Can a firm mattress help back pain?

Yes, but our usual qualification applies. If you suffer from back pain, speak to a doctor. Back pain can be caused by many different conditions and should always be discussed with a medical professional first. There's no guarantee that a new mattress will solve back pain. You could spend thousands of dollars on a mattress to relieve your back only to find that your new, expensive bed does nothing for your discomfort. With that said, I've personally found that if I'm sleeping on a mattress softer than my own - if I'm in a hotel, or visiting family - then it can exacerbate back pain. Exacerbate is the keyword. Unless you're sleeping on a broken mattress, no mattress can cause back pain, but a soft mattress can make bad pain worse. All of this means that a firm mattress can help back pain, but it won't remove it. Manual labor, the wrong office chair, incorrect form in the gym, or just random back luck can cause back pain. A firm mattress is a great help, but don't expect any miracles.

Can side sleepers use a firm mattress?

Absolutely. As a side-sleeper, I like firmness to help with spinal alignment. If the mattress was too soft, I run the risk of sinking, which causes my knees to overlap, putting me out of form. Though it's important to find what feels comfortable for you. Almost all mattresses will suit side sleepers, but additional needs like back pain or joint ache may mean a firm or soft mattress suits you better.

Do heavier people need a firm mattress?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer here, but it tends to be the case that heavier people benefit from a firmer mattress. Soft mattresses compress more than firm ones, so if you weigh more than average, you might find that a soft mattress sags and becomes lumpy. It's a good idea to check the weight limits on any mattress you buy. For example, the Nectar mattress featured above is rated for up to 650lbs, so if you're single, it will work, but might not if both you and your partner are heavier than average. We haven't tested it yet, but Saatva's Luxury Hybrid HD is a version of the mattress featured above that's specifically designed for heavier couples.

Best firm mattress 2023: solid support for better sleep

One of the best firm mattresses, a Sweetnight Prime Memory Foam Mattress in a modern farmhouse-style bedroom

(Image credit: Sweetnight)

Jump to category:

Best firm mattress deals
Quick list
1. Best overall
2. Best for back pain
3. Best memory foam
4. Best luxury
5. Best for combination sleepers
6. Best for cooling
How to choose
How we test
How to choose a firm mattress
FAQs

By Louise Oliphant

last updated 1 November 2023

Best firm mattress 2023: Jump Menu

A Naturepedic Chorus mattress in a traditional bedroom

1. The list in brief ↴
2. Best overall: Naturepedic Chorus
3. Best for back pain: Nectar Memory Foam
4. Best memory foam: Emma Original
5. Best luxury: Sattva Classic
6. Best for combination sleepers: Sweetnight Prime
7. Best cooling: Casper Wave Hybrid Snow
8. How to choose
9. How we test

At first, you may think the softer the bed, the better. But if you're a front sleeper, get hot in the night, or suffer from back, or joint pain, then there's nothing worse than the sinking feeling you get from plusher mattresses. One of the best firm mattresses can help with spinal alignment, back support, and pressure relief. Investing in a firm bed may make all the difference to getting your best sleep yet.

However, we've found most manufacturers focus on making the softest beds possible, with memory foam and pillow-top options being the most popular. With a noticeable gap in the market for firm beds, we've taken the time to research and find the best firm mattresses to buy online.

Tried, tested, and recommended by us, these are the firm mattresses worth investing in – all of which feature in our best mattress guide. Your back will thank you later.

Best firm mattress deals

It's the best time of the year to bag big-ticket items, such as mattress, at major discounts. Some of the best firm mattresses are on sale right now for less than $700.

The quick list

We've summarised the best firm mattresses here, so if you only want the headlines, you're in the right place. We go into more detail further down the page.

Best overall

1. Naturepedic Chorus

The best firm mattress overall

There are better generic mattresses, but none are as firm as this; it's a speciality in solidity.

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Best for back pain

2. Nectar Memory Foam

The best for back pain

This is proven to help tackle back pain. This is a comfortable balance of firm and cushioning.

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Best memory foam

3. Emma Original

The best memory foam

If the idea of firmness isn't mentally appealing you'll love this memory foam-feel, which still offers support.

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Best for luxury

4. Saatva Classic Hybrid

The best for luxury

One of our favorites overall, this is supportive and comfortable right up to the edges.

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Best for combination sleepers

5. Sweetnight Prime

The best combination sleepers

For firmness zones and support all over, this is excellent. You can't combine polar opposite firmness zones though.

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Best for cooling

6. Casper Wave Hybrid Snow

The best cooling

If you need a breathable, refreshing environment for sleep, this has gel pods which align for spine support.

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The best firm mattresses in 2023

You can trust Homes & Gardens. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing the latest products, helping you choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.