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A medium-firm mattress may offer a balance between support and comfort. The best options can support sleep duration and quality, and ease pain. Here, we look at 10 of the best options.

Mattress firmness is one of the most important factors a person considers when buying a new mattress. It can affect comfort and sleep quality and improve or exacerbate certain health conditions.

This article discusses 10 of the best medium-firm mattresses in 2024 and discusses who these mattresses may suit.

Below are 10 of the best medium-firm mattresses available online. All prices refer to queen-size mattresses.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.

The table below compares each of the mattresses in this article.

TypeTrial lengthWarrantyCertificationsPrice
WinkBedhybrid120-nightlifetime• OEKO-TEX
• CertiPUR-US
$1,799
Helixhybrid100 nights10–15 yearsCertiPUR-US$1,332
Nectarmemory foam365 nightsforeverCertiPUR-US$659
Saatvahybrid365-nightlifetimeCertiPUR-US$1,995
Birchlatex and foam100-night25 year• GOTS
• GREENGUARD Gold
• Fair Trade Certified Organic Cotton
• eco-INSTITUT
$1,123.80
Nolahfoam120-nightlifetimeCertiPUR-US$1,449
Brooklyn Beddinghybrid120-night10-yearCertiPUR-US$1,999
Leesamemory foam100-night10-year• GREENGUARD Gold
• CertiPUR-US
$1,299
Puffymemory foam101-nightlifetimeCertiPUR-US$2,399
Lullmemory foam365 nightslifetime • CertiPUR-US
• Sustainable Furnishing Council member
• Mattress Recycling Council member
$1,199

MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:

  • Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
  • Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
  • Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
  • Firmness: MNT selects mattresses from brands that explicitly state their mattresses are medium-firm. While terminology may change from brand to brand, all mattresses in this article are medium-firm.
  • Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer sleep trials so buyers can test their mattresses for a reasonable amount of time before making their final decision.
  • Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers and whether shipping is free.
  • Warranties and return policies: MNT only includes products with warranties and clear returns policies.
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People looking for a balance of support and comfort may find a medium-firm mattress suitable.

A 2021 review showed that a medium-firm mattress is best for comfort, alignment, and sleep quality. The authors wrote that this firmness may be best for people with nonspecific low back pain.

A small study exploring the relationship between body type and the best mattress for quality sleep found that people with a higher body weight had a more neutral spine alignment on a firmer mattress. In contrast, lighter-weight individuals had a more neutral spine alignment on a softer mattress. This study may indicate that a medium-firm mattress might be a suitable choice for people of moderate weight.

However, there is limited scientific research on the best mattress firmness for different sleeping positions.

The basic construction types for medium-firm mattresses include:

  • Foam: Foam mattresses can include polyurethane foam, memory foam — which is more durable and is denser and closely cradles the body — and latex, a more responsive foam option.
  • Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses are an older type. They have a coil support system that can use individually wrapped or fully connected coil springs. There may be a fabric or foam layer on top of the springs for comfort.
  • Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses combine multiple layers of polyurethane or memory foam with coils. The distribution of the coils, padding, and thickness of the foam aim to provide support, breathability, and comfort to targeted areas.

Considering the following factors can help a person choose the best medium-firm mattress:

  • Health: People living with a health condition, such as arthritis or chronic pain, may wish to look for mattresses that keep the spine and hips aligned and relieve pressure on the joints.
  • Sleep temperature: People who tend to sleep hot or live in warm climates may want to avoid memory foam mattresses because they may retain heat. However, some memory foam mattresses have cooling layers or materials to counteract this.
  • Allergies: Some mattresses may contain allergens such as wool or latex. People with allergies to these materials may want to check mattress specifications carefully and choose a hypoallergenic option.
  • Motion isolation: People who wake easily or share a bed with people with different sleeping habits may prefer a mattress that limits movement transfer from one side to the other.
  • Pressure relief: People, especially those who sleep on their side, may consider a mattress with pressure-relieving properties. Some companies design mattresses to distribute a person’s body weight across a larger area. These options may provide extra cushioning for common pressure points, such as the shoulders and hips. They may also feature additional support in other areas to promote healthy alignment.
  • Edge support: Edge support makes getting in and out of the bed easier and safer. Many brands include reinforced foam edges to make the mattress more stable.

Still unsure? Read our other mattress guides

We have more guides available to help people choose the best mattress for their needs. Visit the following articles to learn more about the:

To enhance an existing mattress, people may also consider trying mattress accessories, such as:

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Below, we answer the top frequently asked questions about medium-firm mattresses.

Mattress firmness is a personal preference, and whether a medium or firm mattress is best for a person will depend on several factors. These include their body weight, shape, sleeping style, and any health conditions, such as chronic pain, arthritis, or insomnia.

A firm mattress may be better for people who sleep on their front or back, as it may support the body and keep the spine aligned. They may also be easier to get in and out of for people who find this difficult due to age or a health condition.

A medium-firm mattress will offer more cushioning and may suit those who sleep on their side. It may offer a more even balance between comfort and support.

People can use sleep trials to test their mattresses before making their final decision.

People can sleep on their side on a medium-firm mattress. Many brands selling medium-firm mattresses state their products are suitable for side sleepers. However, individuals may want to test if their mattress provides enough pressure relief on their shoulders and hips.

A medium-firm mattress has a middling level of firmness that balances comfort and support. This firmness level may keep a person’s spine aligned while they sleep. It may suit the full range of common sleep positions: side, back, and combination.

Medium-firm mattresses may suit most sleep styles. Some scientific research shows that they may improve sleep quality and spinal alignment.

With memory foam and hybrid options available for various budgets, many people may find medium-firm mattresses suitable for their needs.