Finding a good mattress with the right firmness can be challenging, especially online. Nolah, Tuft & Needle, and DreamCloud all make our list of best medium-firm mattresses.
Comfort is key when choosing a new mattress, and that means finding the right level of firmness. Research shows that medium-firm mattresses can be best for spinal alignment and back pain.
The firmness of a mattress doesn’t refer to its level of support. Instead, mattress firmness refers to the top layer of the mattress — it’s what you feel when you lie down.
If you want a mattress that balances cushioning comfort and the support you need for a good night’s sleep, a medium-firm mattress may be a good choice. We rounded up 10 of the best options to help you get started.
(queen size)
• innerspring coils
• 365-night trial
• wool
• cotton
• pocketed support coils
• 1-year trial
• coils
• 365-night trial
• memory foam
• air chambers
• 365-night trial
• 100-night trial
• support coils
• 120-night trial
Our Medical Standards and Insights team has carefully researched and vetted over 11,000 products and services. We fact-check health claims, evaluate materials, and look into each brand’s reputation before sharing products and services on Healthline.
To choose the products on this page, we considered all the mattresses that passed our vetting process. Then, we scored each mattress to narrow down our list even further.
We chose mattresses rated medium firm by each brand. To narrow the list, we considered:
- Safety and brand reputation: All the medium-firm mattresses on our list comply with federal flammability standards and are made by reputable companies that stand by their products.
- Materials certifications: We prioritized mattresses with third-party material certifications like CertiPUR-US, GOLS, and GOTS.
- Free trials and warranties: Each mattress on our list comes with a free in-home trial and competitive warranty.
- Customer reviews: We read reviews for each mattress to see what customers say about them.
What does reputable mean exactly?
When we describe a mattress company as reputable, we mean the brand:
- displays a commitment to quality, safety, and customer service
- hasn’t been involved in recent lawsuits
- has transparent business practices
Knowing a company is doing things the right way, especially for a big-ticket purchase like a mattress can make a difference.
Many people prefer medium-firm mattresses because they offer a combination of comfort and support. But this firmness can have other benefits, too. Some
Other research suggests self-adjusted, medium-firm mattresses may help improve comfort and the quality of your sleep if you live with back pain.
Medium-firm mattresses can also be a good choice if your preferred sleeping position varies. They’ll give you the support and cushion you need as you move from your side to your back to your belly.
Medium-firm mattresses work well for people with low to moderate body weights. They’re also a good compromise if you share your bed with someone who prefers a firmer sleeping surface than you do (or vice versa).
If you’re searching for a medium-firm option, it helps to keep a few things in mind:
- Mattress ratings: They will vary from brand to brand, but they can offer a good starting point. Opt for a mattress in the range of 5 to 7 on the scale.
- Mattress type and materials: You can find medium-firm mattresses lots of different materials, including latex and memory foam. Make a point of shopping for mattresses with materials that have third-party certifications. That way, you’ll know the company has met stringent quality standards for safety.
- In-home trials and warranties: Most firmness scales are different by brand. But, in general 1 is typically the softest, while 10 is the firmest. Medium-firm mattresses typically fall between a 5 and 7. Remember that one brand’s 5 may feel different from another brand’s, so it’s important to consider one with a generous in-home trial and easy returns or exchanges. Also, look for a brand that offers a warranty.
If upgrading your mattress isn’t an option at the moment, you still have other ways to make your bed more comfortable. Think new pillows, sheets, and comforters; a supportive mattress topper; or bedroom ambiance.
You can also make your room more snooze-friendly by:
- blocking exterior light with room-darkening curtains or shades
- replacing bright bulbs with dimmer lights
- making your bedroom a device-free sanctuary
Finally, you might even consider painting your bedroom walls or reducing any source of noise or light for a better night’s sleep.
DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
more body weight
Research from 2022
firm mattresses
Soft mattresses
Medium-firm mattresses are a popular choice for a reason. Designed to provide plenty of support and a comforting feel, they work well for people with low to moderate body weight, those who switch positions during the night, or people who share their bed with a partner.