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Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more.
In This Roundup
We’ll be discussing our top picks for the best firm mattresses and specific considerations when looking into purchasing a firm mattress such as sleeping positions, sleeping preferences, and specific body types.
Many companies in the sleep industry advertise that their mattress is the softest and most pressure-relieving. But what about those sleepers wanting the best firm mattress? We’re here to help those prioritizing support above all else. As a result, we’ve created this review of our top picks for the best firm mattresses, all of which have been tested by a number of our reviewers, ensuring that we get the most comprehensive idea of how they perform for specific body types and sleep preferences.
While a couple of beds on this list aren’t technically firm on the firmness scale (8/10 and up), all 10 beds are firmer than average where average is 6/10. So, they have an “on-top-of” feel and offer the support stomach sleepers and some back sleepers need.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Firm Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Plank as the best firm mattress due to the fact that it’s one of the firmest on the market coming in at a 8/10 on our firmness scale and provides excellent support for some sleep types, especially stomach sleepers.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
How We Chose the Best Firm Mattresses
For our roundup of the best firm mattress, our first parameter was that all products need multiple firmness options or above-average firmness. An effective firm mattress has lots of support and durability, so we chose beds scoring high in both categories. Of the 10 products on this list, eight of them scored a 4/5 or higher in these two areas. Here’s a bit more on how support, and other factors, helped narrow our choices:
Support
In choosing beds that offer excellent support, testers sought models that kept their spines aligned. Firm mattresses provide a solid surface that supports the body’s natural curves, especially around the lumbar region, helping to prevent your spine from bending unnaturally.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is crucial because even a firm mattress needs a little “give” in specific areas. That’s especially true if you’re a side sleeper — they need relief of pressure points on the shoulders, hips, and lower back. An overly mattress can create pressure on these points, causing discomfort, numbness, or even pain. We choose high-quality firm mattresses that use materials that adjust slightly to the body to distribute weight more evenly.
Body Weight
Body size also plays a significant role in choosing a mattress firmness level. For instance, lighter individuals, like someone around 120 pounds, might find some firm mattresses too stiff, as they don’t sink enough to get proper pressure relief. Heavier individuals, on the other hand, might need a firm mattress with strong support layers to avoid sinking too far, which can lead to poor spinal alignment. The right firmness level is about balancing support with comfort in a way that matches your unique body type, so you wake up refreshed rather than sore or stiff.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Brooklyn Bedding
Plank Firm Luxe
Firm Feel
Flippable
Supportive
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping except for HI and AK
Black Friday Sale
Use code BFRIDAY30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
The Plank Firm Luxe is a hybrid mattress, meaning it contains both coil and foam layers.
Firmness
The Plank Firm Luxe is flippable, offering an 8/10 (firm) firmness on one side and 9/10 (ultra-firm) on the other.
Price
$693-$1,299 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, Olympic queen, king, short king, California king, split California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Stomach Sleepers
Provides lots of support under hips for stomach sleepers.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s optional cooling panel can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
The mattress is flippable, giving you two different firmness options (firm and extra-firm) in one bed.
You can add a cooling cover to each side for a modest fee.
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress
It doesn’t offer a slow-moving memory foam feel. You’ll feel more on-top of the bed, than sunken in.
Side sleepers may not be able to get enough pressure relief, even on the bed’s less firm side.
Shipping
Free shipping except for HI and AK
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
$99 return fee
The Plank Firm Luxe is a versatile ultra-firm mattress for sleepers who may typically struggle to find a bed that offers the level of firmness they need (heavyweight, stomach, and back sleepers in particular). Moreover, the bed’s dual firmness levels, and cozy, cool, yet durable construction, make the Plank Firm Luxe our favorite firm mattress for back pain.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Plank Firm Luxe
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.3
Overall Rating
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4
Cooling
4
Motion Transfer
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re tired of firm mattresses that are still not firm enough, we think the Plank Firm from Brooklyn Bedding could be a great fit for you. The Plank is one of the best extra-firm mattresseson the market, with its uniquely flat but cozy sleeping surface. We especially recommend a firm bed like the Plank if you sleep on your stomach, have a heavier body type, or struggle with back pain — a firmer mattress can help you experience healthier sleep. In our test of the Plank Firm Luxe, a flippable hybrid mattress designed especially for sleepers needing extra firmness, we rated the “soft” side an 8/10 on our firmness scale, and a 9/10 on the other. We love that the mattress’s multiple firmness options create a sort of two beds in one, making it more versatile. The mattress is great for back sleepers and a definite go-to for all types of stomach sleepers, especially those on the heavier side who have struggled to find a bed that can support them correctly at night (230 lbs and up).
The Plank Firm Luxe stands at 13″ tall with a .75″ quilted cover top on the firm side and a 1.5″ quilted top on the extra-firm side. Our testers found both sides to offer a cool (4/5) and breathable sleeping surface that hot sleepers can enjoy. Under the less firm side is a 2″ high-density support foam; beneath the firmer side is a 1″ comfort foam and another 2″ layer of high-density support foam. While the bed obviously lacks the plush feeling of less firm mattresses, testers felt very supported and comfortable on the bed’s exterior cover layers. At the bed’s core is a 6″ layer of at least 961 individually encased coils to further support throughout the bed, promote airflow, and isolate disruptive motion.
What our testers say: “The Plank Firm Luxe is an ideal upgrade from the original Plank Firm mattress for stomach sleepers, most back sleepers and those who love the feel of an ultra-firm mattress. I definitely recommend adding the cooling panel if you tend to sleep hot — even though the addition of coils helps the Plank Firm Luxe sleep cooler than the Plank Firm, the cooling panel is a nice luxury addition for a cool-to-the-touch feel.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Plank Firm Luxe
The bed is great for all types of stomach sleepers. Furthermore, the bed’s multiple firmness options allow stomach sleepers of all shapes and sizes to get that precise firmness level they need.
The bed’s hybrid design of a coiled core and breathable quilted cover top work together to preserve a cool sleeping experience on its surface, making it a great mattress for hot sleepers who want a firmer bed.
The firm structure of the Plank Firm Luxe gives it near-perfect edge support (4.5/5). This quality level of edge support means you can expect consistent support across the entirety of the bed’s surface. Furthermore, the Luxe’s exceptional edge support makes it an excellent option for people who struggle to get in and out of bed.
What to Keep in Mind About the Plank Firm Luxe
This is meant to be a firm bed, so while you can expect support and comfort, sleepers who want that plush feeling associated with memory foam may want to look elsewhere.
Except for some heavier side sleepers, most side sleepers will not get the pressure relief they need on the Plank Firm Luxe.
Other user reviews
The Plank Firm Luxe’s website had around 1,963 customer reviews, with an average score of 4.7/5. One verified customer described the Luxe’s appeal succinctly: “It’s a very comfortable firm mattress that doesn’t hurt our backs.”
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Helix
Helix Dawn
Firm Feel
Responsive
Breathable
Hybrid mattress
100-night trial period
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BF25 and save 25% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
The Helix Dawn is a hybrid mattress, i.e., a bed with a combination of springy coils and foam comfort layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress a 7.5/10, meaning the bed is fairly firm.
Price
$936 – $1,748 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, split king, Cal king, short queen, RV king
Back Sleepers
Offers excellent cradling for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
Lightweight and average weight side sleepers should feel supported.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you won’t feel a partner’s tossing and turning at night.
Pros of the Helix Dawn
The brand’s latex-like foam and coils give the bed a nice amount of bounce.
Coils and a breathable cover help make the bed highly cooling.
If the bed feels too firm, you can request a free pillow top from Helix that won’t void your sleep trial.
Cons of the Helix Dawn
Side sleepers may find this bed doesn’t offer enough pressure relief for the shoulders and hips.
Many sleepers may not enjoy the firm feel of the Helix Dawn.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Helix Dawn Hybrid is a firm, supportive mattress designed for back and stomach sleepers who like a cooler sleep surface with minimal sink in. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Helix Dawn
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.1
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
4
Cooling
4
Motion Transfer
4
Durability
4.5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
As a brand, Helix focuses on customization and flexibility, and they created the Helix Dawn as their firmest model (7.5/10 on the firmness scale). This bed has a hybrid composition of Helix Dynamic Foam, Helix Responsive Foam and individually wrapped coils, all of which work together to provide a responsive and supportive feel. Our sleep testers, which gave the bed an overall support score of 4/5, especially enjoyed how this mattress elevated their hips and kept their spine aligned when lying on their stomachs. This makes Helix one of the best hybrid mattresses on the market for combination and stomach sleepers.
The Helix Dawn mattress gives you a choice between two covers: Breathe Knit or GlacioTex™ Cooling Pillow Top. The regular polyester and lycra cover felt cool to our testers, but GlacioTex™ (which uses higher thermal conductivity fibers to dissipate heat) is ideal if you tend to sleep hot. The comfort layers, including the Helix Dynamic Foam, are like a firm and responsive alternative to latex, and an additional firm foam layer underneath kept testers from sinking in too deep. The support layer has individually wrapped coils to reduce motion transfer (rated 4/5 by testers), with reinforced edges for extra stability (4/5 edge support score), and a solid foam base to hold everything together. It stands 12″ tall, providing a solid foundation for your sleep.
What our testers say: “The firm nature of this mattress kept my spine well supported and aligned when sleeping on my back but it didn’t offer much pressure relief though. On my side, my hip and shoulder felt jammed up, and I wasn’t too comfortable in this position, but for sleeping on my stomach, I thought this was a great fit.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Dawn
We love that Helix mattresses are upgradeable. The Helix Dawn, for example, can be upgraded to the Helix Dawn Luxe or Helix Dawn Elite, which provide more robust cooling features and zoned support (great for heavy people). That said, the standard model of the Helix Dawn is great in its own right and is more affordable than the Luxe and Elite versions.
The Helix Dawn scored a 4/5 on all our seven performance tests, which measure such factors as edge support, motion transfer, and cooling. This indicates a well-rounded mattress that didn’t blow us away on any metric but performs very well across the board.
Its hybrid construction gives the mattress a balanced feel. The coils also promote airflow, which helps sleepers stay cool during the night.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Dawn
While most would consider the Helix Dawn to be a very firm mattress, we understand that there are some people out there who would consider it too soft. It comes in at a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale—if you want something a little bit stiffer than that (which might especially be true for heavyweight stomach sleepers) we suggest you check out the Plank Firm instead.
Other user reviews
This mattress has an average score of 4.4/5 based on 1,232 reviews from the Helix website. Users respond well to the support the mattress provides, stating that the construction allows them to sink in all the right places. Negative reviews point out that the Helix Dawn begins to lose its structural integrity, and even fall apart, soon after unboxing.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Saatva is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is a bit firmer than average.
Price
$1,295-$2,790 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive enough for stomach sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 300 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
The Saatva mattress is a great option for combination sleepers. It is available in multiple firmness options, but the Luxury Firm model works well for multiple sleeping positions.
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva will work well for most back sleepers. Its balance of comfort and support and zoned construction ensure you’ll sleep in good neutral alignment.
Shoppers looking for a long-lasting mattress will love the Saatva. It feature high-density foam and durable coils that should ensure it lasts for over 10 years.
Cons
If you like the feel of a memory foam mattress, you’re not going to love the feel of the Saatva.
Lightweight side sleepers might not get the best pressure relief, even on the softest Saatva model.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Saatva is a luxurious hybrid innerspring mattress that should be a great long-term investment. It is available in multiple firmness options, so it should work for the majority of sleeping positions, and its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers. However, lightweight side sleepers and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Saatva
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.3
Overall rating
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4
Cooling
3
Motion Transfer
4.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
The Saatva is a hybrid mattress (although the term “innerspring” is sometimes used interchangeably) available in three different firmness models. For the purposes of this roundup, we’re obliged to recommend the Firm model, but, full disclosure, we’ve only tested the Luxury Firm in our mattress lab. Regardless of which firmness model you elect to have placed in your home’s room of choice (white glove delivery is included with every Saatva bed), you’ll get a bed that was hand-stitched to order in one of Saatva’s U.S.-based factories. Every bed features memory foam, a cushy pillow-top, and two sets of coils. The construction gives this mattress a supportive and traditional innerspring feel. In addition, the mattress is zoned so that it feels firmer toward the center. The result is a firm mattress that’s excellent for stomach sleeping and back sleeping.
The Saatva mattress has an organic cotton cover that breathes like a fresh breeze, helping you stay cool at night: Our testers gave the bed 4/5 stars for the bed’s cooling prowess. The Saatva Classic is also highly hypoallergenic, with a natural antimicrobial treatment to keep allergens and dirt at bay. Beneath the cover, there’s a natural flame barrier, avoiding the use of fiberglass. The top layer is like a hotel pillow top, with cushy foam quilted in for comfort, and it’s firmer in the middle to give your lower back extra support. Underneath, you’ve got two layers of steel coils: one to contour your body and another, tough as nails, to keep the mattress from sagging over time, earning the bed overall support and edge support scores of 4.5/5.
What our testers say: “As a back sleeper, I experienced a nice balance of comfort and support and my hips sank right into the pillow-top. On the comfort levels, the coils were comfortable and supportive to sleep on, and offered me some contouring. I also got some great lumbar support, and I think it’s one of the best mattresses for lower back pain.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva
The Saatva’s hybrid construction gives it a nice bounciness that makes it quite easy to move around on. This is an essential factor for combination sleepers, who switch sleeping positions throughout the night. Rather than making it difficult to get from your back to your side to your stomach, the Saatva almost makes it feel like it’s propelling you from one position to the next.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva
Like the Titan Plus, the Saatva mattress didn’t impress us with its ability to isolate motion. In fact, what makes the Saatva so good for combination sleepers is also what leads to the prevalence of motion transfer in the mattress. If you sleep with a partner and this is a concern of yours, we again suggest that you check out the Bear mattress.
Other user reviews
Based on 2,983 customer reviews on the Saatva website, this mattress has an average score of 4.8/5. While not every review focuses on the firm version of the Saatva, there seems to be consensus among the positive reviews that the customer service and overall quality of the mattress are fantastic. That said, some people have had problems with the mattress sagging after a short period of time.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is slightly firmer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,149-$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 130 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
It has a bouncy, responsive feel. This is great for combination sleepers who benefit from a bed that makes it easy to change positions at night.
The WinkBed features zoned support. With firmer foam at the top and bottom and more cushioning foam in the middle, this bed has excellent lumbar support.
This bed sleeps cool. Thanks to the breathable coils and gel-infused memory foam, hot sleepers can expect a cool night’s rest.
Cons
This isn’t the best option for motion isolation.
The WinkBed doesn’t have a traditional “sink-in” memory foam feel.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: WinkBed
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Overall Rating
5
Support
5
Edge Support
4
Cooling
4.5
Response
3.5
Motion Transfer
4.5
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
If you sleep on your stomach, you’ll need a mattress that can support your hips and keep your back in the proper alignment. The “Firmer” model of the WinkBeds mattress does just that (worth noting: the Luxury Firm model that we tested is a robust one 7/10 on our firmness scale). Plus, this mattress has zoned support. This means the bed feels firmer in the center of the mattress and softer near the head and foot, which helps sleepers maintain the correct posture throughout the night. The WinkBeds mattress has a tufted pillow top that’s similar to what you’ll find in luxury hotels. And because it contains durable support coils, this mattress is super supportive and should last at least a decade.
Let’s dive more into the WinkBed mattress construction, which strikes us as akin to a luxurious layer cake, with an extra, fluffy, cloud-like top. The top is swaddled in a breathable Tencel cover that keeps things cool and dry, and the WinkBed did well on our heat gun test: the bed’s surface temperature rose by 6.4 degrees Fahrenheit after a tester’s nap, earning the bed’s 4/5 cooling score. Beneath that, there’s a Euro-style pillow top made of foam with a bit of gel to keep the heat away, giving you that plush, cozy feeling. Testers said they loved the “floaty” feeling they have on the surface of the WinkBed. The foundation is a layer of individually wrapped coils, zoned to provide extra support where you need it most, especially in the middle. Testers give the bed a perfect 5/5 edge support and overall support score. Even though it’s not the cheapest mattress on the market, you should find that it’s worth the investment.
What our testers say: “The zoning in the WinkBed gave me great lumbar support, and the zoning makes this one of the best orthopedic mattresses and best mattresses for sciatica. I also had an easy time moving around on the WinkBed, thanks to its bouncy and responsive innerspring feel.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBed
The WinkBed provides wonderful, zoned support across its entire surface, which is great news for people with back pain. Basically, the mattress is constructed in a way that accounts for the shape of the human body, providing different levels of support to different areas. The result is phenomenal spinal alignment, which is necessary in mitigating, or even preventing, back pain.
This is a very durable mattress that will likely maintain its structural integrity for many years, if properly cared for. So, while it may be a bit pricey you can feel good knowing that your money will go a long way with the WinkBed.
The “Firmer” model offers plenty of hip support for stomach sleepers. If you rest in this position, you shouldn’t feel your back craning out of alignment. And if you’re a combination sleeper, the bed’s bouncy responsiveness (4.5/5) will suit your ability to switch to and from your stomach nicely.
We talk and talk about the support the WinkBed offers, so much so that it’s worth reiterating just how cozy this mattress is as well. The quilted foam sleep surface oozes luxury like that of a 5-star hotel.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
The WinkBed’s motion isolation is nothing to write home about. During our test, we found movements reverberated from one side of the bed to the other—enough to disturb a light sleeper. Consider the Bear mattress if you’re after a mattress that excels in this field, or check out our best mattresses for couples.
The WinkBed has a bouncy, responsive feel that might be unappealing if you’re after something with a memory-foam feel.
Other user reviews
Based on 8,419 reviews on the company website, the WinkBed earned an average score of 4.8/5. Positive reviews mention the pain relief that the WinkBed provides, as well as the luxurious sleep that the mattress offers. Negative reviews point out that the firmness they selected ended up being either too firm or too soft for them.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
3.8
Bear
Bear Original
Medium-Firm Feel
Affordable
Lifetime Warranty
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BLACK35 for 35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress. It features softer foam layers for cushioning and firmer ones for support.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$786-$1,690 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Bear Original Mattress
The Bear’s gel-infused memory foam can help hot sleepers stay cool throughout the night.
It’s an affordable option. A queen-size Bear mattress is less than $1,000, even before discounts.
Bear offers a lifetime warranty on this mattress. That means if you find any covered defects or indentations during the life of your mattress, they will replace it free of charge.
Cons of the Bear Original Mattress
This bed probably isn’t a good fit for side sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Stomach sleepers likely won’t find this bed firm enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isn’t firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Bear Mattress
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Overall Rating
4
Support
3.5
Edge Support
3.5
Cooling
4.5
Motion Transfer
3
Response
3
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Mattress testers landed on a 6.5/10 firmness score for the Bear Original, which is a classic medium-firm feel that you’ll see often in beds, because it suits so many sleepers. However, for a memory foam mattress, the Bear also boasts some truly unique features. For one, it’s more supportive than your typical all-foam bed. This means it offers some responsiveness, as well as a blend of comfort and support that’s a good fit for back sleepers. You also have the option to add a cooling cover to the Bear. The cover uses a material called Celliant — a material that research suggests assists with blood flow and circulation. We can’t verify the bold claims about Celliant in our more humble mattress lab, but we can say based on our heat gun test that the bed feels fairly cooling when you opt for the Celliant cover (an extra $130). After a tester had rested on the mattress, the surface only rose to 77.6 degrees Fahrenheit, which is pretty good, especially for an all-foam bed. Hoewver, we still only awarded a 3.5/5 cooling score, given the comparable cooling capabilities of hybrid and latex mattresses.
Under the Bear’s cover, gel-infused memory foam cradles you while staying cool. A dynamic foam layer supports your spine and keeps you from sinking too much. We gave the Bear an overall support score of 4/5. The base is made of thick, high-density foam for a solid foundation that supports and cushions all the layers atop, ensuring durability over time.
What our testers say: “I sank comfortably into this mattress and felt great lumbar support. It’s all foam, so it helped with proper spinal alignment, and the top foam layer also conformed to the shape of my body when I slept on my back.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear
Like most other all-foam beds, the Bear mattress is very good at isolating motion. Its all-foam construction absorbs bounce with each movement, so when you toss and turn on your side of the bed your partner likely won’t feel it on theirs. Testers gave the bed a score of 4.5/5 for its ability to stop disruptive motion.
The Bear is quite affordable, coming in at under $1,000 for a queen. For a mattress of this quality, it’s hard to beat that price point.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear
This mattress is on the softer side of firm. For this reason, we can’t recommend it for stomach sleepers, especially heavyweight stomach sleepers. Instead, you’ll want to seek out a mattress that will do a better job of propping your hips up, thereby keeping your spine properly aligned. If this sounds like you, consider the Plank Firm.
Because of its all-foam construction, the Bear isn’t all that bouncy. This might make it difficult for you to change sleeping positions, and also means it isn’t the best mattress for sex.
Other user reviews
The Bear mattress has an average rating of 4.4/5 based on 10,132 customer reviews from the company website. Some positive reviews point out that the mattress’s medium firmness provides the perfect balance of comfort and support. Negative reviews point out that the mattress sleeps hotter than they would like.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Brooklyn Bedding
Titan Plus
Firm Feel
Supportive
Breathable
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BFRIDAY30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
The Titan Plus is a hybrid mattress. This means it has coils at the bottom and foam on top.
Firmness
The Titan Plus mattress is very firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 9/10.
Price
$699-$1,499 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
Heavyweight sleepers
This mattress has a thick comfort layer and sturdy coils that can handle heavier weights.
Stomach Sleepers
It offers lots of hip support, which can help stomach sleepers maintain the correct spinal alignment.
Couples
This mattress has good edge support and motion isolation.
Pros of the Titan Plus
It works well for people who weigh 230 – 500 lb, thanks to its supportive feel.
This mattress has great edge support.
The Titan Plus mattress is breathable and cool, so it works well for hot sleepers.
Cons of the Titan Plus
Lightweight people likely won’t get enough pressure relief on this mattress.
It’s too firm for many side sleepers, who will likely need more cushioning along their shoulders and hips.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Titan Plus mattress works well for many heavyweight back and stomach sleepers. It’s quite firm, coming in at 9/10 on our firmness scale. This means that many side sleepers won’t get the pressure relief they need along their shoulders and hips. Watch our Titan Plus mattress review video to learn more.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Titan Plus
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.2
Overall Rating
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
3
Motion Transfer
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Brooklyn Bedding has a variety of models for all types of sleepers, from the extravagant Aurora Luxe to the more streamlined design of their Signature Hybrid mattress. The Titan Plus caters to heavy people, with features such as industrial-strength coils and responsive TitanFlex foam. These features make it one of the firmest beds around, clocking in at a 9/10 on our mattress firmness scale. And although heavy people are often told to seek out a firmer mattress as a blanket solution for added support, the Titan Plus has added support feature that make it like a sturdy yet comfortable fortress.
The bed starts with a polyester cover quilted with gel memory foam for added cooling and plushness. You can also opt for an even cooler GlacioTex cover, for a little over $100. Beneath that, there’s 2″ of TitanFlex foam that gives you a nice mix of contouring and pressure relief. The main support comes from 8″ of heavy-duty TitanCore coils, built to last and prevent sagging, all supported by a thin layer of high-density foam. We rate the overall support and edge support of the mattress at a 4.5/5.
What our testers say: “I got plenty of spinal support on the Titan Plus, but my hips didn’t sink in enough for pressure relief. If you’re not a fan of firm mattresses, I think the Titan may not be the best choice, since this one is fairly firm for me as a heavier sleeper, and would probably feel even firmer for someone lighter than me.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Titan Plus
Because the Titan Plus was designed specifically for heavyweight people it offers plenty of support across the mattress surface (including the perimeter). The level of support, in addition to the 9/10 firmness rating, helps ensure that larger sleepers won’t sink uncomfortably into the mattress surface.
We were impressed with this mattress’s cooling ability. It boasts a breathable coil layer and gel infusions to help promote thermoregulation and airflow. If you sleep hot, the Titan Plus should relieve this problem to some extent, hence the bed’s 4.5/5 cooling score.
What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus
The Titan Plus, like many hybrid mattresses, doesn’t do a good job of isolating motion. What this means for you is that if you share your bed with a partner or pet, you’re likely to feel their movements as they toss and turn throughout the night. This is bad news for light sleepers. If good motion isolation is important to you, we suggest you check out the Bear.
Other user reviews
The Titan Plus has an average rating of 4.7/5 based on 2,475 reviews on the company website. Some users appreciate how truly firm the mattress is, while those who were unhappy with the product point out that it didn’t help as much with their back pain as they expected it to.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Nolah
Nolah Evolution
Multiple Firmnesses
Cooling
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows + $150 off BedJet with mattress purchase See Details
The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress, which means it has coils at the bottom and memory foam on top.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,499-$3,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid offers great lumbar support for most back sleepers under 300 lb.
Hot Sleepers
This bed has graphite-infused foam, which helps dissipate body heat. It also has coils that promote airflow.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
It has great cooling features, such as graphite-infused foam and airflow-promoting coils.
Even though it has coils, it isolates motion well. This makes it a great mattress for couples.
It’s available in three firmness levels, so it works for a variety of people.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution
It lacks a slow-moving feel.
It’s not supportive enough for most people who weigh more than 300 lb.
Because it’s a luxurious mattress, it might be too pricey for some people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. It’s not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Nolah Evolution
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
5
Cooling
4
Response
4
Motion Transfer
5
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
The Nolah Evolution comes in three different firmness levels. For this roundup we’ll focus on the Firm model, but again for transparency just note that we tested the Luxury Firm model. The Evolution is a luxury mattress equipped with zoned construction, which makes it firmer in the center. It also features supportive coils, which gives it a firm feel overall. This mattress is topped with memory foam layers that contain heat dissipation materials like graphite, and it also has an AirBreath heat escape gusset that helps cool the comfort layers.
The mattress is exceptionally well performing in the sleep lab, with cooling being a standout feature. Based on our heat gun test, the temperature of the sleep surface only rose 5 degrees Fahrenheit after a nap test, making the bed one of the most cooling to emerge from our mattress lab, and earning a 5/5 cooling score. And again, the bed performs well overall, earning 4/5 scores in every major sleep performance-related category, including motion transfer edge support, overall support and responsiveness.
What our testers say: “The Nolah is one of the more luxurious mattresses that I’ve tested, and the mattress materials really felt cool to the touch. The mattress is infused with graphite, so along with feeling cool, I also got some great pressure relief!” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Evolution
Again, we’ll note that the Nolah Evolution earned a rare perfect score on our cooling test. All the usual suspects are present here—graphite-infused foam to help dissipate heat, an innerspring system that promotes airflow, and a breathable cover. What the Nolah Evolution has that sets it apart from other cooling mattresses is a gusset that provides a channel specifically for heat to escape. This addition takes it over the top and earns it a place amongst the best cooling mattresses we’ve ever tested.
This mattress is impressively constructed, as reflected by the perfect score it earned on our durability test. If properly cared for, you can expect it to last for upwards of ten years.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution is quite expensive. While we think the quality of the product justifies the high price, we also think there are plenty of other great mattresses out there that can be purchased for cheaper. For some of our favorite options, check out the best affordable mattress page.
Other user reviews
The Nolah Evolution has an average rating of 4.9/5, based on 810 user reviews from the company website. Positive reviews reflect the cooling capabilities that we also highlighted in our review of the mattress, while some negative reviews point out that the mattress is quite high, making it difficult to get in and out of bed.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a hybrid mattress that combines foam in the top comfort layer with coils at the bottom for support.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, we rated the Emma Comfort Hybrid an 8/10, meaning it’s quite firm.
Price
$812-$1,649 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Back Sleepers
Good support for average to heavyweight back sleepers (230 lb and up)
Couples
This bed isolates motion well for those who are easily disturbed while still being responsive enough for sex
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive for all stomach sleepers
Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a great choice for back sleepers who want a firm mattress that can support heavier weights. Back sleepers should get a good amount of comfort and support here.
This bed is good for budget shoppers, as it can be discounted up to 50% during major holidays.
Hot sleepers shouldn’t worry about overheating because the coils allow for airflow, the cover is breathable, and you don’t sink into the bed, which means it won’t trap heat.
Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort
It’s far too firm for side sleepers.
The foam doesn’t offer a lot of contouring.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refunds during the trial period.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is an affordable mattress that’s very firm and offers great support for stomach and back sleepers. It can also handle heavier weights, so it’s a great choice for heavyweight individuals who need a supportive mattress. Couples should sleep soundly without worrying about noticing their partner move around during the night and it won’t trap too much heat. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Emma Hybrid Comfort
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.3
Overall Rating
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4
Cooling
4
Motion Transfer
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
The Hybrid Comfort — dreamed up by Emma — is a hybrid mattress made with quality foams and pocketed coils. What we love about this mattress is that it was made with couples and heavy sleepers in mind. With an 8/10 firmness, the bed’s support and durability are primary focuses. With its superior edge support, couples should be able to make full use of the mattress surface. The individually-wrapped coils in the support layer ensure that each partner is properly supported.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort starts with a soft, moisture-wicking cover that helps prevent night sweats by keeping things cool. Beneath that, there are three layers of foam: Breezy Airgocell foam to pull heat away, a memory foam layer for added pressure relief, and a responsive foam for a bit of bounce and to keep you from sinking too deep. The support comes from seven-zone individually wrapped coils designed to keep your spine aligned, all resting on a sturdy base foam layer. Altogether, the mattress stands 13″ tall, and earned an overall support score of 4.5/5 from testers. Another good feature for couples is the bed’s near-perfect edge support (4.5/5), especially if your partner tends to usurp the center of the bed.
What our testers say: “The Emma Hybrid Comfort is on the firmer side, but with that said, I should note that I weigh 270 lbs., and if you’re heavier than me, you could compress the top layers more than I did and find the mattress to be a bit softer. I’m a back sleeper, so when laying on the Emma, I could feel the coils holding my body up and the zoning gave me lumbar support.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort has some great, sturdy edges. That might sound like a strange thing to care about but think about how often you find yourself either sitting or lying along the perimeter of the bed. Good edge support ensures that the mattress will remain composed under your weight rather than sagging.
This mattress offers great support, which is important for all types of sleepers, but especially those who weigh 230 lbs or more.
What to Keep in Mind About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is designed with supporting heavier weights in mind, which makes it a good fit for some couples (as its high scores in support and motion transfer indicate) but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a good fit for couples. Remember, you need to keep both parties’ sleep preferences in mind while shopping. The perfect firmness level for you might be too firm for your partner. In instances where your needs differ drastically, we recommend a customizable, split mattress like the Saatva Solaire so that you can both have your needs met.
Other user reviews
The Emma mattress has an average score of 4.7/5 based on 262 customer reviews from the company website. The positive reviews praise the balance of comfort and support that the mattress provides, while the negative reviews largely focus on what they describe as very bad customer service.
Emma Hybrid Comfort Specs
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-Year Warranty
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Trial Period
365 Nights
Shipping
Free Shipping
Weight (Queen)
not specified on manufacturer site but likely 110-130 pounds
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Multiple Firmnesses
Affordable
Responsive
Hybrid mattress
120-night trial period
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BFRIDAY30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$665-$1,599 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, king, short king, Olympic queen, California king, split California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a budget-friendly mattress. It’s a good fit for shoppers looking for an affordable, versatile bed.
Combination sleepers will find it easy to change positions on this bed. Thanks to its bouncy coil construction, the Signature offers a very responsive surface.
Back and side sleepers under 230 lbs can expect great pressure relief and support on this bed.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
This bed doesn’t provide much motion isolation.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature isn’t a luxury mattress.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an affordable, no-frills bed with a medium-firm feel that should work for a wide variety of sleepers. While it’s made with durable materials and should last up to 10 years, it isn’t the most luxurious option. If you’re looking for a premium bed, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.1
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Cooling
4
Edge Support
3
Motion Transfer
4.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
The idea of a mattress that’s both affordable and firm might seem, well, kind of shady — is the brand compromising comfort for affordability by shipping you a thin layer of foam? After all, that would feel firm. Fortunately, the answer is “No” when it comes to the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, which is available in a Firm model (as well as Soft and Medium).
The firm model offers ample lumbar support for back sleepers, and it’s made with durable coils and memory foam that should last at least a decade. Plus, this hybrid mattress is made at Brooklyn Bedding’s owned-and-operated Arizona factory, allowing the brand to pass manufacturing savings onto the customer.
Layers of bouncy foam give you that firm give-and-take, and coils add support and airflow. Testers gave the bed an overall 4/5 score for its firm support.
What our testers say: “The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress provides me with a nice balance of comfort and support, especially when sleeping on my back. My hips sink into the top foam layers but don’t sink in too far. The firm option is an excellent choice for back and stomach sleepers looking for a durable, affordable hybrid bed.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid’s construction includes temperature-regulating materials, such as an optional cooling cover, and individually-wrapped coils. As a result, the hybrid bed does a good job of temperature regulation and dissipating heat, earning a high score from testers in the cooling category (4/5).
Although some hybrid beds have more of a slow-moving memory foam feel, sleepers who love the feel of a bouncy innerspring mattress should enjoy the responsiveness of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.
The firm model of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature offers plenty of lumbar support, which makes it a great option for most back sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The 10-year warranty on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is not as generous as most comparable beds.
The bed’s mediocre motion transfer score (3/5) could be a concern for couples, especially if one or both people is easily awoken by their partner’s night moves.
Other user reviews
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has an average score of 4.6/5 based on nearly 11,000 user reviews on the company website. Verified buyer Stephan G. wrote that after breaking in the firm model of the mattress, the feel was “perfect”: “It was a little too hard at first, but it has broken in very nicely and feels perfect now,” he wrote, adding “For this level of quality, I would say that this mattress is very affordable.” Some of the less glowing reviews ultimately found the firm model to be overly rigid.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Birch
Birch Natural
Firm Feel
Sustainably Made
Responsive
Latex mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BF25 and save 25% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
The Birch Natural is a latex hybrid mattress. It has both cushioning latex and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 7/10. This is just slightly firmer than average.
Price
$1,498-$2,498 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive enough for stomach sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Birch Natural
The Birch Natural is made with sustainable materials that have earned certifications from multiple third-party organizations, including GOTS and GREENGUARD.
Thanks to the latex layer, this bed is a bouncy, responsive mattress. Combination sleepers will appreciate how easy it is to change positions on it.
Ventilated latex and individually wrapped coils make for a breathable, cool night’s rest on this bed. Hot sleepers shouldn’t have to worry about this mattress trapping heat.
Cons of the Birch Natural
This bed is likely too firm to provide the cushioning most side sleepers need.
With such a responsive surface, this mattress won’t offer much motion isolation.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Birch Natural is a great option if you’re looking for a sustainable, responsive bed. It features natural latex and individually wrapped coils for comfort and support. Its firmness is best suited to back and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs, though, so side sleeepers should opt for a softer bed, like the Helix Midnight. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Clarity Test Results: Birch Natural
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Overall Rating
5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4
Cooling
3
Motion Transfer
5
Response
4.5
Durability
4.5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Organic materials can lend themselves to a firm mattress feel, and the Birch is a great example. Testers found that the use of natural, open-cell, bouncy latex provided a nice amount of pushback, but with plenty of pressure relief. The bed is topped by a breathable cotton cover and sits on a wool base, with individually wrapped coils made from high-quality steel providing the main support layer.
All the materials are GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) Certified, i.e., third-party verified to be sustainably produced and free from synthetic foams. The quality and breathability of the construction helped the bed earn perfect scores from testers for overall support and cooling.
What our testers say: “I love a good organic mattress, and Birch is a top pick for firm mattress lovers. It was supportive and kept my hips and body aligned, and the latex is a stand-out material for its durability and how it adds firmness without any shortage of pressure relief.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Birch Natural
The Birch impressed testers with its edge support, earning 4.5/5 for its well-reinforced perimeter. This is a great trait for couples who share the bed and therefore can’t hog the middle to themselves.
The hybrid bed is overall one of the top performers in the mattress lab, thanks in large part to its Talalay latex layer, which adds support, durability, and breathability.
Latex is a highly durable material, so environmentally conscious consumers won’t have to worry about prematurely sending their bed to a landfill. You should get at least a decade of use out of this bed.
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch Natural
This mattress does a less-than-average job of isolating motion. As we’ve mentioned, this is a very important factor for couples, particularly if one or both parties are easily disturbed.
Conscientiousness comes at a cost — although Birch isn’t the priciest mattress ever, its organic materials do make it slightly pricier than some comparable hybrids.
Other user reviews
The Birch Natural has an average rating of 4.6/5, based on more than 4,000 customer reviews from the company website. Verified buyer Michele L. bought a second Birch after loving the first: “We bought the first one for our vacation home and we slept so well we had to buy another for our main house. I love that it is organic and non-toxic (so hard to find), I love that it is reasonably priced, I love how easy it is to order online, how quickly it is delivered and that it comes in a box!” Some side sleepers found the bed to be too firm.
Birch Natural Specs
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-Year Warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 Nights
Shipping
Free Shipping
Weight (Queen)
not specified on manufacturer site but likely 110-130 pounds
When you’re shopping for a firm mattress, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind, from the mattress construction to your own needs and preferences. First, we’ll talk through how we determine a mattresses firmness and rate it on our mattress firmness scale.
Mattress Firmness Scale
Most people who talk about mattresses score their firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. The majority of mattresses tend to fall between 6–8/10 with a medium to medium-firm firmness.
Anything in the 8–10 range (or sometimes the 7–10 range) can be considered a firm or extra-firm mattress. Most extra-firm mattresses you see (such as the Plank mattress) are a 9/10.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Firm Mattress?
Benefits of a Firm Mattress
Firm mattresses often support a neutral spine alignment and have great edge support.
Firm mattresses isolate motion well. This is great for couples who want to avoid feeling their partner moving around on the bed.
You won’t sink in too far. If you like sleeping on the bed rather than in the bed, this will appeal to you.
Firm beds are better at supporting heavyweight people, allowing them to sleep comfortably.
Downsides to a Firm Mattress
Firm mattresses are less pressure-relieving. Without a soft, contouring surface, you may develop pain in the shoulders, hips, and other pressure areas. We recommend checking out our list of best mattresses for pressure relief if this is something you’re looking for.
It takes a more particular sleeper to be comfortable on a firm mattress. Most sleepers like a soft to medium mattress.
Firm mattresses take longer to fully break in and adjust to. You may need to use more of your sleep trial period to determine if it’s the right type of bed for you.
Who Should Get a Firm Mattress?
Stomach sleepers: Those who sleep primarily on their stomachs should consider a firm mattress. They want to ensure that they’re getting enough support on their hips because, if not, they can bow into the mattress and cause the spine to get out of neutral alignment.
Back sleepers: Those who need the best mattress for back sleepers will also want something firmer, but not extremely firm. The bed should let their hips sink in just a bit while having enough support to prevent excessive sinkage.
People who like to sleep on top of their mattress: For those who prefer not to sink into their mattress, a firm mattress is a safe bet. Firmer mattresses don’t have the “give” that one finds on softer mattresses, so most should be sleeping on top of the mattress as opposed to “in” it.
Hot sleepers. When someone sleeps “on top” of a mattress, they have less of a chance of sleeping hot. In contrast, if someone sinks into a softer mattress (especially something with memory foam), they could feel overheated. That’s because memory foam can trap heat and direct it back at sleepers. Check out our best cooling mattress guide for more recommendations.
Who Shouldn’t Get a Firm Mattress?
Side sleepers: In general, firm mattresses aren’t the best for side sleepers because they require a mattress that provides pressure relief for their shoulders and hips. Firm mattresses are not exceptional when it comes to pressure relief, so side sleepers should look for something softer. That being said, every now and then, a firm mattress can work for side sleepers. For example, take the Layla, which we mentioned in this article. Check out the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Those who like to sink into their mattresses: These folks might not like a firm mattress. They’ll want to look for something softer, such as a mattress containing memory foam.
What Mattress Types are the Firmest?
Innerspring mattresses are some of the firmest mattress types since they are made with layers of coils. Some innersprings are bouncier than others, but their surfaces are usually pretty firm. See our best innerspring mattresses to learn more.
Foam mattresses are some of the softest mattresses. Memory foam, gel foam, foam blend, and polyfoam mattresses are examples of this. Some of these beds are denser than others and can lean toward the medium-firm side. See our best memory foam mattresses to learn more.
Hands-on mattress testing in our sleep lab
Latex mattresses have a similar feel to foam beds, but they’re bouncier and more breathable. These beds can range from soft to firm depending on the indentation load deflection (ILD) ratings, a measurement similar to density. See our best latex mattresses to learn more.
Hybrid mattresses combine materials, using an innerspring base layer with a comfort layer or top made of materials like foam, latex, or wool. These beds can fall anywhere on the firmness spectrum, though they tend to be medium to medium-firm. See our best hybrid mattresses to learn more.
How to Make a Mattress Firmer
If you’re unhappy with your mattress’ current feel, there are some steps you can take to make your soft mattress firmer instead of buying a new mattress. Below we will talk through a few different options to consider:
Check the Sleep Trial
If you are not happy with the way your mattress feels, we suggest looking into its sleep trial period, you can often return it and buy a firmer one. That being said, there are other options well outline as well if you’re outside of your mattresses sleep trial period to avoid enduring another large cost by purchasing another mattress.
Add Plywood
Adding a piece of plywood between the mattress and the foundation can give the mattress a firmer feel. It adds an additional layer of support and helps prevent the mattress from sagging.
Replace the Box Spring
Box springs can lose their support over time, so replacing your box spring with a newer, stronger foundation can create a firmer mattress feel. Box springs can last up to 10 years, so if you’ve had yours longer than that, consider getting a new one.
While not all mattresses are meant to be flipped, older mattresses and some innerspring mattresses should be flipped. The springs can wear out over time when someone sleeps in the same spot each night, so flipping your mattress can more evenly spread the wear and help prevent sagging.
Flipping a mattress in our sleep lab
Overall
In the end, a firm mattress can be a great fit for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, larger sleepers, and those who want extra support. As a reminder, here are our top picks for the best firm mattresses:
Those who sleep on their back or deal with back pain usually want to find a mattress that is approximately medium-firm. If a mattress is too firm, it could push the hips out of the bed and the spine out of proper neutral alignment. This could lead to significant issues with back pain.
Do firm mattresses get softer?
All mattresses, no matter how firm, will get softer over time. Materials such as memory foam and even coils will start to weaken after they’ve been in use for a few years. Some materials, such as latex foam, won’t soften quite as quickly, however.
What firmness is best for back pain?
In general, medical professionals recommend medium-firm mattresses (about a 6.5/10 on the industry firmness scale) for back pain. These mattresses often have a nice balance of comfort and support and fit a wider variety of sleepers. However, it’s important that you utilize sleep trials offered by companies or even consult a medical professional so you can make the best decision for your own needs.
What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?
Side sleepers need soft or medium-firm mattresses in order to get the cushioning they need. Typically, mattresses that fall within the 5.5-6.5/10 firmness range work well for side sleepers. If a mattress is firmer than 6.5/10, side sleepers might feel some pain along their shoulders and hips.
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Marten Carlson
Lead Mattress Reviewer
About Author
Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.
In his role here, Marten’s reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, it’s been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. He’s especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.
Marten’s also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy night’s sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Denison University and his master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University.
