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Best Firm Queen Mattress

Corey Majeau

You might think that the feel of sleeping on a cloud is the ideal for most people, but for some people, that is as far from the idea of comfort as it gets. For back sleepers or stomach sleepers, a firmer mattress is much comfier and supportive than a soft mattress would be. The most important factors to consider are the construction and materials as they determine the firmness level.

A good firm queen mattress will be supportive and comfortable to sleep on: just because you want or need a firm mattress doesn’t have to mean you’ll feel like you’re sleeping on a plank. Striking that perfect balance between firmness and comfort is not easy, but there are firm queen mattresses that manage to achieve it and, as a result, offer a host of benefits to certain sleepers.

RankProductHighlights
#1=Sealy Posturpedic 13 Inch Firm Euro Top Mattress
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  • Construction type: Hybrid
  • Height: 13”
#2Swiss Ortho Sleep 12 Inch Contour Mattress

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  • Construction type: Innerspring
  • Height: 12”
#3Ashley Chime 8 Inch Firm Hybrid Mattress

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  • Construction type: Hybrid
  • Height: 8”
#4Casper Sleep Element Mattress

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  • Construction type: Foam mattress
  • Height: 10”
#5Zinus 14 Inch Gel Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
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  • Construction type: Hybrid
  • Height: 14”
#6Sunrising Bedding 8inch Natural Latex Mattress

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  • Construction type: Latex (Hybrid)
  • Height: 8”

Who Are Firm Mattresses Good For?

While it is indisputable that firm mattresses can be very beneficial, that’s not always the case. For instance, a firm mattress can be the worst nightmare of a side sleeper as it doesn’t offer the body-contouring effect or relieves pressure from the shoulders and the hips- which are the key stress points for the bodies of side sleepers. The same goes for back pain sufferers: even though there is the misconception that firm mattresses are good for back pain, it’s likelier that switching to a firm mattress will only worsen your pain and stiffness you feel. However, sleeping on a firm surface can have a completely different effect if you prefer a different sleeping position or have a certain body type, for instance. A firm queen mattress is recommended for those that require a bit more support and prefer cooler mattresses in general.

— Stomach sleepers

If you sleep on your belly, sinking into a soft mattress could disrupt the proper body alignment (flatten the proper curve of the spine) and make you wake up tense and in pain. A firm queen mattress will prevent your hips and your midsection from sinking and ensure that your spine is aligned in a natural, healthy way. This kind of support is essential for all people that sleep on their stomachs, but if you find a firm mattress uncomfortable, try using a softer mattress topper to get that comfort of a plush bed without compromising the sturdiness and supportiveness your sleeping position requires.

— Back sleepers

When it comes to people that spend their nights sleeping on their back, a firmer mattress could be just the thing- although, for some, a medium-firm will also do well. This is a tricky category as the feeling of comfort and body types vary greatly, so there’s some room for improvement in either case. For heavier sleepers in general, a firm mattress does great and the same goes for plus size back sleepers as well. Similarly, back sleepers that prefer cooler mattresses or those that enjoy a firmer sleeping surface will also enjoy a firm queen mattress.

— Heavier sleepers

For plus-sizes and bigger persons, it can be a challenge finding a mattress that keeps its shape and doesn’t sink under the weight- especially the combined weight of a couple. A sturdy firm queen mattress is the answer if you are worried about weight support as it will be much more supportive and comfy to sleep on than a softer (or even a medium-firm) option. Usually, larger sleepers opt for a firm innerspring or hybrid mattress that has a high profile (at least 12” tall, preferably more).

— Hot sleeper

While there’s nothing about the firmness itself that could impact the temperature regulation of a mattress, the fact stands that, more often than not, firm mattresses are significantly cooler than soft mattresses and there’s a simple reason for that. One of the worst materials to sleep on if you’re a hot sleeper is memory foam as it traps heat and it’s not very breathable (unless ventilated or gel-infused) and the majority of soft mattresses is made from memory foam. Firm mattresses usually have a construction that allows free air circulation (such as innerspring or hybrid) and their firmness ensures the sleepers stay on top of the mattress which contributes to the coolness. When you sink into the mattress you feel warmer and more snug, whereas a firm laying surface keeps you in line with the air that circulates around the room, making them a good choice for hot sleepers and warm climates.

— Seniors/people with mobility issues

Whether you’re in your golden years or you have mobility issues as a result of an injury or a health condition, a firm queen mattress could help you get in and out of the bed with ease and without anyone’s help. When your mobility is limited, having a soft mattress you sink into can make getting out of the bed difficult and even put you at risk for worsening your issues by putting additional strain on your bed. A nice firm mattress won’t sag or sink and will be significantly better suited for the needs of the elderly or those with limited mobility- just make sure to go for a firm queen mattress that is not too tall.

Best Firm Queen Mattresses

1. Editor’s Choice: Sealy Posturpedic 13 Inch Firm Euro Top Mattress

SPECS:

  • Construction type: Hybrid
  • Height: 13”

With a flawless multi-layered design, this firm queen mattress delivers the perfect balance between comfort and support, regardless of your sleeping position or body shape. Its firmness and reinforced borders ensure perfect edge support even when you sit on the bed, which makes it a good choice for plus-size sleepers as well, so it’s safe to say that this hybrid bed will suit most people. The base is motion-reducing encased coils, which promotes good air circulation and gives the bed much-needed bounce and responsiveness, followed by layers of foam including comfort foam and gel-infused foam.

Firm and sturdy, this 13-inch tall mattress will offer extra support for the heaviest part of your body, making sure that your spine is always properly aligned to keep its natural curvature, and as a result- offer pain-free, strain-free sleep.

ProsCons
  • Firm Euro top
  • Breathable and cooling
  • Great edge support
  • Targeted body support
  • Compatible with adjustable beds
  • Could be firmer

Who Should Buy This?

For those that want the best of both worlds, Sealy combines an innerspring base with layers of high-quality memory foam that offer cushioning for coils and unparalleled support for your body. Firm and sturdy, it will be a great match for stomach sleepers, heavier sleepers, and anyone that prefers a firm bed.

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2. Runner Up: Swiss Ortho Sleep

SPECS:

  • Construction type: Innerspring
  • Height: 12”

Affordable, comfortable, and supportive – this innerspring mattress offers it all and then some. The foundation of the mattress consists of individually encased 13-inch gauge coils followed by cotton padding, cooling gel foam, and a thin layer of memory foam to balance it all out. Firm but not hard as a rock, this is a great mattress if you are looking for something to keep a healthy posture during sleep, particularly if you sleep on your stomach or your back. Designed to offer a sturdy and firm sleeping surface without compromising on comfort, this queen mattress is suited for hot sleepers, as well, since it has a coil base that lets air circulate freely and boasts gel-infused cooling foam that doesn’t trap heat.

As an added bonus, this firm queen mattress is CertiPUR-US certified so you can rest peacefully knowing that you’re not sleeping on foam that’s been treated with potentially harmful chemicals.

ProsCons
  • Comfortable and supportive
  • Good choice for back sleepers
  • Doesn’t trap heat
  • Breathable
  • Affordable
  • CertiPUR-US certified
  • Doesn’t always fully inflate

Who Should Buy This?

If you’re on a budget but still want a firm queen mattress that will give you years of comfort and support, this innerspring mattress is just the thing. The combination of firm foam and individually encased coils will make it both comfy to sleep on and good for your back.

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3. Customer Choice: Ashley Chime 8 Inch Firm Hybrid Mattress

SPECS:

  • Construction type: Hybrid
  • Height: 8”

With an optimal level of firmness to suit most sleepers, this hybrid mattress is particularly great for seniors and people with mobility issues, as in addition to its firmness, it is not too tall and won’t be difficult to get up onto. With an 8-inch profile, it is just the right size to doesn’t cause any strain at all! The design successfully combines the classic and traditional elements with modern solutions to deliver a perfect balance between support and comfort. The 13-gauge Bonnell coil unit ensures that the mattress contours to your body but doesn’t sag or dent at the same time. To ensure real firmness, the design opts out of memory foam and instead goes for a high-density firming pad and 2 inches of high-density quilted foam. 

Compatible with all types of bases from traditional wood slats to box spring to adjustable beds, this versatile firm queen mattress will do a great job for most sleepers.

ProsCons
  • Ideal for people that prefer really firm mattresses
  • Suited for seniors and people with mobility issues
  • Compatible with all bases and frames
  • Not too tall
  • Easy to set up
  • Can be too firm for some people

Who Should Buy This?

For those that prefer their mattress to be really firm or people that have trouble getting into bed if their mattress is too tall, this design will be the ideal choice. With an 8-inch profile that combines a Bonell coil base with robust high-density foam, this bed will give you that ultra-firm feel and exceptional support.

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4. Best for Back Sleepers: Casper Sleep Element Mattress

SPECS:

  • Construction type: Foam mattress
  • Height: 10”

Not all back sleepers need or prefer a firm mattress, but for those that do, it’s best that it’s not overly firm. Constructed with just two layers of foam, this firm queen mattress manages to deliver a firm sleeping surface that still has some give to it and can help back sleepers retain proper spine alignment throughout the night. The 10-inch mattress has a sturdy, high-density foam base with a thin layer of perforated AirScapeTM foam that allows free circulation of air for better breathability and improved temperature regulation.

Firm but slightly conforming to a degree, this foam mattress will make sure that your natural curvature of the spine is established during sleep and that there are no pressure points that could lead to back pain and soreness.

ProsCons
  • Perforated foam for better breathability
  • A firm mattress that suits back sleepers
  • Not too tall
  • Good for lower back pain
  • Keeps the spine properly aligned
  • Possible off-gassing at first

Who Should Buy This?

If you sleep on your back, you’ll love this firm but adaptive mattress that is tailored for your sleeping position. Made with high-quality, high-density foam, it will retain its shape while relieving pressure from your body.

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5. Best for Hot Sleepers: Zinus 14 Inch Gel Memory Foam Pocket Spring Hybrid Mattress

SPECS:

  • Construction type: Hybrid
  • Height: 14”

When you tend to sleep hot, a mattress that is not breathable can make you seriously uncomfortable. A cooling mattress that allows the air to pass will be a much better choice for hot sleepers, and this hybrid mattress combines all the best elements to ensure this. The 7.5-inch pocketed coils contribute to the breathability, whereas the 2 inches of cooling-gel foam make sure that you don’t feel the heat from the cushioning layers of Visco foam. 14 inches tall, this firm queen mattress is a good choice for couples as it helps reduce motion transfer but still keeps its bounce and responsiveness thanks to the individually wrapped coils. Additionally, it is robust enough to suit averages size to plus-size sleepers with the same ease.

Cooling and breathable, this firm mattress will help with temperature regulation- and its firmness will also help ensure your body doesn’t sink in for additional coolness.

ProsCons
  • Cool and breathable
  • Suits plus size sleepers too
  • Ideal for hot sleepers
  • Reduces motion transfer
  • Good for couples
  • Could be more durable

Who Should Buy This?

When the sheer thought of a solid foam mattress makes you feel sweaty, this breathable, cooling mattress will be the ideal choice for you. With coils that ensure air circulation and cooling foam, it is certain to keep you refreshed even in the dog days of the year.

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6. Best for Stomach Sleepers: Sunrising Bedding 8” Natural Latex Queen Mattress

SPECS:

  • Construction type: Latex (Hybrid)
  • Height: 8”

If you sleep on your belly, a firm mattress is what you need for healthy, restful sleep, and if you want that firmness to come from natural materials, a latex mattress is a perfect solution. A very dense material, latex makes some of the firmest mattresses around, and in this case, the combination with an innerspring base ensures both support and comfort for the stomach sleeper. With 852 individually encased coils in the base, this mattress is breathable and responsive to the sleeper’s unique body shape, and the layer of natural latex extracted from Malaysia rubber tree on top of it releases pressure from your key stress points and ensures healthy spine position. 

Your midsection will be supported to prevent sinking and flattening of the natural back curvature, which ensures pain-free sleep. To boot, latex is free from odors, toxins, chemicals, and allergens, so you don’t have to worry about off-gassing or dangerous processing.

ProsCons
  • Natural latex
  • Firmness that lasts with heavy use
  • Ideal for stomach sleepers
  • Breathable- doesn’t trap heat
  • Relieves pressure
  • Suited for seniors and people with mobility issues
  • Strong smell- it takes a while for it to dissipate

Who Should Buy This?

For stomach sleepers, a firm queen mattress is a must, and this combination of natural latex and innerspring base ensures optimal firmness that doesn’t lose its solid feel with time. Toxin-free and breathable, this mattress gives you healthy sleep without compromising on comfort!

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In Conclusion

A firm queen mattress is best suited to stomach sleepers and back sleepers, as well as heavier persons and those that prefer a cooler mattress to sleep on. Similarly, seniors and people with mobility issues can also benefit from a firm mattress over a softer, body-hugging option. The firmness of the sleeping surface will provide ample support and usually promote better air circulation, as opposed to softer options that are usually made from memory foam and can trap heat and have that sinking feeling that not everyone enjoys.