Other Extra-Firm Beds We Researched
There are so many awesome extra-firm mattresses out there that just didn’t make it onto our list. If you didn’t find what you were hoping for, check out a few of these other top picks:
- Plank Firm Luxe – The Plank Firm Luxe is basically a fancier version of the original Plank Firm mattress. We didn’t include it here because it’s a bit pricier than the Firm, but it offers pretty much the same feel, just as an innerspring coil mattress instead of memory foam. It does have an edge over the Plank Firm when it comes to cooling and motion isolation, though, so if those are deal-breakers for you, it might be worth checking out.
- Birch Luxe – The Birch Luxe is like the upgraded version of the Birch Natural. It’s a latex hybrid with a firm feel, but it has this organic cashmere-wool comfort layer under the pillow top. It scored a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, but if you're looking to save some cash, you might wanna stick with the original Birch.
- Saatva Classic – The Saatva Classic is a high-end hybrid with that classic innerspring vibe. It comes in three firmness levels, including Luxury Firm and Firm. I personally sleep on a Luxury Firm Saatva Classic, and it’s definitely on the firmer side, so I’m guessing the Firm version would be insanely firm. Check out our Saatva review for more deets.
How We Tested Extra-Firm Mattresses
Alright, so you’ve checked out all our top choices for the best extra-firm mattresses, and now you're probably wondering how we decided which ones made the list. Let’s break down the three big factors we focused on, how we put them to the test, and what they actually mean when it comes to picking out an extra-firm mattress.
Firmness
The Dweva Review Team firmness scale goes from 1 to 10, with 6.5/10 being the middle ground, aka medium-firm. Most of the firm mattresses we looked at land around a 7 to 8 on that scale, but extra-firm beds go even further, offering more support and sturdiness. That said, it's important to keep in mind that firmness is all about personal preference. We figure out firmness by getting feedback from a bunch of different testers and then averaging their thoughts to give each mattress an overall firmness rating based on our scale.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, who’s super qualified in pulmonary and sleep science, says, “The best firmness for someone really depends on a bunch of factors like how they sleep, how much they weigh, any special conditions, or just their personal preferences.” Most people are good with a medium-firm mattress, but extra-firm ones can work for plenty of people: stomach sleepers, back sleepers, heavier folks, or anyone looking for a super solid, supportive mattress.
Durability
The Dweva Review Team firmness scale goes from 1 to 10, with 6.5/10 being the middle ground, aka medium-firm. Most of the firm mattresses we looked at land around a 7 to 8 on that scale, but extra-firm beds go even further, offering more support and sturdiness. That said, it's important to keep in mind that firmness is all about personal preference. We figure out firmness by getting feedback from a bunch of different testers and then averaging their thoughts to give each mattress an overall firmness rating based on our scale.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, who’s super qualified in pulmonary and sleep science, says, “The best firmness for someone really depends on a bunch of factors like how they sleep, how much they weigh, any special conditions, or just their personal preferences.” Most people are good with a medium-firm mattress, but extra-firm ones can work for plenty of people: stomach sleepers, back sleepers, heavier folks, or anyone looking for a super solid, supportive mattress.
Responsiveness
An extra-firm mattress is usually put together with stuff like high-density foam or tough coils. Both these materials usually make it more responsive, which is key for people looking for that extra-firm feel. The responsiveness helps not just with making it easier to move around on the mattress, but it also gives you that "on top" sensation instead of the slow sinking feeling you get with softer mattresses. We check how responsive it is by rolling around on the mattress, switching up positions, and seeing how easy it is to get in and out of bed.
What Else Is Important When Buying an Extra-Firm Mattress?
When picking out a new mattress, there’s more to think about than just how firm it is. A lot of these things can impact how the bed feels overall, which matters when you've got a bunch of preferences to meet.
Type of Mattress
If you’ve been mattress hunting for a while, you’ve probably noticed there are a ton of different brands and models out there. But what does it all mean? We’ll break down the main types of mattresses and explain who they’re best for.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are all about shaping to your body.They’re usually great for side sleepers who need some pressure relief, but you can also find all-foam mattresses that work for back and stomach sleepers too.Memory foam gets a bad rap for holding onto body heat, but a lot of them have cooling features to help fix that problem.An extra-firm memory foam mattress should use thicker, more responsive foam layers.Check out our top picks for firm memory foam mattresses.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are the OG of mattresses, made with a layer of connected coils and a thin comfort layer on top.When you lie down on an innerspring, you’ll definitely feel more of those support coils beneath you.Because of that, innersprings usually feel a bit firmer compared to hybrids.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses mix foam and coils to give you a balanced, responsive feel.The thick foam comfort layer helps relieve pressure points, while the innerspring layer keeps you from “bottoming out” and adds extra lumbar support.Extra-firm hybrids might have tougher comfort layers made from denser foams or even latex.
Latex
Latex kind of looks like memory foam, but it’s way more responsive and breathable.You won’t "sink" into a latex mattress like you do with memory foam.Instead, you’ll feel like you're lying on top of it.This also helps with cooling since the foam layers don’t trap as much heat, so it’s a good option for people who get hot while they sleep.Latex mattresses generally feel firmer than memory foam, so they’re perfect for anyone who needs more lumbar support.The fact that they’re durable and eco-friendly is also a nice perk.
Body Weight
Your body type plays a role in picking the right firmness level for you. You might want or need a super-firm mattress, but what feels “extra-firm” to you might not match the industry’s standard. As Dr. Raj Dasgupta puts it, “Heavier people might think mattresses are too soft if they sink in too easily, or too firm because they compress the top layers and feel more of the support layer underneath.” Let’s break it down by weight and what each group of sleepers should aim for.
- Lightweight sleepers (under 130 lbs) – Lightweight sleepers probably prefer a softer mattress so they can sink in a bit. They’ll probably want to go for something in the soft to medium firmness range.
- Average-weight sleepers (130 lbs to 230 lbs) – Average-weight sleepers are usually the easiest to satisfy. These sleepers should be good with medium to medium-firm mattresses.
- Heavyweight sleepers (over 230 lbs) – Heavyweight sleepers may need something firmer to keep them from sinking too far into the mattress. We’d recommend medium-firm to firm mattresses, depending on their sleeping position.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position matters a lot when choosing a mattress. An extra-firm bed might not be the best choice for everyone since some people need a softer surface to relieve pressure.
- Side sleepers – These folks need pressure relief around their hips and shoulders. That’s why we usually recommend medium or soft mattresses. But heavier people might be fine with firmer beds that have pressure-relieving materials. Check out mattresses for side sleepers here.
- Back sleepers – Back sleepers are pretty easy to please since they just need a good balance of support and pressure relief. They can usually get by with beds in the medium to firm range, depending on their preferences.
- Stomach sleepers – Stomach sleepers do best on firm mattresses because they need strong support. Mattresses in the firmer range (above 7/10) are usually the way to go since they’ll keep the hips aligned.
- Combination sleepers – Combination sleepers need a mattress that’s responsive so they can switch positions easily. Look for a mattress with coils, latex, or denser foams. A medium-firm mattress is often the most versatile option. Find more beds for combination sleepers here.
Support
It’s key that your extra-firm mattress gives you the right support.You want a bed that keeps your spine aligned properly and follows the natural S-curve of your body, not one that forces you into an awkward position.Firmness doesn’t always mean support, because a mattress that’s too firm won’t give in the spots your body really needs it.When we test support, we lie down on the mattress in different positions and see how it feels for each.
Pressure Relief
Along with support, pressure relief is key to keeping you comfortable. Some parts of your body might press into the mattress when you lie down, so it’s important those areas get some cushioning. Dr. Raj Dasgupta says, “A mattress that offers the best pressure relief should have contouring materials (like memory foam or latex) and zoning to target pressure points while still offering support.”
We test pressure relief with pressure map technology. We roll out a mat on the mattress, then lie down in different positions on top of it. The software tracks and maps out where pressure builds up in each area. Blue and green indicate low pressure, while red and yellow show high pressure. Based on these results, we decide if the mattress does a good job at relieving pressure.
Edge Support
Edge support is all about how well the sides of the mattress hold up when weight is applied.For extra-firm mattresses, solid edge support usually means better firmness, quality, and durability.It’s also helpful if you share the bed and tend to spread out, or if you have mobility issues and need a strong perimeter.That’s why we test edge support by both lying down and sitting on the edges to see how stable we feel in each position.We even use a tape measure to check exactly how much the mattress sinks under our bodies and under stacks of weights.From there, we give it a score out of five.
Company Policies
Buying a mattress online can be a bit of a hassle, but it also has its perks. We always suggest making the most of company policies, like sleep trials, free shipping, and warranties, to get the best deal and shopping experience.
Most brands offer at least a 100-night trial, so you can get a feel for the mattress before fully committing. As long as you return it within that time, you can usually get a full refund. Some companies even offer trials up to a year, so if you're worried about not being able to try the bed in a store, take full advantage of the chance to test it out at home. Just be sure to give it at least a month to really see how it feels. Some companies will also throw in free shipping or white glove delivery to make the process even smoother.
Warranties can be a little confusing, but they’re a good way to figure out how long a mattress will last and how much you might get back if it starts to wear out. It’s no coincidence that most mattresses are expected to last about 10 years, and that’s usually the length of the warranty too. Make sure you know what’s covered by your warranty and avoid doing anything that might void it. For example, make sure your mattress is on the right base, check if it needs a box spring, and maybe consider buying a mattress protector to keep it in good shape.
