- Top-rated extra-firm mattress: Plank by Brooklyn Bedding
- Best Extra Firm Foam Mattress: Saatva Loom & Leaf Mattress
- Best Extra Firm Cooling Mattress: Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress
- Best Extra Firm Mattress for Back Pain: Beautyrest Harmony Lux Carbon Series
- Best budget extra-firm mattress: Amerisleep AS1
- Best Extra Firm Hybrid Mattress: Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress
- Best Zero Cotton Mattress: Zero Cotton Q-Sense Double Sided Mattress
While some people prefer the feel of a plush mattress, others prefer the stern and ultra-supportive feel of an extra-firm mattress.
Extra-firm mattresses made by reputable brands are harder to find than other firmness options. This means it’s especially important to do your research and make sure you’re getting a quality product.
Of the truly ultra-rugged options available, choose the best. A selection of the top mattresses, how to shop and who might benefit from an extra-firm mattress.
Who is an extra-firm mattress suitable for?
An extra firm mattress is an excellent choice for back and belly sleepers who need to pay special attention to natural spinal alignment, such as if they are seeking relief from back and joint pain.
Other potentially good candidates for extra-firm mattresses are:
- Heavier sleepers. For heavier people, an extra-firm mattress may provide the support needed.
- Rear sleepers. Back sleepers often need to maintain good posture while sleeping, so a firm mattress may help keep the spine elevated and supported.
- Stomach sleeper. Stomach sleepers also often need a firmer bed, which can help prevent the back from bending into painful or unnatural positions.
how to choose?
Focus on the best products made by well-known brands. The following are the standards used:
- Hardness level. Many brands use a numerical scale to determine the firmness rating, with 9 to 10 being the firmest. Otherwise, they use terms like "extra strong," "extra strong," or "very strong." Our selection is the sturdiest you'll find.
- Probation. A solid trial period is very important. This way, you can test the mattress and make sure it is indeed the firmness level you want. Our selection includes a minimum 100-night trial, direct from the manufacturer or a third-party retailer.
- Warranty. All mattresses run the risk of eventually sagging, but this may be more noticeable for people who want a bed as firm as possible. Our selection of products come with a minimum 10-year warranty, giving you peace of mind in case your mattress becomes defective or wears out too quickly. Be sure to double-check the warranty before purchasing as not all warranties cover the same things.
- Customer Reviews. We considered customer reviews in all our selections to find the top-rated and most popular mattresses.
Pricing Guide
The Loom & Leaf Firm Mattress only scores an 8 on the Saatva firmness scale, but the brand says it's a good choice for back and stomach sleepers or anyone whose doctor has recommended they switch to an extra-firm mattress. .
The foam is designed to resist heat, so it's also a good choice for people who tend to sleep hot.
Reviewers say the mattress is super comfortable and has great motion isolation. This is a great option for couples because you won't feel your partner moving around at night. Reviewers also say that Saatva has amazing customer service that goes above and beyond.
advantage
- Price: $$
- Mattress type: memory foam
- Trial period: 120 nights
- Available sizes: twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king, split Cal king, short full, short queen, Olympic queen, short king, RV king
Brooklyn Bedding says the Plank is designed for those who think a firm mattress is never firm enough—and the firmness is in the name.
This mattress is reversible, with a firm surface on one side and an extra-firm surface on the other. Reviewers say both sides are comfortable and like that they have two different firmness options over the life of the mattress.
Overall, reviewers rave about their improved sleep and back pain. They also recommend using an optional cooling panel for temperature control.
The best extra-firm foam mattress
Send loom and leaf mattress (company)
- Price: $$$
- Mattress type: memory foam
- Trial duration: 180 nights
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King, Split King, Cal King, Split Cal King
The Loom & Leaf Firm Mattress only scores an 8 on the Saatva firmness scale, but the brand says it's a good choice for back and stomach sleepers or anyone whose doctor has recommended they switch to an extra-firm mattress. .
The foam is designed to resist heat, so it's also a good choice for people who tend to sleep hot.
Reviewers say the mattress is super comfortable and has great motion isolation. This is a great option for couples because you won't feel your partner moving around at night. Reviewers also say that Saatva has amazing customer service that goes above and beyond.
The best extra-firm cooling mattress
Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress
- Price: $$
- Mattress type: memory foam
- Trial period: 100 days
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal king
Sealy Chill's Cocoon mattress is made from all foam. The cover is made from a material designed to dissipate heat and create a cool feel.
Reviewers say they're impressed with this mattress's ability to stay cool, even though it's made of foam, which is known to absorb body heat.
Couples also love this mattress, with many saying it has great motion isolation to prevent tossing partners from waking each other up.
The Best Extra Firm Mattress for Back Pain
Beautyrest Harmony Lux Carbon Fiber Collection
- Price: $$
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal king
Hybrid mattresses are great for people with back pain. The coils provide a lot of support, while the foam provides extra comfort.
This option from Beautyrest is made with pocketed coils and gel foam. Pocketed coils move independently of each other and are known to provide more targeted support than innerspring coils, all of which move together. Gel foam absorbs less heat than traditional memory foam.
Reviewers say this Beautyrest mattress is high quality, durable, and the answer to their back pain. They love that it sleeps cool and provides a lot of support that they can't find anywhere else.
Best budget extra-firm mattress
American Sleep AS1
- Price: $
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Trial period: 100 days
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal king, split king
The Amerisleep AS1 is a memory foam bed in a box with free shipping and returns.
It's one of the most affordable options on our top picks list, but many reviewers say it doesn't compromise on comfort or durability.
Since it's made of Bio-Pur material, the brand claims this mattress doesn't have the same drawbacks as other memory foam beds. Instead, they say their design keeps you cool while remaining environmentally friendly and responsive.
Best extra-firm hybrid mattress
Serta perfect sleep mattress
- Price: $
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Trial period: 120 days
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal king
This Serta hybrid mattress offers an extra firm feel for great support. It features gel foam and a cooling cover, each designed to help keep you cool at night.
Reviewers say this mattress is comfortable and provides the firm sleeping surface they want. However, some sleepers mentioned that this firmness didn't last long.
How is hardness measured?
The firmness of a mattress is usually rated on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. However, not every company rates their mattresses the same way, which means a rating of 5 from one company may feel different to another.
The firmness of a mattress is ultimately measured by how much it "gives" when someone lies on it. The firmest mattresses offer the least amount. In contrast, the least firm mattresses feel soft and plush, and they tend to sink when someone lies on them.
How to buy an extra-firm mattress
- Mattress Type. Whether you choose an innerspring, foam, or hybrid mattress comes down to personal preference. If you're not sure what you like best, hybrid mattresses may be a good choice because they combine elements of innerspring and foam mattresses.
- Movement isolation. Motion isolation refers to a mattress’s ability to absorb motion. If you share a bed with a partner, a mattress with good motion isolation can ensure you don't wake each other when you toss and turn.
- Relieve pressure. Mattresses with pressure-reducing features allow for some contouring around areas that bear the most weight at night, such as your hips or shoulders. Extra-firm mattresses don’t allow for a lot of sinking, which can make pressure relief harder to find. If you know you need pressure relief, look for a mattress with a foam top for added comfort and contour.
- temperature control. Some mattresses use specific materials to prevent body heat retention or create a cool feel. If you tend to sleep hot, try looking for a mattress with this technology.
- Edge support. This term refers to the amount of support at the edges of the mattress. A mattress without good edge support will sink if you sit on the edge of the mattress. This may cause sagging over time or make your bed less comfortable if you share it with a partner.
It can be helpful to try out a mattress in a store before buying, but the true test of any mattress is actually sleeping on it.
Whether you buy online or in-store, make sure your mattress comes with a home trial so you can return it if it doesn't work for you.
Also, if you're a fan of extra-firm mattresses, stick with brands with solid warranties.
Over time, many mattresses begin to sag. This is more noticeable in extra-firm mattresses. Choosing a product from a reputable brand with a good warranty can help prevent sagging from becoming a problem.
Are there any other ways to make your bed more comfortable?
Consider the following:
- Mattress topper. Try adding a softer, fluffier layer to your extra-firm mattress by purchasing a mattress topper. It will maintain the support of a firm mattress while adding a more cushioned sleeping surface.
- New pillows. Generally speaking, pillows should be replaced every 1 to 2 years, or earlier if your pillow is uncomfortable. Give yourself a fresh start with a new pillow to match your new mattress.
- Fresh sheets. A new set of sheets can give your sleeping space a whole new look. For those who suffer from heat, there are sheets that can help keep you cool while sleeping.
- A new quilt. When creating the best sleeping environment, consider the top layer of your bedding. Whether you prefer a heavier weight than your comforter or a lightweight, airy alternative, make sure your comforter meets your needs so you can enjoy a good night's sleep.
frequently asked questions
Who should sleep on an extra-firm mattress?
The firmness of your mattress can determine how you get your night's rest, but the type that's best for you comes down to personal preference. It's important to find a mattress that has a solid trial period so you can return the mattress if it doesn't work for you.
What sleeping position is best for an extra-firm mattress?
In general, back and stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress, as it provides greater support and prevents a sinking feeling.
However, whether you prefer a firm or extra-firm mattress largely depends on what you find the most comfortable.
Are extra-firm mattresses good for back pain?
A 2015 study found that custom inflatable medium-firm mattresses were best for people with low back pain. Therefore, if you are experiencing lower back pain, an extra-firm mattress may not be the best fit for you. Instead, try choosing a lower hardness level.
Would a doctor recommend an extra-firm mattress?
Doctors recommend sleeping on a mattress that promotes neutral spinal alignment and deep sleep. One 2021 reviewTrusted Source recommends a medium-firm mattress as the best choice for this result. Keep in mind that the mattress that's best for you (and your doctor's recommendations) will be personalized based on your body type, sleeping position, and other health factors.
