We currently participant in a few affiliate programs and may receive referral fee for items purchased through our site. This does not cost our readers anything, to learn more please visit our Disclosure page.
Best Firm Mattress Review
Finding the right firm mattress can be tough, so we have put together our best firm mattress review, to make it easier.
Soft mattresses are one of the foremost reasons for back pain, discomfort and insomnia. Buying the wrong type of mattress for your body is also a common mistake that can lead to common sleeping issues. If this describes you, it’s not you – it’s your mattress.
Finding a firm, comfortable mattress with just the right amount of bounce might just be what you need to restore your sleeping routine and get the best night’s sleep of your life. Here’s more about firm mattresses and which ones count as the best mattresses on the market.
Types of Firm Mattresses
Firm Hybrid Mattress
A hybrid mattress is made from a combination of mattress layers, such as a layer of foam with a layer of inner springs, or a layer of latex. Hybrid mattresses will vary in thickness and can be very firm, depending on the layers used. For example, if a hybrid mattress uses a layer of innerspring and thick layers of foam, then this will create a good level of firmness and comfort to relieve pressure. Our Best Hybrid Mattress Review
Firm Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam mattresses are one of the most popular type of mattresses and offer a range of different firmness. There are many types of memory foam, such as gel foams, plant-based memory foam and the traditional memory foam, when used in combination together, they can create a great firm mattress. Read our best memory foam mattress review or our best firm memory foam mattress review.
Firm Innersprings Mattress
Many pure innerspring mattresses are firm, as they don’t have a layer of soft foam above the innerspring layer to create comfort. Therefore, many mattresses combine innerspring with foam to create a firm mattress with comfort. Read our best innersprings mattress review
Firm Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses are becoming more and more popular, as they tend to be cooler compared to memory foam mattresses. There are also a range of soft, firm and extra firm latex mattresses on the market, so it will be worth trying this type of mattress. If Latex sounds appealing to you, then have a look at our best latex mattress review
Type Of Sleepers Who Benefit From Firm Mattress
Firm mattresses aren’t right for everyone, and there are a few select people who might prefer a soft mattress. But the truth is that a softer mattress just isn’t great for your back. Sleeping on a soft mattress hurts, and most older mattresses end up going soft after a while.
Some back injuries and certain health conditions might mean that a firm mattress might not be the right fit for you. The best thing is to check with your doctor before making the switch to a new mattress, if you suspect that you might be one of these cases.
For many other sleepers, a firm mattress is just what they need.
A high-quality, firm mattress could be all that it takes to get back to healthy sleep. It’s best for front sleepers, heavy sleepers, sleepers who commonly experience back.
Here are the most common types of sleepers that can benefit from a great sleeping experience on a firm mattress.
Front sleepers
Front sleepers are the type of people who prefer to sleep on their stomach. This is common for certain types of neck or back injuries, or just a particularly long, rough day. A firm mattress helps a front sleeper stay in alignment while they sleep.
Heavy sleepers
Do you know someone who can sleep right through a rock concert or does that happen to describe you? This means that you’re a heavy sleeper and unless there’s something specific wrong with your health like apnea. It just means that you’re a heavy sleeper. These types of sleepers tend to stay in the same position the whole night, and on a soft mattress this will mean you wake up feeling like you got hit by a bus.
Sleepers Who Have Back Pain
Back pain is more common than you might think. It’s seen in people who have back injuries or conditions that affect their muscles, bone or connective tissue health. Sometimes it’s worsened by factors like wearing the wrong shoes. If you are used to back pain, neck pain or headaches that seem to radiate to your neck, a firm mattress could help.
Types Of Sleepers Who Wouldn’t Benefit
There are very few sleeping conditions that won’t benefit from the use of a firm mattress, but they do exist – and there are a few people that might prefer a different kind of mattress. Severe orthopaedic conditions like scoliosis warrant an orthopaedic mattress, and nothing else will cut it – a mattress that’s too firm or too soft will make the condition worse, and can make the condition even more painful than it already is.
In these cases, your doctor should be able to best advise you on which mattress to choose.
Our Best Firm Mattress
| Best Firm Mattress | Rating | Reviews | Buy Now |
Zinus Ultima Comfort | 4.4 | 19,100+ | <strong>Get The Latest Discounts</strong> |
Signature Sleep Mattress | 4.4 | 9,800+ | <strong>Get The Latest Discounts</strong> |
Brooklyn Signature Hybrid | 4.7 | 5,600+ | <strong>Get The Latest Discounts</strong> |
Layla Firm Mattress | 4.7 | 5,600+ | <strong>Get The Latest Discounts</strong> |
Alexander Signature Hybrid Mattress | 4.7 | 2,000+ | <strong>Get The Latest Discounts</strong> |
Benefits Of Sleeping On A Firm Mattress
Better body circulation
When you sleep on the right mattress for your body, blood circulates as it should – and you won’t wake up with the feeling of “pins and needles” that can come with cutting off circulation to your hands, legs or arms in your sleep. This can become a long-term problem, and might be worse with some health conditions.
Reduction in back and neck pain
Pain in your back and neck is often caused by the wrong sleeping position – or the wrong mattress. It’s likely that this is what’s causing your back and neck pain if you usually wake up with it in the morning.
Better spinal alignment
Spinal alignment is important, and things like the wrong shoes or mattress can literally change the alignment of your spine and hips – and this is what causes degradation of the spinal cushions over time, which is one of the factors that contribute to spinal problems as you age.
Drawbacks Of Sleeping On A Firm Mattress
Takes longer to adjust
When transitioning from a soft to firm mattress, it may take a while for your body to adjust, so give it time.
May worsen back problems
You may find that in the end a firm mattress may worsen your back problems, so its important to research and try some mattresses before purchasing. Thankfully a lot of mattress offer sleep trials, so you can easily return if the mattress isn’t right for you
Mattress Firmness Scale
When looking for a firm mattress, its important to understand the mattress firmness scale that most mattress brands use, as firmness is judged differently by each individual, so its best to follow the firmness scale.
The mattress firmness scale is measured from 1 to 10, with 1 being very soft and 10 being the firmest.
| Firmness Rating | Comfort Feel | Firmness Feel |
| 1 | Very Soft Mattress | Plush cushioning feel and you will practically sink into the mattress. |
| 2-3 | Medium Mattress | Plush feel and slight sinkage. |
| 4-7 | Medium Firm Mattress | Right in the middle with an even softness and firmness. |
| 8-9 | Firm Mattress | Firmness mattresses are very firm and nearly close to solid |
| 10 | Extra Firm Mattress | Practically solid, like sleeping on a hard floor. |
Our Best Firm Mattress Reviews
Here are your options for when you need to find the best firm mattress for your back
Zinus Ultima Comfort Memory Foam Mattress
The Zinus Ultima mattress is created from high-density memory foam that stays firm yet conforms to the shape of your body when you need it the most. It guarantees to be hypoallergenic and promises to stay comfortable and firm for a long time.
The proper high-density memory foam the Zinus Ultima mattress has been created with is guaranteed never to “go flat” like their cheaper counterparts.Its also has strong construction means that you know you’ve got a quality mattress with a strong frame guaranteed not to break. Lastly the composite materials that have been used to create the Zinus Ultima mattressare of excellent quality – and some of the best you’ll find.
PROS
Cheaper memory foam doesn’t really confirm to the shape of anything, but higher quality, denser memory foam can last for years – and still be as expansive as the day you bought it.
Memory form is designed to be light, but many memory foam mattresses are too thick. Not the Ultima! It happens to be just the right thickness, and it’s not a hassle to move around.
Pillows and mattresses should stay cool throughout the night, and you have that comfort guarantee if you’re sleeping on the Ultima: Smart design guarantees the maximum amount of comfort all night long.
CONS
Some mattresses allow flipping so that the entire thing can last longer, but this isn’t a good idea with the Ultima – and there are plenty reasons why you shouldn’t flip it.
For certain back injuries and sleeping styles, memory foam just isn’t firm enough and doesn’t offer the kind of support they need to sleep comfortably.
After shipping, it’s normal for the Ultima to have a very strong chemical smell – and this can be very, very off-putting if you don’t have the time to let the mattress air for at least 48 hours.
Signature Sleep Hybrid Reversible Firm Mattress
The Signature Sleep Mattress is a firm, 8-inch reversible mattress that guarantees a great night’s worth of quality sleep. It’s made from high-quality environmentally friendly foam that’s guaranteed to stay free of dust mites and allergens even over time.
With allergies as common of a problem as they are, you need your mattress to be entirely hypoallergenic. This mattress is also firm, has a durable construction, which ensures that your mattress will last for a long time. The Signature Sleep can be found in several sizes depending on your needs.
PROS
When you buy a mattress, you want to be sure that you’re buying something that’s made from the best possible grade materials that won’t degrade quickly or dent in the first week. You want to know the manufacturer didn’t cut any corners – and with the Signature Sleep mattress, you’ll know it’s made from excellent quality foam.
The Signature Sleep mattress is made to be reversible, which is one of its best features if you want your mattress to last for a long time.
Allergies is one of the most common issues for insomniacs and asthma sufferers, and it’s a chance that you can’t take with your health (or your family’s). The Signature Sleep series has been designed to minimize allergies.
CONS
The Signature Sleep mattress can sometimes require a lot of time to expand to its full size – as much as 48 hours. This isn’t ideal if you don’t have a backup mattress around the house to use for this period of time.
The mattress fits on several different frames – except for a queen size, where it can leave a small uncomfortable gap that’s a great place to lose your phones and change in.
The Signature Sleep mattress is often rolled up for easy shipping, which is more of an inconvenience than anything else.
Brooklyn Signature Firm Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid Mattress is one of the best mattresses on the market, using a combination of pocketed coils and foams to create the highest quality mattress. This mattress also offers three different comfort levels to choose from, so sleepers can ensure the firmness suits their body comfort. For firmness level, this mattress sits at 8/10
The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid Mattress is made of 5 layers, the first layer is a quilted top, that is cooling and helps to resist body impressions. Next is a 2” patented TitanFlex™ foam, which offers body contouring and has the responsiveness of latex, the next layer is also a 2” Energex™ foam that provides a transitional layer to the encased coil layer. A 6” base of 961 individually encased Ascension™ coils is the next layer that provides further support and reduces mattress motion transfer. Lastly a 1” foam base is used to add durability to the mattress and a final support to the encased coil layer and to the overall mattress.
This mattress is made to high quality, offers 3 different comfort levels and will arrive as a bed in a box delivery. Brooklyn Signature Hybrid Mattress also offers 120-nights risk trial, so if you find the mattress isn’t suitable, then you can arrange for it to be returned. Giving you reassurance to try this mattress
PROS
Great edge support
Cooling and has good pressure relief
Pocketed coils for lumbar support
CONS
Doesn’t have great motion transfer
Not those who want an all foam mattress
Not ideal for couples
Layla Firm Memory Foam Mattress
The Layla Memory Foam Mattress is a copper mattress that is cooling and has a flippable firmness™, meaning sleepers can flip the mattress to the soft firmness or the firm firmness, making this mattress suitable for sleepers who prefer a firm mattress. For firmness level, this mattress sits at 7/10
This cooling mattress has 6 layers, the first layer is the soft firmness, which has a cooling cover using thermo gel cooling technology and a zipper. Second layer is a 3-inch copper gel memory foam, which has a soft and plush feel. It also has rapid cooling and transfer body heat. The copper also contributes to antimicrobial odor. Third layer is a 2-inch max airflow support foam, that offers deep channeling to maximise cooling and it also offers great support. Middle layer is a 4-inch support core foam, that has maximum motion transfer control, it offers the transition between the soft and firm part of the mattress.
Now we get to the firm layers, the fourth layer is a 1-inch copper gel memory foam, that is firm and gives a supportive feel. It also has amazing cooling and transfers body heat. The last layer is the firm mattress side, this side also has a high-quality fabric cover, reactive cooling that activates with body temperature and a zipper to make the cover removable.
PROS
2 types of firmness in one mattress
Very cooling
Very good motion transfer
CONS
No option to choose firmness level
The flippable sides may not suit you
Not very good edge support
Nest Bedding Alexander Signature Hybrid Firm Mattress
The Nest Bedding Alexander Hybrid Mattress is a top-quality mattress, made with the innovative titanium infused foam and high quality individual pocketed coils. This mattress also has extra edge support, comes in 3 different firmness levels and customers have the option to select internet split firmness. For firmness level, this mattress sits at 7/10.
Let’s investigate the internal split firmness that Nest Bedding offers, this is the first time we have seen a mattress brand offer this and is perfect for couples who have different firmness preferences. The internal split is only available on the king and cal king size mattresses and allows customers to select from the below split options: –
- Medium & Luxury Firm
- Luxury Firm & Plush
- Plush & Medium
The Nest Bedding Alexander Hybrid Mattress has 6 layers, the top layer is a super soft quilted zippable cover. Then there are 3 layers of foam, which offer great comfort and support. The fourth layer are quantum edge pocketed support coils, which offer strong edge support. Lastly the final layer is 3 lb support base foam, that gives the mattress strong long-lasting durability.
PROS
Customers can choose internal split firmness
Great mattress support
Eco-friendly
CONS
Not very good motion transfer
Not for those who want an all foam mattress
Once unboxed, it can take a few hours for the mattress to be fully decompress
Saatva Classic Luxury Firm Mattress
Saatva luxury firm mattress is a hybrid innerspring mattress, which blends 2 types of coils with memory foams to create great support for your back and gives the ultimate luxury feel. This mattress offers 3 level of firmness, plush soft, luxury firm and firm. The Saatva luxury mattress firm level sits at 8/10
The Saatva Luxury mattress, at firm level comfort, is ideal for customers who want to feel as though they are sleeping on top of the mattress, instead of sinking into it. This mattress is also ideal for stomach and back sleepers, or customers who have a heaver body type, as there are firmer foams within this mattress and can hold heavier weight.
With the Saatva Classic Luxury Firm Mattress, you will get a free luxury white glove delivery service, so you won’t need to lift a finger, Saatva delivery team will hand deliver and set up your mattress for you, if needed they will also remove your current old mattress and dispose it for you, at no additional cost.
PROS
High quality and luxury feel
Free white glove delivery
Offers 3 different firmness options
CONS
Not for those want a memory foam mattress
Can be quite heavy to move around
Modway Aveline Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress
The Modway Aveline model is a premier range mattress made from the highest quality gel-infused memory foam that ensures you won’t be tossing and turning the entire night.
This mattress is available in several different sizes to suit your needs and is a certified memory foam that makes up the Modway range is guaranteed to be of high-quality – and won’t tarnish or fade with time. When buying a new mattress, quality frame construction is one of the most important factors – and the Modway is very well made.
PROS
Modway is so confident of the quality of their products that they’re guaranteed for a good 10 years after your purchase.
The gel-infused memory foam is high-quality, cool and hypoallergenic to ensure that you get better sleep.
The firmness of the Modway mattress is guaranteed to last for a long time, and it’s one of the best firm memory foam mattresses on the market.
CONS
You don’t want to spill anything on this mattress: It’s one of the hardest ones to clean and might warrant a professional – or a precautionary mattress cover.
If you happen to be heavier than your average person, this might not be your best choice for a mattress unless you feel like stacking one on the other.
If you’re looking for a completely firm mattress, you might find that the Modway mattress conforms just a little too much.
Best Price Memory Foam Mattress
The Best Price Mattress is your simple memory foam mattress alternative made from only the highest quality material to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep on a great, firm mattress.
The Best Price mattress is made from superior high-quality memory foam that ensures you can still be using it for years. This mattress is also flippable and is great for a guest room or children’s bedroom when you need some extra firmness.
PROS
The thick, quality foam that makes up the Best mattress is the kind of thick, proper memory foam that ensures temperature distribution and comfort for the whole night.
The thicker memory foam means that this mattress is great for almost any sleeping position, including back, side or front sleepers.
Thicker memory foam doesn’t mean heavier, and this mattress still happens to be one of the lightest ones on the market.
CONS
Memory foam is usually a nightmare to clean if you’ve spilled something like wine, so get a mattress protector – or just don’t spill.
Memory foam is great, but it’s not the best option if you want a mattress that will stay as firm as the day you got it.
Sometimes you’ll have to fold up a mattress for storage or transport – and this one doesn’t take well to this at all.
Best Firm Mattress Review - Wrap Up
Choosing the right mattress firmness can be difficult, as it really does depend on your own preference and body comfort. So, we hope our best firm mattress review guide helped in finding the right firm mattress. With a firm mattress, remember to read about the different mattress types and your sleeping position, as this will determine which firm mattress is best for you.
More Snooze Related Articles
- Looking for a mattress with an extra layer? Read our Best Pillow Top Mattress guide
- Do you wake up all hot and flustered? Read our Best Cooling Mattresses
- Love a giveaway as much as we do? Then enter our Pillow Giveaway now
- Looking for a Spring Mattress? Check out our Best Spring Mattress Review
- Suffer from a bad back? Read our Best Mattress for a Bad Back
- Can’t make up your mind which type mattress you want? Read our Mattress Guides
- Want a Bamboo Mattress? Check out our Best Bamboo Mattress
- Need a new Pillow? Read our Best Pillow Reviews
- Can’t decide between spring or memory foam? Don’t worry, we have our Best Hybrid Mattress
- A cervical pillow is great for the spine. Read our Cervical Pillow guide
- Want a Latex Mattress? But not sure where to start. Read our Latex Mattress Guide
- Or do you want an organic mattress? Read our Organic Mattress Review
- Need a good spring mattress brand? Check out our Sleepovation Mattress review
- Want to find the best mattress topper? Read our Best Mattress Topper Review