Getting a good night’s sleep starts with the right foundation—and for many people, that means finding the best firm mattress. The right level of firmness can make all the difference when it comes to staying comfortable, maintaining proper spinal alignment, and waking up without aches and pains.  Research shows that mattresses that are too firm can create excess pressure on the joints, leading to stiffness and discomfort.¹ Yet mattresses that are too soft can allow your hips and shoulders to sink out of alignment, stressing your spine and disrupting restful sleep.

“Neither one of these supports healthy alignment. That’s why I always say finding the right firmness is like the Goldilocks rule—not too soft, not too firm, but just right,” explained Lori Diamos, PT, owner of PT Pearls in Chicago.

Firmer mattresses can also offer practical benefits. Some people prefer the stable feel of a firmer bed, which makes it easier to shift positions throughout the night. Higher-weight sleepers often need firmer surfaces for better support, while those with mobility concerns may benefit from a mattress with sturdier edges and less sink.

To help you find the best firm mattress for your needs, we evaluated options for support, durability, and ease of use. The Plank Firm earned our top spot for its outstanding edge support and reliable comfort, especially for people looking to reduce pain and improve sleep quality.

Our Top Pick

Plank Firm

Best Overall

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• Flippable design with two firmness levels
• Strong edge support

• Great cooling

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Saatva Classic

Best for Pain Relief

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• Excellent pressure relief
• Available in three different firmness levels

• Works well for all sleeping positions

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Helix Plus

Best for Higher-Weight People

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• Designed for higher-weight sleepers
• Excellent edge support

• Breathable, cooling cover

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Best Firm Mattresses in 2025

• Plank Firm: Best Overall
• Saatva Classic: Best Firm Mattress for Pain Relief
• Helix Plus: Best Firm Mattress for Higher-Weight People
• Bear Original: Best Value Firm Mattress

Table 1 Comparing the best firm mattresses

As a physical therapist, I often remind people that sleep is one of our most underused tools for healing and wellness. The right mattress supports the natural curves of the spine, helping maintain alignment and reducing unnecessary stress or strain on the body.” —Lori Diamos, PT

Top features of the best firm mattress

We looked for the following features when choosing the best firm mattresses for older adults.

Pain relief score

Unique to NCOA, a high pain relief score refers to whether a mattress is more likely to relieve pain due to a balance of key features like bounce, support, and pressure relief. A firmer mattress can also provide support to distribute your weight and keep your spine aligned. This can help prevent and ease pain symptoms. 

Good pressure relief

We look for mattresses with good joint pressure relief along the shoulders, back, and hips in different sleeping positions for added comfort while sleeping. It can be challenging to find good pressure relief in firm mattresses, especially for side-sleepers. But back and stomach sleepers can still find good pressure relief on a firm mattress, as their spine is in a neutral position without the hips sinking into the mattress.

Spinal support

Mattresses that help keep your spine in a neutral position can ease the strain on your back. A firm surface can give you that support to create spinal alignment.

Plank Firm: Best Overall Firm Mattress

We chose the Plank Firm as our Best Overall because it’s a truly firm mattress that’s customizable by flipping to either a firm side or an extra firm side. It also has excellent edge support and strong motion isolation scores. 

Our Top Pick

Plank Firm

Best Overall

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• Excellent edge support
• Good motion isolation, support, and bounce scores

• Cooling features for hot sleepers

Plank Firm features

• Our pain relief score: 3.44 (Firm side), 2.63 (Extra Firm side)
• Accessibility score: 4.34
• Mattress type: Foam
• Brand’s firmness rating: 8/10 (Firm side), 10/10 (Extra Firm side)

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Why we chose the Plank Firm as the Best Overall 

If you’re looking for a firm mattress—really and truly firm—the Plank Firm is a clear winner. We chose the Plank Firm as the best overall firm mattress because it had the highest firmness level of all the mattresses we've tested. The Plank mattress is unique in that it’s flippable. There’s a firm side and an extra firm side. 

For context, we rate a firm mattress as a 7 out of 10 or higher on the firmness scale. The Plank Firm is an 8 out of 10. Extra firm is rated a 9 or 10 out of 10, and the Plank Extra Firm is a 10 out of 10.

Firm mattresses like the Plank typically have less pressure relief because of how hard they feel, and they don't contour the spine. Still, some people like this feeling of firmness, and it can be good for those with mobility concerns for the ease of moving around on the bed, as well as edge support. 

The Plank Firm scored a 3 out of 5, an average score for support, and a perfect 5 out of 5 for edge support. This means that, for most people, they can sleep or sit at the edge of the mattress without feeling like they’re going to slip off. 

Plank Firm pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Plank Firm

Our testers found it easier to change positions while lying on the Plank Firm. “Although there is a little cushioning…it was easy to switch from back to side,” said a tester. But for side sleeping, our average-weight (weighing between 130–250 pounds) tester said she felt her hips pressing too much into the mattress. She also felt some added pressure on her lower back and hips when lying on her back.  

We liked the motion isolation of the Plank Firm, with testers saying they hardly felt any movement from a bed partner. “I knew he was moving, but it wasn't impactful at all,” said a tester. “I don't think this would wake me.” In testing motion isolation on the extra firm side, testers reported feeling a little more movement, but still felt it wouldn’t wake them up.

Who is the Plank Firm right for? 

The Plank Firm is a mattress for people who really want a firm sleeping surface. People who need stong edge support and have mobility concerns can benefit from its solid, supportive feel. Those who are at a higher body weight (weighing more than 250 pounds) might find the Plank is more supportive than other firm mattresses.

Unsurprisingly, the Plank Firm is not the best option for those with aches and pains. The bed’s firmness doesn’t offer enough cushioning to relieve joint pressure while sleeping. If you need a firm bed to reduce pain while sleeping, you may want to consider the next mattress on this list, the Saatva Classic.

Plank Firm customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free
• In-home setup and mattress removal: Not available
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Plank customer service by:

• Phone: 623-624-1222, available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Saturday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET 
• Email: support@brooklynbedding.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Saturday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Paypal
  • Google Pay
  • Shop Pay
• Discounts? Yes, for military, first responders, educators, students, and medical professionals
• Financing: Yes, Affirm and Shop Pay

Saatva Classic: Best Firm Mattress for Pain Relief

We chose the Saatva Classic as our Best Firm Mattress for Pain Relief because its firm base provides plenty of support and cushioning, especially for people experiencing chronic pain. It’s also a mattress that could suit a range of sleeping positions and body types. 

Saatva Classic

Best Firm Mattress for Pain Relief

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• Best firm mattress for back pain
• Top scores in pressure relief and edge support

• Excellent bounce and cooling features

Saatva Classic features

• Our pain relief score: 4.87
• Accessibility score: 4.55
• Mattress type: Innerspring hybrid 
• Brand’s firmness rating: 8/10

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Why we chose the Saatva Classic as the Best Firm Mattress for Pain Relief

We chose the Saatva Classic as our Best Firm Mattress for Pain Relief because it provides plenty of support and cushioning with excellent edge support. Saatva uses a responsive dual-coil design that is made to contour to the body’s curves and relieve pressure. The durable coil system also works to prevent the mattress from sagging. 

The Saatva Classic is offered in three different firmness levels: 

• Plush Soft: 3/10 firmness 
• Luxury Firm: 5–7/10 firmness 
• Firm: 8/10 firmness 

Pain, especially chronic pain, can stem from many different factors—it is not always just your mattress that can help or hurt.³ Talk with your health care provider about a personalized plan that’s right for you.

Saatva Classic pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Saatva Classic

One of our testers, who is average weight and typically a stomach sleeper, liked sleeping in all positions on the Saatva Classic. But she found she still preferred stomach-sleeping best on this mattress. When lying on her stomach, she commented, “I feel like I have a neutral spine. This is how I typically sleep at home with no pillow, but even with a pillow, this is okay.” 

Testers said the mattress did a great job at contouring to their bodies and supporting the spine's natural curves when back sleeping and also side sleeping.

While lying on their back on the Saatva Classic, one tester said, “My shoulders and my arms are even with my hips. I can feel the contour on my lower back, and there isn't a hollow spot.” Research shows that when the spine isn't in alignment while you sleep, it can lead to pain and stiffness, or make pain worse.⁴ 

Who is the Saatva Classic right for?

The Saatva Classic is beneficial for most sleepers who deal with chronic pain issues like low back, hip, and neck pain. It’s great for almost all sleepers and sleeping positions. Those unsure whether they would prefer the Saatva Classic Luxury Firm or the Firm can take advantage of the brand’s 365-night trial period and free returns. 

We want to note that the Saatva Classic isn’t the brand’s firmest mattress. We also tested the Saatva Solaire, the brand’s customizable mattress with 50 adjustable firmness levels. The Solaire allows sleepers to find the balance of firmness and pressure relief that works best for them. While the Saatva Solaire earned high marks in our testing, it costs over $2,000 more than the Saatva Classic, so we chose to feature the more affordable option.

Saatva Classic customer experience

• Trial period: 365 nights
• Shipping: Free white-glove delivery
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Saatva customer service by:

• Phone: 877-672-2882, available 24/7
• Email: info@saatvamattress.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, 24/7
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • PayPal
• Discounts? Yes, Saatva offers $225 off a purchase of $1,000 or more to adults 65 and older, military members and their families, health care professionals, government employees, and more. This cannot be combined with other offers. Find more information here.
• Financing: Yes, Affirm

Helix Plus: Best Firm Mattress for Higher-Weight People

We selected the Helix Plus as the Best Firm Mattress for Higher-Weight People because it’s designed to support people weighing over 250 pounds. Built with reinforced steel coils and high-density foams, the Helix Plus offers durable, long-lasting support without sacrificing comfort. While it’s made for higher-weight bodies, our testers in the average-weight range also appreciated its sturdy feel and impressive pressure relief, making it a good option for a wide range of sleepers.

Helix Plus

Best for Higher-Weight People

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• High scores for pressure relief and bounce for easier movement
• Excellent cooling features

• Designed for people who weigh over 250 pounds

Helix Plus features

• Our pain relief score: 4.92
• Accessibility score: 4.72
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 7/10

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Why we chose the Helix Plus as the Best Firm Mattress for Higher Weight People

We chose the Helix Plus as our Best Firm Mattress for Higher Weight People because of Helix’s enhanced steel-coil system and high-quality construction designed to support sleepers over 250 pounds. Our testing found the bed to have a good balance of responsiveness, pressure relief, and firmness. It’s a hybrid mattress with high-density foam and reinforced coils that can support up to 1,000 pounds. Helix Plus’s durable design can prevent sagging and provide support for a longer period of time. 

The Helix Plus offered plenty of pressure relief to cushion joints, and our testers appreciated the bounciness of the mattress. They found the Helix Plus allowed easier movement when they were switching positions and moving around on the bed while still offering strong motion isolation for those who share a bed.

With its high pressure relief and accessibility scores, the Helix Plus can help support many sleepers and their specific mobility concerns. The Helix Plus was comfortable for most back, stomach, and combination sleepers. Our testers still felt supported side-sleeping, with no pressure, but one tester felt her hips were sinking down more than with other mattresses that we tested. 

Helix Plus pros and cons

Our testing experience with the Helix Plus

The Helix Plus received high praise from our testers for the supportive and sturdy edge. “There is no difference in how I feel on my side in the middle of the bed and on the edge,” said one. Our testers could sit at the edge and feel supported without using their hands.  

One of our testers, an average weight sleeper with arthritis, was a fan of the pressure relief while back-sleeping on the Helix Plus. While not normally a stomach-sleeper, this tester also felt supported on her stomach, with no arching in her lower back. She also liked the cooling features, adding, “With this mattress I feel a little bit more ‘on top’ rather than ‘in’ the mattress, which helps to not have fabric touching my sides. I think that makes it easier to keep air flowing.”

Who is the Helix Plus right for?

The Helix Plus is great for higher-weight sleepers and has enough support and firmness for back and stomach sleepers. Those who like to change positions throughout the night, who need some extra bounce for movement, and who are looking for a cooler-feeling mattress might also be a great fit for the Helix Plus. 

Higher-weight sleepers who prefer a firmer mattress than the Helix Plus may want to consider the Titan Plus, which scored similarly in many of our tests, but has a brand firmness rating of nine out of ten, notably higher than the Helix Plus’s seven out of ten firmness score. You can learn more about the Titan Plus below. 

Helix Plus customer experience

• Trial period: 100 nights
• Shipping: Free shipping
• Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty 
• Financing: Yes

Customer service

You can contact Helix Sleep customer service by:

• Phone: 831-777-5976, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Email: help@helixsleep.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
• Contact form: https://support.helixsleep.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • American Express
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Google Pay
  • Discover
  • Shop Pay
  • Amazon Pay
  • PayPal
  • Google Pay
• Discounts? Yes, the company currently offers a discount for military members, first responders, students, and teachers. The discount code can’t be combined with other promotional codes.
• Financing: Yes, through Affirm

Bear Original: Best Value 

We chose the Bear Original as “Best Value” because it was the only mattress in our review that was under $1,000. It also has additional value perks like a longer trial period and warranty than many other mattresses we reviewed.

Bear Original

Best Value

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• Lowest priced mattress in this review
• 120-day trial period and limited lifetime warranty

• Offers white-glove delivery for an extra fee

Bear Original features

• Our pain relief score: 3.37
• Accessibility score: 3.47
• Mattress type: Foam
• Brand’s firmness rating: 7/10

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Why we chose Bear Original as the Best Value 

We chose the Bear Original as the best value for a firm mattress because it had the lowest price of the mattresses we reviewed, while still being a high-quality mattress. At $998 for a queen, it has white-glove delivery for an additional cost, and a 120-night trial, so you can test it out to make sure you really like it before you commit. Not all brands offer white-glove delivery, and taking a mattress out of a box can be difficult. Our testing team often needs at least two people to pull the mattress out and set it up.

While the Bear Original mattress performed well in much of our testing, stomach sleepers with a higher body weight might not get the support they need. One higher-weight combination sleeper said during testing that their lower back felt slightly arched but thought the rest of their body was supported. Back sleeping didn’t seem to bring any unwanted pressure to the lower back and hips. Our tester did say side sleeping caused more pressure build-up the longer they lay in that position.

Bear Original pros and cons

Our testing experience with Bear Original

During testing, we rated the edge support as lower than average. As one of our testers described sitting on the edge, “It feels pretty stable, but there's no bounce helping me get back up. When I sit down on one side, I feel a little off-balance for a split second, but then the foam equalizes and supports equally on both sides of my body. For someone with balance issues, I could see them falling.” 

While sitting at the edge took away some points for us, our tester liked the edge support for being able to lie at the mattress’s edge without feeling like they were going to slide off. The mattress has a flat surface, but not so hard that it's uncomfortable. “It feels like a gentle hug,” said a tester. “It’s forgiving, while being firm.” 

The Bear Original gave some decent pressure relief to our testers while on their side, with one saying, “My body feels equally supported. No body part feels more elevated than the other. No pressure in my shoulder, but the longer I lay, I can feel the pressure build up in my hips.” Our testers liked sleeping on their back more, with the weight of their lower back and shoulders feeling evenly spread out. “I don't feel any extra pressure on my lower back or hips. It's firm, but I'm not feeling any pressure built up in any specific area,” they said.

Who is Bear Original right for?

Because our testers initially felt supported in most sleeping positions for a period of time, the Bear Original could be right for someone who likes to change position through the night. But due to its lack of responsiveness, someone with mobility issues might struggle to get in and out of the bed. Bear’s  120-night trial period gives sleepers a chance to try out the mattress before committing. 

While the Bear Original is firm, it doesn’t offer the pressure relief to relieve chronic pain while sleeping. The Helix Plus, mentioned above, offers a similar firmness level, with much better pressure relief.

Bear Mattress customer experience

• Trial period: 120 nights
• Shipping: Free
• In-home setup and mattress removal: $100–$200
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

Customer service

You can contact Bear customer service by:

• Phone: 844-311-0035, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Email: support@bearmattress.com
• Live chat: Available via the chat icon on the website, available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
• Calling or visiting a viewing room

Payment options 

• Ways to pay
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express
  • Discover
  • Paypal
  • Shop Pay
  • Venmo
• Discounts? Yes, the company currently offers a 40% discount for military members, first responders, law enforcement, health care workers, and teachers. This discount can’t be combined with other promotional codes. 
• Financing: Yes, Bear offers financing through Affirm.

Other brands to consider

In our testing, we tried many firm mattresses, and the four above stood out as our favorites. We also wanted to mention the Titan Plus, another firm mattress designed for higher-weight sleepers. The Titan Plus has a high firmness level of 9 out of 10, as well as great edge support, bounce, and motion isolation. 

Titan Plus scored very similarly to the Helix Plus in much of our testing. But its pressure relief scores were slightly lower than Helix’s, which is why they made the cut. The Titan Plus costs about $200 less than the Helix Plus, so if you’re looking for a similar mattress and aren’t too concerned about pressure relief, it’s worth considering.

Our process for testing the best firm mattresses

Our team has spent thousands of hours researching and testing mattresses so you can feel confident in our reviews. We work with experts in sleep, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, so we know what features are most important when searching for a firm mattress. 

For this review, we personally tested 30 mattresses identified through our research to offer pain relief and support. Each mattress was put through a rigorous testing process by older adults with pain to ensure we have real-world data about how they perform.

Firmness

We tested firmness by having our testers lie on the mattresses in all sleeping positions to tell us how comfortable and supported they felt. Studies show that a medium-firm to firm mattress is better for older adults because it offers the most support when dealing with pain concerns.⁵

“A medium to firm mattress typically provides the best support for maintaining the spine's natural S-shape,” said Diamos. “If the mattress is too soft, the body can sink and the spine collapses into a C-shape. If it’s too firm, the body may not contour naturally, and the spine can flatten out more like an I-shape.”

Pain relief

Our pain relief score is unique to our testing. In speaking with experts and surveying older adults, we learned the qualities a firm mattress should have to reduce pain by supporting the lower back and hips. To build our pain relief score, we created a weighted formula including our scores for pressure relief, edge support, and bounce. 

Our combined pain relief score identifies mattresses with:

• Enough bounce to adjust positions freely
• Pressure relief so the body’s weight is evenly distributed
• Edge support for easier movement in and out of bed

Pressure relief 

Our pressure relief score reflects our testers’ experiences on the mattress and the results shown on our pressure map. If you’re sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm, it can put a lot of pressure on joints such as the shoulder, hips, and lower back. 

The pressure map uses sensors to show how much pressure the body feels when lying on the mattress. Blue and green are great pressure relief. Yellow, orange, and red show places where pressure builds up. 

Spinal support

Mattresses that offer good spinal support will contour to your body but still allow you to be able to press back into the curves of the lower spine. When your spine is properly supported and aligned, it can help avoid pain issues down the road. 

We look for this support during our testing, and we confirm it using our pressure map results. If a mattress lacks support in any curve of the spine, it shows white on the pressure map, indicating no contact or support in the area.  

I get back pain from sleeping on my stomach if I'm in bed too long. Usually in my lower back and I get up right away because I just can't lay there anymore. When I stay in bed for too long, I have to get out of bed.” —From NCOA’s sleeping with chronic pain focus group

Benefits of firm mattresses

Here are some reasons why a firmer mattress can be helpful for older adults.

Arthritis and joint pain management

If you like to sleep on your back to help with chronic pain like arthritis, firm mattresses can help support your lower back and spread out your weight more evenly than resting on your side. 

You may need to try different sleeping positions to find what’s comfortable. 

Back pain considerations

Firm mattresses can help reduce back pain, especially if you sleep on your back or stomach. A firmer surface can keep your spine aligned and prevent your hips from sinking down into the mattress, which can cause pain. 

While some firm mattresses might put too much pressure on joints, those at a higher body weight may need the extra support to be comfortable on their side.

Circulation issues

Some sleeping positions, or staying in one position for a long time, can press on your blood vessels, slowing down blood flow back and forth from your heart. This can lead to circulation issues.⁶ Firm mattresses can make it easier to move around and change positions, so you aren’t in one position for a long time. Keep in mind that a mattress that is too firm can also put pressure on blood vessels and can affect circulation as well.

Getting in and out of bed safely

A firm mattress can be appealing to older adults who need a supportive surface to get in and out of bed safely due to mobility or balance concerns. Firm mattresses also often have sturdy edge support. 

Choosing a firm mattress

Firm mattresses can offer some crucial support for those who sleep on their back and stomachs. The firm surface helps to keep the hips elevated, the neck from curling when stomach-sleeping, and the hips from sinking too much while on your back. Having good posture while you sleep keeps the spine curled in the places it’s supposed to, like in your neck and lower back. For many side sleepers, mattresses that are too firm can put pressure on the hips and shoulders while you sleep.

What to look for when shopping for firm mattresses

When shopping for firm mattresses, look for:

• Firmness levels of medium-firm to firm
• Sturdy edge support for safety and mobility 
• Mattresses that still bring pressure relief despite their firmness 
• Cooling features to help regulate body temperature while you sleep 
• Good motion isolation if you sleep with a partner 
• Durable quality, especially if you have a higher body weight and need extra support to prevent sagging over time 
• Good bounce and a mattress that isn't too high, so you can move around in bed and sit at the edge if you have mobility issues

Other considerations when buying a mattress

The following are also factors to consider when buying a firm mattress:

• Compatible adjustable bases, if you want to be able to elevate the head or feet
• Whether delivery and setup services are available, and if they are free or have a cost 
• Whether the brand offers mattress removal options
• The length of trial and warranty periods 

How much do the best firm mattresses cost?

The mattresses we tested in this review for our best firm mattresses ranged from $998–$2,099 for a queen-sized mattress. 

Other factors can affect the price of a mattress, such as the type of mattress or its materials, features such as cooling covers or pillow tops, and any certifications. White glove delivery is sometimes offered as an add-on cost (Saatva offers this service for free). This might be worth paying to avoid setting the mattress up yourself. 

Table 2 Comparing costs of the best firm mattresses

*Free delivery and setup of new mattress and removal of old mattress

How to save money on mattresses

Buying a mattress is a big purchase for many people, and you want to make sure it’s comfortable and supportive for the seven to nine hours you spend asleep on it. This can be especially important if you need pressure relief or are experiencing chronic pain issues. 

Here are some ways to save on a mattress:

• Look for long trial periods and warranties. Choose a mattress with a lifetime warranty, and longer trial periods (at least 100 nights, but 365 is best) so you can test out the mattress in your home before committing. 
• Check out the financing plans that many brands offer. This could be a better deal than using a credit card. 
• Look for discount codes and other offers, such as sales codes, to help lower the price. 
• Consider buying your mattress during holiday promotions. Some of the more popular holiday sales are on Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Black Friday. 
• Mattress brands often offer special discounts to veterans, health care workers, students, and teachers. 
• Bed-in-a-box mattresses can be a good deal, but they can be heavy and more difficult to set up, especially if you have mobility or pain concerns. 

Frequently asked questions

Questions? Reach out to reviewsteam@ncoa.org.