Best Firm Mattress (2021): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

When looking for the best mattress, consider your sleep style, weight, and other factors such as firmness preferences. Some may prefer a softer mattress, while others prefer something firmer.

The best firm mattress offers consistent support with some contouring to relieve pressure. Sleepers should feel like they’re on top of the bed instead of sinking into it. We’ve compiled a list of the top firm mattresses on the market today and we’ll review the features to look for in the best firm mattress.

Our Top Mattress Recommendation

View on AmerisleepRead AS1 customer reviews

AS1 Highlights

• 100-night sleep trial
• 20-Year Warranty
• Designed for back sleepers
• Heat reducing mattress cover
• Comes in King, Queen, Twin, Full, and Splits

Best Firm Mattresses

1. Amerisleep AS1

Best Extra Firm Mattress

The Amerisleep AS1 mattress is our favorite firm mattress. It’s 10 inches tall and consists of 2 inches of Bio-Pur® and 8 inches of Bio-Core®. A light, breathable cover wraps the mattress and keeps air circulating throughout the night.

Both Bio-Pur® and Bio-Core® are made through eco-friendly methods. Bio-Pur® is plant-based—castor oil partially replaces petroleum during the manufacturing process. As a result, Bio-Pur® allows for better airflow, giving the mattress superior cooling qualities. The foundational Bio-Core® layer allows the body to rest on top of the mattress while preventing sagging.

The Amerisleep AS1 is an excellent option for back and stomach sleepers. As one of their firmest models, the AS1 evenly supports the body and aligns the spine. Further cooling is found in the airy cover that helps prevent body heat from becoming trapped in the mattress.

The Amerisleep AS1 mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

2. Amerisleep AS2

Best Overall Firm Mattress

The Amerisleep AS2 is a good option for sleepers with back pain. The combination of conforming Bio-Pur® and HIVE® technology provide softness and targeted support for your back and other common pressure points. Plus, with its medium-firm feel, the AS2 appeals to back and stomach sleepers.

Let’s talk about Bio-Pur®. In the AS2, this material is 2 inches thick, which is just the right amount to contour to the sleeper while still bouncing back quickly to provide consistent support. Bio-Pur® is a plant-based, open-cell foam, so it’s cool, bouncy, and breathable.

Next is the Affinity layer with HIVE® technology. This transition layer has hexagon-shaped cutouts grouped closely together where you need firm support, and spaced farther apart where you need cushioning. Essentially, the HIVE® technology delivers targeted spinal support and contouring to prevent pressure build-up and pain. The cutouts in the foam also increase airflow through the mattress.

Finally, a 7-inch thick Bio-Core® layer in the base works to keep the wear of the upper layers even. In other words, because of the Bio-Core®, the AS2 develops little, if any sags, and is the reason behind Amerisleep’s generous 20-year warranty.

The AS2 ships free, comes with free returns, and a 100-night sleep trial. You’re also backed by a pro-rated 20-year warranty.

3. Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid

Best Firm Hybrid Mattress

Now that you know all about the AS2, let’s talk about its counterpart, the Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid. Amerisleep recently introduced a hybrid line, comprised of their three top-selling all-foam beds made with a pocketed coil base. The coils add even more targeted support and a bounce that you can’t get from an all-foam bed.

First is the 2-inch thick layer of Bio-Pur®. Nestled under a stretchy, breathable cover, this layer of plant-based foam bounces back in seconds. Traditional memory foam beds sink down too far and leave the user feeling trapped, but not Bio-Pur®. Thanks to the replacement of some petrochemicals with castor oil during manufacturing, Bio-Pur® is more breathable and responsive than other foams.

The second layer is a 1-inch thick Affinity layer with HIVE®, which enhances the pressure relief and motion isolation of the mattress. The HIVE® technology of this layer is comprised of hexagon-shaped cutouts grouped close together where you need extra support, and farther apart in areas that need more contouring. 

Finally, the wrapped coil base responds to every movement to minimize motion transfer. Each coil is wrapped in its own piece of fabric so it can move independently of the other coils. That means when you change positions, you won’t sink down or get stuck. An added layer of foam around the perimeter of the mattress acts as extra edge support, helping you get in and out of bed easier.

The AS2 Hybrid ships free and comes with a 100-night sleep trial. If you decide the AS2 Hybrid isn’t for you after giving yourself time to adjust to it, returns are free. The mattress is backed by a 20-year warranty.

4. Avocado

The Avocado mattress is 11 inches thick and contains 2 inches of Dunlop latex, 8 inches of pocketed coils, and 1 inch of base Dunlop latex. The cover is made with organic cotton with a layer of New Zealand wool to wick away moisture and act as a natural flame retardant.

The firmness of Dunlop latex provides a cool and responsive sleep surface. Pocketed coils with various gauges (thicknesses) are strategically placed in the base, creating a 5-zone support layer. Coils with higher gauge provide softer support to the shoulders and hips, while lower gauge coils provide firmer support to the head, back, and legs.

Customers can alter the firm feel of the Avocado mattress to a medium-firm feel. For an extra charge, customers can add a non-removable, 2-inch Dunlop latex pillow top. The Avocado mattress is great for back and stomach sleepers and comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

5. Bear

The Bear mattress is 10 inches tall and contains 1 inch of graphite gel memory foam, 2 inches of transitional poly-foam, and 7 inches of high-density base foam. The polyester mattress cover incorporates FDA-determined Celliant® technology.

The all-foam structure of the Bear mattress provides excellent pressure relief and balanced support. Graphite-infused gel memory foam pulls heat away from the body to prevent overheating, while Celliant® technology transforms body heat into infrared light. Infrared light is then re-absorbed into the body as energy.

The medium feel of the Bear mattress is perfect for back sleepers. Layers of memory foam offer excellent support to the back, but they’re still soft enough to prevent the hips from sinking too deeply, keeping the spine in neutral alignment. The Bear mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

6. Novosbed

The Novosbed mattress is 11 inches thick and contains 2 inches of memory foam, 2 inches of transitional poly-foam, and 7 inches of high-density foam. The stretch-knit Tencel® cover is removable and machine-washable.

The Novosbed is a good choice for back and stomach sleepers. The firm mattress contours to the body, but keeps weight evenly distributed for healthy spinal alignment.

The firm feel of the Novosbed mattress is also available in two other firmness options— soft and medium. Should the mattress feel too soft or too firm, Novosbed will send a complimentary Comfort+ layer. Depending on which firmness you’re looking for, the Comfort+ layer will either be softer or firmer memory foam. Once it arrives, customers only need to unzip the mattress cover and place the Comfort+ layer on top of their mattress.

The Novosbed comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty.

8. Lull

The Lull mattress is 10 inches tall and contains 1.5 inches of gel-infused memory foam, 1.5 inches of transitional foam, and 7 inches of high-density poly-foam. The cover is made of a polyester rayon blend.

By conforming to the body, gel memory foam not only relieves pressure points but also pulls heat away and evenly disperses it. The transitional foam layer evenly supports the body, while high-density poly-foam prevents sagging.

The medium-firm sleep surface of the Lull mattress is an excellent option for lightweight sleepers and back sleepers. Lightweight sleepers need a sleep surface that will support their weight but also slightly conform to the body to reduce pressure. Back sleepers need a sleep surface to support their back and cradle the hips to maintain neutral spine alignment— the Lull mattress does both.

The Lull mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

What to Look for in a Firm Mattress

The firmness of a mattress is how the bed’s surface feels when body weight is applied. Firmness is usually tied to the top layer since it has the most direct contact with the body. Those looking for a firm mattress need to keep other factors in mind, like support, cooling features, mattress type, and what type of sleep trials, warranties, and return policies are offered with the purchase of a new mattress.

Support

Firm mattresses are more supportive than softer mattresses— the materials in a firm bed tend to be denser, with fewer comfort layers, or the comfort layers are made of firmer material. Better support may align the spine resulting in a deeper sleep and fewer aches and pains.

Edge Support

A mattress with good edge support is a nice feature for those who like to sit on the edge of the bed. Poor edge support may cause the mattress to sag, a definite drawback to couples who share their bed and tend to sleep near the mattress edge more often.

Cooling

Denser materials allow for less air circulation, causing heat retention. Though firm mattresses sleep cooler because the body is more on top of the mattress, cooling features like gel memory foam or innerspring coils can regulate temperature.

Mattress Type

Mattresses contain all kinds of different materials; foam, coils, and latex. Each come with their own set of pros and cons and firmness levels. The type of mattress you choose depends on personal preference and sleeping position.

For example, a lightweight side sleeper needs a soft mattress to relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips; for them, a memory foam or latex mattress would be an excellent option.

Memory Foam

A memory foam mattress is made entirely of foam— memory foam, polyurethane or poly-foam, and high-density foam. Foam beds contour to the body to relieve pressure points, but may run the risk of retaining heat. Memory foam mattresses are available in different firmness options, ranging from soft to firm. Choosing a memory foam mattress with some type of cooling feature reduces the risk of heat retention.

Innerspring

Also known as the “traditional bed,” an innerspring mattress has a support core made of coils and a thin comfort layer of foam, latex, or low-gauge coils. Innerspring mattresses are typically firmer than foam, ranging from medium to firm. Innerspring mattresses offer excellent air circulation through their coil structure and are one of the most affordable mattress options on the market.

Latex

Latex feels similar to memory foam, but it’s bouncier and teds to feel more firm. Latex firmness ranges from medium-soft to firm. It’s also longer lasting than memory foam.

Latex comes in two forms, natural or synthetic. Natural latex is extracted from the sap of rubber trees, while synthetic latex is created through a chemical process. There are two types of natural latex— Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex is denser and more durable, while Talalay latex is softer, more expensive, and features zoned support through strategically placed holes during the manufacturing process.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress contains the coiled support of an innerspring and a pressure-relieving comfort layer of foam or latex. A true hybrid mattress contains a coil system and a comfort layer at least 2 inches thick. The hybrid mattress was created to combine the best features of innerspring and memory foam into one perfect mattress. Hybrid mattresses range in firmness from medium-soft to firm.

Sleep Trials, Warranties, and Return Policies

The perks of a sleep trial, warranty, and return policy all serve to reassure customers of their purchase. Mattresses can be a big investment and should last at least 7 years, depending on the quality of the bed. Sleep trials allow customers to properly try out a mattress without pressure to buy. Warranties protect the mattress investment, and return policies enable customers to return or exchange the mattress for a refund

Sleep Trial

Sleep trials come with most online mattresses and they allow the customer to try out a new mattress within the comfort of their own home. This trial period usually lasts 90 to 120 nights. Bed in a box brands are known for their sleep trials because customers don’t often have the opportunity to try out their mattresses before purchasing.

Warranty

Warranties protect the customer and the manufacturer— always read the fine print before purchasing a new mattress, and never commit to a mattress if a warranty isn’t included. Most mattresses come with a standard 10-year warranty, covering manufacturing defects and sagging or indentations (most cover sagging 1 inch deep, but this varies across brands).

Return Policy

If a sleep trial isn’t included with a new mattress, the next best thing to look for would be a solid return policy. Return policies can last up to 30 days— about the same time it takes for the body to adjust to a new bed. Return policies are a means for the customer to return or exchange an unsatisfactory mattress.

Who Needs a Firm Mattress?

Some sleepers may benefit from a firm mattress like back sleepers, stomach sleepers, heavier sleepers, and hot sleepers. Firm mattresses, depending on sleep position, body weight, and personal preference allow for better cooling with less sinking in due to the higher level of support for a refund.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need a firmer mattress than side sleepers. Those who sleep on their backs have less space between the body and the mattress. Back sleepers need a medium-firm mattress to support the back, and allow the hips to sink a little— this gives needed support to the natural “S” curve of the lower back while keeping the spine in neutral alignment.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers have the smallest gap between their bodies and the bed— they require a medium-firm to firm bed to prevent the back from arching and support the hips to prevent sinking. Should the hips sink too deeply, it could misalign the spine and cause back strain.

Heavy Sleepers

Heavier individuals need a medium-firm to firm mattress. Anything softer than a medium-firm, depending on preferred sleep position, may feel too soft to a heavy sleeper and result in deep sinking and a misaligned spine. A medium-firm to firm bed won’t bottom out and offers equal levels of comfort and support to heavy sleepers.

Hot Sleepers

Hot sleepers may prefer a medium-firm to firm mattress. These types of mattresses will support the body on top of the mattress instead of allowing it to sink, thus exposing the body to continuous airflow and regulating temperature. The softer the bed, the more conforming abilities it will have with a higher risk of heat retention.

Who Should Avoid a Firm Mattress?

Firm mattresses aren’t for everyone. Firm mattresses may disrupt sleep and increase pressure points for some sleepers. When you choose a mattress, consider your sleeping position, body weight, and budget.

Side Sleepers

The best mattress for side sleepers takes into account a side sleeper’s gaps between their body and the mattress— they need a plush sleeping surface to better cushion the shoulders and hips and fill in the gaps to align the spine. Softer mattresses, ranging between medium-soft and medium-firm, are great options depending on body type. Firm mattresses do offer some pressure relief, but because of their lack of softness, there’s less cushioning.

Lightweight Sleepers

Lightweight sleepers lack the body weight needed to sink into a firm mattress. Lightweight sleepers receive better contouring pressure relief from softer mattresses (between soft to medium). Firm mattresses will feel too hard and create more pressure points.

Other Things to Consider

Can a firm mattress cause lower back pain?

If a mattress is too firm, it could create more pressure points because of the lack of body-contouring, leading to aches and pains. Depending on a person’s body weight and preferred sleep position, a medium-firm mattress would be an ideal choice to prevent lower back pain. For more information, read our post on tips to finding the best mattress for back pain.

Which type of mattress is good for back pain?

Medium-firm memory foam mattresses are a good choice for back pain sufferers. Body-contouring memory foam relieves pressure points and cushions the body without sacrificing support.

Who needs a firm mattress?

Stomach and back sleepers need firm mattresses to maintain a neutral sleeping position. That said, back sleepers can get away with sleeping on medium-firm and medium mattresses, as well. Stomach sleepers need to stick with firm mattresses to avoid back pain, though.

How do I know if my mattress is too firm?

If you’re waking up with aches and pains, numb or tingly limbs, or lower back pain, your mattress is probably too firm for your body type and sleep style. Adding a mattress topper can provide extra comfort and eliminate that pain.

Are firm mattresses the best?

For years, many regarded firm mattresses as being “the best.” However, they’re only the best for certain types of sleepers. Firm mattresses can cause pain and discomfort for side or petite sleepers. Consider your body type and sleeping position while deciding how firm your bed should be.

How much does a firm mattress cost?

Mattresses are available in different price ranges, usually depending on the size and material. When it comes to firm mattresses, most are on the low-end of budgets because they contain fewer materials (compared to soft beds).

Conclusion

If you’re a stomach or back sleeper or weigh over 230 pounds, a firm mattress could be the right type of bed for you. Firm mattresses ensure the body rests on top of the mattress, aligning the spine and preventing heavy sinkage. The ideal bed for back pain ranges from medium to firm on the mattress firmness scale.

Now that you know what to look for in the best firm mattress, it’s time to get rid of your old mattress and find a new one so you can get a good night’s sleep as soon as possible.