Best Medium-Firm Mattress

Some people love the feel of a plush, soft mattress, but stomach, back, and heavier sleepers need a firmer surface to prevent the shoulders and hips from sinking and throwing the spine out of alignment. Medium-firm mattresses provide consistent support for the spine and minimal risk of feeling “stuck.”

In our article, we review the best medium-firm mattresses and offer tips on choosing the best one to suit your needs.

Best Medium-Firm Mattresses

The Amerisleep AS2 is our favorite medium-firm mattress. Not only is the AS2 the perfect model for back and stomach sleepers, but Business Insider chose it as the best mattress for back pain.

Amerisleep offers a 100-night sleep trial with every mattress. If you find the AS2 isn’t a good fit after the adjustment period, Amerisleep will issue a full refund.

The AS2 mattress comes with Amerisleep’s 20-year warranty, one of the best in the mattress industry. Amerisleep fully covers the mattress for the first ten years in case of sags deeper than an inch and manufacturing defects. During the last ten years, Amerisleep will repair or replace the bed at a prorated price.

How Lying Down Feels

The memory foam top is swift to meet all of the back’s inward and outward curves, easing any pressure that can build up along the spine from supporting the body. As you shift and move out of bed, the memory foam is quick to rise back up and reclaim its original shape, preventing impressions that can affect spine support.

We’re not the only ones who appreciate how the firm feel of the AS2 is more supportive than truly hard. The AS2 mattress has thousands of reviews, and the most recurring phrase is “good support” followed by “comfortable,” and “holds shape.”

Inside the Mattress

The 2-inch thick Bio-Pur® comfort layer cushions the body and relieves pressure points for pain-free sleep. Unlike traditional memory foam, Bio-Pur® is more breathable, so you don’t wake up hot. Bio-Pur® is also more responsive than traditional memory foam, enabling easier movement and motion isolation.

Bio-Pur® is supported by a 1-inch layer of Affinity with HIVE® technology. HIVE® has hundreds of hexagonal cutouts arranged into five different support zones. You feel more cushioning under your shoulders and hips, and more support under your head, back, and legs. HIVE® technology allows the spine to stay neutral, preventing back pain.

Bio-Core® is a stable base foam and evenly distributes body weight so there’s less risk of sagging or soft spots. This way, you aren’t at risk of pain or discomfort at night.

SEE ALSO: Amerisleep Mattress Review

A great model offered by Zoma for stomach and back sleepers is the Zoma Hybrid. The Zoma Hybrid includes many of the bells and whistles of their flagship bed, the Zoma Mattress, except the base layer contains pocketed coils for better support and more bounce. While the Zoma Hybrid is targeted towards athletic individuals, people with chronic pain also love the bed for relieving their discomfort.

Every Zoma Hybrid includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. The warranty covers manufacturing defects and indentations deeper than an inch.

How Lying Down Feels

The gel memory foam comfort layer molds to your body, easing pressure points and reducing possible back pain. Plus, the gel in this layer pulls heat away from the body, so you don’t wake up with night sweats.

A latex-like Reactiv™ layer prevents you from sinking too deeply and maintains spinal alignment. Reactiv™’s responsiveness automatically adjusts to your movements for consistent comfort and support.

Inside the Mattress

The top layer of gel memory foam is quick to contour to the body, and is 2 inches thick. The transition layer is also 2 inches thick and contains Reactiv™ foam, engineered to lift sleeper’s body for a healthy back and minimal sinkage.

The Zoma Hybrid has a pocketed coil base instead of the Support+ foam inside the classic Zoma Mattress. Each coil reacts separately under body weight, providing support to the lower back and hips. The coiled base also gives firmer edge support, so you can climb in and out of bed without difficulty.

SEE ALSO: Zoma Mattress Review

Those who want a medium-firm innerspring mattress should consider the Saatva Classic’s Luxury Firm option. The Saatva Classic doesn’t just offer medium-firm support. It also fixes a lot of the problems inherent to regular innerspring mattresses. This is because the Classic is not a true innerspring mattress. It’s an innerspring hybrid!

How Lying Down Feels

The Saatva Classic provides all the comforts you’d expect out of an innerspring mattress. It bounces just like an innerspring mattress. And it’s highly breathable all the way through, just like an innerspring mattress. So those who have gotten used to the innerspring feel don’t have to worry about losing it if they purchase the Classic.

On the other hand, you also don’t have to worry about all the problems inherent to innerspring beds when you sleep on the Classic. The adaptable pocketed coil support layer makes the Classic much more contouring than a regular innerspring mattress. It also increases the motion isolating capabilities of the bed.

Mattress Construction

The Saatva Classic starts out with a three-inch contouring Euro top. This layer offers pressure relief and comfort to tired joints. It’s also wrapped in a hypoallergenic organic cotton cover treated with GuardinTM botanical antimicrobial treatment that prevents bacteria, mold, and other icky things from flourishing in your mattress. This is a boon for allergy sufferers everywhere.

Below the Euro-style pillow top, you’ll find the high-density memory foam layer. This layer increases pressure relief above and also helps the mattress transition from foam and fibers to steel coils.

The first support layer of the Classic sits right underneath the transition foam layer. These adaptable pocket coils add contoured support to the Classic to help keep your spine in optimal alignment. This is also the coil layer that helps neutralize motion transfer.

The coil layer that provides innerspring bounce and breathability is the open coil support core right below the pocketed coils. These ultra-strong coils are 13-gauge tempered steel, so you won’t have to worry about sagging for a long time.

These networked coils are also surrounded by a perimeter railing system made of high-density foam. That means the Classic mattress boasts superior edge support to go along with its dual support cores.

SEE ALSO: Open Coil vs Pocket Spring Mattresses

Those looking for a medium-firm mattress that doesn’t sacrifice pressure relief should check out the GhostBed Classic. This all-foam offering combines non-allergenic latex and gel memory foam to create a contouring bed that still provides firm support. The perforated latex and gel memory foam also work together to keep you from overheating while you sleep.

How Lying Down Feels

The GhostBed Classic is on the firmer side of medium-firm, and some might even label it a firm mattress. That means it’s perfect for those who need lots of lift but don’t want to lose all cushioning in their mattress. The Classic pulls off this feel by combining firmer foam layers that provide tons of buoyancy and cradling at the same time.

The Classic also offers a combination of cooling technologies to keep the mattress at the optimum sleep temperature all night. Thermoconductive memory foam works with breathable perforated latex to wick away heat and moisture, keeping the bed cool.

Mattress Construction

The GhostBed Classic starts off with the smooth plush cover. This cover is made with a flexible and durable viscose polyester blend that offers a breathable and temperature-neutral feel.

Underneath the stretch cover is a 1.5-inch layer of aerated latex. This non-allergenic latex foam features holes that allow air to pass through, pushing the heat away from your body. This latex is also a springier foam than memory foam. So you can expect it to bounce back under you the moment you move.

The gel memory foam transition layer works with the latex foam to pull away even more heat. While the latex is breathable, the gel foam is thermoconductive. That means it draws heat downward into the mattress and away from your body. This memory foam also helps increase the contouring power of the latex above it.

Finally, the high-density base layer is what keeps you on top of all the other layers. This ultra-durable foam support core provides firm support for ideal spinal alignment. And it also helps make the GhostBed Classic one of the most durable mattresses on the market.

While the industry standard for mattress warranties is 10 years, the GhostBed Classic sports a warranty of 20 years! That’s a long time to not have to worry about replacing your mattress.

SEE ALSO: Mattress Sizes and Dimensions

The Avocado Green Mattress is a good choice if you’re looking for an eco-friendly mattress. Avocado uses natural latex and recycled coils to provide comfort and support, and the mattress is encased in an organic cotton and wool cover.

Customers can rest easy on a high-quality bed knowing the Avocado Green Mattress has a low environmental impact. If you prefer an entirely plant-based bed, Avocado also offers the Avocado Vegan Mattress. It has the same design as the Avocado Green, only it features cotton in place of any wool.

Avocado gives you up to a year to try out the Avocado Green Mattress. Avocado does ask that you keep the bed for at least 30 days to allow your body to adjust to a new sleep surface. After 30 days, Avocado will accept returns and issue a full refund.

The Avocado Green Mattress comes with a 25-year warranty, protecting against sagging greater than 1 inch.

How Lying Down Feels

The Dunlop latex contours to the body and cushions shoulders and hips for a comfortable night’s rest. Dunlop latex is more responsive than memory foam, so you’re less likely to feel trapped inside the mattress as you stretch out. Latex also lasts longer than traditional memory foam, with the material lasting up to 15 years with regular use.

The manufacturers incorporate a zoned support system in the base layer of the Avocado Green. You’ll love the enhanced cushioning under the shoulders and hips, with more support to the head, back, and legs.

Inside the Mattress

The surface of the mattress is organic cotton with underlying organic wool, materials that wick away moisture and heat quickly. The wool also doubles at the mattress’s fire barrier, helping to increase sleepers’ safety in the event of exposure to an open flame. Next is the latex foam that provides the mattress’s comfort and pressure relief.

As we mentioned, the pocketed coils inside the mattress are arranged to create five zones of support. The steel springs also reinforce the edges for exceptional edge support, plus the steel comes from recycled parts for greater sustainability. Along the sides of the mattress, sleepers will notice a pair of heavy-duty handles to make moving the mattress easier.

The Bear Hybrid is 14 inches thick and contains foam comfort layers and coiled support with a unique cover designed to improve airflow. Customers describe the bed as being the perfect blend of cushioning and support, soothing achy muscles after a long work day or lots of exercise.

Bear provides a year-long sleep trial with a 30-day break-in period. Customers must keep the mattress for at least 30 days to properly break it in before they can request a return.

The Bear Hybrid comes with a lifetime prorated warranty, covering defects and indentations greater than 1.5 inches.

How Lying Down Feels

The Bear Hybrid is arguably the softest mattress that Bear offers, thanks to its multiple foam layers and overall thick design. It’s certainly the most responsive with its pocketed coil core and adaptable foam top.

However, we must note that the Bear Hybrid still isn’t overly plush, thanks to Bear’s dedication to designing mattresses that fall between medium to medium-firm for restorative rest. It’s perfect for anyone who wants just a touch of softness in an otherwise pleasantly firm mattress.

Inside the Mattress

Bear utilizes FDA-determined Celliant® technology to convert body heat into infrared energy, a feature that promotes blood circulation to improve muscle recovery. They feature this same technology in their other beds, the Original and Pro.

The Celliant® cover is quilted to hypersoft cooling-gel foam, which absorbs and dissipates body heat. A premium comfort foam layer underneath molds to your body’s shape and relieves pressure, while a second layer of responsive foam provides airflow, so you don’t wake up hot.

The Bear Hybrid contains hundreds of pocketed coils, each coil reacting individually for targeted support along the spine. Plus, Bear incorporates a special edge coil system, placing extra strong steel coils along the mattress perimeter for enhanced edge support, a nice feature if you like sitting on the edge of your bed as you get ready for the day.

Those looking for an all-natural, eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based foam mattresses should check out the Hope Latex Mattress by My Green Mattress. This mattress boasts layers of organic latex that relieve pressure and align the spine without exposing you to synthetic ingredients or impacting your indoor air quality.

How Lying Down Feels

Natural latex is a much springier and more breathable foam than memory foam. That means this all-foam mattress can bounce back into place as soon as you move. It might even bounce back faster than some hybrid mattresses!

Natural latex is also naturally cooling. While memory foam mattresses need a lot of chemical additives to make them good at temperature regulation, natural latex regulates its internal temperature, well, naturally. That means even sleepers with sensitivities to synthetic chemicals like Volatile Organic Compounds can stay cool on this mattress.

Mattress Construction

The Hope is made with three layers of Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified organic Dunlop latex. The comfort layer is two inches thick and is made of the plushest latex foam found in this mattress. This is the layer that relieves pressure and contours to your shape.

The transition layer is three inches thick and medium-firm. This is the layer that adds buoyancy to the mattress and helps support the spine. It also has the added benefit of providing a buffer between your body and the firm latex below.

The support layer of this mattress is also three inches thick. This is the firmest latex foam found in the Hope, and its job is to keep your body lifted on top of the sleeping surface. It also increases the longevity of the mattress to a full two decades.

All this latex comfort is wrapped in a Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified organic cotton cover. This breathable, hypoallergenic cover wicks away heat and moisture to keep you comfortable all night.

The GOTS organic wool directly underneath the cover adds even more breathability and pressure relief. It also acts as an all-natural flame retardant. So you can rest comfortably and safely without the need for synthetic chemical fire suppressants in your mattress.

The great thing about all these layers is how eco-friendly they are. The manufacturing process for natural fibers and latex produces much less toxic waste than petroleum-based products and synthetic fibers. And organic fibers and foams are biodegradable to boot. So your mattress won’t still be sitting in a landfill in the year 3000.

SEE ALSO: Organic Cotton vs. Regular Cotton

If you’re looking for a medium-firm mattress that keeps costs low and quality high, check out the Tuft and Needle Original Mattress. It’s not often you run across a queen mattress for under $1,000 that’s stylish, comfortable, and just as durable as many much pricier mattresses.

How Lying Down Feels

The T&N Original features their proprietary AdaptiveTM foam technology. That means this medium-firm mattress doesn’t skimp on the contouring! This highly contouring foam can follow the curve of your body to relieve pressure and keep your spine in alignment. But it’s responsive enough that you don’t have to worry about body impressions.

The cooling gel and graphite infusions in the foam also help it pull heat away from your body to keep your skin at optimum sleep temperature. That means hot sleepers can enjoy this mattress night after night without having to worry about overheating.

Mattress Construction

The T&N Original starts off with a plush and ultra-breathable cover that’s designed to keep air flowing around your body to wick away sweat and heat. T&N also offers the option to add HeiQ antimicrobial protection to this cover. So sleepers with allergies should be aware they have the ability to add a layer of dust mite and mold protection.

The breathable cover works with the graphite and gel-infused memory foam comfort layer to pull heat away from your body and keep you sweat-free all night.

The AdaptiveTM foam comfort layer also delivers body contouring and bounce. So you can expect the surface of your bed to both take your shape when you lie on it and instantly regain its own shape as soon as you move.

Below the foam comfort layer is the ultra-high-density foam support core. This support layer is designed to deliver ultimate lift to back and stomach sleepers. The firm support foam also fights sagging and soft spot development for a full 10 years. That means you’ll be paying less than $100 per year of use for this queen-size mattress.

Both these layers combine to make the perfect sleep surface for stomach and back sleepers because these sleepers will get all the support they need without sacrificing contouring and pressure relief.

SEE ALSO: Tuft & Needle Mattress Reviews

Who Should Sleep on a Medium-Firm Mattress?

So how do you know if a medium-firm mattress is right for you? Here we’ve provided a guide for those who may feel most comfortable sleeping on a medium-firm bed.

Back and Stomach Sleepers

While soft and medium mattresses suit side and combo sleeping well, we suggest medium-firm and firm mattresses for back sleeping. Stomach sleeping, ideally, should be avoided entirely; however, medium-firm mattresses work for stomach sleepers, too.

Sleeping flat on your back or belly can cause the torso and heavier sections of the body, like the hips and shoulders to sink in the mattress, especially if the mattress is too soft. Over time, this causes

Plus-Size Sleepers

The more you weigh, the more support you need. Plus-size sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds need an extra firm mattress with a little more lift to achieve a comfortable and healthy night’s sleep.

Softer beds lack adequate support and sag, leading to back pain—that’s why many of the best mattresses for heavy people are firmer or built with extra support layers.

People with Back Pain

Back pain affects 31 million Americans each year and disrupts sleep. A medium-firm mattress provides better support to the lower back and cradles the hips, relieving pressure along the spine and reducing pain. Softer mattresses may place more pressure on the spine and worsen back pain.

Read More: eachnight’s Guide to Finding the Best Mattress for Back Pain

What to Consider in a Medium-Firm Mattress

Before you buy a mattress, consider your budget, preferred mattress type, and company policies, including a sleep trial and warranty. The right mattress provides long-lasting comfort and support without breaking the bank.

Price

Mattresses are an investment, with some budget mattresses starting at $200, while high-end models cost well over $10,000. The average price you can expect from mid-range medium-firm mattress models (in queen size) is between $500 to $1200.

The best way to distinguish a quality mattress from a cheap model is by looking at the mattress layers. If the mattress is made with poly-foam or innerspring coils, it’s likely to wear down quickly. Also, if the mattress is less than 10 inches thick, it probably won’t hold up to continuous use.

Mattress Type

Medium-firm beds come in various materials, each with its own set of pros and cons. The best mattress type for you depends on your sleep position, budget, and personal preference.

Some materials may cost more than others; for instance, latex often comes with a higher price tag because it’s 100% natural and long-lasting. Memory foam is a cheaper alternative with a 7-10 year lifespan.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses are the best choice for those looking for a material to conform to the body, wanting that “hug” sensation. Memory foam contours to the body’s shape and sleep position, relieving pressure points and providing healthy alignment.

The top layer contains memory foam and a durable base foam for support. Memory foam makes little to no noise and it limits motion transfer, so there’s less chance of waking in the night due to your partner’s movements. It’s also hypoallergenic, making memory foam particularly ideal for those who suffer from allergies.

Latex Mattresses

Latex is a natural material that comes from the sap of rubber trees. Eco-friendly and hypoallergenic, many consumers like latex because it’s similar to memory foam—forming around the body for pressure relief. Latex also has excellent motion isolation and sleeps silently, but unlike memory foam, it sleeps cooler and has a responsive bounce.

Latex mattresses are typically more expensive because the manufacturing process is eco-friendly. The two most popular types of latex are Dunlop and Talalay—Dunlop is 100% natural, plus it’s denser and more durable than Talalay. Talalay consists of natural latex with added polyurethane fillers to give it that signature soft feel.

An organic latex mattress can be worth the cost to many shoppers, as it’s able to last years and years.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are made up of steel coils that either stand-alone or interlock with each other. Most innerspring mattresses include a comfort layer made of fiberfill or foam for pressure relief, but some brands have the option to add a pillow top for extra comfort. It might be a good idea since innersprings lean more towards the firm side.

Innersprings offer excellent breathability with the open airflow from the coils but may lack pressure point relief. This type of mattress will have a definite bounce and may be noisy due to the coils.

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid is a combination of innerspring and memory foam. A hybrid mattress has coils for support and a 2-3 inch memory foam comfort layer. The number of memory foam layers will vary depending on the manufacturer, but you can expect 1 to 2 comfort layers in a medium-firm hybrid mattress.

Many see hybrid beds as the best value because of their 2-in-1 construction: contouring memory foam with a coil support system. However, hybrids are heavy compared to other mattress types, making them cumbersome to move.

Sleep Trial and Warranty

Almost all mattresses these days come with a warranty, and online mattresses often come with sleep trials. We recommend purchasing a mattress with both. Always read the fine print before committing to a mattress purchase and avoid beds that don’t include a warranty or a means to return the bed if it doesn’t work out.

Sleep trials enable customers to try a new mattress within the comfort of their own home. Most trial periods last between 90 to 120 nights to allow the customer ample time to adjust and decide. Should the customer not like the mattress, most companies will issue a full refund.

Most mattresses come with a standard 10-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects and sagging greater than 1 inch. Warranties only apply to the original purchaser and can’t be transferred to another person.

FAQs

Can a firm mattress hurt your back?

If a mattress is too firm for your preferred sleep style, it can cause painful pressure points and lead to back pain. Likewise, a too-soft bed causes heavier sections of the body, like the shoulders and hips, to sink too deeply, misaligning the spine.

It’s best to sleep on a bed with the right balance between comfort and support, depending on your sleeping position. Otherwise, a too-soft or too-firm mattress disrupts sleep, and you wake up sore.

Why does my back hurt after waking up?

If you experience back pain and a stiff lower back every morning, which fades during the day, your mattress could be the problem. A bed with a visible sag lacks support for the spine, increasing pressure and the likelihood of back pain.

Sleeping on the wrong mattress firmness level can also cause back pain. For instance, side sleepers need a softer mattress for optimal cushioning in the shoulders, or else they feel shoulder pain because their body weight is resting on their shoulder.

Is memory foam good for back pain?

Memory foam is best for relieving back pain; in fact, we even wrote a whole guide reviewing our favorite memory foam mattresses for back pain. We love memory foam for sleepers with back pain, amongst other pains, because it conforms to the body, providing pressure relief and reducing aches. And at the same time, memory foam holds its shape, so it keeps the body evenly supported. Innerspring mattresses, while supportive, lack pressure relief and don’t form as close to the body as memory foam.

Does my mattress need a box spring?

Innerspring mattresses are the only mattress type that needs a box spring. The thick coils act as shock absorbers and ensure an evenly supported mattress. Other mattress types, including memory foam, latex, and hybrids, don’t need a box spring and perform well on a flat or slatted surface, like a mattress foundation.

Will a firm mattress get softer?

A brand new firm mattress may feel hard at first, but becomes slightly softer as you break it in. Most new mattresses feel firmer than the floor model you tried out, which is normal, but after at least 30 days, the new bed should start to feel slightly softer. If the bed still feels too hard, you should be able to return it for a refund or a different model as long as the bed is within its sleep trial.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to look for in the best medium-firm mattress, it’s time to start looking for the right one. There are many excellent options out there for you to choose from.

Keep in mind that the best medium-firm mattress should come with a sleep trial and a warranty, giving you time to try it out and decide if it’s best. If you ultimately decide you would be better served by a firm or medium mattress, a sleep trial will make it easier to switch out for a new mattress.