A firm mattress can provide several benefits for sleepers. Here are a few:
Better Support: A firm mattress can offer better support for your body, especially for those who are overweight or have back pain. It helps to keep your spine in proper alignment, which can alleviate pressure on your back and neck.
Improved Sleep Quality: When your body is properly supported, you’re less likely to toss and turn during the night. This can lead to improved sleep quality and help you wake up feeling more rested and refreshed.
Longer Lasting: Firm mattresses tend to be more durable than softer mattresses, which means they may last longer and offer better value for your money.
Reduced Allergens: Firm mattresses are typically made with denser materials, which can make it harder for dust mites, bacteria, and other allergens to take up residence in your mattress.
Reduced Motion Transfer: If you sleep with a partner, a firm mattress can reduce motion transfer, so you’re less likely to be disturbed by their movements during the night.
However, it’s important to note that a firm mattress may not be the best choice for everyone. People who prefer a softer sleeping surface, or who have certain medical conditions, may need a mattress with more give. It’s always a good idea to try out a mattress before you buy it to ensure that it’s the right fit for your needs.
Who are Firm Mattresses Best For?
Firm mattresses are generally best for people who need extra support for their back, neck, and joints. Here are some groups of people who may benefit from a firm mattress:
Back and stomach sleepers: Firm mattresses can help keep the spine in proper alignment for those who sleep on their backs or stomachs. This can reduce pressure on the lower back and pelvis, which can be especially helpful for those with chronic back pain.
Heavy people: People who weigh more than average may find that a firm mattress offers better support and helps distribute their weight more evenly. This can help prevent sinking too deeply into the mattress, which can cause discomfort and pain.
People with certain medical conditions: Those with conditions like arthritis, scoliosis, and other spinal issues may benefit from the added support of a firm mattress. However, it’s important to consult with a doctor or physical therapist to determine the best sleeping surface for your specific condition.
Couples: Firm mattresses can reduce motion transfer, which can be helpful for couples who are easily disturbed by each other’s movements during the night.
Long-term durability: Firm mattresses are generally more durable than softer mattresses, which means they may be a better investment for those who want a mattress that will last for several years.
It’s important to note that not everyone will find a firm mattress comfortable. People who prefer a softer sleeping surface or who have certain medical conditions may need a mattress with more give. It’s always a good idea to test out a mattress before purchasing it to ensure that it’s the right fit for your individual needs.
Best Place to Buy a Firm Mattress
There are several places to buy a firm mattress, both online and in-person. Here are a few options:
Mattress stores: Visiting a physical mattress store can allow you to try out different firm mattresses and get a feel for which one is the most comfortable for you.
Online retailers: Many online retailers offer firm mattresses with varying degrees of firmness, and you can often read reviews from other customers to get an idea of how comfortable the mattress is.
Department stores: Some department stores carry mattresses and offer a variety of firmness levels.
Direct-to-consumer brands: Some mattress brands sell their products directly to consumers online, which can help keep costs down.
Secondhand stores: You may be able to find a gently used firm mattress at a thrift store or consignment shop for a lower price.
When shopping for a firm mattress, it’s important to do your research and read reviews from other customers to get an idea of the quality and durability of the mattress. You should also check the return policy to ensure that you can return the mattress if it’s not the right fit for you.
Our Top Picks for a Firm Mattress
Airweave
The Airweave mattress is generally considered a good firm mattress. It is a Japanese-made mattress that is designed with a unique airfiber material that provides a firm and supportive surface for sleep. This material is said to be more breathable and durable than traditional mattress materials like foam or springs.
Many customers have reported that the Airweave mattress provides excellent support for their back and neck, and helps to alleviate pain and pressure points. The mattress is also said to be good for people who tend to sleep hot, as the airfiber material allows for better airflow and heat dissipation.
However, it’s important to note that the Airweave mattress may not be the best choice for everyone. Some people may find it too firm, while others may prefer a softer sleeping surface. Additionally, the Airweave mattress can be quite expensive compared to other firm mattress options on the market. It’s always a good idea to test out a mattress before purchasing it to ensure that it’s the right fit for your individual needs.
Plank by Brooklyn Bedding
The Plank mattress is a double-sided all-foam mattress that offers two different levels of firmness – firm and ultra-firm. The firm side is rated around 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, while the ultra-firm side is rated around 9.5 out of 10.
This mattress is designed to provide extra support and pressure relief for those who need a firmer sleeping surface, such as stomach and back sleepers. The foam layers are constructed with high-density foam, which helps to prevent sagging and keeps the mattress feeling supportive over time.
One unique feature of the Plank mattress is that it is flippable, meaning that you can choose which side to sleep on depending on your personal preference for firmness. This can be especially helpful for people who aren’t sure exactly how firm they need their mattress to be.
Overall, the Plank mattress is a good option for those who need a very firm sleeping surface, and who prefer an all-foam mattress over an innerspring or hybrid mattress. However, it may not be the best choice for people who prefer a softer sleeping surface or who have certain medical conditions that require a different type of mattress.
Mlily Wellflex 1.0
The MLILY WellFlex 1.0 is an all-foam mattress that is designed to provide a medium-firm feel. The mattress has a thickness of 10 inches and is constructed with multiple layers of foam.
The top layer of the mattress is made of a cooling gel-infused memory foam that conforms to the body and helps to regulate temperature. The second layer is a comfort foam layer that provides additional cushioning and pressure relief.
The third layer is a transitional foam layer that helps to distribute weight evenly and prevent the body from sinking too deeply into the mattress. The base layer is made of high-density foam that provides support and helps to keep the mattress feeling durable over time.
Overall, the MLILY WellFlex 1.0 is a good option for people who want an all-foam mattress with a medium-firm feel. The foam layers work together to provide a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface that can help alleviate pressure points and promote good spinal alignment.
Millbrook Hampshire I
The Millbrook Hampshire I is a luxury innerspring mattress that is handmade in the UK. The mattress features a double-layered pocketed coil system that provides targeted support and helps to reduce motion transfer.
The top layer of the mattress is made of natural fillings like wool, cotton, and silk, which provide a soft and breathable sleeping surface. The middle layer consists of mini pocketed coils that add an extra layer of support and help to contour to the body.
The bottom layer is made of larger pocketed coils that provide a solid foundation for the mattress and help to distribute weight evenly. The mattress is finished with hand-tufting, which helps to keep the layers in place and prevents sagging over time.
Overall, the Millbrook Hampshire I is a good option for people who want a luxury innerspring mattress with a medium-firm feel. The combination of pocketed coils and natural fillings provides a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface that can help alleviate pressure points and promote good spinal alignment. However, this mattress may not be the best fit for those who prefer a very firm or very soft sleeping surface, or who are on a tight budget.
Saatva Firm
The Saatva Firm is a luxury innerspring mattress that is designed to provide a very firm feel. The mattress is constructed with a dual-coil system that consists of individually wrapped coils and a base layer of steel coils, which provide targeted support and help to distribute weight evenly.
The mattress is topped with a Euro pillow top that is made of organic cotton and provides an extra layer of cushioning. Beneath the pillow top, the mattress features a layer of high-density foam that provides additional support and helps to reduce motion transfer.
One unique feature of the Saatva Firm mattress is that it comes in three different firmness levels – Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm – so customers can choose the level of firmness that best suits their needs. The Firm option is rated around 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale, which can be a good fit for those who need extra support and prefer a very firm sleeping surface.
Overall, the Saatva Firm is a good option for people who want a luxury innerspring mattress with a very firm feel. The combination of coils and foam provides a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface that can help alleviate pressure points and promote good spinal alignment. However, this mattress may not be the best fit for those who prefer an all-foam mattress or who are on a tight budget.
WinkBed Firm
The WinkBed Firm is a luxury hybrid mattress that is designed to provide a very firm feel. The mattress is constructed with a base layer of individually wrapped coils that provide targeted support and help to distribute weight evenly.
Above the coils, the mattress features a layer of latex foam that provides additional support and helps to contour to the body. The latex foam is also naturally cooling and breathable, which can help regulate temperature and prevent overheating.
The top layer of the mattress is made of a euro pillow top that is filled with gel-infused foam and provides an extra layer of cushioning. The pillow top is also designed to be breathable and moisture-wicking, which can help keep the sleeping surface feeling fresh and dry.
Overall, the WinkBed Firm is a good option for people who want a luxury hybrid mattress with a very firm feel. The combination of coils, latex foam, and gel-infused foam provides a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface that can help alleviate pressure points and promote good spinal alignment. However, this mattress may not be the best fit for those who prefer an all-foam mattress or who are on a tight budget.
What’s the Difference Between Firmness and Support?
Firmness refers to the feel of the mattress when you first lay down on it. A mattress that feels firm will be less likely to sink in and will provide a more solid surface. A mattress that feels soft will have more give and allow you to sink in more. Mattresses can have varying levels of firmness, from very soft to very firm.
Support, on the other hand, refers to how well the mattress keeps your spine aligned and supported throughout the night. A mattress that provides good support will help keep your spine in a natural, neutral position, which can reduce pressure points and alleviate pain.
While firmness can play a role in how supportive a mattress is, they are not the same thing. A mattress can be very firm, but if it doesn’t provide proper support, it may still cause discomfort or pain. Conversely, a mattress can be soft but still provide good support if it contours to your body and keeps your spine aligned.
When choosing a mattress, it’s important to consider both firmness and support. Look for a mattress that offers a balance of both, and that feels comfortable and supportive to you personally.
Do Firm Mattresses get Softer?
It is possible for firm mattresses to get softer over time, but it depends on several factors, including the materials used in the mattress and how often it is used.
Over time, the foam and other materials in a mattress may start to break down and lose their firmness. This can cause a mattress to feel softer and less supportive than it did when it was new. Additionally, if a mattress is used frequently or has a lot of weight on it, it may start to sag and lose its firmness more quickly.
However, not all firm mattresses will soften over time. Some mattresses are designed to be very durable and maintain their firmness for many years. It’s important to choose a high-quality mattress that is made with durable materials if you want it to maintain its firmness over time.
Regularly rotating and flipping your mattress can also help prevent it from softening too quickly. This can help distribute weight evenly and prevent sagging, which can help maintain the mattress’s firmness and supportiveness over time.
Overall, while it is possible for firm mattresses to get softer over time, choosing a high-quality mattress and taking care of it properly can help prevent this from happening.
Is a Firm Mattress Better for Your Back?
A firm mattress can be better for your back, but it depends on your individual needs and preferences.
A firm mattress can help provide good support for your back by keeping your spine in a natural, neutral position while you sleep. This can help alleviate pressure points and prevent pain and discomfort. A firm mattress can also be a good choice for people who sleep on their stomach or back, as it can help keep their spine aligned and reduce strain on their neck and lower back.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone will find a firm mattress comfortable or supportive. If you prefer a softer sleeping surface, a firm mattress may not be the best choice for you. Additionally, if you have certain medical conditions or injuries, a firm mattress may not be the best option. For example, if you have a herniated disc or arthritis, a softer mattress may be more comfortable and supportive.
Ultimately, the best mattress for your back is one that provides good support and feels comfortable to you personally. It’s a good idea to test out different mattresses and consult with a medical professional if you have any specific back issues or concerns.
Which Construction of Mattress is the Firmest?
There are several mattress types that are known for being firm:
Innerspring mattresses: These mattresses use a system of metal coils to provide support, and tend to be firmer than other mattress types. However, the level of firmness can vary depending on the quality of the coils and the thickness of the comfort layers.
Latex mattresses: Latex foam is naturally dense and supportive, and can be a good choice for those who prefer a firm sleeping surface. However, the level of firmness can vary depending on the type of latex used and the thickness of the comfort layers.
Hybrid mattresses: These mattresses combine the support of innerspring coils with the cushioning of foam or latex layers, and can be a good choice for those who want a firmer sleeping surface.
All-foam mattresses: While not all foam mattresses are firm, some foam mattresses are designed to provide a firm sleeping surface. High-density foam, memory foam, and other types of foam can be used to create a firm and supportive sleeping surface.
It’s important to note that the level of firmness can vary within each of these mattress types, and that personal preference plays a big role in choosing the right level of firmness for you. It’s a good idea to test out different mattress types and firmness levels to find the one that feels most comfortable and supportive to you.
How Firm are Hotel Mattresses?
The firmness of hotel mattresses can vary widely depending on the hotel and the specific brand of mattress used. However, in general, most hotels tend to use mattresses that are medium to medium-firm in terms of firmness.
This is because medium-firm mattresses tend to be a good fit for the majority of sleepers. They provide enough support to keep the spine aligned and prevent pressure points, while still being soft enough to provide some cushioning and comfort.
Some higher-end hotels may use firmer mattresses, as they are often associated with luxury and support. However, this is not always the case, and many hotels choose medium-firm mattresses to ensure that the majority of guests are comfortable.
It’s worth noting that hotel mattresses are often designed to be durable and long-lasting, as they are used by many different people over time. This means that they may feel firmer than a brand new mattress of the same firmness level, as they have been broken in over time.
Is a Firm Mattress Better for Sleeping?
Whether a firm mattress is better for sleeping or not depends on your individual needs and preferences.
A firm mattress can be better for sleeping if you are a back or stomach sleeper, as it can help keep your spine in a natural, neutral position and reduce strain on your neck and lower back. A firm mattress can also be a good choice if you tend to move around a lot during the night, as it provides a more stable surface and reduces motion transfer.
However, if you prefer to sleep on your side, a firm mattress may not be the best choice for you. Side sleepers often need a mattress that is softer and more cushioned to help relieve pressure points and provide adequate support for their hips and shoulders.
Ultimately, the best mattress for sleeping is one that provides good support and feels comfortable to you personally. It’s a good idea to test out different mattresses and consult with a medical professional if you have any specific sleep issues or concerns.