9 Best Firm Mattresses, According to Expert Testing

A favorite brand of our tester panel, Saatva consistently aces our evaluations in every aspect, from the purchase process to overall performance. The Classic Mattress is Saatva's most popular model and receives top praise from our panelists and experts alike, especially for its excellent edge support and how well the mattress has lasted over time. The brand offers users both free white glove delivery and a generous year-long trial period (although it does require a $99 pick-up fee in the event you choose to return the mattress).

How firm is it? Saatva rates its "firm" as an 8 out of 10 and its "luxury firm" as a 5 to 7 out of 10. Our testers for the luxury firm called it between "a bit firm" and "fairly firm" while those with the firm version rated it as "extremely firm."

Tester notes: The Classic Mattress receives consistent praise from our panelists, including those who have owned it for over five years. It received top marks for overall comfort, support and sleep quality. Testers highlighted the firm feel, breathability and superior edge support of the innerspring. One of our analysts says it has "redefined what true edge support should feel like."

Still, it's important to note that many users found it ran firmer than expected, especially compared to the showroom models they tried.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: The Saatva Mattress is Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed

Opting for a more affordable option when shopping for your next mattress doesn't mean you'll have to sacrifice comfort and support if you're looking for something firm. Allswell consistently performs well in our evaluations, outperforming many brands. This style is the brand's firmest mattress and it's made from individually wrapped coils with a few layers of foam on top for pressure-relieving benefits without compromising too much on firmness.

How firm is it? Allswell doesn't score the firmness of the mattress but calls it "firm." Our testers generally agree, rating it fairly firm, though not extremely firm. Our most recent tester told us it initially felt soft but firmed up over time.

Tester notes: While you may be wary of the DIY setup process, none of our panelists reported issues unboxing their Allswell mattresses, and our most recent tester even commented on how easy it was. The Brick earned top scores from users for comfort and support, and one tester who previously slept on innerspring mattresses told us she loved the firmness of this model.

The caveat is that some of our panelists and testers noted that the brand's mattresses don't have the best edge support, especially over time, so the mattress may sag when you're sitting on the edge.

Our consumer testers who prefer a firm feel consistently rave about Stearns & Foster's offerings, and this style contains a complex coil system that offers premium support. Built with a thoughtful design, the mattress has nondescript handles around all four edges for easier transporting, and each mattress is made to order to ensure attention to detail. Plus, the brand is available in mattress stores across the country, so you can try out the bed for yourself before buying.

How firm is it? The "firm" version is rated a 9 out of 10 on the brand's firmness scale while the "pillow top firm" falls between a 7 and an 8 with a more cushioned surface. Our most recent tester for this bed rated the pillow top as "fairly firm."

Tester notes: While it comes at a steep price, users on our tester panel gave Stearns & Foster mattresses high praise and top scores for sleep quality. After reviewing responses from over 150 owners, this mattress stood out for its firm feel and high level of support. It's impressed our Lab experts too: One described his first night on the mattress as a "revelation" and commented, "I love how firm and structured the mattress felt. I've been sleeping much more soundly."

While the made-to-order format means that some users found that it took a few weeks for the mattress to arrive, they ultimately noted it was worth the wait.

This hybrid mattress truly stands out for its thoughtful, ergonomic design that has blown away several of our consumer testers and product experts. Designed to provide just the right amount of pressure relief and support, it uses several targeted zones around areas like the hips and back to provide precise cushioning where you need it the most. While it's a newer release, its impact on sleep quality has been described as "nothing short of amazing" by testers.

How firm is it? Bear calls the Firm a 7 out of 10 and our most recent testers agree, calling it "fairly firm." Past testers also found the Medium (a 6 out of 10 per the brand) ran firm as well.

Tester notes: It's received glowing reviews for its overall comfort, support and perceived impact on sleep quality from our testers, including one who finds herself sleeping through her alarms for the first time in years. One tester said, "I suffer from back pain and with this mattress, I wake up pain-free." She even called it the "most comfortable mattress" she has ever slept on. When we looked at the model firsthand, one of our analysts noticed the zoned support almost immediately and said she "instantly felt comfortable" on the bed.

Note that while Bear says the Celliant fibers use infrared technology to promote recovery, we weren't able to verify these claims in our evaluation.

While no mattress can resolve underlying conditions, some can certainly help alleviate back and hip pain by promoting neutral spinal alignment. Nolah has received glowing reviews from dozens of our panelists and testers, including many users who suffer from lower back pain. Made with several layers of pressure-relieving foam, the tall bed offers cushioning comfort to cradle your pressure points.

How firm is it? While the brand calls it a 7 to 8 out of 10, many of our testers found it runs slightly soft and feels medium-firm rather than firm. Still, physicians we've spoken to often recommend medium to medium-firm mattresses to those with joint pain.

Tester notes: Many consumer testers and panel members who suffer from back and hip pain said that Nolah's mattresses helped ease their pain compared to other mattresses they've slept on. Several owners told us they were surprised the Nolah mattress truly made a difference and reported less soreness when waking up. Many highlighted the pressure relief provided by the foam but noted that the "foam bounces back to retain its support even when changing positions."

Still, several owners found it heavy for a boxed mattress due to its tall profile. A few testers also noted it offered less edge support than their previous hybrid mattress.

If you know you prefer a firm mattress but aren't sure how firm, this pick from Brooklyn Bedding is reversible, which means you can try out both a "firm" and "extra firm" level to find the best fit. It's got a hybrid design, meaning it combines memory foam with coils for a balance of cushioning comfort and essential support.

How firm is it? On a scale of 1 to 10, the brand rates the Firm side a 7 and the Extra Firm a 9. Recent testers rated the Firm side as "fairly firm" and the Extra Firm as "extremely firm."

Tester notes: Owners on our panel and our testers were impressed by its thoughtful design and sturdy feel. Several called it "comfortable" and applauded the excellent motion isolation. One consumer immediately noticed how dense and secure it felt compared to her previous foam mattress. Plus, our most recent tester shared, "This is by far the best mattress I have slept on in my adult life."

Just note that despite the reversible design, the individual sides aren't labeled, but the brand says that when the bed's "Plank" label is upright, the extra firm side is on top.

The feel of a Purple mattress is completely unique from others on the market. Instead of the typical foam, the brand uses its signature GelFlex Grid — an elastic layer with a squishy quality that feels both firm and pressure-relieving at the same time. The material offers great motion isolation for couples and has inherent breathability due to the structure. That makes it a great choice for anyone who sleeps hot, especially since it's combined with coils which are also breathable.

How firm is it? Purple doesn't offer a firmness rating for this model, but our most recent tester described it as falling between "a bit firm" and "fairly firm."

Tester notes: A one-of-a-kind mattress brand, Purple excels in our evaluations. Several users commented on the breathable, cool feel with one comparing it to "sleeping on air." Another even found it too cool to sleep in during the winter. Others highlight how this model has the perfect firm feel without feeling so hard that it fails to cradle your pressure points.

One analyst described it as "soft enough that it hugs your body, but firm enough that you don't feel like you're sinking into the bed." The caveat is that some users told us the delivery took longer than expected.

Whether you're looking for an organic option or simply aren't a fan of memory foam, this organic hybrid from Avocado is an excellent option. It uses latex foam for a springy feel that contours to your body without collapsing under your body weight, resulting in a more responsive feel than foam. On top of that, it's certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard and the Global Organic Latex Standard, which means the entire manufacturing process is fully organic and abides by strict standards. Plus, if you're on the fence, the brand offers a generous 365-day trial period.

How firm is it? Avocado describes its Firm version as a 7 out of 10 and previously called it a "gentle firm." Our testers agree, with the majority of feedback saying it falls between "a bit firm" and "fairly firm."

Tester notes: Our evaluations show that Avocado doesn't sacrifice quality or comfort to maintain a strong commitment to sustainability. Panel members gave this model high scores for its comfort and support, with one calling it “unbelievably comfortable.” Another user commented that after years of on-and-off shoulder and back pain, they were shocked that they hadn't experienced it since they switched to this mattress. Others have told us it runs fairly firm and highlighted the bouncy feel and exceptional breathability of the latex.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Avocado's Green Mattress is the Best Organic Mattress on the Market

Skip the guesswork when searching for a bed that's just the right amount of firm and customize your exact preferred firmness level with this adjustable mattress. It's a great pick for couples who have different preferences since the built-in, adjustable air chambers allow you to select individual settings for each side of the bed. The mattress works to keep you at your selected firmness all night, automatically adjusting if you switch positions. It also offers optional sleep-tracking capabilities without having to wear a smartwatch to bed.

Sleep Number mattresses require a matching bed base, but the brand offers a few options, from a simple base to one with adjustable positions and optional feet warming.

How firm is it? Because of its adjustable nature, it's entirely customizable, and users who prefer firm beds said they were able to find their perfect "firm."

Tester notes: It's one of the most expensive models on our list, but hundreds of users frequently comment that it was well worth the investment. Not only does the bed constantly receive high scores for comfort, support and sleep quality, but it truly affords users the chance to select the exact level of firmness they want. Many of our testers even told us that they won't go back to any other type of mattress. On top of that, the brand's mattresses are backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, so rest assured that this model has been heavily vetted by our Lab experts.