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Tom's Guide
5 days ago
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Helix Dawn vs Plank Firm: which firm mattress should you buy?
Type: HybridFirmness: FirmHeight: 11.5"Sizes: 8Sleep trial: 100 nightsWarranty: LifetimeSale price: from $1,099 at Helix Type: Memory foamFirmness: Firm, Extra FirmHeight: 10"Sizes: 14Sleep trial: 120 nightsWarranty: LifetimeSale price: from $561.75 at Plank It's the battle of the firm mattresses, as we pit the Helix Dawn and Plank Firm against each other. If you need the enhanced support of a firm bed, this guide explores if the Helix Dawn or Plank Firm mattress is right for you. Our sleep experts have spent combined months sleeping on the Helix Dawn and Plank Firm and we rate them among the best mattresses we've tested. As well as a firm feel, the two share a mid-range price point and a supportive build that suits back and stomach sleepers. Here we're comparing the support, comfort and price of the Helix Dawn and Plank Firm mattresses to help you decide which of our favorite firm mattresses suits your sleep needs. It's a close head to head between the Helix Dawn and Plank, with both ranking among the best mattresses in a box we've tested. Below, we'll give a full rundown of how these mattresses stack up but here's a quick overview. The Dawn is a hybrid design and like the best hybrid mattresses we've tested it delivers support via its spring base. In our Helix Dawn Mattress review we praised its gentle contouring and responsive feel: our tester could move around without losing support (not that they needed to toss and turn to get comfortable.) The Plank Firm is an all-foam mattress and without any springs, it uses a dense foam core for firm support all-round. It's just as firm as you expect from a bed named the 'plank'. Particularly on the Extra Firm side because did we mention? It's a double sided mattress. Firm on one side, Extra Firm on the other, we liked both in our Plank Firm Mattress review but while the Firm side is the crowd pleaser, the niche appeal of the Extra Firm impressed our testers. The Helix Dawn and Plank Firm Mattress are mid-range mattresses and cost around $1,000 for a queen. The Helix Dawn is slightly pricier with a queen $1,099 in the standard Helix Mattress sale but as a queen Plank Firm typically sells for $999, there's not much in it. Both brands offer deals throughout the year — look out for 20% off at Helix and 25% off at Plank — but good timing can help you save more. Around peak sales days, such as Black Friday and Memorial Day, Helix has a tendency to boost the sale to 25%, while Plank offers 30% off on special occasions. The DreamCloud Premier mattress and the CopperFlex Hybrid Pro mattress also fit in this price range. We think the Dawn and Plank offer competitive value. You get a limited lifetime warranty with both the Helix Dawn and Plank but the Plank does have a slightly better trial period: 120 nights, compared to 100. However, it's worth remembering the Plank is a double-sided mattress, so you almost have two beds to test out during that sleep trial. Helix Dawn Mattress: twin was $998.66 now $729.03 at Helix SleepYou can always save 20% at Helix but right now is the time to buy as you can score 27% off with our code TOMS27. This reduces a queen from $1,332 to $972 which is the best mattress sale we think you're going to get. Plank Firm Mattress: twin was $749 now $561.75 at PlankAs a double-sided and extra firm mattress, the Plank Firm is a niche entry to the sleep market and we think the mid-range price is a good deal. In the standard sale a queen is $999 (was $1,332). We have seen 30% off in recent weeks reducing a queen to $932 but we think it might be a while before that deal reappears. The Helix Dawn and Plank Firm mattresses share a firm feel and we'll explore what that's like to sleep on below. For now, we're focusing on how they achieve this firmness. When it comes to design, these mattresses couldn't be more different. To be fair, the Plank Firm is different to most mattresses. While we rank it among the best memory foam mattresses we've tested, it doesn't have the traditional build we'd expect from an all-foam bed. First, it's double-sided. Flipped one way, the Plank is Firm. Flipped the other, it's Extra Firm. To create this, the Plank Firm features a dense six-inch support core that sits in the middle of the mattress. This is largely responsible for the feel of the mattress and on the Extra firm side, it's topped only by .75" of foam. On the Firm side there's a bit more padding: two more inches of foam, plus the .75" of the quilted cover. The Helix Dawn is a hybrid mattress and unlike the Plank, it sticks to tradition. Four foam layers, including a layer of latex-alternative dynamic foam and two layers of firm response foam, sit on top of a spring base with a final layer of base foam for durability. We've tested both the Helix Dawn and Plank Firm mattresses and we consider them among the best mattresses for stomach sleepers you can buy online. Mattresses for stomach sleepers are typically firm with plenty of support. Stomach sleeping places the back at an awkward angle but a firm mattress keeps the spine straight to limit twisting and prevent pain. The Helix Dawn is a classic stomach sleeper mattress: firm with ample support from a spring base. Our testers agreed it was an 8 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale, 10 indicating rock hard. We found the upper foam layers contoured gently around the body to prevent pressure build up, impressing our back sleeping testers. Side sleeping was also comfortable on the Dawn, mostly in short bursts. Dedicated side sleepers should consider a softer mattress, such as the Helix Midnight Mattress, which has more cushioning at the shoulders. Our lead tester spent multiple weeks sleeping on both sides of the Plank Firm to build up a full picture of the comfort. Across our testing panel, one thing immediately stood out when lying on the Extra Firm side: it's really firm. While it shouldn't be a surprise, we were taken aback by the hard feel, rating it 9 out of 10. But it took only a few minutes for the back and stomach sleepers to appreciate how supportive it is. Side sleepers, however, should avoid the Extra Firm side. There's not enough cushioning at the pressure points, resulting in aching arms and hips. The Firm side does have more cushioning, partly due to the added foam but also because the looser quilting gives more bounce to sink into. This side is better for side sleepers although as with the Dawn, mostly in short bursts. Like the Dawn, we rated the Firm side 8 out of 10 for firmness. Our lead tester is a stomach sleeper and while she loved the Extra Firm side sometimes it pressed too hard against the stomach. For example, after a late dinner. The Extra Firm side divided our testers with some (primarily the side sleepers) unable to find comfort. The Firm is more of a crowd pleaser. Overheating can disrupt sleep but for the most part, both the Dawn and the Plank remain a neutral temperature overnight. Our testers did feel the beds could, on warm nights, trap some heat, with the problem more pronounced in the Plank Firm. We think this will only impact hot sleepers and both Helix and Plank offer a GlacioTex cover upgrade. GlacioTex is used in many top cooling mattresses so we recommend the add-on if you experience night sweats or hot flashes. Hybrid mattresses tend to have better edge support than their all-foam equivalents and with reinforced springs on the lengthwise sides, the Helix Dawn is sturdy at the edges (if a little weak at the corners.) The Plank, however, surprised us with its firm feel from corner to corner: we awarded edge support full marks. Both mattresses also have good motion isolation, although the Plank just takes the win (those thick foams deaden movement.) But if you share a bed, both mattresses should minimize disruption from a restless partner. ✅ You prefer a traditional feel: With tall springs and a bouncy response foam, the Helix Dawn moves when you move for consistent support and comfort. A more traditional innerspring feel than the all-foam Plank. ✅ You want to customize the bed: The Helix Dawn comes with optional cooling and support add ons, plus Helix Luxe and Elite upgrades. The Plank Firm does have some optional upgrades but not as many as the Dawn. (You can see how the Dawn performs against an upgraded model in our Helix Dawn vs Dusk Luxe mattress head to head.) ✅ You're a combination sleeper: We found the Dawn comfortable in most sleep positions, even if dedicated side sleepers might want a few more layers of cushioning, making it a good choice for those who move around in the night. ✅ You can never find a firm mattress that's firm enough: If you like the feel of Japanese floor mattresses and find standard beds never provide the support you need, the Plank Firm delivers reliable, consistent firmness. ✅ Your comfort needs change: Double sided mattresses, like the Plank, are best for those who need different support levels on different nights. For example, those with reoccurring injuries or occasional bed sharers. ✅ You like the added support of strong edges: The Dawn has good edge support but the Plank Firm is exceptional. You can sit and press against the side of the mattress without it sinking beneath you, making it easier to get in and out of bed.
Tom's Guide
25-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
"The support is unbelievable" — save 30% on my favorite firm mattress this Memorial Day
The Plank Firm is a dual-sided all-foam mattress with an extra firm feel that delivers superior support to front and back sleepers. It has returned to the lowest price we've seen it at this Memorial Day, with 30% off the Plank Firm mattress at Plank. That means a queen is now $932.40 (was $1,332.) When I tested the Plank Firm Mattress, I was skeptical. It doesn't have the 'cozy' feel I'd always associated with comfort and it was hard at first to appreciate anything but the firmness. But after a few minutes of lying quietly, I could feel what made the Plank Firm mattress stand out: support. The Plank Firm has exceptional support that can compete with the best mattresses we've tested, beating even some premium models — all at a mid-range price. It's not a feel everyone will love — I recommend the Helix Dawn if you want firm, but not that firm — but with 30% off, here's why it's one of my top picks of the Memorial Day mattress sales 2025. If you are looking for an excellent price on a top rated mattress but not sold on the Plank, we're also tracking the latest deals as they happen in our Memorial Day mattress sales live blog. Plank Firm Mattress: twin was $749 now $524.30 at PlankWe cover a wide range of mattresses here at Tom's Guide but there are few like the Plank Firm. As well as being double-sided (a rarity) the Plank Firm feels harder than the majority of beds we've tried — the Extra Firm side is the firmest mattress we've tested. The primary benefit of this is support. In my Plank Firm Mattress review I described the support as "unbelievable" and praised how the dense foams held my spine straight, avoiding the uncomfortable sinking feeling that can occur on even the best memory foam mattresses. The Firm side is more of a crowd-pleaser, with an added layer of quilted foam to cushion the joints. A queen is currently $932.40 (was $1,332) and I'd be very surprised to see a better deal on the Plank Firm — 30% off is the same discount we saw for Black Friday 2024 (as well as President's Day 2025.) A 120-night trial, free shipping and limited lifetime warranty are included. Our review: ★★★★½ The thing about the Plank Firm being an Extra Firm mattress is, and excuse me for stating the obvious, that it's a hard mattress. That means it won't appeal to everyone and even firm mattress fans might prefer something with a little more of that 'cozy' feeling. For you, I recommend the Helix Dawn Mattress... Helix Dawn Mattress: twin was $998.66 now $729.03 at HelixThe Helix Dawn is one of our favorite hybrid mattresses and as I discovered during our Helix Dawn mattress review, it's ideal for for back and stomach sleepers. Although softer than the Plank, it's still too firm for most side sleepers. But when I slept on my side on this mattress, I did appreciate how the responsive foams gave way beneath the hips and knees to prevent any achiness in the morning. Use code TOMS27 at checkout to save 27% on all sizes of the Dawn in the Helix Memorial Day sale, reducing a queen to $972.36 (was $1,332.) It comes with a 100-night trial and lifetime warranty. Our review: ★★★★½ More top mattress sales to consider
Tom's Guide
20-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
The Plank Firm and CopperFlex Pro get a 30% price cut in the Brooklyn Bedding Memorial Day mattress sales
The Brooklyn Bedding Memorial Day mattress sale is in full effect, and that means strong savings across a wide range of mattresses that'll cater to most people's requirements and budgets. There's 30% off all mattresses at Brooklyn Bedding right now, which is the best discount we ever see and one you won't want to miss. Which mattress should you opt for, though? After testing it we're still impressed by the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid mattress, now from $652.40 at Brooklyn Bedding. It's deep, comfortable and supportive with really good cooling properties. In fact, we think it gives the ever-popular DreamCloud a run for its money in terms of affordable luxury, and it feels like a strong contender for our best mattress guide... Beyond that, though, you're spoiled for choice; Brooklyn Bedding has everything from basic beds to high-end luxury models, in various firmness options and in more sizes than you ever knew existed. There's a lot to look at, but to make life easier for you we've picked out six top options in the Memorial Day mattress sales that should cover most of the bases. Read on to discover what's on offer... 1. Plank Firm: twin was $749 now $524.30 at Brooklyn BeddingNot only is the Plank Firm a good quality firm mattress, it's an extra-firm mattress too. That's because it's double-sided, and you can flip it over to achieve the degree of firmness that suits you (although its lack of handles may make this a bit of a struggle). During our Plank Firm mattress review we praised its high weight capacity, all-over support and motion isolation, and rated it as an excellent choice for stomach sleepers; we did find that it had a tendency to trap heat, however. Head to Brooklyn Bedding during its Memorial Day sale and a a Plank Firm mattress in a queen size can be yours for $932.40; that's a reduction from $1,332. Our review: ★★★★½ User score: ★★★★½ (3,600+ reviews) 2. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling: twin was $1,199 now $839.30 at Brooklyn BeddingThe Aurora Luxe Cooling is worth checking out if you're searching for a decent cooling mattress and want to be able get just the right level of firmness and comfort. Not only does this mattress come in three firmness options, it also comes with the option to add a pillow top, giving you six possible comfort combinations. In our Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review we praised its cooling, comfort and support, although we felt it wasn't great at motion isolation. There's 30% off in Brooklyn Bedding's Memorial Day sale, so an Aurora Luxe Cooling with a pillow top in a queen size will cost you $1,585.50, reduced from $2.265. Our review: ★★★★½ User score: ★★★★½ (4,200+ reviews) 3. Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid: twin was $932 now $652.40 at Brooklyn BeddingHaving recently tested it, we're big fans of the latest addition to the Brooklyn Bedding range (read our Brooklyn Bedding Coperflex Pro mattress review for closer test analysis.) The CopperFlex Pro Hybrid is a luxurious mattress with cooling prowess similar to that of the Aurora Luxe, but at a much more affordable price. Rated 7/10 for firmness, it's suitable for any sleep style and delivers zoned support as well as a plush pillow top, and we think it's an excellent all-rounder. In the Brooklyn Bedding Memorial Day sale you can get a queen size for $932.40, reduced from $1,332. Our review: ★★★★½ User score: ★★★★½ (530+ reviews) 4. Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: twin was $665 now $465.50 at Brooklyn BeddingBrooklyn Bedding says that the Signature Hybrid is its best value offering, and with over 12,000 reviews it's definitely a popular option. There are some good plus points to this mattress: during our Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review we liked its choice of three firmness option and its supportive and bouncy feel, and found that it was good at motion isolation. However we thought that the edge support was a little weak and the temperature regulation wasn't up to much. If that's not a problem for you, though, you'll find that a queen size Signature Hybrid is currently available for $932.40 (was $1,332). Our review: ★★★½ User score: ★★★★½ (12,000+ reviews) 5. DreamFoam Essential: twin was $274 now $191.80 at Brooklyn BeddingWant a cheap and cheerful mattress for your spare room or maybe your RV? Take a look at the Dreamfoam Essential. It's an all-foam mattress that comes in five height options and too many size options to bother counting; rest assured that wherever you want this one to fit, you'll be able to find the perfect size. We found it to be cheap, comfortable and supportive but not very luxurious; it does the job, basically. A 10-inch queen size has an MSRP of $699 and is $489.30 in the Brooklyn Bedding Memorial Day sale, which feels like a good price for what you get. Our review: ★★★★User score: ★★★★½ (4,600+ reviews) 6. Brooklyn Bedding Ecosleep: twin was $927 now $648.90 at Brooklyn BeddingIf you're after an environmentally-friendly mattress but don't want to pay through the nose for the privilege, the Ecosleep is a surprisingly affordable option. Like some of the best organic mattresses, It's a hybrid mattress with an organic cotton cover, organic fire-safe wool for comfort, natural latex for support and individually encased coils for motion isolation. It's hypoallergenic and breathable as well as being GREENGUARD Gold Certified, too. And the price? Right now you can buy the queen size for $928.90 (was $1.327), which feels like excellent value for money if sustainability is your priority. User score: ★★★★½ (190+ reviews)
Forbes
21-03-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The 7 Best Extra-Firm Mattresses That Promote Better Spinal Alignment
Pillowy, plush and cushy are often the first words that come to mind when you think about a mattress, but a soft profile isn't for everyone. An extra-firm mattress can be beneficial for your spinal alignment during sleep, particularly if you sleep on your back or stomach or you weigh over 250 pounds. Our choice for the best extra firm mattress, the Plank Firm, is an aptly named bed with a flippable design that's firm on one side and ultra-firm on the other, with a supportive construction. The mattress ensures your spine maintains a neutral alignment and doesn't compromise on comfort. The Plank Firm Mattress is two extra-firm mattresses in one, thanks to its flippable design. It's ... More our choice as one of the best firm mattresses next to Titan Plus, Avocado, WinkBed and more. If you're angling for an ultra-firm bed that's a notch softer than the ground, consider the Plank Firm or read on to learn more about the six other options that our mattress and sleep editors have selected. Alternatively, check out our recommendations of the best firm mattresses or medium-firm mattresses if you suspect a softer feel is a better match for your body. Brooklyn Bedding Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm and extra-firm | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years Buy if: Skip if: The Plank Firm Mattress is easily one of the firmest beds that the Forbes Vetted editors and I have tested—the extra-firm side specifically. But that's the beauty of the Plank Firm; its double-sided design lets you choose between the average firm feel and an ultra-firm profile. If one side feels too firm or too soft, flip it over for a noticeably different profile. The mattress is made with dense foam layers that keep you lifted and supported, including a 2-inch layer on the soft side for added contouring, and a quilted topper for the slightest touch of cushion on both sides. Hot sleepers can also upgrade to a cool-to-the-touch GlacioTex cover for around $113 (for a queen size). Since it's made entirely with foam materials, we primarily recommend it for sleepers under 250 pounds. If you want ultra-firm support with the extra longevity and durability of steel coils, opt for the Plank Firm Luxe. I've tried the Plank Firm myself and thought my spine stayed in a straight alignment without sagging. I felt like the firmness helped open the space in between my shoulders, which provided a bit of pressure relief, kind of like when you lie on the ground and your back cracks because it's all in alignment. Tempur-Pedic Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Trial: 90 nights | Warranty: 10 years Buy if: Skip if: Tempur-Pedic is a well-known bedding brand that was among the first to incorporate modern memory foam—created by NASA scientists to help cushion rocket seats during test flights—into its mattresses. The ProAdapt is the mid-level mattress in the brand's Adapt collection. This 12-inch foam mattress comes with a removable, washable and cool-to-the-touch cover and three firmness options. The firm option is the best pick for a lifted feel, as the bed's dense foams contour to your curves without letting you sink into the bed. And for couples who share a mattress, the ProAdapt is top-notch at deadening movement across the mattress, which means fewer nighttime disruptions from your tossing-and-turning partner. One thing to keep in mind is that memory foam has a tendency to trap heat. The cooling cover in the ProAdapt goes some distance in combating that, but hot sleepers may find that memory foam, which responds to heat and pressure to closely contour around the body, just isn't the best option. You should also consider another mattress if you weigh around 250 pounds (or more) since it isn't offered in a firm hybrid, which is a more supportive option. See how this bed stacks up against other models from the brand in our best Tempur-Pedic mattresses list. Walmart Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Extra-firm | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years Buy if: Skip if: The most affordable crown goes to the king of value, Walmart's bed-in-a-box the Allswell Luxe Mattress in an extra firm profile. Previously known as the Allswell Brick, its outside cover is woven with a brick-like pattern and is a proper indication of what's to come. This 12-inch hybrid mattress contains pocketed steel coils and multiple CertiPUR-US certified foam layers, including a dense, 1-inch slab of copper-infused foam for temperature regulation. It has a pretty simple construction, but for the price, it's a good pick for those who want an ultra-supportive and lifted feel. Since you sit more on top of the bed rather than inside its foam layers it's pretty easy to switch positions, a bonus for combination sleepers. I tested the Allswell Luxe in extra firm and felt there was no resistance or deep memory foam feel when I lay down. And as a stomach sleeper I felt most comfortable in this position, as there was no dip in my back and it kept my spine in proper alignment. Most queen-size hybrid mattresses retail for at least $1,000 or more, but you can purchase a queen-size Allswell Luxe extra firm mattress for less than $500. Avocado Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Firm | Trial: 365 days | Warranty: 25 years Buy if: Skip if: The Avocado Green is a quality hybrid mattress with three firmness profiles to choose from and a lengthy list of certifications, from Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) to Oeko-Tex, Made Safe and Fair Trade. To achieve an organic certification, a mattress must meet strict environmental and safety standards throughout the entire supply chain, and it serves as a testament to the bed's quality and a brand's commitment to going above and beyond. Aside from being made with sustainably sourced materials, the mattress is just flat out comfortable. The firm model has three inches of organic Dunlop latex for a light and airy feel that's quite bouncy. Layers of organic wool and organic cotton add ample cushion while a seven-zone pocketed coil layer offers targeted support under the spine and pressure relief under the hips and shoulders. The brand claims its firm model lands around a seven on the firmness scale, but five out of six members of our team who tested the mattress say it feels like a truly firm bed. The thick latex layer gives the mattress a gentle buoyancy that responds quickly to pressure, an ideal feature for combination sleepers who move around often in bed. But its bouncy nature may not be ideal for couples with completely different sleep schedules, as you can feel the movement from your partner when they get in and out of bed. See more in our full Avocado Mattress review. WinkBeds Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft, luxury firm, firm and plus | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime Buy if: Skip if: The WinkBed is one of those accommodating beds that appeal to a wide variety of people, partially because of its undeniably comfortable and balanced feel. The firm profile falls around a 7.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale, according to WinkBeds, and we agree with the brand after me and four other team members tested the bed. We think this model is best for individuals under 250 pounds who want a firm feel with the added cushion of a fluffy Euro top. Sleepers around the 250-pound range and up or those who want an even firmer mattress should consider the WinkBed Plus. It falls around an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale, and even testers under the 150-pound range found they liked the firm feel because it was neutralized by the pillowy Euro top. Beneath the cozy topper is several layers of foam, including gel-infused foam to help draw body heat away from your body, and a layer of zoned pocketed coils. They are denser under the spine for increased spinal support and softer underneath the shoulders and hips for pressure relief. Its blend of foam materials contribute to a lifted, responsive feel that doesn't make you feel 'stuck' like some memory foam does. What our testers say: 'This bed is firm yet cushioned. The first thing I noticed was how plush and pillowy the very top layer of the mattress was, which makes it seem more luxurious. I feel very lifted when lying on this bed, which is ideal for those looking for a firm mattress,' says Garrett. Saatva Type: Innerspring | Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm or firm | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime Buy if: Skip if: The Saatva Classic is a premium mattress that rivals top-rated competitors because of its ergonomic design that's intended for comfort. To ease back pain, most layers of the Saatva Classic are designed to promote spinal alignment. It has two layers of coils: zoned coils near the bottom that are more supportive in the center third of the mattress and microcoils near the top for added support. It also includes both a high-density memory foam lumbar crown and a patented spinal wire. Together, they help relieve pressure and support a neutral spine. Even the cushioned pillow top is zoned to be more firm under the lumbar region and softer underneath the trunk and shoulders. Those looking for a truly firm mattress should opt for the firm model, which Saatva rates an 8 out of 10. To learn more about this bed's highlights and drawbacks, see our full Saatva mattress review. What our testers say: 'I feel supported and elongated while laying on my back on this mattress, similar to the Plank Firm. It also provides a nice touch of cushioning around my hips, which I appreciate since I typically prefer a medium to medium-firm bed,' says updates writer Alex Garrett. Titan Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Firm | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years Buy if: Skip if: For plus-size people over the 250-pound mark, finding a firm mattress can be difficult. Because they have more weight, they tend to sink in more deeply, which can make a mattress feel softer. But the Titan Plus is specifically designed to support more weight without softening its firm feel. That includes high-density foams and a layer of up to 900 8-inch coils constructed in-house to ensure quality and provide targeted support and motion isolation. The hybrid construction promotes breathability, but especially hot sleepers can also upgrade to the GlacioTex Cooling Cover, which is woven with heat-wicking fibers. According to Titan, the mattress is a 9 on the firmness scale, so it's one of the firmer beds in our roundup next to the Plank Firm. What our testers say: A heavyweight team member over 250 pounds tested the mattress and says, 'I'd say this mattress feels cushiony and firm at the same time. That is something I enjoy about this mattress. It feels soft but has a lot of support at the same time.' And although it has a firm profile, he still found it accommodating for his side. 'This mattress is firm but feels very comfortable. My spine feels great as I lie on my side, and it's not out of alignment,' he says. Here at Forbes Vetted, we've published an extensive library of sleep and mattress guides based on our team's expertise and research. From the best soft mattresses to firm models, we have mattress recommendations for every comfort preference. Our sleep and mattress editors oversee all best lists and their picks and have extensive experience testing mattresses from top brands. To put together our roundup for the best extra firm mattresses, there are certain factors we accounted for. As you shop for an extra-firm mattress, keep a few things in mind. Beyond your preferred sleep position, material choice and mattress construction both play important roles in how a particular mattress feels. Warranties, trial windows and special features—like cooling layers if you're a hot sleeper or pressure relief if you're routinely waking up with aches and pains—are also worth considering. Some mattress constructions are inherently firmer than others, so being mindful of the properties of different materials can help steer you toward an extra-firm bed that meets your needs. Every mattress has a firmness rating—a 1 to 10 score that indicates how soft or firm a mattress feels. While all the mattresses on this list are 'extra-firm,' they fall on different spots of this scale. Some can have a softer, luxury firm feel with a rating of 5 to 7, and others with a rating of 9 or 10 have an ultra-firm feel. While these ratings are generally unscientific, they still give you an idea of what to expect. Back and stomach sleepers tend to do best on extra-firm mattresses. Both positions require a firm surface to keep the hips elevated, which helps ensure proper spinal alignment. An extra-firm mattress cab also keep body weight more evenly distributed, reducing the risk of pressure-point pain. Your weight and body type should be taken into consideration when choosing an extra-firm mattress. In general, the heavier you are, the softer a mattress is going to feel. Conversely, the less you weigh, the firmer a bed feels. With the exception of the Titan Plus, our extra-firm mattress picks may feel ultra-firm to a petite or average sleeper, but more like a medium-firm bed for individuals over 230 pounds. For an extra-supportive mattress made specifically for plus-sized sleepers, check out our guide to the best mattresses for heavy people. Since so many mattresses are purchased online these days instead of in a showroom, a trial window is particularly important. Most brands offer trials ranging from 100 to 365 days, which is plenty of time to decide if a certain mattress is a fit for your needs. Keep in mind that it can take up to a month or so to adjust to a new mattress, so most brands ask that you test a mattress for at least 30 days before initiating a return. Policies vary depending on the mattress company, so review the fine print before making a purchase. According to our testing, we think the Plank Firm Mattress is the best extra-firm bed you can buy. It has a flippable design with two firm sides to choose from and the option to upgrade to a cooling cover if you tend to sleep warm at night. An extra-firm mattress is good for your spinal alignment if you sleep on your back or stomach because it keeps your back from sagging into the bed. However, it can cause aggravation to your joints and lead to back pain if you're a side sleeper on an extra-firm mattress. The right mattress firmness depends on your sleeping position. Extra-firm mattresses are best for people who weigh over 250 pounds and/or sleep on their back or stomach. Side sleepers should opt for a soft mattress that cradles their joints, while back and stomach sleepers should consider a medium-firm to firm mattress that promotes spinal alignment.
