The best firm mattress in 2021 – CNET [CNET]

There are a multitude of mattress choices out there, from traditional innerspring to memory foam to gel memory foam to natural latex or Talalay latex, each with a different firmness level. Sleeping on the right mattress is a pathway to better sleep — and if sinking into a soft mattress gives you nightmares about back pain, then you definitely need a medium firm or extra firm mattress. We’ll also note that a firm mattress is the ideal mattress type for preventing — or alleviating — pain, especially if you’re a larger person.

The best firm mattress is one that generally has extra layers of foam or cushioning to support your body weight and prevent the mattress from sagging, which keeps your spine properly aligned. Some come with a cushy comfort layer or mattress topper so that you get some coziness with your spinal alignment. 

Finding a new mattress that feels comfortable and offers ample support can be a delicate balance. The firmness level is key — you don’t want to sink into the mattress, but you do want to have enough cushion to help alleviate pressure, namely on your shoulders and hips. There’s a difference between a firm mattress and hard mattress, after all. You also want to consider factors like motion transfer (if you share your bed), whether you’d want an adjustable base to optimize your sleep position and mattress type (foam, gel memory foam, hybrid mattress, etc.). Luckily, there are a wealth of firm mattress options available online. We’ve put together this list to help you sort through the options and find the best firm mattress for your needs.

Read more: The best mattress for side sleepers in 2021

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