Best Extra Firm Mattresses 2024

Type: Memory foam | Trial: 120 nights | Key features: Flippable for two firmnesses, more affordable price tag, 10-year warranty, cooling cover upgrade

The Plank is our overall top choice for an extra-firm mattress because it can help reduce spinal stress and alleviate back pain—and it’s endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association. Vetted staffers who have tested this mattress confirm that it’s not only extremely firm, but also very high quality.

This all-foam mattress has a flippable design with a traditional firm feel on one side, while the other side is ultra firm. If you’re looking for the firmest of the firm, Brooklyn Bedding calls it a 10 on its firmness scale. The firmer side has a quarter-inch of quilting for a zero-loft feel. Flip it over, and you’ll find a touch more quilting for minimal loft and a little bit of contouring. Inside, a 7-inch, high-density base foam adds structure for stable support no matter which side you sleep on. The Plank also comes with an optional cooling cover upgrade. The exact cost varies based on size, but the add-on hovers around $100.

What the reviews say: One customer calls it, “one of the firmest beds I have ever slept on, and it is still very comfortable.” Another says the Plank is “probably the best mattress I ever slept on. The support and firmness level is off the charts, they weren’t kidding when they said this is the firmest mattress on the market.”

Type: Hybrid | Trial: 120 nights | Key features: Cooling upgrades, zoned lumbar support, lifetime warranty

Nolah bills its Evolution mattress as a luxury hybrid, due in no small part to its seven layers of premium foams and coils. Together, they work to relieve pressure, align the spine and even actively cool you down according to the company. That’s all thanks to a slew of unique features, including: zoned coils for more support in heavier areas, like the hips; Nolah’s proprietary Airfoam, a temperature-natural memory foam alternative with exceptional pressure relief that’s just soft enough to not pinch those who experience shoulder pain. It also has a cooling quilted Euro top. The Evolution comes in a choice of three firmness levels, and the firm (which Nolah puts at an 8 on its firmness scale) is specifically made with minimal contouring in mind. Instead of sinking in, the firmness is designed to give you the sensation of floating on top of the mattress.

What the reviews say: The firm Nolah Evolution earns high praise from happy customers. One described her first night on the Nolah firm mattress as “the single most dramatic life change I have ever made (other than having kids).” Sixty days on, she said she’s loved it every day since. Another customer calls it “easily the best bed I’ve ever owned,” while a third shares, “I didn’t know I could love a bed so much. [My] husband and I both had back surgery and chronic pain for years. This bed is truly wonderful.”

Type: Hybrid | Trial: 100 nights | Key features: Copper gel-infused foam, excellent edge support, 10-year warranty

There may be only four layers to this mattress, but that’s all the Brick needs for firm, comfortable support. First up is the top panel with firm foam quilted right in. Next is a layer of copper-gel infused memory foam that delivers gentle contouring, along with fresher, cooler nights thanks to copper’s antimicrobial properties. A two-inch layer of high-density foam and individually-wrapped coils just below add additional support and reinforce the perimeter so you can sleep comfortably all the way to the edge. With a queen Brick priced under $450, it’s a lot of bang for your buck.

What the reviews say: Fans of the Allswell Brick endorse it wholeheartedly. One customer shares, “I was having some sciatica issues and wanted a more supportive firm bed and this has been great. I feel supported and comfortable at the same time, and wake up with less back pain. [I] highly recommend it.” Another calls it a “great firm bed from a box and on a budget.”

Type: Latex | Trial: 365 nights | Key features: Organic materials, adjustable firmness, 10-year warranty, 25-year comfort program

With its organic latex mattress, Spindle is doing things a little differently. The mattress ships with three latex layers—soft, medium and firm (which is around a 7.5 on Spindle’s scale)—all of which can be stacked in various ways to change the mattress’s overall feel. Just unzip the organic cotton knit cover, which is stuffed with organic wool batting, to switch the layers. Plus, Spindle offers a unique program that recognizes that all mattresses eventually soften and wear out: Original owners get a 30% discount on an additional latex layer for a full 25 years. In other words, the mattress is designed to be renewable.

What reviews say: The adjustability feature of Spindle’s organic latex mattress is a hit with customers. “The fact that you can configure the mattress by rearranging the layers is genius. It is a little bit of work to do the rearranging but you can get it ‘just so’ and the payoff is amazing,” says one. Another calls the comfort level “beyond what we hoped for. I’ve bragged about this mattress to everyone and I wish everyone could sleep this well.”

Type: Hybrid | Trial: 120 nights | Key features: Enhanced lumber support, gel-infused foam, superior edge support, lifetime warranty

Between its layers of specialty foams and innersprings, the Winkbed is designed for relief from back pain. It comes in a choice of four firmness levels; back and stomach sleepers will likely gravitate toward the firmer model. It’s the Winkbed’s most supportive Euro pillow-top, and the company stresses this model is for those who want a firm mattress—not a hard one. Though it has a pillow-top, this piece will offer minimal contour. It pairs nicely with the supportive coil system base, which is organized into specific zones for exceptional lumbar support and alignment. It’s a combination that should help keep back pain at bay.

What the reviews say: Fans of the firmer Winkbed describe it as “freaking awesome” and a “great investment.” One says, “It’s been years since I have woken up pain free. I never knew how much of a difference a great mattress would make until now.” Another, who has mild sciatica, explains that softer mattresses tend to trigger pain flares and calls her Winkbed “perfect.” She says, “My back feels great and I feel like I don’t have to worry too much about it.”

Layla Hybrid Mattress (Queen)

Type: Hybrid | Trial: 120 nights | Key features: Flippable design, cooling foam, motion isolating, 10-year warranty

The Layla Hybrid is designed to serve as two mattresses in one, thanks to two different firmness levels on either side. On one side the memory foam has a firm sensation; the other side is more plush. Both sides are designed with copper gel memory layers, which offers antimicrobial and temperature benefits, according to Layla. The mattress’s cover—a rayon, viscose and polyester blend—provides an additional cool-to-the-touch feel. In the center of the mattress, support foams are channeled to boost air circulation. Pocketed coils in the very center help isolate motion and add structure and additional support, no matter which side of the mattress you sleep on.

What reviews say: Customers speak highly of this two-in-one mattress. “It is so soft to the touch yet firm enough to not feel like you are sinking in. I love it,” says one. Another calls the firm side “perfect” and describes it as neither “like a board” nor “too spongy.”

Type: Hybrid | Trial: 365 nights | Key features: Choice of height, Certipur-US certified foam, enhanced back and edge support, lifetime warranty

Saatva says its Classic Mattress is a bestseller good reason. It’s a hybrid that combines the responsiveness of an innerspring with plush comfort layers. For those in search of a firm mattress, look no further than the “Firm” comfort level (which Saatva rates as an 8 on its firmness scale). In this version of the mattress, firm foams deliver balanced resistance so you feel like you’re resting on top of the mattress—not in it. The interior layers include high density memory foam for pressure point relief and support, as well as pocketed coils that respond to your movements to isolate motion transfer. That makes it a great pick for couples, too.

What the reviews say: Saatva’s Classic Mattress has thousands of reviews and just as many happy customers. One says, “The classic firm was a winner for me… Now when I wake up my back doesn’t feel sore.” Another writes that “a firm mattress might take some getting used to, but somehow the body knows it’s better. I breathe better at night (silently), sleep better and feel more deeply rested.”

Type: Hybrid | Trial: 100 nights | Key features: Quilted pillow top, upgraded lumbar support, choice of cover, 15-year warranty

The Helix Twilight Luxe is one of the brand’s firmest mattresses, combining deep support with solid comfort. The sturdy coil layer is designed to be firmer beneath the hips and softer under the shoulders to help you maintain comfortable alignment all night. The coils are individually wrapped, a design feature that brands claim will help isolate motion. (In this case, our mattress and sleep editor checked this bed out, and can say it isolates motion surprisingly well.)  A premium quilted pillow top is layered over firm foams with gentle contouring, lending full body comfort and additional motion isolation. For anyone sharing the bed with a partner, child or pet, that means more restful nights—even if someone is tossing and turning right beside you.

What the reviews say: The Twilight Luxe is a good fit with couples. “It’s just the right amount of firmness and excellent motion isolation, we stopped waking each other up now when turning at night,” says one customer. Another says she absolutely loves the mattress and writes, “I cannot feel my boyfriend move in the middle of the night either, which is fantastic.”

Type: Hybrid | Trial: 90 nights | Key features: Cooling upgrades, white glove delivery, 10-year warranty

The Estate Collection from Stearns & Foster comes in a range of options and firmnesses. For the firmest feel, the standard top features a tight-stitched surface with a layer of Tempur-Indulge memory foam (yes, the same Tempur material developed by the experts at Tempur-Pedic). It’s designed for superior pressure relief, long-term durability, and an ultra supported, weightless feel with good responsiveness, too. Below is a layer of proprietary innersprings with a unique design that delivers customized support all night long, according to the company. While hybrid constructions naturally circulate air better than all-foam options, this mattress takes it one step further with external air vents designed to prevent heat build-up for cooler nights. Between the luxurious materials and solid overall design, we think it’s a great option for anyone looking to splurge on an extra-firm option.

What the reviews say: Customers describe the Stearns & Foster Estate Collection as a worthy investment, and the firm tight-top mattress in particular is delivering on better nights. One raves, “I have not had a bad night’s rest since I received it.” Another describes it as “very supportive and comfortable.” A third reports, “the ultra firm mattress has helped my back issues tremendously.”

Type: Memory foam | Trial: 90 nights | Key features: Advanced cooling, superior pressure relief, 10-year warranty

Memory foam may be renowned for its pressure relief, but it also has a reputation for sleeping hot. The LuxeBreeze mattress from Tempur-Pedic is designed to be cool to the touch from the moment you lie down until the second you wake up. It’s made with cooling fibers in the cover, a heat-diffusing layer, and proprietary materials that actively wick heat away. The pressure-relieving Tempur-Material is also ventilated to increase airflow, according to the brand. The mattress comes in a choice of three comfort levels. We think the firm feel is a great pick for back and stomach sleepers or anyone looking to ease tension and pressure point pain.

What reviews say: The firm Luxebreeze is working out well for formerly hot sleepers. One customer calls it a dream and says, “the cooling effect is great for hot sleepers.” Another writes, “this bed is cold (not cool) to the touch.” One very happy customer credits the mattress for solving “heat and pressure issues in 30 days, give or take.”