While some people may associate mattress comfort with plushness, a firm model can be more beneficial for certain types of sleepers. Stomach and back sleepers, for example, require extra support to maintain good sleep posture. People over 230 pounds also need a firmer mattress to prevent their body from excessively sinking, which can impact spinal alignment. Others may simply prefer the feel of a firmer bed.
We’ll cover everything you need to know so you can select the best firm mattress for your needs. Our sleep specialists have researched and tested a variety of mattress models, focusing on features that have the greatest effects for firm mattress comfort levels, such as edge support, temperature control, and motion isolation.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall
Turmerry Egg Crate Mattress
Details
Trial Length 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 20 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
120 nights (30-night requirement) / 20 Year, Limited
Type Latex
Firmness Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Extra Firm (8)
Price $799 – $1,899
Sleep Doctor’s Take
Turmerry’s Egg Crate Mattress uses a convoluted comfort layer to cushion your body and reduce pressure along the spine. The mattress is available in four firmness levels, including two firm options, and you can also choose from three different profiles ranging from 8 to 12 inches.
Highlights
- Available in multiple firmness levels, including firm and extra firm designs
- Convoluted latex surface cradles sore spots without too much sink
- Each layer is ventilated to promote consistent airflow
Drawbacks
- Latex is fairly responsive and may lead to disruptions for couples
- Limited options for side sleepers under 130 pounds
The Turmerry Egg Crate Mattress is a standout firm model for a few reasons. A convoluted comfort layer over three layers of solid latex ensures a comfortable balance of cushioning and reinforcement, and the latex is responsive enough to resist sinkage when you move across the surface. The mattress is available in four firmness levels, including firm (7) and extra firm (8) options.
How Does It Feel?
Our testers were impressed with the responsive, bouncy feel of this mattress. The firm model conforms more closely than the extra firm design, but both should provide enough stability to support people who weigh more than 230 pounds — including most back and stomach sleepers.
The three support layers are all ventilated with small holes to promote airflow throughout the interior, and the cover is made from a breathable blend of organic cotton and natural wool. As a result, the mattress sleeps exceptionally cool. The firm and extra firm models also feel exceptionally stable along the perimeter, so you shouldn’t encounter too much sinkage when you lie near the edges of the mattress or get in and out of bed.
Why We Like It
The firm model was most popular among our back and stomach sleepers between 130 to 230 pounds, and our side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds. Since the layer measurements vary for each profile, we recommend the 8-inch mattress if you want a flatter surface and one of the thicker profiles if cushioning is a top priority.
Our back and stomach sleepers preferred the added robustness of the extra firm model. This was also the most responsive version of the mattress, and none of our testers sank excessively when moving across its surface. Couples may also prefer the extra firm model for sex. If the Egg Crate Mattress sounds intriguing but you’re looking for a softer feel, you can also choose from medium soft (4) and medium firm (6) designs.
Prices vary by size and profile, but overall the Egg Crate Mattress is more affordable than the average all-latex model. Turmerry also offers free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. Each purchase is backed by a 120-night trial period with free return shipping, and a 20-year warranty against structural and material defects.
Best Value
Titan Plus
Details
Trial Length 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 10 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
120 nights (30-night requirement) / 10 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Firm (8)
Price $524 – $1,198
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Titan Plus is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve tested, making it well-suited to people over 230 pounds. Steady airflow through the coil layer helps the mattress stay cool, and you can add a phase change panel to the cover for extra thermoregulation.
Highlights
- Exceptionally firm and supportive design
- Optional cooling cover for hot sleepers
- Below-average pricing compared to other hybrid models
Drawbacks
- Inadequate cushioning for most side sleepers
- Responsive design limits motion isolation for couples
Brooklyn Bedding’s Titan Plus combines above-average durability and edge support, making it a good choice for sleepers over 230 pounds. It also has an attractive price-point, so shoppers on a budget can still take advantage of its benefits.
How Does It Feel?
The Titan Plus has an 11-inch profile and a firm (8) feel. The stomach and back sleepers on our testing team found that the solid surface helped encourage proper spinal alignment, but those under 130 pounds and our side sleepers reported that it felt a little too firm.
The pocketed coils are designed to stabilize the top layers while encouraging a spinal alignment. Two inches of high-density polyfoam reinforce the base. The Titan Plus uses gel infusions and pocketed coils designed to help remove excess heat, and people who tend to sleep hot can opt for an additional cooling top panel.
Why We Like It
The cover contains gel-infused memory foam designed to provide subtle pressure relief while drawing heat away from the sleeper. During our temperature control tests, thermal mapping tools detected very little heat buildup on the surface.
The rest of the hybrid structure integrates foam comfort layers with a robust pocketed coil core. Our testers noted that the layer of TitanFlex polyfoam adapted to their bodies without conforming too closely.
The mattress ships free of charge for customers in the contiguous U.S. Purchases include a 120-night sleep trial, but customers must keep the mattress for at least 30 days before making a return. The Titan Plus also comes with a 10-year warranty.
Most Comfortable
Lytton Signature Comfort Firm
Details
Trial Length 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 20 Year
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights (30-night requirement) / 20 Year
Type Hybrid
Firmness Firm (7)
Price $1,399 – $2,099
Sleep Doctor’s Take
Dense transitional foam and zoned coils give the Lytton Signature Comfort Firm a sturdy, robust feel. The top foam layer offers some cushioning without sacrificing support, allowing most back and stomach sleepers on our team to lie comfortably on the mattress.
Highlights
- Deep foam layers cushion the body without reducing overall support
- Zoned coils push back against extra weight around the midsection
- Excellent temperature control thanks to breathable cover and steady airflow
Drawbacks
- Too firm for most side sleepers and people under 230 pounds
- Limited motion isolation due to significant bounce from the coils
Comfort is a subjective mattress quality, but some models come closer to universal comfort than others. The Lytton Signature Comfort Firm is one example of a mattress that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers. While this luxury hybrid is considered firm (7), a thick, foam-based comfort system ensures ample cushioning and contouring. We also appreciated the targeted support of the zoned coil system.
How Does It Feel?
Adaptive polyfoam quilted into the cover gives the Signature Comfort Firm an invitingly plush feel when you get into bed. Beneath this layer rests 3 inches of proprietary Serene foam that conforms to your body’s unique curves while also pushing back against your weight and keeping you on an even plane. The top layer is infused with cooling gel, so the foam layers shouldn’t sleep uncomfortably warm, either.
The coils resting beneath your midsection are thicker than those under your head and legs. This creates balanced support for your entire body, even if you carry extra weight in your chest, stomach, or hips. High-density base foam rounds out the 13-inch design. Air flows freely through the coils to ensure a comfortable interior temperature, and the cover is made from a breathable blend of organic cotton and polyester for added cooling.
Why We Like It
Firm mattresses can be somewhat polarizing, but most of our testing team awarded the Signature Comfort Firm a rating of good or better. The mattress was particularly popular among our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, and our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds.
The thick foam layers also allows the Signature Comfort Firm to alleviate pressure well. In our experience, this is a performance area where hybrids tend to struggle. Temperature control is another strength we observed during our tests, as thermal mapping imagery revealed little to no heat buildup on the Comfort Firm’s surface.
The Signature Comfort Firm’s sticker price is on par with other hybrids sold today, and standard ground delivery is free for customers in the contiguous U.S. You’ll receive a sleep trial with your order that runs for 100 nights. If you decide to keep the mattress after the trial ends, Lytton further backs your purchase with a 20-year warranty against structural defects.
Best Luxury
Helix Dawn Luxe
Details
Trial Length 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 15 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights (30-night requirement) / 15 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Firm (8)
Price $1,099 – $2,299
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The firmest and most supportive of Helix’s luxury hybrids, the Dawn Luxe offers gentle cradling with a Euro-top surface and excellent overall reinforcement from its zoned coil system. A breathable, moisture-wicking cover also helps ensure a comfortable temperature throughout the night.
Highlights
- Designed for minimal sinkage
- Moisture-wicking Tencel cover encases the Euro-top
- Zoned coil system for targeted support
Drawbacks
- Too firm for most side sleepers
- Limited motion isolation and pressure relief
Made with high-quality materials, the Helix Dawn Luxe has a firm (8) feel designed with stomach and back sleepers in mind. Not only is this one of the firmest mattresses we’ve tested, it also features three foam layers in the comfort system to alleviate pressure points.
How Does It Feel?
The Dawn Luxe features a breathable Tencel cover and a pillow-top cushioned with dense memory foam. Our testers reported that the foam interior gently contoured the body, and the cover kept the surface cool. Beneath the pillow-top, there’s also a layer of gel-infused memory foam that is engineered to alleviate pressure points and promote proper spinal alignment.
Two layers of polyfoam complete the comfort system. We found that the thicker top layer provided a good balance of adaptive support and subtle bounce. The transitional polyfoam layer provided even contouring while absorbing shock from the steel springs.
Why We Like It
Testers felt they got a good balance of support and contouring from the zoned support core, which focused its support on the back and hips while contouring the shoulders and legs. Our tests also showed that the thicker gauge coils reinforced the perimeter and reduced sagging along the edges. The high-density polyfoam that forms the mattress’ base helps ensure that the upper layers function optimally.
We recommend the Helix Dawn Luxe for sleepers who want a higher-end firm mattress designed to provide good support. However, while back and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds are likely to enjoy this mattress, side sleepers may need something that provides a little more contouring.
The Helix Dawn Luxe comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty. Shipping is free to all 50 states.
Best for Back Pain
WinkBed
Details
Trial Length 120 nights (30 night requirement)
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
120 nights (30 night requirement) / Lifetime, Limited
Type Innerspring
Firmness Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Price $1,149 – $2,049
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid available in four firmness levels, including a standard firm (7) and a Plus (8) model specifically designed for people over 230 pounds. Dense comfort layers and zoned coils work together to keep your body aloft and reduce pressure along the spine.
Highlights
- Gel-infused Euro-pillow top for extra pressure relief
- Breathable Tencel cover derived from eucalyptus
- Four firmness options
Drawbacks
- Surface feels somewhat bouncy and may not isolate motion well
- Firmer designs may not provide enough cushioning for side sleepers
A firm mattress sometimes comes at the expense of pressure relief, but the WinkBed manages to merge support with comfort. With four different firmness options — medium soft (4), medium (6), firm (7), and Plus (8) — this mattress can accommodate a range of sleep positions and body sizes.
How Does It Feel?
The WinkBed integrates contouring and bounce by combining polyfoam comfort layers with different-sized coils. The comfort system for standard models consists of a Euro-top with a eucalyptus-derived Tencel cover designed to wick away heat while gently cushioning pressure points. This is followed by a layer of adaptive polyfoam. In the Plus model, the comfort layer is composed of latex for added support and responsiveness.
Zoned coils make up the support core. Thicker coils rest beneath your midsection to push back against extra weight in your torso and hips, while thinner coils cradle the head and legs. The perimeter is also reinforced to limit sinkage when you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed.
Why We Like It
Our testers reported that the coils provide robust support. This quality was most evident with the firm and Plus models. Steady airflow through the coils and the moisture-wicking Tencel cover also helped the WinkBed perform well during our temperature control tests.
We also found that the mattress does a great job of providing pressure relief at a variety of firmness levels. This makes the WinkBed a good choice for sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress but still need solid support at pressure points. We recommend either of these models to anyone looking for a balance of firmness or pressure relief.
Customers have 120 nights to test the mattress and determine if it’s a good fit. One free exchange is permitted during this time if you aren’t satisfied with your initial firmness selection. WinkBed backs your order with a lifetime warranty that covers certain flaws in materials or craftsmanship. The company also offers free shipping on orders delivered to the contiguous U.S.
Best Cooling
Tuft & Needle Hybrid
Details
Trial Length 100 nights
Warranty 10-Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights / 10-Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium (5)
Price $1,395 – $2,595
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Tuft & Needle Hybrid uses open-cell foams to maintain a cool surface while pocketed coils generate steady airflow. The result is a mattress that cushions and contours to your body without retaining too much heat or sinking to an excessive extent.
Highlights
- Adaptive foam and microcoils for responsive support
- Graphite and gel infusions designed to reduce heat buildup
- Above-average motion isolation for a hybrid
Drawbacks
- On the expensive side for a hybrid
- People over 230 pounds may not receive adequate support
The Tuft & Needle Hybrid is designed for hot sleepers who enjoy a supportive but not overly firm feel. The mattress uses different cooling technologies to help minimize heat retention, including pocketed coils, carbon fibers, and graphite infusions.
How Does It Feel?
The Hybrid features three comfort layers and a sturdy coiled core in a 12-inch profile. Our testers found that the stretchy polyamide-polyester cover added a plush feel to the surface. Beneath that, the carbon fibers and graphite infusions in the memory foam interior are formulated to draw heat away from sleepers. A thicker polyfoam layer supports spinal alignment, while microcoils allow the mattress to lightly hug the body. The transitional polyfoam layer below prevents deep impressions from forming.
Tempered steel coils form the support core, lending the mattress stability and above-average edge support. The springs add what our testers felt was a moderate degree of bounce, which makes changing positions easier. The pocketed coils also promote airflow, helping to keep you cool.
Why We Like It
While sleepers under 130 pounds typically benefit from extra cushioning, not everyone enjoys an extra-plush feel. The Tuft & Needle Hybrid’s medium (5) feel is suitable for lighter-weight sleepers who want a solid surface that isn’t too firm. During our tests, the mattress also performed well for people between 130 and 230 pounds across different sleep positions.
Our testers reported that the mattress’ above-average responsiveness helped keep their bodies upright, which can also prevent overheating. The solid edge support also makes it a good fit for anyone needing a bit more stability when getting in and out of bed.
The Tuft & Needle Hybrid includes a 100-night sleep trial, and shipping is free for customers in the contiguous U.S. The company stands behind the mattress with a 10-year warranty.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team of qualified sleep specialists evaluated a range of firm mattresses before consolidating our list of top picks. We factored in performance features like edge support, temperature control, motion isolation, and ease of movement when assessing each model.
Each mattress was personally tested by our sleep panel, which is made up of people with various sleep styles and body types. We recognize that choosing a mattress is an important decision, which is why we put a lot of research into finding the best firm mattresses for different sleep positions and budgets.
More Mattress Options by Feel
Should You Sleep On a Firm Mattress?
Whether or not a firm mattress is appropriate for you depends on a number of factors, including your body weight and preferred sleep position. Heavier individuals typically prefer a firmer design, while sleepers under 130 pounds tend to enjoy more contouring.
Firm mattresses have the added benefit of extra support and durability, so they often have a longer lifespan than softer models. However, firmer mattresses tend to provide less body hugging, which many sleepers prefer. Firm mattresses don’t always offer optimal pressure relief, either, particularly for side sleepers, who require extra cushioning for their shoulders and hips.
The best way to determine if a firm mattress is right for you is to try one for at least 30 days. We strongly recommend taking advantage of a company’s sleep trial, which allows you to sleep on the mattress for a certain amount of time before deciding to keep or return it.
Pros
- Less premature sagging and a longer lifespan
- Lower price-points, often due to less complex comfort systems
- Better temperature control for cooler sleep
Cons
- Insufficient pressure relief for some body sizes and sleep positions
- Minimal to no hugging sensation
- Lacks plush, cloud-like feel that some sleepers enjoy
Is a Firm Mattress Better for Your Back?
Firm mattresses can minimize back pain by promoting good sleep posture. A firmer mattress can also distribute body weight more evenly, putting less strain on your muscles and spine. On the other hand, a mattress that lacks proper support or is too soft can cause the lumbar region to sink excessively, resulting in aches and pains.
A mattress that is too firm, however, can place too much pressure on your joints. In other words, avoiding back pain doesn’t necessarily mean finding the firmest mattress possible. Optimal comfort requires choosing the right level of firmness and support based on your weight and sleep position.
How To Determine the Right Firmness for You
When selecting the right firmness level for your needs, it’s helpful to know how firmness is assessed and what you can expect from different firmness levels. Optimal firmness varies based on sleep position, body type, and personal preference.
Our Firmness Scale and What Makes a Mattress Firm
Our sleep specialists determine mattress firmness according to a 10-point scale, with 1 being extremely soft and 10 exceptionally firm. The majority of mattresses on the market today fall somewhere between soft (3) and extra firm (9).
Mattresses ranging from medium firm (6) to extra firm (9) are typically favored by people seeking a firmer surface. However, body weight and preferred sleep position can affect how a mattress feels. The heavier you are, the more a mattress will compress. This means that someone under 130 pounds might find a medium (5) feel sufficiently firm, while a sleeper over 230 pounds could find the same model uncomfortably soft.
Any mattress type can be considered firm, but certain materials and construction methods are intrinsically firmer than others. Models with thick comfort systems usually provide a softer, more cushioned feel, especially if they rely on body-hugging memory foam. Latex mattresses tend to be firmer than all-foam designs unless the latter employ high-density support cores. Hybrid mattresses often have sturdier surfaces because of their steel coil cores. However, any mattress type can be constructed to have a firm feel.
Based on Your Sleep Position
Your sleep style largely determines whether or not a firm mattress is a good fit for you. Back sleepers typically benefit from a firm model that distributes their weight more evenly. A softer mattress can cause too much sinkage, putting strain on the spine and lower back. Similarly, stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to prevent the midsection from sinking, which creates an unnatural curve in the spine.
Side sleepers generally require a softer mattress since pressure points can otherwise build in the hips and shoulders. Side sleepers under 130 pounds often require an even softer mattress to prevent pressure points from forming.
Based on Your Body Type
How much a mattress sinks in is directly proportional to body weight. The more a person weighs, the more a mattress will compress. Excessive sagging can lead to a shorter mattress lifespan, which is another reason why it’s important to choose a firmness level appropriate to your body type. Sleepers over 230 pounds need a firmer surface that is less likely to develop deep impressions. Conversely, sleepers under 130 pounds usually require a softer mattress that conforms to their body.
How Can I Tell if My Mattress Is Too Soft or Too Firm?
It can take some time for your body to acclimate to a new bed, which is why most mattresses include sleep trials. It’s best to try out a new mattress for at least 30 days before deciding if it’s too soft or too firm.
Waking up with sore muscles and stiff joints is a sign that your mattress is too soft and not adequately supporting your spine. Difficulty getting in and out of bed also suggests that you need a firmer design.
If you find that your muscles aren’t fully relaxing, then you might benefit from a softer model. Sore shoulders and hips, particularly if you’re a side sleeper, often indicate the need for a firmer mattress.
How To Make Your Mattress More Firm
If you’re wanting a firmer feel but aren’t ready to purchase a new mattress, there are a few ways to create a sturdier surface. For instance, mattress toppers can make a softer bed feel more supportive by adding a few inches of structure. A topper can fine-tune the feel of your mattress, but it won’t substantially change its performance. In other words, an old mattress with deep impressions won’t suddenly come back to life with even the firmest mattress topper.
An aging bed frame or box spring can also sometimes cause a mattress to feel less firm. It’s a good idea to periodically check slats and other bed frame parts to make sure everything is secure. If you don’t need to replace your foundation, then adding a new box spring or a bunkie board between your mattress and frame can also give your bed a firmer feel.