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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.
We’ll be discussing our top picks for the best medium-firm mattresses, one of the most versatile firmness levels that works for many types of sleeper. We’ll compare factors like support, comfort, and pressure relief.
The industry ranks mattress firmness on a scale of 1 (the softest) to 10 (the firmest). Most sleepers wanting a balanced feel should opt for one of the best medium-firm mattress (6.5/10 on the firmness scale). These beds offer versatility, good lumbar support, and plenty of comfort. Our team at Mattress Clarity reviewed several medium-firm mattresses using testing and analysis. From the results, we’ve compiled a roundup of the best medium-firm mattresses.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Medium-Firm Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Nectaras the best medium-firm mattress due to its high-quality materials, well-rounded features, and good value.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has 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. You can read more about our testing methods at the bottom of this roundup.
Hands-on testing in our sleep lab
When we talk about medium-firm mattresses, the first words that come to mind are “comfort” and “support.” Medium-firm mattresses need a combination of these factors to achieve a balanced feel. Out of the 10 selections in this roundup, seven scored at least a 4 out of 5 in support. The rest scored at least an above-average 3 out of 5.
How We Chose the Best Medium-Firm Mattress
Body Type
We considered that sleepers come in all shapes and sizes, which means that what feels like a medium-firm mattress to one body won’t necessarily feel like a medium-firm to every body. For lighter individuals, a medium-firm mattress will feel a bit firmer, while heavier sleepers may experience it as softer. We tried to be as transparent as possible about what firmness our testers experienced based on their size, helping you find as close to possible to a medium-firm feel based on your body type.
Durability
Next, we considered the durability of these beds based on the materials and construction. After all, a mattress that starts out feeling medium-firm may quickly register as soft if the materials quickly sag. Our list includes mattresses with multiple layers, including dense memory foam to provide contouring and pressure relief, latex for a more responsive, bouncy feel, and hybrid mattresses that combine foam layers with supportive coils for added durability. We explain which materials tend to best suit various comfort preferences and sleep needs, so choose wisely.
Cooling
Knowing how important a crisp temperature is to many sleepers, we sought medium-firm mattresses with added cooling technologies. And fortunately, with medium-firm being the most popular mattress firmness, there was no shortage of beds to choose from. Cooling features, like gel-infused memory foam, innerspring coils to promote airflow, and breathable or moisture-wicking covers, can do wonders to keep your sleep surface thermoregulated.
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 Midnight
Medium-Firm Feel
Breathability
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
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The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
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
$936-$1,748 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Provides good pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
This mattress offers good support and body contouring for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
This bed absorbs motion well for a hybrid mattress, so couples shouldn’t notice their partner’s movements.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight mattress is a fantastic choice for back and side sleepers. It’s a perfect medium-firm mattress that offers a lot of comfort from the foam at the top with supportive coils at the bottom.
This mattress shouldn’t trap too much heat thanks to the coils, which allow for airflow. You also have the option to add a specialized cooling cover.
Hybrid mattresses can be bouncy and disturb others who are in bed, but the Helix Midnight absorbs motion very well for this type of mattress.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
This mattress is too soft to support stomach sleepers. The hips will dip into this bed over time, which can cause strain on the lower back.
While this bed absorbs motion well, it’s still a hybrid. If you don’t want that bouncy, coil feeling to your mattress, you should look for an all-foam bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10 years
Returns
Free returns during the trial period
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
Our Expert’s Take
The Helix Midnight is an incredibly well-rounded, medium-firm mattress. This model is made of high-quality materials and sold at a value price. It’s great for those wanting a balanced foam feel since the hybrid’s durable coils add responsiveness. The Midnight offers nice pressure relief and lots of support to keep sleepers’ spines in proper alignment. The medium-firm feel makes it an excellent fit for most side sleepers as the foam layers should offer some nice pressure relief to the hips and shoulders. Most back sleepers should also appreciate the comfy contouring this bed provides.
What the testers say: “I’m a back and side sleeper, and the Helix Midnight felt like a perfect fit for me. It contoured nicely to my body, and the mattress gave me the classic memory foam feel where I sank right into it rather than sitting on top of it.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight
There are some great cooling benefits that the Midnight offers. The mattress has a breathable cover, and because it’s a hybrid mattress, the coil layer offers some additional airflow.
The Helix Midnight is a great balanced mattress. The Memory Plus Foam and Helix Responsive Foam contour the body, and the supportive coils in the mattress give a nice bit of bounce to the bed.
In spite of the bouncy and responsive nature of the mattress, it isolates motion pretty well, thanks to the Memory Plus Foam. This is great for partners who might disturb each other throughout the night.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight
If you wake up easily throughout the night, you might be disturbed by the creaking and squeaking of the coils in this mattress. Though the noises weren’t loud, they could still be annoying for some.
This is a slightly firmer than average mattress, and while many sleepers may be comfortable on this mattress, most stomach sleepers may want something slightly firmer.
Other user reviews
On the Helix site, customers ranked the mattress with 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers praised how comfortable the Midnight mattress was for them, and some even mentioned that the mattress helped alleviate their back pain.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nectar
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Mattress Clarity Score
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
Nectar
Nectar Classic
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
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The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress. It has a plush comfort layer followed by a thin layer of transition foam. At the bottom, there’s a layer of high-density base foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Nectar mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$699-$1,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress isolates motion well, which means couples shouldn’t feel movement come over to their side of the bed.
Side Sleepers
It offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
The Nectar mattress offers plenty of support for most back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
This mattress has a slow-moving feel. If you like mattresses that contour to your body, this could be a great option.
The Nectar mattress isolates motion well, which is helpful for people who share a bed with a partner or a pet.
It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lb.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
Even though it has cooling gel-infused foam, it’s not the best mattress for hot sleepers.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers. In this position, you may feel your hips sink out of alignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Because it’s an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress, it has a 48-hour off-gassing period. You’ll need to let the mattress air out for two days before sleeping on it.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Forever warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Medium-firm mattresses offer additional support that can be great for heavier side sleepers, or side and back sleepers looking for a firmer feel. The Nectar has 3” of gel foam, followed by 2” of a higher-density foam as a transition layer. Its softer foam helps relieve pressure points around the shoulders and the hips. The transition foam keeps the sleepers from sinking too far into the mattress. This is further supported by Nectar’s sturdy seven inches of base foam.
What the testers say: “I’m a person who occasionally sleeps on my side, and I think that the Nectar is a great fit for people who sleep in this position. Most people should get a nice bit of pressure relief when side sleeping, and the mattress gave me some great comfort overall.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar
The Nectar is made with soft foam layers that contour the body, so side sleepers shouldn’t feel pressure in their hips and shoulders when laying on the mattress.
The Nectar mattress is also made with great edge support, so if you find yourself near the edge of the bed while you sleep, the sturdy perimeter should keep you from feeling like you’re going to roll off.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar
If you’re a larger sleeper, you’ll likely need a firmer mattress than the Nectar. The softer foams in the mattress will likely allow you to sink too far into it, leading to some uncomfortable sleep.
As with heavier sleepers, stomach sleepers also tend to need a firmer mattress. The Nectar will likely be too soft for most stomach sleepers, even if they are smaller sleepers.
Other user reviews
On the Nectar site, the Original mattress is rated 4.7 out of 5 stars. Users say that the mattress cradles their body, and helps with some chronic pain they have. On the other hand, though, some users felt like the mattress was really soft, and therefore didn’t offer enough support.
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
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Premier
Medium-Firm Feel
Cooling
Plush Pillow Top
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
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The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
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
$1,169-$2,998 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
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 DreamCloud Premier
The DreamCloud Premier is an excellent cooling mattress. Its hybrid design and breathable materials ensure you won’t be overheating during the night.
Back sleepers will feel very comfortable on the DreamCloud Premier. It boasts a perfect balance of comfort and support, which is exactly what back sleepers need.
While it is closer to medium-firm, it is a good fit for side sleepers. Its plush top will help relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips.
It features a plush pillow top design. Those who like the feeling of a luxurious pillow top will love the DreamCloud Premier.
Cons of the DreamCloud Premier
Stomach sleepers won’t get enough support on this mattress.
If you prefer the feeling of a memory foam mattress, the DreamCloud will be too bouncy for you.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 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 DreamCloud Premier is a luxurious hybrid that gives you the feeling of sleeping in a nice hotel. Its combination of foam, coils, and cooling materials make it an ideal pick for both back sleepers and hot sleepers as well. At the same time, it is plush enough for the majority of side sleepers. However, if you sleep on your stomach, take a look at the firmer DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you want a mattress with a plush, pillow-top feel, the DreamCloud Premier might be right up your alley. The top layers of the mattress are soft, so when our testers pushed their hands into them, they pressed through easily. Once they got to the base layers, however, they weren’t able to push their hands further, thanks to the support those layers offer. This is a great testament to the balance of comfort and support that the Premier mattress is made with.
What our testers say: “While back-sleeping, I sank right into the top layers of the DreamCloud Premier and felt the foam contour to my body while the support layers held me up nicely. Side sleeping gave me some pressure relief, but as a heavier person, I did feel some firmness from the support layers.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud Premier
Hot sleepers should enjoy the DreamCloud Premier. It has coils that promote airflow, and the cover is made from a cashmere blend, making it breathable.
It’s a mattress that balances out comfort and support, which back sleepers should love. Since it’s a medium firm feel, it should give cushion on the top layer and the layers underneath offer support.
Side sleepers who need pressure relief for their sides and hips should love this mattress. The layers of memory foam and soft foam will contour the joints and offer pressure relief.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Premier
If you don’t love a medium-firm feel and want something very soft or very firm you likely won’t want this mattress. This bed is right in the middle in terms of firmness and feel.
Stomach sleepers also aren’t likely to want this mattress. It’s not firm enough for stomach sleepers who’ll need a bed that is at least a 7.5/10 on the firmness scale.
Other user reviews
The DreamCloud mattress has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating on their website, and customers praise the fact that this is a mattress that accommodates heavier sleepers who sleep in multiple positions. Some reviews did note that if you decide to purchase this mattress, it may be useful to have a friend to assist with the initial setup.
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.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re a hot sleeper who doesn’t want to wake up stuffy, opt for the WinkBed. The cover incorporates Tencel (a breathable material sourced from eucalyptus trees), and the comfort layer’s foam is gel-infused to further promote cooling. Finally, the support layer of individually wrapped coils allows for lots of additional airflow. The WinkBed comes in three firmnesses, but the Luxury Firm version is ideal for those wanting medium firmness.
What the testers say: “I got a great balance of comfort and support when I tried out the WinkBed. The zoning in this mattress gave me some great lumbar support, and sleepers that are smaller than me should find some really good pressure relief.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBed
If you’re a combination sleeper, you’ll likely love the WinkBed. It’s easy to move around on, so you shouldn’t have a problem switching between positions throughout the night.
This bed will likely sleep on the cooler side, thanks to the breathable Tencel cover and the individually wrapped coils that offer some airflow throughout the mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
If you’re a lighter sleeper and are easily awakened if your partner moves around at night, you might not love sleeping on the WinkBed with them, since this bed doesn’t have the best motion isolation.
Shoppers looking for something a bit more plush and conforming might not feel comfortable on the WinkBed, which makes you feel more like you’re sleeping on top of the mattress rather than “in” it.
The WinkBed isn’t a mattress for folks who want a plush and contouring mattress. It gives the feeling that you’re sleeping “on it” rather than “in it”.
Other user reviews
On the WinkBeds website, customers gave this mattress 4.8 out of 5 stars. Most people felt that the mattress was comfortable and supportive, however, there were a few customers who complained that the bed was too firm.
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.
Our Expert’s Take
Medium-firm mattresses have the ideal firmness for alleviating and preventing back pain. The support offered promotes spinal alignment and the comfort layers contour to pain points. The Saatva is an excellent example of a mattress that’s great for back pain. Because of its dual set of steel coils and great edge support, premature sagging isn’t a concern. We recommend opting for the Luxury Firm model, but ultimately the right bed for your needs to suit your body type and sleeping position.
What the testers say: “The Saatva gave a nice, plush feel on the pillow-top layer, but has some great support from the two coil layers. I felt like I was sleeping on this mattress rather than in it, and it gave great lumbar support, which makes it great for helping to relieve back pain.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva
The zoned construction in the Saatva should make this mattress a great fit for combination sleepers. The firmness should feel different based on the sleeping position, so combination sleepers should feel comfortable no matter how they shift throughout the night.
Back sleepers should love the Saatva, especially the Luxury Firm version of the mattress. It’ll allow for the hips to into the mattress while the rest of the body is supported by the coil system.
Speaking of firmnesses, the Saatva comes in three different options: Plush Soft, Firm, and Luxury Firm. This, along with the zoned construction means that most sleepers should find a Saatva mattress that fits their needs.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva
Although Saatva offers a Plush Soft option, lovers of very soft mattresses still may find that one to be too firm. Instead, take a look at our roundup of the best soft mattresses.
Since the Saatva mattresses all feel a bit firm, lightweight side sleepers may feel some pressure on their hips and shoulders on this mattress.
Other user reviews
The Saatva is a mattress that users love, as it’s rated 4.8 out of 5 stars by customers on the Saatva site. Some of the top reviews praised the amazing customer support from the brand, and the luxury feel of the product, and some users highlighted the fact that their sleep has improved since purchasing their mattress.
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
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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.
Our Expert’s Take
If an innerspring mattress is too firm or if you get stuck in the layers of a memory foam mattress, try a hybrid. Hybrid beds combine strong coils with foam comfort layers. A medium-firm model like the Nolah Evolution creates a balanced feel. Along with its great hybrid features, the Nolah Evolution is one of the brand’s most luxurious models and is packed with advanced cooling technology, and is comfortable and supportive.
Note: This mattress comes in several different firmness levels. We recommend the luxury firm, which feels the closest to a medium-firm bed.
What the testers say: “The Nolah Evolution is a high-quality mattress that doesn’t disappoint. The mattress cover was cool to the touch, which is great for hot sleepers, and I felt a balance of comfort while still feeling some really great support from this mattress.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Evolution
Couples who are looking for one of the best mattresses for sex may want to look at the Nolah Evolution. It’s bouncy and responsive, so that means that partners should have a fairly easy time moving around and changing positions.
Couples should also love that the Nolah Evolution features great motion isolation. So if you sleep with a partner and their movement disturbs you at night, the Evolution may help keep that at bay.
The Nolah Evolution has some pretty great cooling features. It has a breathable cooling cover, and a coil system that promotes airflow, and the foam is infused with graphite and has an AirBreathe heat escape gusset, so you shouldn’t overheat on this mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution is a mattress on the more luxurious side, so it has a more luxurious price tag. If you’re on a budget, you should check out our roundup of the best affordable mattresses.
Stomach sleepers tend to need firmer mattresses to keep their hips and spine in proper alignment while they sleep, so the Nolah Evolution may be too soft to offer this support.
Other user reviews
Customers on the Nolah site seem to love the Evolution mattress. It was rated 4.9 out of 5 stars, and reviewers highlighted the comfort, luxury materials, and amazing customer service when they bought their mattresses.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers – Bear Original
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
Mattress Clarity Score
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
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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.
Our Expert’s Take
Medium-firm beds are ideal for back sleepers (especially average-weight back sleepers) because they blend comfort and support. With the Bear, sleepers should sink into the foam as it contours to their body. Its high-density foundation foam supports sleepers well, promoting neutral spine alignment. For an all-foam mattress, the quality materials add durability, so premature sagging shouldn’t be a concern.
What the testers say: “Laying on the Bear, I could feel my back sink into the top layer while the foam conformed to my body. The mattress gave me some great spinal support and good lumbar support too. It should be a great fit for most sleepers.”– Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Original
The Bear offers a balanced foam feel that’s great for back sleepers. It offers both soft, plush, comfort, and sturdy support so that the hips and spine are properly aligned.
Light and average-weight folks who sleep on their sides should enjoy that the plush layer of this mattress cushions the joints, and allows for some great pressure relief to the hips and shoulders.
The Bear is infused with gel in the foam layers, which helps keep heat from being trapped. This may make it a good fit for sleepers who tend to sleep hot.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Original
Though back and side sleepers should find some great comfort on this mattress, stomach sleepers may feel differently. Typically, stomach sleepers tend to need a firmer mattress than the Bear.
The Bear is an all-foam mattress, and it has a classic foam feel. For folks who are looking for a more responsive bed, like couples searching for the best mattress for sex, you may want to opt for a hybrid mattress, like the Bear Elite Hybrid.
Other user reviews
On the Bear website, the mattress is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by real, verified customers. Combination back and side sleepers loved how comfortable this mattress was, but stomach sleepers didn’t think that the Bear was firm or supportive enough.
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.
Our Expert’s Take
Mattresses can be quite an investment, but with the Brooklyn Bedding Signature, you can get a high-quality mattress for a reasonable price. This is because Brooklyn Bedding has its factory and cuts out the middleman, so it can then pass the savings on to the customer. Both the comfort and transition layers provide responsiveness, so the Signature has a bouncy feel. Its six inches of Ascension coils give it plenty of support. This “on top of” feel is great for combination sleepers.
What the testers say: “The Brooklyn Bedding Signature hybrid felt both plush and supportive. I tried the medium firm model of this mattress, and the soft layers on the top and supportive lower layers offered a great balance of comfort and support.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Most sleepers should be able to find the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comfortable since the mattress comes in three different firmness types: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
The Signature Hybrid has some great cooling features: gel-infused foam, which helps dissipate body heat and a coil layer that promotes airflow.
Couples who are looking for the best mattress for sex will want something bouncy and responsive, and the Signature Hybrid fits the bill perfectly.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Though couples may love the Signature Hybrid as a great mattress for sex, its bouncy nature makes it not-so-great when it comes to motion isolation.
Since the Signature Hybrid is bouncy and easy to move around on, it doesn’t isolate motion very well. If you sleep with a partner who moves around a lot, there is a chance that you’ll feel them moving around throughout the night.
Other user reviews
On the Brooklyn Bedding site, users rated the Signature Hybrid mattress 4.7 out of 5 stars. They claim the mattress to be supportive and soft, and the setup was simple. On the contrary, some customers thought the Signature Hybrid mattress was too soft, so it didn’t provide them enough support.
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.
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re worried about toxins and chemicals in your mattress, then you can rest assured on the Birch. It’s a medium-firm, eco-friendly mattress. On top of the bed, there’s an organic cotton cover. Talalay latex acts as the comfort layer above individually wrapped coils. This mattress is GREENGUARD and GOTS certified, meaning it passes rigorous emissions tests.
What the testers say: “As a back sleeper, the Birch was great to sleep on. The wool and latex layers allowed for my hips to sink in while also giving some great lumbar support. This should also make this mattress great for anyone who needs support with back pain.”– Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Birch
The Birch is an all-natural mattress that’s made with organic materials such as wool and cotton, and Talalay latex. It’s flame-resistant and it’s also eco-friendly!
Since this mattress uses a latex layer instead of traditional foam, it traps less heat than some other mattresses. Considering there is also a coil layer in the mattress that promotes airflow, this mattress shouldn’t trap heat.
The Birch may be a great fit for couples who are looking for one of the best mattresses for sex. It’s a quiet mattress, and it’s bouncy and responsive, which makes it easy to move around on.
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch
Since the Birch is a bouncy mattress, it doesn’t do the best job at isolating motion. If you sleep with a partner who moves around at night, they may wake you with their movements.
Some hybrid mattresses will still give you a classic, slow-moving foam feel on the top layer, but the Birch offers more of a responsive feel since it has a latex layer instead of foam.
Other user reviews
The Birch mattress is currently rated at 4.7 out of 5 stars on the company’s site. Reviewers praise the mattress’ comfort, and how easy it is to set up. Most reviewers also love the eco-friendly materials that the mattress is made from. On the other hand, some reviewers claimed that the latex layer of the mattress was too thin.
So, is a medium-firm mattress right for you or not? If the following applies to you, a medium-firm mattress could be the perfect choice.
Those who deal with back pain. If you’re unsure of what bed to select for back pain relief, opt for a medium-firm bed. A mattress that’s too soft lets the hips sink too far into the mattress, throwing the spine out of alignment. If you have a bed that’s too firm, you may not receive enough contouring and pressure relief for pain points. Regardless of your sleeping position, medium-firm mattresses are most likely to provide the proper balance of comfort and support for back pain.
People who are unsure what firmness to get. Medium-firm mattresses are centered on the firmness scale and have a balanced feel. Because of this, they fit many different sleeping positions.This makes them ideal for combination sleepers or partners with different sleep preferences. This versatility also makes them great for guest rooms or vacation rentals.
Back sleepers. Medium-firm mattresses are good for back sleepers, similar to how they are good for back pain. Side sleepers generally need a softer mattress to cradle the hips and shoulders, while stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress to keep the body elevated. On the other hand, back sleepers need pressure relief but also support to keep the hips lifted. For these sleepers, the right medium-firm mattress can prevent any stiffness or pain overnight.
Back sleep testing in our sleep lab
Who Should Avoid A Medium-Firm Mattress?
While medium-firm mattresses will work for many types of sleepers, they won’t work for everyone.
Fans of soft or firm mattresses. You might want a mattress on either side of the mattress firmness scale for a few reasons. Side sleepers, those with joint pain, and couples often enjoy softer mattresses. Stomach sleepers, heavier sleepers, and those with mobility issues normally go for firmer options. There are plenty of medium-firm mattresses that can accommodate the sleepers mentioned above. However, if you find yourself wanting a really soft or firm feel,then a medium-firm mattress may not be for you.
Side sleepers. In general, side sleepers aren’t going to get the best pressure relief on medium-firm mattresses. Side sleepers should opt for a softer mattress that will cradle the shoulders and hips, relieving pressure in those areas.
Heavy people. Several medium-firm models include quality materials and boast constructions that do support heavier sleepers. However, the general rule is that heavy sleepers over 230 lbs need a larger amount of support. So, their safest bet is to find a firmer, more supportive mattress or even a mattress built specifically for heavy people.
What To Consider When Buying A Medium-Firm Mattress
Okay, you’ve decided a medium-firm mattress is right for you. Before you hit the “buy” button, there are a few more things to keep in mind.
Firmness
On a scale of 1-10, the industry standard for medium-firm is 6.5. Some brands will also call a 6 or 7 mattress medium-firm. However, if the mattress reviews and brands are all in this range, you can be sure this is a medium-firm mattress.
Body Type
Before selecting a medium-firm mattress, also consider your body type and sleeping position. For selecting the right mattress about one’s body type, we use three categories: lightweight sleepers (under 130 lbs), average-weight sleepers (130-230 lbs), and heavyweight sleepers (over 230 lbs). Lightweight sleepers will probably want to look for a softer mattress, while heavier sleepers will want a firmer mattress and more support. Average-weight sleepers are often somewhere in between.
Sleeping Position
For finding a mattress that fits one’s sleeping position, folks should be able to fit under one of these three main categories: side sleeping, back sleeping, and stomach sleeping.
Side sleepers often need a softer mattress that provides pressure relief on the hips and shoulders.
Back sleepers require a balance of comfort and support.
Stomach sleepers should opt for a firmer mattress to keep the hips elevated.
While those are general guidelines, you should also consider your body type and sleeping position. For instance, a lightweight stomach sleeper is going to want a firmer feel than a lightweight side sleeper, who needs additional contouring and cushioning.
For more information on selecting the right mattress, check out our mattress buying guide.
Materials
The construction of a mattress dictates its firmness and feel. Some materials tend to provide more support than others, and some are built to provide more soft comfort. Companies make medium-firm mattresses with varying materials and constructions. Read on to find the best construction for you.
Memory Foam: Memory foam mattresses are known for their slow-moving feel. They’re great at providing pressure relief, which is great for side sleepers or those with joint pain. Often, memory foam mattresses fall short in durability and cooling. Look for memory foam mattresses with high-density foundation foam for increased support and durability. Many models break memory foam stereotypes by including cooling technology such as Phase Change Material (PCM) or gel-infused foam.
Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses include springs and a thinner comfort layer. Because of the construction, these beds excel at durability, support, and cooling. This makes them great for stomach sleepers, heavy sleepers, and hot sleepers. Though they fall short in pressure relief, many people add a mattress topper or mattress pad to make things a bit softer.
Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses are a combination of pressure-relieving foam mattresses and supportive innerspring. The construction makes them suitable for a wider range of sleepers. Hybrid mattresses may not be for those who especially favor the traditional feel of an innerspring or the slow-moving feel of memory foam.
Latex: Latex mattresses are known for their responsive (bouncy) feel and eco-friendliness. The material makes incredibly durable mattresses, and latex itself is naturally cooling, too. Because the material is so high-quality, they’re often one of the more expensive options out there.
Cooling
If you tend to wake up sweaty and stuffy, you might want to consider a cooling mattress. Each mattress is constructed differently. Some are naturally cooling, such as latex beds (the material itself is cooling) or innerspring beds (the coils allow for airflow). Many foam cooling beds include graphite, copper, or cooling-gel infusions within the foam to prevent you from overheating during the night.
Motion Transfer
If you sleep with a partner or pet, this is an essential consideration. A mattress with good motion isolation prevents you from feeling your partner or pet’s movements at night. Check out our best mattresses for couples page to see other mattresses that are good at isolating motion. Memory foam mattresses or beds with thicker comfort layers are great at trapping movement and ensuring light sleepers rest well. Adding a mattress topper can help with motion isolation as well.
Testing for motion isolation in the sleep testing lab
Average Cost
Some prices out there are too good to be true; you might save a few hundred dollars, but the cheap mattress you buy may have low-quality materials that give it a short lifespan. An over-the-top expensive mattress may not offer you any more special features than a mattress a few hundred dollars less.
A good medium-firm mattress is going to cost around $1,500. Affordable mattresses often cost $1,000 or less, and luxury mattresses often cost at least $2,000. Keep in mind that mattress materials and construction have an impact on price. So, memory foam mattresses — which have a simpler design — are going to cost less than hybrid and innerspring mattresses. Special features are also going to increase mattress prices.
Many companies slash prices around major holidays. We’ve found the best deals to center around one of the following five months:
February (President’s Day)
May (Memorial Day)
September (Labor Day)
November (Cyber 5 / Thanksgiving)
December (Christmas)
Aside from holiday sales, shoppers can find discounts online. A great place to look is our Best Mattress Deals & Coupons page, which offers many exclusive discount coupons.
Warranty / Sleep Trial
Warranties protect the customer; they bind a company to replace a mattress if it arrives with defects and damages. Sleep trials are a set period where the customer can test out the mattress before fully committing to it. Longer warranties and sleep trials reflect a company’s confidence in its product. Above all else, it’s important to read the fine print. This is because every company has different policies and conditions.
How to Make Your Medium-Firm Bed More Comfortable
Once you’ve purchased your medium-firm mattress, there are a few ways to take the comfort up a notch. Consider the following accessories to make your mattress even more comfortable.
Mattress Topper or Mattress Pad
Mattress toppers are one to four-inch thick layers of padding meant to change the feel of a mattress. They can make a bed softer or firmer depending on the material. Mattress pads have thinner comfort layers than toppers, so they don’t change the mattress feel as drastically. Some are similar to mattress pads in that they can protect your bed from contaminants, like spills and stains.
Pillows tend to be good for a couple of years, but we often use them for much longer than that. These accessories are prone to sag, and the wrong pillow can cause extreme discomfort. It can also affect spinal alignment. That’s why we recommend investing in one of the best pillows on the market.
Sheets
When you finally crawl into bed after a long day, the last thing you want is to get your foot caught in a hole in your sheets. Consider purchasing one of our favorite sheet sets. Whether you opt for smooth silk or crisp cotton, it’s important you’re feeling cozy and comfortable at night.
Ultimately, the best mattress for you is dependent on your sleeping position, body type, and individual preferences. If we had to choose, we’d go with our Editor’s Pick: the Helix Midnight. This medium-firm bed (7/10 on the firmness scale) is extremely well-rounded. It should suit hot sleepers, most average-weight sleepers, most lightweight sleepers, and some heavier back sleepers. It’s also one of the best orthopedic mattresses.
Is a medium-firm mattress good for side sleepers?
Generally, yes, especially if you’re a side sleeper looking for additional support or extra firmness. While medium-firm mattresses don’t place as much of an emphasis on pressure relief as some soft mattresses, they can offer more of an “on top of” feel. That way, you don’t get stuck in the material.
How firm is a medium-firm mattress?
The industry scale rates mattress firmness between 1 and 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Medium-firm mattresses are considered to be at around 6.5/10 on the firmness scale.
Is a medium-firm mattress good for your back?
Medium-firm mattresses can be great options for back pain and spinal alignment. The pressure-relieving comfort allows any pain points to be gently contoured. This is blended with sturdy support, which keeps the hips lifted and the spine in proper alignment. While a mattress may not be able to correct all back problems, it can alleviate pain in many cases.
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Lauren Hapgood
Performance Publisher
About Author
Lauren is a Performance Publisher at Mattress Clarity, where she writes and edits mattress content to keep readers updated on sleep products. Lauren is committed to helping readers find the best sleep products for their lifestyles and is even a Certified Sleep Science Coach! She earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Washington. When she’s not compiling lists of the best beds on the market, you can find Lauren running on a trail, reading classic novels, or napping on her favorite mattress (her best talent).
