Written by Livvi DiCicco, Certified Sleep Science Coach
Some might call an “extra-firm” mattress a bad thing, but these beds can be a boon to a number of sleepers. Everybody needs support, and sometimes folks need a bit more in the form of an extra-firm mattress. Unfortunately, these beds are often difficult to find. But don’t fret—our team has tested more than 500 mattresses over the years and narrowed down our list of top beds to the best extra-firm mattresses on the market.
Through rigorous testing and comprehensive reviews, we’ve helped more than 35,000 people find their next mattress. Whether you’re a stomach sleeper, heavyweight sleeper, or just someone who enjoys the feeling of lying on an unyielding surface, keep reading to find your mattress match made in extra-firm heaven.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Extra Firm Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Plank Mattress as the best extra-firm mattress because of its dense inner foam and flippable design. One side is decidedly firmer than average, and the other is “ultra” firm—a must-have for anyone who wishes they could just sleep on the floor.
The Best Extra-Firm Mattresses
- Plank Firm – Best Overall Extra-Firm Mattress
- Helix Dusk – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Back Pain
- Titan Plus – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
- WinkBed – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Athletes
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Nolah Evolution – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Birch – Best Organic Extra-Firm Mattress
What Matters Most in an Extra-Firm Mattress
We consider a variety of performance categories when writing a review for any mattress, but for extra-firm beds, we tailored this list to what we thought were the most important factors. Here’s what we kept front-of-mind when ranking these beds:
- Available firmness – We rate firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest. For this roundup, we tried to find mattresses that fall closer to the 10 end of the spectrum, and are scored above a 7/10. Our picks for extra-firm mattresses fall under one of two categories: The beds are either specifically marketed and furnished for firm mattress lovers, or they come in multiple firmness options, including a “firm” version.
- Durability – When we evaluate mattresses for durability, we pay attention to their materials, support, edge support, and warranty. We use our findings from these tests to create an overall durability score. All of our extra-firm mattress picks are made with high-quality materials that won’t deteriorate quickly. These beds contain strong support systems that reduce the risk of premature sagging.
- Responsiveness – When picking the best extra-firm mattress, we looked for beds that provide a bit of bounce, whether it be from springy coils or buoyant foams. This indicated high responsiveness, which aids in mobility and is helpful for combination sleepers switching between sleeping positions. It can also help with support, as it contributes to a “lifted” feel that prevents the sleeper from sinking too far into the mattress.
Compare the Best Extra-Firm Mattresses
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| Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Helix Dusk Mattress | Titan Plus | WinkBed Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 8/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Firm: 9/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| Best For |
Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers
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Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Hip Pain, Couples |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Our Best Extra-Firm Mattresses Video Review
The Best Extra-Firm Mattresses: Our Testing Experience
Plank Firm – Best Overall Extra-Firm Mattress
The Plank Firm mattress is one of the most supportive mattresses on the market. It has a flippable design, with two firmness levels in one. On our firmness scale, the the softer side feels like a 8/10 and the firmer side feels like a 9/10. Both sides tend to work well for stomach sleepers, but most side sleepers won’t get enough pressure relief on this bed. Watch our video review to learn more.
If you’re looking for the absolute firmest mattress on the market, check out the Plank Firm. This all-foam mattress has two firmness levels in its flippable design. The traditional firm side comes in at 8/10 on our firmness scale, and the ultra-firm side feels like 9/10. These are some of the highest firmness levels we’ve ever seen, which is why we selected it as our top pick for the best extra-firm mattress. As our expert tester Marten Carlson puts it, “The Plank is, hands down, the firmest mattress I have ever tried. The extra-firm side offered great support across my entire body.”
The Plank Firm earned an impressive 5/5 score for support and 4.5/5 for response, both of which lend the bed its extra-firm feel. Our testers preferred this bed on their back and stomach, since it offered spinal support and prevented any sinkage in areas prone to pain, like the hips. The responsive surface should allow folks to switch between these two positions with ease. Though we could sometimes get some pressure relief on our sides, we wouldn’t recommend this bed for dedicated side sleepers due to its lack of cushion. Heavyweight sleepers, however, may enjoy the enhanced support provided by the Plank.
We also gave the Plank a perfect score on our edge support test, specifically on the extra-firm side. This means that sleepers who spread out and use the full surface of the bed, such as couples, shouldn’t experience uncomfortable sagging. Couples, however, may want to look for a bed with better motion isolation. The Plank’s bouncy surface means motion carries rather easily across it, so light sleepers may feel their partner’s disturbances. We also didn’t consider the Plank to be a particularly cooling mattress, but for an added fee, you can upgrade to have a cooling panel sewn into each side of the mattress.
Read our full Plank Firm mattress review to find out more. If you’re after more cooling, you might want to check out a hybrid bed like the Plank Firm Luxe.
Helix Dusk – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Back Pain
If you want something just a bit firmer than your typical medium-firm mattress, the Helix Dusk is a good choice. Of the brand’s two medium options, this is the mattress that works best for back sleepers. The foam offers some good body contouring, but the coils offer excellent support to keep sleepers from bottoming out of the mattress.
If you’re waking up with back pain every morning, there’s a chance that your mattress is actually too soft to support you. For an extra-firm mattress that’ll provide some relief, consider the Helix Dusk. Expert tester Marten found that “the coils in the Helix Dusk gave extra support under the hips when back sleeping.” He added, “I was confident I was going to have proper spinal alignment all night long.” All this led us to give the bed a 4/5 for support.
We rated the Helix at a 7/10 on our firmness scale, meaning it’s somewhat firmer than the standard medium-firm. Combine this with the bed’s pressure-relieving pillow top, and you’ve got the perfect sleep environment for those with back pain. Despite that cushioning, it should still give you an “on top” feel, rather than the sink of memory foam. The innerspring coils beneath also give it some bounce, making for a responsive surface that should please both combination sleepers and sexually active folks.
Although there’s quite a bit of response from this bed, its coils don’t reverberate motion too much across the bed’s surface. Our testers gave the bed a solid 4/5 score for its motion isolation. Combine this with its 4/5 cooling features, which include a breathable cover, coils that allow for airflow, and the optional GlacioTex-infused pillow top, and you can see why co-sleepers that toss and turn or overheat should be satisfied with what the Helix Dusk has to offer. The only folks who may want to steer clear of this bed are side sleepers looking for more cushion, or heavyweight stomach sleepers who might prefer something even firmer.
Read more in our Helix Dusk review. Want a mattress that’s a touch firmer? Check out the Helix Dawn.
Titan Plus – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
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.
Heavy sleepers over 230 lbs usually need a super supportive mattress, and they should have no problem finding it in the Titan Plus. This super-firm, reliable mattress is like a sturdy, cool-to-the-touch colossus that won’t lose its shape. Our expert tester Marten is 6’7” and about 270 lbs, so he falls into our heavyweight sleeper category. “Even as a bigger guy, I got all the support I needed on the Titan Plus,” Marten said. “I usually struggle getting enough support for stomach sleeping, but the Titan Plus was up to the challenge.” Because of this, we gave the bed a 4.5/5 for support.
We rated this bed at a 9/10 on our firmness scale, one of the highest you’ll find in the mattress market. But don’t mistake it for an uncomfortable brick. Heavyweight sleepers who need support on their back and stomach should appreciate how the Titan Plus coaxes their spine into its proper alignment. It’s important to note, though, that lightweight sleepers will likely find the Titan Plus to be way too firm. We also wouldn’t consider it to be the best for pressure relief, as most of our testers found it too unyielding.
The Titan Plus scored high in most of our other categories. The perimeter barely compressed under our weight when we sat down, so we gave it a 5/5 for edge support. Its motion isolation also surprised us, with the pillow top stifling enough movement to earn a 4/5. Unfortunately, the bed didn’t perform so well in our cooling test (earning 2/5), as the temperature increased by more than 10 degrees after we lay on it for five minutes. However, fellow tester Cait Giddings noted, “The memory foam surface layer must have trapped more heat than I expected, but I still don’t think hot sleepers would have many complaints about this bed.”
Read our full Titan Plus mattress review for more information. Want better motion cooling? Consider checking out the upgraded Titan Plus Luxe.
WinkBed – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
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.
Stomach sleepers fare best on a mattress that keeps them lifted, and the WinkBed mattress provides that “on top” feel. Marten says that during testing he noticed “a nice balance of comfort and support on the WinkBed.” It’s available in three firmness options, including Luxury Firm and Firm. (For reference, we tested the Luxury Firm and found it to be a 6.5/10, which is medium-firm. So, we recommend going for the Firm, or even WinkBed’s model for heavyweight folks, the WinkBed Plus, for a truly extra-firm mattress.) We gave the bed a 5/5 in support, so it’s sure to keep stomach sleepers’ spines aligned and their hips comfortably elevated.
The WinkBed scored fairly well in most of our performance categories.The edges felt secure when lying down and sitting on them, hence our high 4.5/5 score. For cooling, it earned a 4/5. Tester and editor Melanie Kassel said, “It continued to feel nice and cool during my testing, which impressed me because the base feels so dense and solid under the nice plush pillow top.” Despite the plushness on top, the bed still retains some bounce, too. It earned a 3.8/5 for responsiveness, meaning folks should be able to move around on its surface with relative ease.
Where the WinkBed could improve is motion isolation. For the most part, it wasn’t terrible but truly just alright, hence its 3.7/5 score. Melanie noted, “I was able to feel my fellow tester get in and out of bed, as well as change positions, but the movement felt quite distant.” Most sleepers should be fine, but if you’re an especially light sleeper like me, you may want to look for something with a more slow-moving feel.
Find out more in our WinkBed review. For a WinkBed with more motion absorption, consider checking out the GravityLux.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Athletes
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most high-end mattress. It offers luxury features, like zoned support and extra height, while still offering the temperature regulation Bear mattresses are known for. Based on our testing results, we’d recommend this mattress to average-weight side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, check out the Bear Star Hybrid. Learn more in our video review.
Athletes need a bed that’ll comfort and support them after a long day. The Bear Elite Hybrid, designed with active folks in mind, works to achieve both. Fellow tester Cait perfectly summed it up: “The mattress has a soft pillow top, so even though it feels pretty firm, there’s plenty of cushion.” It comes in multiple firmness options, including a Firm model, which should satisfy shoppers seeking an extra-firm mattress. We rated the Medium model’s firmness at a 6.5/10 on our scale, so it should follow that the Firm model will be much firmer.
Despite its firmer feel, our testers still noticed quite a bit of relief from pressure buildup, thanks to the bed’s pillow top. Cait also praised the bed’s edge support and responsiveness, saying, “It was so easy to get out of this bed that I felt like I essentially bounced out.” This earned it a 4.5/5 score in response and 5/5 in edge support. This means it should work well for athletes who tend to toss and turn or sleep on the edges of their mattress.
Our cooling test is where the Bear Elite Hybrid stumbled, as the surface temperature increased over 10 degrees after lying on it for a lot. This is surprising when you consider the mattress is outfitted with a cooling cover, and there’s the option to upgrade to a heat-absorbing Celliant cover for enhanced recovery. Still, Cait said she “wouldn’t describe this bed as ‘sleeping hot,’ despite its thermal gun results.”
Read more in our Bear Elite Hybrid review. If you want a cooler Bear mattress, consider checking out the Bear Star Hybrid.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers
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.
Back sleepers seeking an extra-firm mattress are going to need something that brings the support, sure, but that also has a modicum of pressure relief. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid checks all the boxes. As Marten found out, “It was both comfortable and supportive for me as a back sleeper. I could feel my hips sink right into the top foam layers while I got some contouring at the same time.” This hybrid comes in multiple firmness options, including Firm. We tested the Medium and found it to be at a 6.5/10, so it follows that the Firm should be in the 7 to 8 range. Regardless of whichever firmness you choose, you should feel comfortably lifted, since we gave this bed a 4/5 for support.
I tested the Signature Hybrid out myself, and I was most impressed with the bed’s edge support. I’m someone who sleeps with one leg off the side of my mattress and leans over the edge to check my phone—and the Signature Hybrid earned a 4.5/5 score from me for its secure perimeter. I also felt like the bed kept it comfortably temperature-neutral during the cooling test, so I gave it a 4/5.
When it comes to couples, I’ll note I was also pretty pleased with the bed’s ability to isolate motion, a category I’m notoriously picky about as a light sleeper. I noticed bigger movements like my partner getting in and out of bed, but smaller movements seemed to be stifled, influencing my ultimate score of 4/5. Sexually active folks and combination sleepers, however, may want to look for a bed with a bit more bounce. As I switched positions, I noticed the bed was a bit doughier than I liked, but nothing too egregious to conquer.
Read more in our Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid review. Want a bouncier bed? Check out the Saatva Classic.
Nolah Evolution – Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Combination Sleepers
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.
Combination sleepers need a bed that has some bounce to make it easy to move, and a versatile surface that can accommodate multiple sleeping positions. The Nolah Evolution is a luxury hybrid that’s built to please. It comes in three different firmness options, including a Firm model, which can satisfy the extra-firm mattress shoppers. Sleepers who switch positions should appreciate the bed’s high response (earning a 4/5 score) and supportive surface (4.5/5), plus the added comfort of the pillow top.
The Nolah Evolution should work well for back and side sleepers especially. During testing of the Medium model, Marten said, “I felt a balance of comfort and support on the Nolah.” Our pressure relief tests showed mostly blues and greens, earning a 4.5/5 in that category. Stomach sleepers should do alright on the Firm, but those of a heavier weight may want to look for something with even firmer comfort layers. Still, it’s built for industrial-strength support and a long-term investment, earning an impressive 5/5 durability score.
Our testers gave the Nolah Evolution a perfect 5/5 motion isolation score. Cait noted that during the test, “[her] side of the mattress remained static, regardless of what was happening on the other side.” However, the cushy foams on top definitely dampen the bed’s response, making it somewhat difficult to move around on the bed’s surface—bad news for some combination sleepers. Temperature regulation on this mattress also felt average (scoring 3/5), as our testers neither overheated nor felt too actively cool. These downsides may be easily overlooked, so I’ll mention another thing to keep in mind: The Nolah Evolution is considered a luxury mattress, and the price reflects it. Though we’d say it’s worth every penny, some budget shoppers may want to compromise on a more affordable bed.
Read more in our Nolah Evolution Hybrid review. Looking for a cheaper Nolah bed? Check out the Nolah Signature.
Birch – Best Organic Extra-Firm Mattress
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.
Organic mattresses are often made with sturdy, natural materials, and have the potential to be extra-firm. The Birch is one such mattress. After testing it out, expert tester Marten noted, “the Birch provided a very firm sleeping surface. I felt great support while sleeping on my stomach and back.” This is thanks to the layers of wool, latex, and coils in its construction, which create a buoyant, unyielding sleep surface that prioritizes support and bounce. It’s no surprise, then, that we gave this bed 5/5 scores in both of those categories.
We rated the mattress at a 7/10 on our firmness scale, which is a bit firmer than the industry-standard medium-firm. Despite this firmer feel, some of our testers were able to get pressure relief when sleeping on their side, but contouring was hit or miss, so we’d still recommend it for back and stomach sleepers above all. The latex should also make it easy to switch between these positions as you get comfortable, rather than causing you to feel “stuck” in the mattress surface.
As for other performance categories, the mattress’s lengthwise edges held up pretty well when lying down and sitting on them, which earned it a 4/5 edge support score—but we’ll note this was not the same story for the corners or ends, something seniors and those with mobility concerns should keep in mind. During motion isolation tests, our testers didn’t notice much disturbance in our water glass, but they did feel the movements of their partner. Still, the bed didn’t shake, so we’d say it performed at an average rate. Similarly, the cooling didn’t blow us away either. Our testers didn’t overheat, but neither did they feel actively cool. The wool layers may act as insulation, so perhaps this bed may be better for cold sleepers, rather than hot sleepers.
Read more in our Birch Natural mattress review. Looking for something that sleeps a bit cooler? Check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress.
Other Extra-Firm Mattresses We Researched
There are so many great extra-firm mattresses out there that just couldn’t fit on our list. If you didn’t find what you were looking for, take a look at some of these other top-notch candidates:
- Plank Firm Luxe – The Plank Firm Luxe is the upgraded hybrid of the original Plank Firm mattress. We didn’t include it on this list since it’s a bit more expensive than the Firm, but the Luxe provides relatively the same experience, just as an innerspring coil mattress, rather than memory foam. It has a leg up on the Plank Firm in cooling and motion isolation, though, in case those are your most important mattress factors.
- Birch Luxe – Similarly, the Birch Luxe is the upgraded version of the Birch Natural. It’s a latex hybrid with a firm feel, though it has an organic cashmere-wool comfort layer underneath its pillow top. It came in at a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, but we’d recommend sticking to the original Birch if you’re wanting to save money.
- Saatva Classic – The Saatva Classic is a luxury hybrid with a traditional innerspring feel. It comes in three firmness options, including Luxury Firm and Firm. I sleep on a Luxury Firm Saatva Classic myself, and find it to be on the firmer side, so I imagine the Firm model would be truly ultra-firm. Read our Saatva review for more information.
How We Tested the Extra-Firm Best Mattresses
So, you’ve looked through all our picks for the best extra-firm beds, and now you’re wondering how we chose which beds made the cut. Let’s go over the three main categories we prioritized, how we tested them, and what they mean when deciding on an extra-firm mattress.
Firmness
The Mattress Clarity firmness scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 6.5/10 representing medium-firm. Most firm mattresses range from 7 to 8 on our firmness scale, but extra-firm beds are even more firm and supportive. It’s important to remember, however, that firmness is subjective. We calculate firmness based on the opinions of multiple testers, which we then average to assign the bed an overall firmness score based on our scale.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, quadruple-board certified in pulmonary and sleep science, says, “The ideal firmness for someone depends on many factors, including sleeping position, body weight, and any other conditions or personal preferences unique to the sleeper.” Generally, a medium-firm mattress is recommended for most sleepers, but extra-firm mattresses can work for a number of folks: stomach sleepers, back sleepers, heavyweight sleepers, or those who just want a supportive, firm bed.
How Firm Are the Extra-Firm Mattresses?
| Mattress | Firmness Level |
| Plank Firm | 8 to 9 out of 10 (dual-sided) |
| Helix Dusk | 7 out of 10 |
| Titan Plus | 9 out of 10 |
| WinkBed | 7 out of 10 for the Luxury Firm model; the Firm model should be even firmer |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 6.5 out of 10 for the Medium model; the Firm model should be even firmer |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | 6.5 out of 10 for the Medium model; the Firm model should be even firmer |
| Nolah Evolution | 6.5 out of 10 for the Luxury Firm model; the Firm model should be even firmer |
| Birch Natural | 7 out of 10 |
Durability
Dr. Shelby Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine, notes that “A quality mattress should offer a balance of comfort and support, promoting spinal alignment, while a poor-quality mattress can cause discomfort or even pain. Having good sleep quality is important, especially over a long period of time, for maintaining good health.” So, it’s important to choose a bed that’s durable, and an extra-firm mattress should be able to maintain its firm support and comfort over the long haul. .
We test durability by evaluating a number of categories that factor into an overall durability score. First we cut open a mattress to peek at its materials and assess how high-quality and long-lasting they appear to be, looking for lifespan markers like heavy-duty steel coils and dense foams. We also factor in the manufacturer’s warranty, which should reflect the bed’s overall longevity. Last, we take a look at how the mattress performs in our support and edge support categories, as these are good indicators of how likely it is to sag over time.
Responsiveness
An extra-firm mattress is often made with materials like high-density foam or strong coils. Both of these materials tend to make it more responsive, which is also important for folks seeking an extra-firm mattress. Response helps not only to ensure ease of movement on the bed’s surface, but it contributes to that “on top” feeling, rather than the slow-moving sink of softer mattresses.
We test response by moving around on the mattress surface, switching positions, and gauging how easy it is to get in and out of bed.
What Else Is Important When Buying an Extra-Firm Mattress?
When buying a new mattress, there’s more to consider beyond whether it’s firm enough. Many of these factors can affect the overall quality or feel of the bed, which is important when you have a lot of preferences to satisfy.
Type of Mattress
If you’ve been mattress shopping for a while, chances are you’ve noticed there are numerous different makes and models. But what do they all mean? We’ll go over the main types of mattresses and explain who they’re right for.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses offer lots of body contouring. They tend to work well for side sleepers who need pressure relief, but you can also find all-foam beds that work well for back and stomach sleepers. Memory foam mattresses get a bad rap for trapping body heat, but many of them have cooling features to help combat that issue. An extra-firm memory foam mattress should use denser, more responsive foam layers. Take a look at our best firm memory foam mattresses.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are the original mattress type, made with a layer of interconnected coils and a thin comfort layer on top. When you rest on an innerspring mattress, you’ll feel more of the support coils underneath. For this reason, innersprings tend to feel a bit firmer than hybrids.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine foam and coils to create a balanced and responsive feel. Thanks to the thick foam comfort layer, sleepers feel relief along pressure points. The supportive innerspring layer helps prevent sleepers from “bottoming out” and offers additional lumbar support. Extra-firm hybrids may have firmer comfort layers made out of denser foams or even latex.
Latex
Latex looks a lot like memory foam, but it’s more responsive and breathable. Sleepers won’t “sink” into a latex mattress. Instead, they’ll feel like they’re sleeping on top of the bed. This also helps with cooling, because the foam layers don’t trap as much body heat, so these beds can also work well for hot sleepers. Latex mattresses usually feel firmer than memory foam mattresses, so they’re great picks for folks who need extra lumbar support. Their added durability and eco-friendly construction can also be a plus.
Learn More: Best Latex Mattress for Side Sleepers
Body Weight
Your body type has an effect on which firmness option should work best for you. You may want or need an extra-firm mattress, but what feels “extra-firm” to you may not be the industry standard. For example, as Dr. Raj Dasgupta puts it, “Heavier people may think mattresses feel too soft if they sink in too easily, or firmer because they compress the top layers and feel more of the support layer underneath.” Let’s get more into detail about each weight category and what each group of sleepers should look for.
- Lightweight sleepers (less than 130 lbs) – Lightweight sleepers might prefer a softer mattress to allow them to sink in. We’d suggest they look in the soft to medium firmness range.
- Average-weight sleepers (130 lbs to 230 lbs) – Average-weight sleepers are often the easiest to please. These sleepers should be comfortable on medium to medium-firm mattresses.
- Heavyweight sleepers (more than 230 lbs) – Heavyweight sleepers may need something firmer to ensure they don’t sink too far into the mattress. We’d recommend medium-firm to firm mattresses, depending on their preferred position.
Sleeping Position
Sleeping position is also something to consider when deciding on a mattress. An extra-firm bed may not work for every sleeper type, as some sleepers need a softer surface for pressure relief.
- Side sleepers. These sleepers need pressure relief around their hips and shoulders. For this reason, we often recommend they look at medium or soft mattresses. However, heavier folks may be able to get away with firmer beds that have pressure-relieving materials. Shop mattresses for side sleepers here.
- Back sleepers. Back sleepers are notoriously the easiest to please, as all they need is a balance of support and pressure relief. These sleepers can get away with beds in the medium to firm range, based on their needs.
- Stomach sleepers. Stomach sleepers fare best on firm mattresses as they should prioritize support above all. Mattresses in the firmer range (above 7/10) tend to work best as they’ll ensure a sleeper’s hips don’t fall out of alignment.
- Combination sleepers. Combination sleepers need a responsive surface that’ll make it easier to switch between positions. Look for a mattress with coils, latex, or denser foams. A medium-firm comfort level may be best as it should be the most versatile. Find more beds for combination sleepers here.
Support
It’s important that your extra-firm mattress keeps you properly supported. You want a bed that keeps your spine in its proper alignment and follows the natural S-curve of your body rather than forcing you into an uncomfortable position. Firmness doesn’t always equal support, as a too-firm mattress won’t allow for give in the places your body needs it. When we test support, we lie down on the mattress in each position and gauge how we feel in each.
Pressure Relief
In tandem with support, pressure relief is important in maintaining comfortability. Certain parts of your body may dig into the mattress as you lie down on it, and it’s important that these areas are cradled. Dr. Raj Dasgupta says, “A mattress that provides optimal pressure relief should have contouring materials (like memory foam or latex) and zoning to address pressure points while maintaining support.”
We test pressure relief using pressure map technology. We roll out a mat onto a mattress, then lie down in each position on top of it. The software records and maps out where pressure builds up in each area. Blue and green means low pressure, while red and yellow means high pressure. Based on these results, we judge whether or not the mattress is good for relieving pressure.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to how well the sides of the mattress hold up when bearing weight. For extra-firm mattresses, good edge support is often a sign of firmness, quality, and durability. It can also be useful if you share the bed with someone and tend to spread out, or if you have mobility issues and need a sturdy perimeter. This is why we test edge support by both lying down and sitting on the edges, and judging how secure we feel in each position. We’ll even use a tape measure to record the exact sinkage under our bodies and under stacks of weights. From there, we give it our score out of five.
Company Policies
Buying a mattress online can come with a lot of extra hassle, but also a lot of perks. We always recommend taking advantage of company policies, such as sleep trials, free shipping, and warranties, to make the most of your purchase and shopping experience.
Most manufacturers offer at least a 100-night trial to let you get a feel for the mattress before committing to it. So long as you return the bed within the trial period, you can usually get a full refund. Some companies offer even year-long trials, so if you’re worried about not being able to try a bed in a store, take full advantage of the opportunity to test it at home. Just make sure to try it out for at least a month to get an accurate feel. Some companies will even offer free shipping or free white glove delivery to make it a seamless experience.
Warranties can be confusing to understand, but they are a good way to gauge how long a mattress will last and how much money you can get back when it starts to deteriorate. It’s not a coincidence that the standard life of a mattress is 10 years and that most companies offer a 10-year warranty. Be sure to understand what your warranty covers and make sure you don’t do anything that’ll void it. For example, make sure your bed is on the proper base, check whether it needs a box spring, and consider buying a mattress protector to prevent damage.
Best Extra-Firm Mattress FAQs
Is an extra-firm mattress good for back pain?
An extra-firm mattress can be good for some folks with back pain, especially if they currently find their mattress to be too soft. Stomach sleepers may suffer from lower back pain when their hips sink out of alignment, most often the fault of a too-soft, unsupportive mattress. In a similar vein, heavyweight sleepers (those above 230 lbs) may need an extra-firm mattress to keep them from “bottoming out” on a mattress, regardless of sleeping position. Otherwise, the recommendation for most with back pain would be a medium-firm mattress.
Is an extra-firm mattress good for side sleepers?
Generally, extra-firm mattresses don’t tend to work for side sleepers, as they’re often too firm to allow their hips and shoulders to comfortably sink into the mattress. Some heavyweight sleepers will be able to get pressure relief and the support they need on these types of mattresses, but they should look for extra-firm beds with thicker comfort layers.
Recap: Best Extra-Firm Mattresses
| Mattress | Award |
| Plank Firm | Best Extra-Firm Mattress Overall |
| Helix Dusk | Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Back Pain |
| Titan Plus | Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Heavy People |
| WinkBed | Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Athletes |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Combination Sleepers |
| Birch | Best Organic Extra-Firm Mattress |