10 Best Firm Mattresses in January 2022

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Best Firm Mattresses , woman asleep — Photo: Getty Images

Ever feel like you're slowly sinking into a pit in the middle of your mattress when you're trying to fall asleep at night? If this scenario sounds familiar, it might be time to consider a firmer mattress.

The best firm mattresses help relieve back pain by providing greater pushback to make you feel like you're floating on top of the surface instead of sagging down into it. "A firm mattress helps support the spine's alignment, and therefore prevents people from sinking into positions that cause back or joint pain," Mike Calabrese, a licensed chiropractor in New York City, tells Health. Firm mattresses also provide phenomenal support for back and stomach sleepers by evenly distributing weight and keeping one's hips propped up.

If the last firm mattress you slept on was an awful bunk from your childhood summer camp, you'll be pleased to learn about the vast selection of firm mattresses available now that marry support and comfort. But with so many firm beds to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you? The expert team at Mattress Advisor tested hundreds of beds using a 14-point testing methodology to determine which firm mattresses score highest in categories like spine alignment, durability, and pressure relief. Below, scroll through our easy-to-follow guide to find an option that best suits your individual needs and sleep style.

Our firm mattress recommendations:

Best Overall Firm Mattress: Saatva Classic
Best Extra-Firm Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Plank
Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain: The WinkBed
Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers: Helix Dawn Luxe
Best Firm Luxury Mattress: DreamCloud
Best Cooling Firm Mattress: GhostBed Classic
Best Firm Hybrid Mattress: Awara
Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress: Puffy
Best Firm Mattress for Couples: Layla Hybrid
Best Firm Mattress for Pressure Relief: Casper Wave Hybrid

Each of the mattresses on this list has been endorsed as a top-rated firm bed by Certified Sleep Science Coach and professional mattress tester Loren Bullock. Mattress Advisor testers compile recommendations by testing out the beds themselves, noting which categories each mattress excels in and where they fall short. For more information on firmness level and why it matters, scroll through this comprehensive guide.

The 10 best firm mattresses

Best Overall Firm Mattress: Saatva Classic

BUY IT, $887 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,695)

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

BUY IT, $1,274 FOR A QUEEN

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

BUY IT, $1,499 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,799)

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

BUY IT, $1,949 FOR A QUEEN

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

BUY IT, $999 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,598)

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

BUY IT, $977 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,395)

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

BUY IT, $1,199 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,898)

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

BUY IT, $949 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,699)

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

BUY IT, $1,499 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $1,699)

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

BUY IT, $1,795 FOR A QUEEN (WAS $2,895)

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."

Why you should trust us

Each mattress on this list was put to the test (literally) in Mattress Advisor's lab, which is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Bedding experts spent over 1,200 hours evaluating and comparing mattresses using a 14-point testing methodology to find the best firm beds on the market.

While some of the factors tested are tied directly to performance, like responsiveness, edge support, and pressure relief, others are based around brand operations, such as customer service, shipping policies, and trial period. The Mattress Advisor team combines this proprietary methodology with in-depth interviews and customer experience to arrive at a weighted score out of 10. Below is a list of criteria used to rate each mattress:

Spine alignment: How well the mattress maintains the natural 'S' curve of the spine
Pressure relief: How well the mattress relieves pressure at common pain points like the shoulders and hips
Edge support: How much support the mattress provides at the edge of the bed for functional use and how comfortable the edge is to lie on
Responsiveness: How quickly the mattress adapts or responds to changes in movement. This is particularly key for combination sleepers, who switch positions frequently during the night
Motion transfer: How well the mattress isolates motion. This is especially important for couples who sleep together and don't want to be disturbed by their partner's movements
Durability: Relates to longevity and overall quality of a mattress's materials. Determines the lifespan of a bed
Cooling: How well the mattress promotes airflow and limits heat retention. Also factors in any extra cooling features like gel infusions or aerated foam
Ease of set up: How easy the unboxing process is, which includes components like weight, time it takes to set up the mattress, and number of people needed to do it
Trial period: How long you have to decide whether or not you want to keep the mattress
Return policy: How easy the return process is, if refunds are offered, and if mattress removal is available
Warranty: How long the warranty is and what it covers
Shipping: How long it takes for your bed to ship and if there are any costs associated with shipping
Customer service: How quickly customer service responds to queries, the level of detail the team provides, and how helpful the team is overall
Social impact: Takes into consideration a company's social missions, charitable causes, and sustainability efforts. This includes the quality of a mattress's materials and where they are made

How is firmness measured in a mattress?

Mattress firmness is subjective and varies from person to person; a mattress that feels firm to you may be too soft for someone else's taste. For this reason, mattress brands came up with a firmness scale to rate how firm a mattress is compared to others on the market. This scale describes mattress firmness using a scoring system of 1 through 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

While most mattresses are considered medium or medium-firm, which typically puts them between a 5 and 7 on the scale, a firm mattress falls around 7 or 8. Understandably, the different textures each provide a different sleeping experience: A softer mattress cradles your body while a firmer mattress feels like hovering on top of the bed rather than sinking into it. The experts at Mattress Advisor recommend going no further than an 8 on the firmness scale to achieve the right balance between support and comfort—a mattress that's too firm may end up being uncomfortable.

Who is a firm mattress best suited for?

People with back pain

According to the American Chiropractic Association, more than 80% of people will experience lower back pain at some point throughout their lives. If you are in this majority, a firmer mattress is a great choice for you. Studies have shown that the support of a medium-firm mattress can significantly improve sleep quality and stress levels, which can help reduce back pain.

Back and stomach sleepers

Both back and stomach sleepers will benefit from a firmer bed. Back sleepers need a mattress that keeps the spine in alignment with their natural curves while they are stretched out at night. Similarly, stomach sleepers need a mattress with enough support to prevent their stomach from sinking too far into the mattress and pulling the spine into an unnatural "U" shape. Since a firmer mattress supports the entire length of the body, it can help back and stomach sleepers enjoy nights of pain-free rest.

How sleep position relates to firmness

Your sleep position is one of the most important factors in determining the right firmness level for you. As outlined above, back and stomach sleepers tend to benefit from a sturdier, more supportive surface.

However, side sleepers typically prefer a softer surface that provides pressure relief to the shoulders and hips and support for the spine. That level of support can usually be achieved with a firm foam mattress—i.e. an all-foam mattress that is made entirely from dense layers of firm memory foam or polyfoam. If you're skeptical about a memory foam mattress, you should still opt for a bed that contains at least one foam comfort layer if you're a side sleeper (most likely a hybrid mattress).

Combination sleepers toss and turn, meaning they switch positions multiple times throughout the night. Due to the support structure in firm mattresses, combination sleepers can more easily move around on the surface without feeling stuck. Softer, more plush mattresses might frustrate combination sleepers since it's more difficult to seamlessly change positions when your body has sunk slightly into the top layer.

How body type relates to firmness

Your body weight is another key factor in finding your ideal firmness level. How much you weigh directly correlates to how much pressure you exert onto a mattress. Therefore, the same mattress may feel completely different to people of different sizes.

For example, if one sleeper who weighs 110 pounds and another who weighs 220 pounds lie on the same mattress, they could have a completely different take on how firm the bed feels. The lighter sleeper may lie more on top of the mattress, translating to a firmer feel, while the heavier sleeper may sink more deeply into the mattress, translating to a softer feel.

That's not necessarily a problem. Remember that your sleep position also plays a role. For example, a stomach sleeper who weighs less than 130 pounds may find more comfort and support in a softer mattress while a stomach sleeper who weighs more than 130 pounds will typically need a firmer model. Below is a chart that shows the ideal firmness level for various weight ranges, though it's not definitive:

Weight	Ideal firmness level
Less than 130 pounds	Soft to medium-firm
130 to 230 pounds	Medium-soft to firm
More than 230 pounds	Medium-firm to firm

Benefits of a firm mattress

Spine alignment

An extra-firm mattress provides more pushback to support the entire length of your body, which helps keep the natural curves of your spine in alignment and prevents you from sinking into a funky position that can leave you sore. Firm mattresses also aid in relieving back pain by maintaining a neutral spine position, alleviating any excess pressure placed on the lower or upper back.

Even weight distribution

Have you ever sunk so far into a mattress that you felt stuck? That won't happen with a firm mattress—instead, it'll keep your body elevated on the surface so you can move around (and get out of bed) easily. A lack of support can cause sagging in softer mattresses, but with firm beds, your weight is more evenly distributed, creating a smooth surface that props you up.

Extra support

Firm mattresses provide superior support thanks to their sturdy feel. By helping to stabilize the body, thus keeping the spine from twisting into uncomfortable positions, they're a great solution for those who frequently suffer from aches and pains. Plus, if you like to sprawl out across your mattress or sit on the edge of the bed to put your shoes on, you'll benefit from the increased edge support of a firm mattress. It'll prevent you from falling out of bed or sinking into the sides.

Types of firm mattresses

Innerspring

Made from sturdy coils, innerspring mattresses offer a supportive base that gives you the feeling of sleeping "on" your mattress, rather than "in." In general, this mattress type only has one comfort layer on top of the coils, giving it a firm to extra-firm feel. However, that means if you're looking for deep, cradling pressure relief, you may feel underwhelmed by the cushioning offered on an innerspring mattress.

Memory foam

Known for contouring to your body's curves, memory foam mattresses typically contain several layers of poly foam or memory foam. The memory foam base is made from high-density foam, giving the bed its structure and durability. Memory foam beds are available in a variety of firmness levels, but they tend to err more on the soft to medium-firm side. However if you prefer a firm memory foam mattress, you'll still be able to enjoy pressure relief, as the material excels at cradling points of contact.

Hybrid

Constructed from both coils and foam (and sometimes other materials like latex), hybrid mattresses offer both the support of innerspring coils and pressure relief of memory foam. They typically operate by having coils on the bottom, and several comfort layers up top. While most hybrid models have a sturdier medium-firm to firm feel, the comfort layers allow your body to sink into a cushioning surface.

Latex

Made from rubber, latex mattresses use either synthetic or natural latex to give sleepers a pressure-relieving, bouncy feel. Latex mattresses are versatile, and can feel plush or firm. One benefit of a more firm latex build is that you can move about easily on the mattress's responsive surface while still alleviating your body's tense areas.

Best accessories for a firm mattress

Pillows

The pillow you use is crucial for supporting your head and neck as you sleep. When you rest on a firmer mattress, the pillow won't press into the bed as much. This means you'll be more aware of the pillow's loft, or height.

Side sleepers benefit from pillows made with feathers, down, polyester, shredded foam, or latex because these materials are easily adjustable and allow sleepers to manipulate the loft of the pillow to their liking.

Back and stomach sleepers usually prefer to use pillows with a lower loft since the main concern with these sleep positions is neutral alignment of the spine, head, and neck. On a firmer surface, these types of sleepers should use a pillow crafted from a single piece of latex or foam. This creates a more stable structure for the head and neck.

Mattress toppers

If you're on a tighter budget, a mattress topper can be an affordable solution if you don't want to splurge on a brand new mattress. This accessory usually measures 2 to 3 inches in thickness and sits on top of your mattress. While mattress toppers can be made from many different materials, latex and memory foam toppers usually provide the best support.

However, keep in mind that a mattress topper will never be as durable or reliable as a new mattress. Mattress toppers aren't designed to make up for a lack of durability, so if your current bed is sagging, a topper won't fix the problem. A mattress topper is best when used to tweak the comfort level of an already supportive mattress.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully by now you have a solid grasp of the key factors to look for when firm mattress shopping. Combine that with your knowledge of the top picks available online, and you're ready to trade in your sagging bed for something more supportive. Remember though to also keep your personal preferences and unique needs in mind as you browse. For example, to some sleepers, only an ultra-firm surface will suffice, while to others, a medium-firm mattress is the perfect middle ground. Happy shopping!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a firm mattress better for your back?

A: Firm mattresses help to support the spine and maintain its healthy "S" curve posture. Firmer beds also tend to distribute body weight evenly atop the surface, minimizing pressure on any one area of the spine. Mattresses that are too soft can allow the body to sink too deeply into the bed, causing the spine to twist out of alignment and potentially leading to back pain.

Q: How can I tell if my mattress is too firm?

A: If you wake up in the morning with pain and soreness in your shoulders, hips, or lower back, this is a sign that your mattress could be too firm. Still feeling tired in the morning is another indicator that you're resting on a hard mattress—you probably couldn't find a comfortable sleep position and tossed and turned throughout the night. A mattress with the right degree of softness allows the body to relax into the bed. So, if you lie down on a mattress and feel as if you're on a medical exam table, that's a great sign that it's just too firm.

Q: If my mattress is too firm, how can I soften it?

A: There are several good ways to soften a very firm mattress: First, give yourself time to break it in. It can take 30 to 90 days for the body to adjust to a new mattress. After that time period, if it's still too firm, add a mattress pad or a topper. A 1-inch-thick topper made of memory foam can add a lot of body-contouring comfort and pressure relief. It's also a good idea to rotate or flip your mattress to help it last longer and to make sure that it wears evenly.

Sign up for our Health Shopping newsletter to get your daily dose of retail therapy with great deals handpicked by our editors—straight to your inbox.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

The 10 Best Firm Mattresses in 2022

If you’re looking for the right combination of comfort and support, a firm mattress may be the answer—here’s why.