8 Best Firm Mattresses in 2026: Tested and Reviewed by Sleep Experts

If your days are full of long hours and high stakes, a firm mattress can be a performance tool rather than just a comfort preference. We put in the testing and selected our favorites for the eight best firm mattresses in 2026 to help support you all night so that you can feel like your best self all day.

Why Trust Fortune

Our team of expert testers has tried around 30 of the most popular mattresses and brands on the market today, using our comprehensive sleep testing methodology to find the best mattresses for all folks. 

Best Firm Mattresses of 2026

• Best Firm Mattress Overall: Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm
• Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers: Leesa Sapira Chill
• Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers: DreamCloud Classic Hybrid
• Best Cooling Firm Mattress: WinkBed Plus
• Best Luxury Firm Mattress: Saatva Classic
• Best Firm Hybrid Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
• Best Budget Firm Mattress: Bear Original
• Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Nolah Evolution

Best Firm Mattress Comparison Table

Mattress	Type	Firmness	Cooling	Cost
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm	Memory foam	Extra-firm	Glaciotex cooling cover	$749
Leesa Sapira Chill	Hybrid	Plush, medium-firm, firm	Cooling top	$2,589
DreamCloud Classic Hybrid	Hybrid	Firm	Cooling fiber technology	$1,892
WinkBed Plus	Hybrid	Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus	Eucalyptus-Derived Tencel® Cover	$1,999
Saatva Classic	Innerspring	Plush soft, luxury firm, firm	Organic cotton cover	$2,179
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid	Hybrid	Soft, medium, firm	Premium quilted top	$1,465
Bear Original	Memory foam	Firm	Breathable quilted cover	$998
Nolah Evolution	Hybrid	Plush, luxury firm, firm	Organic cotton cover	$2,277

Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm
Type	Memory foam
Firmness	Extra-firm
Cooling	Glaciotex cooling cover
Cost	$749
Leesa Sapira Chill
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Plush, medium-firm, firm
Cooling	Cooling top
Cost	$2,589
DreamCloud Classic Hybrid
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Firm
Cooling	Cooling fiber technology
Cost	$1,892
WinkBed Plus
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus
Cooling	Eucalyptus-Derived Tencel® Cover
Cost	$1,999
Saatva Classic
Type	Innerspring
Firmness	Plush soft, luxury firm, firm
Cooling	Organic cotton cover
Cost	$2,179
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Soft, medium, firm
Cooling	Premium quilted top
Cost	$1,465
Bear Original
Type	Memory foam
Firmness	Firm
Cooling	Breathable quilted cover
Cost	$998
Nolah Evolution
Type	Hybrid
Firmness	Plush, luxury firm, firm
Cooling	Organic cotton cover
Cost	$2,277

Best Firm Mattress Overall: Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm

Our Thoughts on the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm

Brooklyn Bedding’s Plank Firm is our pick for the best firm mattress overall because it has two firmness options in one bed. It’s flippable, allowing you to choose between firm and extra firm. The Plank Firm is an all-foam mattress with a 6-inch high-density foam layer and a 2-inch supreme response comfort foam, both of which provide firm support while allowing for contouring. 

Kate, a 25-year-old lightweight side sleeper (under 130 pounds) tested the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm on the extra-firm side. She felt best while lying on her stomach, rating it a 4 out of 5 for pressure relief in this position. “I’m not a stomach sleeper, but this is how I felt best lying on this mattress. My chest was raised up enough to be equal to my hips, and there was no weird dipping in my lower back,” Kate said. “I didn’t feel restricted or pushed in my chest, and with a low loft pillow, this felt really good.”

She rated the motion isolation test a 5 out of 5, feeling little disturbance throughout the assessment. “The motion isolation from the water/bouncy ball test was fantastic! There was no disturbance in the water when I got in and out of bed, and only slight movement from the bouncy balls when I changed positions,” Kate said. “The balls settled quickly, which shows that the bed didn’t have any residual movement and absorbed the motion very well.”

Kate also felt great during the couples’ motion test, rating it a 4.5 out of 5. This is a great bed for couples who may have different sleeping schedules and don’t want to wake their partner when getting in and out of bed, she said. Throughout the test, she barely felt her testing partner as they got in and out of bed. 

Our tester reported some warmth while evaluating the cooling aspects of the Plank Firm. “It did start to feel a little warm under me while I was lying on the bed, especially by the end of the two minutes,” Kate said. It wasn’t too dramatic; she didn’t feel that she was roasting, though it was noticeable. If you’re looking for a firm bed with more cooling, we recommend the Leesa Sapira Chill, which is next up on our list.

Best Firm Mattress for Back Sleepers: Leesa Sapira Chill

Our Thoughts on the Leesa Sapira Chill

The Leesa Sapira Chill, one of our favorite Leesa beds, is our pick for the best firm mattress for back sleepers because it has over a thousand individually wrapped coils, with a special zone with firmer coils to support your hips and lumbar area. It also uses gel-infused and responsive, more traditional foam above the coils to still provide a comfort layer, so it’s not too board-like.

Our tester Kayla is a 34-year-old combination sleeper of average weight (130 to 220 pounds for our testing purposes). She rated lying on her back on the Leesa Sapira Chill as a 5 out of 5. “This mattress feels amazing on my back. There is a bouncy quality to it which hugs every part of my body,” she said. “My body feels light and almost like it’s floating on top of the mattress.” Kayla has slept on this mattress for six months now and thinks its “top-tier” for folks who sleep on their back.

Kayla loved the cooling aspects of this bed. “The mattress was noticeably cool when I laid down and felt almost like lying on a bed of snow,” she said. “As I tested the mattress, the icy feel did soften but remained cool and became more temperature neutral.” Given the cooling abilities, those sharing the bed with another person or pets may like this pick, as beds tend to warm up quickly with more body heat.

Our tester also felt incredibly supported by this mattress, giving the edge support a 5 out of 5 rating. She mentioned feeling a bit of bounce that helped her get in and out of bed.  

Kayla noted that the mattress sinks slightly, but is firm, and the slight movement allows for bounce to assist you as you get in and out of bed. She tried exaggerating her body movement off the edge of the bed, and even then, she still felt safe and did not feel like she would fall. We recommend this mattress for folks who are looking for assistance getting in and out of bed and extra edge support.

Best Firm Mattress for Side Sleepers: DreamCloud Classic Hybrid

Our Thoughts on the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid

The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is our pick for the best firm mattress for side sleepers because it offers a firmness that provides support while not allowing too much sinkage into the mattress. The 8-inch coils also prevent your spine from dipping while on your side, helping keep your body aligned. 

Our tester Courtney is a 29-year-old combination sleeper, meaning she alternates stomach and side sleeping, of average weight (130 pounds to 220 pounds for our purposes). Courtney felt this mattress curve to the side of her body nicely, particularly in her hips and shoulders. “My spine feels pleasant and there is no discomfort in my shoulder or neck,” she said.

She rated the DreamCloud Classic a 5 out of 5 for pressure relief on her side. Given how well this bed supports your neck and shoulders, we think it’s a suitable pick for those who prefer to sleep on their side.

If you’re a warm sleeper, this budget-friendly model is a good choice, too. “This mattress remained a comfortable temperature,” Courtney said, adding that it “did not feel warm to the touch after I got up.” It took approximately 4 minutes, 15 seconds to return to its baseline temperature after Courtney got out of bed, scoring a 4 out of 5 on the cooling gun test.

For the motion isolation test, which involves monitoring the movement of a container of bouncy balls on the bed, Courtney gave this mattress a 4 out of 5. “As I initially got on the mattress and laid down, there was some movement of the balls used in the test, but more of a wave rather than a jolt,” she wrote. “As I shifted around, the balls continued to slowly shift but were not disturbed again when I rolled onto my back or got off the mattress.” 

It’s worth noting that if you purchase the DreamCloud Classic, you’ll also get some accessories, such as a mattress protector, sheet set, and two cooling pillows—a deal you can’t even get with some of the best luxury mattresses.

Best Cooling Firm Mattress: WinkBed Plus

Our Thoughts on the WinkBed Plus

The WinkBed Plus is our pick for the best cooling firm mattress because it has both temperature regulation and specialized support designed for larger body types. Its design combines a breathable, moisture-wicking cover, gel-infused foam, and a zoned coil system—all of which encourage continuous airflow and effective heat dissipation throughout the night. Not to mention, it’s one of our team’s top picks in our WinkBeds review.

Kate, a 25-year-old side sleeper in the lightweight category (130 pounds or less for our purposes), tested the WinkBed Plus and loved its cooling features. “The mattress honestly felt pretty cool the whole time that I was lying on it. I can’t feel a difference between the covers and where I’m lying,” she wrote. “The pillow I was using was noticeably warmer than the mattress, which is unusual!” This mattress earned a 5 out of 5 on the cooling gun test, as it returned to baseline temperature in three minutes and twenty seconds, which is one of the quickest on our list.

She rated both the motion test and the couples’ motion test as a 5 out of 5. The bouncy balls were “hardly disturbed” when she was getting in and out of the bed. There was some slight disturbance when she changed positions close to the container, but they settled quickly, so disruption only seemed to happen with jerky movements, according to Kate.

Kate didn’t feel her co-tester getting in or out of the bed during the couples’ motion test; she only noticed slight rocking when her partner switched positions near her. “The movement was so subtle, I don’t think it would wake me up or disrupt me when trying to fall asleep,” she recalled.

Our tester rated the overall firmness of this mattress a 7 out of 10. Kate felt good pressure relief while on her side, giving it a 4 out of 5. “I could feel some slight pressure on my shoulders and my neck, but nothing that would cause me to wake up with pain,” she said. “A person of heavier weight would probably sink in just enough to get that perfect pressure relief that I am close to achieving,” she said.

Kate also mentioned that her hips felt aligned with her spine, too, and that there wasn’t any part of her body that was higher or lower than the other.

Best Luxury Firm Mattress: Saatva Classic

Our Thoughts on the Saatva Classic

The Saatva Classic is one of our favorite models from our Saatva review process. Our tester, Addie, a 25-year-old side sleeper in the lightweight category (130 pounds or less), tried the luxury firm model, which has an overall firmness rating of 8 out of 10. The Saatva Classic is a firm innerspring mattress with a flexible, durable feel while remaining cushioned and luxurious.

During our bounce test, the ball bounced 23 inches after hitting the mattress, earning a 5 out of 5 in this category. As the ball bounced more than 15 inches, that means this model is exceptionally responsive. Why does that matter? A mattress with good bounce makes it easier for you to move around in bed: rolling over, shifting, or getting in and out of bed feels much less strenuous.

During the couple’s motion test, though, Addie noted, “I could feel the tester get in and out of bed and also roll around and shift positions. I could feel active shifting. Not only could I feel the movement, I could also hear it.” Considering our tester felt a good amount of movement on the bed, she gave the Classic a 3.5 out of 5 for motion isolation. That said, if you’re someone who sleeps solo or gets up at the same time as their partner, you likely won’t experience any issues.

Addie felt minimal edge support from this luxury mattress, though. “Due to the firmness, I felt like I could easily roll off and didn’t feel like it would hold me in place. Lying on my back felt more secure than lying on my side. There wasn’t much sinking, but it didn’t feel supportive on the edges. I would rate this a 5 if only looking at sinkage but a 3 for feeling supported at the edge. I felt like I could roll off.” For those who prefer a more supportive mattress edge, we recommend the Leesa Sapira Chill.

Best Firm Hybrid Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Our Thoughts on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is our pick for the best firm hybrid, and it comes as a bed-in-a-box, with delivery and setup at a time that works best for your schedule. It combines supreme response comfort foam and variflex transition foam with 8-inch individually cased coils. It ships free and comes with a 120-night sleep trial. 

Our tester Kate loved this bed’s edge support, giving it a 5 out of 5 in this category. She felt that the mattress was comfortable even on the edges, and that it assisted her as she stood up. “I didn’t feel like I was being spring out towards the wall, but the edge gave enough lift around my thighs that it was easy to get up,” she said. 

Available in three firmness levels (soft, medium, and firm), Kate tested the firm model. While Kate was on her side, she felt like she could lie there all night and not fall off. “It was soft enough with enough support right on the edge that it was honestly pretty comfortable,” she said, rating this bed a 5 out of 5 for side support. Alongside side sleepers, stomach sleepers may enjoy this bed, as it earned a 4 out of 5 for pressure relief while stomach sleeping.

While lying on her back, Kate’s head and shoulders felt more elevated than her hips. “I think this would be great for an average weight back sleeper, but for someone who is light weight and needs more sinkage in the shoulder area, it’s not for them,” she said. We recommend this mattress for folks of average or of higher weight, who may find firmer support to fit their needs.

Best Budget Firm Mattress: Bear Original

Our Thoughts on the Bear Original

The Bear Original is our pick for the best firm mattress for budget-conscious shoppers because it retails for under $1,000 and is frequently on sale, making it the most affordable firm mattress on our list. It’s made with CertiPUR-US® certified foams, which limit movement, making it great for folks who co-sleep with a partner or pets.

Kate tested the Bear Original, rating it a 5 out of 5 for both solo motion isolation as well as couple’s motion. She says, “I couldn’t feel any movements when my testing partner was getting in or out, or when she was moving around, adjusting in the bed.” She also noted that during her solo test, the bouncy balls were hardly disturbed, and they only slightly moved when she changed positions. The balls settled quickly, barely moving. We think this mattress is a great choice for both its value and ability to reduce motion.

This is among the firmest mattresses that Kate tested. Due to her lighter weight, she felt some pressure while lying on her back, saying, “On this mattress, I cannot sink down at all, which leaves my shoulders and hips at a very awkward angle.” We recommend this mattress for folks of a higher weight who may prefer a more supportive sleep experience.

Kate enjoyed the cooling capabilities of the Bear Original, though. It didn’t noticeably heat up by any means, and the fabric didn’t feel too warm even after she tested it for more than 10 minutes. She felt that this mattress would be one to stay pretty cool throughout the night. 

The mattress’s baseline temperature was recorded as 68.8 degrees and warmed up to 78.6 degrees after Kate tested it, earning it an average score of 3.75 on our cooling test. If you’re looking for a firm mattress with more cooling features, we recommend the Leesa Sapira Chill.

Best Firm Mattress for Stomach Sleepers: Nolah Evolution

Our Thoughts on the Nolah Evolution

The Nolah Evolution is our pick for the best firm mattress for stomach sleepers. The Nolah Evolution mattress has three firmness levels: plush, luxury firm and firm, so there are plenty of options for stomach sleepers and folks who want a customized-to-you firmness level for your bed. 

Courtney tested the Nolah Evolution Luxury Firm, the brand’s middle level of support. It’s 15 inches tall, which is about 3 inches taller than standard mattress height. This height gives the Nolah Evolution a plush and more high-end feel, while also supporting folks who sleep on their stomach.

While lying on her stomach, she rated the pressure relief and comfort as a 5 out of 5. “The weight distribution feels really good. I feel less pressure on my chest, and my hips are not sinking in any more than normal,” Courtney said. “I feel comfortably supported all around.”

When lying on her side or back near the edge of the bed, Courtney found both positions to be comfortable, giving a 4 out of 5 rating. She did not feel that she was going to fall off the side of the bed. She reported “feeling supported and not like I am going to topple over.”

“All positions feel good,” she added. “This mattress contours my body nicely.”  

The starting depth of this mattress is 15 inches, and Courtney sank 4 inches when undergoing the edge sinkage test. This is only minor sinkage, at a depth of 3.1 to 4.6 inches, scoring a 4 of out 5. Courtney described her experience, saying, “I am sinking in, but it is comfortable; the mattress is cradling me. When standing up, I felt like the dismount was about 75% slide and 25% spring. I was already sunken in, so I felt like it was easy to slide off.”

Other Firm Mattresses We Tested and Considered

Of the dozens of mattresses we tested in our lab, here are a few that we considered but didn’t make our list, and why.

• Bear’s Elite Hybrid didn’t isolate motion as well as some of the other mattresses we tested. Our tester noticed her co-tester’s movements when they got in bed and as they moved around.
• DreamCloud’s Premier Memory Foam had very little bounce, moving only 3 inches during our bounce test. It scored only a 1 out of 5, making it non-responsive and difficult to get in and out of. 
• Saatva’s Youth mattress comes in a full size, which might work for some adults. We left it off our list because it did not offer our tester quality pressure relief for sleeping in any position, and they felt quite unbalanced.

How We Tested and Selected the Best Firm Mattresses

We tested and evaluated over 30 mattresses on a score of 1-5 for factors such as pressure relief, motion control, cooling aspects, firmness, bounce, edge support, and value. Our testers evaluate the products based on their own individual experiences and preferences. We then review their testing feedback and data to share our findings and recommendations with you.

Firmness Level

The mattress industry uses a firmness scale of 1-10. Here’s how it’s broken down:

• 1–2: Extra soft/plush, very deep sink, lots of cushioning, minimal pushback
• 3–4: Soft, you sink in noticeably, strong pressure relief
• 5: Medium, balance of contouring and support, moderate sink
• 6–7: Medium‑firm, shallower sink, more support, often cited as the “sweet spot” for many sleepers
• 8: Firm, very little give or contouring, you stay mostly “on top” of the mattress
• 9–10: Extra firm, almost no noticeable cushioning; often compared to sleeping on a rigid, board-like surface

Pressure Relief

When evaluating pressure relief, we look at mattress construction, materials, and firmness level. We then use a pressure map, which displays where pressure builds on a tester’s body by using heat-mapping technology during their evaluation. 

Not only do we gather this objective data, but the tester also provides their own description of where they might feel pressure when trying out the mattress.

Cooling

When evaluating the temperature control of a mattress, we utilize a thermal gun to record the temperature of the mattress before and after the tester lies on it for two minutes. We then measure how long it takes for the mattress to return to baseline temperature, giving us an objective cooling time.

Our testers also provide feedback on how warm or cool they feel, so we compile both objective and subjective data.

Motion Isolation

When examining a mattress’s motion isolation capabilities, we run both a motion test and a couple’s motion test. The motion test involves measuring the movement of balls in a container at one end of the bed as the tester completes several movements.   

For the couple’s motion test, one tester wears noise-cancelling headphones and a blindfold, while the other tester completes a series of movements. The blindfolded tester then reports any motions they felt throughout the experiment.

Bounce

When testing for bounce, we drop a medicine ball from a 6-foot height onto each mattress. We then measure how high the ball bounces into the air after hitting the mattress. If the ball bounces less than 5.99 inches, the mattress is considered to have an extremely low bounce. If the ball bounces over 15 inches, it’s considered to have an extremely high bounce. Between 9 and 12 inches of bounce is an average amount of bounce.

We test the bounce to measure a mattress’s responsiveness, meaning how quickly it returns to its original shape after you’ve moved around. This helps you to change positions while sleeping more easily and avoid feeling stuck.

Edge Support

During our edge support test, we place weight plates on the mattress edge and then measure how much it sinks. We also test each mattress using a set of stacked plates that are approximately 130 to 150 pounds (replicating a real person’s weight), then measuring how much the mattress sinks. If our tape measure shows that a mattress sinks 7.9 inches or more during this test, we give it a 1-star rating. If the mattress sinks less than or equal to 3 inches, it earns a 5 out of 5. 

Finally, our mattress testers also sit on the edge of the mattress and provide a subjective rating out of 5 on how supported they feel. A more supportive mattress edge can feel more comfortable for those who may need a little more help getting in and out of bed or for folks who take up more space on the mattress.  

Durability & Materials

When choosing which mattresses to feature, we also consider materials such as hybrid, latex, and memory foam. This may help you choose the type of mattress that’s best for your individualized sleep needs. We also consider materials that are eco-conscious and have special certifications, such as GREENGUARD Gold.

Value

When considering value, we review mattress materials and construction by cutting each one open to examine more closely. We also place a higher value on brands that manufacture their mattresses in America and use environmentally conscious materials.   

How to Find the Best Firm Mattress for You

Everyone has different firmness mattress needs depending on body type, ideal sleep position, and pre-existing health conditions. Your sleep quality is directly tied to your work performance, quality of life, and ability to think clearly.

Here’s what to consider when selecting the best firm mattress for you.

Sleep Position

Folks tend to vary in the way that they sleep: on their side, back, stomach, or a combination of different positions. Here are mattress types that may work best for each: 

• Side sleepers: We recommend a medium soft to medium firm mattress for support and alignment while on your side. Typically, memory foam or hybrid options may work for pressure relief. 
• Back sleepers: We suggest a medium firm mattress to help raise your hips to an even level while on your back. As far as type of mattress, a memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattress is recommended for equal support. 
• Stomach sleepers: We advise trying a medium firm or firm mattress to support and keep your hips level while on your stomach. Usually, an innerspring or a firm hybrid mattress will work well for core stability. 
• Combination sleepers: We recommend a medium firm mattress for versatility, ensuring that you’re comfortable no matter what position happen to lay in. A latex or responsive hybrid mattress may work best for you for ease of movement as you shift around.

Mattress Material

Mattresses are frequently made with different types of material and varying layers. These materials may feel different to you and have multiple degrees of comfort depending on your personal preferences. Here are highlights and possible drawbacks to the most popular mattress materials:

• Memory foam: Mattresses made of this material are usually great for pressure relief and motion reduction. Potential drawbacks of memory foam include trapping of heat and the mattress may be less responsive overall.  
• Natural latex: Mattresses made with natural latex are typically more eco-friendly than other materials and are more breathable. A possible pitfall is that a mattress made of natural latex may be more difficult to move due to weighing more.  
• Innerspring: Mattresses made with this material are bouncier than mattresses made with other materials. Innerspring also helps to promote good airflow – great if you tend to sleep hot. Potential drawbacks of this type of mattress are that it may be noisy and may be less durable over time.
• Hybrid (combines foam and coils): Highlights of this type of mattress are that the combination of materials usually helps with comfort and feeling balanced. Hybrid mattresses may be heavier and potentially more expensive than other mattress types.

Prior Aches and Pains

If you’ve experienced aches and pains, we recommend speaking with your doctor, chiropractor, or other healthcare professional about the best type of mattress for your condition(s). A professional will be able to review any pre-existing conditions and talk with you about any chronic back pain that you’d like to alleviate, then recommend an ideal mattress type for you.

Certifications

When selecting a mattress, consider its third-party certification. These types of certifications provide independent, non-profit verification that a mattress is made with quality materials and are eco-conscious. 

Here are a few certifications that are important to be aware of:

• Global Organic Textile Standard (aka GOTS): Ensures that organic textiles are sourced in a socially and environmentally conscious way 
• Global Organic Latex Standard (aka GOLS): Ensures that the organic latex utilized is sourced in an environmentally responsible way 
• CertiPUR-US ®: Certifies the safety of foam and its emissions 
• GREENGUARD Gold: Certifies that the materials emit a low level of chemicals, making the products suitable for safe use indoors

Cost

When it comes to buying a mattress, we understand that folks have different preferences and considerations for their budget. There are multiple factors that play a part in what you feel comfortable spending. 

A good mattress allows you to mentally reset overnight and prepares you to be productive and alert during your demanding and busy workday. Ultimately, selecting a quality mattress will enhance your daily life, which is a great return on your investment.

Frequently asked questions

Which type of mattress is most firm?

A classic innerspring mattress will likely feel the firmest to most people. Innerspring mattresses tend to feel more rigid and supportive than all foam beds, for example.

Is a firm mattress better for your back?

A firm mattress could be better for your back, if it keeps your spine, head, neck, and hips properly aligned throughout the night. It can depend on what position you sleep in, your weight, and any potential back sensitivity you may have.

What is the highest-rated firm mattress?

Our pick for the best firm mattress is the Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm, which we selected because it has two firmness options in one bed. It’s flippable! You can choose between firm and extra-firm. It’s an all-foam mattress with a 6-inch high-density foam layer and a 2-inch supreme response comfort foam, both of which provide firm support while allowing for contouring.