at $2,499.
See our article on the best mattresses for side sleepers for more options.
Specs
| Price | $2,499 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best firm mattress in a box: Titan Plus
Key product features
What you should know
Though the Titan Plus is specifically designed to comfortably support sleepers weighing over 250 pounds, it also works for anyone who loves a very firm mattress. Our experts chose this as the best firm bed-in-a-box mattress for its supportive and durable design—all folded neatly into a box.
- Our mattress testers rated the Titan Plus’s firmness at 7.5 out of 10.
- For those who weigh more than 250 pounds, it will feel slightly less firm.
- This bed will feel extremely firm for lightweight sleepers and have very little give.
- It includes gel-infused cooling foam, a woven knit top, and breathable coils.
- Those who sleep especially hot can upgrade to the GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover for an additional $150.
Why we like Titan Mattress Plus as best mattress in a box
The Titan Plus by Brooklyn Bedding may be a mattress-in-a-box, but that doesn’t mean it is anything short of high quality. In fact, our reviewers found this bed to feel especially durable and long-lasting.
From the bottom up, this bed consists of a firm foam flex base and eight inches of thick, supportive, individually wrapped steel coils above that. These coils are uniquely designed to support heavier weights. Above the coils are two inches of Titanflex™ foam for contouring and pressure relief, and on top, a quilted cover with gel memory foam. Optionally, hot sleepers can add on the GlacioTex™ cooling cover for an additional $150.
Even though this mattress was designed for heavyweight sleepers, average-weight stomach and back sleepers may also be a good fit, so long as they love a very firm bed. Regarding petite or lightweight sleepers, you might want to avoid the Titan entirely. Our mattress testers believe the Titan would be far too firm to be comfortable for these sleepers. This is because sleepers of different weights will push down into the bed differently. This mattress is designed for heavyweight sleepers who can comfortably push down into the bed’s comfort layers. Lightweight sleepers may be “too on top” of this bed to reap its benefits.
It’s also not a great choice for side sleepers under 250 pounds or for those with joint pain, as they may consider the mattress too firm.
If you are over 250 pounds or you just prefer a very firm mattress, the Titan Plus is a great option, for a great value. At $1,249, it’s reasonably priced, considering its high-quality, longevity-minded features.
Check out our full Titan mattress review or other top picks for the best mattresses-in-a-box if you’re still searching.
What customers are saying
Many of the Amazon reviews for this bed illustrate how much body type can influence how a bed feels for a person. For example, some of the reviews say this bed isn’t as firm as they thought it would be.
“…Definitely worth the money and something that I recommend to anyone who struggles with sleep in general,” writes Amazon customer ‘Wanderluster15.’ “It’s firm but soft enough to not need anything like the foam mattress pads of the past.”
“Best sleep I ever had, not as firm as other reviews say, I just can say it was well worth the wait. 100% will buy again.”
Ismael, verified Amazon customer
And others complain that it is too firm, with one review simply titled, “Like sleeping on concrete.”
Specs
| Price | $1,249 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best organic firm mattress: Birch Natural
Key product features
What you should know
Our sleep experts found that the Birch Natural by Helix is the best firm mattress for those looking for a more environmentally friendly option. With its combination of innerspring coils and Dunlop latex, it sleeps on the firmer side but still provides plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers.
- The Birch Natural features the GOTS and GREENGUARD Gold certifications.
- The combination of Dunlop latex and innerspring coils makes for a very bouncy mattress.
- This combination also makes it breathable and cool.
- It is not as contouring as memory foam beds, making it a solid option for firm mattress lovers.
- It is one of the more expensive on our list, at $1,873.80 for a queen (before discounts.)
Why we like Birch Natural as best organic
There are many good reasons to look for a more natural mattress for yourself and the environment. Most foam beds include what are called “polyurethane foams.” According to the Environmental Working Group, these foams made from petroleum chemicals can emit VOCs– harmful chemicals that can cause health issues and damage the ozone layer. (9)
This is where latex mattresses, like the Birch Natural, can help. Latex is a renewable material made from rubber tree sap. It feels naturally bouncy and firmer than memory foam, so it’s a good fit for those who love a firmer feel.
Aside from its top layers of Dunlop latex, the Birch Natural uses materials like individually wrapped steel coils, hygroscopic organic wool, and organic cotton. It’s GREENGUARD Gold and GOTS Certified, meaning it has no poly foams, formaldehyde, or pesticides and is sustainably sourced.
This combination of materials makes for an eco-friendlier bed that feels springy, supportive, and slightly firmer than medium firm. It’s ideal for stomach and back sleepers but will likely work for average to heavyweight side sleepers.
We think the Birch Natural has a great overall value, considering the price of many other organic mattresses on the market. This one costs $1,873.80 (for a queen) and includes free shipping. For an additional charge, you can add on white glove delivery.
For more insights on this brand, visit our complete Birch mattress review.
Specs
| Price | $1,873.80 |
| Material | Hybrid |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 25 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
How we test mattresses
To come up with this list of the 10 best firm mattresses, our team of certified sleep coaches, industry experts, and real-world consumers tested over 60 beds in the following categories: support, edge support, motion isolation, bounce, pressure relief, materials used, company policies, overall value, and cooling abilities. From there, our team narrowed things down to our top-ranking picks for those who love a firm mattress.
Read our full mattress testing methodology for more information.
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
A high-quality mattress should feel like it’s designed to provide you with the best sleep of your life. They should also deliver on the promise of a great sleep experience. Our sleep science coaches assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the mattress as well as the user’s sleep experience. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Temperature regulation
- Motion isolation
- Edge support
- Technology
Comfort and support—30%
Alongside the sleep experience, comfort and support are just as important for a healthy and restful sleep. A high-quality mattress should assist in providing relief with certain aches and pains a user may experience when sleeping. It should also help users wake up feeling energized and rested. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Firmness
- Pressure relief
- Spinal alignment support
- Customization
Value—20%
Assessing value involves a meticulous examination of several key factors that contribute to a mattress’s worth. A mattress that is priced just within reach of its target audience, yet surpasses competitors in terms of materials, performance, and support presents a compelling value proposition. However, value is not solely determined by the lowest price point. We also determine it by finding the balance between cost and the tangible benefits a mattress provides.
Customer experience—10%
Sometimes, the mattress can be great, but if the overall shopping experience wasn’t, that could easily put a sour taste in a user’s mouth about the mattress they just purchased. We put in the hours to determine how well the entire process of buying a mattress matches users’ expectations and what options are available when something goes wrong.
- Shipping
- Warranty
- Customer service
- Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%
It’s important to understand that a mattress is more than just a sleeping surface—it’s an environment where you spend a significant portion of your life. We meticulously assess critical aspects of mattresses that may directly impact your well-being and peace of mind.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure
- Safety certifications
What to consider when looking for a firm mattress
When looking for a firm mattress, you’ll want to keep your body weight and preferred sleep position in mind. The combination of both things will tell you just how firm or soft your mattress should be. Generally, the lighter a person is, the softer their mattress can be since they won’t press down into it as much. The heavier a person is, the firmer and more supportive their bed should be. Likewise, side sleepers tend to need a soft to medium firm mattress that provides good pressure relief along the shoulder and hip, where back and stomach sleepers can go firmer. If you have back pain, you may want to look for a mattress that is zoned for support.
If you share a bed with a partner, this is where things may get tricky. You two could have totally different firmness desires. If this is the case, you may need to compromise or try looking for a split king bed that allows for two different firmness levels.
Read our guide on how to choose a mattress for more details.
Who should get a firm mattress
Generally speaking, heavier people should get a firmer mattress. Their body weight will cause them to sink into the bed’s top comfort layers a bit more, and the mattress should feel slightly less firm for a person with a bigger body. Likewise, strict stomach sleepers need a firm and supportive bed so their hips don’t sink down, which can push the spine out of alignment and cause lower back pain.
Who shouldn’t get a firm mattress
People who weigh less than 130 pounds or so may feel less comfortable on a very firm mattress. This is because they won’t sink down into the bed’s comfort layers and experience its full benefits like a heavier person would. Strict side sleepers should also avoid firm beds, especially those with joint pain. When lying on your side, your shoulder and hip need to be able to sink into the bed comfortably. A firm mattress will cause pressure to build up in these sensitive joints.
Pros and cons of a firm mattress
How to make a mattress firmer
If you’re not quite ready to buy a new mattress, there are a few more cost-effective ways to firm up your current one.
- Buy a firmer mattress topper. Materials to look out for: latex (a naturally firm material), firmer memory foam, or firmer poly foam. Avoid toppers filled with feathers or polyester stuffing, as they’ll just add softness.
- Rotate your mattress. If you’ve worn a little “you-shaped” divot into your side of the bed, it might be time to rotate your mattress.
- Get a firmer base. Placing your mattress on a new base, like a box spring, slatted base, or divan base, can add some firmness to its feel.
- Put your mattress on the floor. Similar to buying a firmer base, setting your mattress directly on the floor can add some firmness to its feel.
- Keep your room cool. It might surprise you, but keeping your bedroom cooler may make for a firmer-feeling memory foam mattress. This is because memory foam expands and loosens in heat and contracts in cooler temperatures. (10)
- Air your mattress out. If you have a memory foam bed, you might want to air it out in a dry, clean spot once or twice a year. This may help prevent excess moisture from building up in the foams, which can cause mildew, mold, or premature sagging.
FAQs
Is a firm mattress better for sleeping?
A firm mattress can be better for sleeping for heavyweight sleepers who need more support, stomach sleepers who need a flatter, firmer surface, and those who just love the feel of a firm bed. However, a firm mattress won’t work as well for side sleepers or lightweight sleepers.
What mattress types are the firmest?
Typically, mattresses with top layers of latex foam instead of memory foam are firmer. Innerspring mattresses also tend to be firmer and more supportive than all-foam beds. That said, you can certainly find a memory foam mattress that sleeps firm but may soften slightly over time.
Do firm mattresses get softer?
Yes, firm mattresses can get softer depending on the type of mattress. This is especially true of mattresses containing memory foam, which tends to soften with wear and heat over time.
Our experts
Soma Mandal
Dr. Mandal is a board-certified internist and one of the top physicians in midlife women’s health. She has helped thousands of women navigate aging and reinvent themselves. Her peers have selected her for Castle Connolly Top Docs, New York Top Doctors, Inside Jersey Top Doctors, and Millburn- Short Hills Super Doctors. Dr. Mandal completed an internship and residency at NYU Langone Medical Center and a prestigious research fellowship in evidence-based medicine at the University of Oxford, England. She practices at a thriving practice in Summit Health, New Jersey.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Natalie Grigson
Fortune Recommends Writer