What's the best medium-firm mattress in 2024? I'm a sleep expert and these are my top picks

Medium-firm is the most popular mattress comfort level because it offers a great combination of comfort versus support, so it suits most sleeping positions. All of the top recommendations in our guide to the best mattresses of 2024 are available in a medium-firm feel, so you have plenty of choice available to you.

We've slept on all the latest medium-firm mattresses and and have ranked the best medium-firm mattresses right here. We rate firmness on a scale of one to 10, with one being marshmallow soft, 10 being firm as a plank of wood, and medium-firmness being a six to eight.

Back sleepers in particular are well suited to medium-firm mattresses, as are combination sleepers who need a mattress that's comfortable to lay on in any position. The Saatva Classic takes our top spot as the best medium-firm mattress overall, but there are options for every sleeping position and budget here. Most of them are reduced in price in the Black Friday mattress sales too, so now is a good time to buy.

1. The best medium-firm mattress overall

The Saatva Classic is our number one rated mattress and you can find it at the top of many of our mattress buying guides. And with three firmness levels to choose from — including a Luxury Firm — it's perhaps no surprise that we rate the Saatva Classic as our favorite medium-firm mattress.

Admittedly, despite Saatva's rating of 5-7 out of 10 for the Luxury Firm feel, we found it sits closer to the firmer end of that scale. However, we still consider it within the medium-firm bracket and with no breaking-in period, it's comfortable from the get go. After retesting the Saatva Classic recently, we awarded it five-stars across the board.

The Saatva Classic has a breathable pillow-top surface, with lumbar-zone quilting followed by a lumbar crown to provide plenty of support to the lower back (although for those with reoccurring back pain, the Saatva RX at #6 is the superior choice). It's this pillow top that determines the firmness of the Classic (either Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm) as well as providing the cushioned pressure relief.

Beneath this sits the responsive spring layer, with foam railings for superior edge support. This support is superb and it stretches from edge to edge — it's the rare mattress we awarded full marks for edge support. The spring-heavy build provides a slightly bouncy feel (although the motion isolation is still top-notch), but there's very little sink here. For more contouring, consider the Nectar at #4.

The price might be an issue for some, as this is very much a premium mattress. Saatva mattress sales are semi-regular but even with a discount the queen Classic is never much cheaper than its $2,095 MSRP. For a cheaper alternative, consider the DreamCloud (#5). But on this occasion, we really think the price echoes the quality, and you get free white glove delivery, a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty. With a feel that suits all sleep styles, the Saatva Classic is the top of the class.

• Read more: Saatva Classic Mattress review

Back to top ▲

2. The best budget medium firm mattress

The Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid mattress is the ideal medium-firm pick for those on a budget. Coming in three height options, the shortest model is priced at under $300 for a queen. We’d suggest opting the 10” to get that medium-firm feel and enough support for an adult. It’s not the most durable mattress by any stretch, but if you’re looking for a bed for spare rooms or growing children, this is a great option.

The Linenspa has a simple three layer construction of responsive foams and open coils. This provides a little bounce plus some pressure relief and support but to be perfectly honest, it's best for children and teens. For adults, it was our lightweight stomach sleeping tester who found this mattress most comfortable and supportive, with the medium-firm feel of the bed doing a great job of keep the spine aligned and hips raised.

Considering how similar the Linenspa’s design is to an innerspring mattress, our testers weren’t particularly surprised to find the bed has a little motion transfer when moving about on it. If you share with a restless sleeper, you might be disturbed in the night. Temperature regulation isn’t too bad either — frankly, there isn’t enough foam on this mattress to successfully trap heat. Unfortunately, edge support is a let down and if you’re a couple you might find yourself fighting for the superior support at the center of the bed.

Cheap already, the Linenspa is only occasionally discounted — a 10-inch queen has an MSRP of $319.99. You can sometimes save further with rare sitewide sales, while Amazon offers semi-regular deals. Overall, we think it’s one of the best cheap mattresses you can buy. But if your budget can stretch to it, the Nectar (#4) or DreamCloud (#3) will provide superior support and longevity.

• Read more: Linenspa 10" Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress review

Back to top ▲

3. The best budget luxury medium-firm mattress

The DreamCloud Hybrid is the most affordable memory foam and coil mattress in the popular DreamCloud sleep suite and our best mattress in a box of the year. The selling point of the DreamCloud is that it offers a luxury sleep experience without breaking the bank. It's a good alternative if the Saatva Classic at #1 is out of your budget.

Our testers initially found the DreamCloud feels firm, giving it 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale. However, after a few nights breaking it in, it softens to more of a medium-firm feel. (That said, it stays on the firmer side of medium-firm. The Nectar at #4 has a softer medium-firm feel)

Our lead tester, Certified Sleep Science Coach Claire Davies, said: “The DreamCloud was too firm for me during the first two weeks, but then it softened and became very comfy for side and stomach sleeping. It was less contouring than the Saatva too, so I felt a bit of hip pain when lying on it.”

Our back sleeping tester praised the DreamCloud for alleviating pressure in his achy lower lumbar and all reviewers agreed the DreamCloud quickly adapted to their bodies and provided support where they most needed it. ensuring the hips don’t dip and the spine remains aligned. So, if aches and pains are keeping you up at night but you don’t have the budget for the Saatva Rx (#6), the DreamCloud is the next best mattress for you.

In terms of price, the DreamCloud is great value — it is our recommended luxury affordable mattress, after all. A queen size often sells for just $665 (was $1,613). Our jaw dropped too. DreamCloud’s generous forever warranty, free shipping and one-year sleep trial still applies.

• Read more: DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress review

Back to top ▲

4. The best medium-firm memory foam mattress

The Nectar Classic Memory Foam is the brand’s updated version of the Original Nectar mattress, with an improved design and new cool-to-the-touch cover. Some all-foam mattresses are like quicksand, but the Nectar stands out for its medium-firm feel, with the foam offering a better balance of comfort and support than many of its rivals. It’s our top recommendation in our best memory foam mattresses guide, and particularly suited to side and back sleepers.

Nectar rates the mattress at 6.5 out of 10, but our testers all felt it slept as a true medium firm mattress at 7.5 out of 10. It manages to hit the sweet spot between comfort and support — our side sleepers raved about the pressure relief around their shoulders and hips, but our back and stomach sleepers also felt supported, with their spines aligned and hips raised.

This is down to the construction of the mattress, which layers contouring foam with support foam. The bulk of the mattress is made up of sturdy foundation foam, which helps to give the Nectar mattress superb motion isolation — you won’t feel even the most restless of partners overnight.

Nectar’s new cool-to-the-touch cover does a great job of keeping sleepers cool, but edge support is average. The DreamCloud at #3 is better in both these areas at a similar price tag.

Evergreen Nectar mattress sales mean you’ll never pay full MSRP for the Nectar Classic, with 50% off being the norm. You’ll also get a generous 365-night trial, forever warranty and free shipping and returns.

• Read more: Nectar Mattress review

Back to top ▲

5. The best cooling medium-firm mattress

The 14” five-layer Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is our #1 best cooling mattress of the year. It comes in three different firmness levels with no price difference between them — soft, medium, firm with 5, 6 and 7 out of 10 ratings respectively — plus the option to upgrade with a Celliant cover for an extra $195.

We tested the medium-firm model with Celliant cover in our Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review and were impressed with how it performed across the board, giving it high scores in key areas including comfort, support, motion isolation and, most impressively, temperature regulation. Dare we say, it gives even our #1 Saatva Classic mattress a run for its money...

Our tester felt comfortable in all sleeping positions on the medium-firm Bear Elite Hybrid, reporting back and stomach sleeping as the most comfortable. The quilted cover adds softness to the surface without too much sinkage. Beneath, higher-gauge coils zoned to the center of the mattress plus a high-density support foam at the base, provide a good balance of pressure relief and spinal alignment.

While copper-infused memory foam aids temperature regulation, it's the Celliant cover that steps up the cooling. This cover comes complete with synthetic fiber to converts body heat into infrared energy. This improves thermoregulation and, in turn, aids restful sleep. It also wicks away moisture and dries fabrics quickly, which equals a more comfortable sleep for hot sleepers.

With evergreen sales running constantly at Bear, you can almost always grab a great deal. Generally, 35% off. The lifetime warranty, 120-night sleep trial and free delivery are the icing on top. But if that’s still out of budget, we recommend you shop the DreamCloud at #3. It's not quite as cool, but the overall feel is similar.

• Read more: Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review

Back to top ▲

6. The best medium-firm mattress for back pain

Saatva makes some of the best mattresses for back pain. The Saatva RX is a luxury innerspring hybrid mattress specially designed for sleepers with back and joint conditions like scoliosis, arthritis, and sciatica.

The brand classifies the Saatva RX as 'Supportive Plush.' Our testing panel translates that as medium-firm to firm. It features 1" micro-coils in between two 3/4" slabs of high-density foam, individually wrapped 8" coils capped with 2" foam modules, and a strip of gel-infused memory foam across the middle. For our testers, this yielded a keen balance of relief and support, especially for those of us with nagging aches.

Based on our results, we recommend the Saatva RX for back sleepers and average to heavyweight side sleepers. The smallest side sleepers in our testing group found it too firm, particularly along their hips. Although stomach sleeping can be bad for you, the Saatva RX should be plenty supportive if you can't help but favor your front side.

Firmer caliper coils along the perimeter give the Saatva RX sturdy edges for sitting, but the 15" profile may be problematic for shorter people with mobility issues. (There's no way to customize the height or firmness here, unlike the flagship Saatva Classic at #1.) The Saatva RX sleeps temperature-neutral due to its organic cotton cover and dual layer of springs, but it doesn't isolate vigorous movements as well as other contenders on this list.

The Saatva RX is certainly a splurge purchase, but in return, you're getting a beautifully handcrafted mattress that's delivered to your home free of charge. A lifetime warranty and a one-year sleep trial are also included. The DreamCloud (#3) is a cheaper alternative but for severe back pain, the RX is worth the investment.

• Read more: Saatva RX mattress review

Back to top ▲

7. The best organic medium-firm mattress

The Birch Natural is one of the best organic mattress values out there. While it may have a higher price tag, it's actually among the more affordable mattresses that use all-natural and certified organic materials. Birch manufactures all of its beds at a GOTS-certified factory in Arizona.

Our testers collectively rate the Birch Natural mattress between 6.5 and 7 on the 10-point firmness scale. It's constructed of Talalay latex, wool, and up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils, culminating in a lifted bed feel with some subtle contouring. We enjoyed it most for back and stomach sleeping, and the buoyant surface makes it easy to switch positions. While we wouldn't rule it out for side sleeping, the Nectar (#4) would be a better option if that's your primary sleep style.

The Birch Natural isn't a cooling mattress per se, but we highly recommend it for hot sleepers since it's made with naturally breathable materials (latex, wool, cotton) and benefits from the airflow of springs. (For very hot sleepers, the Bear Elite with Celliant cover at #5 is better).

However, those natural components don't work to the Birch Natural's advantage when it comes to isolating vigorous movements, so consider looking elsewhere if you share a bed with a fidgety bed mate (the Saatva Classic at #1 is excellent for couples).

Regular sales keep the price lower than most of Birch's rivals. Shipping is free. but in-room delivery and removal services are available in most areas for an additional fee. Latex mattresses are heavy so it may be worth the cost if you can't (or don't want to) handle the setup on your own.

• Read more: Birch Natural mattress review

Back to top ▲

How we test the best medium-firm mattress

At Tom's Guide, we follow a thorough mattress methodology based on the findings and research of our sleep experts over the years. Our review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties.

We tap a lead tester to sleep on a mattress for at least three weeks, which is roughly how long it takes for your body to adjust to a new sleep surface. To broaden our perspective, we recruit an auxiliary panel of testers with different sleep needs and body types to nap on the mattress for at least 15 minutes, and then give their feedback regarding perceived firmness and performance.

In addition to real-world use, we conduct several objective tests to gauge motion transfer, pressure relief, and edge support. We score these performance categories against other mattresses we've already tested.

Best medium-firm mattress FAQs

Is a medium-firm mattress good for back pain?

Generally speaking, a medium-firm mattress can offer sleepers suffering from back pain the balance of cushioning and support they need to rest comfortably. However, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Your weight, sleep style, and comfort preferences all play a role in finding the best mattress for your needs. For some people, a firm mattress may be what they need to soothe their aches and pains – but for others, a medium to medium-firm mattress will be a better fit.

But as we always say, firmness and comfort are subjective. What feels just right to you may be too soft or firm to others. Take advantage of mattress trials, which can range from 90 nights up to a full year. If possible, visit a local mattress retailer before purchasing online to help gauge performance.

Ultimately, a good mattress for back pain will be anything that allows you to sleep soundly and wake up refreshed without severe discomfort.

• Read more: Firm mattresses aren't always best for back pain

Who shouldn't sleep on a medium-firm mattress?

Medium-firm mattresses are popular for their universal comfort and support – but for some people, a medium-firm mattress could do more harm than good.

You might benefit from a plush mattress instead of a medium-firm bed if you're primarily a side sleeper. A softer mattress will be easier on the shoulders, hips, and knees. You'll also want to skew softer if you like sinking into your mattress – such beds will have a quilted pillow-top and multiple comfort layers made with slow-moving, body-contouring memory foam.

On the other end, a medium-firm mattress could still lack the support you need to snooze comfortably, especially if you're a habitual stomach sleeper. In that case, try a firm mattress.

Why do hotels use medium-firm mattresses?

Hotels have to cater to a broad spectrum of clients – all of whom have their own sleep preferences and quirks. One way to please as many guests as possible is to use a medium-firm mattress that balances support and comfort while also delivering good pressure relief, motion isolation, temperature regulation, and sturdy edges. So for that reason, most of the mattresses used in hotels are medium-firm feel.

Depending on where you're staying, you can request a mattress topper to make your bed feel softer or firmer. Meanwhile, the prestigious Four Seasons allows guests to choose how firm or soft they want their mattress to be upon arrival, while AI-powered smart beds are available at luxury properties like the Park Hyatt New York and The London West Hollywood.