The 10 Best Firm Mattresses for Every Sleeper in 2024

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People choose firm mattresses for many reasons: to promote spine alignment, support heavyweight sleepers or couples and, of course, there’s the simple matter of preference. Some of us are just comfier on a firm bed.

Even within the market of firm beds, there’s a lot of variability. When customers consider the best firm mattress for their needs, they should know that choosing the right degree of firmness isn’t science—it’s subjective. But there are a few important factors that all prospective shoppers can assess to narrow down their choice, including mattress materials, supportive technology, design, pricing and even their own sleep position and body type.

In this 2024 guide, we break down features of our top firm mattresses—all of which can be purchased with a click and delivered to your door. Our testers put these beds through the wringer, comparing the mattress brands’ design, customer service, materials and firmness level so you can sleep easy on your final decision.

Our Picks for the Best Firm Mattresses of 2024:

Choosing the right mattress to suit your lifestyle and sleeping needs can be overwhelming because there are so many varieties on the market today. We’ve gathered the top-rated firm mattresses on the market to help you understand who each bed is best for and who may not be a great fit.

Best Firm Mattress Overall: Brooklyn Bedding Plank 
Best Luxury Firm Mattress: Saatva Classic
Best Hybrid Firm Mattress: Helix Dawn
Best Firm Mattress for Couples: Nectar Original
Best Cooling Firm Mattress: WinkBed Original
Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers: Casper Original
Best Affordable Firm Mattress: Leesa Studio
Best Memory Foam Firm Mattress: Layla Hybrid
Best Firm Mattress for Athletes: Bear Mattress Hybrid
Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain: Dreamcloud Original Mattress

Best Firm Mattress Overall: Brooklyn Bedding Plank

Trial period: 120 nights
Materials: Foam
Who the mattress is best for: Back and stomach sleepers
Warranty: 10 years

When firm isn’t firm enough, the Brooklyn Bedding Plank takes it to the next level. The mattress’s firmness level is right there in the name: the Plank. Better yet it’s adaptable as it’s flippable. So if the firm side isn’t quite hard enough, you can switch to extra-firm.

Often, those with back pain seek out higher degrees of firmness. The Plank addresses back health with its high density foam, which promotes alignment while balancing the body’s natural curves. Our testers were impressed that back and stomach sleepers all benefit from the Plank—as well as side sleepers, a group that often avoids extra-firm beds. Of course, while the bed offered pressure relief to all sleeping positions, this extreme firmness level may not be everyone’s first choice.

As far as temperature, Plank mattresses are a good option for hot sleepers, a surprising plus for this all-foam mattress. But the Plank scored eight of 10 in cooling, and did even better with the optional cooling panel. Made from a unique T phase change material, this optional layer can be built right into the mattress to better regulate the temperature.

Pros:

• The Plank suits all sleep positions: Back sleepers, stomach sleepers and side sleepers will all find proper support on this bed.
• This flippable mattress allows sleepers to choose between the firm and extra-firm sides.
• For hot sleepers, the optional cooling panel enhances the already strong temperature regulating properties of the Plank.

Cons:

• The cooling board does not come with the bed and is an added cost ($75—$150, depending on bed size).
• Some reviews note a slight off-gassing odor upon unboxing, which fades within a few hours.

Best Luxury Hybrid Mattress: Saatva Classic

Trial period: 365 nights
Materials: Innerspring
Who the mattress is best for: Hot sleepers who want a firm mattress
Warranty: Lifetime

Bed-in-a-box hybrids are having a well-deserved moment. These mattresses offer the best of both innerspring and foam designs to balance support and comfort. The Saatva Classic topped our selection of hybrids for a few reasons. First off, It’s well-made and made in America from durable and eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton. Although it’s pricier than competitor brands, the Saatva is a long-term investment for those willing to pay for quality.

The first layer is a quilted pillow top designed to cushion pressure points and ease tension in joints. Underneath, sleepers are supported by four layers of alternating coils and high-density foam. Its coil-on-coil structure gives the bed a responsive feel, so you won’t get the sensation that you’re stuck in the mattress which is more common with some memory foam beds. For those with back pain, the Saatva scored a perfect 10 in our spinal alignment testing. The bed’s specially designed lumbar zones channel support to the spine and joints

Pros:

• The Saatva Classic is well-suited to those who have back and joint pain, and scored a perfect 10 in spinal alignment.
• It’s considered a luxury mattress with eco-friendly, American-made materials. Saatva also offers white-glove delivery where they’ll set up the bed for you.
• Because of its durability, this mattress is a good fit for couples and heavyweight sleepers
• Side sleepers who need more cushioning get that in the quilted Euro top. Saatva offers a 365-night trial along with a lifetime warranty.

Cons:

• Our testers could feel the movement of their co-sleeper on the other side of the bed, so it may not work well for light sleepers.

Best Firm Hybrid Mattress: Helix Dawn

Trial period: 100 nights
Materials: Hybrid
Who the mattress is best for: Back and stomach sleepers
Warranty: 10 years

The Helix Dawn’s exceptionally comfortable hybrid design blends layers of memory foam with a sturdy coil core, for sleepers who want an overall firm bed topped with comfy cushioning. For those who share the bed with a partner or pet, motion transfer should be a priority — you don’t want to feel each toss and turn. The Helix Dawn isolates motion with springs that are individually wrapped within the support layer. The coil core of the Helix mattresses also provides great support for back sleepers, stomach sleepers and heavy weight steepers. The innerspring construction works with the layers of pressure-relieving polyfoam to promote alignment and evenly distribute weight. The Dawn’s soft lightweight cover allows ventilation during sleep, while the coils promote air circulation to regulate the temperature.

Pros:

• The Helix Dawn includes five layers of high-tech sleep materials, including latex foam, poly foam, and individually wrapped pocketed coils.
• Its breathable pocketed layers circulate air through the coils to help keep hot sleepers cool.
• The supportive spring layer makes this firm mattress a solid match for couples and heavyweight sleepers.
• Helix will send you a complimentary mattress topper if you find the bed too firm.
• Your purchase is backed with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial.

Cons:

• Side sleepers may find that they need a softer bed to cushion pressure points like the shoulders and hips.

Best Firm Mattress for Couples: Nectar Original

Trial period: 365 nights
Materials: Foam
Who the mattress is best for: Hot sleepers who still want a memory foam mattress
Warranty: Lifetime

The Nectar Mattress is a couples-favorite, because it co-sleeps so well. This all-foam model keeps movements isolated, so movement on one side of the bed won’t transfer to the other. Think of it this way: when testers placed liquid in a glass on the bed and people rolled on the bed, there was minimal sloshing in the glass.

The Nectar accommodates all sleeping positions: side, back and stomach sleepers. Because of its superior motion isolation, the bed also supports combination sleepers by allowing them to move freely without feeling stuck in the bed. The Nectar Mattresses medium-firm feel is a good compromise for couples who might have differing preferences for bed softness.

Pros:

• The Nectar is a good match for people who struggle with back and shoulder pain.
• Couples like this bed’s movement isolation, which allows co-sleepers to rest peacefully even while the other moves.
• Many online mattress companies offer trial periods, but Nectar’s is better than most. This bed comes with a one-year sleep trial and lifetime warranty.

Cons:

• The all-foam Nectar sleeps warm due to heat retention. Hot sleepers may want to go with a hybrid or innerspring, which offer better temperature regulation.
• The Nectar mattress has that classic memory foam feel. Those who don’t like the hugging sensation of foam won’t like this bed.

Best Cooling Firm Mattress: WinkBed Original

Trial period: 120 nights
Materials: Hybrid
Who the mattress is best for: Hot sleepers; combination sleepers 
Warranty: Lifetime

Hot sleepers know how hard it is to get comfortable when you’re sweating through your pajamas and kicking off the covers. A mattress with built-in cooling properties, like the WinkBed, can offer relief.. The gel-infused cooling layers promote airflow to wick away heat during sleep. And the unique eucalyptus-based cover keeps the WinkBed’s surface cool to the touch.

In addition to the cooling properties, sleepers like that the Winkbed is customizable with three different firmness levels to pick from: softer, luxury firm and firmer. Additionally, its plus option is specifically designed for people over 300 pounds, so it suits heavyweight sleepers. At every firmness level, this hybrid bed combines the comfort of memory foam with the cooling and supportive properties of dual innerspring layers.

Pros:

• It’s available in three firmness options, with an extra-firm option for those most comfortable on a very hard mattress.
• The hybrid construction and cooling tencel cover draw heat away from the bed, keeping hot sleepers comfortable.
• The Euro top supports pressure points and cushions joints for restorative sleep.
• WinkBed offers a generous 120-night trial period along with a lifetime warranty.

Cons:

• The WinkBed does not isolate movement as well as many all-foam beds. If you sleep with a partner and are easily bothered by their movement at night, consider a bed with better motion isolation.
• This bed-in-a-box mattress is pretty heavy. Once it’s delivered to your door, you may need help to maneuver it upstairs.

Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers: Casper Original

Trial period: 100 nights 
Materials: Foam
Who the mattress is best for: Lightweight and average sleepers; shoppers on a budget
Warranty: 10 years

We like the Casper Original mattress for back sleepers, but there’s no sleep position that should write off this bed. Our mattress testers found that the Casper Original suited all sleep types, as well as combination sleepers who rotate through positions. Even restless sleepers will sleep through tossing and turning due to the bed’s perfect 10 in responsiveness. Plus, those choosing a firm mattress to address aches and pains will like Casper's zones of support, a foam layer that targets pressure points and relieves tension.

The breathable polyfoam keeps air flowing and temperatures reasonably cool. Hot sleepers should note that the Casper is slightly cooler than your average memory foam bed, but they may have fewer sweaty nights on an innerspring bed. For those loyal memory foam fans, the Casper balances contouring with firmness, so sleepers will feel support rather than that sinking sensation of some foam beds.

Pros:

• The Casper Original offers solid edge support, so you can sleep on the whole bed without feeling like you’re going to fall off the edge. Responsive beds, like the Casper, are a favorite of combination sleepers who want to be able to sleep through transitions rather than have the bed fight their movements.
• For an all-foam mattress, the breathable foam does help with cooling.
• Casper offers a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty on its mattresses.

Cons:

• Stomach sleepers might prefer a firmer mattress than Casper, to prevent their hips from sinking and putting the spine out of alignment.

Best Affordable Firm Mattress: Leesa Studio

Trial period: 100 days
Materials: Foam
Who the mattress is best for: Budget conscious shoppers; those who prefer memory foam 
Warranty: 10 years

The Leesa Studio mattress made our list because it is a quality firm mattress — but it also happens to be budget friendly. Shoppers looking for the contouring of memory foam, motion isolation and spinal alignment can check off those requirements with theLeesa Studio, and it’s only $699 for a queen.

The all-foam Leesa Studio scored highest in spinal alignment because it put our testers backs in a healthy, neutral position for side and back sleepers. However, stomach sleepers and heavyweight sleepers (more than 230 pounds) might find this mattress lacking support. And note that, while this Leesa model supported the spine, side sleepers might notice extra pressure on their hips.

Pros:

• It’s hard to ignore that price tag. This mattress is a fraction of the cost of most other beds on our list.
• Customers can add white glove delivery to their purchase, where Leesa employees take care of everything from delivery to set up.
• Couples will enjoy the bed’s superior motion isolation; movement on one side of the bed is not very noticeable on the other.
• Because the Leesa Studio is responsive, combination sleepers can shift and change position without feeling stuck, like they might in some other memory foam mattresses.
• Leesa mattresses are backed with a 100-night trial period and 10-year warranty.

Cons:

• Like many memory foam mattresses, the Leesa Studio retains heat, although it did score higher in cooling properties than other foam beds.
• Stomach sleepers and lightweight side sleepers may find it lacking adequate support.

Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress: Layla Hybrid

Trial period: 120 nights 
Materials: Hybrid
Who the mattress is best for: Couples; hot sleepers
Warranty: 10 years

The Layla Hybrid is the only soft mattress that made our list … okay, that’s only half true. The reality is, the Layla Hybrid is two mattresses in one. Designers made the bed flippable, with soft and firm sides, which makes it quite versatile. It’s the ideal bed for a growing child with changing preferences, or a guest room where visitors can have a choice in firmness level.

Our experts found that the Layla Hybrid is a crowd-pleaser. Side, back and stomach sleepers of all body types found support and comfort on this bed. In our testing, it demonstrated impressive spine alignment, cooling and responsiveness. The hybrid construction — combining memory foam and pocketed coils — balances plush contouring with solid support.

Pros:

• The versatile design of the Layla Hybrid means buyers get two options of firmness: One side features a cushier, medium-soft surface, while the other is firm.
• Copper-infused materials and innerspring coils work in tandem to promote airflow and keep hot sleepers cool.
• The hybrid design works means there’s less sinkage, so it’s easier to move around on the bed.
• Layla offers a 120-night trial period along with a 10-year warranty.

Cons:

• If you’re looking for the hugging sensation of memory foam, you won’t find it here. This hybrid is built to be responsive and even bouncy—not cushy.
• Heavyweight stomach sleepers won’t get the support they need from the Layla Hybrid.
• It’s a bit pricey for the budget mattress shopper.

Best Firm Mattress for Athletes: Bear Hybrid

Trial period: 120 nights
Materials: Hybrid
Who the mattress is best for: Back sleepers; combination sleepers
Warranty: Lifetime

The Bear Hybrid mattress is specifically designed to meet the unique sleep needs of athletes. Its technology supports pressure points and even aids in muscle recovery, making it a favorite of those living an active lifestyle, as well as sleepers with back or joint pain. The celliant cover is where the magic happens: The copper-infused materials promote circulation making sleep on this bed not just comfortable, but restorative.

Plus, the hybrid design is heat-regulating, with breathable coil support and an aerated polyfoam layer that stimulates internal airflow. Our testers found that the top layer, made of a phase change material, was actually cool to the touch. Hot sleepers should have no trouble staying comfortable on the Bear Hybrid.

Pros:

• The Bear Hybrid’s graphite-infused foam gel creates a cooling effect.
• The copper-infused celliant cover improves circulation and aids in muscle recovery, making it a favorite of athletes and those with joint pain.
• The innerspring coils offer strong responsiveness and edge support.
• Bear offers a 365-night trial period along with a lifetime warranty.

Cons:

• You’ll pay about $700 more for the Bear Hybrid than the brand’s original mattress.
• Testers found that motion transferred from one side of the bed to the other, which couples may find disruptive.

Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain: Dreamcloud Original Mattress

Trial period: 365 nights
Materials: Hybrid
Who the mattress is best for: Couples; hot sleepers
Warranty: Lifetime

The Dreamcloud Original Mattress is an excellent choice for people with back pain, especially those who sleep on their stomachs. 

For stomach sleepers, it's important to keep the hips from sinking too far forward, which strains the spine and increases the likelihood of lower back pain. 

The Dreamcloud Original is a hybrid mattress with a firm, supportive feel, thanks to four layers of foam, individually wrapped coils and a cashmere-blend comfort cover. 

Pros:

• Hybrid construction keeps hot sleepers cool. 
• Good edge support means that you won't experience any issues if you tend to sleep along the side of the bed. 
• A bouncy, responsive feel is great for those who want to move around easily. 

Cons: 

• Some reviewers reported a slight off-gassing odor. 
• While it is reasonably priced, there are cheaper mattresses available. 

How do you select the best firm mattress?

When you’re in the market for a firm mattress, there’s a lot more to consider than just firmness level. Mattress material can also impact how you’ll sleep on your new bed. Below, we walk you through the most common mattress types so you can decide which best fits your needs.

Latex

Some foam mattresses are made of a latex material that, compared to classic memory foam, is slightly less contouring and has a better responsiveness. Latex adjusts to movement more easily than typical foam beds. People who prefer latex to memory foam might choose it because it sleeps cooler and has better bounce, or they might be drawn to its non-allergenic qualities. Latex beds are naturally resistant to mold, mildew and dust.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are the classic beds that you used to jump on as a kid. They are typically bouncy and responsive, due to the system of metal wire springs. The surface level of innerspring beds layers plush material over the frame. This cushioning adds extra support and comfort to the mattress. Hot sleepers like that innerspring mattresses are naturally breathable and cool, especially when compared to heat-retaining foam.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine both foam and coil technologies into one bed. These versatile beds have mass appeal because they offer the best of memory foam’s contouring with innerspring’s support and cooling properties.

Memory foam

Memory foam beds are best known for their contouring technology. The material has a marshmallow-like feel, which sinks under body weight and temporarily holds that position. Some sleepers love this cradling effect while others feel stuck in the mattress. Because foam is dense, it retains body heat. Those who sleep hot may want to find a bed type with better airflow, like a hybrid or innerspring, or a memory foam with specific cooling properties.

Pricing of the best firm mattresses

When purchasing a mattress, cost can be just as important as comfort. Mattresses made of latex, memory foam or a hybrid of foam and coils are typically more expensive than an innerspring mattress. In addition to mattress type, be mindful of the difference in cost between mattress sizes.

Consider what your purchase includes outside of the mattress itself. As you work out your budget, remember that you’re also paying for customer service. Does the brand include free shipping, delivery or white glove setup? Typically, if you’re buying a mattress online, the company should also offer you a trial period to test out your new bed, so read the fine print on the length of your trial. You’ll also want a brand that guarantees your purchase with a manufacturer’s warranty, in case of defects.

Advantages and disadvantages of best firm mattresses

Firm mattresses loyalists like that these beds sink less than their softer counterparts. When considering the firmness level that’s right for your sleep style and preferences, you’ll want to think through the advantages and disadvantages of sleeping on a firm mattress.

Advantages of firm mattresses

Comfort 

Firm and medium-firm mattresses are recommended for sleepers who want to feel supported rather than swaddled by their bed. Some think of this as wanting to sleep on the mattress rather than in it. This advantage really comes down to preference: You like a firm bed or you don’t.

Promotes spinal alignment

The best firm mattresses support the spine’s natural curvature, maintaining proper alignment. Sleeping on a firm bed can alleviate back pain and prevent people from waking up sore and achy.

Durability

A firm mattress is designed to prevent sleepers from sinking into it. This effect actually protects and preserves your mattress over time. The bed is less likely to collapse due to its firm build. Softer mattresses gradually lose their bounce and begin to sag, while firm mattresses provide better value over a longer lifespan.

Versatility

It’s easier to make a firm mattress softer, rather than a softer mattress firmer. A firm bed can be softened with a more plush mattress topper, allowing you to customize the hardness of your bed.

Disadvantages of firm mattresses

Can exacerbate joint pain

Those who suffer from joint pain may find that a firm bed does not offer the right amount of cushioning to alleviate tension at pressure points. Research has shown that medium-firm beds are better suited to the work of relieving pressure buildup on joints.

Lower back pain

Firm beds may not provide enough soft support for people with lower back pain. Those with any kind of chronic pain will need to be particularly mindful of the kind of support, relief and alignment that their purchase offers. (Ask your doctor if you’re unsure which firmness would be best for you.)

Longer break-in period

Some people may need a week or so to acclimate to a hard mattress, especially if they're new to firm beds. Firm mattresses aren't for everyone, and you may find during your bed’s trial period that it isn’t the right fit for you. If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep in your firm bed, even after getting over the initial stiffness, it might be time to move on to something softer.

Lightweight sleepers may be uncomfortable

Lightweight sleepers (under 130 pounds) can’t sink into a hard mattress as easily as average to heavyweight sleepers, therefore they won’t get the same contouring and cushioning as designers intended. They may find firm mattresses are uncomfortable or even painful because they’re not getting the right support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What level firmness is a hotel mattress?

Most hotels use medium-firm to firm mattresses. 

What is the best size for a firm mattress? 

Firm mattresses come in all standard mattress sizes. Whether you're looking for the best firm king mattress, the best firm queen mattress or something significantly smaller, there are plenty of options on the market. The right mattress size is the one that fits your space, and the number and size of people sleeping in the bed. 

What is the best firm mattress?

The best firm mattress will be the one that meets your particular needs and preferences. Your mattress should accommodate you, not the other way around. Choose a bed that meets your sleep style, supports your body type and neutralizes pressure. Those who sleep on their sides may suffer aches and pains if they sleep on a mattress that is too firm. On the other hand, back sleepers will appreciate the support of a firmer mattress.

What sort of mattress is best for side sleepers?

Side sleepers put quite a bit of strain on their shoulders and hips. They’ll want a mattress with strong spinal alignment to keep their posture healthy, but contouring to take stress off pressure points.

Is a firm mattress good for your back? 

They can be. Because overly-soft mattresses can interfere with your spine alignment, leading to back pain, a firmer mattress can do a better job in supporting the spine. However, they may not have enough soft support for those with low back pain. 

What is the best mattress for back pain?

Only those suffering from back pain will know the firmness degree appropriate for them. We found that the Nectar is one of the most highly-rated options for those who suffer from back pain.

How do I know if my mattress is too firm? 

If you wake up in the morning or during the night and feel pain or pressure in your shoulders or hips, your mattress may be too firm. 

What is the difference between firm and luxury firm? 

Luxury firm beds are usually slightly softer than firm beds. For Saatva, luxury firm mattresses measure a 5—7 on a scale of 1—10, while firm mattresses are an 8. 

Is mattress firmness correlated with mattress support?

It is important to consider both firmness and support when purchasing a mattress. Firmness is not the same as support. Firmness refers to how hard or soft the mattress feels, while support refers to how well it allows natural, healthy alignment of your spine. Mattresses that are too firm may be unsupportive if they do not allow the spine to bend naturally.

Consider your weight and preferred sleeping position to determine your optimal firmness. For extra support, consider choosing a bed with an ergonomically zoned support system that targets your areas of need.

Mattresses of all types can feel firm, but those lacking pressure-relieving properties generally feel harder than those that have them. There is no exact science to how hard or soft a mattress will feel to each person. Feel is very subjective, so pay attention to how brands scale their firmness levels and read reviews to get a sense of how they sleep, firmness-wise.

The Takeaway

Like just about everything to do with sleep, mattress firmness comes down to personal preference. Factors like your weight and sleep position can help determine where you should land on the firmness spectrum. Whether you’re a combination sleeper seeking responsiveness as you toss and turn, or you’re looking to ease pain with a back-friendly firm bed, finding the right firm mattress takes a bit of self reflection. What are your mattress must-haves?

You really won’t know for sure that you’ve found the best firm mattress until you’ve tried it — not just in a store, but over a period of time in real-life conditions. Like while sleeping with your restless partner or pet, on a hot summer night or after an intense workout.

If ordering online, be sure to go with a brand that offers a trial period. This is especially important for firm mattresses, which can take longer to break through the initial new-bed stiffness. You’ll know when a mattress is too firm if you’re waking up sore and achy, or your pressure points feel unsupported. 

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.