Best firm mattresses in the UK (2026)
A firm mattress keeps you on the surface rather than sinking into it. That suits back and front sleepers, heavier bodies that would bottom out a softer bed, and anyone who finds foam claustrophobic.
These are the firm and medium-firm mattresses that scored highest in our testing.
Our picks
Luxe Mattresses
LuxeErgo 3400 Hybrid
from Luxe Mattresses
Luxe Mattresses
Majestic 11000 Extra Firm
from Luxe Mattresses
Luxe Mattresses
Majestic 9000 Extra Firm
from Luxe Mattresses
The Foam People
Comfort Ortho Firm
from The Foam People
Luxe Mattresses
Luxe OrthoSupport9 Foam
from Luxe Mattresses
Luxe Mattresses
Imperial 2000 Pocket Spring
from Luxe Mattresses
Best firm: at a glance
| # | Mattress | Type | Firmness | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LuxeErgo 3400 HybridLuxe Mattresses | Hybrid | Firm | £464£619 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Majestic 11000 Extra FirmLuxe Mattresses | Memory foam | Firm | £318£449 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | Majestic 9000 Extra FirmLuxe Mattresses | Memory foam | Firm | £273£399 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Comfort Ortho FirmThe Foam People | Memory foam | Firm | £157 | 8.4/10 |
| 5 | Luxe OrthoSupport9 FoamLuxe Mattresses | Memory foam | Firm | £410£512 | 8.3/10 |
| 6 | Imperial 2000 Pocket SpringLuxe Mattresses | Pocket spring | Firm | £449 | 8.3/10 |
How we picked
Every mattress we rate as firm, ranked by overall score with medium-firm models included where they scored highly, since most people who search for a firm mattress are best served by medium-firm.
Scores are set by Alexander Bowman using the criteria on our how we score page. We may earn a commission when you buy through our links; this never affects a score or a ranking.
Not sure this is your category?
Four questions about how you sleep and your budget, and we rank every mattress we have scored against your answers.
Take the quizBest firm: frequently asked questions
Who should buy a firm mattress?
Back and front sleepers, people over about 100kg, and anyone with back pain who has found softer mattresses let their hips sink. Side sleepers under 80kg usually find firm mattresses uncomfortable on the shoulder and hip.
Is firm the same as orthopaedic?
No. Orthopaedic is a marketing term with no regulated meaning in the UK; it usually just means firm. A mattress does not become better for your back by having the word on the label.
Can a firm mattress be too firm?
Yes. If your shoulders and hips cannot sink at all, your spine curves and you get pressure points. Signs a mattress is too firm: numb arms, hip pain when side sleeping, and a gap under your lower back when lying on your back.
Read more
Does Mattress Firmness Affect Sleep Quality? What the Evidence Says
Firm, soft or somewhere in between? We cut through the marketing with the actual research on how mattress firmness affects sleep and back pain.
Best Orthopaedic Mattress UK 2026: What the Label Really Means
'Orthopaedic' is a marketing term, not a medical standard. Here's what actually helps your back and joints, and how to choose a supportive mattress that works.
Mattress Firmness by Weight: A UK Chart and Guide
Your body weight changes how firm a mattress feels. Use our chart to find the right firmness for your weight and sleeping position.
Best Firm Mattress UK 2026: Who Actually Needs One
Firm doesn't automatically mean better for your back. Here's who genuinely benefits from a firm mattress, and how to choose one without wrecking your sleep.