We Tested The Best Firm Mattresses to Melt Away Aches and Pains

For some, enveloping yourself in a cloud-like bed of plushness is the key to a good night’s sleep. For others, the idea of sinking into a mattress is about as appealing as skydiving into a black hole. If you fall into the latter category—or if you’re dealing with chronic back pain—you’re probably in the market for a mattress that’s firm, supportive and built to last. 

To find the very best, I tapped seven PureWow editors to test today’s top-rated models, from the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid (our overall winner) to the ultra-supportive Airweave (a lifesaver for back pain) to the Finch mattress by Nest Bedding (a customizable pick beloved by couples). After months of sleep trials, tossing, turning and plenty of note-taking, here are the firm mattresses we’d buy again and again.

To separate the truly firm mattresses from the ones that just say they’re firm, we had PureWow editors sleep-test each model for at least 30 nights, taking notes on comfort, support and durability. We measured every bed against the industry-standard firmness scale of one to ten (where one is marshmallow-soft and ten is rock-hard), looking for standouts in the medium-firm (six to seven), firm (seven to eight) and extra-firm (nine to ten) categories. We also considered how each mattress performed for different sleep styles—whether it kept a side sleeper’s hips cushioned, a back sleeper’s spine aligned, or a restless partner from waking the other with motion transfer.

Beyond firmness, we paid close attention to materials (from latex and memory foam to hybrid coil builds), temperature regulation, and edge support. Finally, because buying a mattress online can feel like a leap of faith, we factored in each brand’s trial period and return policy, since a generous trial makes it easier to truly test whether a mattress lives up to its claims.

1. Firmness level: The first question you should ask yourself is, *how* firm do I need this mattress to be? According to clinical sleep health expert Terry Cralle, RN: “A firm mattress [has] little or no indentation when you sit or lay on it…Extra firm mattresses will have no indentation, and medium-firm mattresses will show little indentation under body weight.” She also explains how mattress firmness is measured on a scale from one to ten (where level one is the softest, and 10 tends to be hard as a rock). So below, Cralle breaks down three of the firmest levels you can choose from:

• Medium-firm (levels 6-7): Medium-firm mattresses feature adequate softness at the top to relieve pressure on your body. These are the best option for side sleepers, where they offer ample support for your feet, spine and head.
• Firm (levels 7-8): Firm mattresses often feature a sturdy coil system coupled with several layers of compressed and upholstery. Such mattresses deliver minimal sinkage, making them the best choice for back sleepers.
• Extra-firm (levels 9-10): Extra-firm mattresses have a strong foundation that is tailored to absorb weight and motion. They also have remarkable edge support, which means you won’t have to worry about it sagging.

2. Support and sleep type: First and foremost, what do you need most from your mattress? If you suffer from chronic back pain, you’ll want to prioritize a mattress that can offer support. Or, if you’re a side sleeper, you’ll want to look for something that can mold to your body and offer pressure relief. Dr. Frank Siraguso of Revive Chiropractic writes: “One question I hear often is, ‘What is the best mattress for back pain?’ My answer is always the same: You need a medium-firm, hybrid, memory foam or latex mattress.” Indeed, according to a recent study, patients with medium-firm mattresses reported an improvement in chronic low back pain, while extra-firm mattresses proved to be better for spinal alignment. “Back sleepers with aches and pains would benefit from a firm or ultra-firm mattress because of its added support. A side sleeper would benefit from a medium-firm mattress because of its pressure relief,” Dr. Siraguso adds. However, “a hard mattress does not equal a firm mattress. In fact, a hard mattress could increase your back pain by not allowing proper relief from your pressure points. A firm mattress will have an equal amount of both support and pressure relief.”

3. Materials: Speaking of mattress types, make sure you’re clear on which materials will offer you the most comfort. “A medium-firm hybrid mattress made of pocketed coils and several layers of memory foam or latex materials would work great for most conditions, like chronic back pain or a bad back,” says Dr. Siraguso. “Latex mattresses are typically more buoyant than memory foam mattresses. This means that they adjust to your sleep position a little quicker, and are more responsive than traditional memory foam, making latex mattresses best for side sleepers.” He also mentions the cooling benefits of latex, which is a bonus if you’re a sweaty sleeper. “Latex is less dense and usually an open-celled material. This allows for better airflow and cool sleeping,” Dr. Siraguso explains. It’s worth mentioning, however, that latex can get pricey. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, gel memory foam uses phase-changing technology that’s proven to draw heat away from your body and provide a cooler night’s sleep.

4. Trial period and returns: One of the perks of buying a mattress online is that you don’t need to spend a Saturday hopping from bed to bed in-store (with an eager salesperson breathing down your neck). Nowadays, most companies offer a trial period that can span from 30 to 90 days, depending on the brand. Otherwise, most retailers offer a 30-plus-day return period if you’re not feeling the mattress after a few weeks. Just be sure to check that policy applies to your model (AKA: read the fine print). Furthermore, if you’re ordering through Amazon, ensure you’re reading the vendor’s specific return policies.