Sleep feels simple until your mattress gets in the way. The right firmness should hold you steady and still feel like rest, not resistance.
Key Takeaways
- The best firm mattress supports your body without feeling rigid, helping keep your spine aligned and your weight evenly distributed through the night.
- Choosing the right firmness depends on your sleep style, body weight, and comfort needs. Firm works best for back and stomach sleepers, while medium-firm suits side and combination sleepers.
- Ecosa’s firm mattress range and toppers let you fine-tune support at home, with a 100-night sleep trial and long-lasting warranties for confidence that lasts.
A firm mattress isn’t the same as sleeping on a board. The right one supports your posture and keeps you comfortably aligned.
Here’s how to find the right firm mattress feel and avoid waking up sore again.
Jump to a section:
- Best Firm Mattresses
- Medium vs Firm Mattress for Back Pain: What’s the Best?
- How to Choose the Best Firm Mattress
- What Is The Best Firm Mattress To Buy?
- FAQs
Best Firm Mattresses
Let’s be clear: firm mattresses can feel comfortable. The right build keeps your spine steady, softens pressure, and stays cool through the night.
Below, we’re introducing our firm favourites so you can pick a mattress that supports how you actually sleep, especially if you sleep on your back or stomach.
| Mattress | Firm Level | Best For |
| Ecosa Mattress – Original Edition | ✅ Adjustable (Firm, Medium-Firm and Medium) | Sleepers who want custom firmness and balanced spinal support |
| Essence Mattress – Firm | ✅ Firm | Sleepers seeking eco-conscious comfort with zoned pocket springs |
| TrueFirm Mattress | ✅ Adjustable (Extra-Firm to Firm) | Sleepers who prefer the stability of the firmest mattress, with breathable support |
| Ecosa Kids Mattress | ✅ Firm | Children aged 2–12 who need stable, ergonomic support for growing bodies |
| Ecosa Cot Mattress | ✅ Firm | Babies and toddlers needing firm, breathable, and Red Nose approved safety |
| Firm Mattress Topper | ✅ Firm | Sleepers wanting to add extra lift and support to a softer mattress |
Ecosa Mattress – Original Edition
The Ecosa Mattress – Original Edition offers consistent back support, even weight distribution, and a touch of contouring where you need it most.
Best for those who want steady support without giving up softness. It’s built to stay steady through the night while keeping airflow smooth and temperature balanced.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Firm, stable surface that supports spinal alignment and posture
- Three adjustable firmness levels for a custom supportive feel
- Responsive foam layers minimise sinkage and maintain structure
- Breathable, removable TENCEL™ cover for a cooler sleep
- Durable construction designed for lasting firmness and comfort
Essence Mattress – Firm
The Essence Mattress – Firm is made for sleepers who want firm, balanced support at a friendlier price point.
It combines ergonomic pocket springs with eco-conscious foam layers to create a surface that’s stable, breathable, and kind to both your back and the planet.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Targeted support from five ergonomic zones that cushion pressure points
- Firm, consistent feel with minimal partner disturbance
- Reinforced edge support to keep your mattress steady and sag-free
- Breathable TENCEL™ and recycled polyester cover that wicks away moisture
- Sustainable design with renewable-energy manufacturing and zero-waste springs
TrueFirm Mattress
Firm or extra firm, the choice is yours.
With dual firmness levels, responsive latex, and precision pocket springs, the Ecosa TrueFirm Mattress delivers steady support and proper alignment. It creates a stable, breathable surface that stays comfortable night after night.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Dual-sided design lets you switch between Firm and Extra Firm feels
- High-gauge pocket springs provide solid, targeted support with minimal movement transfer
- Natural Dunlop latex adds breathable, hypoallergenic comfort on both sides
- Cooling materials and open-cell structure help prevent overheating through the night
- Durable, non-slip base keeps your mattress secure on any bed frame
Ecosa Kids Mattress
For busy little bodies that never stop growing, the Ecosa Kids Mattress offers firm, balanced support with pocket springs and foam working together for healthy sleep.
With a low-profile height and reinforced edges, it’s safe, comfy, and perfect for bunk or trundle setups.
You can also read our article on whether a firm or medium mattress is better for kids to help guide your choice.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Firm ergonomic support promotes healthy spinal alignment for kids aged 2–12
- Low-profile design fits standard, bunk, and trundle beds
- Reinforced edge support helps prevent rolling or falls
- Breathable, hypoallergenic materials keep sleep cool and irritation-free
- Comes with a removable waterproof mattress protector for easy cleaning
Ecosa Cot Mattress
Firm, cool, and supportive, the Ecosa Cot Mattress helps your baby sleep soundly while giving you peace of mind.
Designed to stay fresh and cool, it’s 100% washable and made from non-toxic, eco-friendly materials that care for your little one and the planet.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Firm and supportive feel approved by Red Nose for safer infant sleep
- Ultra-breathable design with a Nestflow™ core that regulates temperature
- Non-toxic and eco-friendly materials, free from latex, adhesives, and chemicals
- Fully washable from cover to core for easy cleaning and hygiene
- Recyclable construction with an OceanCycle™ TENCEL™ cover made from recycled ocean plastic
Firm Mattress Topper
Sure, it’s not a full mattress, but it works like one when yours starts to sag. The Firm Mattress Topper gives your bed the extra lift and support it’s been missing.
Made with contouring memory foam and a breathable design, it’s the simplest way to firm up your sleep without buying a whole new mattress.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Instantly adds firmer support to soft or ageing mattresses
- Contouring latex-like memory foam relieves pressure while keeping structure
- Increases mattress firmness by up to two levels for extra stability
- Breathable pinhole foam and eco-friendly TENCEL™ cover keep airflow steady
- Stays securely in place with grippy backing and elastic corner straps
Medium-Firm vs Firm Mattress for Back Pain: What’s the Best?
If you wake up stiff or sore, your mattress firmness might be the cause. Medium-firm and firm beds both support your spine, but each feels slightly different.
Here’s how to tell which suits your back best:
| Feature | Medium-Firm Mattress | Firm Mattress |
| Comfort | Balanced feel with gentle contouring. | Steady, supportive surface with minimal sink. |
| Support & Alignment | Keeps the spine aligned with light cushioning. | Strong lift and even support for the whole body. |
| Pressure Relief | Softens tension at shoulders and hips. | Firm support reduces lower back strain. |
| Best For | Side and combo sleepers, or couples. | Back and stomach sleepers needing stability. |
| Motion Absorption | Limits partner movement. | Naturally stable with little bounce. |
| Durability | May soften faster under pressure. | Holds shape longer and resists sagging. |
Medium-Firm Mattress
A medium-firm mattress offers balanced comfort with a bit of give. It cushions your shoulders and hips while keeping your spine in line, making it a great all-rounder for most body types.
If you’re a combination sleeper or you share a bed, medium firmness can help everyone stay comfortable.
✅ Pros of a Medium-Firm Mattress
- Gentle contouring that eases tension on joints and muscles
- Suits combination and side sleepers who need slight cushioning
- Adapts well to different body weights and sleep styles
- Good motion absorption for couples
⚠️ Cons of a Medium-Firm Mattress
- May feel too soft for heavier sleepers needing firmer support
- Can lose shape faster if pressure is always in one area
- Might not give enough lift for pure back or stomach sleepers
Firm Mattress
A firm mattress keeps your body lifted and your spine aligned.
It provides even support with minimal sinkage, ideal for back sleepers and stomach sleepers or anyone who prefers a sturdier feel. Firmness helps maintain posture and prevents your lower back from arching into the bed.
✅ Pros of a Firm Mattress
- Keeps spine properly aligned for better posture
- Reduces sagging and long-term wear
- Excellent support for back and stomach sleepers
- Promotes circulation by keeping the body evenly supported
⚠️ Cons of a Firm Mattress
- May feel too rigid for lighter sleepers or side sleepers
- Takes time for some to adjust if switching from a softer bed
- Can cause initial pressure around shoulders and hips
Bottom line: Medium works best if you like a touch of softness with support. Firm suits you better if you want structure, lift, and long-term spinal alignment.
How to Choose the Best Firm Mattress
Finding the right firm feel doesn’t need to be complicated.
Here’s what really matters when you’re choosing a mattress that supports you night after night:
1. Consider How You Sleep
Your sleep position shapes what firmness feels best:
- Back sleepers: Aim for firm or medium-firm. You want lift through the hips and even support from shoulders to tailbone.
- Stomach sleepers: Go firmer. This keeps your midsection from dipping and helps your spine stay neutral.
- Side sleepers: Try medium or medium-firm with a thin comfort layer for pressure relief at the shoulder and hip.
- Combination sleepers: Choose a firm mattress with light contouring so changing positions feels easy.
2. Match Firmness to Body Weight
Lighter sleepers can find very firm beds too rigid, while heavier sleepers need stronger support to stay lifted. The more weight on the surface, the firmer your mattress should be.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Under 60 kg: Medium to medium-firm feels supportive without feeling stiff.
- 60–100 kg: Firm or medium-firm offers the right balance of lift and contouring.
- Over 100 kg: Firmer designs with dense foam or strong pocket springs help maintain alignment and prevent sagging.
3. Pick the Right Material
Foam and latex offer a smooth, steady feel, while hybrids pair firm springs with comfort layers for balanced support.
Innerspring styles suit those who like a bit more bounce and airflow.
4. Look for Zoned or Reinforced Support
Zoned layers or reinforced edges help maintain alignment and prevent sagging, especially if you sleep near the edge or share a bed.
A 5 or 7-zone pocket spring mattress provides targeted support for key pressure areas, reducing motion transfer and helping keep the surface fresh and allergen-free.
5. Test Firmness in Real Conditions
Try sleeping on the mattress for a few nights. Your back should feel supported, not tense, and you should be able to move easily without sinking.
If you’re testing in-store, spend a few minutes lying in your usual sleep position. Notice how your hips, shoulders, and lower back feel.
Need a little help? Check out our guide to testing a mattress in-store for tips on what to look for.
6. Don’t Forget the Warranty and Trial
A good warranty and trial period give you time and confidence to find your fit. Your back should feel supported, not tense, and you should be able to move easily without sinking.
All Ecosa mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial, so you can test firmness at home before committing. We also back our mattress with warranties ranging from 5 to 15 years, depending on the model, to make sure your mattress keeps its shape and support for the long run.
What Is The Best Firm Mattress To Buy?
The right firm mattress depends on how you sleep.
Back and stomach sleepers often rest best on sturdier builds that keep the hips lifted and spine aligned. Side or combination sleepers may prefer a slightly softer top layer for pressure relief without losing that firm base of support.
Explore Ecosa’s range of firm mattresses and extra firm mattresses, plus mattress toppers to find your ideal balance of comfort and stability. You can order online, or if you’re in Australia, visit one of our stores to test them in person.
With a 100-night sleep trial and long-lasting warranties, you can rest easy knowing your mattress is built to support you for years to come.
FAQs
1. What is the best firm mattress for back pain?
A supportive mattress that keeps your spine aligned and evenly distributes weight can help ease back pain. Ecosa’s TrueFirm and Ecosa Mattresses offer balanced comfort designed to reduce tension and improve sleep quality.
2. Is a firm mattress really better for you?
Yes. A firm mattress supports spinal alignment, helping to ease tension and prevent your lower back from sinking out of position. It keeps your body balanced and reduces morning discomfort.
3. How long does a firm mattress last?
Most firm mattresses last 8–15 years depending on use and care.
Ecosa mattresses come with warranties ranging from 5 to 15 years, so you can count on lasting comfort and support.
4. Is Black Friday a good time to buy a firm mattress?
Black Friday and major sale events are perfect times to buy. Ecosa often runs exclusive offers across our firm mattress range, giving you premium comfort at a better price.
For tips on timing your purchase, check out our buying guide on the best time to buy a mattress.