Are you a back or stomach sleeper? A heavier individual? Or someone with a health concern that calls for a hard bed to sleep on? If so, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a list of the best firm mattresses. You’ll notice that the beds on this list rank as medium-firm to ultra-firm, so it’s got something for everyone. 

We can help you find the best firm mattress online for your needs or preferences. With all of the amazing new mattress technology, including Hyper-Elastic Polymer, you have a wide range of options! You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for firmness any longer! Whether you want the best extra firm mattress or you’re looking for a firm king mattress, we’ve got you covered.

8 Best Firm Mattresses

  • Best Firm Mattresses Review Video

    Swipe to see why these made our list

    Swipe to see why these made our list

  • Why These Made Our List

    We use a firmness scale to help categorize the firmness level of every mattress we test. Our scale ranges from soft, to medium soft, to medium, to medium firm and finally, ultra firm. All of the beds on this list have been rated either a medium firm or extra firm. If you’re looking for the most supportive beds out there, check out our list of the Best Mattresses for Heavy & Obese People.

Compare the Top Firm Mattresses

BEST EXTRA-FIRM MATTRESS

Plank
Plank
Why it’s Great
Plank is one of the best firm mattresses online. It’s made in the USA and is flippable, so you can experience two different profiles on the same bed.
Best for
Stomach or back sleepers who like foam beds
Those who are looking for a flippable, firm mattress
Sleepers who weigh under 230 lbs
Sleep Positions
Back, Side and Stomach
Product Details
Firmness
Firm
Type
Mixed Foam
Temp
Neutral

Why Plank wins as best extra-firm mattress

We put the Plank mattress on the list because it provides two firmness profiles in one mattress, making it versatile for back and stomach sleepers who need additional support. You get to choose between a “soft” side or a “firm” side. In truth, the soft side is more around a medium-firm and the firm side is extra firm. So even the soft side, isn’t all that soft. 

With the Plank Mattress, you have two beds in one, and you can sleep on the side with the firmness you find most comfortable. Did we mention it’s also a great value? It’s one of the most affordable mattresses on the list.

Plank also no offers a Luxe version, which is claimed to be the firmest mattress on the market.

Plank’s best features

  • We think the Plank mattress is good for petite and average individuals who sleep on their back or stomach. 
  • In terms of price, the Plank bed is one of the more affordable mattresses on our list.
  • Plank provides impressive edge support so that you will be very supported around the perimeter of the bed. This is ideal for couples who share a smaller bed.
plank mattress review side sleeper

BEST SEMI-FIRM MATTRESS

Loom & Leaf
Loom & Leaf
Why it’s Great
Loom & Leaf is one of the nicest, most luxurious memory foam mattresses online. It comes in two firmness profiles and has an organic cotton cover.
Best for
If you want a luxury memory foam mattress
Hot sleepers looking for a cooler mattress
Petite to average sleepers under 230 lbs
Back, stomach, and some combo sleepers
Sleep Positions
Back, Side and Stomach
Product Details
Firmness
All
Type
Memory Foam
Temp
Neutral

Why Loom & Leaf wins as best semi-firm mattress

The Loom & Leaf is a luxury, semi-firm mattress that is great for those who love the slow responding feel of memory foam, but hate how hot it sleeps. The Loom & Leaf mattress can provide some relief for people who tend to sleep warm at night. 

Despite being an all-foam mattress, the thick foam layers provide a good amount of support. The Loom & Leaf bed comes in both a semi-firm and an extra-firm version. The semi-firm mattress would be good for anyone who likes a firm mattress, while the extra firm version is best for heavy people and back or stomach sleepers.

Loom & Leaf’s best features

  • In Loom & Leaf’s thick construction, you can find a layer of laminated cooling gel meant to help regulate temperature. It’s the same material found in hospital burn units! 
  • The layers of the Loom & Leaf mattress are wrapped in a quilted, organic cotton cover.
  • Loom & Leaf’s memory foam mattress is perfect for relieving back pain.

BEST SEMI-FIRM MATTRESS

Saatva Classic
Saatva Classic
Why it’s Great
Saatva Classic is the original innerspring mattress online. It comes in three firmness options, all of which have coils for support and a fluffy pillow top.
Best for
Sleepers looking for a bed that combines both coils and foam
Consumers who want to choose from multiple firmness options
Back, stomach, and combination sleepers (some side)
All body types (extra durable hybrid construction)
Sleep Positions
Back, Side and Stomach
Product Details
Firmness
All
Type
Pillow Top
Temp
Neutral

Why Saatva wins as best medium-firm mattress

The Saatva mattress has several firmness levels available you can choose from. The two firmest models make our picks for being top-rated firm mattresses. These beds are built with a dual coil system of individually wrapped coils and a steel coil base. A plush Euro-top that is responsive makes sure you never feel stuck like it can happen with even an extra firm memory foam mattress.

The affordable price point for a luxury mattress earned Saatva a spot in our best firm mattress review.

Saatva’s best features:

  • The combination of foam and coils make the Saatva mattress suitable for all types of sleepers and body types, although most will do best with the medium-firm model because the other is extra firm. 
  • Saatva falls in the middle of the range for the mattresses we’ve included here in this list; a queen retails for about $1,575.
  • The Saatvva mattress is a solid option for all sleeper and body types.

Nectar
Nectar
Why it’s Great

The Nectar Original is one of the best mattresses in the market. The pressure-relieving memory foam of this bed slowly conforms to your body.

Best for
Sleepers who love distinct, dense memory foam mattresses
People who sleep hot but like the feel of memory foam
Sleepers under 230 lbs
Sleep Positions
Back, Side and Stomach
Product Details
Firmness
Medium
Type
Memory Foam
Temp
Neutral

Why Nectar wins as best firm memory foam mattress

Our top pick for the best firm memory foam mattress is The Nectar mattress. We think it provides that signature feel you’re expecting at a super affordable price. Once you lay down on the Nectar bed, you sit on top of the mattress for about 4-5 seconds until you slowly feel the bed’s layers hug the curves of your body. 

We would compare it to the feel of a TempurPedic mattress, but it’s hundreds or even thousands of dollars cheaper than most TempurPedic models. Nectar offers the luxury of memory foam at a fraction of the cost. It’s an all-foam mattress that’s about 12” thick, making it heftier than your typical bed-in-a-box mattress.

Nectar’s best features

  • We rate the Nectar mattress to be around a medium-firm. It offers an ample amount of spinal support for back and stomach sleepers who need it for neutral alignment in their back. 
  • Nectar has a removable, quilted polyethylene cover with cooling technology that quickly wick away superficial heat. As an added bonus, the cover is machine-washable. You won’t sleep cold, but it won’t warm up either, so it’s what we call temperature neutral.
  • One of the best parts about the Nectar mattress is its price. A queen size retails for almost $1,300, but you can typically get it for around $800 after discounts.

BEST FIRM MATTRESS FOR HEAVY PEOPLE

Titan
Titan
Why it’s Great
The Titan is a supportive hybrid mattress that has a firm, neutral-foam feel. The bed is specifically designed with heavy people in mind.
Best for
Back and stomach sleepers looking for a firm, hybrid mattress
Heavier individuals seeking an affordable yet supportive bed
Sleep Positions
Back, Side and Stomach
Product Details
Firmness
Firm
Type
Mixed Foam
Temp
Neutral

Why Titan wins as best firm mattress for heavy people 

The people at Titan wanted to make a quality mattress that suits sleepers over 250 lbs, and this mattress accomplishes this. The Titan mattress is supportive and resilient, built with “TitanCaliber” coils. For heavy body types, it will be a comfortable semi-firm mattress. For petite to medium body types, Titan will likely be a little too firm.

The Titan bed has a durable, supportive construction and an affordable price tag, that’s why it made our best firm mattresses list. If also offers a Luxe version to help support heavier sleepers with additional contouring.

Titan’s best features

  • The Titan bed is just slightly thicker than the average mattress-in-a-box at 11″. On top of the layer of coils, there is a layer of Titan Flex foam and top layer of memory foam. 
  • As a hybrid mattress that is made with support in mind, the Titan bed is fairly priced. A queen mattress is under $1,100, something we can expect from a bed made by Brooklyn Bedding.
  • The mattress is purposely designed to be extra firm to support your body correctly.

MOST COMFORTABLE FIRM MATTRESS

Purple Hybrid
Purple Hybrid
Why it’s Great

Purple Hybrid is a coil mattress that features a proprietary comfort layer called Hyper-Elastic Polymer. It’s a unique mattress that’s comfortable and great for hot sleepers.

Best for
If you’re looking for a unique, responsive mattress with a different type of feel
All types of sleepers (particularly back and stomach) who like beds with pocketed coils
All body types (hybrid construction)
Sleep Positions
Back, Side and Stomach
Product Details
Firmness
Medium
Type
Unique
Temp
Breathable

Why Purple Hybrid wins as most comfortable firm mattress

We chose the Purple Hybrid for the best firm list because it’s a unique mattress that’s comfortable and supportive with x-factor features that people love. The secret to the Purple Hybrid 2″, formally called the Purple 2, is its unique construction. It combines 7.5″ pocketed innerspring coils with a 2″ layer of the patented Hyper-Elastic Polymer. 

If you are tired of the traditional bed (either innerspring or memory foam), this might be the mattress for you. We like to compare sleeping on the Purple Hybrid bed to laying on a giant Dr. Scholl’s insole. Which sounds weird, but a lot of people love it.

Purple Hybrid’s best features:

  • The Purple Hybrid mattress is bouncy, responsive, and gives you the feeling of being supportive and pressure relieving at the same time.
  • It’s one of the best medium firm mattresses if you like the unique feel. 
  • The polymer of the Purple bed will compress and conform to your body’s shape.
  • The price is a little higher than the average firm mattress online but not egregious, considering how unique it is.
purple mattress review online bed in a box hyper elastic polymer

Allswell
Allswell
Why it’s Great

The Allwell Brick is a neutral-foam mattress with a quilted top layer, so any sleeper gets the comfort of memory foam without the traditional soft feeling of conventional memory foam.

Best for
Those looking for a supportive hybrid mattress
Back and stomach sleepers who need extra support
All body types (petite to heavy)
Back and stomach sleepers
Sleep Positions
Back, Side and Stomach
Product Details
Firmness
Firm
Type
Memory Foam
Temp
Neutral

 Why Allswell Brick wins as most affordable firm mattress

Allswell is brought to you by Walmart, a brand that stresses affordability and good value. As such, you can expect the same sentiment from the Allswell Brick. It’s a firm hybrid mattress perfect for all back and stomach sleepers and side and combo sleepers, especially folks over 230 lbs. On a scale from soft to firm, we rated it around a medium-firm. 

Allswell Brick’s best features

  • It’s not as hard as a brick as its name may suggest, but it does provide a solid amount of support when you sleep on your back or stomach. 
  • This 3-layer mattress contains memory foam, but it doesn’t feel like a memory foam mattress. The quilted top cover on the bed neutralizes the dense memory foam feel, so instead, we think it feels more like neutral foam, similar to the original Allswell mattress
  • One of the top reasons it made our best firm mattress list is because of its price accessibility. Prices for a queen-size mattress start at $675, making it the most affordable firm mattress on our list.

BEST FIRM ORGANIC MATTRESS

Avocado Green Mattress
Avocado Green Mattress
Why it’s Great

The Avocado Green Mattress is the most sought-after natural/organic mattress online. It’s supportive, comfortable, and constructed with high-quality materials.

Best for
Anyone looking for antimicrobial and hypoallergenic beds
Stomach and back sleepers, especially those with back pain
People that want a firm, responsive mattress
Those who want a non-toxic, eco-friendly mattress
Sleep Positions
Back, Side and Stomach
Product Details
Firmness
Firm
Type
Latex Foam
Temp
Breathable

Why Avocado wins as best firm organic mattress

We picked the Avocado mattress for one of the best firm mattresses of 2022 because it is an extremely comfortable firm mattress made of all-natural, hypoallergenic materials.

The Avocado mattress combines steel pocketed coils and certified organic latex foam and cotton that gives a firm yet comfortable feel. You can also find Avocado as a medium-firm mattress if you opt for the topper.

Avocado’s best features

  • This mattress is viable for all body types. But not petite side sleepers.
  • It’s more expensive than the standard online mattress, but we think it’s a great value because of the upgraded organic materials and certifications.

Which Firm Mattress Is Right for You?

  • If you want the option of two firmness levels in one bed, go with the flippable Plank mattress. 
  • For sleepers who are on a budget, the Allswell Brick is the ultimate option. 
  • If you want the luxury memory foam feel of Tempurpedic without the hefty price tag, go with Nectar. 
  • Larger people who weigh over 250 pounds and need extra support should opt for the Titan bed
  • If you’re tired of the traditional mattress experience and you want to try something new, go with the Purple Hybrid mattress
  • For people who value eco-friendly companies and mattresses, Avocado is the best choice for a firm mattress.

How To Find The Best Firm Bed

Changing mattresses can be difficult, especially when you’ve slept on a soft mattress for so long. Your body might need anywhere from several days to a full month to adjust to a new sleeping surface. But if you need or want to switch to a firm bed, here are few recommendations from our team.

  • 1. Choose the Right Firmness

    There’s a huge difference between an extra-firm and medium-firm mattress. We think extra firm mattresses feel like a thin layer of foam on a board. Extra firm mattresses are not going to provide pressure relief. There are plenty of extra firm beds out there, but you will have a shorter list.

    A medium-firm mattress offers a good amount of pressure relief but not so much that you’re “melting” into the bed. You should still feel the support but immediately recognize that this is semi firm, not ultra firm. The majority of brands offer a medium firm bed, or something just a little softer.

    In our mattress recommendations, we always say it’s better to start too firm than too soft with your new bed, especially if you’re wondering what is the best firm mattress for your situation. Beds tend to get softer over time.

  • 2. Consider your sleeper type and weight
    • Stomach and back sleepers

    People who look for firm mattresses are likely a back or stomach sleeper. These sleepers need a firm surface that won’t let their head, hips or shoulders sink into the mattress too much, which would cause the spine to curve or arch. Keeping the spine in neutral alignment can prevent back pain and soreness after sleeping. We notice that back sleepers typically like a firmer surface, perhaps even an extra firm one, and belly sleepers might need a little bit more cushion such as a medium firm mattress.

    • Side sleepers

    If you’re a side sleeper, the best mattress for you is probably medium to soft. As a side sleeper, you’ll need more cushion to contour around your hips and shoulders. If your mattress is too firm, there will be too much pressure around these areas that can misalign your spine and cause pain.

    • Heavy individuals

    Another reason you may want a firmer bed is that you might be a heavier individual. Firmness is a relative term to weight, making things tricky if you’re either much heavier (250 lbs+) or much lighter (100 lbs-). Bigger individuals tend to sink into a mattress deeper because they’re displacing more weight into it. This makes the bed feel softer for them. If you’re a plus-size person who sleeps mainly on their back or belly or might just prefer an ultra firm bed in general, it can be more difficult for you to find what you’re looking for. Contrast with someone who weighs under 150 lbs who will think even a semi-firm mattress is extra-firm.

Pros and Cons of Sleeping on a Firm Mattress

ProsCons
Excellent for heavy individuals – Because firm mattresses have more support, they’re less likely to sag and create discomfort for bigger people.More painful for joints – People who suffer from conditions like arthritis might experience more pain from firm mattresses and increased pressure on their joints.
Spine alignment – Firm mattresses allow your spine to rest in a more neutral position, helping relieve daily pain from slouching and curving.Breaking in period – If you aren’t used to a firm mattress, there’s a period where you’ll need to break it in and get used to it. It may feel too hard at first before you can get used to it.
Durability – Firm mattresses are built with more stability and are known to last longer than soft mattresses because you don’t sink into them as much. Bad for side sleepers – A firm mattress might create too much pressure for side sleepers’ shoulders and hips

Once you’ve purchased your best mattress, enhance your comfort with some of the most popular firm mattress accessories:

  • Foam mattress topper – A foam mattress topper gives you a little more cushion if you’re still adjusting to your mattress or need a bit more contour while you sleep.
  • Sturdy foundation – A sturdy foundation is especially helpful for heavier individuals or couples. The foundation, like the one from Big Fig, serves as an extra support layer and provides additional durability.
  • Wraparound pillow – A wraparound pillow gives you extra support for your neck and shoulders. If you sleep on your side occasionally, a wraparound pillow can help relieve some of the pressure around your neck that the mattress might cause otherwise.

How We Select The Best Mattresses

  • My Slumber Yard

    The Slumber Yard has been around since the beginning of the bed in a box craze. Our team has personally tested and reviewed over 175 mattresses so far, and we keep more than 150 beds in our office so we can compare them (and take afternoon naps).

     

    When testing mattresses, we evaluate the following factors:

      • Construction: We cut beds open to see what’s inside and how it’s made.
      • Feel: We check if it has a stuck-in-the-mud memory foam feel, or if it’s more of a neutral foam or a plush pillow top, etc.
      • Firmness: We have our own firmness scale and evaluate how that may vary depending on your body and sleeper type.
      • Pressure relief: We test what’s the sweet spot for different body and sleeper types.
      • Support and how that changes by body/sleeper type

     

    • Edge Support: This is important for couples who share a bed. Would you roll-out of the bed, or can you sleep confidently close to the edges?

     

      • Motion Isolation: We use the water glass test to see how the bed fares with motion transfer. This is another important factor for couples that don’t want to wake up one another when they move.
      • Temperature Regulation: We use a temperature gun to evaluate if the bed warms up, stays neutral or actively cools while you sleep.

     

    • Noise: This could be an issue in beds with coils or innerspring.
    • Off-Gassing: Some beds could have a smell for a few weeks after unpacking, and we try to warn you about it.

     

    • Company policies: We also take into account policies such as shipping, returns, trial period and warranty.
    • Value: We look at a bed’s price in the context of what it offers in terms of features and quality of materials and construction.

     

    After considering all these factors, our team picks the best beds for each category. For the best firm beds, we looked for mattresses rated medium-firm or firm. On our 10 points firmness scale, these beds fall between a six and a ten. As part of our selection process, we considered different sleeping preferences and tried to recommend a firm bed for as many people as possible. Ultimately, we also looked closely at price and overall value of the mattress.

Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a medium-firm and firm mattress?

A medium firm mattress is going to be softer than an extra-firm mattress. More people will be able to sleep on a medium-firm mattress, while basically only back or stomach sleepers will seek an extra-firm bed.

Our editors consider a medium firm mattress to be around a 6 to 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale, whereas an extra firm mattress is between 8 and 10 on that same scale.

What is the hardest mattress available?

Plank and Avocado offer some of the firmest mattresses you can buy online. The extra firm mattress is excellent for back and stomach sleepers while also offering a medium-firm side for more comfort.

Is a firm mattress better for your back?

Firm mattresses are recommended for back and stomach sleepers because of the exceptional support they provide. A firm mattress is good for your back because it can distribute your body weight more equally. Firm mattresses also keep your spine aligned, which keeps you from waking up stiff or with back pain.

Is it better to sleep on a soft or firm mattress?

A firm mattress is best for heavier individuals and back sleepers who need more spine support. A soft mattress is usually better for side sleepers or people looking for more joint relief while they sleep. We like beds that fall right in the middle of the scale at a medium because most people can sleep on them without trouble.

How can I soften my mattress if it’s too firm?

Your mattress will naturally become softer one to three months after you buy it, so you can allow it to break in and adjust to your body. If after a few months you feel that your mattress is still too firm, a mattress topper pad is a great way to add a few extra inches to make it softer and provide pressure relief.

why trust us icon

Why Trust Us

Get the kind of sleep you’ve only dreamed of with some help from our team of mattress experts. We personally test more than 175 of the best sleep solutions from over 60 leading brands on site, so you can be sure you’re getting unbiased reviews, fair comparisons and personalized recommendations.


The Review Team

  • Dillon Payne

    Combo Sleeper

  • kenzie

    McKenzie Dillon

    Combo Sleeper

  • JD

    JD Christison

    Combo Sleeper

  • Jeff Rizzo

    Jeff Rizzo

    Combo Sleeper