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Best Medium Firm Mattress
Top Choices From Our Test Lab
Sleep Foundation
Why Trust Us
Our mission to create a healthier, more well-rested world demands that our product reviews be best-in-class. You won’t find more expertise on mattresses and sleep products anywhere else.
The Sleep Foundation product testing team uses an industry-leading evaluation process paired with real world consumer feedback to come up with objective recommendations so that you can feel confident in your product decisions.
When it comes to making the largest number of sleepers happy and comfortable, the medium firm mattress takes the prize. Its mid-range firmness has adequate support to prevent back pain for many sleepers and enough cushioning to alleviate pressure points. While a medium firm mattress isn’t a perfect match for everyone, it’s the most versatile firmness level and comfortable for the widest range of sleepers.
We’ll explain who is most likely to benefit from using a medium firm mattress, and which sleepers should steer clear. We’ll also provide detailed information on our top picks for the best medium firm mattress and you’ll discover how each model fared during our sleep lab testing.
For more information about our top mattress picks across different performance categories, check out the detailed breakdown in our guide to the best mattresses of 2024.
Helix Midnight
Our testers were impressed with the Helix Midnight’s wide appeal and unique features. It’s firm but has substantial foam-based cushioning that prevents pain in pressure points. Its reinforced perimeter also makes getting on and off the mattress easier for people with mobility limitations.
The Best Medium Firm Mattresses
- Best Mattress Overall – Helix Midnight
- Best Value Mattress – DreamCloud Mattress
- Most Comfortable Mattress – Leesa Sapira Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nolah Evolution 15
- Best Luxury Mattress – Saatva Classic
- Best Mattress for Back Pain – Luxury Firm WinkBed
- Best Latex Mattress – Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress
- Best Mattress for Couples – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Pressure Relief – Birch Mattress
- Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid Mattress
In-Depth Reviews
The Helix Midnight is the quintessential medium firm mattress, with just the right amount of foam cushioning and coil support to capture middle-of-the-road firmness. It’s a popular bed among our testers.
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Pros
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Supportive for most sleepers under 230 pounds
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Reinforced perimeter increases edge support
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Foam comfort system provides deep pressure relief
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Cons
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Sleeps warmer than other hybrids
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Cooling cover is an added cost
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Not firm enough for many sleepers over 230 pounds
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$749 – $1,399
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Customer Reviews
Tori S.
“Easily the most comfortable bed I’ve slept on. Supportive, soft, and I’ve been sleeping better than ever. This mattress helped with my back pain and my husband’s shoulder pain.”
Roshan S.
“The medium firmness was perfect. The movement isolation was also great. It’s really comfortable to sleep on and has just enough give without making it hard to get out of bed.”
Shelly S.
“This mattress is so comfortable! And I don’t wake up feeling hot like I did with other mattresses…. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a quality mattress at a reasonable price.”
Product Details
Helix tailors mattresses to meet every sleeper’s specific needs. The Midnight is geared toward side sleepers and shoppers looking for a medium firm (6) feel. Its hybrid construction includes two layers of foam on top and a pocketed coil core for maximum comfort and support.
How It Performed
Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds will likely find that this mattress cradles the body while keeping the spine in proper alignment. The bed’s supportive base generates ample pushback to keep your body well supported. The mattress has enhanced edge support on two sides to reduce compression when you sit or sleep close to the edges.
What It’s Made of
The Helix Midnight starts with a cover made of a breathable knit fabric. For an added fee, you can opt for the GlacioTex Cooling Cover, which is designed to pull excessive heat away from your body. Underneath the cover is a layer of medium-density memory foam, which closely conforms to the shape of the body. Next is a layer of polyfoam with a firmer feel. This transition layer keeps sleepers from sinking into the mattress’ support core. Hundreds of wrapped coils make up the Midnight’s 8-inch support core.
Helix offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. The company also provides a 100-night sleep trial, which includes a 30-day break-in period before a return can be initiated. The Midnight comes with a 10-year limited warranty.
The DreamCloud has an attractive price-point and a year-long sleep trial to boot. The balanced design with soft cashmere blend cover offers a lot of bang for your buck.
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Pros
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Hybrid construction and gel-infused foam keep the mattress cool
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Responsive without allowing motion transfer
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Priced affordably
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Cons
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Has slight off-gassing odor when first unwrapped
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Lacks substantial edge support
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May aggravate pressure points for side sleepers under 130 pounds
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$499 – $999
Trial Period
365 nights (30-night requirement)
Customer Reviews
Lori S.
“I wasn’t sure how the mattress was going to affect my injured neck and sensitive back. I’m very pleased to say that I could not be more comfortable.”
Steven A.
“The mattress itself is high quality and super easy to set up. It didn’t take long to take its full regular shape once unboxed and opened up. Sadly, it’s just not firm enough for me.”
Thomas G.
“We are enjoying our new mattress. The one drawback for me is the edge support.”
Product Details
Few mattresses achieve the true medium firm feel as well as the DreamCloud, a luxury hybrid constructed with adaptive foam layers and a sturdy coil support core.
How It Performed
You’ll notice deep cushioning and contouring as your body settles into the comfort system, but each foam layer is progressively denser and excessive sinkage shouldn’t be an issue for most sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Our hands-on tests reveal the DreamCloud is particularly well suited to side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds.
We’ve also found the DreamCloud excels at pressure relief and motion isolation — two performance areas where hybrids often fall short. The foam layers provide ample padding to help ensure fewer sore spots along the spine and minimal transfer when you or your partner change positions in bed. At the same time, the coils are strong enough to generate pushback and limit sinkage when you get in and out of bed, and most of our testers were able to move across the mattress with relative ease.
What It’s Made Of
A cashmere-blend cover encases the mattress. This fabric is not only soft but also exceptionally breathable, allowing you to sink into the DreamCloud’s surface without too much heat absorption. During our temperature control tests, most team members noticed little to no heat buildup. Cashmere also has natural moisture-wicking qualities if you’re prone to night sweats.
The DreamCloud’s price-point falls well below average compared to the average hybrid model and shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S. You’ll receive a generous sleep trial with your order that spans 365 nights, giving you plenty of time to test the mattress and decide whether it’s right for you. If you keep your DreamCloud, you’ll also qualify for a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Leesa Sapira Hybrid
20% off mattresses + free pillows at Leesa
$1,599 at Leesa
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid stands out for its thick foam comfort system, which gently hugs your body without too much sinkage. It’s a comfortable bed for fans of foam who need coil support.
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Pros
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Comfortable blend of pushback and pressure relief
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Excellent support for all side sleepers as well as back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds
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Has responsiveness many couples like for sex
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Cons
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Moderate off-gassing
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You may notice when your partner moves on their side of the bed
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Only has mid-range edge support despite reinforcement
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,349 – $2,299
Trial Period
100 nights (30 night requirement)
Customer Reviews
William M.
“This mattress is firm, but not too firm and soft, but not too soft. It’s comfortable.”
Kathryn D.
“The mattress is very springy – as a king mattress, you can feel every movement of the other person on the bed. Although we bought this mattress to be able to sleep together, I am sleeping on another bed because this mattress makes it impossible to both sleep in the same bed.”
Elizabeth
“We were initially worried it would be too soft but that hasn’t been a problem. The issue seems to be that it gets really warm ensconced in there overnight, such that I am tossing off coverings in the wee hours.”
Product Details
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid’s thoughtful construction elevates the mattress over other medium firm models in terms of overall comfort. Three foam layers over robust pocketed coils deliver a nice balance of cushioning, support, and responsiveness. The mattress also sleeps exceptionally cool thanks to steady air circulation throughout the coil system and airflow channels in the top layer to regulate the surface temperature.
How It Performed
During our hands-on tests, the Sapira Hybrid earned favorable ratings from the vast majority of our team. Side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds were particularly impressed, as were back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. We also found the mattress isolates motion quite well for a hybrid. All three foam layers work together to absorb movement when you change positions or get up during the night, and the coils don’t produce much motion transfer.
What It’s Made of
The popular combo of adaptive polyfoam over memory foam ensures close cushioning and even weight distribution without excessive sinkage. Dense transitional polyfoam provides additional padding while forming a solid buffer between your body and the support core. Reinforced perimeter coils minimize compression along the edges, allowing you to get in and out of bed with ease and utilize the entire sleep surface. Dense base foam rounds out the hybrid design, and a breathable knit cover encases the mattress.
The Sapira Hybrid’s sticker price is on par with industry averages, and shipping is free of charge for customers in all 50 states. You’ll receive two complimentary pillows with your order. Leesa’s sleep trial spans 100 nights in length. If you keep the mattress after the trial period ends, your purchase is further backed by a 10-year warranty against manufacturing defects.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nolah Evolution 15
35% off mattresses + 2 free pillows at Nolah
$1,624 at Nolah Sleep
The quilted Euro-top on the Nolah Evolution 15 earns a lot of points with side sleepers. The thick cushioning cradles the shoulder and hips, while the coils minimize sinkage.
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Pros
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Available in three distinct firmness options, including medium firm
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Optimal pressure relief and spinal support for side sleepers
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Strong edge support
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Cons
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Differences in performance between firmness options
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May require deep pocket sheets
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Average durability
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,004 – $2,143
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Customer Reviews
Phyllis B.
“I don’t wake up with shoulder or neck pain like I did with my previous mattress (I am a side sleeper). I also don’t feel it when my husband gets in and out of bed. Recommend it!”
Christopher R.
“It is one of those Goldilocks situations where the bed is not too hard, not too soft, but just right. My wife prefers more support while I prefer more comfort, but the bed works well for the both of us.”
Joseph B.
“I very much love my new Nolah mattress. It is firm but not too firm. Just the way I like it. I especially like the firm edges.”
Product Details
Sleepers with back pain often need a mattress that supports the midsection and evenly distributes weight to promote spinal alignment. The Nolah Evolution 15 has a plush surface and zoned pocketed coils to provide targeted support. This combination helps keep sleepers on an even plane and prevents uncomfortable sinkage. The medium firm (6) model is one of three firmness options that sleepers can choose from, the other two being medium (5) and firm (8).
How It Performed
The medium firm (6) model performed best among back sleepers up to 230 pounds. Side sleepers over 230 pounds and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds may also find the feel comfortable. Sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds may prefer the medium (5) model, and those over 230 pounds may feel more supported by the firm (8) feel.
One significant feature of this model is its cooling capabilities. Foams can often trap too much heat, but this bed combats heat retention with a breathable coil support core and foam infusions engineered to regulate temperature. Thanks to the bouncy feel from the coils, the mattress also earned high marks for responsiveness for sex. The bed’s stellar performance in edge support and ease of movement allow couples to comfortably use the whole surface for sleep or sex.
What It’s Made of
The Evolution 15 begins with a polyfoam quilted Euro-top that gives the surface a luxuriously plush feel. Next is a layer of proprietary AirFoamICE, a proprietary material infused with graphite designed to keep cooler than other foams. A transitional layer made from denser polyfoam cushions between the comfort system and coil support core. This layer also prevents you from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
The support core features zoned pocketed coils, centered around the midsection to reduce sinkage. The coils are also zoned along the perimeter to enhance edge support. These coils rest on a base layer of polyfoam. The mattress is encased in a cover made from ArticTex fiber, which is meant to keep the surface cool to the touch. The bottom half features handles so you can lift, rotate, and carry the bed with relative ease.
Nolah offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and a 120-night sleep trial. Customers can opt out of the sleep trial to receive up to $160 off their mattress purchase. Nolah Evolution 15 orders come with a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
The Saatva Classic has a thoughtful design that pairs a coil layer atop another coil layer. Throw in an adaptive foam Euro-top and you get a luxuriously plush yet supportive bed.
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Pros
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High-quality materials and well-rounded performance
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White Glove delivery and old mattress removal come standard
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Excellent lower back support thanks to a unique lumbar pad
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Cons
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Higher price-point than other innerspring models
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Flat fee for returns
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Springs allow significant motion transfer
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Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$995 – $2,710
Trial Period
365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Customer Reviews
Chang L.
“I’m a back and occasional side sleeper, and absolutely love this bed. My husband is a stomach sleeper and would prefer his bed to be a tiny bit firmer.”
Nancy
“If you like a firm mattress, Saatva Classic may be for you. If, like me, you are used to a plush pillow top mattress and you want a soft plush mattress, you should keep looking. This is a nice mattress, but it is NOT soft.”
Sunny B.
“I love my new Saatva classic full, luxury firm matress. I went with the 14.5″ and I’m really happy with it. I didn’t give 5 stars because it is softer than I expected from a ‘firm’ mattress, but maybe it’s just a matter of getting used to it.”
Product Details
Saatva has released nearly a dozen mattresses since going into business, but the flagship Saatva Classic remains one of the company’s most popular offerings.
How It Performed
This luxury hybrid uses an innovative coil-on-coil design to deliver robust support, but a Euro-top surface cushioned with adaptive foam prevents the mattress from feeling too stiff. Three firmness levels are available, including a medium firm (6) that earned praise from our testers between 130 and 230 pounds across all three sleep positions.
What It’s Made of
One of the Saatva Classic’s defining features is a dense memory foam pad positioned beneath your lumbar region. This is intended to provide extra cushioning for the lower back and hips, making the mattress a good option for people who frequently feel pain or pressure buildup in these areas. Pocketed microcoils offer additional cradling, and also make the surface feel responsive to movement — a plus for combination sleepers who frequently change positions during the night.
Robust low-gauge steel coils make up the support core. Since air circulates freely through both coil systems, the Saatva Classic maintains a comfortable temperature throughout the year. A breathable organic cotton cover also helps the mattress sleep cool. You can choose between 11.5-inch and 14.5-inch profiles. We recommend the latter if you need extra coil support, and the former for a slightly softer feel, but both are still considered medium firm.
The Saatva Classic is reasonably priced given the luxurious design, and all orders include White Glove delivery at no extra cost. This service includes full assembly in a room of your choice and removal of your old mattress and box spring upon request. Another perk for shoppers is Saatva’s 365-night sleep trial, ensuring ample time to test out the mattress and decide if it’s right for you. The Classic is further backed by a lifetime warranty.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Luxury Firm WinkBed
Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds
$1,499 at WinkBeds
The Luxury Firm WinkBed excels at support, with a Euro-top that cradles your body in all the right places. It’s a perfect recipe for minimizing back pain.
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Pros
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Provides excellent spinal alignment thanks to its zoned support system
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Top-notch support at the edges
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Sleeps cool, even in hot climates
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Cons
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Lacks deep pressure relief
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Doesn’t totally isolate motion
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Not firm enough for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
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Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,149 – $2,049
Trial Period
120 nights (30 night requirement)
Customer Reviews
Matt S.
“Love that it is firm but has a bit of softness on top. Don’t wake up with back pain at all. I can sit, practically fall into bed, on my side and my wife doesn’t feel it at all. Couldn’t be happier with our new bed.”
Mark R.
“Overall I’d recommend this bed as supportive and comfortable. The only thing keeping it from being 5 stars is it could use a little more edge support when entering and exiting the bed and it is a touch too firm for my wife.”
Kristen P.
“The inner springs don’t squeak, the foam top layer is cushioning without being enveloping, and both of us have noticed a great improvement in our back pain.”
Product Details
The WinkBed is a hybrid model available in four firmness options. With a medium firm (6) feel, the Luxury Firm option combines solid pressure relief, edge support, and bounce, allowing it to accommodate the comfort needs and preferences of people who experience back pain during sleep.
How It Performed
Side sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds should find just enough pressure relief to cradle the shoulders and hips while also receiving ample support to keep the lumbar area from sagging. Back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds should also benefit from this balance of cradling and support.
What It’s Made of
The mattress uses a Tencel cover, which is soft to the touch and wicks heat away from the body. A gel-infused polyfoam Euro-top cushions the body while pulling away excessive heat. Below the Euro-top is a proprietary SupportCell polyfoam layer, which has a higher density that promotes contouring but is also firm enough to keep the body from sinking too deep. A zoned coil system in the support core provides extra support around the sleeper’s midsection. The coils are pocketed, so each coil can move independently and air can flow freely between them. Added edge support in the coil layer creates a sturdy perimeter.
WinkBeds provides a lifetime warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.
The Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress has many attractive features that set it apart, from the flippable design to the organic certifications. The bed got a thumbs up from many of our team members across all sleep positions.
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Pros
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Mid-range firmness provides adequate support for most sleeper types and weights
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Priced affordably compared to other latex mattresses
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Highly durable and made with sustainable materials
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Cons
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Too soft for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
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Limited motion isolation
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Lacks significant pressure relief
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$849 – $1,349
Trial Period
90 nights (30-night requirement)
Customer Reviews
Terri R.
“Still getting used to the medium firm after a couple of months, awaiting delivery of a topper to make it just a tad softer. Still happy with the medium firm choice though. Happy not to sink in and to feel good support.”
Noelle M.
“It’s incredibly comfortable, and I love knowing that the materials are all safe and healthy for me and for the environment. Also, with the sale price I got, it cost less than a non-eco-friendly mattress I was considering, so I feel really good about the value I received.”
Judith Y.
“I got the medium firmness and at first it appeared it was firmer than I wanted but it’s perfect. Body sinks in and just the right places and I hardly ever move around when I sleep. ”
Product Details
Many side sleepers prefer the deep contouring and cushioning of soft and medium soft mattresses — this helps reduce pressure that often occurs in the shoulders and hips when lying in this position. However, some side sleepers feel more comfortable on mattresses that feel more supportive and don’t conform as closely. The Eco Terra Hybrid Latex Mattress is a great option for those in the latter category. Springy Dunlop latex over robust pocketed coils creates a sturdy sleep surface, and two firmness levels allow side sleepers to choose the most suitable feel based on their weight.
How It Performed
Side sleepers on our team weighing less than 130 pounds preferred the deeper cushioning of the medium (5) design. This model also earned favorable ratings from our back and stomach sleepers in the same weight range. If you’re a side sleeper who weighs 130 pounds or more, you’ll probably get the right balance of contouring and support from the medium firm (6) Hybrid Latex Mattress. This design was also most popular among our back and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds.
What It’s Made of
Dunlop latex is somewhat adaptive, so you’ll notice a bit of contouring without the deep hug of memory foam. The material also produces a light bounce in response to movement, allowing you to get into bed and change positions without feeling stuck. A top layer of wool batting creates a bit of plushness on the surface. This prevents the mattress from feeling overly stiff. Wool also has moisture-wicking properties to keep you cool and dry at night.
Pocketed coils make up the support core and provide a sturdy base for the mattress. Air flows freely through the coils to help the interior maintain a comfortable temperature. Another cooling component is the organic cotton cover. GOTS and GOLS certifications for the cotton, wool, and latex ensure the Hybrid Latex Mattress is crafted from sustainably sourced materials. The coils are produced from upcycled steel, as well.
The mattress carries a below-average sticker price compared to other latex hybrids, and Eco Terra offers free ground shipping for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 90-night sleep trial. If you choose to keep the Hybrid Latex Mattress after the trial ends, you’ll also receive a 15-year warranty covering material and structural defects.
Best Mattress for Couples
Bear Elite Hybrid
35% off + 2 free pillows at Bear. Code: SF35
$1,499 at Bear
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a foam-and-coil model that checks off a lot of boxes for co-sleepers, even those with different body types and sleep positions. The cushioned foam surface gently hugs your body while the coils push back, leading to the ultimate balanced feel.
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Pros
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Hybrid construction and cooling features successfully regulate temperature
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Mid-range firmness works well for couples with different preferences
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Significant edge support helps you feel secure even on the edge of the bed
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Cons
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Some motion transfers from side to side
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Comfort system doesn’t contour deeply
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Not enough support for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
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Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,231 – $2,548
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night break-in period)
Customer Reviews
Walter F.
“I weigh 220 lbs, my wife weighs 130 lbs… we both love the mattress. The hybrid gives me the support I need, while it also gives my wife the comfort she needs. It’s the best parts of a coil mattress and a memory foam mattress.”
Keith B.
“I sleep with my wife and bad edge support is a non-starter for her. On the Bear Elite Hybrid she sleeps right near the edge with no issues. Edge support is very good.”
Sheila H.
“I think for the money, the Bear Elite Hybrid felt higher-quality compared to other online mattresses, regardless of price. This is built and feels more like a quality traditional mattress compared to many others.”
Product Details
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a well-balanced mattress that combines foam’s cushioning with the strong support of pocketed coils. The foam layers do an excellent job of absorbing movement transfer, which should appeal to couples looking to minimize nighttime disturbances from their partner’s movement.
How It Performed
The Bear Elite Hybrid has just the right balance of contouring and support for most side and back sleepers, especially those seeking cushioning for areas where pressure builds up at night. It’s best suited for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. People in this weight group will sink just far enough to receive cradling in the shoulders and hips but won’t sink uncomfortably deep. Hot sleepers should find this bed very comfortable, thanks to the consistent ventilation through the coils. The cover is also made with Celliant fibers, which are engineered to wick moisture and maintain a neutral surface temperature.
What It’s Made of
The mattress begins with copper-infused memory foam that adapts to the body. Beneath is a layer of polyfoam that further promotes contouring but has a firmer feel underneath the midsection to prevent the body from sinking into the support core. The core is composed of pocketed coils that offer robust support but also respond to the body for gentle pressure relief. The coils rest on a polyfoam base layer for stability. Altogether, the mattress has a medium firm (6) feel that should feel comfortable for a wide array of sleepers.
Bear offers a 120-night sleep trial for customers to try out the mattress, as well as a lifetime warranty for those who choose to keep the bed. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.
Wool and latex are great at relieving pressure, and they both make up the comfort layer of the Birch Mattress. The gentle cradling is balanced out by supportive coils in the core.
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Pros
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Extremely easy to move around on and good for those with limited mobility
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Relieves pressure without compressing significantly
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Wool, cotton, and latex keep the mattress feeling cool
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Cons
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Organic materials increase mattress’ cost
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Extra lumbar support requires upgrading
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Latex allows motion to transfer from one side of the bed to the other
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,099 – $1,799
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Customer Reviews
Tate O.
“Was a little firm feeling for me at first but I’ve gotten used to it. For me it’s worth it for an environmentally friendly option.”
Irene P.
“It was a bit too bouncy for me. Also I found it a bit hard on my shoulders for being a side sleeper. Even with the topper.”
Pamela F.
“I have suffered with back pain for two years, we were using a memory foam mattress. I now have no back pain. This mattress far surpassed our expectations
Product Details
Thermoregulation is crucial for a good night’s sleep, especially if you tend to feel overly warm in bed. Our hands-on tests show temperature control is a defining quality of the Birch Mattress.
How It Performed
Thanks to its balanced feel, the Birch earned favorable ratings from the vast majority of our testing team. Side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds were particularly impressed. We also found the mattress alleviates a fair amount of pressure due to the latex comfort layer, which is adaptive enough to cushion sore spots along the spine without hugging too closely.
Like other latex hybrids we’ve tested, the Birch responds quickly to movement and feels remarkably bouncy. This can help move across the bed and change sleep positions without sinking into the mattress. Reinforced perimeter coils also push back against your weight when you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed. These qualities make the mattress a solid pick for couples who prefer springy mattresses during sex.
What It’s Made of
The Birch is a latex hybrid built from top to bottom with cooling materials. These include wool batting on the surface to wick away sweat, Talalay latex that retains minimal heat, pocketed coils that circulate air throughout the interior, and a breathable organic cotton cover.
The Birch is competitively priced, and all orders include two down alternative pillows at no extra cost. Standard ground shipping is free to customers in all 50 states. The mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial, and those who choose to keep it also receive a 25-year warranty against structural and material defects.
The Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid Mattress is a favorite among many of the side and back sleepers on our team, thanks largely to the pleasing combination of wool, latex, microcoils, and standard coils. It’s a good fit for people who switch sleep positions through the night.
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Pros
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Balance of pushback and contouring is supportive enough for a wide range of sleepers
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Hybrid design and latex keep the mattress quite cool
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Higher-gauge perimeter coils offer robust edge support
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Cons
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Returns have a flat $99 fee
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Coil-on-coil system allows some motion transfer
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Not enough cushioning for side sleepers under 130 pounds
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Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Price Range
$1,299 – $1,999
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Customer Reviews
Emma
“The problem is that I’m only 5.2 but on the heavier side and sleep on my side, so most mattresses push on my hip a lot. This design helped a lot in addition to the fact that it really sleeps coo,l which was the second problem had with other beds.”
Zayne
“I’ve got this latex mattress for a while now and I’m sure its just not the right fit. I give it 2 stars because the customer service Sam was very helpful and considerate but as far as the mattress goes, its just not for me honestly.”
Poppy
“It is cozy and hugs you. My husband likes a firm mattress and I am a fan of a softer mattress. This is a good in-between for us.”
Product Details
Hybrids are some of the most popular mattress choices because they balance the cushioning of a thick comfort system with a sturdy coil system. The Sweet Zzz Honey Hybrid Mattress is an innovative take on the typical latex hybrid that slightly cradled our pressure points while staying very responsive.
How It Performed
The Honey Hybrid falls at a 6 on our 10-point firmness scale, which should appeal to many sleeper types. Our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds awarded the mattress its highest ratings. Sleepers in these categories should appreciate the mattress’ supportive feel.
Cotton, wool, and latex are all naturally breathable materials, and the coils ensure steady airflow through the mattress’ interior. These features earned the Honey Hybrid high marks from our hot sleepers. We also recommend the mattress for couples who value a responsive surface for sex. The latex and coils create a bouncy surface that we could move across easily.
What It’s Made of
The comfort system begins with a layer of GOTS-certified organic wool that acts as a natural fire barrier while encouraging airflow to keep the surface cool. Underneath is a layer of GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex that cradles the body to alleviate pressure. Next is a layer of microcoils that offer targeted pressure relief.
Pocketed coils make up the support core, preventing the body from sinking excessively. Extra coils reinforce the perimeter of the mattress, helping it bear your weight when you lay or sit near the edges. The coils rest on a breathable layer of cotton-wool blend for stability. A breathable quilted cover made from organic cotton encases the mattress.
Sweet Zzz offers free shipping to customers living in the contiguous U.S. You can test out the mattress for 100 nights and return it anytime after a 30-night break-in period for a full refund. The Honey Hybrid Mattress is backed by a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Sleep on a Medium Firm Mattress?
A medium firm mattress provides a blend of structure and cushioning that’s comfortable for many people, particularly those between 130 and 230 pounds. To indicate a mattress’ firmness level, we use a 10-point scale that ranks 1 as the softest mattress and 10 as the firmest. With a firmness level of 6, medium firm mattresses have a balance of spinal support and plushness that’s exceptionally versatile.
Who should sleep on a medium firm mattress:
- Side sleepers above 130 pounds: Side sleepers in this weight group often find that medium firm mattresses have enough cushioning and pressure relief to prevent sore spots from developing under the hips and shoulders.
- Back sleepers of all weights: For many back sleepers, a medium firm mattress offers an optimal blend of spinal support and contouring.
- Stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds: Stomach sleepers need an even sleep surface to keep their spine from curving. A medium firm mattress can typically provide this for those who weigh under 230 pounds.
- Couples with different preferences: Because a medium firm mattress has a middle-of-the-road feel, it’s a worthwhile compromise for partners with significantly different preferences.
Who shouldn’t sleep on a medium firm mattress:
- Infants: Experts recommend that newborns and young babies sleep on firm or extra firm crib mattresses for safety.
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds: Though there are exceptions, many medium firm mattresses do not have the robust support that stomach sleepers over 230 pounds need in order to keep their midsections from sinking into their mattress.
- People who need substantial cushioning: Medium firm mattresses typically have some cushioning and may be able to offer significant pressure relief, but the lack of deep compression can cause pressure buildup for those with significant joint pain as well as side sleepers under 130 pounds.
What to Consider When Shopping For a Medium Firm Mattress
To find the best bed, you’ll need to first identify your needs and make sure that a medium firm mattress is the correct firmness level to address them.
Mattress Type and Durability
Mattresses are available in several constructions with distinct characteristics that impact their firmness and feel.
Foam beds are affordable and pressure-relieving, while latex mattresses provide a responsive and durable surface. Hybrid and innerspring beds typically have strong support thanks to their coil cores, with the former offering an added level of cushioning. Airbeds are also a worthwhile consideration for their inflatable support core, allowing you to adjust the bed’s firmness level.
Regardless of which mattress type you choose, it’s important to choose a model with high-quality materials to maximize the mattress’ performance across its lifespan. A mattress with lesser-quality components can break down quickly and lose support, regardless of its type.
Sleeping Position and Body Weight
Medium firm mattresses typically work best for side sleepers over 130 pounds, most back sleepers, and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds.
Everyone needs a mattress that prioritizes spinal alignment, but each sleeping position causes weight to distribute differently on a mattress, which results in some sleeper types needing firmer support than others. Body weight is also an important factor, as more weight causes a mattress to compress. People over 230 pounds typically need firmer mattresses than those under that weight range in order to keep their spines supported.
Watch Video: How to Buy a Mattress – Why Your Body Weight Is Key
Watch our video below to learn more about choosing the right mattress for your body type.
Cushioning and Pressure Relief
A mattress’ material and firmness influence how well it cushions the body and alleviates pressure point buildup.
Medium firm mattresses typically feel slightly plush, though this can depend on a model’s exact materials. Their mid-range firmness has structure at the support core and typically includes comfort layers with at least a bit of cushioning and pressure relief.
Back, Hip, or Shoulder Pain
Sleep-related pain can stem from numerous factors, but two of the biggest culprits are lack of support and pressure point development. An unsupportive mattress doesn’t keep your spine in an even line from head to toe, instead allowing the heavier parts of your body to sink. This can add harmful stress to your back, neck, shoulders, or hips.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
Most mattresses come with a sleep trial that allows you to try your mattress for a period of time and return it if you are not satisfied with the product. Most models also carry a warranty that, under certain circumstances, can replace faulty or defective mattresses. Check your bed’s warranty for more about its length and coverage.
Cushioning and Pressure Relief
A mattress’ material and firmness influence how well it cushions the body and alleviates pressure point buildup.
Medium firm mattresses typically feel slightly plush, though this can depend on a model’s exact materials. Their mid-range firmness has structure at the support core and typically includes comfort layers with at least a bit of cushioning and pressure relief.
Back, Hip, or Shoulder Pain
Sleep-related pain can stem from numerous factors, but two of the biggest culprits are lack of support and pressure point development. An unsupportive mattress doesn’t keep your spine in an even line from head to toe, instead allowing the heavier parts of your body to sink. This can add harmful stress to your back, neck, shoulders, or hips.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
Most mattresses come with a sleep trial that allows you to try your mattress for a period of time and return it if you are not satisfied with the product. Most models also carry a warranty that, under certain circumstances, can replace faulty or defective mattresses. Check your bed’s warranty for more about its length and coverage.
Dive Deeper: In-Depth Mattress Guides
If you’re not sure whether a medium firm mattress is right for you, or want more guidance on finding the perfect mattress, check out more of our buying guides.
Data-Driven Results You Can Trust
Our team of sleep product experts has tested over 1,000 mattresses in our lab, including hundreds of medium firm models. In this review, we include mattresses that performed well during testing, taking care to consider our readers’ many diverse needs.
When we test mattresses, not only do we examine their materials thoroughly, but we also try the models ourselves. Our testers include side, back, and stomach sleepers from every weight group, which helps us accurately gauge how models will perform for different kinds of sleepers.
Frequently Asked Questions
A firm mattress has a bit less cushioning than a medium firm mattress does and it feels harder as a result. Both these firmness options have solid structure within their support cores, but medium firm mattresses tend to have slightly softer comfort systems than firm models do.
Medium firm mattresses typically have support cores with significant pushback and comfort systems that soften the sleep surface. As a result, sleeping on a medium firm mattress feels supportive with a slight plush.
A medium firm mattress is a good choice for people who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds as well as those who prefer a balance of cushioning and support. This firmness option has enough structure to provide spinal alignment for back sleepers of all weights, stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds, and side sleepers over 130 pounds. It’s also suitable for couples who want a model that splits the difference between their preferences.
Side sleepers under 130 pounds may find a medium firm mattress too hard, and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds will likely think it’s too soft. Side sleepers in this weight category need deep cushioning to prevent pressure points from building, while stomach sleepers over 230 pounds need a very even sleep surface with minimal contouring to ensure that their spines don’t bend during sleep.
You can make a mattress firmer by using a firm or extra firm mattress topper or switching to a more supportive bed frame. Choose a firm polyfoam or latex topper with minimal cushioning to make your sleep surface more supportive. If your bed frame is worn out, it may allow your mattress to sag. A new frame or updated slats can help create an even, more supportive sleep surface. If you’re within your mattress’ sleep trial, consider returning it for a firmer model.
Many hotels use medium firm mattresses because they have the broadest appeal and work for the largest number of guests. Medium firm mattresses bridge the gap between support and comfort for many sleepers and they typically have enough structure to keep most sleepers’ spines properly aligned.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. As a chronic insomniac, she aims to bring her findings to anyone struggling with getting adequate rest. Her expertise is in creating informative, trustworthy, and useful health content. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.