Many companies in the sleep industry advertise that their mattress is the softest and most pressure-relieving. But what about those sleepers wanting the best firm mattress? We’re here to help those prioritizing support above all else. As a result, we’ve created this roundup of our top picks for the best firm mattresses, all of which have been tested by a number of our reviewers, ensuring that we get the most comprehensive idea of how they perform for specific body types and sleep preferences. While a couple of beds on this list aren’t technically firm on the firmness scale (8/10 and up), all 10 beds are firmer than average where average is 6/10. So, they have an “on-top-of” feel and offer the support stomach sleepers and some back sleepers need.
Best Firm Mattresses of 2024: Our Top 10 Picks
- Best Overall – Plank
- Best Firm Mattress for Couples – Emma Hybrid Comfort
- Best Firm Innerspring Mattress – Saatva
- Best Firm Hybrid Mattress – WinkBeds
- Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers – Helix Dawn
- Best Medium-Firm Mattress – Bear
- Best Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus
- Best Firm Cooling Mattress – Nolah Evolution
- Best Affordable Firm Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best Firm Organic Mattress – Birch Natural
Video Review: Best Firm Mattresses
Compare the Best Firm Mattresses
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Saatva Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Helix Dawn Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Titan Plus | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Birch Natural Mattress | |
Rating | ||||||||||
Firmness | Firm: 8/10 | Firm: 8/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 9/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 7/10 |
Material | Foam | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
Cooling | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | ✓ | -- | -- | -- | ✓ |
Sleep Position | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach | Combination | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back | Back & Stomach |
How We Chose the Best Firm Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
For our roundup of the best firm mattress, our first parameter was that all products need multiple firmness options or above-average firmness. An effective firm mattress has lots of support and durability, so we chose beds scoring high in both categories. Of the 10 products on this list, eight of them scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in these two areas.
Best Overall – Plank Firm
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress that is a great match for stomach sleepers and those who need extra support.
The Plank Firm is a very firm mattress that is a great match for stomach sleepers and those who need extra support.
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Firm Mattress for Couples – Emma Hybrid Comfort
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a hybrid mattress that is designed to support all weights while also promoting a cool night of sleep.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a hybrid mattress that is designed to support all weights while also promoting a cool night of sleep.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Emma Hybrid Comfort
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Firm Innerspring Mattress – Saatva
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Firm Hybrid Mattress – WinkBed
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers – Helix Dawn
Helix Dawn Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
The Helix Dawn is one of the company's firmest models. Because of this, it should be a supportive option for stomach sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Dawn Mattress
The Helix Dawn is one of the company's firmest models. Because of this, it should be a supportive option for stomach sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Medium-Firm Mattress – Bear
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Bear Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Bear Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Titan Plus is Brooklyn Bedding's mattress for heavy people. It is a firm, supportive mattress that can support heavier weights.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. The Titan Plus is Brooklyn Bedding's mattress for heavy people. It is a firm, supportive mattress that can support heavier weights.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Titan Plus
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 9/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Titan Plus
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 9/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Titan Plus
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 9/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Best Firm Cooling Mattress – Nolah Evolution
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a high-end hybrid mattress that features great support, comfort, and cooling.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a high-end hybrid mattress that features great support, comfort, and cooling.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Firm Organic Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding has amazing products that are sold at very affordable prices. This mattress is extremely high-quality and a great option for combination sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding has amazing products that are sold at very affordable prices. This mattress is extremely high-quality and a great option for combination sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Firm Organic Mattress – Birch Natural
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress. Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types: Financing options are available for this mattress.Birch Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Birch Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
Birch Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.
Financing Options
How is Mattress Firmness Determined
When you’re shopping for a firm mattress, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind, from the mattress construction to your own needs and preferences. First, we’ll talk through how we determine a mattresses firmness and rate it on our mattress firmness scale.
Mattress Firmness Scale
Most people who talk about mattresses score their firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. The majority of mattresses tend to fall between 6–8 out of 10 with a medium to medium-firm firmness.
Anything in the 8–10 range (or sometimes the 7–10 range) can be considered a firm or extra-firm mattress. Most extra-firm mattresses you see (such as the Plank mattress) are a 9 out of 10.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Firm Mattress?
Benefits of a Firm Mattress
- Firm mattresses often support a neutral spine alignment and have great edge support.
- Firm mattresses isolate motion well. This is great for couples who want to avoid feeling their partner moving around on the bed.
- You won’t sink in too far. If you like sleeping on the bed rather than in the bed, this will appeal to you.
- Firm beds are better at supporting heavyweight people, allowing them to sleep comfortably.
Downsides to a Firm Mattress
- Firm mattresses are less pressure-relieving. Without a soft, contouring surface, you may develop pain in the shoulders, hips, and other pressure areas.
- It takes a more particular sleeper to be comfortable on a firm mattress. Most sleepers like a soft to medium mattress.
- Firm mattresses take longer to fully break in and adjust to. You may need to use more of your sleep trial period to determine if it’s the right type of bed for you.
Who Should Get a Firm Mattress?
- Stomach sleepers: Those who sleep primarily on their stomachs should consider a firm mattress. They want to ensure that they’re getting enough support on their hips because, if not, they can bow into the mattress and cause the spine to get out of neutral alignment.
- Back sleepers: Those who need the best mattress for back sleepers will also want something firmer, but not extremely firm. The bed should let their hips sink in just a bit while having enough support to prevent excessive sinkage.
- People who like to sleep on top of their mattress: For those who prefer not to sink into their mattress, a firm mattress is a safe bet. Firmer mattresses don’t have the “give” that one finds on softer mattresses, so most should be sleeping on top of the mattress as opposed to “in” it.
- Hot sleepers. When someone sleeps “on top” of a mattress, they have less of a chance of sleeping hot. In contrast, if someone sinks into a softer mattress (especially something with memory foam), they could feel overheated. That’s because memory foam can trap heat and direct it back at sleepers. Check out our best cooling mattress guide for more recommendations.
Who Shouldn’t Get a Firm Mattress?
- Side sleepers: In general, firm mattresses aren’t the best for side sleepers because they require a mattress that provides pressure relief for their shoulders and hips. Firm mattresses are not exceptional when it comes to pressure relief, so side sleepers should look for something softer. That being said, every now and then, a firm mattress can work for side sleepers. For example, take the Layla, which we mentioned in this article. Check out the best mattresses for side sleepers.
- Those who like to sink into their mattresses: These folks might not like a firm mattress. They’ll want to look for something softer, such as a mattress containing memory foam.
What Mattress Types are the Firmest?
Innerspring mattresses are some of the firmest mattress types since they are made with layers of coils. Some innersprings are bouncier than others, but their surfaces are usually pretty firm. See our best innerspring mattresses to learn more.
Foam mattresses are some of the softest mattresses. Memory foam, gel foam, foam blend, and polyfoam mattresses are examples of this. Some of these beds are denser than others and can lean toward the medium-firm side. See our best memory foam mattresses to learn more.
Latex mattresses have a similar feel to foam beds, but they’re bouncier and more breathable. These beds can range from soft to firm depending on the indentation load deflection (ILD) ratings, a measurement similar to density. See our best latex mattresses to learn more.
Hybrid mattresses combine materials, using an innerspring base layer with a comfort layer or top made of materials like foam, latex, or wool. These beds can fall anywhere on the firmness spectrum, though they tend to be medium to medium-firm. See our best hybrid mattresses to learn more.
How to Make a Mattress Firmer
If you’re unhappy with your mattress’ current feel, there are some steps you can take to make your soft mattress firmer:
Check the Sleep Trial
If you are not happy with the way your mattress fells, we suggest looking into its sleep trial period, you can often return it and buy a firmer one. That being said, there are other options well outline as well if you’re outside of your mattresses sleep trial period to avoid enduring another large cost by purchasing another mattress.
Add Plywood
Adding a piece of plywood between the mattress and the foundation can give the mattress a firmer feel. It adds an additional layer of support and helps prevent the mattress from sagging.
Replace the Box Spring
Box springs can lose their support over time, so replacing your box spring with a newer, stronger foundation can create a firmer mattress feel. Box springs can last up to 10 years, so if you’ve had yours longer than that, consider getting a new one.
Get a Firmer Mattress Topper
Purchasing a firm mattress topper, such as the Avocado Mattress Topper, can add a new feel to your bed and provide additional support.
Flip Your Mattress
While not all mattresses are meant to be flipped, older mattresses and some innerspring mattresses should be flipped. The springs can wear out over time when someone sleeps in the same spot each night, so flipping your mattress can more evenly spread the wear and help prevent sagging.
Overall
In the end, a firm mattress can be a great fit for stomach sleepers, back sleepers, larger sleepers, and those who want extra support. As a reminder, here are our top picks for the best firm mattresses:
Mattress | Best For |
Plank Firm | Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers |
Emma Hybrid Comfort | Best Firm Mattress for Couples |
WinkBed | Best Hybrid Mattress |
Helix Dawn | Best for Stomach Sleepers |
Titan Plus | Best Firm Mattress for Heavy Sleepers |
Saatva | Best Firm Innerspring Mattress |
DreamCloud | Best Firm Mattress for Back Pain |
Bear | Best Medium-Firm Mattress |
Nolah Evolution | Best Cooling Firm Mattress |
Leesa | Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers |
Best Firm Mattress FAQs
Is an extra-firm mattress better for your back?
Those who sleep on their back or deal with back pain usually want to find a mattress that is approximately medium-firm. If a mattress is too firm, it could push the hips out of the bed and the spine out of proper neutral alignment. This could lead to significant issues with back pain.
Is a firm mattress good?
It really depends on what people are looking for. For instance, a firmer mattress might not be good for side-sleeping because it won’t offer enough pressure relief. It could be good for people who require more support, such as back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and larger people.
Do firm mattresses get softer?
All mattresses, no matter how firm, will get softer over time. Materials such as memory foam and even coils will start to weaken after they’ve been in use for a few years. Some materials, such as latex foam, won’t soften quite as quickly, however.
Can a firm mattress cause back pain?
While we wish we could get a straight answer, whether or not a firm mattress causes back pain is entirely dependent on your sleeping position and body type. If you do have a mattress that fits your individual needs, chances are it’s not going to cause back pain. Stomach sleepers often need a firmer mattress to lift up the hips and keep the spine in neutral alignment. Side sleepers and lightweight sleepers, however, will likely find that a firm mattress doesn’t provide enough cushion to sink into. This can result in back pain overtime.
What firmness is best for back pain?
In general, medical professionals recommend medium-firm mattresses (about a 6.5/10 on the industry firmness scale) for back pain. These mattresses often have a nice balance of comfort and support and fit a wider variety of sleepers. However, it’s important that you utilize sleep trials offered by companies or even consult a medical professional so you can make the best decision for your own needs.
Can a mattress be too firm?
Just as a mattress can be too soft, a mattress can also be too firm. One of the best indicators of excessive firmness is a tense feeling in your body, or more obviously pain. That’s why it’s so important to consider your sleeping position and body type when selecting a mattress. For example, it’s very likely a mattress made for stomach sleepers is going to be way too firm for a side sleeper!
What mattress firmness is best for stomach sleepers?
We would recommend a 7/10 or 8/10 on the firmness scale for most stomach sleepers. It’s crucial these sleepers have enough support to lift the hips into alignment, and enough cushioning to prevent too much pressure build-up.