10 Best Firm Mattresses for Pain and Pressure Relief

Jennifer Walker-Journey
·9 min read

Courtesy of Avocado

Best Hybrids

bhg - 1099 Available at Helix

Best Luxury

bhg - 1695 Available at Saatva

Best Extra-Firm

bhg - 1274 Available at Plank

Best Firm Pillow Top

bhg - 1799 Available at WinkBeds

Best for Stomach Sleepers

bhg - 1199 Available at Leesa

Best for Back Pain

bhg - 998 Available at Bear

Best Cooling

bhg - 1199 Available at Amerisleep

Best Memory Foam

bhg - 1239 Available at Cocoon by Sealy

Best Organic

bhg - 1599 Available at Avocado

Best for Side Sleepers

bhg - 2325 Available at Saatva

Shopping for a mattress can be an overwhelming experience, especially because firmness levels are subjective. What's considered firm for one sleeper may be too soft for another. Some people like a cushy mattress they can sink into while others prefer a bed with more support. Regardless, it's important to find a mattress that provides comfort but still keeps your spine in a healthy alignment throughout the night.

The experts at Mattress Advisor tested hundreds of beds to determine which firm mattresses are the best of the bunch. Explore their top picks below, and learn more about what factors to consider while looking for your ideal mattress.

The 10 Best Firm Mattresses to Buy Right Now

Mattress manufacturers rate their beds from one to 10 on a firmness scale, with one being very soft and 10 being extra firm. Softer mattresses have more cushioning and give while firmer mattresses have more tension and support, but you don't have to sacrifice comfort to get the stability you need.

Best Firm Mattress Types

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses use a steel coil support system that involves either a single unit attached with springs or a unit with individually wrapped pocket coils (some have a combination of both). The coil systems are usually covered with padding or upholstery for added comfort. These mattresses tend to sleep cooler because the open space between coils facilitates greater airflow.

Memory Foam

Known for its contouring comfort and pressure-relieving qualities, memory foam doesn't have the bounce of an innerspring mattress, but it does provide exceptional motion isolation. Because memory foam generally runs less firm, it might cause you to feel like you're sinking too far into the bed. It can also sleep hot unless it's infused with cooling materials like gel or graphite. However, you can always add a cooling pillow or cooling sheets to help mitigate the heat.

Latex

Latex mattresses are made of synthetic latex, natural latex, or a blend of both. They're somewhat bouncy like innerspring mattresses and more buoyant than memory foam, so you'll feel like you're floating on top of the bed instead of sinking into it.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine two or more materials. In general, hybrids are made with coils and a thicker layer of foam. These beds provide the support and durability of an innerspring mattress with the added comfort of memory foam and latex. They can run anywhere from medium-firm to firm, depending on the materials used.

3 Benefits of a Firm Mattress

Pressure Relief

When we sleep, we put strain on specific parts of our bodies. A firm mattress with pressure-relieving qualities offers more cushioning at the hips and shoulders and provides greater support at the head and waist.

Edge Support

A mattress with focused edge support makes you feel less like you're going to roll off the bed in the middle of the night. It also helps you get in and out of bed more easily. Overall, a medium-firm or firm mattress's edges are better suited to withstand excess pressure and weight.

Even Weight Distribution

Because firm mattresses have fewer or thinner comfort layers, they are more likely to produce an even sleep surface. This ensures less sagging and better weight distribution, which helps relax muscles and ligaments.

How to Know If a Firm Mattress Is Right for You

Sleep Position

For optimal spine alignment, side sleepers and back sleepers, who can benefit from cushioning and support, should look for a medium-firm mattress. Stomach sleepers tend to fare best with extra-firm beds because they run the greatest risk of developing lower back pain.

Back Pain

If you suffer from back pain, a firmer mattress might be able to help. Some studies have found that sleeping on a medium-firm mattress can actually reduce neck and back pain.

The 10 Best Firm Mattresses

Best Hybrid: Helix Twilight

The Helix Twilight is a firm mattress that uses memory foam and coils to deliver incredible support and spine alignment. Coming in at an eight out of 10 on the firmness scale, this hybrid mattress features top and middle layers that provide stability while a memory foam layer uses different densities to cushion sensitive pressure points at the hips and shoulders. It also comes with a 100-night sleep trial so that you can fully test out its capabilities before committing.

  • Mattress Type: Hybrid

  • Customer Rating: 4.5/5

  • Firmness: Firm

  • Trial Period: 100 nights

Buy It: Helix Twilight Mattress, ($1,099 for a queen, Helix)

Best Luxury: Saatva Classic

A luxurious sleep experience starts with the Saatva Classic's quilted euro pillowtop and dual-coil system that helped it earn a perfect 10 out of 10 in durability from Mattress Advisor. That doesn't mean the bed, which is offered in three firmness levels, sacrifices comfort. A layer of memory foam gently conforms to your body while the added lumbar support promotes proper spine alignment—a key consideration for back pain sufferers.

  • Mattress Type: Hybrid

  • Customer Rating: 4.9/5

  • Firmness: Plush, luxury-firm, firm

  • Trial Period: 180 nights

Buy It: Saatva Classic Mattress, $1,695 for a queen, Saatva)

Best Extra-Firm: Plank by Brooklyn Bedding

The Plank mattress by Brooklyn Bedding gives sleepers two firmness options—one side of the mattress is firm and the other is ultra-firm. It's made with high-density foam that offers outstanding support and durability, plus a layer of the brand's TitanFlex transitional material is included for added pressure relief. If you still find both sides too firm within the first 30 days of your trial period, Brooklyn Bedding will send you a free mattress topper to improve cushioning.

  • Mattress Type: Memory foam

  • Customer Rating: 4.8/5

  • Firmness: Firm and ultra-firm

  • Trial Period: 120 nights

Buy It: Plank Mattress ($1,274 for a queen, Plank by Brooklyn Bedding)

Best Firm Pillow Top: The WinkBed

The WinkBed mattress is a happy medium between a soft Euro pillow top and a firm innerspring mattress. There are two distinct coil layers within this bed, which are designed to provide back support and respond to movement. The mattress also comes in a variety of firmness levels, including luxury firm and plus.

  • Mattress Type: Hybrid

  • Customer Rating: 4.8/5

  • Firmness: Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus

  • Trial Period: 120 nights

Buy It: The WinkBed Mattress ($1,799 for a queen, WinkBeds)

Best for Stomach Sleepers: Leesa Original

Stomach sleepers need a firm bed to prevent their spines from sinking into the mattress and causing back pain. The Leesa Original's memory foam layers work to keep the body supported while also providing pressure relief and responsiveness. All in all, this bed earned high marks across the board in Mattress Advisor's many testing categories.

  • Mattress Type: Memory foam

  • Customer Rating: 4.5/5

  • Firmness: Medium-firm

  • Trial Period: 100 nights

Buy It: Leesa Original Mattress ($1,199 for a queen, Leesa)

Best for Back Pain: Bear

The medium-firm Bear mattress excels in spine alignment, working to reduce strain on your back. Exercise enthusiasts will love how the bed's highly responsive layers help to ease sore muscles by relieving pressure on sensitive joints. Each mattress purchase includes a 100-night sleep trial, so you can return it if it doesn't end up meeting your needs.

  • Mattress Type: Memory foam

  • Customer Rating: 4.7/5

  • Firmness: Medium-firm

  • Trial Period: 100 nights

Buy It: Bear Mattress, ($998 for a queen, Bear)

Best Cooling: Amerisleep AS1

The AS1 is the firmest of Amerisleep's five foam mattresses. Not only is it highly supportive, but it also offers features that perpetually hot sleepers will love. This bed contains a breathable open-cell foam that wicks away warm air and promotes airflow to keep you cool. It's also made without harsh chemicals, so you can sleep soundly.

  • Mattress Type: Foam

  • Customer Rating: 4.7/5

  • Firmness: Firm

  • Trial Period: 100 nights

Buy It: Amerisleep AS1 Mattress, ($1,199 for a queen, Amerisleep)

Best Memory Foam: Cocoon Chill

The Cocoon Chill by Sealy proves that not all memory foam mattresses make you feel like you're sinking into quicksand. With two firmness options to choose from––medium-soft and extra-firm––you can dictate the level of support you want. The Cocoon impresses with its ability to keep the spine in a neutral, healthy position, which is reflected in its near-perfect alignment score. Plus, it comes with a 100-night sleep trial period and a 10-year warranty.

  • Mattress Type: Memory foam

  • Customer Rating: 4.7/5

  • Firmness: Medium-soft and extra-firm

  • Trial Period: 100 nights

Buy It: Cocoon Chill Mattress, ($1,239 for a queen, Cocoon by Sealy)

Best Organic: Avocado Green

The Avocado Green mattress is one of the best organic mattresses on the market because it's made with an assortment of natural materials, including organic wool. It combines the support and buoyant comfort of a latex mattress with the durability of an innerspring mattress. Plus, its organic cotton cover promotes cooling. In addition to being eco-friendly, this bed delivers exceptional spine alignment to help prevent back strain.

  • Mattress Type: Hybrid

  • Customer Rating: 4.7/5

  • Firmness: Medium-firm to firm

  • Trial Period: 365 nights

Buy It: Avocado Green Mattress, ($1,599 for a queen, Avocado)

Best for Side Sleepers: Zenhaven Latex

Saatva is offering an additional $270 off exclusively for Better Homes & Gardens readers.

The Zenhaven latex mattress is one of the softest options on this list, making it ideal for side sleepers who like to sink into their mattresses. Its flippable design includes a luxury plush side and a gentle firm option, which both provide cushioned comfort and the buoyancy of latex. The Zenhaven delivers excellent pressure relief without the engulfing feel of memory foam, and it also comes wrapped in an organic cover that promotes cooler sleep.

  • Mattress Type: Latex

  • Customer Rating: 4.9/5

  • Firmness: Plush and firm

  • Trial Period: 180 nights

Save $279 with our exclusive offer.

Buy It: Zenhaven Latex Mattress, $2,325 (originally $2,595 for a queen, Saatva)