Best firm memory foam mattress
Nectar
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Avocado Green mattress
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Helix Plus
Getting a feel for the Saatva Classic mattress.
The Saatva Classic is a high-end mattress with three different firmness levels and two height profiles to choose from. Since each mattress is made to order, you’ll essentially get a customized bed that fits your preferences and needs. Unlike other beds I’ve tested, it also has an ultra-supportive design. Inside, the Saatva Classic boasts two coil layers and extra lumbar reinforcements.
Note that all prices quoted are the list price for a queen size, not including the frequent deals these brands offer.
Read more: Mattress Firmness Scale Explained
Video: Best firm mattress
Watch CNET senior video producer Owen Poole review the best firm mattresses.
Best firm mattresses of 2024
<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best firm mattress overall" description="
Why we chose the Saatva Classic mattress: The Saatva Classic mattress is a premium mattress worthy of a fancy five-star hotel room. Most of Saatva Classic’s firmness options are on the firm end of the spectrum, meaning you can buy a hybrid mattress with a medium-firm or solid-firm profile. Looking for even more support? The Saatva Classic has two different coil layers and a Lumbar Support Spinal Wire for all the added reinforcements you could ask for. I also love its cozy, airy pillow top covered with organic cotton.
It’s constructed with multiple layers of innerspring coils with luxury foams, the Lumbar Active Spinal Wire I mentioned for improved back support, multiple comfort layers and a big, fluffy pillow top cushion. In the center is memory foam that provides special lumbar support so your spine stays aligned. It still offers pressure relief, especially when you’re sleeping on your side — something that many other firm mattresses fall short on. I’d even dub the Saatva Classic as one of the best firm mattress picks for people with back pain.
The Saatva mattress comes with three firmness options and two mattress heights: 11.5 inches and 14.5 inches. This essentially gives you the option to customize your firm mattress more because you can choose how soft or supportive you want it to be. Keep in mind, if you go with the deeper mattress, make sure you’re also getting deep-pocket sheets. Read more in our full Saatva Classic mattress review.
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Our take – The Saatva Classic mattress is a premium mattress worthy of a fancy five-star hotel room. Most of Saatva Classic’s firmness options are on the firm end of the spectrum, meaning you can buy a hybrid mattress with a medium-firm or solid-firm profile. Looking for even more support? The Saatva Classic has two different coil layers and a Lumbar Support Spinal Wire for all the added reinforcements you could ask for. I also love its cozy, airy pillow top covered with organic cotton.
Type
hybrid mattress
Firmness
Medium: (5)
Trial
365 nights
Warranty
lifetime warranty
Pros & Cons
- Multiple firmness and height options available
- Dual-coil construction makes for extra support
- Lumbar Spinal Wire is great for back pain sufferers
- Suits all body types
<div content="LIST ITEM" superlative="Best firm mattress in a box" description="
Why we chose the Plank mattress: Flippable mattresses aren’t as common in the mattress market, so this is a unique design that helps set the Plank mattress apart from other beds on our best firm mattress list. It may not be an ideal bed for heavier sleepers because of its foam construction, but Plank is one of the best firm mattress picks for back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds who want versatility and firmness at an affordable cost.
The Plank is very properly named, and it’s one of the firmest beds in our best firm mattress review. It’s a foam bed-in-a-box mattress from Brooklyn Bedding that measures over 11 inches thick and has a flippable construction. That way, you get two firm profiles in one mattress. Whether you want a medium-firm feel with some pressure relief or a supportive, firm feel, you have the option to choose.
As far as feel goes, this mattress has a responsive, neutral-foam feel that contours your curves without making you feel like you’re sinking into the mattress as you get with some memory foam beds. This is especially nice for people who toss and turn often during the night as it’s much easier to move around on.
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Our take – Flippable mattresses aren’t as common in the mattress market, so this is a unique design that helps set the Plank mattress apart from other beds on our best firm mattress list. It may not be an ideal bed for heavier sleepers because of its foam construction, but Plank is one of the best firm mattress picks for back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds who want versatility and firmness at an affordable cost.
Photo Gallery Cons
- Won’t be as supportive for heavier sleepers over 230 pounds
The Plank is very properly named, and it’s one of the firmest beds in our best firm mattress review. It’s a foam bed-in-a-box mattress from Brooklyn Bedding that measures over 11 inches thick and has a flippable construction. That way, you get two firm profiles in one mattress. Whether you want a medium-firm feel with some pressure relief or a supportive, firm feel, you have the option to choose.
As far as feel goes, this mattress has a responsive, neutral-foam feel that contours your curves without making you feel like you’re sinking into the mattress as you get with some memory foam beds. This is especially nice for people who toss and turn often during the night as it’s much easier to move around on.
Sub rating
Performance
8/10
Support
10/10
Policies
7/10
Durability
8.5/10
Features
9/10
Photo Gallery Cons
- No extra features
- Strong off-gassing when you open it
- Not the best choice for people over 250 pounds
Dreamfoam is a subbrand of Brooklyn Bedding that makes extremely affordable mattresses. The cheapest option is the new Dreamfoam Doze, an all-foam mattress in three thicknesses: 7, 9 or 11 inches. The thicker the constructions go, the softer they get. People who want a firm budget bed should stick with either the 7-inch (firm) or the 9-inch (medium-firm).
Since it’s a budget mattress, it won’t have all the bells and whistles that other beds on the list have; there’s no zoned support or cooling covers. That said, don’t let the price suggest the quality isn’t as high. While testing, we were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the Dreamfoam Doze mattress was. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a cheap, comfortable mattress with a neutral foam feel. Read more in our Dreamfoam Doze mattress review.
Sub rating
Performance
8/10
Support
7/10
Policies
7/10
Durability
7/10
Features
8/10
