Best Extra Firm Mattresses of 2023

If you have certain medical conditions, sleep on your stomach, or just like a lot of support, a firm or even extra-firm mattress could be an excellent choice for you. While they’re not as popular as, say, medium mattresses, extra-firm beds still have tons of benefits to offer.

Such a supportive mattress can reduce stress on muscles, increase circulation, and prevent the lower back from collapsing, which may help improve breathing during sleep.

But how do you know if you’re getting a high-quality extra-firm mattress, one that’s still going to feel like a bed rather than a slab of concrete? Below, we’ll go through some of the best extra-firm mattresses on the market and how to choose the right mattress for you.

Best Extra Firm Mattresses

For hot sleepers who still need a lot of support, this firm option is one of the cooler mattresses on this list. Designed with athletic recovery in mind, the Zoma Start Mattress is the newest offering from Zoma.

Like all Zoma mattresses, the Zoma Start comes with free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

People who reviewed the Zoma Start appreciated its cooling AirCloth cover, its responsive Reactiv® foam layer, and its amazing ability to relieve pain and help sleepers wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another active day. While it’s design is budget-friendly, the Start doesn’t skimp on offering supportive comfort.

Inside the Mattress

The Zoma Start features a 1-inch layer of gel memory foam to help wick away body heat, a 1-inch layer of Reactiv® material that offers adaptive support, and 8 inches of Support+® foam to firm up the mattress’s feel and help prevent sagging and soft spots. These foam layers are all wrapped up in a breathable AirCloth cover fabric.

Aside from staying cool at night, the durable materials inside the Zoma Start establish long-lasting motion isolation. The memory foam swallows movement at the point of impact, so if you shift positions in the night your partner sharing the bed won’t feel a thing.

The Zoma Start is also one of the top mattresses without fiberglass, a material that’s traditionally used to establish a flame-resistant bed. Fire safety is important, of course, but fiberglass has the drawback of causing skin irritation and breathing troubles if it escapes the mattress. Because of this, Zoma and many other manufacturers are moving to non-chemical alternatives for consumer safety.

Unlike the other recommendations on our list, the Saatva Solaire doesn’t have to be an extra-firm or even a lightly firm bed, as the adjustable air chambers that make up this bed let shoppers make the bed as soft or firm as they wish with the press of a button.

Plus, Saatva goes beyond free shipping to offer free white glove delivery. They will not only set up your new mattress, but haul away the old one, too. Saatva also includes a year-long sleep trial and a lifetime warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

The Saatva Solaire mattress has been described as having a comfortable and supportive feel, with the added benefit of being customizable to individual firmness preferences. Often, it’s set to be supportive enough to promote good spinal alignment but also soft enough to provide pressure relief and comfort.

The top layers of organic cotton and foam also add to the comfort, providing a plush and breathable sleeping surface. In terms of motion transfer, the Saatva Solaire has been reported to perform well, with minimal disturbance from movements of a sleeping partner. This can establish a good mattress for couples or those who are sensitive to motion disturbances.

Inside the Mattress

The surface is made of organic cotton and foam for a comfortable and breathable sleeping surface. The quilted cotton cover is also treated with an antimicrobial botanical compound, so the mattress offers added resistance to mold spores, allergens, and bacteria.

The comfort layer is latex foam is zoned into five different areas for buoyant, custom comfort. Latex is inherently hypoallergenic, working with the cover fabric to maintain a clean bed.

The next layer is made of gel memory foam for pressure relief and contouring. This gel-infused foam is also CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning it’s production is free of harmful materials and the resulting foam has low VOCS for minimal off-gassing.

The adjustable air chamber is a unique feature of the Saatva Solaire that allows for customization of the firmness level. Customers have praised this feature for allowing them to find their ideal firmness level, whether they prefer a softer or firmer feel. The air chamber is also noted to be quiet and easy to adjust.

SEE ALSO: Best Customizable Mattresses

Firm, flat, and flippable, the Plank Mattress by Brooklyn Bedding offers an ultra-firm experience for those looking for the hardest mattress they can get and a traditionally firm experience for those who want their bed’s feel a little lower on the firmness scale. It does this by creating a flippable mattress that has two different firmness levels: a firm side and an ultra-firm side.

This means anyone who is unsure if firm or extra-firm is better can feel secure they’re getting the right bed either way with the Plank Mattress. But aside from its flippable design, the Plank comes in a number of non-standard designs, many of which are designed to serve as RV mattresses.

Brooklyn Bedding ships this mattress for free and a 120-night trial period and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Most reviewers enjoyed that this dual-sided bed gave them the choice between a firmer mattress and the firmest mattress. The general consensus was this bed is very comfortable despite its high-firmness level. Some back pain sufferers noted reduced symptoms after buying this mattress.

The Plank is also one of the top mattresses recommended by chiropractors, specifically the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). This can make the original Plank mattress one of the best firmer mattresses for medical conditions and recovery.

Inside the Mattress

For hot sleepers, this mattress can come with a GlacioTex fabric that wicks away body heat for maximum cooling. Firm mattresses are already one of the best cooling mattresses due to their minimal contact with parts of the body, and the GlacioTex just further bolsters an already cooling design.

The .75-inch quilted top ensures minimal loft for ultimate firmness on the ultra-firm side, while the firm side features the same thickness of quilted comfort. While this is the sole comfort feature on the ultra-firm side, the regular firm side has memory foam for extra cushion. The high-density center foam ensures the bed will maintain its firm feel throughout its lifetime.

When it comes to the question of who should sleep on an ultra-firm mattress, the obvious answer is stomach sleepers. And one brand that carefully tailors their beds to suit particular sleeping styles is Helix, offering three firmnesses for side or back and stomach sleepers. The Helix Dawn Luxe is the firmest option in their line-up, intended for those who lie to stretch out on their stomachs.

Helix ships the mattress for free and offers a 100-night trial period and a 15-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

The Helix Dawn Luxe mattress is designed to make one feel well-supported and comfortable on the mattress. Though it’s quite firm, the surface still offers pressure relief to relax stomach sleepers.

With a quilted pillow top and gel-infused foam, the Dawn Luxe also manages to stay cool all night long.

Inside the Mattress

The first layer of the Helix Dawn Luxe is high-grade polyfoam, a dense material that immediately establishes the bed’s firm feel. Next is Helix’s proprietary Helix Dynamic Foam, a responsive foam that is designed to provide pressure relief and comfort.

The third layer of the mattress is another layer of high-grade polyfoam layer that is designed to provide additional support and durability. Then, a layer of individually wrapped coils that are designed to provide support and minimize motion transfer. The coils are zoned to provide extra support where it is needed most, such as around the hips and shoulders.

The final layer of the mattress is DuraDense, a high-density foam layer that provides a base for the mattress and helps to improve its overall durability. The Luxe line of Helix mattresses is fiberglass-free, too.

Designed specifically with heavier individuals in mind, the Big Fig Mattress offers a firm yet comfortable feel that provides much-needed support. From its ThermoGel-treated cover to its layers of high-density poly-foam to its pocketed coil core, everything about this mattress is designed to keep you cool and comfortable.

The Big Fig hybrid mattress ships free and comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Most reviewers enjoyed the fact that this mattress offered enough support to help them feel lifted onto the bed without sacrificing pressure relief. Side sleepers said they appreciated this mattress is firm without being hard, and stomach sleepers were happy with the back pain relief offered by the Big Fig.

Inside the Mattress

This extra-firm bed features four layers of foam (1 layer of perforated gel and latex foam and 3 layers of high-density poly-foam). Additionally, the cover fabric features ThermoGel Cooling Technology for more comfort.

Supporting the bed are 1600 individually wrapped 15-gauge pocketed coils for tons of flexibility and support. Big Fig relies on these sturdy coils to support up to 550 pounds per sleeper.

The WinkBed mattress is a luxury hybrid mattress that combines layers of foam and coils to provide both comfort and support. The mattress is available in multiple firmnesses, with the Plus option offering the firmest support for heavier individuals.

The WinkBed in all firmnesses comes with free delivery, a 120-night sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

Many reviewers describe the WinkBed Plus option as very firm, with some describing it as the firmest mattress they have ever slept on. Some people with back pain or other orthopedic issues report feeling less pain and discomfort after sleeping on the bed.

Inside the Mattress

The WinkBed mattress features a Tencel cover, designed to be breathable, moisture-wicking, and eco-friendly. It’s made from eucalyptus tree fibers and is known for its softness and durability. This cover stretches across a Euro-pillow top, designed to provide a plush, luxurious feel while still maintaining the overall support of the mattress.

Underneath the Euro-pillow top, the WinkBed mattress has a layer of gel-infused foam that is designed to provide contouring and pressure relief. The gel infusion helps to dissipate heat and keep the mattress cool and comfortable.

The support layer of the WinkBed mattress consists of individually wrapped coils that are designed to provide targeted support and minimize motion transfer. The coils that form the perimeter are firmer to provide edge support.

How to Pick a Firm Mattress: A Quick Guide

If you already know you want a firm or extra-firm bed, congratulations. You’ve narrowed down one of the biggest factors in your bed buying experience.

However, you still need to think about other big factors that will impact your sleep for the life of your extremely firm mattress. Namely, think about its construction, size, its materials and sleep technology, and its attached policies.

Construction

When it comes to how mattresses are constructed, there are four types of mattresses that can deliver extra firm feels.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is a special type of polyurethane foam designed to cradle your body and relieve pressure points while you sleep. A lot of people think of memory foam beds as soft, but a thin memory foam comfort layer over a support layer of high-density poly-foam can make for a firm or extra-firm memory foam mattress.

Even at this firmness, you won’t entirely lose the health benefits of a memory foam bed. Memory foam mattresses can still contour to your body to offer pressure point relief and great support that fits your unique shape.

If you prioritize contoured support, memory foam is going to be for you. Memory foam mattresses are also a good option for those who are shopping for a new mattress on a budget. It is quite possible to get a quality memory foam mattress for under $1000.

However, if you like a lot of responsiveness and coolness in your bed, you might want to consider latex instead of memory foam.

Latex Foam

Made from processed rubber tree sap, latex is an all-natural foam that offers better temperature regulation and bounce than memory foam. One of the best things about firm latex mattresses is they last forever. Latex mattresses are highly durable. Combined with the durability of firm mattresses, you could easily get well over a decade of use from this material.

Latex is going to be more your speed if you prefer the responsiveness and/or coolness over contouring. Latex is also a good option for those who want natural rather than synthetic materials—organic latex is one of the most non-toxic, low-chemical mattress materials on the market today. Just make sure an organic latex mattress has the right certifications to back up its claims.

On the flip side, latex is not as contouring as memory foam. It does have some contouring power, but if you want a mattress that is going to conform to every inch of your body, memory foam may be the right choice for you. Latex is also often more expensive than memory foam, which may be prohibitive for shoppers on a budget.

Innerspring

If you like a firm mattress with a lot of responsiveness and air circulation, innersprings could be a good option for you. Their network of steel coils is already firm on its own, so all manufacturers have to do to make a firm innerspring mattress is top the support layer with a thin comfort layer.

Innerspring beds are good for hot sleepers because their coil network promotes a ton of airflow, helping circulate your body heat away from you. Innersprings may also be up your alley if you like a traditionally bouncy bed. Those shopping on a budget will also appreciate the innerspring’s price tag.

On the other hand, the pressure from the coils can cause pain in your hip and/or shoulder joints. Innerspring coils also break down faster than foam mattress supports because they lose tension and cause the mattress to sag in the middle, meaning you’ll be replacing your innerspring more frequently than any other mattress.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine the airflow and responsiveness of coils (in this case pocketed coils rather than a coil network) with the cushioning comfort of 2+ inches of foam. Firm and extra-firm hybrid mattresses may have a thinner comfort layer and thicker foam transition layer, or they may have higher density foams in their comfort layers.

Hybrids are great for just about everyone. They have springs for those who like bounce, they have foam for those who like contoured support, and they’re still flexible enough to accommodate an adjustable bed base for those who don’t like to sleep flat.

The biggest pain point about hybrids is their price. This is hands down the most expensive mattress type, and they can cost several hundred dollars more than straight foam mattresses of the same quality and brand—not to mention how much more they cost on average than innersprings.

Most people who sleep on a hybrid think the price is worth it, but if you’re shopping on a limited budget, some hybrids may be out of reach.

Firmness Level: Who Should Sleep on a Firm or Extra-Firm Mattress

If you’re not 100 percent sure you need a firm or extra-firm mattress, ask yourself these three questions: What’s my sleep style? What’s my body type? Do I have any medical issues?

Stomach Sleepers

If you sleep on your stomach, odds are you need a hard mattress. Stomach sleepers tend to experience lower back pain because their pelvises sink into the bed, over-arching the back and causing the spine to fall out of alignment. In most cases, the best mattresses for stomach sleepers are firm to extra-firm.

Firm mattresses can help prevent this by keeping the pelvis of a stomach sleeper lifted on top of the bed rather than letting it sink down, promoting healthy spinal alignment.

Heavy Sleepers

Depending on your preferred sleep position, if you weigh more than 230 pounds, you probably need a firm or extra-firm mattress to evenly distribute your body weight. Plus-size stomach sleepers should consider an extra-firm mattress to give them the lift they need.

The best mattresses for plus-size sleepers are firm or even a medium-firm as they’ll need a little more cushioning for their pressure points.

Sleepers With Certain Medical Problems

Firm mattresses can also help relieve certain medical ailments (watch out though; they can exacerbate others). For instance, those suffering from menopause or other hormonal conditions that cause overheating will appreciate a firm mattresses superior cooling power. Since you stay lifted on top of the bed, more of your body is exposed to the air, cooling you off.

Softer mattresses also contour more and allow for more sinkage, which could exacerbate conditions where blood circulation is impeded. That means people suffering from cardiovascular disease or diabetes should consider a firmer bed, as it will not interfere as much with their circulation.

Who Should Not Sleep on an Extra Firm Mattress?

While extremely firm mattresses can offer several benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. For some, a medium or soft mattress is the better choice, especially if they favor a sleeping position that isn’t lying on their stomach. Here are some groups of people who may not benefit from sleeping on a very firm mattress.

Side Sleepers

Extra firm mattresses can put too much pressure on the hips and shoulders of side sleepers, leading to discomfort and pain. Medium to soft mattresses for side sleeping can provide better pressure relief.

Combination Sleepers

Combination sleepers can spend time in every sleep position as they rest. While firmer mattresses can make movements easier, the firmest mattresses can cause morning aches and pains. The best mattresses for combination sleeping tend to offer responsive medium feels.

Lightweight Sleepers

People who are lightweight may not have enough body weight to properly compress the surface of an extra firm mattress, leading to a lack of pressure relief and discomfort. Softer mattresses for lightweight sleepers can provide better contouring and support.

People with Back Pain

While a firmer mattress can provide better support for people with back pain, an extra firm mattress may be too hard and put too much pressure on the lower back. If you suffer back pain, you’re better off going with a medium-firm mattress for adequate support and pressure relief.

Mattresses for back pain with firm to extra-firm feels can sometimes increase back soreness and stiffness if your pain is due to arthritis or scoliosis. See also:

• Best Mattresses for Arthritis
• Best Mattresses for Scoliosis

Mattress Size

The mattress size you need depends on a few things, including the size of your room, your height, how active a sleeper you are, and the number of sleepers in the bed.

Single Sleepers (Twin/TwinXL/Full)

Single sleepers with a small bedroom will probably want a twin mattress (or twin XL for taller sleepers). Single active/combo sleepers may wish to upgrade to the wider full size mattress to accommodate their movements during the night.

Couples (Queen/King/California King)

Couples with a smaller space might be most comfortable on a queen size bed, while couples with a large master bedroom will probably want a king to fill out their space. Couples with an extra-tall partner might consider a king mattress or a California king bed, as it is a full 7 feet long than a standard king.

Couples with divergent firmness or material needs might also consider a split king, which is two twin XL mattresses placed in the same king size bed frame.

Material Certifications

The kinds of certifications your mattress may have depend on the kinds of materials it’s made of. Keep in mind that just because a mattress is made of a certain material, it may not necessarily have a certification (i.e. not all latex mattresses will be GOTS certified).

Most mattress certifications require a lengthy and stringent process to prove that one or more components of the mattress are free of toxic chemicals, environmentally friendly, and/or socially responsible. Manufacturers must apply for a certificate and demonstrate they meet its requirements before they can display its logo on their products.

CertiPUR-US®

Memory foam products can obtain a CertiPUR-US® certification if they prove that their memory foam is made to CertiPUR-US®’s purity standards restricting the use of toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Mattresses must have little to no Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions and contain few to no chemicals dangerous to human health.

GOLS

The Global Organic Latex Standard sets a high bar for latex products. Not only does GOLS demand latex be free of chemicals that could be dangerous to consumers, but this standard also has high expectations in the areas of eco-friendliness and social ethics.

Latex farms, processing plants, and product manufacturers must demonstrate they have a low environmental impact and do not exploit their employees.

GOTS

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) has many similar requirements as GOLS. However, GOTS does not apply to latex products but rather textiles made of natural fibers such as cotton, bamboo viscose, wool, flax, etc.

Innerspring mattresses with comfort layers made of cotton or wool, as well as foam mattresses with natural fiber covers, may apply for this certification.

Sleep Technology and Mattress Features

When browsing for firm mattresses, it is important to consider certain factors that can greatly affect your sleep quality and comfort. Here are some of the key factors to consider.

Edge Support

Edge support is important because it can prevent you from feeling like you are about to fall off the bed when you sleep close to the edge. A mattress with edge support will provide a firm and stable surface, allowing you to sit or lie down comfortably at the edge of the bed. Good edge support can be particularly important for couples who share a bed, as it can provide more usable space on the mattress.

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation refers to a mattress’s ability to absorb movement and prevent it from being transferred across the surface. Mattresses for motion isolation can be important if you share a bed with a partner who moves around during the night, as it can help prevent you from being disturbed by their movements.

Cooling Technology

Cooling technology in a mattress can help regulate body temperature and prevent overheating during the night. This can be particularly important for people who tend to sleep hot, as it can help improve their sleep quality and comfort.

Pressure Relief

Pressure relief refers to a mattress’s ability to relieve pressure points and distribute weight evenly across the surface. This can be important for people who suffer from chronic pain or stiffness, as mattresses for pressure points can help alleviate discomfort and promote better sleep.

Mattress Policies

When shopping for a new mattress, it is important to choose one with a lengthy sleep trial period and a warranty. These policies can offer several benefits, such as peace of mind, protection against defects, and the ability to try out the mattress before committing to a purchase.

Mattress Sleep Trial Period

A sleep trial period allows you to try out a mattress for a certain amount of time (usually between 30 and 120 nights) before deciding whether to keep it or return it. This policy is important because it can be difficult to determine if a mattress is right for you just by trying it out in a store or reading online reviews.

You can sleep on a mattress with a sleep trial for an extended period of time in your own home, allowing you to get a better sense of its comfort and support. If you decide that the mattress isn’t right for you, you can return it for a refund or exchange it for a different model.

Mattress Warranty

A warranty is also important because it protects you against defects or damage to the mattress that may occur over time. A typical mattress warranty covers the mattress for a certain number of years (usually between 5 and 25).

With a good warranty, the mattress manufacturers will repair or replace the mattress if it develops a defect, such as sagging, cracking, or uneven wear. Mattresses with warranties are important because they can provide peace of mind and protect you from having to replace a mattress prematurely due to defects or damage.

Saving on an Extra Firm Mattress

Aside from buying online for the lowest prices, you can also consider a firm mattress topper. A mattress topper with responsive, buoyant materials like latex can give life back to an older mattress.

FAQs

Who should sleep on an extra firm mattress?

Extra-firm mattresses are best for two types of sleepers: stomach sleepers and plus-size sleepers (over 230 pounds). This is because they offer enough support to prevent sinkage that can cause back pain and other issues. Hot sleepers and sleepers with poor circulation may also benefit from firm or extra-firm mattresses because they don’t hug the body.

Are there extra firm hybrid mattresses?

Just like all-foam mattresses, hybrid beds come in a range of firmness levels, including firm and extra-firm. Usually, extra-firm and firm hybrids have a thinner comfort and/or transition layer that allows more of the firmness from the coil support core to show through. Firm and extra-firm hybrids may also sport high-density and/or firmer foams in their top layers.

Are extra firm mattresses more durable?

As a general rule, firm mattresses do stand up to sagging and soft spot development better than medium and soft mattresses. However, mattresses’ material is a huge factor in their durability, no matter their firmness.

If a mattress has coils, it’s going to break down faster because the coils lose tension, which leads to sagging. Hybrids have pocketed coil support cores, meaning they’ll last much longer than innersprings, but they still won’t outlast most foam mattresses.

Latex foam mattresses have the highest life expectancy. Natural latex is typically more durable than memory foam, with some latex mattresses able to last a couple of decades. That’s not to say memory foam won’t last a long time. Some high-quality plant-based memory foams can give latex a run for its money in the durability department.

What mattress base do I need for my extra firm mattress?

That depends on what material your mattress is made of and the kind of support you’re looking for. Box springs are only compatible with innerspring mattresses, so if you have anything else, you cannot use them as a bed base.

Platform beds and mattress foundations are good options for those who need rigid support for their foam or hybrid mattress. These heavier mattresses need sturdier support than that offered by box springs.

Those interested in elevating their heads and/or feet while they sleep will probably do best with an adjustable base. Adjustable bases are compatible with all mattress types except innerspring and can help you get into the position you find most comfortable.

What mattress types are the firmest?

Since all mattresses come in a range of firmnesses, the type of mattress you get isn’t necessarily going to be the main driver of your mattress firmness. Firm mattresses are designed and manufactured to be firm, regardless of what they’re made of. This means all mattresses, from memory foam to innerspring, can have a firm feel.

Bottom Line

Extra-firm mattresses can be great for certain types of sleepers. Firmer mattresses are best for heavier sleepers and stomach sleepers, both of whom need a lot of support. They’re also a good option for people with certain types of medical conditions.

However, extra-firm mattresses aren’t for everyone or can suit every purpose. For example, mattresses for guest rooms typically need to have a more universally comfortable feel to suit different sleepers. Medium to medium-firm mattresses are the better choices.

No matter what firmness level you choose, just make sure you’re getting a top-quality mattress with the right materials and certifications to meet your needs. That way, you can rest assured you’ll get a good night’s sleep for the lifetime of your mattress.