TOP 4 Best Extra Firm Mattresses in 2023 – Reviews & Buyer's Guide

How to Choose the Best Extra Firm Mattress

Okay, so you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided that a firm mattress is the bed you want. Here are some other points to keep in mind before making your final purchase:

• Dual firmness on the mattress.
• Add some layers to change the mattress's firmness.
• Choose a flippable mattress.
• Find a supportive pillow for your mattress.
• Your mattress’s free trial period.
• Warranty coverage of your mattress.
• Edge support of your mattress.
• Cooling components of your mattress.
• Motion isolation of your mattress.
• Mattress materials.
• Mattress thickness.
• Mattress support system.
• Mattress density.
• Choose a mattress based on your sleeping style.

Mattress Dual Firmness

If you have a partner who has a totally different firmness preference, you’ll likely not want to purchase an extra-firm king mattress, unless you’re happy sleeping on the couch. Instead, consider choosing models with different firmness levels on both the left and right side. This allows for the needs of both partners to be satisfied.

Change the Mattress's Firmness With Layers

Remember that your perception of firmness may change as you get used to your new bed. Or, you may find the mattress feels too firm shortly after your free trial period expires. In this case, you may be able to alter the feel by adding a mattress topper or cushioning pad. You can add extra layers on top of the cover or place them under the cover if the mattress construction allows you to do that. Some brands offers this solution (Novosbed for example), here how it looks like:

Flippable Mattress

If you are still not sure about the firmness you need, search for a flippable bed. These models have different firmness levels on both sides, so you can flip your mattress and use the second sleeping surface if you end up not liking the first one.

Supportive Pillow for Your Mattress

A suitable pillow is as crucial for your rest as the mattress itself. For a firm bed, you might want to choose a higher, firmer pillow, especially if you’re a side sleeper. Softer models with a small loft won’t provide enough support for your neck, and you may wake up in pain.

Mattress Free Trial Period

If you’re buying a bed online, you can make use of an extended trial period. Most online brands will gladly offer you this option, if you ask. During this period, you can expect a hassle-free refund if you find the mattress isn’t suitable for you. Typically, these trials vary from 90–120 days, which is pretty long compared to the standard return period in a brick-and-mortar store.

Mattress Warranty Coverage

After your trial ends, you may still be eligible for mattress replacement or a full refund if the purchased product appears to be defective. Most mattress brands guarantee the sagging depth will be not deeper than the level specified in the warranty conditions. If the mattress sags below that level, you can use the warranty to get a new mattress. Sagging is just one of the possible defects covered by warranty.

Mattress Edge Support

Strong edges may really be helpful if you and your partner require more space or simply like to sleep near the edge. Most firmer mattresses have reliable edges, especially if we are talking about hybrid models. Now, as for foam mattresses, their edges tend to compress more. You might still find extra-firm foam mattresses that have strong edges, but not all of them can support one’s body properly during sleep. So, it’s always better to check the reviews first and see what people have to say about the edge support of the model you are considering.

Mattress Cooling Components

Even though most firm mattresses aren’t likely to retain heat, some sleepers may require a bit extra to remain cool during the night. Now, innerspring and latex mattresses usually perform the best in terms of thermoregulation. Hybrid models can also sleep cool, especially those with firmer comfort layers. As for the foam, it might be a better idea to choose mattresses that have an open-cell structure. They are more breathable and can keep hot sleepers cool during the night. Another solution could be gel-infused foam. The gel particles trap the excess heat, keeping the sleeper sweat-free.

Mattress Motion Isolation

Firmer mattresses tend to be more responsive, which means your significant other might feel every move you make in bed. In this case, it might be a good idea to stick to memory foam models. Firm latex and hybrid mattresses can feel too bouncy for couples, especially if one of them is a restless sleeper.

Mattress Materials

The best materials for an extra firm mattress include memory foam (such as the Plank), hybrid (like the Winkbed), and latex. Memory foam can cradle and evenly spread your body’s weight, so you’re better supported. Hybrids utilize foam and coils that can be more responsive; however, latex is typically the best option for responsiveness, ease of movement in bed, and firm, cradling support. Each of these materials is known for its durability, ensuring that your mattress lasts a long time.

Mattress Thickness

The mattress thickness plays a vital role in how firm your mattress feels, as thickness affects a mattress’s integrity and ability to support your weight. A mattress should be at least 10 inches tall to have enough materials to support your body adequately.

Mattress Support System

The support system in your mattress is vital for choosing the right extra firm mattress and can come in the form of a high-density core (such as the Plank) or a robust innerspring system (like the Winkbed.) A suitable support system means that the mattress will be anti-sagging and can handle extra weight over a more extended period, supporting you night after night. Support systems can also take the form of lumbar technology, such as Saatva, which provides targeted support to your spine and hips via firm foams and coils in specific mattress areas.

Mattress Density

The mattress density also is critical to consider when choosing the best extra firm mattress, as the density of memory foam can significantly impact how a mattress feels. A higher density makes the memory foam slower to adapt to movement; however, it is more pressure-relieving and able to hold up more weight and keep the spine in better alignment, and is more resistant to sag and impressions and will last longer. On the other hand, a lower density can react fast, but compresses more easily, supports less, and is prone to collapsing faster and becoming unsupportive. 4-6 pounds is considered a high-density foam, with 6 being the highest density usually available.

Choose a Mattress Based on Your Sleeping Style

Choosing an extra-firm mattress based on your sleeping style is essential, as extra firm may feel better for back and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers, however, may feel the pressure build up in their shoulders and hips as more weight is placed on these two minor points.

What Is the Best Type of Extra-Firm Mattresses?

Even in the extra-firm category, there are plenty of mattresses to choose from.

That’s why it can often be hard for some shoppers to find the best option among the available models.

However, understanding the differences between mattress types can help users narrow down the list and single out something that would be ideal for them.

So, here are the main types of firm mattresses:

• Memory foam. Foam mattresses are loved by countless sleepers, and there are many reasons for that. Foam is famous for its pressure-alleviating properties. It’s an adaptive material that fills in the body curves and allows for a gentle hug where needed. As a result, this usually leads to proper weight distribution and reduced levels of pressure. Foam is also quite popular among couples. Such mattresses respond slowly to pressure and don’t offer much of a bounce. Therefore, they can absorb shock from movement effectively, which is crucial for undisturbed partnered sleep. Now, foam is notorious for trapping heat, but it’s not very likely for extra-firm mattresses to cause such issues. 
• Innerspring. Spring mattresses are among the most affordable options on the market. They are quite resilient and bouncy, which sometimes can be an issue for partnered sleepers (as shock from motion can easily travel from one side of the bed to the other). However, this works great for combination sleepers. They can move and shift in bed without feeling restricted. Innerspring mattresses are also famous for their thermoregulating properties. Because coils allow the air to circulate freely, spring models don’t sleep hot. They also have extra-sturdy edges, which makes getting out of bed easier (and creates more sleeping space for users).
• Hybrid. This mattress type is ideal for someone who wants the best from the two worlds, as hybrids use both coils and foam (sometimes also latex). Coils serve as a resilient base, while foam or latex are used for the comfort layers. As a result, hybrid mattresses often have a very balanced feel - neither too bouncy nor too cradling. They can be quite expensive, though. Additionally, hybrid models tend to be extra-thick and bulkier than many other mattresses, which makes them difficult to transport.
• Latex. It is possible to find an extra-firm latex mattress, but the number of options would be a bit limited. Latex is similar to memory foam - it is adaptive and cradling. Plus, it does an excellent job of alleviating pressure. At the same time, latex responds fast to pressure, so it’s not as restricting or hugging as foam. This mattress type belongs to the most expensive category, so shoppers should keep this aspect in mind. That being said, latex mattresses are also among the most durable ones. Another strong suit of this material is its ability to resist bacteria growth and dust mites. This makes latex mattresses a great solution for sleepers who often have to deal with environmental allergies.

Other Factors to Consider When Choosing an Extra-firm Mattress

Apart from the already listed tips for finding the best extra-firm mattress on the market, here are a few more factors to consider;

• Price

The cost of a mattress is not supposed to come at the detriment of your budget. Choose a mattress that offers incredible value for money, as the features available should be commensurate with the price being paid. However, it is also important to note that top-notch mattresses with many sleep improving features cost more than their counterparts.

• Allergens

This particular factor is especially vital for allergy sufferers. An hypoallergenic mattress is meant to combat the likes of bacteria, mold, dust motes, dirt, and other allergy causing irritants. Furthermore, having a removable cover also enhances the mattress maintenance process as it can be easily washed when due.

• Sleeping Position

An extra-firm mattress is not for everyone, and this is because sleeping positions differ. Extra-firm mattresses offer little to no sinkage, which is a vital part of side sleeping. However, heavier persons, stomach sleepers, lightweight sleepers, and back sleepers can use an extra-firm mattress, given the level of lumbar support and spinal alignment it provides.

• Reviews/Customer Feedback

Going online to check for complaints or usage advice from other users can save one a lot of stress when choosing an extra-firm mattress. In addition, people tend to trust the word of a fellow buyer more than that of the industry in situations like this.

Also Read: Mattresses Without a Box Spring

Where to Shop for an Extra-Firm Mattress

There are only two generally known choices as far as shopping is concerned. Shopping online or going to your preferred local store to browse through.

Local store shopping can occur at your local mattress store, furniture store, or even some bed and bath stores. Going to a physical store allows you to try an extra firm mattress in person to see if the firmness level is something you can see yourself sleeping on for an extended period. There are also sales associates available that can tell you more about the mattress you have your eye on, such as how dense the memory foam is, and what materials make up the base and comfort layers.

Online shopping, however, may be more convenient for you as you can browse a more comprehensive range from the comfort of your home. In addition, online stores' prices are mostly lower than the regular store price. They also allow you to choose by yourself without being convinced otherwise, as is sometimes done by a salesperson at a regular store.

They are open at all times, allowing you to browse through the options without any hassle; all you have to do is just make up your mind about what you're going for. Delivery also happens to be one of the advantages of the online store, as your mattress will be directly carted to you instead of you going through the extra effort of hauling it home from the local store by yourself.

Promotional sales are also an added perk of online shopping; although the local brick-and-mortar store engages in this, online stores do it more often and more frequently, providing users with the opportunity to save more of their money.