We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
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 11 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 11 of the best medium-firm mattresses in 2024 and discusses who these mattresses may suit.
- Best overall: The WinkBed | Skip to review
- Best hybrid: Helix Midnight | Skip to review
- Best memory foam: Nectar Memory Foam | Skip to review
- Best for back pain: Saatva Classic | Skip to review
- Best for kids: Birch Kids Natural Mattress | Skip to review
- Best for pressure relief: Nolah Original 10″ | Skip to review
- Best for side sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Spartan | Skip to review
- Best for all sleep positions: Leesa Original Mattress | Skip to review
- Best cooling: Puffy Cloud Mattress | Skip to review
- Best for back sleepers: Lull Original Mattress | Skip to review
- Best affordable: Costco Novaform ComfortGrande Mattress | Skip to review
Below are our picks of the best medium-firm mattresses available online. All prices refer to queen-size mattresses.
The table below compares each of the mattresses in this article.
| Type | Trial length | Warranty | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WinkBed | hybrid | 120-night | lifetime | $1,799 |
| Helix | hybrid | 100 nights | 10–15 years | $1,332 |
| Nectar | memory foam | 365 nights | forever | $659 |
| Saatva | hybrid | 365-night | lifetime | $1,995 |
| Birch | latex and foam | 100-night | 25 year | $1,248.80 |
| Nolah | foam | 120-night | lifetime | $1,449 |
| Brooklyn Bedding | hybrid | 120-night | 10-year | $1,999 |
| Leesa | memory foam | 100-night | 10-year | $1,332 |
| Puffy | memory foam | 101-night | lifetime | $2,399 |
| Lull | memory foam | 365 nights | lifetime | $1,199 |
| Costco | memory foam | no information available | 20-year | $579.99 |
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.
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:
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.