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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 going over our favorite extra firm mattresses, who they are a good fit for, and help readers choose the right model for their situation.
Everybody needs support, and sometimes, that comes in the form of an extra firm mattress. Unfortunately, these beds are often difficult to find. But don’t fret — our testers have examined hundreds of mattresses over the years and narrowed down that list to the 9 best extra firm mattresses on the market.
Keep reading to see our top picks, and don’t forget to check out our buyer’s guide below. We’ll answer all of your questions about supportive mattresses and help you determine which firmness level is right for you. Let’s dive in!
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 thick foam comfort layer and its responsive coils.
The Mattress Clarity team has tested more than 600 mattresses using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We don’t simply give an overall score; our expert reviewers also test each mattress’s firmness level, edge support, motion isolation, and cooling features. Our rigorous testing and reporting process has helped over 4,500 readers purchase the best mattress for their needs.
Hands-on mattress testing in our sleep lab
There are many different types of extra firm mattresses, so we included a range of products that meet different people’s needs.
How We Chose the Best Extra Firm Mattresses
Customization
Every one of our picks for extra firm mattress fall under one of two categories. The beds are either a. Specifically marketed and furnished for firm mattress lovers, or b. Customizable. As in, you can order the bed in a “firm” version. With either option, you ensure you’ll get an extra-firm mattress option.
Body Type
Firmness can be a somewhat subjective measure, and one of the things that most muddles how we interpret firmness is our body weights. Within our picks, we sought to find beds that will feel firm to all body types, and if not, we noted when heavier body types might not get that extra-firm feel that they’re seeking.
Contouring
There’s a reason that even ultra-firm mattress lovers don’t sleep on hard floors. We all need some level of contouring to get cozy at night. Without adequate contouring, an ultra-firm mattress might feel too rigid, causing pressure buildup on the hips, shoulders, and lower back. A mattress that lacks contouring can feel especially uncomfortable for side sleepers — the most popular sleep position. We sought beds with softness where needed that don’t sacrifice overall firmness.
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 Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with two firmness levels on each side. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the softer side a 8/10. The firmer side comes in at a 9/10.
Price
$749-$1,532 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, short full, full, short queen, queen, olympic queen, short king, split king, split california king, California king, RV king
Stomach Sleepers
It offers ample hip support for most stomach sleepers, especially on the firmer side.
Heavyweight Sleepers
This mattress has a thick comfort layer and sturdy coils that can handle heavier weights.
Pros of the Plank Firm
It has a flippable design, so you can easily change its firmness level by turning the mattress over.
It’s the firmest mattress we have tested, so if you need a lot of spinal support, this is a good option.
It works well for stomach sleepers because it helps keep hips elevated and in the correct alignment.
Cons of the Plank Firm
This mattress is too firm for most side sleepers.
Because it’s made entirely out of foam, it tends to trap body heat.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-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 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.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.2
Overall Rating
5
Support
5
Edge Support
3.5
Cooling
3
Motion Transfer
5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re looking for the absolute firmest mattress on the market, check out the Plank Firm. This flippable all-foam mattress has two firmness levels in one. The softer side comes in at 8/10 on our firmness scale, and the firm side feels like 9/10. These are some of the highest firmness levels we’ve ever seen — the reason we selected it as our top pick for the best firm mattress. While it may not work for everybody, our testers believe the Plank Firm is a great choice for heavier folks, stomach sleepers, and people who need lots of lumbar support.
The Plank Firm mattress starts with a basic cover that can be upgraded to a more cooling option that uses high thermal-conductivity fibers. On the bed’s extra-firm side, there’s a thin layer of quilted polyfoam that adds just a smidge of softness. Flip the bed over, and you’ll find another quilted polyfoam layer paired with a 2″ firm foam that feels bouncy like latex and offers a bit more pressure relief. The mattress is made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, and a 7″ high-density base foam provides solid support. If you’re after firmness with added durability, you might want to check out a bed with a base of innerspring coils like the Plank Firm Luxe.
What the testers say: “The Plank is, hands down, the firmest mattress I have ever tried. The extra firm side offered great support across my entire body.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Plank Firm
The Plank is a firm, flippable mattress. This means that you have options on the feel of your mattress, depending on what firmness level you like.
The high firmness of this mattress should work well for heavier-weight people. Back sleepers should feel supported on the softer side of the mattress, and stomach sleepers will probably enjoy the benefits of the firmer side.
We gave the Plank Firm a perfect score on our edge support test. When Marten, our heavyweight tester, sat along the perimeter of the mattress it only dipped 2.5″. This means that sleepers who utilize the full surface of the bed shouldn’t experience uncomfortable sagging, even along the edges.
What to Keep in Mind About the Plank Firm
Since the Plank is such a firm mattress, it may not be a good fit for side sleepers. The pressure points in the hips and shoulders may not get the cushion and relief they need, which could cause aches. If you’re a side sleeper and looking for a mattress that fits you better, check out our best mattresses for side sleepers.
Hot sleepers may want to opt for a mattress that is equipped with cooling features, since they may find themselves overheating on the Plank Firm. When we measured the temperature of the Plank Firm’s surface after resting on it for a few minutes, we noticed it had increased from 74 F to 78.5 F. While a 4.5 degree increase isn’t terrible, there are certainly better cooling mattresses out there.
Other user reviews
On the Plank site, the Plank Firm has some pretty positive reviews and is rated 4.8/5 stars. Users loved stomach sleeping on the mattress and claimed that its firm nature helped relieve some chronic back pain. However, some sleepers complained that the mattress wasn’t firm enough for them.
Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Back Pain – Helix Dusk
Best Mattress for Back Pain
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.
4.1
Helix
Helix Dusk
Firm Feel
Responsive
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Cyber Monday Sale – Extended
Save 20% sitewide + 2 FREE pillows with any mattress ($150+ value) See Details
The Helix Dusk 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 7/10. This is slightly firmer than medium-firm.
Price
$936-$1,748 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
This mattress should offer both comfort and support for back sleepers of all weights.
Combination Sleepers
This bed is easy to move around on, so you won’t feel stuck when you change positions.
Pros of the Helix Dusk
This bed is slightly firmer than average, but the memory foam at the top of the mattress still provides some good cushioning and body contouring that makes it a good match for back sleepers of all body types.
Due to the coils in the support layer, this mattress is springy, responsive, and easy to move around on. If you change positions frequently while you sleep, this is a good choice.
Cons of the Helix Dusk
In our experience, this wasn’t a great match for side sleeping.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free refunds during the trial period
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.
Mattress Performance Ratings
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
Helix Sleep sells over a dozen different mattresses, so there’s something for everyone. However, fans of luxurious and firm beds should check out the Helix Dusk. This mattress has thick foam comfort layers and a responsive coil system that’ll keep your spine aligned — key if you wake up with back pain. Another aspect that makes this mattress luxurious is its Breathe Knit cover. When we tested this mattress, we found that this material feels soft-to-the-touch as the name suggests, and the breathability, as the name implies, is great if you’re a hot sleeper. You can also upgrade to a GlacioTex™ Cooling Pillow Top if you really want to take things up a notch, although testers gave the bed solid marks (4/5) for cooling without the upgrade. And because this mattress contains high-quality materials, it should last for about a decade.
As far as comfort layers, the bed uses what is called Helix Dynamic Foam, a bouncy, latex-like material, layered over medium-firm transition foam for a nice mix of softness and support. The bed’s main support comes from individually-wrapped coils (i.e., springs that are each housed in their own fabric pockets for motion isolation) that add bounce and rest on durable, dense foam to keep the mattress in shape. The Dusk’s overall support and edge support each earned 4/5 points from testers in the mattress lab owing to its robust build.
What the testers say: “The coils in the Helix Dusk gave me extra support under my hips when I was back sleeping. I was confident I was going to have proper spinal alignment all night long.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Dusk
Back sleepers who want a plush layer of comfort on top of a layer of supportive coils should find the Helix Dusk to be a perfect fit.
Couples who are looking for a mattress that is bouncy and responsive, and is easy to move around and change positions should enjoy the Helix Dusk, as it makes a great mattress for sex.
Although there’s a nice bounce, the coils don’t reverberate motion too much across the bed’s surface. Testers gave the bed a solid 4/5 score for its motion isolation.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Dusk
The Helix Dusk is slightly firmer than average, ranking in at 7/10 on our firmness scale. For side sleepers, this may mean that the mattress is too firm to cushion the joints and give pressure relief to the hips and shoulders.
The Dusk is a bouncy and responsive hybrid mattress, which is something to keep in mind for lovers of hybrid mattresses that still offer a classic foam feel on the top layer.
Other user reviews
On the Helix Dusk site, users rated the Dusk mattress 4.6/5 stars. Like us, most users found this mattress to be really comfortable, but some users thought that this mattress was firmer than they expected and could use a mattress topper.
Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Heavy People – Titan Plus
Best Mattress for Heavy People
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.
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 Performance Ratings
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
Heavy sleepers over 230 lbs usually need a mattress that offers a ton of support, and they should have no problem finding it in the Titan Plus. Picture a firm, reliable 11″ mattress that’s like a sturdy, cool-to-the-touch marshmallow that won’t lose its shape.
This hybrid mattress from Brooklyn Bedding comes equipped with industrial-strength coils that we found can easily hold up extra weight. There’s even an added layer of high-density foam below the springs for added support, and to prevent the mattress from sagging over time. We gave the bed an overall support rating of 4.5/5. Above the coils, a comfort layer of patented TitanFlex foam creates a bit of pressure relief and contouring, all while still being more supportive than standard memory foam. One caveat though: Unlike standard memory foam, the bed doesn’t boast the best motion isolation (3/5). That’s something to be aware of if you have a partner who is easily awoken by nighttime position switching or getting in and out of bed.
What the testers say: “Even as a bigger guy, I got all the support I needed on the Titan Plus. I usually struggle getting enough support for stomach sleeping, but the Titan Plus was up to the challenge.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Titan Plus
The Titan Plus is a mattress specifically designed for heavier body types. It’s firmer than the average mattress and built to support bodies of certain sizes.
Stomach sleepers will probably enjoy that the Titan Plus is a firmer mattress. It prevents the hips from sinking too far deeply into the mattress and prevents spinal misalignment.
Across the board, if you love a firm mattress, you’ll probably enjoy the sturdy and supportive nature of the Titan Plus.
What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus
Though heavier sleepers were put in mind when the Titan Plus was created, it still may be too firm for heavier stomach sleepers, as it may not offer enough pressure relief on the hips and shoulders.
Lightweight sleepers will likely find the Titan Plus to be way too firm. Lovers of soft mattresses in general will likely want to opt for another mattress on this roundup.
The Titan Plus is a mattress that’s loved by real customers, as it has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating on Brooklyn Bedding’s website. Since the mattress is catered towards heavier folks, some heavier sleepers praised how supportive the mattress felt, despite what sleeping position they were in.
Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers – WinkBed
Best Mattress for Stomach 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.
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 Performance Ratings
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
Stomach sleepers need a mattress that will help support their spine and keep their hips from sinking into their mattresses, and typically, firm mattresses are the best option for this type of support, which our testers believe makes the WinkBed a great fit. The WinkBed is a customizable mattress, meaning it comes in multiple firmness options. For stomach sleepers, the Firmer option will probably be the best option, as it is the firmest option from the brand except for the WinkBed Plus, a mattress specifically designed for heavier people.
The WinkBed mattress has a Tencel cover that’s like your favorite lightweight summer sheet—it’s breathable and keeps things cool and dry by wicking away moisture. For comfort, it features a Euro-style pillow top made of layered foam that’s gel-infused, adding to that cool, comfy vibe. Underneath, the main support comes from individually wrapped coils. The bed’s zoned design shows the back a little more love, helping the bed earn a perfect 5/5 overall support score.
What the testers say: “I felt a nice balance of comfort and support on the WinkBed. The zoning offered me some great lumbar support and I got some great pressure relief. I think the Firmer model of this mattress should be a great fit for stomach sleepers.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBed
In our review of the WinkBed, we refer to it as the “combo sleeper’s dream” since the bouncy and responsive nature of the mattress makes it easy to move around on and change positions throughout the night. Based on our bounce-back test in the mattress lab, we rated the bed’s responsiveness a near-perfect 4.5/5.
If you sleep hot, the WinkBed may help with some cooling at night. The cover is made from breathable Tencel, and since the mattress has a coil layer, air can flow through it and prevent heat from being trapped. Our heat gun analysis revealed about a 6 degree F rise in temperature on the bed’s surface after a tester had napped atop the WinkBed, which is a pretty solid performance.
The WinkBed has robust edge support, sagging only about 3″ under the weight of our heaviest tester and earning the bed a perfect 5/5 edge support score.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
Many bouncy and responsive beds don’t have the best motion isolation, and the WinkBed is no different. That’s something to keep in mind if you sleep with a partner and their movements might disturb you at night. Check out our picks for the best mattresses for couples.
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that bouncy and responsive mattresses tend to make you feel like you’re sleeping on them. If you prefer a more plush and conforming mattress that makes you feel like you’re sleeping in it, you may not feel comfortable on the WinkBed.
Other user reviews
On the WinkBeds website, the mattress has a rating of 4.8/5 stars. Reviewers praised the mattress for being comfortable and supportive, though a few folks did mention that the mattress was firmer than they expected.
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
Bear
Bear Elite Hybrid
Medium-Firm Feel
Lifetime Warranty
Sturdy Edges
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
December Deals
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The Bear Elite Hybrid 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
$1,893-$3,920 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Hot Sleepers
Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid
This mattress offers great value. It’s made with high-quality materials and backed by a lifetime warranty, but available at a relatively affordable price point.
It comes with excellent edge support. The Bear Elite Hybrid’s sturdy perimeter is helpful if you need a stable surface to get in and out of bed.
The bed’s cover and foam layers contain cooling materials to help regulate your body temperature. Its coil layer also promotes plenty of airflow to keep you cool.
Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid
Doesn’t do the best job of isolating motion.
Likely not supportive enough for sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
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 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.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Overall Rating
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
3.5
Motion Transfer
4
Response
4.5
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Bear is well-known for their mattresses since their mattress models come equipped with celliant to help with muscle recovery and blood flow. The Bear Elite Hybrid is a more luxurious and upgraded version of Bear’s original hybrid mattress, the Star, and is equally equipped to help athletes recover while they sleep.
The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in three models including an extra firm model, and in addition to the celliant fibers, the Bear Elite has some other great features such as phase change materials to help with temperature regulation and copper infused into the foam layers so that it doesn’t overheat. Our testers didn’t report a buildup of any heat. Overall, the Bear Elite Hybrid is a great pick for athletes.
What the testers say: “The Bear Elite Hybrid is made with a lot of great materials to help with cooling and muscle recovery, and I could really feel them getting to work when I laid on it. The phase change material and copper-infused foam really helped keep me cool for the night!”–Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Elite Hybrid
With the Bear Elite Hybrid, most sleepers should be able to find a mattress that suits their needs since it comes in three different firmness options: Luxury Plush, Luxury Firm, and Extra Firm.
Hot sleepers should love some of the cooling benefits of the Bear. It has copper-infused foam, phase change material that helps to lower body temperature, and the coil layer of the mattress promotes airflow.
Because of the coil layer, the Elite Hybrid mattress is fairly bouncy, which is typically what couples who are looking for the best mattress for sex tend to opt for.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Elite Hybrid
Heavier stomach sleepers probably won’t get the proper spinal support on this Bear model. Opting for a firmer mattress will probably be a better option.
Stomach sleepers, especially heavier stomach sleepers tend to need a firmer mattress to feel properly supported at the hips and spine. Since the Elite Hybrid ranks closer to a medium-firm mattress, heavier stomach sleepers may want to choose another mattress.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is made with high-quality materials, so it comes with a luxury price tag. A Queen mattress costs upwards of $2,000 before coupons.
Other user reviews
On the Bear site, the mattress has an average customer rating of about 4.3 out of 5 stars. Reviewers claim that the mattress has some great cooling effects, and is plush and comfy, while others who enjoyed the mattress said it began to sag not too long after use.
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 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 Performance Ratings
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
Much like other mattresses on the page, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a mattress that comes in multiple firmness options: soft, medium, and firm. Our testers tried the medium version of the mattress, which feels like a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale (making it a perfectly medium-firm mattress!) and we found it to be a great fit for back sleepers, but sleepers looking for an even firmer mattress should opt for the firm model.
The mattress offers a great deal of comfort and support since the top layers of the mattress offer some great contouring and softness from the memory foam, and the coil layers underneath offer a more sturdy and supportive feel, creating the balance that back sleepers need.
What the testers say: “When I tested the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid on my back, I could feel my hips sink right into the top foam layers while I got some contouring at the same time. It was both comfortable and supportive for me as a back sleeper.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Sleepers of all sizes and sleeping positions should find the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comfortable since it comes in three different firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm.
The mattress also has some great cooling features. It’s infused with gel, and since it’s a hybrid, the coil layer helps to promote airflow through the mattress. This should help hot sleepers keep from overheating at night.
Couples who are looking for the best mattress for sex tend to want a mattress that is bouncy and responsive, and the Signature Hybrid fits that mold perfectly.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
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.
Also, if you sleep close to the edge of the Signature Hybrid, you may feel the sensation that you’re going to fall off since the mattress doesn’t have the best edge support.
Other user reviews
The Brooklyn Bedding site shows that the Signature Hybrid mattress is rated at 4.7 out of 5 stars, with most customers highlighting the mattress as being soft and supportive. On the contrary, some users thought that the mattress was too soft, so they weren’t able to be properly supported while sleeping.
Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Nolah Evolution
Best Mattress for Combo 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.
4.5
Nolah
Nolah Evolution
Multiple Firmnesses
Cooling
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Cyber Monday 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 Performance Ratings
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
With a Eurotop comfort layer that cushions pressure points and Eco Support coils that provide a nice amount of support, it’s no wonder that the Nolah Evolution consistently makes our list of the best mattresses for combination sleepers.
The hybrid Nolah Evolution mattress is another mattress model that comes in three models: plush, luxury firm, and firm, with the firm option being ideal for someone looking for a more supportive feeling mattress. When we tested it, we found it to be bouncy and responsive, making it a great choice for sleepers who move around and shift positions throughout the night.
What the testers say: “The Nolah Evolution mattress is a high-quality mattress made with great materials, and even offers some cooling benefits. As a back sleeper, I felt a balance of comfort and support on the Nolah.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution is a bouncy and responsive mattress, which is typically what people look for when they are looking for the best mattress for sex. Its bouncy nature makes it easy for people to move around and switch positions.
In spite of its bounciness, the Nolah also has great motion isolation. This means couples should sleep comfortably together on this mattress.
If you sleep hot, the Evolution has some great cooling features. It features a breathable cooling cover, graphite-infused foam, an AirBreathe heat escape gusset, and coils that promote airflow.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution
If you’re shopping on a budget, the Nolah may not be a great fit for you. It’s a luxurious mattress, so it comes with a luxurious price tag.
The Evolution is on the softer side, so stomach sleepers may not feel like their spines and hips are being properly supported on this mattress, and will probably need something firmer.
Other user reviews
The Nolah Evolution mattress seems to be a customer favorite since the mattress is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on the Nolah site. Users loved the luxury feel and materials, and most reviews highlighted the comfort of the mattress. What’s more, customers said they received great customer support when ordering their mattresses.
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
Cyber Monday Sale – Extended!
Save 20% sitewide + 2 FREE pillows with any mattress ($150+ value) 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 Performance Ratings
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
Fans of eco-friendly mattresses will love the Birch. Made with organic cotton, wool, and Talalay latex, this mattress is free from harmful chemicals. It has a layer of strong coils at the bottom, which is both supportive and cooling.
Another perk – latex foam is especially durable. Having first-hand experience with this bed, we expect it to last at least 10 years, making it a great investment.
What the testers say: “Without the pillow top, the Birch provided a very firm sleeping surface. I felt great support while stomach and back sleeping.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Birch
The Birch is flame-resistant, all-natural, and made from organic wool, cotton, and Talalay latex. This makes it a great option for any shoppers looking for an eco-friendly mattress.
Since the Birch is made from latex instead of foam, it should sleep cooler than many of its competitors.
The Birch is quiet, responsive, and easy to move around on. This makes it a good choice for couples who are looking for the best mattress for sex.
What to Keep in Mind About the Birch
Because the Birch is a bouncy and responsive mattress and ideal for sex, it ends up not being the best at isolating motion. If you sleep with a partner and are disturbed by their movements at night, this is something to be aware of.
If you love the feeling of a classic foam, slow-moving mattress, you may not be a fan of the Birch. Since the top layer is made from latex, it gives a different feeling than typical foam mattresses.
Other user reviews
Reviewers generally seem to like the Birch mattress, as it has a 4.7 out of 5 stars rating on the company’s site. Users enjoy the eco-friendly materials and easy setup, and most reviews mention how comfortable the mattress is. Some users did complain about the latex layer being too thin, though.
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
Emma
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Firm Feel
Supportive
Breathable
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Exclusive Black Friday Sale
Use BLACKFRIDAY10 to get an additional 10% off See Details
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.
Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress Review
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 Emma Hybrid Comfort has a sturdy, extra-firm feel that works especially well for stomach sleepers. All of our mattress testers felt comfortable in this sleeping position, as the mattress provides enough support to keep their hips from sinking deep into the mattress and throwing their spines out of alignment.
Outside of sleeping positions, the Emma Hybrid Comfort is also a good option for sleepers who like to spread out and utilize the full surface of the mattress. We gave the Hybrid Comfort a 4.5 out of 5 on our edge support test, meaning the perimeter of the mattress shouldn’t buckle or sag under your weight while you rest on it.
What the testers say: “The Emma Hybrid Comfort has a bouncy, hybrid feel. The coils provide a good deal of bounce, and the top foam layers pop back into place very quickly. I had no issues moving around or changing positions on this mattress.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is great for people who sleep hot. One of our testers rested on the mattress for an extended period of time, and when they woke up they didn’t feel uncomfortably warm or sweaty. This is thanks largely to the hybrid construction of the Emma, which allows body heat to easily pass through the mattress.
The queen-sized version of this mattress can often be purchased for well under $1,000, as the company often runs generous sales. This is a very reasonable price when compared to other high-quality mattresses on the market.
What to Keep in Mind About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is too firm for side sleepers. It puts too much pressure on their hips and shoulders, which can result in discomfort and even soreness. Consider a soft mattress instead if you are a side or hybrid sleeper.
Lightweight sleepers who sleep on their back or side may feel discomfort on the Emma Hybrid Comfort.
Other user reviews
The Emma Hybrid Comfort has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5, based on 70 reviews on the company website. Many customers express happiness over the Hybrid Comfort’s firmness. Some, on the other hand, were unhappy, primarily because of the company’s customer service.
Doesn’t provide enough pressure relief for most side sleepers
Ideal for heavier sleepers
Not always ideal for lightweight sleepers
Often more durable
Not ideal for lovers of soft mattresses
Can be good for back pain
Might not be comfortable for sleepers with back pain
Who Should Get an Extra Firm Mattress?
Extra firm mattresses don’t work for everyone, but certain sleepers can really benefit from that extra boost of support. Here are the three main groups who may want to consider getting an extra firm bed.
Stomach Sleepers – In this sleeping position, it’s especially important to make sure your back remains in the correct position. Extra firm beds help support the hips and prevent them from sinking out of alignment. If your bed is too soft, you might develop lower back pain.
Back Sleepers – When you rest on your back, you need significant lumbar support. Lightweight and average weight people probably won’t need a mattress that feels firmer than 7.5/10, but heavier folks can benefit from an extra firm bed.
Heavier People – Because heavier folks tend to compress the mattress’s comfort layers, they often need more support. If you sink into the top comfort layers of a mattress, your spine might crane out of its natural alignment. This can cause pain and discomfort over time.
Hands-on mattress testing in our sleep lab
How to Choose an Extra Firm Mattress
There are a number of factors that go into picking the best extra firm mattress, including your weight and sleeping preferences. These are important because they directly affect how you adjust to the firmness and materials of your mattress. Keep reading below to get a better idea of how to know which type of extra firm mattress is best for you.
How Firm is an Extra Firm Mattress?
The Mattress Clarity firmness scale ranges from 1-10, with 6.5/10 representing medium-firm. Most firm mattresses range from 7-8 on our firmness scale, but extra firm beds are even more supportive. It’s important to remember, however, that firmness is subjective. Heavier people often think mattresses feel firmer because they compress the top layers and feel more of the support layer underneath.
Types of Extra Firm Mattresses
If you’ve been mattress shopping for a while, chances are you’ve noticed several different makes and models. But what do they all mean? We’ll go over the main types of extra firm 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 have a bad rep for trapping body heat, but many of them have cooling features to help combat that issue. If you’re concerned about sleeping hot at night, look for a memory foam mattress made with phase change material. Gel, graphite, and copper infusions also help dissipate heat.
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.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are similar to hybrids, but their comfort layers aren’t as thick. 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. They often have luxurious, tufted pillow tops for additional comfort.
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.
Latex mattresses tend to be more durable than other models, and many of them are eco-friendly. These beds usually feel firmer than memory foam mattresses, so they’re great picks for folks who need extra lumbar support.
How Much Does an Extra Firm Mattress Cost?
Mattress prices run the gamut – some are pricey while others are more affordable. No matter your budget, you should be able to find a bed that suits your needs. The Brooklyn Bedding Plank mattress is a great budget-friendly pick, coming in at $1332.00 for a queen. If you want something more luxurious, opt for the Saatva. This high-end bed costs $2095.00 for a queen.
If you’re a stomach sleeper or a back sleeper who suffers from back pain, an extra firm mattress is a great match for you. Firm mattresses tend to distribute weight more evenly than softer mattresses, so stomach sleepers and back sleepers who need extra support to keep their spines aligned will benefit from an extra firm mattress.
Keep in mind that firmness is subjective and that the amount of support a mattress provides depends on its construction and materials. Just because a mattress feels very firm does not necessarily mean it will provide the best support for you. An extra firm mattress is only best for back pain if it keeps your spine in good neutral alignment.
The Brooklyn Bedding Plank is the firmest mattress on the market. This flippable bed has two firmness levels in one. The softer side comes in at 8/10 on our firmness scale, and the other side feels like 9/10. It’s a great choice for stomach sleepers and heavier folks.
Who should use an extra firm mattress?
Stomach sleepers can really benefit from extra firm mattresses. The supportive base layer prevents hips from sinking out of alignment and can alleviate lower back pain. Extra firm mattresses also work well for heavier people because they offer ample support.
Is an extra firm mattress good for your back?
They can be, depending on your particular needs. Extra firm mattresses can help stomach sleepers alleviate back pain, but side sleepers will likely develop shoulder and hip pain from sleeping on one of these beds.
How do I know if my bed is too firm?
If you wake up with neck, shoulder, or hip pain, your bed might be too firm. It’s important to make sure your mattress can cushion joints and alleviate pressure. If you find your bed is too firm, don’t stress! You might not have to buy an entirely new mattress. You can also soften your bed with the help of a mattress topper.
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Elisa Regulski
Editor and Certified Sleep Science Coach
About Author
Elisa is an editor at Mattress Clarity where she tests mattresses, accessories, and writes about all things sleep. A certified sleep science coach, Elisa’s tested more than 300 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories, and her sleep tips have appeared in Readers Digest, Homes and Gardens, and 21 Oak.
Elisa earned a M.A in Mass Communication from Texas State University and a B.F.A in Acting from Oklahoma City University. While earning her master’s degree, Elisa wrote an extensive case study about bed-in-a-box brands and discovered a newfound excitement for the mattress industry. With so many options available, purchasing a mattress can feel daunting. Elisa is passionate about helping people find the best bed for them.
Before joining the Mattress Clarity team, Elisa wrote about Austin’s best restaurants and attractions for Only In Your State. She is also an avid music-lover and has covered the Austin City Limits music festival for Glide magazine and Speakers In Code.
When she isn’t testing memory foam or writing about innersprings, Elisa can be heard singing nostalgic hits with her national party band, Saved By The ‘90s. She also performs with Austin-based arts collective New Manifest Theatre Company.
