The best firm mattress 2024, approved by sleep experts (2024)

The best firm mattresses offer unparalleled support for back pain sufferers, thanks to the even weight distribution and exceptional lumbar support that they provide. Many of the beds in our best mattress guide offer customizable support, making it easier than ever to find a high-quality mattress with the firmness level you require.

But it isn’t just those with back pain that can benefit from a firm night’s rest — firm mattresses offer better airflow around the body, making them a popular choice for hot sleepers. What’s more, heavier people find that the best firm mattresses provide them with the level of support that they require. While side sleepers require a certain amount of sink-in support, those who favor sleeping on either their backs or stomach require a firm mattress to hold their spines in correct alignment with the rest of their body.

Which is the best firm mattress? The WinkBed is our number one choice, with four firmness ratings to choose from including Firmer and Plus. The WinkBed Plus has an 8 out of 10 firmness rating and ticks all the firm bed boxes, combining a breathable Tencel cover with targeted lumbar support and reinforced edges. But there’s plenty of other beds that might be better suited to you. To help you choose, we’ve conducted meticulous in-house testing, as well as researching and analyzing data and customer feedback. Our firm mattress choices suit a variety of budgets, and the upcoming 4th of July mattress sales should ensure you can get a great discount on the beds featured below.

Let's take a look at the best firm mattresses as chosen by our panel of expert mattress testers.

Best firm mattress: Quick list

Looking for an overview of our top-rated firm mattresses? Then here's an at-a-glance guide to our top recommendations, based on in-house test data and extensive consumer research.

The best firm mattress 2024 – rated by experts

Best firm mattress overall for 2024

If you want a luxurious feeling firm mattress but the Saatva Classic (#2) is out of your price range, the WinkBed is an excellent alternative. It comes in four degrees of firmness, but if you've landed on this guide you'll be most interested in the Firmer (rated 7.5 out of 10) and Plus (rated 8, and suitable for plus-sized sleepers) versions.

All WinkBeds feature a breathable Tencel cover, but beyond that, the construction varies. The WinkBed Plus model consists of high-density anti-sag foam, 2.5 inches of latex foam, and support coils specifically engineered to withstand heavier weights. The other firmness versions have a dual-layer Euro pillow top with gel-infused foam, a layer of pocket springs with targeted back support, and reinforced edges.

We tested a Luxury Firm WinkBed mattress and were impressed with its excellent edge support system and minimal motion transfer, so we certainly recommend it for couples. Temperature regulation is the one area where the WinkBed fell short for us – although it's by no means bad, chronically hot sleepers may not find it cooling enough for their needs. However, if you struggle with back or shoulder pain, plenty of sleepers sing the WinkBed's praises for alleviating their aches.

At MSRP, the WinkBed sits in the premium bracket, but an evergreen discount of $300 knocks it into the upper mid-range territory, just below Saatva's standard sale prices. (Note that the WinkBed Plus costs $200 more than the rest of the lot due to its different design and materials.) Regardless of the model you choose, you'll have 120 nights to test it out at home – and while returns are free, exchanges incur a $49 fee. If you decide to keep your WinkBed, you'll be covered by a lifetime warranty.

• Read more: WinkBed mattress review

Best firm mattress with pillow top

The Saatva Classic comes in three varying firmness levels. The firmest option is rated an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale; it's designed to make you feel as if you're floating on top of the surface, as opposed to sinking into it. Notable here is Saatva's specialized lumbar support system, which includes zoned quilting along the middle third of the Euro pillow top, a strip of high-density foam directly below that, and a section of sturdier pocketed steel coils in the center.

High-density foam rails line the perimeter of the Saatva Classic. When we slept on a luxury firm version of this mattress, we noted that the edge support was 'nice and sturdy' so we imagine that the firmest iteration should excel in this area. There's also the option to choose between an 11-inch and 13.5-inch profile so you can tailor the height to your mobility level. Most couples should get on well with the Saatva Classic, but expect some motion isolation from this responsive innerspring hybrid.

Another reason why we rate the Saatva Classic tops for back pain is because of the free in-home delivery, a welcome perk since this mattress can weigh up to 145 lbs. (Optional removal of your existing mattress is included, as well.) In addition to that, you'll receive a lifetime warranty plus a full year to test it out at home – just beware of the $99 returns fee. The Saatva Classic is a bonafide luxury mattress, with a queen retailing for $1,995. Fortunately, Saatva mattress sales take place all of the time so you'll never be paying the list price.

• Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review

Best firm mattress for heavy people

Like Plank Mattress (at #4), Titan is another brand living under the Brooklyn Bedding umbrella. The Titan Plus is the best hybrid mattress for larger bodies, and is also a great choice for sleepers of any size who prefer a much firmer sleep surface.

The Titan Plus consists of a 2-inch base layer of high-density support foam, a core layer of individually-wrapped 6-inch coils, and two inches of TitanFlex comfort foam. Topping it off is a quilted cover with an inch of gel memory foam sewn into it, and for maximum cooling, you can add the optional GlacioTex cover for an extra cost.

Along the perimeter are higher gauge coils for increased edge support, though some of the user reviews we've gleaned suggest that this doesn't always translate to firmer edges so keep that in mind if you're someone who sits on the edge to get in or out of bed.

Still, many satisfied customers claim that Titan Plus delivers the right blend of support and comfort for larger sleepers. In fact, we rate it amongst the best mattresses for heavy people – it'll support a combined weight of up to 1,000lbs. Price-wise, you can again rely on at least 25% off, putting this mattress firmly in the mid-range bracket. It comes with a 120-night risk-free trial – and if you elect to keep it, you'll get a 10-year warranty.

Best firm mattress for back pain

The Saatva RX is our favorite overall mattress for back pain, but it's medium-firm feel might not be hard enough for people seeking a firm mattress for back pain relief. Plank by Brooklyn Bedding is a flippable, all-foam mattress that's modeled after the flat, minimalist beds prevalent in various parts of Asia, and it comes in a range of sizes up to a king size mattress. The dual-sided design, with an extra firm side and a slightly plusher (but still firm) side, means the Plank will hit the right notes for most people who like a super supportive mattress, especially if their sleep preferences are fluid.

The flat sleep surface is designed to keep the sleeper's spine in a neutral position (which is better for your back and posture overall), especially in a back or stomach sleeping position. This model comes endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), which says this mattress reduces spinal stress, offers good lumbar support, and can alleviate back pain.

What's notable about the Plank is that it's an all-foam mattress – all the other models in our ranking have a spring layer. While the less-firm side does add a layer of comfort foam, don't expect the body-contouring pressure relief you'd get with memory foam. Also, if you're a hot sleeper, know that foam is prone to trapping heat – although the absence of the sink-in feel here could make that less of an issue. Still, for a boost in temperature regulation, add a GlacioTex Cooling Cover(for an extra fee) or opt for the Plank Firm Luxe hybrid, which has a layer of individually-cased coils for better airflow.

Like many of Brooklyn Bedding's offerings, The Plank comes in a broad range of sizes – including traditional dimensions, RV bed sizes, and less common measurements. Following Brooklyn's standard deals patterns, you can expect a permanent deal of 25% off MSRP, perhaps more around big sales events on national holidays. That means this model sits in the mid-range price bracket. Your purchase will be backed by a 10-year warranty, and you'll get 120 nights to try it risk-free at home.

Best affordable firm mattress

If you're looking for a firm mattress on a budget, head to Allswell. This is Walmart's mattress brand, and it makes some of the best cheap mattresses around. This 12-inch hybrid includes a quilted firm top layer for support, an inch of copper gel memory foam to wick away heat, two inches of high-density support foam, and a core of individually-wrapped coils with reinforced edges on all sides.

Allswell doesn't provide a specific number rating for the firmness of the Allswell Brick mattress, but according to customer reviews, it falls between medium-firm and firm. This could suit side sleepers or anyone who doesn't need to sleep on an extremely hard surface, although is perhaps not what you'd expect from a mattress with that name. The combination of springs and copper gel foam should keep sleeping temperatures at a comfortable level, but if overheating is your chief concern, we recommend buying a proper cooling mattress instead – or consider the upgraded cooling version of the Titan Plus (#2 on this list).

At MSRP, the Brick mattress falls into the lower mid-range price bracket. Allswell no longer has its own storefront and it's exclusively available from Walmart. Unfortunately, that means you can no longer enjoy a 100-night trial or a 10-year warranty with purchase. (Walmart offers a 90-day returns window for unopened items, and there's no warranty information provided.)

• Read more: Allswell Mattress review

Best luxury firm mattress

Stearns & Foster is the leading luxury mattress brand behind the beds at the Ritz-Carlton hotel, and for good reason — the Estate is a gorgeous firm mattress that is both comfortable and ultra supportive. The Stearns & Foster Estate is a best-selling hybrid with outstanding edge support, which is an important feature for those who require sturdy edges to either sit on or sleep right up to.

Temperature regulation is also above average here, so will appeal to hot sleepers looking for a firm mattress without compromising on cooling. There are two firmness ratings to choose from, Soft and Firm, as well as the option to upgrade to a Pillow Top. During our Stearns & Foster Estate review, we reviewed the Firm with the Pillow Top upgrade and rated it as 8 out of 10 for firmness (slightly softer than Stearns & Fosters’ rating on 9/10) and found it to be particularly comfortable for back and stomach sleepers.

We should point out that after four weeks of sleeping on the Estate, there was a slight indentation on the part of the mattress where the lead tester had been sleeping. However, this may only be an issue for Pillow Top mattresses. Light sleepers and restless couples requiring strong motion isolation may find the Estate to be too bouncy.

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How we test the best firm mattress

The Tom’s Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. Our expert mattress testers sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks (roughly how long it takes for your body to get used to a new mattress) and spend hours scientifically testing the performance of each product.

Mattress firmness is subjective, so each lead reviewer also forms a trusted and experienced testing panel made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. We have side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers, with lighter, average and heavier bodies, who rate each mattress using a specific set of performance criteria.

Together, these processes enable us to produce accurate, well-balanced and data-backed mattress reviews, to help you decide whether the mattress you like the look of is the best choice for you. Read our full mattress methodology for more info.

Alison Barretta

Alison is one of the main mattress testers at Tom's Guide and an experienced sleep product tester in general. Alison has reviewed every type of mattress you can buy online, including firm mattresses, memory foam, hybrid and cooling mattresses. She loves using her review knowledge to help readers choose a great new mattress to enhance their sleep.

Best firm mattress FAQs

Do firm mattresses last longer?

Firmer mattresses can benefit your both your back and your bank balance, as firmer mattresses tend to last longer than softer ones. As opposed to softer mattresses which allow sleepers to sink further into its supportive layers, a firm mattress is designed to keep the sleeper laying on top of the mattress. This protects the integrity of your mattress, helping it last longer.

However, as with all mattresses, how long your mattress lasts ultimately depends on your weight, sleep position and how well you look after it, especially if you have a memory foam mattress. Memory foam can be damaged by extreme heat, direct sunlight and liquid, so you’ll need to make extra effort not to accidentally damage your memory foam mattress.

Who should sleep on a firm mattress?

Wondering if a firm mattress is right for you? Dr. Grant Radermacher, owner of Ascent Chiropractic in Brookfield, WI, recommends a firm mattress for the following cases:

1. People with joint-related back pain
According to Dr. Radermacher, "A firm mattress provides the support your spine needs to maintain proper alignment, which can help reduce pressure points on your lower back and alleviate spinal facet and/or sacroiliac pain." Learn more about the best type of mattress for back pain.

2. Back and stomach sleepers
Dr. Radermacher says that for back and stomach sleepers, "a firmer mattress can help support the natural lordotic (forward) curve of your lower back, keeping excess stress off some of the more sensitive structures in your spine." Strict side sleepers should seek a medium-soft mattress that'll better contour the hips and shoulders – check out the best mattresses for side sleepers, or read more about what happens to your body when you sleep on your back, on your stomach, or on your side.

3. Overweight or obese individuals
"For those on the heavier side, a firm mattress can help distribute their body weight more evenly across the mattress, minimizing stress on the joints in the spine and pelvis and resisting mattress sagging over time," says Dr. Radermacher.

While the points above are a good guideline, consult with your primary care physician or another licensed medical professional if you're seeking to address particular sleep or health concerns. Also understand that firm mattresses aren't always the best for back pain, but for select individuals, they can be helpful.

Firm vs orthopedic mattresses: Key differences

.An orthopedic mattress is designed to alleviate back and joint pain by ensuring proper alignment and ample pressure relief. Depending on whom you ask, there's no discernible difference between an orthopedic mattress and a standard mattress, but an orthopedic mattress generally runs medium-firm to firm so it can provide the necessary support.

If you need to buy a mattress for medical reasons, you might not have to pay for it – see what type of mattresses are covered by Medicare. However, if you don't qualify for this benefit, you can still save by browsing today's best mattress deals below.

Will firm mattresses get softer?

All mattresses soften and sag over time, with the average lifespan of a mattress being eight years depending on its build quality and the materials used to make it. A firm or very firm mattress is purpose built to deliver a harder sleeping surface for longer. While you can soften this to an extent by using one of the best mattress toppers for changing the feel of your bed, it will take quite some time for a firm feel mattress to soften up.

It takes your body around 30 nights on average to get used to a new mattress, so after this time you may feel as though your firm mattress is softening but really your body is simply adapting to it.