Chances are, if you like firm mattresses, shopping for a new mattress can feel like a nightmare. You can scour thousands of reviews only to find wildly differing opinions on the same mattress. Firmness is relative, and there's only so much you can learn from reading online reviews or lying on different models in a showroom. So how can you be sure you're making the right choice and won't end up with a mattress that's too soft or so firm it feels like you're sleeping on plywood?

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has been testing bedding and home products, including mattresses, for over a century. Our experts have kept up to date with both long-standing mattress brands and new popular online options, worked with consumer testers and extensively analyzed numerous data points to find the best mattresses available. From cooling mattresses and hybrid mattresses to latex mattresses and boxed mattresses, we've evaluated it all.

Our analysts are constantly reviewing materials, designs, company policies, customer service and more to find top contenders for firsthand mattress testing. Plus, we regularly survey our consumer tester panel for long-term, in-depth feedback on the beds they personally own. In the past few years alone, we've surveyed more than 10,000 people, reviewed responses to more than 170,000 questions and worked with testers to directly evaluate hundreds of mattresses to determine the best of the best.

You can learn more about how we evaluate mattresses, things to keep in mind when shopping and answers to frequently asked questions at the end of this guide. But first, here are our recommendations for the best firm mattresses, with prices listed for Queen sizes.

Stearns & Foster

stearnsandfoster.com

$2399.00

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Our consumer testers who prefer a firm feel consistently rave about Stearns & Foster's offerings, and this style contains a complex coil system that offers premium support. The brand offers multiple firmness levels in the Estate Collection. The "firm" version is rated as a 9 out of 10 on the brand's firmness scale while the "pillow top firm" falls between a 7 and an 8 with a more cushioned surface. Built with a thoughtful design, the mattress contains nondescript handles around all four edges for easier transporting, and each mattress is made to order to ensure attention to detail. Plus, the brand is available in mattress stores across the country, so you can try out the bed for yourself before buying.

What it's made of: Several layers of Tempur-pedic memory foam on the brand's proprietary Intellicoil system, which uses two coils in one for added support. The mattress is encased in a smooth, moisture-wicking Tencel outer cover.

Tester notes: While it comes at a steep price, users on our tester panel gave Sterns & Foster mattresses high praise and top scores for sleep quality. After reviewing responses from over 150 owners, this mattress stood out for its firm feel and high level of support compared to others. It's impressed our Lab experts too: One described his first night on the mattress as a "revelation" and commented, "I love how firm and structured the mattress felt. I've been sleeping much more soundly." While the made-to-order format means that some users found that it took a few weeks for the mattress to arrive, they ultimately noted it was worth the wait.

Allswell

walmart.com

$599.00

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Opting for a more affordable option when shopping for your next mattress doesn't mean you'll have to sacrifice comfort and support if you're looking for something firm. Allswell consistently performs well in our evaluations, earning higher ratings across the board than similar models from other brands. This style is the brand's firmest mattress and has individually wrapped coils with a few layers of foam on top for pressure-relieving benefits without compromising too much on firmness. Allswell mattress ship directly to you in a box, so you'll have to set it up on your own.

What it's made of: An inch of copper-infused memory foam to pull away excess heat followed by 2 inches of high-density foam for cushioning support and a layer of individually pocketed coils, all topped by a quilted outer cover with a firm top layer.

Tester notes: While you may be wary of the DIY setup process, none of our panelists reported issues with unboxing their Allswell mattresses, and several even praised how easy it was. The Brick earned top scores from users for comfort and support, and one tester who previously slept on innerspring mattresses told us she loved the firmness of this model. Several online reviewers also commented that they feel like they're sleeping on top of the mattress rather than in it. The caveat is that some of our panelists and testers noted that the brand's mattresses don't have the best edge support, especially over time, so they may sag when you're sitting on the edge.

Saatva

saatva.com

$1695.00

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A favorite brand of our tester panel, Saatva consistently aces our evaluations in every aspect, from purchase process to overall performance. The Classic Mattress is Saatva's most popular model and receives top praise from our panelists and experts alike, especially for its excellent edge support and how well the mattress has lasted over time. The brand passed our expert vetting with ease, offering users an easy ordering process with responsive customer service. Your purchase includes both free white glove delivery and a generous year-long trial period (although it does require a $99 pick-up fee in the event you choose to return it).

What it's made of: An outer cotton cover, followed by a 3-inch quilted pillow top. A layer of high-density memory foam and individually pocketed steel coils sit on top of a base coil system with firm foam around all four sides for edge support.

Tester notes: A top performer in our reviews, the Classic Mattress receives consistent praise from panelists, including those who have owned it for over five years. It received top marks for overall comfort, support and sleep quality. Excellent customer service makes all the difference when faced with setup-related issues or for answering questions during the purchasing process. Testers highlighted the firm feel, breathability and superior edge support of the innerspring. One of our analysts says it has "redefined what true edge support should feel like."

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Saatva Mattress is Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed

Bear

bearmattress.com

$1399.00

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This hybrid mattress truly stands out for its thoughtful, ergonomic design that has blown away several of our consumer testers and product experts. Designed to provide just the right amount of pressure relief and support, it uses several targeted zones around areas like the hips and back to provide precise cushioning where you need it the most. While it's a newer release, its impact on sleep quality has been described as "nothing short of amazing" by testers.

What it’s made of: Copper-infused memory foam on top of a layer of transitional foam for contouring support followed by individually pocketed coils. Additional coils around the edges add edge support, and it's all encased in a Celliant fiber quilted cover. Bear says the Celliant fibers use infrared technology to promote recovery, but we weren't able to verify these claims in our evaluation.

Tester notes: It's received glowing reviews for its overall comfort, support and perceived impact on sleep quality from our testers, including one who finds herself sleeping through her alarms for the first time in years. One tester said, "I suffer from back pain and with this mattress, I wake up pain-free." She even called it the "most comfortable mattress" she has ever slept on. When we looked at the model firsthand, one of our analysts noticed the zoned support almost immediately and said she "instantly felt comfortable" on the bed. Just note that because we don't have long-term data on this model, we can't speak to how well it'll hold up over longer periods of time.

Nolah

nolahmattress.com

$1609.00

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While no mattress can resolve underlying conditions, some can certainly help alleviate back and hip pain by comfortably promoting neutral spinal alignment. Nolah has received glowing reviews from dozens of our panelists and testers, including many users who suffer from lower back pain. Made with several layers of pressure-relieving foam, the tall bed offers cushioning comfort to cradle your pressure points.

What it's made of: Four layers of memory foam, including a graphite-infused layer and support layer, on top of a system of pocketed coils. It has high-density foam around the perimeter and a fiber-filled base. The mattress is enclosed in a cool-to-the-touch cover with handles on two sides plus a non-skid bottom.

Tester notes: Many consumer testers and panel members who suffer from back and hip pain noted that Nolah's mattresses helped ease their pain compared to other mattresses they've slept on. Several owners told us they were surprised the Nolah mattress truly made a difference and reported less soreness when waking up. Many highlighted the pressure relief provided by the foam but noted that the "foam bounces back to retain its support even when changing positions." Just note that several owners noted it's on the heavy side for a boxed mattress, due to the tall profile. A few testers noted it offered less edge support than their previous hybrid mattress.

Purple

purple.com

$2099.00

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The feel of a Purple mattress is completely unique from others on the market. The brand uses its signature GelFlex Grid — an elastic layer with a squishy quality that feels both firm and pressure-relieving at the same time — instead of your typical foam. The material offers great motion isolation for couples and has inherent breathability due to the structure. That makes it a great choice for anyone who sleeps hot, especially when combined with coils.

What it's made of: A 2-inch layer of the GelFlex Grid over a thin layer of transitional foam on top of individually pocketed coils and a foam base wrapped in a stretchy, knit cover.

Tester notes: A one-of-a-kind mattress brand, Purple excels in our evaluations. Many panelists and testers have shared that the surface provides that perfect firm feel but it's not so hard that it fails to cradle your pressure points. One analyst noted that this model feels "soft enough that it hugs your body, but firm enough that you don't feel like you're sinking into the bed." Several users commented on the breathable, cool feel with one comparing it to "sleeping on air." But if you normally use white sheets, consider swapping to a more colorful set — our testers could see the purple grid through their white sheets.

Avocado

avocadogreenmattress.com

$1999.00

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Whether you're looking for an organic option or simply aren't a fan of memory foam, this organic hybrid from Avocado is an excellent option. It uses latex foam for a springy feel that contours to your body without collapsing under your body weight, resulting in a more responsive feel than foam. On top of that, it's certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard and the Global Organic Latex Standard, which means the entire manufacturing process is fully organic and abides by strict standards. Plus, if you're on the fence, the brand offers a generous 365-day trial period.

What it's made of: A layer of organic wool batting sits on top of 3 inches of Dunlop latex foam and a system of ergonomically-placed coils followed by a final latex base. It's all wrapped up in a needle-tufted organic cotton cover for glue-free binding.

Tester notes: Our evaluations show that brands don't have to sacrifice quality or comfort to maintain a strong commitment to sustainability. Panel members gave this model high scores for its comfort and support, with one calling it “unbelievably comfortable.” Another user commented that after years of on-and-off shoulder and back pain, they were shocked that they haven't experienced it since they switched to this mattress. Others have told us it runs fairly firm and highlighted the bouncy feel and exceptional breathability of the latex.

Sleep Number

sleepnumber.com

$3199.00

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Customize your exact preferred firmness level with this adjustable mattress and skip the guesswork when searching for a bed that's just the right amount of firm. Plus, it's a great pick for couples who have different preferences since the built-in, adjustable air chambers allow you to select individual settings for each side of the bed. The mattress works to keep you at your selected firmness all night, automatically adjusting if you switch positions. It also offers optional sleep-tracking capabilities without having to wear a smartwatch to bed. Sleep Number mattresses require a matching bed base, but the brand offers a few options, from a simple base to one with adjustable positions and optional feet warming.

What it's made of: Adjustable air chambers make up the bulk of the bed. It's topped with memory foam and includes built-in biometric sensors for detecting movement.

Tester notes: It's one of the most expensive models on our list, but hundreds of users frequently comment that it was well worth the investment. Not only does the bed constantly receive high scores for comfort, support and sleep quality, but it truly affords users the chance to select the exact level of firmness they want. Many of our testers told us that they can't go back to any other type of mattress, and some even shared that they wish they hadn't waited so long to make the splurge. On top of that, the brand's mattresses are backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal so rest assured that this model has been heavily vetted by our Lab experts.

Brooklyn Bedding

brooklynbedding.com

$1149.00

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If you know you prefer a firm mattress but aren't sure how firm, this pick from Brooklyn Bedding is reversible, which means you can try out both a "firm" and "extra firm" level to find the best fit. It's got a hybrid design, meaning it combines memory foam with coils for a balance of cushioning comfort and essential support.

What's it made of: A 6-inch system of individually encased coils sits in the center with 2 inches of high-density foam on each side. The extra-firm side has a 3/4-inch quilted top, and the firm side has a 1-inch layer of comfort foam and a 1.5-inch quilted top.

Tester notes: We don't have as much feedback on this model compared to Brooklyn Bedding's other offerings, but owners on our panel and testers alike were impressed by its thoughtful design and sturdy feel. Several called it "comfortable" and applauded the excellent motion isolation, with owners in unanimous agreement that they couldn't feel their partners move around or get up at all. One tester also immediately noticed how dense and secure it felt compared to her previous foam mattress when she first lay down on it. Keep in mind, however, if you're switching from a soft mattress, it may take some time to adjust to a completely new firmness. Just note that although the design is unique, our testers weren't able to tell the firmness of each side without some guesswork.

Serta

Serta

$3499.00

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For hot sleepers, cooling technology and inherent breathability are a must when it comes to shopping for a mattress. This foam mattress from Serta allows you to reap the pressure-relieving benefits of memory foam without the all-too-common fear that your night sweats will get even worse. Offered in a firm feel, the brand says this pick features multiple layers that are designed to pull heat away from your body to be stored deep within the mattress using phase change material and infused gel.

What it's made of: With five different layers plus the cover, the brand's Reactex system technology tops off the mattress. It's followed by support foam, gel-infused foam, balancing foam for pressure relief and a final foam core.

Tester notes: While we don't have much long-term feedback on the firm model, several testers and panelists with night sweats told us this mattress really made a difference, with one saying, "I haven’t woken up with night sweats since sleeping on it." One tester for the medium hybrid version mentioned that when she first lay down on the mattress, it felt very firm but supportive. Another user shared, "I was afraid at first that it would be too soft for me as I've shied away from contouring mattresses in the past, but that hasn't been the case at all." Just note that the cooling technology comes at a high price, with this model being our most expensive pick.

In recent years, we've reviewed survey responses from over 10,000 mattress owners containing more than 170,000 data points and worked with consumer testers to directly review hundreds of mattresses. For a quick snapshot into everything we consider during our mattress evaluations, here are some important factors we consider:

✔️ Ordering and delivery: Panelists rate the ease of ordering and arrival time, including any delays or other issues encountered during their experience.

✔️ Set up: Users share details about their unboxing or delivery process, rating how easy it was for both DIY boxed mattresses and white glove delivery options. Some boxed brands often offer in-home setup for an extra fee, and, if applicable, our panel members share whether they think it's worth the added cost for their model.

✔️ Firmness level: Testers rate the firmness of their mattresses. Often listed firmness levels from brands don't match up to the user experience.

✔️ Edge support: We also ask reviewers to comment on how their mattresses hold up (e.g. whether it sinks or stays put) when they sit on the edge of their beds.

✔️ Overall comfort and support: All users score their mattresses for overall comfort, support, how well they enjoyed sleeping on the mattress initially and how well they enjoyed sleeping on the mattress over a longer period of time.

✔️ Temperature regulation: Cooling mattresses, including those with new technology or breathable designs, don't always perform as well as brands promise. In order to gain a better understanding of the reality of these features, we ask users to share whether they maintained a comfortable body temperature while sleeping on the mattress.

✔️ Sleep quality: Users also comment on how the mattress impacted their sleep quality, from any newfound soreness when waking up to how it compares to their previous mattress. They also rate how satisfied they are with their bed holistically.

✔️ Additional feedback: Reviewers have the opportunity to highlight exactly what they like and dislike about the mattress, including notable experiences and takeaways they want to share.

Our routine mattress evaluations provide us with new feedback from real users based on their day-to-day experiences and help add important insight. Because of this, we regularly add details to our guides and update our recommendations to ensure we stand by them.