The best firm mattresses strike the perfect balance between comfort and support, making them ideal for back and stomach sleepers and people with back pain. To find which models excel in both areas, our sleep editors analyzed mattresses that fall between a 6.5 and a 9 (out of 10) on the mattress firmness scale. We also considered our mattress-testing background, which includes testing over 240 beds—several of which top this list. The Plank Firm emerged as our winner for the best firm mattress overall because it’s incredibly supportive, pressure-relieving and durable, plus it’s endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
Of course, the best firm mattress for you hinges on your sleeping position, individual needs and preferences. That's why we included multiple options in a variety of price ranges to suit stomach sleepers, back sleepers or someone tired of tossing and turning on their plush mattress. Ahead, the 10 best firm mattresses for every sleep position. If you’re in need of new bedding, we also have guides to the best firm pillows and firm mattress toppers.
Best Firm Mattress Overall: Plank Firm (Queen)
Best Firm Mattress For Back Pain: Saatva Classic (Queen)
Best Firm Mattress For Side Sleepers: Helix Dawn Luxe (Queen)
Best Budget Firm Mattress: Siena Memory Foam (Queen)
Best Extra-Firm Mattress: Allswell The Brick (Queen)
Best Firm Mattress For Couples: WinkBeds GravityLux (Queen)
Best Firm Mattress For Back Sleepers: Stearns & Foster Estate Extra Firm (Queen)
Best Organic Firm Latex Mattress: Avocado Green Mattress (Queen)
Best Cooling Firm Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe (Queen)
Best Firm Mattress For Heavy Sleepers: The Titan Plus Hybrid (Queen)
(PAID PLACEMENT) You May Also Like: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress (Queen)
Best Firm Mattress Overall
A Mattress That Rates 10 Out Of 10 On The Firmness Scale
Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm (8) and extra-firm (10) | Thickness: 9.5 inches | Trial: 120 nights
Pros:
- Flippable; two firmness levels in one
- Built to help ease back pain
- Available in unique sizes like RV and short king
Cons:
- Too firm for most side sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding’s Plank mattress definitely lives up to its name. This flippable all-foam option is firm (8 out of 10) on one side and ultra-firm (10 out of 10) on the other, according to the company. It’s also fitted with a thick layer of high-density base foam that provides plenty of support for your hips and shoulders, making it one of the best extra-firm mattresses available. In fact, the Plank mattress is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). They found that the mattress’s firm feel helps improve lumbar support, reduce spinal stress and alleviate back pain. As an added bonus, the Plank is available in less-popular mattress sizes like Olympic queen and short king.
What our editors say: Forbes Vetted contributor and previous sleep editor Lindsey Vickers tested this bed in a showroom and said, “While I haven’t slept on it for a night, I can honestly say it's one of the firmest mattresses I’ve ever felt. It has just a little give in the uppermost layer, making it ever-so-slightly more cushioning than something like the ground. I found it comfortable when lying on my stomach, too. If you want one of the firmest of firm mattresses out there, this is the way to go.”
Best Firm Mattress For Back Pain
A Hybrid Mattress That Reduces Pressure On Your Lower Back
Editor’s Pick
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Available in plush soft (3), luxury firm (5 to 7) and firm (8) | Thickness: 11.5 or 14.5 inches | Trial: 365 nights (one year)
Pros:
- Cooling
- Great for sleepers with back pain
- Excellent edge support
- Free white glove delivery
Cons:
- Costs $99 to return
A hybrid mattress with both coils and memory foam, the Saatva Classic is designed to keep your spine properly aligned while also reducing pressure on your lower back with its extra supportive “Lumbar Zone.” It’s also built for comfort; this model is topped with a plush, 3-inch Euro pillow top that cushions joints and is made of organic cotton with an antimicrobial cover. Choose from three firmness levels, including luxury firm (a medium-firm combination of cushion and support) and firm (the most supportive option). As a purchase bonus, you’ll also get free white glove delivery, including hauling away your old bed.
What our editors say: According to one Forbes Vetted staffer, the Saatva is “bouncy, plush and offers plenty of support, including ample edge support, a feature I didn’t fully understand until I had a mattress with it.” She continues, “It took about a month to get my mattress, so keep that in mind when ordering, but otherwise I found Saatva easy to work with and communicative throughout. The company will also take your old mattress away free of charge—a major boon for anyone who’s ever dealt with mattress disposal before.”
See our full Saatva Classic mattress review for more information.
The 2024 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
Best Firm Mattress For Side Sleepers
A Mattress That Combines Comfort And Stability
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Firm (8 to 9) | Thickness: 13.5 inches | Trial: 100 nights
Pros:
- Firm, yet comfortable feel
- Excels at pressure relief
- Breathable
Cons:
- May feel too firm for petite sleepers and some side sleepers
If you’re a regular side sleeper who prefers a firmer mattress, the Helix Dawn Luxe is a solid choice. With zoned lumbar support and enhanced contouring, this hybrid foam-and-coil mattress promotes comfort and ensures stability without causing pressure on side sleepers’ hips and shoulders. It also comes with a plush pillow top that makes it 2 inches taller than the standard mattress for a cozier feel. And thanks to its breathable Tencel cover, you’re less likely to overheat in the middle of the night. This is an optimal pick for back and stomach sleepers, as well.
What our editors say: “I love my Helix mattress and would recommend this brand to anyone,” says updates editor Karen Tietjen. Although she has a different model (the medium-firm Dusk Luxe), she points out, “Helix mattresses are well-made and affordably-priced; there’s a reason you’ll see them on most of our ‘best’ lists.”
Best Budget Firm Mattress
Less than $400 For A Queen Size With Discounts
Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5) | Thickness: 10 inches | Trial: 180 nights
Pros:
- Regularly on sale for less than $500
- Good edge support and minimal motion transfer
- 180-night in-home trial
Cons:
- May feel firmer than a medium-firm to some people
On sale regularly for under $500, the Siena Memory Foam Mattress is a great pick if you’re mattress shopping on a budget. It’s also medium-firm, with Siena giving it a firmness rating of 6.5 out of 10. This makes it a good option for back, stomach and combination sleepers, and couples who may have differing sleep preferences. While the bottom layers of the mattress provide firmness and support, the top layer—consisting of two inches of adaptive gel memory foam—adds some softness and pressure point relief.
What our writers say: One Forbes contributor says that the Siena mattress feels “decidedly firm when sleeping on it”—much firmer than its “medium-firm” categorization. The reviewer also notes that it provides “excellent” edge support and has low motion transfer, making it great for couples.
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A Medium-Firm Option Designed For Pressure Relief
PAID PLACEMENT
Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5) | Thickness: 12 inches | Trial: 365 nights
This five-layer mattress is constructed with gel-infused memory foam, responsive foam and sturdy base foam to offer comfort and support to stomach sleepers, back sleepers and side sleepers alike. The 3-inch transition layer minimizes motion transfer so you can sleep soundly even if your partner moves, while the 2 inches of contouring memory foam help relieve pressure points at the shoulders, hips and legs. Plus, while foam mattresses have a reputation for sleeping hot, this one features a breathable cooling cover to wick away heat and promote airflow while you rest. Right now, take 41% off this mattress and up to 40% off all other Nectar memory foam and hybrid models during the brand’s Memorial Day sale.
Best Extra-Firm Mattress
A Mattress That Offers Pressure Relief Without Too Much Sinking
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-firm | Thickness: 12 inches | Trial: 100 nights
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Responsive, supportive feel
Cons:
- Some side and lightweight sleepers might find it too firm
The aptly named The Brick mattress from Allswell is a hybrid option that will feel firm to some sleepers and medium-firm to others. It gets its structure from 2 inches of high-density memory foam and a firm top layer that offers pressure relief without too much sinking. There’s a gel-infused middle layer that provides some cushion for your back but doesn’t feel so soft that it knocks your spine out of alignment. This gel layer also helps regulate body temperature.
What the reviews say: “It’s very supportive for my bad back,” writes one happy buyer of the Allswell Brick. “The aches after sleeping with a purely foam bed were terrible. The Brick Hybrid allows me to wake up with no additional pain.”
Best Firm Mattress For Couples
A Gel-Infused Mattress With Minimal Motion Transfer
Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Available in soft (4), medium (5), firm (7) | Thickness: 11 inches | Trial: 120 nights
Pros:
- Supportive and pressure-relieving
- Great motion isolation
- Cooler than other memory foam mattresses
Cons:
- Some reviewers found it difficult to find the right firmness level for couples with different sleeping positions
The WinkBeds GravityLux comes with an AirCell foam and gel-infused memory foam for breathability and airflow, ideal for anyone who’s not sleeping alone. Because it doesn’t have coils, it has great motion isolation (which means you won’t wake up every time your partner moves). The firm AirCell foam with a zoned poly foam layer beneath also contours to each individual’s body to stabilize the sleeper’s spine and support the shoulders and hips. It’s available in three firmnesses, with the firmest option rated at a 7 out of 10, according to the brand.
What our editors say: “The GravityLux is the memory foam mattress for people who want the contouring feel of memory foam without the ‘sinking’ or ‘stuck’ feel,” says mattress and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon. “Its AirCell Foam helps achieve this feat with a more responsive profile, leaving you with a soft, contouring feel that’s more luxurious and plush than the flagship WinkBed. Though, people over 250 pounds should consider the OG WinkBed instead, since the GravityLux’s all-foam profile isn’t as supportive.”
Best Firm Mattress For Back Sleepers
An Extra Firm Mattress With High Quality Construction
Stearns & Foster Estate Extra Firm (Queen)
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Firm (9) | Thickness: 13.5 inches | Trial period: 90 nights
Pros:
- Firm, but still feels plush thanks to thick memory foam layer
- Complimentary white glove delivery
- Luxurious feel
Cons:
- More expensive than most other beds on this list
The Stearns & Foster Estate Mattress is a top pick for anyone seeking the firmest of the firm. Innerspring construction creates a base of support, and although it’s dense, an upper layer of Indulge Memory Foam ensures there’s enough plushness to get cozy. While it’s more similar to a traditional mattress than some others on this list, the Estate offers modern comfort features. A breathable design and sweat-wicking cover keep you cool at night, while the patented IntelliCoil system reduces motion transfer to ensure there isn’t too much bounce. All in all, Stearns & Foster has a reputation for quality (and if you’re searching for something slightly cushier, check out the Estate Firm Pillow Top model, instead).
What the reviews say: “This is an amazing mattress. It is very firm and so comfortable. I sleep wonderfully and don’t wake up through the night due to discomfort like before,” writes one reviewer.
Best Organic Firm Latex Mattress
An Eco-Friendly Mattress With A Supportive Feel
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Firm (7) | Thickness: 11 inches | Trial: 365 nights (one year)
Pros:
- Eco-friendly and made with sustainable materials
- Naturally more hypoallergenic than other mattresses; great for sleepers with allergies
Cons:
- Pillow top costs extra
If you're looking for an eco-friendly firm mattress, the Avocado Green is one of the best organic mattresses (and the best latex mattresses) you can buy. It’s made with organic wool, organic cotton and GOLS-certified organic latex which come from the company’s own farms in India and Guatemala. It’s also Fair Trade, Greenguard Gold and Made Safe Certified, meaning that all the materials used to make the mattresses are free from ingredients that harm you or the environment. As for its firmness, the Avocado Green scores a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, thanks to its more than 1,000 individually-wrapped coils. These are arranged to provide five zones of targeted support, resulting in excellent spine alignment.
What our editors say: “I'm thrilled to report that it's still just as durable and supportive as the day we got it,” says home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala, who has been sleeping on an Avocado Green mattress for two years. “After having a baby, my body has taken a real hit and I appreciate the natural cushioning and medium support it offers. I'm also a fan of the organic, natural and non-toxic materials used, especially since my husband suffers from allergies.”
See our full Avocado Green mattress review for more information.
Best Cooling Firm Mattress
A Firm, Breathable, Cool-To-The-Touch Hybrid Mattress
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft (3), medium (5) or firm (7) | Thickness: 13.25 inches | Trial: 120 nights
Pros:
- Available in soft, medium or firm
- Each layer is designed to optimize cooling
- Ideal for back or stomach sleepers
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the firm Aurora Luxe doesn’t feel as firm as they’d like
The Aurora Luxe is engineered from top to bottom to promote cooling, and it’s available in your choice of soft, medium or firm. Brooklyn Bedding recommends their firm mattress for stomach and back sleepers and people who need additional lumbar support.
The Aurora Luxe’s hybrid construction also combines airflow-promoting inner coils with breathable, gel-infused memory foam. Both the top foam layer and the GlacioTex cover are made of temperature-regulating materials that feel cool and help draw heat away from the body.
What our editors say: Editor Bridget Chapman has tried the medium support version of this mattress. She says, thanks to its GlacioTex cover, the mattress “literally felt cool to the touch.” She adds that the mattress provides a good degree of edge support and limits motion transfer well. Still, some reviewers of the firm Aurora Luxe say it’s not as firm as they hoped it would be.
See our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review for more information.
Best Firm Mattress For Heavy Sleepers
An Extra-Firm Mattress Designed For Larger Bodies
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Firm (9) | Thickness: 11.25 inches | Trial: 120 nights
Pros:
- Ideal for back and stomach sleepers
- Can support up to 1,000 pounds
- Optional upgrade for a softer feel
Cons:
- Too firm for heavy side sleepers
The Titan Plus mattress is made for people who weigh over 250 pounds, but it can support up to 1,000 pounds–one of the most heavy-duty beds on the market. The mattress is extremely firm, rated between eight and 10 (out of 10) on Titan’s firmness scale. This high degree of firmness provides maximum support for larger people and helps ensure the mattress doesn’t sag or degrade prematurely. Additionally, the one-inch quilted top infused with gel foam still provides some pressure relief and softness.
However, if you’re a larger person and you share a bed with someone who weighs less than 250 pounds (or vice versa), you can consider upgrading to the Titan Plus Luxe for the same level of support in a medium feel.
What our editors say: “The Titan Plus offers a firm, supportive feel that's a good fit for plus-size sleepers along with many back and stomach sleepers,” says Chapman. “It keeps you lifted on top of the mattress with slight cushioning for comfort. It tested well for motion isolation and ease of movement, which should appeal to couples wanting a firm mattress.”
MORE FROMFORBES VETTED
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
We know how important it is to choose the right mattress for your firmness preferences. Here at Forbes Vetted, we’ve published dozens of bedding and mattress guides backed by hours of thorough research and firsthand experience. We’ve also built relationships with some of today’s biggest bedding brands and sleep experts to help us stay in the know about the latest in the industry.
- Sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon oversee the creation of all of our mattress content, while senior strategy editor Katie Simpson provides guidance on updates. Collectively, we’ve tested over 250 mattresses, including several mentioned in this list.
- For this guide, we consulted with Dr. Joe Betz, vice president of the International Chiropractors Association (ICA), who lent his expertise to answer the frequently asked questions below. We also spoke to John Gallucci Jr., MS, ATC, PT, DPT, physical therapist and CEO at JAG Physical Therapy on the benefits of the best firm mattresses.
- This story is updated frequently to ensure it’s current and accurate. It was last refreshed in August 2024 by mattress updates writer Alexandra Garrett to answer common questions about firm mattresses and add additional information on the pros and cons of firm mattresses.
How We Chose The Best Firm Mattresses
To curate this list, we sought out bestsellers that fall between a 6.5 and a 9 on the mattress firmness scale.
- We narrowed our focus to top-rated models from the most reputable mattress brands on the market.
- We prioritized firm mattresses with durable mattress constructions, such as those made with coils, dense memory foam and latex layers. We also looked for excellent performance across key factors like spine alignment, pressure relief and overall support.
- We chose firm mattresses with different features to cater to a variety of sleep styles, preferences and budgets. This includes recommendations for side sleeping, back pain and heavyweight individuals.
- Every bed had to have an average rating of at least 4 out of 5 stars.
What To Consider When Choosing A Firm Mattress
There are several things to think about when shopping for a firm mattress. The most important are mattress type, body weight and primary sleeping position. We’ll break down exactly what to look for below.
Mattress Type
Firm mattresses come in a variety of types, each offering a different material, construction and feel. “Mattresses can be built with firm foundational support while having features of comfort within the top layers of the mattress,” says Dr. Joe Betz, vice president of the International Chiropractors Association (ICA). Some are firmer than others, and some sleep cooler than others. When searching for a firm mattress, consider which construction is right for you.
- Memory foam: Foam mattresses are the softest out of the bunch. These beds are known for their responsive body-molding capabilities and minimal motion transfer, making them a great choice for couples. They do have a reputation for being hot, but some are fitted with cooling technology to help alleviate that issue. People who don’t like the “sink-in” feeling, though, should opt for a different mattress type.
- Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses are a traditional bed style made with a base of coils and a thin comfort layer up top, which gives this type a bouncy and supportive feel. They’re firmer and sleep cooler than all-foam mattresses, but lack the plushness that some sleepers prefer.
- Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds. They combine an innerspring coil system for support with upper foam layers for comfort. Because of this construction, they tend to be firmer and more breathable than all-foam mattresses. If you’re unsure what kind of mattress to buy, a hybrid is generally a good choice since this type offers a little bit of everything.
- Latex: One of the more unique mattress types, latex beds are made from, well, latex. However, some latex mattresses are made with synthetic latex whereas others are constructed with natural latex, like Dunlop or Talalay. This mattress type excels in a number of areas, including pressure relief, cooling and support. Firm latex beds offer a nice balance of softness and sturdiness.
Sleeping Position
The position in which you normally sleep—or perhaps, the fact that it changes every night—has a big impact on what mattress will feel most comfortable to you. Typically, back and stomach sleepers, or anyone with chronic back pain, find that firmer mattresses provide better spinal alignment, which can help ease those constant aches. (For those who tend to sleep on their sides, a softer mattress is a better bet.) If you’re sharing your bed with a partner, it’s also important to consider their sleep style and preferences. If they differ from yours, a crowd-pleasing medium-firm or plush-topped luxury-firm pick can hit the sweet spot.
Body Weight
Body weight plays a major role in how firm a mattress will feel. Standard mattresses are made to support around 230 to 250 pounds per side, but if you’re heavier, you may notice some sinking and sagging. This sinking can make a firm mattress feel softer than advertised. Luckily, many retailers have developed mattresses specifically for heavier people.
While heavier people experience sinking, petite people experience the opposite. Someone who is lightweight won’t sink into the mattress as much as the average person, making it feel firmer for them. As a general rule of thumb, heavyweight sleepers should opt for firmer beds, while petite sleepers are better off with something more medium-firm.
Firmness
Yes, the mattresses on this list are all “firm,” but there are different levels of firmness including medium-firm or luxury-firm (which usually includes a soft plush top) or firm/very firm. If you’re especially particular, see where your top contenders fall on a firmness scale; most retailers rate their models from 1 to 10.
No matter which firmness you prefer, you want to avoid feeling excessive pressure against your neck, back, shoulders, hips or stomach when you’re lying on a bed. “Firm mattresses provide support and reduce pressure while you’re sleeping,” says John Gallucci, Jr., physical therapist and CEO at JAG Physical Therapy. They need to offer the right amount of “give” to relieve pressure, while still providing support and keeping your entire body in alignment.
Trial Period And Warranty
A mattress is a big investment to make as an online purchase, especially considering you can’t try it out beforehand. To ease customers’ concerns, many retailers offer generous trial periods so you can make sure your mattress is the right fit. (And, let’s face it, it takes more than a lie-down at a store to really tell if you’ve chosen the right one, anyway.) Be sure to check the trial periods of mattresses before making your purchase—they usually range anywhere from 90 days to a full year.
Most mattress companies also require you to sleep on the mattress for a while before you’re eligible to return it. Your dream mattress may feel uncomfortable for the first several nights while your body adjusts, so it’s standard to be ineligible for a return or refund for at least the first 30 nights.
Finally, you’ll want to consider the warranty. Most warranties cover only manufacturer defects, but several mattress companies offer extra coverage for a relatively small fee. Most mattresses are designed to last seven to 10 years, so a 10-year warranty is ideal.
Pros And Cons Of A Firm Mattress
While cloud-like comfort is often considered the goal when choosing a new mattress, some doctors and experts say otherwise. “For many people, a firm mattress may prove more comfortable and beneficial than a soft one,” says Gallucci. That said, firm mattresses aren’t for everyone; ultimately, it depends on your preferred sleep position and body type. We break down the benefits and downsides of firm mattresses below:
Benefits
First and foremost, firm mattresses help support a neutral spine alignment. “Laying on hard mattresses allows the body to lay in proper alignment,” explains Gallucci. “This can help reduce pain and enhance posture. Uniform weight distribution allows for the whole body to be supported.” Because of their ability to keep the body propped up and well-supported, firm mattresses are a great choice for heavyweight sleepers, couples and people with back pain. Stomach sleepers also benefit from firmer beds since a too-soft mattress can cause your hips to sag in the prone position, leading to neck and back pain.
Downsides
Depending on your sleeping position, firm mattresses can offer less pressure relief than softer beds. “People who are sensitive to pressure will not tolerate a firm mattress,” said Betz. “This means people with fibromyalgia or those with bursitis in the shoulder or hip may not be able to sleep comfortably on their side on a firm mattress.”
Side sleepers are typically better off with a medium-soft to medium-firm mattress since this sleeping position puts more pressure on the shoulders and hips. Most back and stomach sleepers, though, fare well with medium-firm to firm beds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Is A Firm Mattress Best For?
As a general rule, medium-firm and firm mattresses are best for back and stomach sleepers, while side sleepers need a little more give to properly alleviate pressure points and keep the spine aligned. “People who wake up with back problems may benefit the most from sleeping on a firm mattress,” advises Betz. That’s because back pain can develop as a result of sleeping on a mattress with the wrong firmness level (including one that’stoo firm) or an old bed that’s way past its prime and needs to be replaced. Ultimately, the goal is to find a mattress that keeps your hips and shoulders in line, so the muscles in your back can relax.
What Type Of Mattress Is The Most Firm?
Innerspring and hybrid mattresses are generally the most firm mattress types because they use coils as the main support layer. That said, it's important that a mattress is supportive and durable without feeling stiff or uncomfortable or compromising on pressure relief. Your ideal mattress needs to hit the right balance of softness and support for your body weight and sleeping preferences.
Is A Firm Mattress Better For Your Back?
In most cases, a firm mattress is better for people with back pain. Firm mattresses provide excellent support, which helps maintain spine alignment and decrease pressure on the lower back. Your sleeping position plays a role in the right firmness level for you, though, so make sure to consider your personal sleep style. Side sleepers with back pain do better with a medium-firm bed, while back and stomach sleepers are better off with a firmer mattress.
