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People choose firm mattresses for many reasons: to promote spine alignment, support heavyweight sleepers or couples and, of course, there’s the simple matter of preference. Some of us are just comfier on a firm bed.

Even within the market of firm beds, there’s a lot of variability. When customers consider the best firm mattress for their needs, they should know that choosing the right degree of firmness isn’t science — it’s subjective. But there are a few important factors that all prospective shoppers can assess to narrow down their choice, including mattress materials, supportive technology, design, pricing and even their own sleep position and body type.

In this guide, we break down features of our 10 top firm mattresses — all of which can be purchased with a click and delivered to your door. Our testers put these beds through the ringer, comparing the mattress brands’ design, customer service, materials and firmness level so you can sleep easy on your final decision.

Choosing the right mattress to suit your lifestyle and sleeping needs can be overwhelming because there are so many varieties on the market today. We’ve gathered 10 of the top-rated firm mattresses on the market in 2022 to help you understand who each bed is best for and who may not be a great fit.

Best Firm Mattress Overall: Saatva Classic Best Firm Hybrid Mattress: Helix Dawn Best Firm Mattress for Couples: Nectar Original Best Cooling Firm Mattress: WinkBed Original Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers: Casper Original Best Affordable Firm Mattress: Leesa Studio Best Firm Memory Foam Mattress: Layla Hybrid Best Firm Mattress for Athletes: Bear Mattress Hybrid Best Extra-Firm Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Plank

Bed-in-a-box hybrids are having a well-deserved moment. These mattresses offer the best of both innerspring and foam designs to balance support and comfort. The Saatva Classic topped our selection of hybrids for a few reasons. First off, It’s well-made and made in America from durable and eco-friendly materials, such as organic cotton. Although it’s pricier than competitor brands, the Saatva is a long-term investment for those willing to pay for quality.

The first layer is a quilted pillow top designed to cushion pressure points and ease tension in joints. Underneath, sleepers are supported by four layers of alternating coils and high-density foam. Its coil-on-coil structure gives the bed a responsive feel, so you won’t get the sensation that you’re stuck in the mattress which is more common with some memory foam beds. For those with back pain, the Saatva scored a perfect 10 in our spinal alignment testing. The bed’s specially designed lumbar zones channel support to the spine and joints

Buy Saatva Classic Mattress, $1,770 for a queen

The Helix Dawn’s exceptionally comfortable hybrid design blends layers of memory foam with a sturdy coil core, for sleepers who want an overall firm bed topped with comfy cushioning. For those who share the bed with a partner or pet, motion transfer should be a priority — you don’t want to feel each toss and turn. The Helix Dawn isolates motion with springs that are individually wrapped within the support layer. The coil core of the Helix mattresses also provides great support for back sleepers, stomach sleepers and heavy weight steepers. The innerspring construction works with the layers of pressure-relieving polyfoam to promote alignment and evenly distribute weight. The Dawn’s soft lightweight cover allows ventilation during sleep, while the coils promote air circulation to regulate the temperature.

Buy Helix Dawn Mattress, $1,199 for a queen

The Nectar Mattress is a couples-favorite, because it co-sleeps so well. This all-foam model keeps movements isolated, so movement on one side of the bed won’t transfer to the other. Think of it this way: when testers placed liquid in a glass on the bed and people rolled on the bed, there was minimal sloshing in the glass.

The Nectar accommodates all sleeping positions: side, back and stomach sleepers. Because of its superior motion isolation, the bed also supports combination sleepers by allowing them to move freely without feeling stuck in the bed. The Nectar Mattresses medium-firm feel is a good compromise for couples who might have differing preferences for bed softness.

Buy Nectar Mattress, $1,399 for a queen

Hot sleepers know how hard it is to get comfortable when you’re sweating through your pajamas and kicking off the covers. A mattress with built-in cooling properties, like the WinkBed, can offer relief.. The gel-infused cooling layers promote airflow to wick away heat during sleep. And the unique eucalyptus-based cover keeps the WinkBed’s surface cool to the touch.

In addition to the cooling properties, sleepers like that the Winkbed is customizable with three different firmness levels to pick from: softer, luxury firm and firmer. Additionally, its plus option is specifically designed for people over 300 pounds, so it suits heavyweight sleepers. At every firmness level, this hybrid bed combines the comfort of memory foam with the cooling and supportive properties of dual innerspring layers.

Buy WinkBed Original Mattress, $1,499 for a queen

We like the Casper Original mattress for back sleepers, but there’s no sleep position that should write off this bed. Our mattress testers found that the Casper Original suited all sleep types, as well as combination sleepers who rotate through positions. Even restless sleepers will sleep through tossing and turning due to the bed’s perfect 10 in responsiveness. Plus, those choosing a firm mattress to address aches and pains will like Casper's zones of support, a foam layer that targets pressure points and relieves tension.

The breathable polyfoam keeps air flowing and temperatures reasonably cool. Hot sleepers should note that the Casper is slightly cooler than your average memory foam bed, but they may have fewer sweaty nights on an innerspring bed. For those loyal memory foam fans, the Casper balances contouring with firmness, so sleepers will feel support rather than that sinking sensation of some foam beds.

Buy Casper Original Mattress, $1,295 for a queen

The Leesa Studio mattress made our list because it is a quality firm mattress — but it also happens to be budget friendly. Shoppers looking for the contouring of memory foam, motion isolation and spinal alignment can check off those requirements with theLeesa Studio, and it’s only $699 for a queen.

The all-foam Leesa Studio scored highest in spinal alignment because it put our testers backs in a healthy, neutral position for side and back sleepers. However, stomach sleepers and heavyweight sleepers (more than 230 pounds) might find this mattress lacking support. And note that, while this Leesa model supported the spine, side sleepers might notice extra pressure on their hips.

The Layla Hybrid is the only soft mattress that made our list … okay, that’s only half true. The reality is, the Layla Hybrid is two mattresses in one. Designers made the bed flippable, with soft and firm sides, which makes it quite versatile. It’s the ideal bed for a growing child with changing preferences, or a guest room where visitors can have a choice in firmness level.

Our experts found that the Layla Hybrid is a crowd-pleaser. Side, back and stomach sleepers of all body types found support and comfort on this bed. In our testing, it demonstrated impressive spine alignment, cooling and responsiveness. The hybrid construction — combining memory foam and pocketed coils — balances plush contouring with solid support.

Buy Layla Hybrid Mattress, $1,699 for a queen

The Bear Hybrid mattress is specifically designed to meet the unique sleep needs of athletes. Its technology supports pressure points and even aids in muscle recovery, making it a favorite of those living an active lifestyle, as well as sleepers with back or joint pain. The celliant cover is where the magic happens: The copper-infused materials promote circulation making sleep on this bed not just comfortable, but restorative.

Plus, the hybrid design is heat-regulating, with breathable coil support and an aerated polyfoam layer that stimulates internal airflow. Our testers found that the top layer, made of a phase change material, was actually cool to the touch. Hot sleepers should have no trouble staying comfortable on the Bear Hybrid.

Buy Bear Hybrid, $1,732 for a queen

When firm isn’t firm enough, the Brooklyn Bedding Plank takes it to the next level. The mattress’s firmness level is right there in the name: the Plank. Better yet it’s adaptable as it’s flippable. So if the firm side isn’t quite hard enough, you can switch to extra-firm.

Often, those with back pain seek out higher degrees of firmness. The Plank addresses back health with its high density foam, which promotes alignment while balancing the body’s natural curves. Our testers were impressed that back and stomach sleepers all benefit from the Plank—as well as side sleepers, a group that often avoids extra-firm beds. Of course, while the bed offered pressure relief to all sleeping positions, this extreme firmness level may not be everyone’s first choice.

As far as temperature, Plank mattresses are a good option for hot sleepers, a surprising plus for this all-foam mattress. But the Plank scored eight of 10 in cooling, and did even better with the optional cooling panel. Made from a unique T phase change material, this optional layer can be built right into the mattress to better regulate the temperature.

Buy Brooklyn Bedding Plank Mattress, $1,399 for a queen

When you’re in the market for a firm mattress, there’s a lot more to consider than just firmness level. Mattress material can also impact how you’ll sleep on your new bed. Below, we walk you through the most common mattress types so you can decide which best fits your needs.

Some foam mattresses are made of a latex material that, compared to classic memory foam, is slightly less contouring and has a better responsiveness. Latex adjusts to movement more easily than typical foam beds. People who prefer latex to memory foam might choose it because it sleeps cooler and has better bounce, or they might be drawn to its non-allergenic qualities. Latex beds are naturally resistant to mold, mildew and dust.

Innerspring mattresses are the classic beds that you used to jump on as a kid. They are typically bouncy and responsive, due to the system of metal wire springs. The surface level of innerspring beds layers plush material over the frame. This cushioning adds extra support and comfort to the mattress. Hot sleepers like that innerspring mattresses are naturally breathable and cool, especially when compared to heat-retaining foam.

Hybrid mattresses combine both foam and coil technologies into one bed. These versatile beds have mass appeal because they offer the best of memory foam’s contouring with innerspring’s support and cooling properties.

Memory foam beds are best known for their contouring technology. The material has a marshmallow-like feel, which sinks under body weight and temporarily holds that position. Some sleepers love this cradling effect while others feel stuck in the mattress. Because foam is dense, it retains body heat. Those who sleep hot may want to find a bed type with better airflow, like a hybrid or innerspring, or a memory foam with specific cooling properties.

When purchasing a mattress, cost can be just as important as comfort. Mattresses made of latex, memory foam or a hybrid of foam and coils are typically more expensive than an innerspring mattress. In addition to mattress type, be mindful of the difference in cost between mattress sizes.

Consider what your purchase includes outside of the mattress itself. As you work out your budget, remember that you’re also paying for customer service. Does the brand include free shipping, delivery or white glove setup? Typically, if you’re buying a mattress online, the company should also offer you a trial period to test out your new bed, so read the fine print on the length of your trial. You’ll also want a brand that guarantees your purchase with a manufacturer’s warranty, in case of defects.

Firm mattresses loyalists like that these beds sink less than their softer counterparts. When considering the firmness level that’s right for your sleep style and preferences, you’ll want to think through the advantages and disadvantages of sleeping on a firm mattress.

Firm and medium-firm mattresses are recommended for sleepers who want to feel supported rather than swaddled by their bed. Some think of this as wanting to sleep on the mattress rather than in it. This advantage really comes down to preference: You like a firm bed or you don’t.

The best firm mattresses support the spine’s natural curvature, maintaining proper alignment. Sleeping on a firm bed can alleviate back pain and prevent people from waking up sore and achy.

A firm mattress is designed to prevent sleepers from sinking into it. This effect actually protects and preserves your mattress over time. The bed is less likely to collapse due to its firm build. Softer mattresses gradually lose their bounce and begin to sag, while firm mattresses provide better value over a longer lifespan.

It’s easier to make a firm mattress softer, rather than a softer mattress firmer. A firm bed can be softened with a more plush mattress topper, allowing you to customize the hardness of your bed.

Those who suffer from joint pain may find that a firm bed does not offer the right amount of cushioning to alleviate tension at pressure points. Research has shown that medium-firm beds are better suited to the work of relieving pressure buildup on joints.

Firm beds may not provide enough soft support for people with lower back pain. Those with any kind of chronic pain will need to be particularly mindful of the kind of support, relief and alignment that their purchase offers. (Ask your doctor if you’re unsure which firmness would be best for you.)

Some people may need a week or so to acclimate to a hard mattress, especially if they're new to firm beds. Firm mattresses aren't for everyone, and you may find during your bed’s trial period that it isn’t the right fit for you. If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep in your firm bed, even after getting over the initial stiffness, it might be time to move on to something softer.

Lightweight sleepers (under 130 pounds) can’t sink into a hard mattress as easily as average to heavyweight sleepers, therefore they won’t get the same contouring and cushioning as designers intended. They may find firm mattresses are uncomfortable or even painful because they’re not getting the right support.

The best firm mattress will be the one that meets your particular needs and preferences. Your mattress should accommodate you, not the other way around. Choose a bed that meets your sleep style, supports your body type and neutralizes pressure. Those who sleep on their sides may suffer aches and pains if they sleep on a mattress that is too firm. On the other hand, back sleepers will appreciate the support of a firmer mattress.

Side sleepers put quite a bit of strain on their shoulders and hips. They’ll want a mattress with strong spinal alignment to keep their posture healthy, but contouring to take stress off pressure points.

Because overly-soft mattresses can interfere with your spine alignment, leading to back pain, a firmer mattress can do a better job in supporting the spine. Only those suffering from back pain will know the firmness degree appropriate for them. We found that the Nectar is one of the most highly-rated options for those who suffer from back pain.

It is important to consider both firmness and support when purchasing a mattress. Firmness is not the same as support. Firmness refers to how hard or soft the mattress feels, while support refers to how well it allows natural, healthy alignment of your spine. Mattresses that are too firm may be unsupportive if they do not allow the spine to bend naturally.

Consider your weight and preferred sleeping position to determine your optimal firmness. For extra support, consider choosing a bed with an ergonomically zoned support system that targets your areas of need.

Mattresses of all types can feel firm, but those lacking pressure-relieving properties generally feel harder than those that have them. There is no exact science to how hard or soft a mattress will feel to each person. Feel is very subjective, so pay attention to how brands scale their firmness levels and read reviews to get a sense of how they sleep, firmness-wise.

Like just about everything to do with sleep, mattress firmness comes down to personal preference. Factors like your weight and sleep position can help determine where you should land on the firmness spectrum. Whether you’re a combination sleeper seeking responsiveness as you toss and turn, or you’re looking to ease pain with a back-friendly firm bed, finding the right firm mattress takes a bit of self reflection. What are your mattress must-haves?

You really won’t know for sure that you’ve found the best firm mattress until you’ve tried it — not just in a store, but over a period of time in real-life conditions. Like while sleeping with your restless partner or pet, on a hot summer night or after an intense workout.

If ordering online, be sure to go with a brand that offers a trial period. This is especially important for firm mattresses, which can take longer to break through the initial new-bed stiffness. You’ll know when a mattress is too firm if you’re waking up sore and achy, or your pressure points feel unsupported. 

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.

This author is writing sponsored content paid for by Pillar4 and not affiliated with Sports Illustrated.