Guide: Best Firm Mattress for 2024

Last Updated on October 6, 2024

by Marc Werner, Founder - GhostBed

A medium firm universal mattress, just a little more above medium on firmness level, is often appreciated by most sleepers than a mattress that is too soft. The best firm mattress is one that still contours to the body while not giving a dreaded sinking in feeling.

Best Firm Mattress

I. Benefits of a Firm Mattress

II. Ailments Helped Using a Firm Mattress

III. Why Choose a Firm Mattress

IV. Why a GhostBed

I. Benefits of a Firm Mattress

There are several benefits of a firm mattress that will please every sleeper seeking comfort as well as affordability in a well-crafted bed.

Lengthy Lifespan

Not only will a softer mattress force one’s body to sink in and not be properly supported, it is also more prone to having a shorter lifespan due to sagging and indentations prematurely. The sagging mattress will then exacerbate pressure points and pain. The firmer bed is not as vulnerable to early-on indents and sags so will generally enjoy a lengthier lifespan.

Not as Costly

Not surprisingly the firm mattress can be less costly than a softer bed. This is because a mattress that is firmer does not have the extra plush cushioning of its softer counterpart. The extra padding and cushion that makes a mattress thicker will also tend to drive up the price.

Sleeps Cooler

Sinking into a soft mattress can not only put undue pressure on joints, but it can also cause one to feel trapped and sleeping hotter due to limited airflow around the body. One of the benefits of a firm mattress is that it tends to have better airflow allowing for cooler sleep. You will also want to make sure that the mattress that is chosen is built using proprietary materials designed to keep heat away from the body.

Lower Profile and Less Weighty

The lower profile of the firmer mattress, without all the extra cushioning, can also make it less weighty than a softer mattress. With extra materials not needed, owning a firm mattress will allow for easier moving and turning of the bed.

Lower Emissions

Some are more sensitive to others when unpacking a foam or latex mattress and may complain of a slight off-gassing odor before it burns out when aired. With the firmer mattress tendency to have less foam, as with hybrids with coils, it will also mean that it will have lower smell producing emissions.

Better Rest

One answer to why choose a firm mattress is easy – better rest. When the body attempts to rest on a bed that is too soft it can sag into the mattress. This can cause the spine to be out of alignment and pressure of joints triggering pain and discomfort. The firmer mattress allows for one to have just the right enough of contouring to cradle pressure points and keep the spine properly aligned to achieve the best restorative rest possible.

II. Ailments Helped Using a Firm Mattress

Best Firm Mattress

The benefits of a firm mattress also assist in helping the body in order to rid one of painful ailments. The firmer mattress gives the body more support to help it restore.

Spine Alignment

A soft bed that allows for sinking can lead to more discomfort by not supporting the spine properly. As one attempts to get comfortable as he or she sags into a bed, the body will attempt to compensate for unsupported areas. It is vital to give the spine the right posture when it is at rest. Once the spine is aligned other body parts, such as the neck, shoulders and hips will follow falling into the proper position too. Sleeping on a firm supportive mattress will allow the body to stay in alignment to relieve painful pressure points and get restorative sleep. A hard day of stress on the body will be restored to health when the spine is in the right posture at night.

Proper Distribution of Body Weight

With a firm mattress, the weight of the body will be distributed properly. A too soft mattress can cause heavier parts of the body to sink into the bed. This can lead to too much pressure on the joints, nerves and muscles. The longer one sleeps on the softer bed the more of a chance the pain resulting will get worse. A firm mattress places the body on top. This allows weightier parts to not sink in and the body to be evenly supported and contoured.

Improved Circulation

Circulation will be improved when sleeping on a firmer mattress. A softer mattress can engulf the body and add pressure on muscles, veins and arteries. On a firmer bed the bones take on more of the pressure. This allows for improved circulation with muscles being less stressed.

III. Why Choose a Firm Mattress

Certain types of sleepers will find a more peaceful rest on a firmer mattress. Those who sleep on their back or stomach, or have a bit more heft, will find comfort in a bed that has a firm surface.

Best Firm Mattress

Back Sleepers

Those who enjoy sleeping on their back will find that a mattress that is firmer will allow for them to not have the dreaded feeling of their backside and torso sinking in. The firm mattress allows the back sleeper to have even support to keep the spine aligned and pressure points relieved.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers do very poorly on a soft mattress, as the stomach will sink in too much causing the spine to curve and the body to be misaligned. Comfort for stomach sleepers can be found on a firm mattress that will give them the flat profile needed to cradle and contour the body. A bed must have just the right firmness to keep the pelvis area from sinking in preventing arching of the back.

Weight Challenged Sleepers

Heftier weight challenged sleepers will find that a soft mattress can quickly lead to needless sagging that can cause pain and stiffness in the back and joints. A firmer mattress can handle more weight, therefore be more durable and keep the heavier body supported and pain free. Read about the best mattress for heavier people.

IV. Why a GhostBed

The design of the GhostBed is perfect for those seeking the right blend of a mattress. It is firm enough to please those who want a firmer surface, yet comforting enough to contour and support pressure points to relieve pain and provide a great night of restorative sleep. It works to give every type of sleeper proper comfort and support as it keeps the spine aligned and conforms to the body.

Medium-Firm

The medium firm surface of the GhostBed allows for long-term support as well as optimal balance for comfort. GhostBed’s universal firmness helps to relieve pressure points and stiffness that lead to back, hip and joint pain.

Sleep Safely

One will know that they are sleeping safely on the GhostBed made with CertiPUR-US Certified Resources. GhostBed is careful to build their mattress without ozone depleters, and without PBDEs, TDCPP, or TCEP (“Tris”) flame retardants. There is no mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, nor formaldehyde or phthalates as regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Off gassing is not a problem with GhostBed as it has low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality.

Soft Yet Supportive

The GhostBed is the best firm mattress with firmness just right for side, back and stomach sleepers. On the mattress firmness scale GhostBed comes in at 6.5 out of 10. This makes GhostBed just soft enough for pressure relief, yet firm enough for proper spine support.

Five Star Rated

Even in pain it is important to keep joints moving to prevent stiffness and pain. Try to maintain a comfortable level of exercise even if it is just for a short walk. Practice some stretches before bed and upon waking to help stay as pain-free as possible. The activity will help promote healthy sleep as well.

Switch Sides

All one needs to do is read review from those sleeping on GhostBed to see what makes it the perfect mattress.

“The best part is, it’s firm, BUT not really. My hips and back sink in like it’s a pillow top, but the rest has support.” – John L., 5-star review


Marc Werner - Founder, GhostBed

Marc Werner

Founder - GhostBed

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Marc has spent the last two decades designing & manufacturing mattresses and other sleep products, drawing on a lifetime of experience working with the material sciences. With several patents to his name, he works closely with the GhostBed team to create products with the perfect balance of comfort & support. Learn More

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