The 10 Best Firm Mattresses in 2022

Best Overall Firm Mattress: Saatva Classic

• Who It's Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers, hot sleepers, and those with back pain
• What Stands Out: Free white glove delivery, multiple firmness options to accommodate a variety of sleepers, and a Euro pillow top that provides extra cushioning
• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.3/10
• Firmness: Plush-soft (3/10), luxury-firm (6/10), and firm (8/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 180 nights
• Warranty: 15 years

The Saatva Classic is a hybrid mattress with multiple firmness levels, which make it a good fit for different types of sleepers. Stomach and back sleepers who don't like the feeling of sinking into their mattress may prefer the firmest option. But for side sleepers who want a little more cushion, the luxury-firm model is a solid choice.

The Saatva Classic's high-quality construction includes a dual-coil innerspring system, an organic cotton cover, and a plush pillow top. The innerspring system in particular contributed to the bed's high Mattress Advisor scores in key areas like spine alignment (10/10), pressure relief (8.75/10), and responsiveness (8.5/10). Unlike other online mattress brands, Saatva offers free white glove delivery, meaning your new mattress will be set up in your home and your old mattress removed at no extra cost.

From the Sleep Lab: "You really get that luxury experience when you lie on the Saatva. It feels like you're treating yourself. The luxury-firm model hits the sweet spot for balancing comfort and firmness."

Best Extra-Firm Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Plank

• Who It's Best For: Back, stomach, and combination sleepers as well as couples
• What Stands Out: Dual-sided firmness levels, excellent pressure relief, and a high-density foam base that provides sturdy support
• Mattress Type: Memory foam
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.1/10
• Firmness: Firm (7/10) and ultra-firm (9/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 120 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

What is the best extra-firm mattress? Brooklyn Bedding's innovative Plank mattress allows you to experience two different firmness levels in one mattress because, unlike most beds in a box, it's flippable—one side is firm, coming in at a 7 on the firmness scale, while the other is ultra-firm, or a 9. Both levels provide adequate support to help distribute body weight evenly and prevent sleepers from sinking into the mattress, but the ultra-firm mattress side in particular offers phenomenal aid to back and stomach sleepers. This top-rated mattress keeps sleepers' spines in near-perfect alignment and earned high marks from Mattress Advisor in pressure relief and responsiveness, meaning you'll stay comfortable even as you shift positions.

The Plank scored exceptionally well in Mattress Advisor's edge support test, which is an important criterion for maintaining a mattress's firmness and preventing it from sagging. Mattress Advisor testers said they felt like the mattress was gripping them and keeping them from falling off the bed. The Plank also has notably easy assembly—it arrives in a compact box and testers were able to set it up in less than two minutes. The only drawback: Both sides may be too firm for side sleepers who require more pressure relief at their hips and shoulders.

From the Sleep Lab: "If you've ever gone so far as to sleep on the floor because you like firmness, you can get that feeling in a much more comfortable way with the Plank. The bed definitely lives up to its firm reputation, and the cooling panel is an excellent touch if you don't mind spending a little extra."

Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain: The WinkBed

• Who It's Best For: Back, stomach, and combination sleepers, those with back pain, and hot sleepers
• What Stands Out: Four firmness options to accommodate a broad range of sleepers, plus the breathability of the innerspring layer

• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.6/10
• Firmness: Soft (4.5/10), luxury-firm (6.5/10), firm (7.5/10), and plus (8/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 120 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Mattress Advisor testers who suffer from back pain enjoyed sleeping on the firm WinkBed. This hybrid mattress combines an innerspring coil system with a soft pillow top to deliver support and comfort. The bed excelled in the spine alignment test (8.75/10), which is important if you're trying to limit the amount of pressure placed on your lower back.

The WinkBed is available in four different firmness levels (soft, luxury-firm, firm, and plus), though the firm and plus are recommended for sleepers with back pain. One downside: The WinkBed only offers moderate motion isolation, meaning movement is easily transferred across the surface of the bed, which is not ideal for people who sleep with a partner.

From the Sleep Lab: "I like how you feel support and pressure relief in any position on this mattress. It also sleeps cool, which helps me stay comfortable as a hot sleeper."

Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers: Helix Dawn Luxe

• Who It's Best For: Sleepers with back pain and hot sleepers
• What Stands Out: The breathable cover that promotes airflow, the individually wrapped coils that offer cushier support under the shoulders and firmer support under the hips, and the plush pillow top that creates a soft surface to sink into
• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: Coming soon
• Firmness: Firm (8.5/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 100 nights
• Warranty: 15 years

For side sleepers wanting a firm mattress, it's important to find one that has adequate pressure relief so you don't risk waking up with hip or shoulder pain. The Helix Dawn Luxe combines a plush pillow top with a firm feel to provide a high level of support without skimping on comfort. The bed also comes with a breathable Tencel cover, which will help keep you cool during the night.

Helix differentiates itself from other online mattress makers by offering six beds in its standard lineup, providing options for all types of sleepers at a variety of firmness levels. The brand also created Luxe versions of each bed, which feature a pillow top and special lumbar support system that make these mattresses 2 inches taller than their standard counterparts.

From the Sleep Lab: "The big difference with the Helix Midnight and Helix Dawn is the type of foam. Firm mattress lovers should really feel and appreciate the firm difference the dense polyfoam makes in the Dawn."

Best Firm Luxury Mattress: DreamCloud

• Who It's Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers, sleepers with back or hip pain, and couples
• What Stands Out: The soft cashmere cover supported by thick comfort layers, contouring pressure point relief for hip and shoulder pain, a generous sleep trial, and the lifetime warranty
• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.1/10
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 365 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that features a luxurious cashmere blend cover and gel-infused memory foam. When testers sank into the surface, they commented on the excellent pressure relief it provided, awarding the bed an 8.75 out of 10 in the category. The DreamCloud also features individually wrapped coils, which reviewers said kept their spines in a healthy alignment and added stability around the perimeter of the mattress. The bed earned a 9 out of 10 for both spine alignment and edge support.

At less than $2,000 for a queen size, the DreamCloud is relatively affordable compared to other hybrid beds. The mattress is especially great for back sleepers who want medium-firm support. Looking for a tad more comfort? The brand offers an extra dose of coziness in its sister model, the DreamCloud Premier, which has a plush pillow top.

From the Sleep Lab: "The cover of DreamCloud feels so soft and nice, I might never be bothered to sleep on top of sheets. But it's not so cozy and snug that you can't move—you get that nice propped-up feeling from the coils. The edge support is also robust enough that two people can easily sleep on a firm queen size without feeling at risk of rolling off the side."

Best Cooling Firm Mattress: GhostBed Classic

• Who It's Best For: Side, back, and combination sleepers, hot sleepers, and couples
• What Stands Out: The durable materials, like latex, its excellent cooling capabilities, and the robust warranty
• Mattress Type: Latex with foam
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.6/10
• Firmness: Firm (7.5/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 101 nights
• Warranty: 20 years

The GhostBed Classic is made of memory foam and breathable latex, which testers say helps combat night sweats. Latex is a natural temperature regulator, but it also responds to movement and works to keep the spine aligned and hips elevated. Plus, the GhostBed Classic comes with an ultra-breathable cover that wicks away moisture. All of these features earned the bed an 8.5 out of 10 in Mattress Advisor's cooling test.

Though the mattress provides plenty of support, it may be too firm for side sleepers who need extra cushioning around the hips and shoulders. Those sleepers might prefer the brand's newer model, the GhostBed 3D Matrix, over the original because of its slightly softer firmness level (it ranks as medium-firm on the firmness scale). Every mattress in GhostBed's lineup has a 20- to 25-year warranty—for comparison, most competitors offer 10- to 15-year warranties.

From the Sleep Lab: "Off the bat, you can tell the GhostBed feels more breathable than a typical memory foam mattress, plus it's cool to the touch. However, it still has that cushioning memory foam feel and nicely cradled my lower back."

Best Firm Hybrid Mattress: Awara

• Who It's Best For: Back, stomach, and combination sleepers, hot sleepers, sleepers with allergies, and couples
• What Stands Out: The sustainable materials, like natural latex and organic wool, the bed's excellent responsiveness, and its durable construction
• Mattress Type: Hybrid (latex and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.8/10
• Firmness: Firm (7/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 365 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Hybrid mattresses like the Awara combine materials for a unique sleep experience. In this case: innerspring coils that make switching positions seamless and a foam top layer that's incredibly comfortable. Awara differentiates itself from other hybrid mattresses by using natural Dunlop latex in its construction. A material known for its durability, this latex variety is a byproduct of tapping sap from rubber trees. Its bounce and contouring properties helped the mattress earn solid scores in both spine alignment (8.5/10) and responsiveness (8.25/10) from Mattress Advisor testers.

Although Awara will appeal to firm mattress aficionados thanks to its sturdy 7 out of 10 ranking on the firmness scale, the quilted cover of organic cotton and wool kept sleepers cozy during the night, according to testers.

From the Sleep Lab: "I didn't know latex was used in mattresses before I was a tester, and it quickly became one of my favorite materials. Everything from the nonexistent off-gassing to the increased breathability gives Awara a definite edge in the firm hybrid mattress category."

Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress: Puffy

• Who It's Best For: Back and side sleepers and those with back pain
• What Stands Out: Its huggable feel, excellent lumbar support, and robust warranty
• Mattress Type: Memory foam
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9/10
• Firmness: Firm (7/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 101 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

Love the huggable feel of memory foam but want something firmer so you don't feel stuck in your mattress? Puffy might be your new go-to, according to Mattress Advisor testers. Puffy is rated a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, so the mattress has a more supportive feel than most memory foam beds. However, firmer support doesn't mean less pressure relief in this case. The Puffy earned an 8 out of 10 in the Mattress Advisor pressure relief test. Testers who suffer from back pain noted that the bed's five-layer construction alleviated some of the strain they experience, so they awarded it an 8.75 out of 10 for spine alignment. Side, stomach, and back sleepers all reported that they maintained a healthy posture during the night.

Another benefit to Puffy: It comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know you're getting a durable product.

From the Sleep Lab: "Puffy is one of my favorite memory foam mattresses I've tested. You not only get that 'floating on air' feeling from the firmness of the mattress, but also plenty of pressure relief. For couples who want a firm mattress, the Puffy excels at mitigating motion transfer, which is why we scored it a 9.25 out of 10 [in that category]."

Best Firm Mattress for Couples: Layla Hybrid

• Who It's Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers, couples, and sleepers who want options
• What Stands Out: The flippable design, impressive motion isolation, and cooling features
• Mattress Type: Hybrid (foam and coils)
• Mattress Advisor Score: 8.7/10
• Firmness: Medium-soft (4/10) and medium-firm (7/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 120 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

For couples with differing sleep styles and firmness preferences, the Layla Hybrid offers a savvy solution that's rare among online mattresses: a two-in-one design. This flippable bed is medium-soft on one side and medium-firm on the other. The medium-firm option—which is a 7 on the firmness scale—suits most sleepers by striking a nice balance between comfort and firm support. For side sleepers, the medium-soft option allows your hips and shoulders to sink slightly into the mattress, relieving tension along pressure points. No matter what position you and your partner sleep in, the Layla Hybrid has you covered.

The bed also excels at isolating movement, so you won't be disturbed if your partner gets up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom (the mattress's responsiveness makes it a great bed for sex, too). Plus, it functions as a cooling mattress, promoting breathability through a perforated polyfoam layer and innerspring coils.

From the Sleep Lab: "While the soft side is a little plush for me, it's unique to have a flippable hybrid. The medium-firm side hits that nice balance of support and comfort—something that people with back pain often look for."

Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief: Casper Wave Hybrid

• Who It's Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers, hot sleepers, and couples
• What Stands Out: Unique targeted support that provides a softer feel under the shoulders but a firmer feel under the hips, the responsive latex layer, and the universally appealing medium firmness level
• Mattress Type: Memory foam
• Mattress Advisor Score: 9.3/10
• Firmness: Medium (5/10)
• Trial Period for Returns: 100 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

The Casper Wave Hybrid uses a support system made of memory foam and nearly 90 gel pods to relieve pressure on the back. Mattress Advisor testers say the bed kept their spines in alignment throughout the night and distributed weight evenly to alleviate pressure points (overall, it earned an 8.5 out of 10 for pressure relief). Underneath the zoned support grid is a base of individually wrapped coils that provides even more stability. The mattress also includes natural latex, which is perforated to help disperse body heat.

The Casper Wave Hybrid is a comfortable mattress that works well for a variety of sleep positions thanks to its medium firmness level. However, due to the bed's higher price tag—$2,695 for a queen—it's not the best pick for budget shoppers.

From the Sleep Lab: "The responsiveness of the Casper Wave's latex makes moving around really easy and you don't feel stifled when switching positions. So, if you're a solo sleeper who switches positions often, even a firm twin-size mattress should feel like enough room as you adjust and move through the night."