I test the world’s best firm mattresses — 3 I’d buy in the Memorial Day sales

If you’re shopping the Memorial Day sales for a good firm mattress for much less than normal, I’ve rounded-up my top three recommendations here. My overall top pick is the Firm Saatva Classic, a luxury innerspring hybrid with excellent lumbar support and this weekend you can save $400 on the Saatva Classic at Saatva.  A queen is reduced to $1,695 (was $2,095), the cheapest price since President’s Day.

As a long-term sufferer of lower back pain, I’ve always enjoyed the enhanced lumbar support of firm mattresses – even though I’m of a lightweight build – and the Saatva does this well. The Saatva Classic is this year’s best mattress for all sleepers, but there are two other good firm mattress deals to look for this weekend and I’ve covered them below.

The Memorial Day mattress sales are your last chance to get a cheaper price on a new bed before prices rise over the summer months and I don’t expect them to fall again until Labor Day in September. Here are the three firm mattress deals I recommend buying this weekend…

How firm is a firm mattress?

Firmness is a subjective thing, but I would generally suggest that a mattress rated at between 8 to 9 out of 10 is a firm mattress, with 9 to 10 being extra firm. As opposed to a medium firm mattress, which will contour a little around the body – particularly at the lumbar region, a firm mattress is designed to keep you lying on top of the mattress without sinking in. This doesn’t mean that you’ll be lying on a plank. The best firm mattresses still have comfort layers at the top and a little give that allows sleepers to feel comfortable as well as supported.

Who should buy a firm mattress?

The best firm mattresses aren’t only for back pain sufferers – heavier sleepers will also get better support from them, whilst back and stomach sleepers will find that their spines are kept perfectly aligned throughout the night.

These are the people I’d recommend a firm mattress to…

• Back and stomach sleepers: A firmer mattress helps to keep the spine aligned and the hips in the correct position to prevent aches and pains building through the night. Plus, a firmer mattress will help support the natural forward curve of your lower back.
• Lower back pain sufferers: Firm mattresses provide the support needed to keep your spine aligned, as I mentioned above. This in turn helps to reduce pressure points on your lower back, which will help to alleviate pain.
• Heavier bodies: For those weighing over 250lbs, a firmer mattress will provide enough support to distribute weight evenly across the mattress, minimizing stress on the joints and helping to prevent sagging.

Who shouldn’t buy a firm mattress?

A firm mattress won’t suit all sleepers. Here’s who should avoid them:

• Side sleepers: Side sleepers need more cushioning and a mattress that will contour to their hips and shoulders to prevent pressure building up. If you’re a dedicated side sleeper, take a look at our best mattresses for side sleepers recommendations to find a suitable mattress. 
• Lightweight sleepers: Unless you suffer from lower back pain as I do, it’s likely that you’ll find a firm mattress simply too firm. Lightweight sleepers won’t get any contouring at all from a firm mattress, which could lead to pressure build up and joint pain.
• Fans of the memory foam ‘hug’: Firm mattresses don’t give the sinkage and ‘hug’ that you’ll get from an all-foam mattress. If you like this ultra-plush feel in a mattress, take a look at our best memory foam mattresses for inspiration. 

More top Memorial Day sales to consider