Best Firm Mattress of 2021 | Reviewing Our Top 10 Picks
If you’re on the lookout for a firm mattress, chances are that you’re a back or stomach sleeper, or a heavier individual. There are a variety of firm sleeping products on the market to suit just about any requirements. Here, we are going to take a closer look at some of the top-rated firm mattresses available on the market.
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Factors to Consider When Buying a Firm Mattress
There are four main factors to consider when deciding on the best firm mattress for you:
Age
Weight
Body aches/pain
Favorite sleeping position
Stomach sleepers tend to feel suffocated on plush mattresses and may feel better supported on firm beds. A firm mattress can also provide the necessary support for older people who suffer from body aches. These are a few factors that you should carefully review when picking out your next firm mattress.
Benefits of a Firm Mattress
A firm mattress is not only suitable for back and stomach sleepers, but it also comes packed with other benefits as well. Below is a list of a few reasons to opt for a firmer bed.
Comfort
A firm mattress offers an expressed amount of support that may just be more comfortable to some. For those who experience lower back pain, neck, or joint issues, it is generally recommended to go for firmer options that provide sufficient support for better spinal care.
Deeper rest
If your mattress is overly soft or sagging, you will never be able to get proper rest. A more solid bed is best at providing sleepers with the necessary amount of firmness to keep your spine aligned and induce a greater state of relaxation.
Proper weight distribution
Firm mattress models are best at effectively distributing your overall weight, which can help to alleviate pressure points of the body.
Top 10 Firm Mattresses
Now that we know how important a firm mattress may be let’s dive into the best firm mattresses you could find on the market.
1. Avocado Green Mattress
Founded in 2015, Avocado quickly grew into one of the top companies that sell premium eco-friendly mattresses. Their affordable latex hybrids are built from GOLS-certified organic latex that are responsibly sourced.
Delivery and Setup
Avocado offers free shipping for their mattresses. The Green mattress – like a lot of the beds we’ve reviewed – comes rolled up in a box. The mattress is pretty heavy, so it’s best if you could get a friend to help you move and unbox it.
The ensure it fits into the box, the mattress has been tightly vacuumed packed and compressed in plastic packaging. Once you unwrap it, you’ll want to give your new bed up to 48 hours to regain its shape.
Construction and Material
The Avocado Green Mattress is constructed with a straightforward, two-layer design of latex and pocketed coils. Standing at 11 inches tall, this simple structure offers bouncy and taut support.
The Avocado Green comes with two options, standard and pillowtop version, which includes an extra 2 inches of layer latex on top for added comfort. This option is suitable for those who prefer a softer mattress. However, we will be looking at the standard version in today’s review.
The top mattress cover is made of organic cotton and hand-tufted GOTS organic certified wool that gives it a super soft and breathable feel. Not only that, the non-removable cover is designed to quickly wick any moisture away from your body to keep you fresh.
Below the airy cover is a single 2-inch layer of organic Dunlop latex to aid in point elasticity for additional pressure relief. Dunlop latex is well-known for its consistency and stable support, making it the perfect solution for anyone suffering from back pain.
Right at the core of the firm mattress is 8 inches of coils to provide the bed with plenty of support and to give it a bit of that traditional innerspring feel. The company uses eco-friendly recycled steel coils that are individually fabric-encased, which brings a pleasant lift to the structure.
Although pocketed springs are nothing special, what makes the Avocado mattress unique is that the core layer is broken into strategic comfort zones. The three firmness zones provide superior support to the hips, back, and shoulder area.
Beneath the coil lies one additional one-inch latex that acts as the foundation for the coils. In addition, this very firm layer gives the mattress an added level of support.
Firmness and Support
The standard Avocado Green mattress is on the firmer side. However, the structure is supremely bouncy, which makes it one of the best picks for combo sleepers, particularly for those who tend to flip around a lot.
The resilient latex material offers minimal conforming that allows the pressure to compress a wider surface. As you lay on the mattress, it creates a floating feeling rather than sinking into it.
The independently pocketed coils in the mattress’ support core are mapped into five different ergonomic zones with varying levels of firmness. Stretching out on my back, I felt a pleasant relief as the top layer of latex filled the space at my lumbar region. The bouncy feeling made it very easy to switch positions as well.
On my side, I felt some initial comfort, but that quickly wore off as I started to experience more pressure on my shoulders. That’s not too surprising as the Avocado Green is a relatively firm mattress. Strict side sleepers would find better pressure relief with the softer pillowtop version.
This firm mattress is great for stomach sleepers as it kept my shoulders and hips from sinking into the structure. My spine was well-aligned, and I could breathe comfortably without suffering from any tension.
Moving onto the edge support, the reinforced steel perimeter around the innerspring core work fantastically to hold the edges of the mattress up. You could experience an excellent support across the entire sleeping surface without the sensation or concern of rolling off the bed.
Trial Period and Warranty
The Avocado mattress comes with free shipping and a full year sleep trial. If you are dissatisfied with the bed during the trial period, just pick up the call to arrange for a return and a full refund. If you do decide to keep it, the mattress has a 25-year warranty to protect you from any defects.
Although it is not the cheapest mattress out there, the Avocado mattress Green offers a solid value if you really care about the environment. It is a great bed and provides plenty of support for the back, stomach, and combination sleepers. This firm mattress is best for heavier profiled sleepers as it offers excellent support.
The pros
- Soft and airy cover made of cotton and GOTS-certified certified wool
- Dunlop process latex offers excellent consistency and bouncy support
- Thick pocketed coils layer strategically split into five different ergonomic zones
- 1-year sleep trial
- 25-year warranty
The cons
- Too firm for side sleepers
2. Saatva Classic Mattress
Saatva is one of the earliest players in the direct-to-consumer mattress industry and is known for making high-quality, durable beds. The classic mattress features a combination of cushioning layers and individually wrapped coils to help you sleep peacefully.
Delivery and Setup
The Saatva mattress ships for free, and it arrives in its full shape. If you’re concerned about maneuvering a large mattress into your home, don’t worry as someone else will do all the heavy lifting for you. The company offers free white glove delivery as well as free removal of your old mattress, all for your convenience.
Construction and Materials
The Saatva mattress is available in three different comfort options (plush soft, luxury firm, and firm). Today we will be reviewing the luxury firm option, which also happens to be their best seller.
The Classic mattress features an organic cotton circular knit top panel above its Euro-top layer. It includes extra padding and cushioning that is intended to make the surface feel softer. The Euro pillow top contains 1.25 inches of soft polyfoam and 0.75 inches of dacron fiber underneath.
Right below a layer of the memory foam lies the innerspring section, which consists of individually pocketed coils. The coils here work to double down on the bounce of the pillow top to produce an even more powerful lift.
The Saatva mattress has a thick steel coil support system comprised of 844 tempered steel rings for its base. It is common to see a high-density foam base layer beneath the coils in other innerspring mattresses. So, this choice of construction, which promises superior durability is a little bit different from the rest.
Firmness and Support
The Luxury Firm model stood at a medium-firm setting with a touch on the firmer side. Pressing my hands into the mattress, I noticed how cozy the quilted cover feels. The plush top offered soft and pleasant pressure relief. When I pushed harder, I could start to feel my hand hitting the bouncy pocketed coils.
When I first hopped onto the mattress, I could feel my entire weight is evenly distributed across the surface — the quilted cover and memory foam slowly contoured to my body shape, giving some gentle pressure relief.
The coil-on-coil construction gave me a buoyant lift off the mattress. I felt that I was positioned on top of the bed instead of sinking into it; this made it incredibly easy for me to move around and switch positions.
As I laid on my stomach, the firm support lifted my spine into a healthy, natural alignment. It felt really good as the mattress kept my hips and shoulders in line. Though it’s a decent fit for stomach sleepers, the Luxury Firm option is better suited for combo sleepers. I would recommend the strict stomach sleepers to go for the Firm option.
Rolling on to my sides, I could feel the pressure buildup at my shoulder and hips area. I did not feel entirely comfortable lying on my side – as expected from a firm mattress. So, I would not recommend the Saatva Luxury Firm mattress for strict side sleepers.
As supportive and comfortable the coil-on-coil structure is, I did notice quite a bit of motion transfer across the mattress. This means that for those who share the bed with a partner may feel the mattress move as your partner switches position or get off the bed.
On the positive side, the Saatva Classic mattress has excellent edge support. The bed has a firm layer of foam surrounding the perimeter of the mattress to ensure sleepers don’t feel as if they will roll off the sides. The solid edge support barely compresses even as you sit at the side of the bed.
Trial Period and Warranty
Once the mattress is delivered, Saatva gives you 120 nights to test out the bed. However, the company does charge you with a $99 return fee if you decide to return it for a full refund.
On the other hand, the Classic mattress is backed with a standard 15-year warranty, which protects customers against workmanship and material defects. The company also offers a Fairness Replacement Option, which allows you the option to purchase a brand new Saatva mattress at a discounted price instead of sending it in for repairs.
Overall, the Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring mattress feel that trends toward the bouncy side. This is an excellent option for combo sleeper that love to roll around at night.
The pros
- Mattress comes with free delivery and white-glove services
- Available in three different firmness options
- Coil-on-coil construction offers superior bounce and support
- Additional foam surrounding the perimeter gives the mattress excellent edge support
- 120-nights trial period
- 15-year warranty
The cons
- Too firm for strict side sleepers
- Some motion transfer across the mattress
- Company charges $99 return fee
3. Amerisleep AS2 Mattress
Amerisleep promises that their mattress will help its customers fall asleep 15 minutes quicker than the average bed. You will wake up more alert and recharged after a comfortable night’s sleep with the AS2 mattress.
Delivery and Setup
Amerisleep offers free shipping for their mattresses, and my AS2 arrived via FedEx. You will need to locate and cut along the seam in the plastic that runs along with the mattress. Once you have removed both the outer and inner plastic bag from your mattress, unroll the bed and let it lay flat.
The mattress will start to expand, and you may need to give it between 24 – 72 hours to regain its full shape. The AS3 had absolutely no smell to it, no chemical or factory odor. This is all thanks to the eco-friendly materials used to construct the AS3 that do not produce off-gassing.
Construction and Material
The AS3 is made up of multiple foam layers that ensure you get a healthy and refreshing sleeping environment. The top layer is 2 inches of Bio-Pur foam that is made with plant-based materials that help to keep you relaxed. This open-cell memory foam keeps your body cool while gently conforming to your body for optimum comfort.
The second layer consists of a 3-inch Affinity layer. This polyfoam acts as a transitional layer between the top and bottom layers to enhance their supportiveness and responsiveness. The middle tier also helps to make your bed feel softer without compromising on support.
The bottom-most Bio-Core layer is 7 inches of high-density polyfoam that acts as the base support of the mattress. This layer not only keeps the bed in shape, but it also helps to keep your hips and shoulder in their natural position to reduce or eliminate any body aches in the morning.
Wrapping all the layers together is a Celliant-infused cover, which has been clinically proven to help people fall asleep quicker with its thermos-reactive thread. The cover feels very soft, and it is also claimed to help recycle body temperature into healing energy for a full night of restorative sleep.
Firmness and Support
The AS2 mattress has a medium-firm firmness, which means that you should be pretty comfortable on this mattress in multiple positions. You can feel the plush top contouring at work once you lie down on the bed. The gentle sinking feeling offers superior pressure relief without getting stuck as the mattress has a bouncy pushback response.
When I slept on it, I always wake up feeling more refreshed, and my shoulders weren’t as stiff. The firm Bio-Core layer is what helps keep your shoulders and hips in their natural position that keeps your spine aligned. Combined with the support from the transitional layer, the AS2 works excellent at relieving pressure points.
If you hate being woken up in the middle of the night due to the jostling movements from the other side of the bed, you may love the Amerisleep AS2 mattress. The mattress excels in limiting motion transfer, and you will not be able to feel much during the night for a peaceful sleep.
As for the edge support, the mattress lies somewhere in the middle between no support and an extremely firm edge. Though the mattress doesn’t sink too much, you could slip off the bed if you aren’t prepared for it.
Trial Period and Warranty
Amerisleep offers a 100-night sleep trial for the AS2 mattress for you to test out before deciding. On top of that, the bed is backed with a 20-year warranty to protect you from any manufacturing defects.
The Amerisleep AS2 mattress is perfect for someone looking for eco-friendly alternatives to regular memory foam mattresses that do not smell. There are definitely a lot of excellent features that really make the AS3 stand out from all the other competitions. So, though you may be paying a little bit more, you are getting something with a much higher value.
The pros
- Made of eco-friendly materials that keep you healthy and safe.
- Bio-Core layer effectively offers support and pain relief
- Medium firmness makes it suitable for different positions
- No odor at all
- 100-night sleep trial
- 20 years warranty
The cons
- Weaker edge support
4. Zenhaven Foam Mattress
The Zenhaven latex mattress is made of Talalay latex foam, organic wool, and cotton and is quickly becoming an all-time favorite latex bed online. Not only is it flappable, but this bed also features a convenient adjustable firmness level, lush latex layers, and eco-friendly materials that are safe for both you and the environment.
Delivery and Setup
After purchasing your Zenhaven mattress, the company will ship your new bed to you completely free. Because this luxury mattress is cumbersome and difficult to handle, Saatva offers free white glove delivery. They will set the whole thing up exactly how and where you want it.
Construction and Material
The Zenhaven foam mattress is made up of 100% natural latex, organic cool, and cotton. The flippable bed has two different firmness level on either side and are adjustable to fit your individual firmness needs.
The “Luxury Plush” side features a softer, luxurious feel. If you prefer something with a little more support, simply flip the mattress over to experience the “Gentle Firm” side that is 18% firmer than the Luxury Plush.
The Zenhaven foam mattress has a cover that is woven with organic cotton that is ultra-soft and breathable. The cover is even quilted with 100% organic New Zealand wool to promote moisture-wicking properties to keep the bed cool and cozy.
The softer Luxury Plush layer consists of 1.5 inches of soft, supportive Talalay latex. Talalay latex are famous for its smooth and luxurious texture. It remains bouncy and supportive to keep you up and out of the bed rather than inside it.
The mattress core is two thick layers of compressed Talalay latex that work as a support center. The two layers are three inches each, and they provide the bed with plenty of bounce and buoyancy.
Moving onto the firmer layer, the Gentle Firm side is composed of 1.5 inches of dense, supportive latex that provides a bit more lumbar support to ensure proper spinal alignment. This side is not as pressure-relieving and cozy as the Luxury Plush as you’ll notice less sinkage upon contact.
Firmness and Support
The Luxury Plush side is more on the medium side of firmness, which offers some initial cozy softness with a tinge of sinkage. The bottom latex layers help to keep you up and out of the bed. Side sleepers will find this softer side to provide sufficient pressure relief in the hips and shoulder region.
On the other side, the Gentle Firm layer carries with it a medium-firm setting. When I laid on this mattress, my weight was evenly distributed with some pressure relief in my lower back. I felt a noticeable strain when I rolled over to my side. Side sleepers may find this setting too firm to be comfortable.
The latex material keeps the bed very bouncy and responsive. I found it very easy to switch positions and to move around on the Zenhaven mattress. On top of that, both sides of the mattress feature a zoned comfort layer. This means the bed is designed to be more supportive for heavier parts of your body like your hips while providing pressure relief for shoulders and neck area.
One thing that I enjoyed about the mattress is that it helps to sleep cool. The latex layer has an open cell structure that helps to circulate the air easily throughout the entire mattress. Combined with the breathable cotton cover, the bed keeps you cooler and calmer throughout the night.
Unfortunately, the Zenhaven foam mattress displays a high motion transfer across the bed for both configurations. Despite the all-foam construction, sleepers will most likely feel even the slightest movement with this mattress. Though the bounce from latex is very comfortable, it does contribute a lot of disturbance across the bed.
Trial Period and Warranty
Zenhaven understands the difficulty of purchasing a mattress online. That is why the company offers customers with a 120-day home trial beginning from the date of delivery. If you’re not satisfied with the product, Zenhaven will arrange to pick up the mattress and refund your money. However, similar to the Saatva mattress, the company does charge you a $99 pick up fee.
On the other hand, if you do decide to keep the mattress, Zenhaven mattresses come with a 20-year warranty, which protects customers against workmanship and material defects.
Overall, the Zenhaven mattress is a really nice and comfortable latex bed. This is an ideal solution for eco-conscious people that want a quality bed without harming the environment. If you want a foam mattress with bouncier support and better cooling, I think you’ll be impressed with what the Zenhaven Foam mattress has to offer.
The pros
- Flippable mattress with two different firmness side
- Ultra-soft and breathable cover is woven of organic cotton and quilted with wool
- Talalay latex offers a bouncy support
- Latex layer has an open cell structure that helps to circulate the air
- Zoned comfort layer for pressure relief
- 120-day home trial
- 20-year warranty
The cons
- Too bouncy for some
- $99 return fee charge
5. Leesa Original Mattress
Leesa has been producing popular bed-in-a-box products for years and is well-known for delivering high-quality mattresses. The three-foam construction in a design fitting that is suitable for the majority of sleepers. If you’re a fan of contour without feeling stuck, you may just find the Leesa mattress perfect for you.
Delivery and Setup
The company offers completely free shipping for their mattresses. The bed is shipped via UPS compressed and plastic wrapped in a box. You just need to drag the box into your house, tear off the plastic wrapping and allow Leesa to breathe. The time you need to wait for Lessa to fully expand is about 24 hours.
Construction and Materials
The Leesa mattress starts with a base layer of dense polyurethane foam that acts as foundational support for the bed. Above this sturdy foam is a 2-inch transition layer of memory foam that stops you from feeling the hard, solid base layer.
The top comfort layer is made of LSA200 that feels very neutral and soft to the touch. This airy and light material feels almost like a marshmallow that offers a delightful rest. The LSA200 foam provides excellent pressure relief and is very comfortable to lay on.
The bouncy and responsive foam not only helps to keep the sleeper lifted on top of the structure, but it also promotes good air circulation throughout the mattress. The Leesa mattress is wrapped in polyester blend cover that feels so very soft and cozy.
Although the cover is removable, I don’t recommend you do this as it is not machine washable. Instead, try spot cleaning with a dab of light detergent and warm water to clear up any stain or dirt.
Firmness and Support
Leesa has a medium firmness that is highly responsive to pressure so that you won’t get any of that dreadful stuck-in-the-mud feeling. This highly accommodating and universally comfortable bed makes it a safe pick to suit just about anybody.
As I stretched out on the mattress, I noticed my body slowly sinking into the comfort layers. There was good pressure relief as the soft layer filled the space and supported my lower back.
For back-sleeper, I’d strongly recommend getting the Leesa mattress as the bed gives just the right amount of support to the shoulders and hips for a comfy snooze. The medium-firm layer also ensures that your spine is straight when you sleep, making it ideal for stomach sleepers.
I could feel some pressure against my shoulders when I laid down sideways on the Leesa bed. So, strict side-sleepers may prefer a softer texture for a more comfortable sleep. However, the mattress still works great for combination sleepers.
Unfortunately, the foam layers on the Leesa mattress don’t work to offer zero motion transfer. The latex-like layer makes for a bouncy feeling that also somewhat transfer some motion. If you’re a light sleeper, you may just be able to feel your partner tossing and turning in the night.
Trial Period and Warranty
On top of free shipping and returns, Leesa offers a 100-night risk-free trial for their mattresses. Additionally, the bed has a 10-year limited warranty, so you can get an immediate replacement if you find any manufacturing defect mattress.
The pros
- LSA 200 foam creates a bouncy feeling and offers pressure relief
- The top layer features enhanced cooling
- The medium-firm mattress makes it suitable for most sleepers
- Minimal off-gassing
The cons
- May be too firm for some
- Not suitable for side-sleepers
- You may feel some motion transfer
6. The Purple Original Mattress
Purple is widely recognized as one of the most innovative bedding companies today since its popular Kickstarter campaign in 2015. What makes Purple mattresses stand out is their patented Hyper-Elastic Polymer, which feels different than any other beds.
Delivery and Setup
Like most bed-in-a-box companies, the Purple Original mattress ships for free and is delivered right to your doorstep, all rolled up and compressed. Instead of a box, the mattress arrives in a protective covering.
Once you carry the bed into your room, you just need to remove the plastic covering and unroll the mattress to inflate for about 24-72 hours. The whole setup process is so easy and convenient that most people realize.
Construction and Materials
The new version of Purple mattress features a new cover made of SoftFlex material. This polyester, viscose, and lycra combination makes it very stretchy and breathable. The cover moves along with the comfort layer and improves the airflow in the mattress.
Although the cover is removable, it is not recommended for you to throw it into the washer. Instead, if you happen to spill something on it, you should conduct spot cleaning with mild detergent and a damp cloth. This way, you won’t risk ruining the cover and help to prolong its longevity.
Next is the comfort layer consisting of Purple’s proprietary Hyper-Elastic Polymer set up in a grid structure. The mattress provides a good, responsive feel as the walls of the grids can flex under pressure while remaining supportive everywhere else.
In the middle is 3.5 inches of the high-density polyfoam transition layer. This firm and supportive layer keep you from sinking too deep into the mattress. The pushback response also makes it easier for you to move around. Lastly is the 4-inch polyurethane foam that serves as the foundation and accounts for the mattress’s overall firmness.
Firmness and Support
The Purple mattress has a feeling quite unlike other mattresses. The top layer of Hyper-Elastic Polymer gives the bed a gel-like feel that is soft and comfortable. You can feel the polymer squares shift and conforming to your body as you lay down. It does feel a little weird at first, but it’s a feeling that you will grow to love.
The top polymer gives the mattress a medium firmness that achieves a delicate balance between pressure relief and support. The super responsive top layer pops back to its original shape once the pressure is released so you won’t feel like you’re “stuck in the mud”.
The mattress offers the right level of support if you’re a back or stomach sleeper. The bed kept my hips and shoulders well supported and aligned throughout the night. As I seamlessly switch to my side, I started to feel a slight pressure on my sides. Not a big issue, but strict side sleepers may fare better with a softer mattress.
The Hyper-Elastic Polymer is naturally more temperature neutral than other standard foams that do not retain heat. Furthermore, the polymer material is constructed in a grid structure that creates columns and rows for better airflow. If you tend to sweat at night, this is one of the best mattresses for hot sleepers.
The Purple mattress has a solid foam side rails surrounding the bed to improve edge support. With this additional feature, the mattress does perform pretty well without too much sagging at the sides. This means there is more useable surface to spread out and get comfortable on the bed.
Trial Period and Warranty
The Purple mattress offers free shipping and returns with a standard 100-night trial for customers to test out the bed in the comforts of their own home. On top of that, there is a 10-year warranty to give you a peace of mind during purchase.
The pros
- SoftFlex cover that is stretchy and breathable
- Hyper-Elastic Polymer top offers bouncy support and cooling effect
- Provides excellent support for front, stomach, and combo sleepers
- 100 nights free trial
- 10-year warranty
The cons
- Mattress’s unique feeling might feel weird to some
- Might be too firm for some
7. Plank by Brooklyn Bedding
The Plank mattress by Brooklyn Bedding is a flappable mixed foam mattress that offers a firm, minimalistic design. The Plank is one of the firmest mattresses available on the market today and is suitable for anyone who prefers exceptionally firm surfaces. Many stomach sleepers, and people who carry a heavier profile will instantly fall in love with the Plank mattress.
Delivery and Setup
This firm mattress arrives at your door, all rolled up and bundled in a box, making it simple to carry up to your room for quick setup. You can use your Plank mattress on a variety of surfaces, such as slatted, solid platform, and even on an adjustable base.
Construction and Material
The flippable mattress has two firmness options for you to pick from “Firm” and “Extra Firm”. For the Extra Firm side, you’ll find 7 inches of high-density polyfoam with a quick response rate to provide instant, firm support.
Usually, you’ll only find high-density polyfoams farther down in a bed, but Brooklyn Bedding has used it as the top layer to give sleepers with ultra-firm support. This structure makes it perfect for strict back and stomach sleepers who require more support for proper spinal alignment.
There’s an optional cooling panel that you can opt for to be incorporated into Extra Firm’s cover. The panel uses phase change material to quickly dissipate heat and keep the cover cool to the touch. On top of that, the cover is quilted with 1.5 inches of foam to provide a little pressure relief before you hit the extra firm support layer.
Moving to the softer – but still pretty firm – side, you’ll land on 2 inches of Titanflex foam. It is not as firm as the high-density polyfoam, so you’ll be able to experience some degree of sinkage as you lay on top.
The cover on this side of the Plank is identical to the top cover except for its quilting. Instead of 1.5 inches, the Firm cover only features 0.75 inches of foam quilting. The cover has a smooth and slick feel for both sides that some may find to be too slippery. However, this smooth feel does give the bed a boost of luxurious feeling.
Firmness and Support
Both sides of the Plank mattress are designed to give customers a firm feel. The firm side is slightly firmer than most, while the extra firm is much firmer. Lying down on the extra firm side, I noticed how the quilted cover conformed to my body while the supportive bottom layer holds my body up in a straight alignment.
On the flip side, there was less cradling as the cover is half as thick; however, the TitanFlex layer offers additional support. The Plank has a bouncy feel to it, allowing plenty of mobility in the mattress.
As I rolled onto my stomach, there was a good deal of support for my hips to keep it from bowing out of alignment with my upper body. I was comfortably rested without experiencing any strains along my body. Overall, strict and stomach sleepers will find that they can receive a lot of support to lean on with the Plank mattress.
The quilted cover may keep the mattress from feeling like a plank. However, if you were to lay on your sides for a long time, you may start to feel pressure buildup at the hips and shoulders area. Strict side sleepers may want to pick out a mattress with a bit more pressure relief.
The Plank had splendid motion isolation for such a solid build as generally firmer mattresses tend to transfer quite a bit of disturbance. The polyfoam layers in the bed did a great job of dampening any motion to keep the other side uninterrupted.
Trial Period and Warranty
The Plank mattress is backed with a generous trial period of 120 nights. However, the manufacturer does require you to give the bed a try for a minimum of 30 nights to allow your body to adjust to it.
All Brooklyn Bedding mattresses come with a full 10-year hassle-free warranty that covers any manufacturing or material defects. The offered trial period and warranty goes to show how much confidence Brooklyn Bedding has in their products.
Catering to those whose tastes run on the firmer side, the Plank bed features a dual-sided option that lets you choose how firm you’d like your bed to be. The mattress’ super gentle and breathable foam keeps you from sleeping hot and gently cradles your pressure points. Back and stomach sleepers will find an enjoyable sleeping experience with the Plank mattress.
The pros
- Flippable mattress has two firmness options: “Firm” and “Extra Firm”
- The mattress cover is quilted with a layer of foam to cradle your body gently
- Fantastic support for stomach and back sleepers
- Excellent motion isolation across the mattress
- 120 nights free trial
- 10-year hassle-free warranty
The cons
- Smooth cover makes you feel like you’re slipping off the bed
8. The Nectar Mattress
Nectar aims to produce mattresses that improve people’s life by giving customers peace of mind. They’ve spent a lot of time trying testing out different designs to achieve the perfect sleep enhancement mattress.
Nectar mattress proves that affordability and high quality can indeed go hand in hand. If you’re looking for a bed that offers supreme comfort that which won’t cost you an arm and a leg, Nectar mattress may just be the one for you.
Delivery and Setup
The Nectar arrived packaged a little bit differently than the other mattresses. The mattress is not in a box, but it is wrapped up in a bag and sealed tightly with very durable plastic. You can keep and reuse the zippered bag as a huge duffle bag that can carry a lot of weight.
Once you remove the mattress from the packaging, you just need to unroll the mattress on your bed frame and let it breathe. The mattress expanded to its full size in no time at all! Quick, convenient, and easy.
Construction and Materials
Nectar mattress is gracefully wrapped in a Tencel-cotton blend cover. This luxurious cover creates a soft surface that feels cool to touch. The Tencel cover is so tightly knitted that it prevents any bedbugs or dust mites from getting into your mattress.
Right beneath the cover features a 1-inch gel quilting foam that provides a comfortable loft to lay on. The mattress easily conforms to your body regardless of which position you’re in, giving that cloud-like floating feeling.
Next is the 3-inch gel memory foam that delivers even weight distribution and pressure relief. The Lush Foam directly absorbs and distributes heat thanks to its unique gel infusion technology.
The third layer is a -inch adaptive hi-core memory foam that acts as an optimal inner layer. This sturdy and premium foam allows the bed to contour to your pressure points properly. If you carry a lot of weight, this mattress will do great to support your sleep.
The last layer at the bottom is made up of a 5-inch breathing base layer. It is specially molded with special channels to draw in fresh air. This helps to keep your mattress well ventilated and fresh.
Firmness and Support
With so many layers, this memory foam mattress has a distinct, dense feel. However, what makes it different from others is that the bed feels firm once you lay down, it then slowly softens and contour around your body shape. If you love memory foam, you will definitely enjoy this bed.
The soft memory foam gently fills up space in my lumbar region, offering excellent pressure relief. Back and side-sleepers will instantly fall in love with the Nectar mattress. Although, a tradeoff for this pleasant relief is that I did find it challenging to change positions and move around.
Unfortunately, I did not experience the same comfort when I rolled over onto my stomach. The memory foam caused my hips to sink, and I could feel some tension along my spine. Stomach sleepers may prefer to opt for a firmer mattress to support their snooze.
Sitting on the edge, I noticed some compression through the soft foam layers. However, the high-density polyfoam base did an excellent job of supporting and secured my weight on the side of the Nectar mattress. This good edge-support means you can maximize the mattress’s surface area. You won’t need to fight with your partner for the center spot anymore!
The Nectar mattress excelled in motion isolation. The memory foam mattress offers a slower response on top of efficient energy absorption to cut out any excessive movements. This mattress will be an excellent option for sleepers who are easily jostled awake in the middle of the night.
Trial Period and Warranty
Your body only needs 30 days to get used to a new mattress. However, Nectar went out of the way to offer customers with 365-days risk-free trial period. That’s a whole year of testing out before deciding whether it is suitable!
Nectar mattress even features a very impressive Forever Warranty for lifelong peace of mind. For the first ten years, you will get a full replacement with a brand-new Nectar if there is any defective in workmanship or materials. After that, the manufacturer will completely repair and re-cover your mattress if there are any defects or failures.
The pros
- Tencel cooling cover that is cool and prevents bed bugs
- Features breathing base layer and adaptive hi-core memory foam for ventilation and support
- Nectar mattress is CertiPUS-US, and OEKO-TEX certified
- 365-days risk-free trial period
- Nectar mattress comes with Forever Warranty
The cons
- May be too soft for stomach-sleepers
9. Loom & Leaf Mattress
Saatva is a well-respected bedding company for producing high-quality mattresses at affordable prices. The Loom & Leaf is one of the three beds from this reputable company that you simply cannot miss out on.
Delivery and Setup
Loom & Lead is one of the few companies that offer free white glove delivery. Instead of arriving compressed in a box, the mattress is delivered in its full size and brought right up to your room of choice.
Since it is not compressed in a plastic bag for days, the mattress has had plenty of room to breathe and produces minimal off-gassing. You can safely lay on it and enjoy the bed immediately upon setup.
Construction and Materials
To start the mattress, the top layer is made of 2 inches of gel-swirl memory foam. This acts as a comfort layer to give the bed a soft and cozy feel. The top layer also has a unique gel panel to maintain the mattress at the optimum temperature for a relaxing snooze.
Below it is a 2.5-inch visco-elastic memory foam that provides deep pressure relief and contouring support. Next is a 2-inch transition loft pad that seamlessly eases sleepers into the supportive foam below.
Finally, the Loom & Leaf mattress uses 5.5 inches of dense polyfoam that serves as the foundation for the bed. This support layer is what provides you with ultimate support while keeping the mattress in shape.
Wrapping everything up is an organic cover that comes quilted with 5/8 inches of soft foam for that added comfort. The soft and smooth cover gives the bed a luxurious feel to it. However, the cover is non-removable, and you will need to conduct spot cleaning should you accidentally dirty the bed.
Firmness and Support
The Loom & Leaf mattress comes in two firmness option: Relaxed Firm and Firm. The widely popular relaxed firm option lays somewhere in the medium firmness level while the latter is for customers who really want a very firm mattress.
As you would expect from a soft, dense memory foam top layer, the Loom & Leaf mattress has slower responsiveness that gently eases you into its comfort layers. Although this provides you with the ultimate comfort, you do require a little extra effort to switch positions.
If you’re slightly on the heavier side, it can get challenging to find a durable mattress. Fortunately, the Loom & Leaf features high-density memory foam and is capable of supporting up to 600 lbs. of combined weight.
The Loom & Leaf mattress works well for a variety of sleeping positions. Regardless of whether you’re a back, stomach, side, or combo sleeper, you will surely find the mattress to offer a good combination of comfort and support.
Whether you share your bed with your significant other or a pet, you will know how disturbing it can get when they keep moving around. With this in mind, the Loom & Leaf works amazingly at reducing motion transfer. Its memory foam layers absorb any motion to keep the other side of the bed undisturbed.
Trial Period and Warranty
Saatva understands the dilemma of ordering a mattress online before you get a chance to lay on it first. That’s why they offer a 120-day trial period that allows you to test and ensure the mattress is up to expectations. Additionally, you get a 15-year warranty for your peace of mind.
The pros
- Free white glove delivery
- High-density memory foam increases durability
- Mattress can support a combined weight of 600 lbs.
- Excellent motion transfer reduction
- Comes in two firmness option
- 120 days trial period
- 15 years warranty
The cons
- May be too firm for some
- Slow responsiveness makes it challenging to switch positions
10. Allswell Hybrid Mattress
Founded in 2018, Allswell strives to use hybrid mattress technology to offer customers with luxury sleeping experience without the hefty price tag. For an exceptionally competitive price, any bargain hunters should seriously consider this budget mattress.
Delivery and Setup
Allswell Hybrid mattress ships for free and arrives at your doorstep compressed and rolled-up in a box. Once your bed arrives, just move it into your room and unroll the mattress onto your frame. Lastly, remove the packaging and let it fully inflate for about 24-48 hours.
Construction and Materials
The bed uses a thin layer of dense polyfoam as the base layer that acts as a foundation for the coils above to sit on. Above it is 6 inches of individually wrapped coils that offer a bouncy feel and is the primary support framework for the bed.
Next is a 2-inch soft polyfoam acting as a middle layer between the top comfort layer and the coils for a smoother transition when you sink in. For the top, the mattress uses a quilted cover that has a 3/4 inch of gel memory foam. Overall, this quilted cover does give the bed a premium look and feel.
Firmness and Support
The Allswell Hybrid mattress feels medium-firm with just a touch on the firmer side. While you do experience some initial pressure relief from the top gel memory foam, you quickly feel the pushback from the pocket coil system.
The top foam layers were able to fill in space and help to alleviate any tension along my spine. It was also rather easy to move around and change positions, thanks to the quick responsiveness of the pocketed coils.
I felt terrific in both stomach, and back sleeping position as the buoyant support of the pocketed coils gave me sufficient support and lifted me on top of the bed. The Allswell does not work great for strict side-sleepers as I began to feel some pressure on my shoulders and hips.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
Allswell offers a 100-night risk-free trial and 10-year limited mattress warranty for their Hybrid mattresses. This is an excellent value mattress, plain and simple. If you’re looking for a premium and durable bed that does not compromise on comfort, the Allswell Hybrid mattress is the best bang for your buck.
The pros
- Medium-firm feel provides excellent support for stomach and back sleepers
- Great edge support
- 100-night risk-free trial
- 10-year limited warranty
The cons
- The mattress tends to overheat
- May be too firm for some
Final Verdict
I have tested quite a few bedding products, and the Avocado really impressed me by how much attention they pay to even the tiniest detail. The company wrapped the mattress in several layers for extra protection during delivery. On top of that, this firm mattress also comes with convenient side handles to help you move it around.
I love the zoning feature that worked best on accommodating my pelvic, lumbar, and shoulder areas. The comforting support helped me to wake up feeling super rejuvenated. I could finally say goodbye to annoying body aches that develop from unsupportive mattresses.
The Avocado Green mattress is an excellent product for heavier sleepers as it offers them the level of comfort and support they need. Made with sustainable and quality materials, the bed features very high durability and can last for a very long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a soft or firm mattress?
Whether you need a soft or firm mattress will ultimately depend on your personal preference, sleeping position, and body.
A bed with the right firmness level will provide you with adequate support to alleviate pressure points throughout your body. A mattress that is too firm or too soft can create some discomfort in your joint, back, or shoulder area.
Therefore, it is essential to understand your body and its sleeping requirements before deciding which firmness level is suitable for you.
2. Who is a firm mattress best for?
A firm mattress is best for back or stomach sleepers that need a firm sleeping surface to keep their hips and shoulders aligned properly.
Another reason one may pick out a firm mattress is due to their weight. Heavier individuals tend to find plushier beds to be too soft and uncomfortable. A firm mattress will provide heavier sleepers with just the right amount of support for a night of deep sleep.
The last reason for wanting a firm sleep surface is due to medical conditions that require a firm mattress every night. Whether you need it for spinal issues or breathing difficulty, it is best to consult your doctor before making the final decision when purchasing a new bed.
3. Can a firm mattress cause lower back pain?
Sleeping on a mattress that is too firm can cause body aches and pain.
Patients who want a firmer mattress for back support can get one with thicker padding for the best comfort. Generally, more people prefer a medium-firm mattress as the sinking can be quite cozy.
About the Author Jessica Larsen
I am a big advocate that having great sleep is something everyone deserves. With over 10 years of experience in this field, I would love to use this platform as a means to help you achieve a good night's sleep.
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