Extensive research has proven medium-firm mattresses provide exceptional pain-relieving benefits for those living with chronic pain or any lower-back pain. A 2003 study concluded that medium-firm mattresses can significantly reduce lower-back pain1. Additionally, a 2021 systematic review in the Journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology found that when compared to soft, firm, and custom-inflated mattresses, medium-firm mattresses came out on top in improving sleep quality overall. Intrigued? Below, hear from experts on who should sleep on a medium-firm mattress and find our picks for the best medium-firm mattresses of 2022. While medium-firm mattresses can support most weights and sleeping positions, they tend to benefit side and back sleepers most. Conrad adds that the medium-firm design helps reinforce the lumbar curve for the back and side. Mattresses are never one-size-fits-all, though, so it’s still important to test a new mattress to determine if it provides enough pressure relief. “Side sleepers with higher body weight might need more pressure relief and support than provided by a medium-firm mattress,” adds sleep educator and nutritionist Annika Carroll. First, always ensure that your mattress has a decent warranty, and look for a design that uses individually wrapped coils for extra support. “Individually wrapped coils help your mattress move independently, provide support, and prevent your mattress from getting too hot,” she elaborates. In addition to support, Carroll advises keeping body weight, mattress materials, and sleeping position in mind. With exceptional motion control, this is a great pick for couples who share a bed. It’s incredibly quiet, with none of the squeaking you might expect from innerspring coils—meaning even if you and your partner are on different sleep schedules, you won’t be disturbed throughout the night. Plus, the mattress is compatible with all adjustable bases. The Birch Luxe Natural Mattress arrives compressed and rolled in a box, via FedEx delivery. Reviewers say shipping is quick and the setup process is easy. What Customers Say: 3,000 people have reviewed this mattress, giving it a 4.6 out of 5 rating overall. “We looked around for a while to find a mattress that was green and also cool. After sleeping on this bed for a month, we are happy that it is medium firm and that it’s super comfy,” one reviewer says. Also Featured In: You’ll also find this mattress in our rundown of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers and the best latex mattresses. A great option for those who share the bed or need a little pain relief, the cloud mattress comes in three unique king sizes: original, split, and California. And while yes, it’s costly, the mattress comes with a 10-year warranty to ensure at least a decade of stellar sleep. That said, it is not the most sustainable choice, and the “medium-hybrid” firmness level may be too firm for some. If that’s a concern, the slightly softer “medium” option, which is made without a layer of coils, may be a better choice. Just note this mattress is not eligible for White Glove Delivery (or mattress removal service), however reviewers suggest it’s a breeze to unbox and set up without professional assistance. Plus, there are no off-gassing fumes, although the brand still recommends letting the mattress expand for a few hours before sleeping on it. What Customers Say: If you need further convincing, take it from this five-star reviewer: “Bought a split king for my parents and they love it. Even though they are highly critical and difficult to please people, this purchase was an absolute home run.” Also Featured In: Our roundup on the best cloud mattresses. Ideal for coupled sleepers, the Luxury Firm pick also offers superior motion isolation and standout edge support, so you have plenty of space to sprawl. Hot sleepers will also love the heat dispersing layer, which helps keep your body at a comfortable temperature all night long. Like many mattresses, this one is compressed, rolled, and shipped straight to your door in a box. Once it arrives and is officially unboxed, you shouldn’t expect any off-gassing smells. What Customers Say: Plenty of reviewers agree that this hybrid mattress won’t leave you disappointed. “I would highly recommend the mattress to anyone who is looking at the high-end mattresses that are sold in the local brick and mortar stores. The mattress is less than half the price of the ones that we considered and it is easily just as comfortable,” writes one five-star reviewer. Pain relief is also a highlight. Whether you’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper, reviews suggest that the innerspring coils and foam are going to give you the balance and support you deserve. Also Featured In: One of our favorite hybrid models, the Winkbed is also featured in roundups of the best mattress for stomach sleepers and couples, as well as gel-infused options. It also excels in temperature control, so hot sleepers can rest easy. Though, if you are the type of person who could use extra relief from night sweats (same, same!), you do have the option of adding a GlacioTex cooling cover on top of your mattress for even more cooling. The Helix Midnight mattress ships in a box and is delivered to your doorstep with free, no-contact delivery. Mattress orders typically ship within three to five business days, and, once your mattress arrives, reviewers say it is easy to unpack and place onto your bed frame or box spring. To fully eliminate any odors from your mattress, the brand recommends allowing the mattress to breathe and come to shape for a few hours. What Customers Say: Many shoppers celebrate this model for successfully supporting all sleeping positions—including combination sleepers—by giving it a 4.5 out of 5-star rating. “This Helix Midnight mattress is very comfortable for all sleeping positions (back, side, stomach). After sleeping on it the first night, I was surprised to notice it helped my posture (a chronic problem).” one reviewer says. On the downside, the use of memory foam makes this mattress way less environmentally-friendly. However, it’s a solid choice for people who truly prefer the feel of memory foam but need the support of innerspring coils. While the brand does not offer set up service (or old mattress removal) at this time, reviews suggest that mattress set up is easy from start to finish. What Customers Say: “I had done months of research trying to find a hybrid mattress that fit my needs and budget. This mattress was definitely the most affordable and I’m glad I listened to the positive reviews,” one five-star reviewer raves. FYI: Some reviewers suggest this mattress has issues with sagging and motion support. However, it’s has more than 9,000 ratings, which are mostly positive. While the medium-firm design is great for all sleep styles, it’s also the only option offered in this design—so smaller sleepers should definitely consider upgrading to the DreamCloud Premier for a plusher top. Regardless of your preferred firmness, you can opt in for a bundle option, which comes with free extras like a mattress protector, pillow, and sheet set. Sweet dreams are definitely made of this! For delivery, the mattress is vacuum-sealed inside a box and shipped to your doorstep with no signature required. While the brand does not offer mattress setup at this time, it does remove old mattresses in the state of California. What Customers Say: After more than 8,000 reviews, this bed still boats and impressive 4.8 out of 5 star rating. According to one reviewer, “One of the best mattresses I’ve ever slept on, very comfortable! I was having back issues, which is why I decided to try this mattress. After two days, most of my pain was gone. And after a full week, I have no more back pain.” Its hybrid design features non-toxic materials like organic cotton, organic wool, and a certified organic latex rubber foam that’s made without polyester or polyurethane. While nontoxic materials are a major plus, rest assured that this mattress is equally comfortable to sleep on, boasting just the right amount of support from a combo of plush foam and more than 1,000 innerspring coils. While this mattress may be more expensive than others on this list, think of it as an investment item that will benefit your health for years to come. Plus, it ships direct to your door with white glove delivery service available for a small fee. Just be warned the all-natural pick does smell like latex, however the scent is easily covered by layers of blankets. What Customers Say: This mattress has more than 16,000 reviews, most of which carry the same general tone as this happy customer: “What a wonderful mattress. It feels like sleeping on air. Gives support where it is needed without the thick feeling of foam. Sleeping temperature is also just right.” The air pump system is operated by remote control, allowing you to make the mattress firmer or softer by raising or lowering the air chambers to either fill with or deflate. While instructions for the air pump system are included in the product manual, some reviewers suggest taking advantage of the brand’s white glove setup to avoid any confusion. On that note, Saatva is one of the few brands that offers free home delivery and setup for all mattresses, bases, and frames—so there’s no need to wait for the mattress to expand or stop off-gassing. Plus, the team even removes your existing mattress and box spring. What Customers Say: Reviewers agree that this mattress is breathable and cool. “I was very comfortable in terms of how the mattress felt in addition to how the mattress and sheets kept my body cool (sweat-free) throughout the night,” one five-star reviewer writes. What’s more, this mattress provides relief to those living with chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, with one reviewer writing, “I have fibromyalgia, and this bed has been a lifesaver! Most of the time I sleep on my side, but it does well when I sleep on my back as well. It is firm enough to give support while still being soft enough to be comfortable.” The brand ships all mattresses compressed and rolled in a box. While some reviewers say shipping is pretty speedy, keep in mind that shipping times may vary due to volume or region. Once your mattress does arrive, Nolah advises letting your mattress air out for a full 24 to 48 hours to ensure all odors are eliminated. Since it’s on the heavier side (94 pounds for a full), you’ll likely want at least one extra set of hands to set it up. What Customers Say: “I used to have painful pressure points in my hips and shoulders with my old mattress and wake up multiple times in the night to roll over. But that has gone away with this one! Plus, it was easy to set up with a second person helping,” one reviewer boasts. FYI: this mattress doesn’t have any negative reviews on the company’s website, so you may want to research the Nolah brand further before purchasing. This mattress marries organic cotton, CertiPUR-US® certified foams, and recycled steel coil materials together, to form a mattress that’s great for all types of sleepers. Because of its sturdy design, you can expect a comfortable and supportive night’s sleep, with no lingering back or neck pain in the morning. Plus, it’s made with safeguarding against sagging, cooling benefits, and offers two heights and three levels of firmness to choose from. As mentioned, Saatva offers customers free home delivery and setup, along with removal of your old mattress. What Customers Say: This mattress has an overall 4.8 star rating, with an overwhelming majority of reviews (we’re talking over 2,000) being four-stars and higher. Take it from this reviewer: “What a wonderful mattress in so many ways—the fabrics, innersprings, the comfort. From the first day, I thought this must be what heaven feels like.”
