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Finding the right mattress can be a challenge nowadays because the options seem to be endless. An extra firm mattress is recommended by doctors for back pain, recovery and spinal alignment. In this list, we have compiled 5 of the best extra firm mattresses available right now. Our Editor’s choice is the Loom & Leaf Mattress.
Top Picks for Extra-Firm Mattresses
- Loom & Leaf – Editor’s choice
- Amerisleep AS1 – Best for stomach and back sleepers
- Serta Perfect Sleeper – Best for memory foam lovers
- Helix Twilight – Best cooling mattress
- Nolah Evolution 15 – Best high-end mattress
#1. Loom & Leaf Mattress
Check Current Price | Editor’s Choice | Review
Pros
- Great motion isolation
- Enhanced pressure relief
- Excellent for pain relief
- Made from with renewable energy
Cons
- Not too responsive
- Slight off-gassing
- Not suitable for strict side sleepers
Who should buy Loom & Leaf mattress?
- Back and stomach sleepers
- Memory foam lovers
- Couples
- People who suffer from body pain
Our experience with Loom & Leaf Mattress
Our first pick among the extra firm mattresses is the Loom & Leaf mattress. This is a memory foam mattress that comes in two firmness levels:
- Relaxed Firm
- Firm
The relaxed firm version is softer than the firm version. The Loom & Leaf mattress (firm variant) is firm enough for stomach and back sleepers because it doesn’t let your body sink in too deep into the mattress. If you are a strict stomach or back sleeper, choosing the firm version of the Loom & Leaf mattress is better for your spinal alignment. After trying it out, we found the mattress to be suitable for couples with restless partners as it offers great motion isolation. People who suffer from back pain will also do well with the Loom & Leaf mattress.
Firmness
The Loom & Leaf firm variant sits on an 9/10 on a mattress firmness scale. As the ranking suggests, the mattress can be classified as a firm to extra-firm mattress . Strict stomach sleepers form a U-shape if they sleep on a soft mattress which can result in a stiff back in the long term. Firm mattresses like the Loom & Leaf mattress limits the sinking and can help provide better spinal alignment.
We found the Loom & Leaf mattress to be excellent at absorbing movement. It is an excellent option for couples as the motion transfer is marginal.
We found the mattress to be cooling enough for those who sleep hot. Most memory foam mattresses have a reputation for trapping heat but the gel infusion in Loom & Leaf mattress helps wick away heat.
Construction
The Loom & Leaf mattress is a 12″ tall mattress and consists of 5 layers:
- Mattress cover
- Comfort layer
- Contour layer
- Transition layer
- Base layer
The Loom & Leaf mattress cover is made up of organic cotton with 0.625″ quilted foam which gives a plush and cozy feel. The mattress cover contains an antimicrobial coating making it a good option for those who suffer from year-round allergies. The Loom & Leaf mattress uses non-toxic, all-natural thistle as a flame retardant.
Below the top layer is a dual layer of cooling-gel infused memory foam. The first memory foam layer is 2″ thick and is CertiPUR-US certified meaning that the mattress is free from any harmful substances that could be detrimental to health. The second layer adds another 2.5″ thick gel-infused cooling gel with phase-change material which helps with temperature regulation. The dual memory foam provides enhanced spinal support to the center of the body.
Next to the memory foam comes a transition layer of 2″ polyfoam which is firmer in the firm variant of the mattress. This layer helps curb the sinking of the top layers and has a much quicker response rate to pressure compared to regular memory foam.
The base of the bed is made up of 5.5″ high-density polyfoam giving the mattress its shape and supports the softer layers of foam above it.
Sizes
The Loom & Leaf mattresses are available in 7 sizes. Both the mattresses are 12″ thick and compatible with most bed bases, bed frames and foundations, and adjustable bed bases.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- Cal King
- Split King
Durability
The Loom & Leaf mattress comes with a 180-night sleep trial and is backed by a 15-year warranty. Satva offers free shipping and returns for all of their mattresses.
Buy: Loom & Leaf Mattress
#2. Amerisleep AS1 Mattress
Check Current Price | Best for Stomach + Back Sleepers | Coupon: SLEEPLINE | Review
Pros
- Very firm mattress
- Supportive
- Great motion isolation
- Cooling
- Made of plant-based Bio-Pur
- Removable and washable cover
Cons
- Not for strict side sleepers
- Not for memory foam lovers
- Too hard for petite individuals
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Who should buy Amerisleep AS1 Mattress?
- Strict back and stomach sleepers
- Firm mattress lovers
- People who want firmness along with little cushion
- People who suffer from chronic back pain
Our experience with AS1 Mattress
The Amerisleep AS1 mattress is the firmest mattress among the several variants offered by Amerisleep. We found that this mattress is a great fit for strict back and stomach sleepers. The mattress is responsive and supportive despite being an all-foam mattress. Strict side sleepers should probably look for something softer as the mattress may be too firm for them. Among all the other mattresses recommended here, Amerisleep AS1 is the most compact mattress.
Firmness
The memory foam layer gives the AS1 mild contouring but it’s still very firm and sits on an 8-9 on the mattress firmness scale. The firmness of the mattress makes it well-suited to strict back and stomach sleepers.
Stomach and backs sleepers should always go for a mattress that can help retain their spinal alignment. For back and stomach sleepers, sleeping on a soft mattress throws their alignment off balance.
If you are a strict side sleeper or a combination sleeper, you will be more comfortable with a softer mattress like the GhostBed Flex mattress.
Generally, memory foam mattresses have great edge support because of the denser construction. The Amerisleep AS1 offers great edge support and since I sleep closer to the edge, not even once did I feel the danger of slipping off the bed.
Firmer mattresses come into play when motion isolation is questioned. We found that the mattress offers great motion isolation. People who share bed won’t even notice the movement on the other side of the bed.
The Amerisleep uses breathable cotton-polyester blend cover that aids with the temperature control. The firmness of the mattress refrains you from sinking into the mattress and you sleep cool.
Construction
The construction of Amerisleep AS1 model is quite precise. The mattress is 10″ thick and includes two layers:
- Comfort layer
- Support layer
The mattress cover of Amerisleep AS1 is made up of soft blend of polyester, Celliant and spandex. The material is quite stretchy, feels cool to the touch and is machine washable. Some of the new research suggests that Celiant has positive effect on muscle recovery.
The comfort layer of the Amerisleep AS1 mattress is a 2″ thick propriety Bio-Pur® memory foam. The memory foam has traditional slow response but since the layer is thin, you don’t get that stuck in the bed feel at all.
The open cell structure of Bio-Pur foam allows air to flow freely throughout the mattress and prevents heat buildup. For hot sleepers who sleep on their stomach or back, AS1 is a great option. Not just that but Bio-Pur has a faster response rate compared to traditional memory foam. Sleepers who toss and turn a lot won’t have any difficulty in mobility on AS1.
The base of the Amerisleep AS1 mattress is an 8″ thick high density polyfoam. The density of the layer helps the mattress be more responsive and firm. The base layer is the foundation of the mattress that also provides shape to the mattress.
Materials used in Amerisleep AS1 mattress are CertiPUR-US certified meaning that the mattress is free from VOCs and any substance that is detrimental to your health.
There was a little off-gassing that we observed during the unboxing of the mattress probably because of the all natural components. In case it bothers you, you can leave the mattress to air out for a day or two upon unboxing.
Sizes
The Amerisleep mattresses are available in 6 sizes. The mattress is 10″ thick and is compatible with most bed bases, bed frames and foundations, including an adjustable bed base.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- Cal King
Durability
The Amerisleep AS1 mattress comes with a 20-year warranty and a 100-night risk-free trial period. Amerisleep offers free shipping and returns on the mattresses within the contiguous United States and all of their mattresses are entirely made in the USA.
#3. Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress
Check Current Price | Best Memory Foam Mattress
Pros
- Great for pain relief
- Excellent edge support
- Responsive
- Supportive
- Thick mattress
Cons
- Off-gassing
- Slight motion transfer
Who should buy Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress
- Strict back and stomach sleepers
- People suffering from back pain
- People who like thick mattresses
- Memory foam lovers
- People who like hybrid mattresses
Our experience with Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress
The Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress comes in three firmness options – Extra-Firm, Medium, and Plush. We found the extra-firm option to be suitable for all types of back and stomach sleepers. The hybrid construction of the mattress creates response making makes it responsive enough for sleepers to move around easily. However, we experienced a bit of it and it adds motion transfer which can be a problem for couples with restless partners.
The Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress offers great edge support for people who like to sleep on the edge like myself. The mattress has quilted cover with cool feel to it. Personally I found the Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress to be supportive.
Firmness
The Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress sits on an 8-9/10 on a mattress firmness scale. It doesn’t mean that its rock hard as you might imagine, but it is one of the firmest hybrid mattresses. The firmness Serta provides is great for pressure relief and support for the whole body.
The mattress is made for strict stomach and back sleepers so their body doesn’t sink into the mattress at any point. However, petite people might find it extra-firm and too hard.
People with severe back pain will have a supportive surface to sleep on especially to those who weigh 130 lbs. and above. Lightweight sleepers with back pain problems might not feel as comfortable compared to average to heavier sleepers because of extra firmness.
The mattress won’t be a suitable fit for side or combination sleepers. Side sleepers need a plush surface for their shoulders and hips to sink in and limit pressure buildup. The extra-firm Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress won’t give them too much sink.
The firmness of the mattress also contributes to the little motion transfer of the mattress. If you are a light sleeper, you should opt for DreamCloud mattress for better motion isolation.
The Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress offers great edge support to people who sleep on the edge because of its hybrid construction. I sometimes find myself sleeping on the edge as well and didn’t feel the danger of rolling off when laying on Serta.
Construction
The Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress is 13″ tall and consists of three layers:
- Memory foam layer
- Comfort layer
- Support layer
The Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress topper of proprietary CoolFeel cover that is derived from plant based technology (53% biobased content that is certified through the USDA BioPreferred® Program). The cover felt cool to the touch and is treated with an antimicrobial agent to prevent bacteria from building up in the mattress.
The memory foam of the Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress is made up of proprietary HexCloud™ Gel. The layer entails unique geometric cut outs to keep the mattress cool and contours the body from head to toe. The memory foam feel helps sleepers with chronic body pain and provide ample support and cushion.
The Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress offers optional addition of another memory foam layer called WonderCloud™. This contouring foam gives extra cushion over the coiled base layer and you get a cloudy feel.
The support layer of the Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress comprises of individually wrapped in fabric pocketed coils. The proprietary 1000 Edition Custom Support™ Coil System gives sleepers the support and response they expect from an extra-firm hybrid mattress.
Materials used in Serta mattress are CertiPUR-US certified meaning that there are no VOCs or any substance that is detrimental to health.
We found quite a bit of off-gassing when the mattress was unboxed. It took more than 48 hours for the mattress to air out. If you are looking for a mattress that can has zero off-gassing, then probably you should opt for another mattress.
Sizes
The Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress is 13″ tall and is available in 6 sizes. The mattress is compatible with most bed bases, bed frames and foundations, including a platform bed base.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- Cal King
Durability
The Serta Perfect Sleepers mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and a 120-day in-home trial period. Serta offers free shipping and returns on the mattresses within the United States (except Hawaii and Alaska) and all of their mattresses are entirely made in the USA. Mattresses that feature coil on coil construction last for a very long time.
Buy: Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress
#4. Helix Twilight Mattress
Check Current Price | Best Cooling Mattress
Pros
- Supportive
- Responsive
- Edge support
- Great for pressure relief
Cons
- Average motion isolation
- Too firm for some people
Who should buy Helix Twilight Mattress?
- Back and stomach sleepers
- Heavy weight side sleepers (230 lbs and above)
- People who like firm mattresses
- People who sleep on the edge
Our experience with Helix Twilight Mattress
The Helix Twilight mattress is suitable for most stomach and back sleepers as it offers firm and supportive surface to limit pressure buildup in lumbar area and hips. The mattress has extra cushioning along with firmness making it suitable for some combination sleepers and side sleepers who weigh 230 lbs. and above. The mattress offers low motion transfer and if you are sleeping with a partner then you should probably opt for different mattress brand. Helix is the most economical among the mattresses recommended here.
Firmness
After testing the mattress, we found the mattress a 7-8/10 on a mattress firmness scale, whereas Helix claims it to be an 8 or 9. We marked it little less because compared to all other mattresses discussed here, this one is comparatively softer.
The firmness level makes the Helix Twilight a great choice for all types of stomach and back sleepers. Helix offers Twilight Luxe with an extra cushion of memory foam for people who like a softer surface along with firmness. Mostly combination sleepers will find the luxe variant more comfortable compared to the standard Twilight.
The memory foam mattress feel is pretty dominant in the Helix Twilight despite being a hybrid. The mattress is quite supportive and responsive as well making it a great choice for people with mobility issues. However, the mattress does a poor job with motion isolation. If your partner sleeps restless, then you shouldn’t opt for this mattress.
The Helix Twilight is probably not the best cooling mattress among all discussed here but its not worst when it comes to wicking away heat. The mattress cover is breathable and the coils base also helps regulate the temperature.
Construction
The Helix Twilight mattress is 12″ tall and consists of four layers:
- Memory foam layer
- Comfort layer
- Support layer
- Base layer
The Helix Twilight comes with a soft knitted breathable mattress cover. The memory plus comfort layer is extra-firm for a memory foam and keeps on top of the mattress. It supports your body weight and keep you from sinking in which happens with a lot of memory foam mattresses.
The transition layer below the comfort layer is a high-grade polyfoam acting as a buffer between the top layer and coil base. Polyfoam layer not only adds cushioning but also provides ergonomic support to the sleeper.
There is a base of up to 950 individually wrapped 8″ steel coils under the transition layer providing extra support and response to the sleeper. Helix has added lengthwise (2 sided) edge support for structural reinforcement. The addition helps provide extra edge support and works best for people who like to sleep on the edge like myself.
The bottom foam layer of the mattress is made up of DuraDense foam that provides base support to the entire mattress and keeps the upper layers intact. The overall stability and shape of mattress is derived through the base layer.
Sizes
The Helix Twilight mattress is 12″ tall and is available in 6 sizes. The mattress is compatible with most bed bases, bed frames and foundations, including an adjustable bed base.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- Cal King
Durability
The Helix Twilight mattress comes with a 10-15 year warranty and a 100-day trial period. Helix offers free shipping and returns on the mattresses within the United States.
#5. Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress
Check Current Price | Best High-End Mattress | Review
Pros
- Luxury firm feel
- Supportive
- Responsive
- Great Edge support
- No off-gassing
- Sleeps very cool
- Great motion isolation
Cons
- Very hefty
- Might be too thick for some
Who should buy Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress?
- All sleeper types
- Couples
- People with chronic back pain
- People who like thick mattresses
- Innerspring mattress lovers
- Hot sleepers
Our Experience with Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress
The Nolah Evolution 15 mattress comes in firmness options:
- Plush
- Luxury Firm
- Firm
The firm variant of Nolah Evolution has an extra-firm surface making it suitable for strict stomach and back sleepers. The top layers of memory foam cushion the spine while the support coil system adds hefty structure and stability to the mattress. The mattress does great for people with back pain by offering ample zonal support and response.
The Nolah Evolution mattress is a great option for people who sleep hot as the mattress sleeps pretty cool. The mattress also offers great edge support for people who prefer sleeping close to the edge.
Firmness
The Nolah Evolution mattress sits on an 8-9/10 on a mattress firmness scale. The 7 layered mattress offers zonal support system that helps in pressure relief from various body parts as required.
Since its a hybrid mattress, the mattress is a great option for heavier set people weighing 230 lbs and above. Always remember that how soft or hard a mattress may feel depends on the level of weight an individual carries. So, even the firmest of a mattress can start feeling soft after a while for people above 230 lbs.
This variant is ideal for strict stomach and back sleepers as it is very supportive for spinal alignment. If you are someone who loathes being swallowed up by a mattress like myself, then you will enjoy the firmness of this mattress like I did. I am a combination sleeper and usually need a thick cushion along with support for a good night sleep. Despite the fact that the Nolah Evolution 15 mattress is very firm, I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable its firmness was for my preference.
The mattress not only feels soft to the touch but sleeps very cool as well. Hot sleepers of any kind will find this mattress cooling as it doesn’t let heat getting trapped into the memory foam and you sleep cool.
There was almost no off-gassing upon unboxing of the Nolah Evolution. If you are looking for a mattress that you can start using instantly, Nolah is a great option.
Construction
The Nolah Evolution 15 mattress has a generous 15″ profile and consists of 7 layers – most of which are made of proprietary material:
- Mattress cover
- Cooling topper
- Memory foam
- Comfort layer
- Transition layer
- Support layer
- Transition layer
The Nolah Evolution 15 mattress cover is a 2″ Euro top quilted cover. The cover is made up of ArcticTex fabric that inhibits cooing capabilities. As Nolah claims that the mattress is very cooling – various layers of heat wicking properties play major role to prevent heat from getting trapped into the mattress while you sleep.
The Nolah has utilized newest alternative memory foam technology – AirfoamICE for its first foam layer. The 2″ thick layer is graphite-infused which is known for its cooling properties. This layer further enhances the cooling feature of the mattress.
There is a 2″ layer of high resilience transition foam you will find in all of Nolah’s mattresses. This layer brings bounce and responsiveness of a latex mattress. It has also been scientifically proven to be more durable. This same layer works in conjunction with the AirFoamICE to provide extra support and pressure relief across the main pressure points. Transition foam ensures that the sleeper won’t feel stuck in the bed.
The Nolah Evolution features an 8″ patented tri-zone coil system offering 20% more support compared to traditional spring system. Innersprings provide extra cooling effect as they allow air circulation, controlling the temperature and minimizing the chance of mold and mildew. Zonal support of the mattress keeps the pressure off from head to toe.
The Nolah Evolution has added a proprietary Edge-Tech support foam all around the mattress that enhances the overall edge support of the mattress. Moreover, the whole coil system rests on a high density plant fiber foundation layer that increases the overall stability and durability of the mattress.
It is very difficult to find a fault in the Nolah Evolution mattress after trying it out. It was one of the best we have tried, and we have tried many mattresses.
Sizes
The Nolah Evolution is 15″ tall and is available in 6 sizes. The mattress is compatible with most bed bases, bed frames and foundations, including an adjustable bed base.
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- Cal King
Durability
The Nolah Evolution mattress is backed by a lifetime warranty and a 120-day trial period. Nolah offers free shipping and returns for the mattresses within the United States and all of their mattresses are entirely made in the USA.
Buy: Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress
Is an extra-firm mattress right for you?
Whether you should choose an extra-firm mattress or not depends on your sleep position and body weight. Extra-firm mattress is recommended to strict stomach and back sleepers to keep their spine aligned with the rest of their body. If you are suffering from back pain or body pain, you should try an extra-firm mattress for better night sleep and recovery. However, if you are strict side sleeper, an extra-firm mattress is not recommended as it will help build pressure in your shoulders and hips resulting in stiffness and pain.
FAQs
An extra firm mattress definitely helps in recovering from back pain by evenly distributing body weight and providing spinal alignment.
Doctors recommend extra-firm mattress to people who suffer from back pain. An extra-firm mattress limits your body from curving which happens with soft mattresses. Firm mattresses provide spinal alignment by offering same level of support for your full body.
Yes, memory foam mattresses come in all levels of firmness. Most experts claim that a medium-firm mattress is an ideal choice for comfort and spinal alignment.
A mattress that has minimum cushion offers most firm surface. Usually spring mattresses are the firmest mattresses. However, now many latex and memory foam based mattresses also come with firmest mattress surface.
How We Rate Mattresses
We rate mattresses using the following criteria:
- Comfort
- Structural integrity and durability
- Firmness and support
Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here.
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