What is the best firm mattress for back pain? Or should I ask, is a firm mattress the best type of mattress for back pain. It has long been thought that firm mattresses are the best for back pain, however studies have shown that it may not be true and that medium to firm mattresses are the most suitable for back pain sufferers.(1.)
In fact, this study showed that medium mattresses improved pain and discomfort the most for low back pain sufferers.(2.) If you would like to find my reviews on what is the best mattress for back pain relief, then check out this post. However, if you really like firm mattresses and they suit your sleeping style then please continue reading.
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What makes a mattress firmer than others
Usually there are two things that make one mattress firmer than another. The first, is the coil gauge at the base of the mattress, the thicker and stronger the coil, the firmer the mattress will be. Secondly, it is the layers on top of the coils which influence the firmness of the mattress, the more layers, the softer the mattress will be. For example, an 8″ mattress will usually be firmer than a 13″ mattress.
Your body weight can also influence how firm a mattress will feel. A 250 pound person will experience a firm mattress completely differently to a 125 pound person. Extra weight on a firm mattress will make it sink a lot more, making it feel like a medium mattress, where as a light person on a firm mattress may feel like they are sleeping on a hardwood floor.
The Best Firm Mattresses To Relieve Back Pain
My No.1 Pick – Firm Mattress For Back Pain-
Zinus Extra Firm 10″ or 12″ Big & Tall Support Plus Spring Mattress
The Zinus Extra Firm Spring Mattress gets my No.1 pick because of the 10% extra icoil springs added to the core, giving that extra added support and firmness to the mattress. This extra support also provides improved motion separation, meaning if a person moves on one side of the bed, it will not disturb the sleeping person on the other side of the bed.
I also like the layers of foam above the icoil springs providing a nice cushion to the supportive, strong core. The memory foam layer at the top of the mattress is thicker in the 12″, compared to the 10″ mattress. Both mattresses are firm mattresses, however if you want a very firm mattress then the 10″ may be more suitable for you.
The foam is certified CertiPUR-US and the mattress has a 10 year ‘Limited’ warranty. It is worth remembering that if you are a side sleeper, the 10″ Zinus extra firm, may be too firm for you. In my opinion, the 10″ extra firm mattress may only be suitable for back sleepers. The mattress will be delivered rolled up in a box and will decompress to its original size once removed from its vacuum bag.
I believe the Zinus Extra Firm Spring Mattress is a great mattress for those looking for a very firm mattress with good support and comfort.
Pros
- Extra Firm
- CertiPUR-US Foam
- 10 year warranty (although limited)
- Comes in 10″ and 12″ sizes for different firmness levels
- Positive reviews on Amazon
- Easy to set up
Cons
- May have chemical smell for first few days
My Second No.1 Pick – Firm Mattress For Back Ache 🙂 –
Dynasty Mattress Cool Breeze 12″ Gel 
Memory Foam Mattress With Bonus Two Free Gel Pillows
The only reason the Dynasty Mattress does not receive my No.1 pick outright is that these reviews are mostly based on the firmness of mattresses, and the Zinus Mattress is ‘Extra Firm’. However, I believe the Dynasty Mattress is not too shabby either in the firmness stakes.
Unlike the Zinus extra firm mattress which has an innerspring core, the Dynasty mattress is made of layers of foam. It is made with 3″ of gel foam, 4″ of cool airflow foam and is supported by a 5″ high density foam base. I really like the cool breeze gel memory foam as it provides a cooling, firm but comfortable night’s sleep.
The mattress is made of high quality, certiPUR-US certified materials and has a washable zipper cover. What really caught my eye was the amazing offers that come with the mattress. It comes with a 30 year ‘Limited’ warranty, and what is more, it also comes with an amazing 120 day trial period.
If that is not enough, the mattress also comes with 2 free matching gel pillows, valued at $100. Why is this mattress not my No.1 pick? The only reason it loses out to my No.1 pick is because it is a firm mattress and not extra firm.
If you like extra firm mattresses then the Zinus extra firm mattress will suit you better, however if you are happy with a medium-firm to firm mattress then the Dynasty Mattress is the one for you.
Pros
- Firm
- certiPUR-US certified
- 30 year ‘Limited’ warranty
- 120 day trial offer
- Cooling gel foam layer for a cool night’s sleep
- 2 free gel pillows valued at $100
- Big seller on Amazon with good reviews
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Not extra firm
- May have chemical smell for first few days
The Best Soft But Firm Mattress For Sore Backs –
Resort Sleep 10″ Cool Memory Foam Mattress with Bonus Memory Foam Pillow
I recommend the Resort Sleep 10″ memory foam mattress because it provides good support for back pain sufferers with its 7.5″ High Density foam base. However, it also provides a nice soft cushion with 2.5″ of Visco memory foam on top.
This mattress is certiPUR-US certified and is eco-friendly. It comes with a 20 year warranty and I really like the bonus memory foam pillow (valued at $40) that comes with the mattress.
The mattress will arrive rolled up in a box and once unpacked will decompress to full size within a few hours. It may have a slight chemical smell for the first few days but it will soon disappear. I really liked this mattress for its comfort factor because it has a sturdy, supportive base, but also has a soft, comfy top.
It may not be the most suitable for hardcore firm mattress fans but I believe the Resort Sleep Memory Foam Mattress is a great option for side and front sleepers that enjoy a firm mattress but also enjoy a soft pillow like texture on top.
Pros
- Supportive
- Comfortable memory foam good for back and joint pain
- certiPur-US certified
- Antimicrobial, hypoallergenic and dust mite resistant
- Cooling memory foam removes heat from the body
- Comforting for back and joint pain
- 20 year warranty
Cons
- May not be firm enough
- May have slight chemical smell for a few days
Conclusion
In my opinion, it is quite difficult to find a good quality firm mattress online. The number one problem is that firmness is subjective and what is firm for one person may not be firm for another. From my research on what is the best firm mattress for back pain, I would recommend my No.1 pick, the Zinus Extra Firm mattress, as the safest bet when buying a good quality, affordable firm mattress.
My other 2 picks are also great mattresses, however, they may not be as firm as the Zinus Extra Firm. If you are suffering from back pain, then you may also be interested in my review on body pillows for back pain. Body pillows are a great way to get your body in the correct alignment, reducing your chances of straining your back as you sleep.