Comfort is largely an individual preference- while some like the feeling of sinking in their memory foam mattress, others prefer their bed to have a firm feel. While it can be difficult to find a mattress that’s in a “goldilocks” zone, a firm memory foam mattress is as close as most sleepers can get to it. It offers a perfect balance between the body-contouring plush feel of memory foam and the sturdiness it can sometimes lack, as it combines both support and coziness into one design.
As a result, a firm memory foam mattress caters to a wider category of sleepers – mostly those that sleep on their back and their stomach – and can be more durable than its plusher alternative. Similarly, a firm foam mattress will be a better choice for plus-size sleepers as it won’t sink as much under their weight.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  Signature Sleep Memoir 12 Inch Mattress
|
|
| #2 |  Casper Sleep Element Mattress
|
|
| #3 |  Zinus 12 Inch Gel-Infused Mattress
|
|
| #4 |  Vibe Gel Memory Foam 12-Inch Mattress
|
|
| #5 |  Nectar Mattress
|
|
| #6 |  TUFT & NEEDLE Original Adaptive Foam Mattress
|
|
What Are the Benefits of Memory Foam Mattresses?
There’s a good reason why memory foam has been all the rage for a few decades already- from contour memory foam pillows to mattress toppers and various mattress constructions that involve memory foam in their design, it’s clear that the sleep industry favors this unique material for the many benefits it offers to a wide variety of sleepers. But what makes memory foam stand out so much? Memory foam is a viscoelastic polyurethane foam that has unique properties that allow it to mold to the shape of your body for optimal support but still retains its original shape after you get up from the bed.
It was originally developed for NASA, though, which meant that the first memory foam mattress 30 years ago had some design flaws- but through years, the design of memory foam mattresses has significantly improved to target key issues this material had such as poor temperature-regulating capabilities and breathability. Modern memory foam mattresses are made with various types of memory foam, and each is expertly designed to offer a special set of benefits- e.g. cooling effect that gel-infused foam offers. But, at the end of the day, the benefits that all memory foam mattresses offer are what makes all of them stand out, regardless of the type of foam, and it’s those qualities that make them the most popular choice on the market.
— Relieves pain and pressure
Arguably the best feature of memory foam mattresses is the fact that their specific texture and orthopedic design help relieve pressure from stress points and, in turn, minimize or completely eliminate back and neck pain. Traditionally, the key points that experience the most stress during sleep are shoulders, hips, and neck, as different sleeping positions cause disproportionate pressure on each region. A regular mattress would exacerbate those issues, but memory foam contours your body shape and cradles it, evenly distributing weight and making sure no part of your body is under strain when you sleep. A firm memory foam mattress will make sure that your spine is properly aligned and supported, as well, so you don’t have to worry about disrupted curvature of the spine if you sleep on your stomach or your back.
— Hypoallergenic
Not only that memory foam itself is a hypoallergenic material, but its density can actually help allergy sufferers minimize their symptoms. People that are allergic to dust and dust mites often experience worsened symptoms during sleep or immediately after waking up because they are highly exposed to allergens in that period. The reason for this is that dust mites make your mattress their breeding ground, but that can’t happen with memory foam. The density of the foam makes it difficult for dust mites to get inside the mattress, so you won’t be sleeping on a bed of allergens day in and day out.
— Reduces motion transfer
While for some couples the lack of bounce in memory foam is a downside, others appreciate the reduced motion transfer far too much for anything else to be an issue. Memory foam adapts to your body uniquely- and to that of your partner’s- and when one of you moves or gets out of the bed, the other won’t feel the movement on their side of the bed. If you have a partner that’s a restless sleeper (or yourself are one), memory foam is ideal. Similarly, if you or your partner have an earlier start to the day, a memory foam mattress won’t wake up your spouse when you get up.
Who Are Firm Memory Foam Mattresses For?
Most memory foam mattresses are soft or plush, which makes them unsuited for a large group of sleepers. A firm memory foam mattress will be a much better choice for sleepers that prefer sleeping on their back or stomach, as it gives better support for their body and ensures natural spinal curvature. Similarly, bigger sleepers will appreciate the extra resistance of a firmer sleeping surface and the fact that they won’t sink in uncomfortably. Lastly, hot sleepers will do best with a firm gel-infused memory foam mattress as it has a twofold cooling function: the gel-infused foam is cooling on its own, and the firmness prevents you from sinking in and being enveloped by foam- rather, it lets air circulate freely around you to promote breathability and coolness.
Best Firm Memory Foam Mattresses
1. Signature Sleep Memoir 12″ Memory Foam Mattress
SPECS:
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King
- Height: 8”, 10”, 12”
Editor’s choice
Supportive, comfy, and budget-friendly, this firm memory foam mattress has all it takes to give you a good night’s rest. Made with premium quality foam, it consists of two layers: the base is 8” of high-density foam that gives it its firmness and ensures you get optimal support, followed by 4” of body-contouring memory foam that will cradle your body and ensure pressure relief. Available in three different heights, this firm memory foam mattress will be a match for most sleepers.
To boot, foam in this mattress is CertiPUR-US certified, which means that it is made without PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants, ozone depleters, mercury, lead, and heavy metals, and it also has low VOC emissions. Perfect if you are looking to avoid cheap, dubious foams loaded with chemicals without breaking the bank!
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Should Buy This Mattress?
An all-around solid performer, this firm memory foam mattress is a great choice for most sleepers. Sturdy and comfy, it will adapt to your body shape to give you unparalleled comfort regardless of your preferred sleeping position.
2. Casper Sleep Element Mattress
SPECS:
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King
- Height: 10”
Runner up
With a seemingly simple design, this two-layered memory foam mattress manages to offer superb sleep quality for sleepers of all shapes and sizes. The durable base is made from high-density foam that prevents sagging and gives you the support you need, whereas the top layer is Airscape memory foam meant to cradle your curves and help evenly distribute your weight for ultimate comfort. Furthermore, the memory foam is perforated for better breathability, making sure that you don’t get overheated when you sleep on this mattress.
Supportive and designed to minimize pressure on key stress points in the body, this firm memory mattress will be a good choice for sleepers that deal with aches and pains in their back, hips, and shoulders on a regular basis.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Should Buy This Mattress?
A great option for side sleepers and stomach sleepers alike, this firm mattress adapts to your body without losing shape, ensuring you get tailored support. Made with two layers of foam, it is engineered to provide both support and comfort to a wide variety of sleepers.
3. Zinus 12 Inch Gel-Infused Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
SPECS:
- Available sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King
- Height: 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”
Customer’s choice
Balancing the supportive qualities of viscoelastic foam with the cooling properties of the gel, this firm memory foam mattress won’t trap heat or sink in as soon as you lay down. Made with three layers of foam, this mattress includes a firm high-density foam base, followed by a layer of comfort foam that will adapt to your body shape, and a top layer that is made from memory foam infused with gel and green tea, for cooling effect and better breathability. It comes in a range of different heights so you can easily find a perfect match- e.g. the 6” version for bunk beds and trundle beds, or the thickest 12” for superior cushioning and comfort.
In addition to its optimal temperature regulating properties, this budget-friendly memory foam mattress stands out for its pressure-relieving effect which makes it a great choice if you are looking to reduce back and shoulder pain without breaking the bank.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Should Buy This Mattress?
Cooling and supportive, this affordable firm memory foam mattress will ensure you wake up pain-free and well-rested. Made with various layers of foam, it is designed to give you the best possible sleep experience- on a budget.
4. Vibe Gel Memory Foam 12-Inch Mattress
SPECS:
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Height: 12”
Best firm memory foam mattress for stomach sleepers
Stomach sleepers often go for hybrid or innerspring mattresses as the coil base significantly contributes to the firmness of the mattress, but if you want a firm memory foam mattress, there are plenty of options, too. This particular design is ideally suited to the needs of people that sleep on their belly as it is both firm and hugs your curves- so you’ll feel comfy and get much-needed support for your hips and midsection. The base of this mattress consists of 7” of sturdy high-density foam, followed by 3” of open-cell memory foam for better breathability, and 2” of gel-infused memory foam on top for a cooling effect.
As a result, this firm memory mattress will not just give you customized support that every stomach sleeper needs, but it will also be a good choice for hot sleepers as it stays cool throughout the night.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Should Buy This Mattress?
If you prefer to sleep on your stomach or you switch positions throughout the night, this firm memory foam mattress will adapt to suit your needs. Made to offer superior support and lasting coolness, it will impress hot sleepers and stomach sleepers alike.
5. Nectar Mattress
SPECS:
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Height: 11”
Best firm memory foam mattress for back pain
Waking up with pins and needles in your back is no fun- and it’s most likely your mattress that’s to blame. To help you wake up free of pain and soreness, this mattress is designed with 5 layers (3 of which are foam) and attention to detail: each part of the construction has its specific role. The very bottom is the mattress cover that is meant to prevent slipping and protect the core, followed by a base high-density layer for firmness and sturdiness, a transitional layer made of adaptive foam, a top layer of cooling and cradling gel-infused memory foam, and finally, a quilted cooling Tencel cover.
The final result is a firm memory foam mattress with cooling properties that helps ensure lumbar support regardless of your sleeping position and provides pressure relief for all the key stress points in the body.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Should Buy This Mattress?
When chronic back and shoulder pain become too much to bear, it’s time to switch your mattress: this supportive firm memory foam mattress is an excellent choice for back pain sufferers.
6. TUFT & NEEDLE – Original Adaptive Foam Mattress
SPECS:
- Available sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
- Height: 10”
Best firm memory foam mattress for a heavy person
Traditionally, plus size sleepers have been avoiding memory foam mattresses as they are not known as the best choice for sleepers that carry extra weight- they have poor edge support and tend to sink under the weight, making getting out of the bed a hassle and sleep uncomfortable. However, this firm memory foam mattress is made to cater to heavier people as its maximum weight capacity is 1,000 lbs for full, queen, king, and California king (500 lbs per sleeping side) and 500 lbs for single sleeper sizes (twin and twin XL).
Made from proprietary T&N Adaptive foam, this mattress is infused with graphite and cooling gel so it won’t trap heat, either. The open cell structure makes it breathable and suited for hot sleepers- a category that often overlaps with plus-size sleepers. This mattress will adapt to your unique body shape and sleeping position to offer unparalleled support throughout the night.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Should Buy This Mattress?
Plus-size sleepers can also enjoy the benefits of memory foam with this heavy-duty firm foam mattress that can support up to 1,000 lbs of combined weight. Cooling and contouring, it will be comfy to sleep on regardless of your sleeping position and preferences.
In Conclusion
Memory foam has a host of benefits and advantages that make it a favorite material in mattress construction, but not everyone appreciates its body-hugging properties that could cause you to sink into the mattress. A firm memory foam mattress is an excellent compromise for everyone that wants to experience the benefits of this viscoelastic material such as pressure relief and hypoallergenic qualities without sacrificing their comfort. As a result, a firm memory foam mattress is an ideal choice for back and stomach sleepers, heavier people, hot sleepers, and anyone that prefers a firmer sleeping surface.