The 12 Best Firm Mattresses of 2023

Best Overall

Saatva Classic Mattress

4.2

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The first difference you'll notice with the Saatva Classic Mattress is that it doesn't arrive compressed in a box like many other popular online retailer mattresses. This is because the Saatva is primarily an innerspring mattress, with tempered steel base coils topped by individually pocketed coils. However, it also incorporates foam mattress innovations, with a layer of high-density memory foam running through the middle of the mattress to provide targeted lumbar support. Finally, there's the organic cotton pillow top.

The foam components of the Saatva Classic are all certified by CertiPUR-US, a non-profit that verifies that mattress foam exceeds emissions and materials standards, with no fiberglass, formaldehyde, mercury, or other heavy metals. The mattress also has durable edge support to prevent sagging and make it easier to get in and out of bed.

"I fell in love with this mattress pretty much immediately," our tester said. "I would often wake up with lower back pain, but the firmness on this mattress is perfect. In the first few weeks it softened slightly, which is to be expected. But so far it is still providing top notch support and comfort. I haven't slept this well in a while."

She did note, however, that the Saatva was a little warmer than she expected.

Although Saatva has a number of features designed for lower back support, another one of our testers praised the Saatva Classic's versatility. "It was just as soft and comfortable when I slept on my back as when I slept on my side, as if it knew just how to adapt to my varying sleeping positions," they said.

The Saatva Classic Mattress is a particularly great pick for anyone looking for a firm mattress because it is available in two different firmnesses (plus a third "Plush Soft" option). "Luxury Firm" is more cushioned, and designed to sleep similarly to the bouncy but solid mattresses you'd find in a luxury hotel. "Firm" is less forgiving, and is meant to keep you from sinking into the mattress almost entirely. Saatva recommends it most for people whose doctors advise the purchase of a firm mattress.

The mattress also boasts free white glove delivery and setup and a 180-night sleep trial. It's available in all standard sizes, as well as twin XL and split king, and you can choose from two mattress heights. The Saatva Classic also features a lifetime warranty, which will replace your mattress within the first two years of its lifespan. After two years, repairs and re-coverings are still available for a $149 processing fee.

Price at time of publish (Queen): $1,580

_{Type: Innerspring with hybrid features | Material: Organic cotton, memory foam, recycled steel, tempered steel | Thickness: 11.5 or 14.5 inches | Firmness: Firm | Warranty: Lifetime}

Best Budget

Allswell The Brick Mattress

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We realize catching Zs on a literal brick probably doesn't sound very comfortable, but don't worry. It's definitely not too hard—the name is just a way to make it clear that this is the brand's firmest, most supportive mattress. It's got a sturdy base of individually wrapped coils to minimize motion transfer, plus edge support to prevent you from rolling off or sinking down if you sit on it.

Above the innerspring system is a thick layer of high-density foam for support and stability, then an inch of copper-infused memory foam. As a conductive material, copper has a temperature-regulating effect that helps cool you down if you overheat.

This all-star hybrid mattress arrives at your doorstep in compressed packaging. Just bear in mind the box will be heavy (the queen size is 90 pounds), and it'll take about 24 hours to expand. We appreciate the Brick's reasonable price tag, generous warranty, and free returns. You can also opt to have Allswell remove your old mattress for an additional fee.

Price at time of publish (Queen): $699

_{Type: Hybrid | Material: Coils, high-density foam, copper-infused memory foam | Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Firm | Warranty: 10 years}

Best Splurge

Stearns & Foster Lux Estate Cassatt Mattress

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Stearns & Foster's Lux Estate Cassatt Mattress is available in three firmness levels, ranging from Luxury Plush to Luxury Ultra Firm, and can be additionally customized with a pillow top layer. There's a ventilated innerspring system at the base to encourage air circulation and prevent overheating. Just above, you've got two layers of fabric-encased micro-coils that promise to adapt to the needs of all sleepers. Next is a layer of CertiPUR-US certified, Tempur-Pedic memory foam, followed by quilted padding. The stretchy cover is Tencel lyocell, a naturally sweat-wicking fabric.

Since this mattress is 14.5 inches thick, make sure you get an extra-deep fitted sheet.

Price at time of publish (Queen): $2,749

_{Type: Hybrid | Material: Encased coils, memory foam, Tencel | Thickness: 14.5 inches | Firmness: Firm or extra-firm | Warranty: 10 years}

Best for Back Pain

Boll & Branch The Mattress

4.8

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Our tester loved the soft yet supportive, medium-firm design, and luxurious comfort offered by Boll & Branch's The Mattress. Additionally, she was a fan of the cooling effect. This is achieved with various natural materials, including graphite-infused latex and thermal-regulating wool.

The hybrid design also features upwards of 2,000 micro-coils that offer head-to-toe support while isolating movement. (Our tester said the springs sometimes make noise when you climb on.) The mattress is divided into three different zones, ensuring that the upper zone supports your shoulders and the center zone supports your lower back, providing targeted support to encourage the best possible sleeping alignment.

Rather than foam, The Mattress also incorporates more natural textiles, including long-staple, 100 percent organic cotton and natural latex.

Price at time of publish (Queen): $2,600

_{Type: Hybrid | Material: Steel coils, wool-poly blend, graphite-infused latex | Thickness: 13.5 inches | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: 10 years}

Best Hybrid

Bear Luxury Hybrid Mattress

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For those on the fence between springs and foam, the Bear Hybrid provides the best of both worlds. This medium-firm mattress flaunts a foundation of fabric-encased coils, followed by a responsive comfort foam, then copper-infused memory foam. Copper is antimicrobial, so it won't harbor the bacteria that cause odors, plus it helps draw heat away from your body.

The surface features plush quilting and Feran Ice, a patented sweat-wicking textile with a cool-to-the-touch feel. This mattress also has edge support to keep you from rolling off. Since it's pretty heavy (the queen is over 100 pounds), we recommend unboxing it in the room where it'll end up.

Price at time of publish (Queen): $1,299

_{Type: Hybrid | Material: Copper-infused memory foam, comfort foam, fabric-encased coils | Thickness: 13 inches | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: Lifetime}

Best Innerspring

Kingsdown Prime Parkman Firm Innerspring Mattress

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Innerspring mattresses are often considered the firmest type, but most modern models also feature a layer of foam. This is the case with the ​​Kingsdown Prime Parkman. It has a robust innerspring system with hundreds of individually wrapped coils for firm, responsive support, plus a coiled perimeter for durable edge support.

On top is gel-infused memory foam that meets CertiPUR-US safety standards and a quilted surface with more gel fibers. The top layers help keep your body cool while relieving pressure points. This mattress does a great job of isolating movement too. Just a heads up, since it's made to order, it'll take a few weeks to ship.

Price at time of publish (Queen): $697

_{Type: Innerspring | Material: Pocket coils, gel-infused memory foam | Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Firm | Warranty: 10 years}

Best Thin

Lucid 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress

4.2

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This 10-inch-thick model is made of memory foam with a layer of cooling gel on top to prevent you from overheating at night. The base layer is also ventilated for extra breathability.

All foams are CertiPUR-US certified, so you can rest assured they're free of formaldehyde and VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This mattress doesn't have edge support, but the firmness helps prevent sinking. Beyond the budget-friendly price and responsive design, we like that it comes in 10 sizes. You can expect it to expand fully just a few hours after unboxing it.

It's a fantastic budget pick as well.

Price at time of publish (Queen): $450

_{Type: Foam | Material: Memory foam, gel | Thickness: 10 inches | Firmness: Firm | Warranty: 10 years}

Best Memory Foam

Signature Design by Ashley Chime Firm Memory Foam Mattress

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The firm, responsive memory foam found in the Signature Design by Ashley Chime material offers the perfect balance of support and body-conforming comfort. There's also a layer of high-density foam on the bottom for extra support and stability.

All foams are CertiPUR-US certified for chemical safety. While there's no built-in edge support, the firmness helps prevent you from sinking and rolling off. This affordable bed-in-a-box arrives in compressed packaging, so it might take up to three days to fully expand.

Price at time of publish (Queen): $300

_{Type: Foam | Material: Memory foam, high-density foam | Thickness: 8–12 inches | Firmness: Firm | Warranty: 10 years}

Best Zoned Support

Helix Dawn Luxe Hybrid Mattress

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Helix's Dawn Luxe features zoned support. While it's an all-around firm mattress, it's thoughtfully designed to meet your body's varying needs from head to toe. The lower section is firmer to cradle your hips and help align your spine, then slightly softer at the shoulders.

This hybrid mattress has a dense foam base, then individually wrapped support coils, followed by ergonomic foam, body-contouring memory foam, and finally, a top layer of the brand's signature Dynamic Foam (a latex-foam hybrid).

The medium-firm Midnight Luxe version was highly rated our tester, who said the firmness description was accurate. Since the Dawn Luxe is 14 inches thick, you'll need an extra-deep fitted sheet.

Price at time of publish (Queen): $1,849

_{Type: Hybrid | Material: High-density foam, memory foam, support foam, latex-foam hybrid, pocket coils, Tencel | Thickness: 14 inches | Firmness: Firm | Warranty: 15 years}

Best for Back Sleepers

Serta Perfect Sleeper Firm Innerspring Mattress

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Calling back sleepers! Serta's Perfect Sleeper was designed with you in mind. This notably firm hybrid mattress has hundreds of densely packed, fabric-encased metal coils to prevent motion transfer and provide spine-aligning support from the neck down. Above the innerspring system is a layer of cooling and responsive gel-infused memory foam.

The surface features soft quilting, and there's edge support around the entire perimeter. This mattress is made to help back sleepers rest soundly without tossing and turning, though it might be slightly too firm for folks to snooze on their sides.

Price at time of publish (Queen): $699

_{Type: Hybrid | Material: Coils, gel-infused memory foam | Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Firm | Warranty: 10 years}

Best for Side Sleepers

Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress

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About 60 percent of adults sleep on their sides. If you're part of the majority, Parachute's Eco Comfort Mattress might be the way to go. While extra-firm models aren't always ideal for side sleepers, this one is about a seven out of 10 on the firmness scale, which is just right.

The multi-layered design has a wool pad at the base, then pocketed spring coils with varying levels of zoned support for your shoulders, hips, and feet. Just above is an additional wool pad for temperature-regulating insulation, followed by one more layer of fabric-wrapped micro-coils that promise to isolate movement and contour to your unique shape. Then there's yet another wool pad, and finally, organic cotton quilting on the surface. All things considered, we just wish the price wasn't so steep.

Price at time of publish (Queen): $2,399

_{Type: Innerspring | Material: Coils, organic cotton, wool | Thickness: 12 inches | Firmness: Medium-firm | Warranty: 10 years}