A few factors can affect the right mattress firmness for you, including your sleep position, body weight, and any issues with chronic pain. Beyond that, the best mattress firmness really comes down to personal preference. So while the thought of snoozing on an extra firm mattress may not be for all, it’s a fairly popular pick for those who sleep on their stomach or need more support. That’s because side sleepers put pressure on their shoulders and hips, which needs to be counteracted by the mattress. An extra-firm mattress won’t provide this responsiveness, making them a hard sell. However, stomach and back sleepers can find an oasis in this solid construction. The firm base keeps your spine in a neutral alignment when lying on your stomach or back, preventing your risk of aches and pains. The extra-sturdy construction is also ideal for those who weigh more than 230 pounds, which is often the max weight considered for many designs. Of course, you’re the best judge of how firm you want your mattress to be. Take advantage of trial periods, flippable mattresses, and free returns to find the right firmness level for you. Although many brands use the same 10-point scale, there is no universal metric for firmness. As a result, it’s important to read into the construction of every mattress to better understand how it may fit your preferences. What that really means? Each side of the memory foam mattress has a different type of cushioning. One side has less than an inch of pillow cushioning, while the other provides twice the cushioning and a 2-inch foam comfort level. How It Arrives: Unlike an actual plank, this foam mattress rolls into a slim spiral and ships in a box. The all-foam design weighs less than 105 pounds, so it can easily be moved around the home. Just know a few buyers did complain of a strong off-gassing smell. What Customers Say: More than 2,000 people have reviewed this mattress, yet it still has a nearly perfect rating with 4.8/5 stars. Most shoppers were relieved to find an ultra-firm mattress that actually delivered on a no-bounce claim. Each dense layer of latex is cut into a patented zigzag wave pattern. While this sounds unconventional, it actually creates three pressure-relieving zones throughout the mattress with different levels of responsiveness. The end result is the optimal spine-aligning design that’s endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association. How It Arrives: Your new latex mattress arrives in a box, which should be moved to your ideal location before opening. If you get too excited and unbox in the wrong location, the mattress has handles for easy repositioning (a must considering the hefty weight). Plus, the focus on natural materials without flame retardants or chemicals means there won’t be a funky scent from your new purchase as it expands. What Customers Say: Most reviewers can’t get enough of this firm pick, earning it a 4.5/5 rating. In fact, the biggest complaint from shoppers was that the mattress was too firm—which means it’ll be just right for those seeking an extra-firm option. How It Arrives: White glove service is the name of the game for Saatva, which delivers and sets up its luxury mattresses free of charge. Another perk? No funky smells, as the mattress is GREENGUARD Gold and eco-INSTITUT® certified to be free of pollutants & emissions. What Customers Say: Reviewers gave this sleek design a nearly perfect rating with many calling it the “best bed” they’ve ever slept on. Similar to with other designs, the main complaints were that it was too firm. Despite this sturdy construction, you won’t need to worry about the mattress overheating thanks to the layer of temperature-regulating wool batting surrounding the exterior. Bonus: Free returns means you can swap between the two firmness levels to guarantee that you’ve made the right pick. How It Arrives: Each hand-sewn mattress is compressed and shipped to your door in recycled packaging, with orders shipped out the same day Monday through Friday. What Customers Say: Customers loved not dealing with the smell of chemical off-gassing and couldn’t stop commenting on the firm support. The customer service also earned shout-outs from satisfied shoppers. How It Arrives: Don’t be alarmed when a compact box arrives at your door. Each mattress is compressed into a slim roll, which takes about 72 hours to expand upon arrival. While some reviewers warned of an off-gassing smell from chemicals, many said it dissipated quickly. Note: Similar to many budget mattresses, Zinus incorporates fiberglass as a flame retardant. Although affordable, this may present an issue as your mattress wears down over time.
