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Most people are suggested to use the best extra firm mattress due to their health issues. Yet, there is a misconception regarding extra-firm mattresses that it offers less comfort.
Probably, for this reason, you will rarely see any bedding companies promoting farm mattresses. However, the truth is different. Each firmness level is designed to meet the requirements of different sleepers.
Some people need a cushiony mattress for better sleep, while others need firmer and supportive one. In fact, extra-firm mattresses have more capacity to provide deeper sleep.
As per recent studies, the firmest mattress is best for people with back pain. If you are a heavy or stomach sleeper, it’ll provide enough support and comfort. And, you can wake up feeling relaxed for the next day.
Since extra-firm mattresses are rarely available, you may not be familiar with its materials and features. Luckily, here we’ll review some of the best options that you’ll surely love.
Our Top 3 Picks
Best by Price
Zinus 10 Inch Support Plus Pocket Spring Hybrid Mattress
Best by Features
Sealy 8-Inch Memory Foam Bed in a Box
Best by Service
Casper Sleep Element Mattress
Best Extra Firm Mattress: Reviews of 2023
While looking for a very firm mattress, you’ll find many options with different firmness levels. Our expert team has done the research to help you understand your needs.
Below we will look at the review of 5 best extra firm mattresses. Keep reading to find which hard mattress could be right for you.
Product Name | Ratings | Latest Price |
Zinus 10 Inch Support Plus Pocket Spring Hybrid Mattress | ||
Sealy 8-Inch Memory Foam Bed in a Box | ||
Casper Sleep Element Mattress | ||
Early Bird Essentials 8-Inch Medium Firm Memory Foam Mattress | ||
Sweetnight Full Size Gel Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress |
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 10 inches
- Item Weight: 79.8 pounds
- Size: Queen
- Comfort Layer Material: Comfort Foam
- Brand: Zinus
- Item Firmness Description: Extra Firm
Nothing works better for an exhausted body than a good night’s sleep. Luckily, you can sleep better with the Zinus 10-inch hybrid extra-firm mattress. It meets the standards for durability, emissions, and performance.
It is made stronger than most firm mattresses. Also, the mattress features 10% more heavy-gauge steel iCoil pocket innerspring. It offers added stability and prevents sagging.
Due to the bouncy and responsive feel, stomach sleepers and plus-sized people find this mattress more comfortable. It’s innovative iCoil pocket spring cuddle your body shape for pressure relief.
Moreover, the mattress uses Certi-PUR US certified, comfy foam as the top layer. It ensures a softer feel without sacrificing support. This ultra-firm mattress comes packed into a box, so the setup is stress-free.
Lastly, this queen-sized mattress supports a maximum user weight of up to 500lbs. The top isn’t pillowed and firmer for added support to the sleepers with back pain.
Pros
- Offers added stability
- Equipped with a luxurious finish
- Softness on the top layer
- Stress-free setup
- Ideal for stomach and plus-sized sleepers
Cons
- A bit saggy in the middle
- Needs to be careful while moving the mattress
Final Verdict
The Zinus 10-inch hybrid firm mattress offers the comfort and support needed. So, all you have to do is to enjoy its benefits.
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 75 x 39 x 8 inches
- Item Weight: 32 pounds
- Size: Twin
- Construction Type: Memory Foam
- Brand: Sealy
- Item Firmness Description: Medium
Sealy offers all the comfort and reliable quality in their mattresses that come in a box. The Sealy 8-inch memory foam mattress is not an exception. It’s a perfect match, for you are a hot sleeper looking for a firm mattress.
The mattress has a top layer fused with CopperChill technology. Then, there are distinct layers of foam that provide support for all sleepers. It also offers a cooler feel for a comfortable sleep.
Whether you are a back, side or stomach sleeper, its denser foam layers keep you supported. Also, it provides a balanced sleep even if you sleep alone or with a parent. The foam absorbs all your movements so you could sleep well.
Above all, the mattress is built to last. One Sealy medium-firm mattress will provide you the comfort for many years. The installation takes a few minutes.
Pros
- Includes distinct layers of foams
- Offers comfort and support
- Absorb all your movements
- Hassle-free installation
- Promotes cooler and comfortable sleep
- Best for hot sleepers
Cons
- Some user claim about a strong odor
Final Verdict
Overall, Sealy 8-inch medium-firm memory foam is an excellent value for the money. It will certainly keep you comfortable and cool.
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 10 inches
- Item Weight: 68 pounds
- Size: Queen
- Comfort Layer Material: Latex Foam
- Brand: Casper
- Item Firmness Description: Firm
The Casper element mattress offers a dreamy comfort at an excellent price. The mattress is manufactured with Casper quality by its award-winning research team.
The Casper element mattress features two layers of premium-quality foam. It creates a perfect balance of support and softness. Besides, the top layer has AirScapeTM perforated foam.
This unique top layer has tiny holes that keep your body cool with its excellent breathability. Also, it includes a touch of pliability and bounce. The underlying memory foam provides better support to the pressure points.
Moreover, the durable base of the mattress protects your body from sagging and dipping. Your body gets unlimited support. It has an eco-friendly made with recycled materials.
The cover has a four-way stretch to give you the optimum comfort for years. Most of all, its ergonomic alignment offers a great balance of softness and firmness.
Pros
- Offer a balance of softness and comfort
- Supports pressure points
- Promotes breathability
- Support curves
- Prevent sinking and sagging
Cons
- Too firm for some sleepers
Final Verdict
The Casper element mattress is designed to give you a comfortable sleep. Also, the mattress is perfect for hot sleepers as it keeps you cool at night.
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 74 x 37 x 8 inches
- Item Weight: 30 pounds
- Size: Twin
- Comfort Layer Material: Gel Memory Foam
- Brand: EARLY BIRD
- Item Firmness Description: Medium
Early Bird knows a good sleep is the utmost necessary for a good day. That’s why their Early Bird Essentials firm mattress is designed to give you top-notch comfort. It ensures complete support for better sleep.
The mattress features two layers of resilient foam – memory foam on top and high-density support foam underneath. It makes sure that there is no saggy point to ruin your sleep.
Also, its contoured design minimizes motion transfer while releasing stress on pressure points. So, you can wake up without body ache after a peaceful night. There are spring coils wrapped in the mattress for added airflow.
However, it is infused with a cooling gel that helps to keep your body temperature consistent. The mattress cover is custom-milled. It not only makes the mattress breathable but also protects it from wear and tear. Lastly, the mattress promotes spinal alignment to prevent body pain.
Pros
- Unique dual-layer design
- Offer cooling comfort and support
- Relieve pressure points
- Breathable cover
- Promotes spinal alignment
- Added stability
Cons
- Some user claim about sagging and piling
Final Verdict
The Early Bird Essentials firm mattress will last for years while keeping you cool. It is suitable for back, side, and stomach sleepers.
Product Details
- Product Dimensions: 54 x 75 x 8 inches
- Item Weight: 65.1 pounds
- Size: Full
- Comfort Layer Material: Gel Memory Foam
- Brand: Sweetnight
- Item Firmness Description: Medium
The next, Sweetnight bring the firmest mattress in a box. In the Sweetnight hybrid mattress, you’ll sleep like a baby and wake up being happy. Each part of the mattress is designed with the utmost quality.
The mattress is equipped with exclusively-enclosed innerspring and memory foam. Its unique pocket spring offers complete support to your body. However, the high-density foam layer makes you comfortable.
The gel memory foam layer, on the other hand, gets adjusted to your body weight and temperature. It also offers a cushiony feel, so you never feel the coil. Thus, this full-size mattress offers optimal comfort and gives you a better sleep.
Furthermore, its individually-wrapped coils are covered in different pockets. It stops any motion transfer and offers an equal weight distribution. Your body will stay aligned even after sleeping with a partner.
Above all, the mattress includes a knit cover made from natural material. The rayon cotton on the top prevents the growth of bacteria.
Pros
- Offers cushiony comfort
- Added support and breathability
- Keep your body aligned
- Relieve pressure points
- Ensures equal weight distribution
- Mattress cover made of natural material
Cons
- It might be less comfortable for side sleepers
Final Verdict
The Sweetnight mattress provides added support, cushioning comfort, and keeps your body aligned. Also, it is healthy and safe for all sleepers.
Things to Know about the Best Extra Firm Mattress
Sleeping on a cloud-like mattress is not perfect for all. Some people are suggested to sleep on a stiffer bed instead of a soft mattress—especially people with back pain. If you are one of them, you may find the best extra firm mattress helpful.
Though an extra firm mattress is not considered as luxury, it can provide sound sleep to someone. Extra firm mattresses are the top choice among people who sleep on their stomach and back.
Those users don’t prefer soft mattress as it takes their backs out of alignment. An extra firm mattress has better structural integrity, and it resists sagging. It also provides enough support and comfort.
Moreover, one shouldn’t use a soft mattress if they weigh over 230lbs. A firm mattress is what they need. Whatever your reasons, if you choose to use an extra firm mattress, this article can help you learn more.
So, there you go!
What is The Best Extra Firm Mattress?
An extra firm mattress is the firmest type of mattress available on the market. It includes the slightest amount of comfort foam and padding layers. The build quality of these mattresses makes them the hardest mattress.
These mattresses are also known as “non-pillow top” mattresses. They are the least exposed to the human body impression. In short, it provides a board-like feel to the sleeper. Some people add a soft mattress cover to make the surface a bit soft.
However, the extra firm mattress comes in different varieties – memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid. Depending on individual preference, it provides many health benefits. We’ll discuss them below.
Why Do You Need an Extra Firm Mattress?
If you are going through troublesome back pain, an extra firm mattress is what you need. When you sleep on a firmer surface, your bone will absorb maximum pressure. It means there will be less stress on your vein, muscles, and arteries. As a result, blood circulation will improve.
Moreover, an extra firm mattress will provide an extra level surface when you sleep. It will help your body to maintain a good posture. Also, your back won’t collapse, and thus your body will take more oxygen.
Heavyweight and taller people will find these mattresses more comfortable. The extra firm mattress provides extra support, which prevents their body from sinking down.
While sleeping on your stomach, it will provide the support needed on your back. An extra firm mattress offers increased stability for people who share beds. It will prevent the sleepers from rolling toward the centre.
Advantage and Disadvantage of Using Extra Firm Mattresses
Now, let’s talk about some specific advantages and disadvantages of using extra firm mattresses.
Advantages:
- Affordable: Since extra firm mattresses use lower comfort layers, the production cost is less than others. Thus, it comes at a lower price.
- Durable: Extra firm mattresses are built with study and denser materials. So, they last longer than others.
- Less prone to odours: Because of the denser construction, extra firm mattress releases less gaseous chemicals. Also, they are more resistant to mildew.
- Less prone to sagging: Extra firm mattress offers stable support to the bed frame. So, it won’t sag and hollow.
- Lightweight: Indeed, fewer layers mean less weight, and it is valid for an extra firm mattress. Even a larger king or Cal king and a queen-sized mattress are lighter and easier to move.
Disadvantage:
- Minimum thickness: Extra firm mattresses are thinner because of thinner comfort layers. It is not what everyone prefers.
- Least pressure relief: An extra-firm mattress doesn’t cradle much your pressure points.
- Heat retention: There are more gaps between your body and bed, which leads to heat retention.
Who are Extra Firm Mattresses Best For?
Comfort is an individual preference. There is no black-and-white rule about who are extra form mattresses best for. Everyone should opt for their best fit based on their needs and preference.
Still, there are some types of people who can be benefited from an extra firm mattress. For example;
Stomach Sleeper
That said, doctors suggest stomach sleepers use an extra firm mattress. Sleeping on the stomach might be unhealthy. However, it is the only option to get restorative sleep for some people. When you sleep on your stomach, it provides balanced support to your back.
Back Sleeper
Back sleepers get an even surface to sleep when they use an extra firm mattress. It helps to maintain their natural body posture.
Sleeper with Back and Joint Pain
Some people think a medium-firm mattress is best for people with back pain. But, recent studies state that a firmer bed helps to get rid of back pain. Since these mattresses don’t sink too much, they can be beneficial for back and joint pain sufferers.
Heavy and Tall Sleepers
The extra firm mattress provides enough support to heavy and taller people. It will help to distribute the weight and height evenly.
Sleeper with Circulatory Problems
Extra firm mattresses help to keep the body spine in a balanced position. It ensures minimal pressure on the organs, muscles, and overall system. Thus, it helps to maintain better blood circulation throughout the night.
What to Look For in the Extra Firm Mattress?
If you are heading to buy an extra firm mattress, here are some things you should keep in mind.
Consider the Scale
Mattresses are scaled on one to ten ratings, which denote the firmness. The lower number represents the softest and plushiest mattresses. Similarly, the highest number represents the firmest mattresses. The score for an extra firm mattress would be nine or ten.
Consider the Material
In the extra firm mattress, there should be as little memory foam as possible. Also, you can choose coil innerspring as they provide better support to the mattress. You can also select latex as it can be substantial.
Consider Dual Firmness
If you have a partner with a different firmness level, you both cannot sleep on an extra firm mattress. But, there are some models with dual firmness levels. Those units are firm on one side and soft in others. You may consider those options.
Consider the Thickness
Extra form mattresses tend to be thinner than other options. So, you have to look for mattresses with little to no top padding.
Get a Supportive Pillow
A pillow is essential to sleep on the mattress. So, with your extra firm mattress, you should choose a higher and firmer pillow. Most importantly, you need one if you are a side sleeper.
Check out the Warranty
If your purchase turns out to be defective, you may need to replace it. So, the warranty is essential in the case of extra firm mattresses. Some manufacturer offer guarantee, if the mattress sags below the level stated in the warranty conditions. But, you may not get a replacement for any spills and stains on the mattress.
Conclusion
Those days are gone when people used to look for “plush and cushiony” mattresses. Now is the time for the strong and firmest mattress. The best extra firm mattress is more comfortable for sleepers with back and other health issues.
It’s all about comfort and support, no matter what technology is used. What you find comfortable may not be convenient for others. Our suggested firm mattresses can be a good match for your body type and sleeping position.
So, choose one and enjoy a top-notch sleeping experience.
All things considered, it is challenging to get the exact firmness in the mattress. Despite the challenge, you can now get the best extra firm mattress as you need. We have discussed everything that you may encounter while buying your next extra firm mattress. So, get your desired mattress and enjoy a top-notch sleeping experience!
FAQs
1. Are extra firm mattresses good for back pain?
Absolutely, they are suitable for back pain. Sleep specialist suggests heavyweight people use firm memory foam mattress for their back pain. However, they now prefer medium-firm mattress more than the firmest mattress.
The medium-firm mattress combines pressure relief and supports, which helps to lessen back pain. On the other hand, an extra-firm mattress may be too firm to relieve high-pressure areas.
2. Is a foam or spring firm mattress better?
The choice for the best firm mattress depends on individual preference. A spring firm mattress may be useful for sleepers who are suffering from frequent pain. The stomach sleeper and heavy sleeper mostly use spring mattresses.
On the other hand, Foam firm mattress is useful for people with pain in multiple areas, like – back, shoulder, and hips. It provides excellent support and pressure relief.
3. How to know if your mattress is too firm?
Earlier, we mentioned, the firmness level of mattresses differ with individual preference. Do you feel your hips, knees, and shoulders are resting above the rest of your body? If yes, you may be too light for the mattress. If you wake up with tingling body parts, the mattress may be too firm for you.
Our body lies on a specific body part, which is called a high-pressure area. If the mattress doesn’t provide enough support to these high-pressure areas, that particular body part goes numb.
4. Does a firm bed get softer?
The firmness of a mattress can take from 30 days to 90 days to change. However, the bed will gradually increase comfort by adjusting to your body shape. If you have switched from a soft to hard mattress, you may need time to fit the firmness.
5. Are firm mattresses comfortable?
The comfort level is subjective, similar to the firmness. It relies on the type of sleeper you are as well as your body type. Also, your health conditions affect the quality of your sleep. If you are a heavy, back or stomach sleeper, a firm mattress will be comfortable for you.
6. What is the best firm mattress to buy?
There comes plenty of options when it is about choosing a firm mattress. From durability to warranty, fabric to the core material, there are many factors to consider. However, only you can determine which one is best for you.
If you are seeking a firm mattress, we highly recommend Avocado and Saatva. Avocado is our first choice as it is made of natural material, breathable, and offers pressure-point relief. Conversely, Saatva offers excellent value and durability. If you are seeking a cost-effective mattress, Lucid is the one you need.
7. Is a firm mattress good?
Firm mattresses offer a range of benefits that may be suitable for you or not. If you are experiencing back, neck, or joint pain, a firm mattress works magically for you. The extra support it offers can be a blessing.
Also, it is suitable for people with misaligned joints. A firm mattress helps to distribute body weight and offer better support. The firmness level of these mattresses allows getting spinal alignment – especially for stomach and back sleepers.
8. Do firm mattresses last longer?
Firm mattresses go through premature sagging or indentations. The soft mattress, on the other hand, undergoes this problem. Thus, firm mattresses last longer than softer mattresses. However, the type of mattress also impacts its lifespan. Latex firm mattresses last for the longest time, while innerspring mattress has a shorter lifetime.