Best Medium-Firm Mattress

The memory foam top is swift to meet all of the back’s inward and outward curves, easing any pressure that can build up along the spine from supporting the body. As you shift and move out of bed, the memory foam is quick to rise back up and reclaim its original shape, preventing impressions that can affect spine support.

We’re not the only ones who appreciate how the firm feel of the AS2 is more supportive than truly hard. The AS2 mattress has thousands of reviews, and the most recurring phrase is “good support” followed by “comfortable,” and “holds shape.”

While most people looking for a medium firm mattress love the AS2, some people feel the firmness is not quite right for their sleeping position:

Elena: The fiancé was accustom to waking with minor neck aches and I was accustom to waking almost every night just trying to find that sweet spot. Recommended by my in-laws, we agreed that our back and belly sleep style would benefit from the medium/firm option. We now know exactly how much we were putting our bodies through! We felt immediate support yet soft comfort; at last…the long awaited refreshed mornings we’d been searching for.

Brian: I’m a Back and side sleeper mostly. This bed is seems to be best for stomach and back. Even though im75% back I thought since medium firm it would be fine for side. This is not good for side sleepers.

Ice Man: So after extensive research on back/hip pain issues, bought this one. Medium firm, back sleeper not the right fit for me. Back to the drawing board.

The 2-inch thick Bio-Pur® comfort layer cushions the body and relieves pressure points for pain-free sleep. Unlike traditional memory foam, Bio-Pur® is more breathable, so you don’t wake up hot. Bio-Pur® is also more responsive than traditional memory foam, enabling easier movement and motion isolation.

Bio-Pur® is supported by a 1-inch layer of Affinity with HIVE® technology. HIVE® has hundreds of hexagonal cutouts arranged into five different support zones. You feel more cushioning under your shoulders and hips, and more support under your head, back, and legs. HIVE® technology allows the spine to stay neutral, preventing back pain.

Bio-Core® is a stable base foam and evenly distributes body weight so there’s less risk of sagging or soft spots. This way, you aren’t at risk of pain or discomfort at night.

The gel memory foam comfort layer molds to your body, easing pressure points and reducing possible back pain. Plus, the gel in this layer pulls heat away from the body, so you don’t wake up with night sweats.

A latex-like Reactiv™ layer prevents you from sinking too deeply and maintains spinal alignment. Reactiv™’s responsiveness automatically adjusts to your movements for consistent comfort and support.

The top layer of gel memory foam is quick to contour to the body, and is 2 inches thick. The transition layer is also 2 inches thick and contains Reactiv™ foam, engineered to lift sleeper’s body for a healthy back and minimal sinkage.

The Zoma Hybrid has a pocketed coil base instead of the Support+ foam inside the classic Zoma Mattress. Each coil reacts separately under body weight, providing support to the lower back and hips. The coiled base also gives firmer edge support, so you can climb in and out of bed without difficulty.

Most athletes love the Zoma. Here is what some have to say:

Klemens: I like how this is designed for athletes and recovery. I’ve slept great on the ZOMA start so far! Thank you Zoma and keep up the great work.

Jon D: I’ve been sleeping great every night on my new Zoma Hybrid. As advertised it’s a bed for those active in sports. I surf every morning (I’m in my early 60’s) and have zero sleep issues, and the best part, I get up every morning without any soreness.

Dawn:This was our first night using the mattress and we were both sore. So lets see if this the mattress “for athletes” for recovery we said, and off to sleep we went. It is 100% TRUE that this helps recovery. I woke up feeling like a million bucks. Shoulders, hips and knees all felt great.

The Saatva Classic provides all the comforts you’d expect out of an innerspring mattress. It bounces just like an innerspring mattress. And it’s highly breathable all the way through, just like an innerspring mattress. So those who have gotten used to the innerspring feel don’t have to worry about losing it if they purchase the Classic.

On the other hand, you also don’t have to worry about all the problems inherent to innerspring beds when you sleep on the Classic. The adaptable pocketed coil support layer makes the Classic much more contouring than a regular innerspring mattress. It also increases the motion isolating capabilities of the bed.

People who chose the medium firm Saatva Classic with limited complaints:

Amanda B: We purchased the classic medium firm mattress- 375 days later, my husband (side sleeper) just cannot get a good nights sleep! I chatted with customer service asking about a different topper (they already sent us one for free the first time I chatted about his issue), the rep said it sounds like you need the plush mattress, you are just outside of the warranty period but I’ll exchange it for you anyways!

Terra A: I absolutely love this mattress, the majority of mattresses recommended online don’t offer a “firm” option. I have fount that “medium firm” is too soft for my back. We both did the research and this mattress has Ben the top reviewed in most of my searches. It lives up to its high rating pros

Christy: You will not regret purchasing the Classic Medium/Firm mattress. I bought it for our new guest room and during the summer, when the master bedroom would get too hot, I slept on it instead. Wow. What a difference.

The Saatva Classic starts out with a three-inch contouring Euro top. This layer offers pressure relief and comfort to tired joints. It’s also wrapped in a hypoallergenic organic cotton cover treated with GuardinTM botanical antimicrobial treatment that prevents bacteria, mold, and other icky things from flourishing in your mattress. This is a boon for allergy sufferers everywhere.

Below the Euro-style pillow top, you’ll find the high-density memory foam layer. This layer increases pressure relief above and also helps the mattress transition from foam and fibers to steel coils.

The first support layer of the Classic sits right underneath the transition foam layer. These adaptable pocket coils add contoured support to the Classic to help keep your spine in optimal alignment. This is also the coil layer that helps neutralize motion transfer.

The coil layer that provides innerspring bounce and breathability is the open coil support core right below the pocketed coils. These ultra-strong coils are 13-gauge tempered steel, so you won’t have to worry about sagging for a long time.

These networked coils are also surrounded by a perimeter railing system made of high-density foam. That means the Classic mattress boasts superior edge support to go along with its dual support cores.

The first thing you’ll notice about this mattress is just how cool it is. It boasts multiple cooling technologies like AirFoam™ and a cooling cotton cover to both draw heat away from you and keep the cool air flowing all at once.

People with joint and other pain have high praise for the Nolah Signature. Here are some of the reviews:

Julian: I love my Nolah. I’ve tried several different mattresses to reduce pressure point pain for side-sleepers and the Nolah was the only one to achieve this. Very grateful. I got the softest one and I love it!

Jean: My back was killing me every night on my very expensive but 7-year-old mattress. Read reviews, took a chance on Nolah and it’s been life-changing. No more back and hip pain, firm but oddly soft at the same time.

Megan: I love my new mattress! It’s so comfortable and I sleep so much better. I fall asleep faster and wake up less during the night to roll over. I’ve also been having much less back and hip pain. This was my first experience with buying a bed in a box/ordering a mattress online and it was great!

The first layer of the Signature is the plush and breathable AirFoam™ that relieves pressure and keeps the cool air flowing.

Supporting the plush comfort layer are two layers of high-resilience and high-firmness transition foam. These layers keep the top layer buoyant and also protect you from pressure from the ultra-firm support core.

Finally, a layer of high-density core foam ensures that your mattress will stay sag and soft spot-free for many years. That’s why it sports a lifetime warranty!

The GhostBed Classic is on the firmer side of medium-firm, and some might even label it a firm mattress. That means it’s perfect for those who need lots of lift but don’t want to lose all cushioning in their mattress. The Classic pulls off this feel by combining firmer foam layers that provide tons of buoyancy and cradling at the same time.

The Classic also offers a combination of cooling technologies to keep the mattress at the optimum sleep temperature all night. Thermoconductive memory foam works with breathable perforated latex to wick away heat and moisture, keeping the bed cool.

Even those not happy with the exact firmness are still happy with this mattress. Here are some of the responses people gave:

Adam: Mattress quality is good with great edge support for a memory foam. Downfall is the mattress is listed as medium firm but it sleeps, through 2 weeks so far, like an extra firm

Richard K: Replaced a Beautyrest that tended too hot and soft. The “medium firm” Ghost bed is comfy and my back feels much better in the morning. (I am a stomach sleeper and was having low back pain for an hour or two each morning.) Ghost bed “sleeps” just right for me temperature-wise.

Ryan S: The Ghostbed is well-made and designed, with a slightly springy surface of latex. Unfortunately, the bed is just too firm for me (I would say medium-firm). Even for a large guy (5″11″, 195lbs), I can’t get used to turning around in the bed.

The GhostBed Classic starts off with the smooth plush cover. This cover is made with a flexible and durable viscose polyester blend that offers a breathable and temperature-neutral feel.

Underneath the stretch cover is a 1.5-inch layer of aerated latex. This non-allergenic latex foam features holes that allow air to pass through, pushing the heat away from your body. This latex is also a springier foam than memory foam. So you can expect it to bounce back under you the moment you move.

The gel memory foam transition layer works with the latex foam to pull away even more heat. While the latex is breathable, the gel foam is thermoconductive. That means it draws heat downward into the mattress and away from your body. This memory foam also helps increase the contouring power of the latex above it.

Finally, the high-density base layer is what keeps you on top of all the other layers. This ultra-durable foam support core provides firm support for ideal spinal alignment. And it also helps make the GhostBed Classic one of the most durable mattresses on the market.

While the industry standard for mattress warranties is 10 years, the GhostBed Classic sports a warranty of 20 years! That’s a long time to not have to worry about replacing your mattress.

The Dunlop latex contours to the body and cushions shoulders and hips for a comfortable night’s rest. Dunlop latex is more responsive than memory foam, so you’re less likely to feel trapped inside the mattress as you stretch out. Latex also lasts longer than traditional memory foam, with the material lasting up to 15 years with regular use.

The manufacturers incorporate a zoned support system in the base layer of the Avocado Green. You’ll love the enhanced cushioning under the shoulders and hips, with more support to the head, back, and legs.

As with some other mattresses, those looking specifically for a medium firm mattress, some felt it was still too firm for them:

Jake D: VERY Firm, if this is “medium-firm” I’m really not sure what full firm would be other than a plank of wood. I regret not getting the pillow top version but am concerned it would be fluffy and then still too firm underneath.

Judith T: I hired the set up service because I am alone, and live in an apartment. Set up was very quick. Hadva good night’s sleep from the first night. The medium firm is very comfortable. I feel the support in all parts of my side sleeping body.

Melanie D: We wanted to upgrade and have been disappointed that the medium firm is much firmer than we were anticipating. And, a month or so into sleeping on it it still has an odor.

The surface of the mattress is organic cotton with underlying organic wool, materials that wick away moisture and heat quickly. The wool also doubles at the mattress’s fire barrier, helping to increase sleepers’ safety in the event of exposure to an open flame. Next is the latex foam that provides the mattress’s comfort and pressure relief.

As we mentioned, the pocketed coils inside the mattress are arranged to create five zones of support. The steel springs also reinforce the edges for exceptional edge support, plus the steel comes from recycled parts for greater sustainability. Along the sides of the mattress, sleepers will notice a pair of heavy-duty handles to make moving the mattress easier.

The Bear Hybrid is arguably the softest mattress that Bear offers, thanks to its multiple foam layers and overall thick design. It’s certainly the most responsive with its pocketed coil core and adaptable foam top.

However, we must note that the Bear Hybrid still isn’t overly plush, thanks to Bear’s dedication to designing mattresses that fall between medium to medium-firm for restorative rest. It’s perfect for anyone who wants just a touch of softness in an otherwise pleasantly firm mattress.

For the most part, those who purchased the medium firm Bear mattress are very pleased with their purchase with minor issues reported:

Deborah M: Fabulous mattress, most comfortable I’ve ever had…wonderful customer service. Highly recommend without any reservation!

Michael F: Bought mattress because it was supposed to be good for bigger people. I’m 6′ and 275lb, I spin the mattress weekly, but it still doesn’t return to form. Bummed.

Julia B: We love it! At first we were scared it was too soft – it gave in a lot when we sat on it and then laying down it had such a soft quality to it. But somehow it’s perfectly firm. I’ve had back pain for 2 years that has finally gone away. My husband and I don’t roll into each other at all, we don’t even feel when the other gets in or out of the bed.

Bear utilizes FDA-determined Celliant® technology to convert body heat into infrared energy, a feature that promotes blood circulation to improve muscle recovery. They feature this same technology in their other beds, the Original and Pro.

The Celliant® cover is quilted to hypersoft cooling-gel foam, which absorbs and dissipates body heat. A premium comfort foam layer underneath molds to your body’s shape and relieves pressure, while a second layer of responsive foam provides airflow, so you don’t wake up hot.

The Bear Hybrid contains hundreds of pocketed coils, each coil reacting individually for targeted support along the spine. Plus, Bear incorporates a special edge coil system, placing extra strong steel coils along the mattress perimeter for enhanced edge support, a nice feature if you like sitting on the edge of your bed as you get ready for the day.

Reclining on the Naturepedic EOS Classic mattress is an indulgence in pure comfort. The innovative design seamlessly combines plushness and support, cradling your body with a luxurious embrace. The organic cotton cover enhances the tactile experience, offering a soft, breathable surface.

As you lay down, the responsive latex and encased coils work harmoniously, delivering a balanced firmness that conforms to your body’s contours. This creates a sensation of weightlessness, relieving pressure points for a truly rejuvenating rest. The meticulous craftsmanship and commitment to organic, non-toxic materials ensure not only a delightful sensation but also a health-conscious and eco-friendly sleep environment.

People seeking an eco-friendly medium-firm mattress are in love with the mattress comfort. However, people seeking an environmentally-friendly bed were not happy with the plastic wrapping the bed was delivered in:

Charlton: After a couple of weeks researching mattresses, I only came upon the Naturepedic brand name after stumbling upon an article extolling its virtues in construction quality, materials and environmental sustainability. The company deserves to be better known but my typical Google search resulted in seeing the same six or seven names of Naturepedic’s many competitors. As happy customers, we find that unfortunate.

Clay: We love this mattress — the feel, the materials, and the buying experience were all awesome. However, for a “sustainable” brand, they ship these in a SHOCKING amount of heavy gauge plastic film. In most places, this film is not actually recyclable and goes straight to landfill.

Alison: The mattress is great. But I felt sooooo guilty unrolling the miles of plastic wrap. I understand the mattress should be kept clean, but wouldn’t a natural paper do almost as well? Miles of plastic, seriously.

The Naturepedic EOS Classic mattress features a soft organic cotton cover, providing a soft and breathable surface that enhances overall comfort while adhering to high standards of organic integrity.

Beneath the cover lies a layer of organic wool batting, contributing to the mattress’s natural temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties. This layer also acts as a natural flame barrier without the need for harmful chemicals.

The mattress incorporates a comfort layer made from plant-based PLA (polylactic acid), adding a responsive and breathable element to the sleep surface while ensuring a comfortable and eco-friendly sleep environment.

Designed with precision, the mattress features encased coils made from high-quality steel, offering targeted support to different areas of the body. This layer enhances durability, minimizes motion transfer, and provides optimal spinal alignment for a restful night’s sleep.

The EOS Classic mattress boasts a reinforced perimeter for enhanced edge support, ensuring that the entire sleep surface is consistent and stable. This feature extends the longevity of the mattress and maximizes the usable sleeping space.

The T&N Original features their proprietary AdaptiveTM foam technology. That means this medium-firm mattress doesn’t skimp on the contouring! This highly contouring foam can follow the curve of your body to relieve pressure and keep your spine in alignment. But it’s responsive enough that you don’t have to worry about body impressions.

The cooling gel and graphite infusions in the foam also help it pull heat away from your body to keep your skin at optimum sleep temperature. That means hot sleepers can enjoy this mattress night after night without having to worry about overheating.

Those who bought the medium firm Tuft and Needle had many issues with this mattress, but most cited the medium form was either too firm or not firm enough:

Purchaser: Not enough options, I bought the softest mattress you have, which is a medium, and it’s not soft enough. I had to use a foam topper.

Lizzy8405: I think it’s a great fit for many people, but it has been rough for me and my boyfriend. First, it’s absolutely not firm. When he lies down in it, the bed sinks so intensely that I roll into him… so I instead perch myself on the very outer edge where the bed feels most firm.

Becs: It’s a great medium firm mattress that absorbs the weight transfer when I or my partner get out of bed early. I barely feel a thing. We are both side sleepers and found the edges sturdy.

The T&N Original starts off with a plush and ultra-breathable cover that’s designed to keep air flowing around your body to wick away sweat and heat. T&N also offers the option to add HeiQ antimicrobial protection to this cover. So sleepers with allergies should be aware they have the ability to add a layer of dust mite and mold protection.

The breathable cover works with the graphite and gel-infused memory foam comfort layer to pull heat away from your body and keep you sweat-free all night.

The AdaptiveTM foam comfort layer also delivers body contouring and bounce. So you can expect the surface of your bed to both take your shape when you lie on it and instantly regain its own shape as soon as you move.

Below the foam comfort layer is the ultra-high-density foam support core. This support layer is designed to deliver ultimate lift to back and stomach sleepers. The firm support foam also fights sagging and soft spot development for a full 10 years. That means you’ll be paying less than $100 per year of use for this queen-size mattress.

Both these layers combine to make the perfect sleep surface for stomach and back sleepers because these sleepers will get all the support they need without sacrificing contouring and pressure relief.