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Personal preference is crucial when selecting a mattress, but sleeping position and body type are also important to consider. For instance, firm mattresses offer substantial support and can help the spine stay aligned, making them especially good for back and stomach sleepers. [1] Tung-Ho Hong T. Influence of Mattress Stiffness on Spinal Curvature and Intervertebral Disc Stress—An Experimental and Computational Study. Biology. July 8, 2022.
“I recommend firmer mattresses for my patients with back issues,” said Kevin Nelson, a Denver, Colorado-based chiropractor. “They do a better job of keeping the spine positioned properly.”
Good sleep is a critical component of health maintenance and disease prevention, [2] Kannan R, et al. Sleep is Essential to Health: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Position Statement. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. Oct. 1, 2021 especially as we grow older. If you’re looking for a firm mattress, we’ve rounded up our top six picks to help you discover the most suitable firm mattress tailored to your needs.
The Plank Firm Luxe is our top choice due its unique flippable design, substantial support for spinal alignment, and mid-range pricing.
| Price | $924–$2,048 | $1,395–$2,690 | $811.30–$1,811.30 | $812–$1,649 | $1,499–$3,198 | $786–$1,690 |
| Material | Hybrid | Innerspring-hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Memory foam |
| Firmness | Firm or extra-firm | Plush soft, luxury firm, and firm | Firm | Firm | Plush, luxury firm, or firm | Firm |
| Trial period | 120 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Shipping | Free in a box | Free white-glove delivery | Free in a box | Free in a box | Free FedEx shipping in a box; white-glove delivery starting at $125 | Free in a box, white-glove delivery for $175 |
| Warranty | 10 years | Lifetime | 15 years | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Sizes | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king, short queen, short king, Olympic queen, RV king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, California king, split California king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king |
| Height In inches | 13.25″ | 11.5″ or 14.5″ | 11.25″ | 13″ | 15″ | 10″ |
We think the Plank Firm Luxe is a great choice for sleepers looking for a firm, supportive mattress that doesn’t compromise on comfort or temperature regulation. Plank is from the Brooklyn Bedding brand’s firm mattress line. We love its flippable design that offers two different levels of firmness in one mattress, which we rated eight out of 10 on one side and nine out of 10 on the other. This versatility is great for people unsure of their ideal firmness level or whose needs may change over time.
Additionally, the Plank Firm Luxe is designed with advanced cooling technology. We found the cooling effects effective during testing, giving it a four out of five for cooling. The mattress also provided good support for spinal alignment.
When our testers lay on the Plank Firm Luxe, its firm support kept our testers’ hips from sinking while in the stomach position and provided good support overall. This is particularly beneficial for sleepers with back pain or those who prefer a sturdier sleeping surface, so you can maintain proper posture throughout the night.
We also found that the construction supported easy movement and position changes, avoiding the common pitfall of feeling “stuck” that some foam-topped mattresses can present. It also makes the bed easier to get in and out of, potentially aiding mobility.
Who will love it
Who should avoid it
Plank is owned by Brooklyn Bedding. You can reach Plank customer service by:
Credit card payment options include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Shop Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay offer express checkout. Plank offers financing through Affirm, with the option of three, six, or 12 monthly payments.
The Saatva Classic has a dual-coil system with a soft Euro topⓘ A style of pillow top that provides an added layer of plush. The extra layer of padding is stitched beneath the mattress cover, so it’s flush with the edges of the mattress without adding extra height. , providing plush comfort to a firm foundation. While we tested the luxury firm model, the Saatva Classic comes in two other firmness options: plush soft and firm. During testing, this mattress supported spinal alignment and tested high for pressure relief. Our testers noted they could feel the extra support foam layer providing a bit of an additional lift around the midsection.
We gave the Classic high scores for overall support (five out of five), edge support (five out of five), and bounce (four out of five), making this mattress high in functional support (4.45 out of five). In addition to providing a responsive surface, a firmer mattress prevents sinking, and edge support ensures you’re less likely to roll off, making these important considerations if you experience reduced mobility or chronic pain.
Who may love it
Who may want to avoid it
You can contact Saatva customer service by:
Credit card payment options are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Express checkout is available with Apple Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay. Saatva offers financing through Affirm, with the option of six, 12, or 18 monthly payments.
Designed specifically for higher-weight sleepers (more than 250 pounds), the Helix Plus provided an ideal balance of firmness and pressure relief during testing. It features durable construction with an enhanced steel-coil system and multiple layers of high-density foam, supporting up to 1,000 pounds and ensuring the mattress maintains its shape and support over time.
These materials also provide a supportive, responsive, and comfortable sleeping surface.
Our testers found that while this mattress offered firm support, the foam provided just enough cushioning to cradle our testers, scoring high for pressure relief.
The Helix Plus also provides a good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness, testing above average in isolation and getting a perfect five out of five score in bounce. This means it’s a great choice for those who frequently change positions or need an extra boost in mobility. It also has decent edge support, with a 3.5 out of five. Overall, the Helix Plus scored 3.65 out of five for functional support, which is above average.
Finally, we liked that this mattress comes with a Tencelⓘ A brand of lyocell fiber made from wood pulp that’s known for being soft, breathable, and absorbent. cover, which provides breathability, moisture-wicking, and cooling. You can also upgrade to a GlacioTex ⓘ Hypoallergenic fabric made from fibers with high thermal conductivity that allow heat to be quickly and effectively pulled away from your body cover for even more cooling.
Who will love it
Who should avoid it
You can reach Helix customer service by:
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are credit card payment options. Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, MetaPay, and Google Pay are other options. Helix offers financing through Affirm and Katapult.
In a market flooded with options, the Emma Comfort Hybrid emerges as a standout for those seeking an affordable yet firm mattress. It has a 7.5 out of 10 firmness rating and offers the support needed for back and stomach sleepers while maintaining a comfortable level of pressure relief (four out of five). It’s also rated a four out of five for bounce, indicating a responsive feel that aids movement.
But its moderate edge support (three out of five) and a lower overall support score (two out of five) suggest that while it excels in affordability and basic comfort, it might not meet the needs of those requiring robust edge or spinal support. We still rated it above average for functional support, scoring three out of five.
The mattress received a cooling score of 3.5 out of five, making it suitable for sleepers who tend to overheat. Plus, the removable cover is a thoughtful touch for those concerned with cleanliness. These elements, combined with the mattress’s responsiveness and ease of repositioning, make it a compelling choice for combination sleepers or people with reduced mobility.
Potential buyers will want to weigh the mattress’s affordability against its long-term durability and support capabilities. The Emma Comfort Hybrid offers significant initial value, but its material quality, shorter 10-year warranty, and support structure may not satisfy sleepers over time, particularly higher-weight sleepers (more than 250 pounds) or those with specific support requirements.
Who will love it
Who should avoid it
You can reach Emma customer support by:
Credit card payment options are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and Diners Club. Express pay options are Shop Pay, Zip Pay, Apple Pay, PayPal, MetaPay, and Google Pay. Emma offers financing through Klarna.
The Nolah Evolution mattress stands out for its targeted support and pressure relief. This is particularly beneficial for side sleepers, who need more cushion around the hips and shoulders.
Our Reviews Team survey of 600 new mattress customers found that most respondents said they were side sleepers (48.5%), compared to 17% back sleepers and 14% stomach sleepers. [3] NCOA Mattress Survey. 600 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched January 2024 Side sleepers generally need a more plush surface that allows the hip and shoulder to sink in a bit to avoid pressure buildup and pain in those areas.
We like the Nolah Evolution mattress for side sleepers because it offers high pressure relief, with our team rating it 4.5 out of five for side sleepers. While it comes in three firmness levels (plush, luxury firm, and firm), we tested the luxury firm model and rated it a seven out of 10 on the firmness scale, which is only slightly firmer than the standard for medium firm (6.6 out of 10). It also received a high score for edge support (4.5 out of five), indicating stability at the edge for sitting or sleeping near the perimeter. Its functional support rating of 3.95 out of five is also one of the highest in this review.
The quilted foam cover added to the comfort and plush feel, while high-quality stitching and materials suggested durability and attention to detail. But those particularly sensitive to heat or lighter in weight may find some limitations in comfort and cooling.
Who will love it
Who should avoid it
You can reach Nolah customer service by:
Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are credit card payment options. Express purchase options are Shop Pay and PayPal. Nolah offers financing through Affirm.
For memory foam lovers, the Bear Original is unique in this review series as the only all-foam option. But it’s a firm foam, with our testers giving it an eight out of 10, making it a good choice if you’re seeking support. This model is particularly suitable for back and stomach sleepers requiring a solid surface to maintain spinal alignment. But it might not be the best fit for side sleepers or lighter-weight people, who may find the surface too hard.
We found the overall support moderate, with a 2.5 out of five, while we gave this mattress a four out of five for edge support, indicating good stability at the mattress’s perimeter. This mattress also offers good motion isolation, which can help minimize disturbance from a partner, but it tested poorly for bounce, which can make it harder to move around on the material.
Our team also likes that the Bear Original is made with eco-friendly CertiPUR-US-certified foam ⓘ This is a certification given to foam bedding materials that are environmentally friendly. foam and is free from harmful chemicals and pollutants.
Who will love it
Who should avoid it
You can reach Bear customer service Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET by:
Bear accepts all major credit cards and ShopPay. The company also offers financing through Affirm with the option of three, six, 12, 18, 24, or 36 months to complete payment.
If you prefer a firm mattress, there are many options. Selecting the right mattress is crucial if you need a supportive sleep surface that maintains spinal alignment, particularly if you’re a back or stomach sleeper, higher-weight person (more than 250 pounds), or have specific back pain concerns.
A firm mattress prevents excessive sinking and ensures a stable, even surface for proper spinal alignment. The Plank Firm Luxe stands out among the top picks for a firm mattress for its exceptional support, durability, and comfort. Its unique design and high-quality materials cater to a wide range of sleepers. But the right mattress for you is subjective, and all the mattresses on this list are solid options. If you’re experiencing back pain or any other issues and think a new mattress can help, make sure to speak to your doctor first. Your health care provider can ensure you make the right choice or provide other options that can help.
We recommend firm mattresses for the following sleepers:
A firm mattress may help prevent back pain, especially for people who sleep on their back or stomach. Firmer support can help maintain proper spinal alignment, reducing stress on the spine and preventing the lower back from sinking too deeply. But the ideal mattress firmness for alleviating back pain varies based on personal preference, sleeping position, and body type. A mattress that provides a balance between support and pressure relief, aligning the spine without causing pressure points, is key.
The “best” firm mattress is subjective and depends on various factors, including personal preferences, sleeping positions, and specific needs, such as temperature regulation or motion isolation. It’s important to consider personal comfort and support needs. To determine the best firm mattress for you, you should also consider your budget, available delivery methods, and sleep trials.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
