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Personal preference is crucial when selecting a mattress, but sleep position and body type are also important to consider. For instance, firm mattresses can offer substantial support and help the spine stay aligned, making them a good option for back and stomach sleepers. Some sleepers prefer the feeling of sleeping “on” instead of “in” their mattress and enjoy the ease of movement provided by a firmer mattress. And, for heavier people who typically experience mattresses as less firm than an average weight person, firm mattresses tend to be the more comfortable choice.
“I recommend firmer mattresses for my patients with back issues,” said Kevin Nelson, DC, a Denver-based chiropractor. “They do a better job of keeping the spine positioned properly.”
Good sleep is a key component of health maintenance and disease prevention. If you’re looking for a firm mattress, we’ve rounded up our top six picks to help you discover the most suitable one tailored to your needs.
We look for several important factors when testing firm mattresses, including:
Make sure your mattress has the right firmness level to keep your spine in alignment and cushion pressure points, like the lower back, hips, and shoulders. For those with back pain, a medium-firm mattress is recommended, but a firmer choice might be the right bed if that’s what’s most comfortable for you.
If you are a back sleeper, a mattress that’s too firm may not give you enough support in the curve of your lower back. Side sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm can put increased pressure on your shoulder and hip. Look for a mattress that offers pressure relief no matter your sleeping position.
You want a mattress that supports a neutral spine in its most natural position. Stomach sleepers can benefit the most from a firm mattress if there’s enough lift to keep the lower back from caving in. Back sleepers need some contouring in the lower back to keep the spine in alignment.
The Plank Firm is the firmest mattress we’ve tested so far. It’s flippable and has a firm and extra-firm side. Our testers scored the extra-firm side a nine out of 10 on our firmness scale and the firm side a 7.5 out of 10. For our review, our testers tested the extra-firm side.
With this extra-firm feel, lighter-weight and average-weight (130–250 pounds) sleepers may want something softer when back or side sleeping. But our testers felt stomach sleepers of any weight would be well-supported. Those who live with back pain or need a more supportive sleep surface may find this mattress can help, but always talk to your doctor first about treatment options.
Combination sleepers, or those who like to change positions throughout the night, may appreciate the responsive feel of the mattress. While memory foam generally provides sleepers with a “sinking in’ feeling, our testers said they didn’t sink into this denser foam, so it wasn’t hard to move around. We thought it was easy to change positions, and it didn’t take much effort to roll over in bed.
The Plank Firm has great edge support—our testers gave the mattress a perfect score of five out of five and felt the edge didn’t “collapse” much when standing up from the mattress edge. Those who live with mobility and balance concerns may appreciate that stability getting in and out of bed.
“I think stomach sleepers would love this mattress.”
Who will love it
Who should avoid it
The Plank Firm has a 4.7-star rating out of five, with more than 3,200 reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers mention their happiness with the firmness level and the ability to adjust it by flipping the mattress.
“This is a firm mattress. I started on the firmest side for a week and then switched over to the less firm side. I am going to go back to the firmest side on the next sheet wash.”
— Robert O., verified buyer on 7/9/2024
“I have been very skeptical of foam mattresses. Earlier foams just don’t seem firm enough for me, so I always resort to spring or hybrid. However, when the last ‘firm’ spring mattress failed me, Google search yielded Plank as one of the top choices for a firm mattress… and it did not disappoint!.”
— David H., verified buyer on 7/5/2024
Plank also has some negative reviews, with some reviewers complaining the mattress either wasn’t firm enough or it was too firm.
For more information, see our Plank Firm mattress review.
The Saatva Classic has a dual-coil system with a soft Euro topⓘ A style of pillow top that provides an added layer of plush. The extra layer of padding is stitched beneath the mattress cover, so it’s flush with the edges of the mattress without adding extra height. , that provides plush comfort to a firm foundation. While we tested the luxury firm model, the Saatva Classic comes in two other firmness options: plush soft and firm. During testing, this mattress supported spinal alignment and scored high for pressure relief. Our testers noted they could feel the extra support foam layer providing a bit of an additional lift around the midsection.
We gave the Classic high scores for overall support (five out of five), edge support (five out of five), and bounce (four out of five), which makes this mattress high in functional support ⓘ NCOA’s rating of suitability for older adults who may have limited mobility. Calculated using firmness level (30%), overall support score (30%), edge support score (30%), and bounce score (10%) (4.45 out of five). In addition to providing a responsive surface, a firmer mattress prevents sinking, and edge support ensures you’re less likely to roll off if you have reduced mobility or chronic pain. The Saatva Classic doesn’t just stand out among firm mattresses, it also earned a spot among our best mattress overall picks.
“It’s soft, but I find it easy to switch positions.”
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
The Saatva Classic has a 4.8-star rating out of five, with more than 3,460 reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers mentioned Saatva’s excellent customer service and the mattress’s ideal firmness level.
“The delivery of my mattress was outstanding. They were very professional and friendly. I was completely happy with them. Only have had my mattress a couple of days but so far I have no complaints. Look forward to many more great night’s sleep.”
— Cheryl K., verified buyer on 4/26/2024
“I used to have back pain with my prior mattress, but that’s disappeared with the Saatva Classic (it is constructed with extra support in the lumbar region of the mattress).”
— Eric., verified buyer on 5/18/2024
While the reviews for the Saatva Classic are mainly positive, some negative reviews complained primarily about shipping delays or the firmness level not working for them.
Learn more about Saatva mattresses.
Designed specifically for higher-weight sleepers, the Helix Plus provided an ideal balance of firmness and pressure relief during testing. It features durable construction with an enhanced steel-coil system and multiple layers of high-density foam, which supports up to 1,000 pounds and ensures the mattress maintains its shape and support over time.
These materials also provide a supportive, responsive, and comfortable sleep surface.
Our testers found that while this mattress offered firm support, the foam provided just enough cushioning to cradle our testers, scoring high for pressure relief.
The Helix Plus also provides a good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness, testing above average in isolation and getting a perfect five out of five score in bounce. This means it’s a great choice for those who frequently change positions or need an extra boost in mobility. It also has decent edge support, with a 3.5 out of five. Overall, the Helix Plus scored 3.65 out of five for functional support, which is above average.
Finally, we liked that this mattress comes with a moisture-wicking Tencelⓘ A brand of lyocell fiber made from wood pulp that’s known for being soft, breathable, and absorbent. cover, which provides breathability and cooling. You can also upgrade to a GlacioTex ⓘ Hypoallergenic fabric made from fibers with high thermal conductivity that allow heat to be quickly and effectively pulled away from your body cover for even more cooling. For more options, check out our best mattresses for heavier people.
“I think for lighter curvy people this may not feel supportive of the spine’s curves. It may be more supportive for higher-weight people, which is who this mattress is intended for.”
Who will love it
Who should avoid it
The Helix Plus has a 4.4-star rating out of five, with more than 2,900 reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers mentioned the mattress’s positive effects on their back pain.
“This was a definite splurge for me but is so worth it! It is the perfect mattress for me.”
— Kim U., verified buyer on 7/10/2024
“A firm bed that softens over time making it not too firm nor too soft. A great balance which has helped my sleep improve tremendously than before.”
— Jose Z., verified buyer on 7/5/2024
On Google, the Helix Plus mattress has a 4.2-star rating, with more than 3,100 reviews. While most users gave the mattress a positive rating, some reviewers complained about poor edge support and the mattress sagging in the middle over time.
For more information, see our Helix mattress review.
In a market flooded with options, the Emma Comfort Hybrid emerges as a standout for those seeking the best affordable mattress. It has a 7.5 out of 10 firmness rating and offers the support needed for back and stomach sleepers while maintaining a comfortable level of pressure relief (four out of five). It’s also rated a four out of five for bounce, indicating a responsive feel that aids movement.
But its moderate edge support (three out of five) and a lower overall support score (two out of five) suggest that while it excels in affordability and basic comfort, it might not meet the needs of those requiring robust edge or spinal support. We still rated it above average for functional support, scoring three out of five.
The mattress received a cooling score of 3.5 out of five, making it suitable for sleepers who tend to overheat. Plus, the removable cover is a thoughtful touch for those concerned with cleanliness. These elements, combined with the mattress’s responsiveness and ease of changing positions, make it a compelling choice for combination sleepers or adults with reduced mobility.
Potential buyers will want to weigh the mattress’s affordability against its long-term durability and support capabilities. The Emma Hybrid Comfort offers significant initial value, but its material quality and support structure may not satisfy sleepers over time, particularly higher-weight sleepers or those with specific support requirements.
“I feel closer to the surface on this mattress, with about 1 inch of sinkage. It’s comfortable lying on my back.”
Who will love it
Who should avoid it
The Emma Comfort Hybrid has a 4.5-star rating out of five, with more than 100 reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers said they like the level of support and firmness.
“Sleeping much better on our new Emma mattress! Would recommend this to everyone!”
— Michael B., verified buyer on 6/30/2024
“Comfortable bed with good support but it took about a month or so for my back to get used to it. I’m finally getting a good night’s sleep.”
— David L., verified buyer on 6/24/2024
The Emma Hybrid Comfort also had some negative reviews, with most complaints focused on delivery issues or thinking the mattress was too soft or too firm.
Learn more about Emma mattresses.
The Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress stands out for its targeted support and pressure relief. This is particularly beneficial for side sleepers, who need more cushion around the hip and shoulder.
Our Reviews Team survey of 600 new mattress customers found that most respondents (48.5%) were side sleepers, compared to 17% back sleepers and 14% stomach sleepers.
Side sleepers generally need a plusher surface that allows the hip and shoulder to sink in a bit to avoid pressure buildup and pain in those areas.
We named the Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress the best mattress for side sleepers because it offers high pressure relief, with our team rating it 4.5 out of five for side sleepers. While it comes in three firmness levels (plush, luxury firm, and firm), we tested the luxury firm model and rated it a seven out of 10 on the firmness scale, which is only slightly firmer than the standard for medium-firm mattresses (6.5 out of 10). It also received a high score for edge support (4.5 out of five), indicating stability at the edge for sitting or sleeping near the perimeter. Its functional support rating of 3.95 out of five is also one of the highest in this review.
The quilted foam cover added to the comfort and plush feel, while high-quality stitching and materials suggested durability and attention to detail. But anyone particularly sensitive to heat or lighter in weight may find some limitations in comfort and cooling.
“We’ve found that zoned support in coil and foam provide enough support, pressure relief, and responsiveness for all sleepers.”
Who will love it
Who should avoid it
The Nolah Evolution 15″ has a 4.9-star rating on the brand’s website. Many reviewers mentioned how comfortable the mattress was, and several users said it helped their hip pain.
“I was very skeptical when I watched the reviews of this mattress on you tube, I must have watched 10 different reviews on the Nolan Evolution. I finally decided to give it a try, I am so happy I did, after a week of sleeping on this mattress, my shoulder pain is virtually gone.”
— Charlie M., verified buyer
“Took time to get used to after having memory foam but after a few weeks I noticed improvement in sleep and back and hip pain.”
— Jenna B., verified buyer
On Google, the Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress has a 4.7-star rating with 755 reviews. While most users gave the mattress a positive rating, some reviewers said the mattress was too soft and felt too much pressure in their hips while side-sleeping.
Learn more in our Nolah mattress review.
The Bear Original is made from a denser foam that makes it firmer than most memory foam mattresses. Our testers gave it an eight out of 10, making it a good choice if you seek support. This model is particularly suitable for back and stomach sleepers who require a solid surface to maintain spinal alignment. But it might not be the best fit for side sleepers or lighter-weight adults, who may find the surface too hard.
We found the overall support moderate, with a 2.5 out of five, while we gave this mattress a four out of five for edge support, indicating good stability at the mattress’s perimeter. This mattress also offers good motion isolation, which can help minimize disturbance from a partner, but it tested poorly for bounce, which can make it harder to move around on the material.
Our team also likes that the Bear Original is made with eco-friendly CertiPUR-US-certified foam ⓘ This is a certification given to foam bedding materials that are environmentally friendly. and is free from harmful chemicals and pollutants.
“If you want a memory foam mattress that’s good for stomach sleeping, I’d say go with this one.”
Who will love it
Who should avoid it
The Bear Original has a 4.7-star rating out of five, with more than 10,650 reviews on the brand’s website. Many reviewers reported being satisfied with the firmness level and customer service.
“Very comfortable. A bit firm, but sleeps well.”
— Kevin H., verified buyer on 7/9/2024
“Great for me, no more waking up with back and hip pain. I am 110 pounds and my husband is 260 pounds. Hard to find something that works for both of us. We ended up getting the mattress topper as it was a bit too firm for him.”
— Yvette N., verified buyer on 7/9/2024
While this mattress does have some negative reviews, the majority of them are complaints about the mattress either being too soft or too firm. Firmness can be dependent on weight and sleeping position, and personal preference is always a factor.
For more information, see our Bear mattress review.
Our Reviews Team has dedicated more than 1,000 hours to researching the mattress industry, consulting at least ten health care professionals, and testing roughly 40 brands and 130 unique mattress models for quality and comfort. We’ve also interviewed 16 older adults who recently purchased a mattress and surveyed more than 2,700 recent mattress customers to understand their experiences shopping for a new bed.
Each mattress undergoes a rigorous 36-page testing procedure to score its different characteristics, including firmness, support, and other aspects most shoppers consider. We choose the best firm mattresses based on the scores of factors such as firmness and pressure relief. See how we tested the most important considerations for this review below.
Like most mattress brands, we use a one-to-10 scoring method when testing firmness, with 6.5 being the true medium firm. Our testers rate this by lying on the surface and comparing the feel to other mattresses we’ve tested. Material density and coil strength influence firmness the most. We looked at mattresses ranging from medium-firm to extra-firm to fit various sleep preferences.
We rate pressure relief on a scale of one to five, with five being the most pressure-relieving. We consider how it feels and use a pressure map with sensors to visualize pressure points around the body accurately. Blue and green pressure map results show great pressure relief, while yellows, oranges, and reds indicate pressure buildup. Firm mattresses can impact pressure relief, so we only chose mattresses that we feel provide good weight distribution.
We score support on a scale of one to five, with five being the most supportive. Mattresses with strong support contour and push into the curves of your body, particularly the lower back or midsection. Not only do we feel support during testing, but we can also visualize it through pressure map results. Maps with mostly white space at the lower back show how the mattress isn’t making contact with the area, which means the mattress isn’t supportive. Both support and pressure relief are important, so we made sure the firm mattresses on this list offer both.
We score edge support on a scale of one to five, with five being the strongest. Our team tests this by sitting and lying on the edge to determine how safe it feels and measuring how far it sinks. For example, if a short 11-inch mattress’s edge sinks about 2 inches, it may feel weak because it collapses under body weight. Edge support is important for making the maximum use of space, especially if you share the mattress with a partner or like to sleep close to the edge. Decent edge support is important for a firm mattress because you don’t want to feel like you’re being pushed off the edge. We made sure the mattresses we chose all offered above-average edge support.
Our team scores bounce on a scale between one and five, with five being the bounciest. We test this by dropping a 10-pound weighted ball on the mattress surface, recording how many times it bounces, and analyzing the sound of its landing. The ball will bounce multiple times on bouncier mattresses before cradling into the surface, while others thud onto the material, indicating low bounce. Firmer mattresses often provide above-average bounce, which is important for adults who need a mobility boost.
Our team developed this unique score to understand how well a mattress accommodates mobility issues, like difficulty moving around or getting up from the bed. We combined firmness (30%), support (30%), bounce (10%), and edge support (30%) to create a score between one and five, with five being the most helpful for movement in bed.
In a recent Reviews Team survey of new mattress owners, 30.6% said getting in and out of bed is painful, 18.2% said changing positions is painful, and 30.6% said both getting in and out of bed and changing positions is painful. Because of this, most of the mattresses in our review have an above-average functional support score to aid in mobility.
To learn more about our testing and scoring methods, review our sleep methodology.
We continuously test new mattresses each month and make sure we give you the most up-to-date information possible. Our testers have personally tried out more than 30 mattress brands so you can get the information you need to choose the best firm mattress to fit your needs. Check back regularly for updates.
When it is time to turn in for the night, the best firm mattress is the one that feels most comfortable to you and allows for sound sleep. Personal preference plays an important role in picking out a new mattress. We tested and reviewed a number of brands and models and determined the Plank Firm as the best overall firm mattress, but it might not be the right one for you. Take a close look at all of the options in this guide, and keep in mind the following considerations before you buy.
Your mattress should maintain your spine alignment, and sleep position can play a part in choosing a mattress to achieve that goal.
For example, those looking for the best mattresses for back sleepers might prefer the support provided by medium-to-firm mattresses. If you tend to sleep on your stomach, the best mattresses for stomach sleepers tend to be firmer mattresses that can help support your hips and prevent them from sinking into the mattress uncomfortably.
The best mattresses for side sleepers may be soft-to-medium mattresses that take pressure off the hip and shoulder. The best mattresses for combination sleepers may also have a softer-to-medium-firm mattress feel.
Ultimately, you are the best judge of how comfortable you feel on a mattress in your preferred sleep position.
While personal preference and comfort play a large role in choosing a mattress, body type can influence this decision as well. Typically, medium-firm and firm mattresses provide the best support for higher-weight sleepers, while lower-weight sleepers might perceive a mattress as firmer than it is. And some memory foam mattresses may not provide enough support for higher-weight sleepers, but a mattress with an innerspring core can help maintain spine alignment. The size of the mattress may also be important for some, with a king or California king providing more space to those who need it.
If you share your bed with a partner, a larger mattress size provides more space and may be more comfortable. If you and your sleep partner have different comfort preferences and needs, this can make mattress shopping more challenging. A memory foam mattress with motion isolation is often a good fit for couples easily disturbed by each other’s movements. An adjustable bed base may also be helpful for customization, including one that offers a split-king setup. Since a split king is made up of two extra-large twin mattresses, this allows you and your partner to choose the mattress that works best for each of you.
Buying a mattress is a highly personal decision, and some sleepers may benefit more from a firm mattress than others. For example, the best mattress for back sleepers is often a medium-firm mattress that offers some pressure relief. A stomach sleeper may find they are more comfortable on a firm mattress that allows them to maintain an aligned spine. As mentioned above, adults of higher weights may require the extra support a firm mattress provides, while a softer mattress might feel too soft.
Sleeping on a firm mattress may provide health benefits for certain adults. A medium-firm mattress has been found to encourage sound sleep and lower the risk of developing back pain. The best mattress for back pain is often one that falls somewhere between medium and firm.
Mattress firmness is rated on a scale of one to 10, with one representing an extra-soft mattress and 10 representing an extra-firm mattress. A mattress rated 6.5 out of 10 is the industry standard for medium-firm and is often recommended as comfortable for most sleepers. Softer mattresses sink under the sleeper’s weight and contour around their body. An extra-firm mattress typically doesn’t contour to the shape of the body or sink under the sleeper’s weight at all.
But back and stomach sleepers often benefit from a medium-to-firm mattress. These mattresses provide enough support to keep the spine aligned. A side sleeper, though, may be more comfortable on a soft-to-medium mattress. When the mattress conforms to the body’s shape, a side sleeper may be more likely to maintain a neutral spine. Higher-weight adults may find that a firmer mattress may be more comfortable, while a softer mattress often feels more comfortable for adults of a lighter weight.
| Price | $749–$1,698 | $1,395–$2,690 | $936–$1,740 | $812–$1,649 | $1,499–$3,198 | $699–$1,690 |
| Material | Foam | Innerspring-hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Memory foam |
| Our firmness rating | Extra-firm | Plush soft, luxury firm, and firm | Firm | Firm | Firm | Firm |
| Trial period | 120 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free white-glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Warranty | 10 years | Lifetime | 15 years | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Sizes | Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, Olympic queen, king, short king, California king, split California king, three RV king options | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king |
If you prefer a firm mattress, there are many options. Selecting the best firm mattress is crucial if you need a supportive sleep surface that maintains spinal alignment, particularly if you’re a back or a stomach sleeper, higher-weight person (more than 250 pounds), or have specific back pain concerns.
A firm mattress prevents excessive sinking and ensures a stable, even surface for proper spinal alignment. The Plank Firm Luxe stands out among the top picks for a firm mattress for its exceptional support, durability, and comfort. Its unique design and high-quality materials cater to a wide range of sleepers. But the right mattress for you depends on your personal preference, and all the mattresses on this list are solid options. If you have back pain or any other issues and think a new mattress can help, make sure to speak to your doctor first. Your health care provider can ensure you make the right choice or provide other options that can help.
We recommend firm mattresses for the following sleepers:
A firm mattress may help prevent back pain, especially for adults who sleep on their back or stomach. Firmer support can help maintain proper spinal alignment, reducing stress on the spine and preventing the lower back from sinking too deeply. But the ideal mattress firmness for alleviating back pain varies based on personal preference, sleep position, and body type. A mattress that balances support and pressure relief, aligning the spine without causing pressure points, is key.
The “best” firm mattress depends on various factors, including personal preferences, sleep positions, and specific needs, such as temperature regulation or motion isolation. It’s equally important to consider personal comfort and support needs. To determine the best firm mattress, you should also consider your budget, the available delivery methods, and offered sleep trials.
While a firm mattress excels at providing support, those seeking pressure relief may find it worsens joint and muscle pain. If you have arthritis, scoliosis, or chronic lower back pain, a firm mattress without some cushioning and contouring may reduce your sleep quality. Additionally, side sleepers and lighter-weight sleepers may find they require more pressure relief than a firm mattress offers.
Fortunately, modifying a too-firm mattress is easier than a too-soft mattress. Mattress toppers and support pillows can offer the extra contouring you need without requiring you to buy a brand new mattress.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
