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What feels like a firm mattress to some may feel too soft for others, so if you prefer a firm mattress, shopping for a new mattress (especially online) can feel like a nightmare. Even when you do your research, both online or in mattress showrooms, there's always some risk that it may not feel like you expect. After all, you don't want to end up with a mattress that's too soft or so firm it feels like you're sleeping on plywood.
What's the best firm mattress? Our top-tested pick is the Saatva Classic Mattress. It's received high praise from users who prefer firm beds and comes with full-service setup at no additional cost. If you'd prefer a simple boxed mattress to set up on your own time or you're looking to spend under $1,000, we recommend Allswell's The Brick.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've vetted hundreds of mattresses of varying firmness. We're constantly reviewing materials, designs, company policies, customer service and more, and we work with hundreds of at-home consumer testers to directly evaluate new and popular models. Plus, we regularly survey our consumer tester panel for long-term, in-depth feedback on the beds they personally own. To find the best firm mattresses, we surveyed over 200 consumer testers and more than 10,000 mattress owners.
Pros
- Free mattress setup and removal
- Top scores for comfort and support
- Exceptional customer service
Cons
- $99 return fee
A favorite brand of our tester panel, Saatva consistently aces our evaluations in every aspect, from the 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 offers users 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 the mattress).
How firm is it? Saatva rates its "firm" as an 8 out of 10 and its "luxury firm" as a 5 to 7 out of 10. Our testers for the luxury firm called it between "a bit firm" and "fairly firm" while those with the firm version rated it as "extremely firm."
Tester notes: The Classic Mattress receives consistent praise from our panelists, including those who have owned it for over five years. It received top marks for overall comfort, support and sleep quality. 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."
Still, it's important to note that many users found it ran firmer than expected, especially compared to the showroom models they tried.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Saatva Mattress is Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed
Mattress Type | Innerspring |
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Height | 11.5 or 14.5 inches |
Trial Period | 365 days (with $99 pickup fee) |
Delivery | Free white glove delivery |
Pros
- Great feedback from real users
- Foam top helps cushion pressure points
- Quick delivery and easy DIY setup
Cons
- Lacks edge support
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, outperforming many brands. This style is the brand's firmest mattress and it's made from individually wrapped coils with a few layers of foam on top for pressure-relieving benefits without compromising too much on firmness.
How firm is it? Allswell doesn't score the firmness of the mattress but calls it "firm." Our testers generally agree, rating it fairly firm, though not extremely firm. Our most recent tester told us it initially felt soft but firmed up over time.
Tester notes: While you may be wary of the DIY setup process, none of our panelists reported issues unboxing their Allswell mattresses, and our most recent tester even commented on 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.
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 the mattress may sag when you're sitting on the edge.
Mattress Type | Hybrid |
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Height | 12 inches |
Trial Period | 90 days |
Delivery | Free shipping within the continental U.S. |
Pros
- Unique innerspring coils for firm support
- Free delivery and in-home setup
- Available to try in stores
Cons
- Over $2,000
- Long delivery time
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. Built with a thoughtful design, the mattress has 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.
How firm is it? The "firm" version is rated 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. Our most recent tester for this bed rated the pillow top as "fairly firm."
Tester notes: While it comes at a steep price, users on our tester panel gave Stearns & 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. 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.
Mattress Type | Innerspring |
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Height | 14.5 or 15 inches (with a pillowtop) |
Delivery | Free white glove delivery |
Trial Period | 90 days |
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Pros
- Pressure-relieving zones throughout
- Users report improved sleep quality
- High praise from testers for overall comfort
Cons
- Our experts couldn't verify the brand's energy recovery claims
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.
How firm is it? Bear calls the Firm a 7 out of 10 and our most recent testers agree, calling it "fairly firm." Past testers also found the Medium (a 6 out of 10 per the brand) ran firm as well.
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.
Note that while Bear says the Celliant fibers use infrared technology to promote recovery, we weren't able to verify these claims in our evaluation.
Mattress Type | Hybrid |
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Height | 14 inches |
Trial Period | 120 days |
Delivery | Free shipping within the continental U.S. or $100-$175 for mattress setup and/or removal |
Pros
- High praise from users with back and hip pain
- Several layers of foam for cushioning pressure relief
- Helpful handles on sides for moving
Cons
- Some testers found the edge support lackluster
While no mattress can resolve underlying conditions, some can certainly help alleviate back and hip pain by 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.
How firm is it? While the brand calls it a 7 to 8 out of 10, many of our testers found it runs slightly soft and feels medium-firm rather than firm. Still, physicians we've spoken to often recommend medium to medium-firm mattresses to those with joint pain.
Tester notes: Many consumer testers and panel members who suffer from back and hip pain said 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."
Still, several owners found it heavy for a boxed mattress due to its tall profile. A few testers also noted it offered less edge support than their previous hybrid mattress.
Mattress Type | Hybrid |
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Height | 15 inches |
Trial Period | 120 days |
Delivery | Free shipping within the continental U.S. or $125-$225 for mattress setup and/or removal |
Pros
- Firm and Extra Firm flippable design
- Notable motion isolation
- Cushioning and supportive hybrid
Cons
- Firm and Extra Firm sides aren't labeled
- $99 return fee
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.
How firm is it? On a scale of 1 to 10, the brand rates the Firm side a 7 and the Extra Firm a 9. Recent testers rated the Firm side as "fairly firm" and the Extra Firm as "extremely firm."
Tester notes: Owners on our panel and our testers were impressed by its thoughtful design and sturdy feel. Several called it "comfortable" and applauded the excellent motion isolation. One consumer immediately noticed how dense and secure it felt compared to her previous foam mattress. Plus, our most recent tester shared, "This is by far the best mattress I have slept on in my adult life."
Just note that despite the reversible design, the individual sides aren't labeled, but the brand says that when the bed's "Plank" label is upright, the extra firm side is on top.
Mattress Type | Hybrid |
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Height | 13.25 inches |
Trial Period | 120 days (with $99 pickup fee) |
Delivery | Free shipping within the continental U.S. $150 for mattress setup |
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Pros
- Elastic grid is squishy yet supportive
- Great motion isolation for couples
- Coil system provides extra breathability
Cons
- Some users experienced shipping delays
The feel of a Purple mattress is completely unique from others on the market. Instead of the typical foam, 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. 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 since it's combined with coils which are also breathable.
How firm is it? Purple doesn't offer a firmness rating for this model, but our most recent tester described it as falling between "a bit firm" and "fairly firm."
Tester notes: A one-of-a-kind mattress brand, Purple excels in our evaluations. Several users commented on the breathable, cool feel with one comparing it to "sleeping on air." Another even found it too cool to sleep in during the winter. Others highlight how this model has the perfect firm feel without feeling so hard that it fails to cradle your pressure points.
One analyst described it as "soft enough that it hugs your body, but firm enough that you don't feel like you're sinking into the bed." The caveat is that some users told us the delivery took longer than expected.
Mattress Type | Hybrid |
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Height | 11 inches |
Trial Period | 100 days |
Delivery | Free shipping within the continental U.S. or $200 for mattress setup |
Pros
- Year-long trial period
- Certified organic materials
- Latex and coils for comfort and support
Cons
- Almost $2000
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.
How firm is it? Avocado describes its Firm version as a 7 out of 10 and previously called it a "gentle firm." Our testers agree, with the majority of feedback saying it falls between "a bit firm" and "fairly firm."
Tester notes: Our evaluations show that Avocado doesn't 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 hadn'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.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Avocado's Green Mattress is the Best Organic Mattress on the Market
Mattress Type | Latex hybrid |
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Height | 11 or 13 inches (with pillowtop) |
Trial Period | 365 days |
Delivery | Free shipping within the continental U.S. or $249 for mattress setup |
Pros
- Dual-sided firmness control
- Earned the Good Housekeeping Seal
- Pressure-relieving memory foam
Cons
- Pricey
- Delivery costs extra
Skip the guesswork when searching for a bed that's just the right amount of firm and customize your exact preferred firmness level with this adjustable mattress. 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.
How firm is it? Because of its adjustable nature, it's entirely customizable, and users who prefer firm beds said they were able to find their perfect "firm."
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 even told us that they won't go back to any other type of mattress. 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.
Mattress Type | Adjustable |
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Height | 11 inches |
Trial Period | 100 days |
Delivery | $249 for delivery and setup |
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How we test firm mattresses
To find the best mattresses available, the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab depends on several crucial sources of information, including long-term feedback from real users, analytical expertise, in-depth research and consumer testing data.
We routinely survey our readers and tester panelists on mattresses they've owned, and our product experts use their analytical research skills to analyze hundreds of thousands of data points in addition to keeping up with popular models and new releases. On top of that, when browsing different brands and mattresses online, our analysts take into account everything from design and materials to claims and certifications, making sure to look out for consumer complaints to ensure we stand behind both the product and the brand.
At the same time, we regularly have consumer testers and experts set up and try out top contenders firsthand in order to provide a thorough review of the entire experience, first after a short-term period to gauge initial impressions and again after a longer period.
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:
✔️ Setup: 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 when they sit on the edge of their beds (i.e., whether it sinks or stays supportive).
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✔️ 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.
Things to keep in mind when shopping for firm mattresses
A good firm mattress can seem hard to come by nowadays, especially when the market feels so oversaturated with options. Here are some key factors to keep in mind to help guide your shopping experience:
✔️ Firmness level: Despite any listed firmness levels by a brand, different users often rate the same exact mattress differently in our evaluations. This is why it's essential to take into account sleep position, body type and mattress materials when searching for a truly firm mattress.
- Sleep position: Keeping your spine in a neutral alignment is essential when trying to reduce excess strain or weight on areas like the back or the hips. Because of this, the same mattress may feel too soft or too firm to users with different sleeping styles, as they need different levels of firmness for optimal support. To promote spinal alignment, softer surfaces are often recommended for side sleepers, medium firmness for back and combination sleepers and firm surfaces for stomach sleepers. If you and your partner have different sleep styles, consider an adjustable or split mattress option.
- Body type: A mattress that feels firm and supportive to a lightweight sleeper may not offer enough support to someone with a heavier body weight. In fact, those who weigh over 250 pounds can benefit from sleeping on a mattress specifically designed for heavier bodies. This is because, if a mattress fails to offer enough support, a heavy body weight can cause the mattress to compress more than expected, which results in improper spinal alignment and can contribute to mattress wear. For proper support, those with larger frames need a firmer mattress. Those with smaller, lightweight frames can experience improper alignment on a too-firm mattress. Those people may need a softer sleep surface so they sink into the mattress at the hips, lower back and shoulders and achieve proper alignment.
✔️ Types of mattresses:
- Memory foam mattresses conform to your body, resulting in a pressure-relieving feel. While some types of memory foam sink in, some bounce back for a firmer feel.
- Latex mattresses have a signature springy feel that contours to your body but offers a more resilient, supportive feel. Latex is made from rubber trees and is often found in organic mattresses.
- Innerspring mattresses are some of the firmest, having a bouncy feel distinct from other beds due to the spring coils and thinner layers of foam.
- Hybrid mattresses combine several layers of memory foam or latex with coils for a balance of comfort and support.
- Adjustable mattresses or smart mattresses use air chambers to customize the firmness level of the mattress.
✔️ Back Pain: If you currently suffer from any type of back or hip pain, a pressure-relieving mattress goes a long way. Also make sure to take into account where your pain is and work with a physician to treat more serious, underlying conditions.
✔️ Temperature: If you tend to run hot or suffer from night sweats, it's best to choose a mattress with built-in cooling technology or a breathable design. Memory foam is known for trapping heat, so be sure to opt for foam that uses copper particles, gel or phase change material (PCM) to minimize the chance of overheating.
✔️ Boxed vs. Delivery: Nowadays, you can buy almost any mattress in a box for self-setup or opt for one that offers delivery and in-home setup. A boxed mattress affords you the benefit of not having to wait around all day for a delivery service but it means you'll need to put in some time and effort to get your new bed ready for use.
✔️ Trial period: Finding a mattress that's right for you may not happen on the first try. It's important to use it for at least a month to make sure you're happy with it and can adjust to it. This is why most mattress brands offer trial periods. Just be sure to double-check the terms for things like return fees or how to go about the return process before purchasing.
✔️ Certifications: Many popular mattresses use memory foam, so look for certifications like CertiPUR-US or GreenGuard certifications to ensure you're choosing one with lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels. If you're instead searching for an organic latex mattress, look for certifications from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which ensures the entire production process follows strict standards, and the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Additionally, other certifications like the Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex can help verify that the fabric component of a mattress has been tested for any unsafe levels of known harmful chemicals.
Are firm mattresses good for back pain?
"There isn't one best mattress for everyone," says Jonathan S. Kirschner, M.D., RMSK, physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). He emphasizes the importance of comfort for each individual when shopping for a new mattress, especially those with underlying conditions. While a firmer mattress may feel more supportive to some, it won't completely resolve existing back or hip pain, so it's best to consult with a physician to identify the nature of any recurring pain. That being said, it's important to take into account your own preferences, including firmness levels and sleep style, as your comfort is essential to a restful sleep.
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What’s the best firm mattress for side sleepers?
Firm mattresses typically aren’t recommended for side sleepers as a too-firm mattress can put unwanted pressure on areas like the hips or shoulders, resulting in improper spinal alignment. To avoid potentially waking up with pain, side sleepers typically need a soft mattress or one with a medium level of firmness. If you’re a side sleeper who prefers a firm feel, we recommend opting for a medium-firm option that will still offer pressure relief around your joints like the Nolah Evolution 15.
RELATED: The Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab has tested all kinds of bedding and home products for over a century. Since the start of the online mattress industry's rapid expansion in 2014, our experts have been actively researching and reviewing hundreds of models in addition to surveying our readers and analyzing countless data points.
Grace Wu is a textiles product review analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She regularly evaluates mattresses, coordinates consumer testing and writes about beds for every type of sleeper. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in materials science & engineering and a Bachelor of Science in fiber science from Cornell University. Grace has also personally tried most of the models featured in this article.
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Grace Wu
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst
Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.