Best Medium Firm Mattress

Price of a queen size: $1099

Our AS2 is our all-foam medium-firm mattress, perfect for back and stomach sleepers and those with back pain. This mattress has a 2-inch Bio-Pur® comfort layer that contours closely to the body, ensuring the joints are cushioned, and the lumbar spine is supported.

Since our Bio-Pur® foam is made with plant-based oils, it is more responsive than traditional memory foam varieties, preventing the uncomfortable feeling of being “stuck” in the mattress and unable to move around freely. This responsiveness helps prevent spinal misalignment that could result in morning aches and pains and aggravate back pain.

The use of fewer synthetic oils also makes Bio-Pur® non-toxic, eco-friendly, and breathable. This airy foam, combined with our soft, ventilated cover, keeps the surface of the AS2 cool yet cozy and inviting. On the AS2, sleepers won’t have to worry about nighttime sleep disruptions due to overheating or night sweats.

Beneath the Bio-Pur® top layer is 2 inches of our Affinity Foam with HIVE® technology. This layer is embedded with hundreds of hexagonal cutouts that respond to different levels of pressure. Near the joints, cutouts are softer and more conforming to prevent pressure points. Along the back and neck, cutouts are firmer to prevent excess sinking.

The base of the AS2 is made with 8 inches of our Bio-Core® foam, a sturdy foam designed to prevent premature sagging and indentations. This base ensures the AS2 will keep you supported and sleeping in a healthy sleep posture for many years.

Like all our mattresses, the AS2 comes with a 20-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.

Quick Summary:

• Bio-Pur® plant-based comfort layer
• Affinity foam with HIVE® technology provides a balance of cushioning and support
• Targeted support to the lumbar spine for a healthy sleep position

Price of a queen size: $1299

For a sustainable, medium-firm mattress option, check out our Organica mattress. While other Amerisleep mattresses are still eco-friendly and CertiPUR-US® certified, we use a variety of sustainable and organic materials in the Organica. Not only is a natural mattress better for the environment, but it’s also better for your sleep health.

The Organica is a 13-inch hybrid mattress with latex foams. Its medium-firm feel is great for back sleeping and relieving back pain. Some side sleepers may even love the Organica.

We use GOTS organic cotton for the Organica’s cover. It’s naturally cooling, durable, and softens with age. Not only that, but the cover has tufted rosettes to secure the mattress layers and prevent wear. Under the cover is 1 inch of New Zealand Joma Wool®. It regulates your body temperature, absorbs moisture, and acts as a natural flame retardant.

The Organica’s comfort layer is made from 3 inches of Talalay latex, a pressure-relieving and responsive foam. Latex is one of the longest-lasting foams out there, lasting 12 to 15 years on average. You won’t have to worry about it sagging or going soft for a long time.

The Organica features pocketed coils with reinforced sides for edge support. The pocketed coil layer is 8 inches thick and beneath it is an inch-thick base.

Quick Summary

• Medium-firm feel suitable for back sleeper and some side sleepers
• New Zealand Joma Wool® is a natural flame barrier and temperature regulator
• Contains both Talalay and Dunlop latexes

Is a Medium-Firm Mattress Right for You?

Medium-firm mattresses are not right for everyone, but they offer even weight distribution, spinal support, and restful sleep for many sleepers. For certain sleepers, they are the perfect balance between a firm and medium mattress. Below, we explain who might find a medium-firm mattress comfortable.

Back Sleepers

When resting on your back, the hips tend to sink into the mattress. An overly-soft mattress can cause the hips to sink too much, forcing the spine to bow. Resting with the spine in an awkward position all night causes the muscles to tense and leads to pain and discomfort. Therefore, mattresses for back sleepers should be medium to medium-firm. A firmer sleep surface keeps the hips and shoulders lifted and aligned to alleviate muscle tension.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping can exaggerate the natural curvature of the spine, causing pressure to build up in the neck and lower back. Therefore, the best beds for stomach sleepers are medium-firm to firm. A mattress with minimal compression will lessen the curve of the spine and alleviate pressure.

Heavier Individuals

Heavier individuals, those 230 pounds or more, tend to sink into the mattress throughout the night. On a soft mattress, heavier sleepers may sink too much, causing the spine to bow and pressure to build up in the lower back. Additionally, if the mattress is too firm, it can cause painful pressure points near the joints.

The best mattresses for heavier sleepers are medium-firm because they are firm enough to prevent over-sinking but soft enough to prevent pressure points.

Back Pain Sufferers

For those with back pain, the spine needs to remain neutral. Otherwise, the back muscles will tighten and clench throughout the night, leading to tension and pain. Over time, sleeping in awkward positions can make back pain worse.

The best mattresses for back pain are medium-firm. The sight firmness keeps body weight evenly distributed so the muscles can fully relax and recover during sleep.

Sleepers Who Should Avoid a Medium-Firm Mattress

While medium-firm mattresses are ideal for many people, some sleepers may find these beds too firm. In most cases, lightweight individuals and side sleepers prefer a softer mattress and should avoid medium-firm beds.

Lightweight Individuals

Lightweight people who weigh 130 pounds or less tend to experience minimal sinking. On a medium-firm to firm mattress, friction can develop near the heavier parts of the body, such as the hips and shoulders. Throughout the night, this friction can cause painful pressure points near these areas.

Therefore, lightweight individuals should rest on a softer mattress to cushion the body’s curves and alleviate tension.

Side Sleepers

When side sleeping, the hips and shoulders bear all of the body weight. On a medium-firm to firm mattress, these sensitive areas are at risk of developing pressure points. Mattresses for side sleepers should offer more contouring and compression to keep these areas protected throughout the night. In most cases, mattresses for side sleepers are soft to medium.

Types of Medium-Firm Mattresses

There are several types of medium-firm mattresses on the market, each with a slightly different feel. Below, we describe the mattress types you will come across when shopping for a medium-firm bed.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam, or viscoelastic foam, is responsive and conforming, so it immediately molds to the body for maximum comfort and pressure relief. For this reason, memory foam mattresses are perfect for relieving pain and discomfort during sleep.

Memory foam mattresses are available in many different firmness levels, including soft, medium-soft, medium, medium-firm, and extra firm. The various foam layers within the bed will determine the overall feel of the mattress. When shopping for a medium-firm memory foam mattress, look for one with targeted lumbar support and cushioning near the hip and shoulder joints to prevent pressure points.

Since traditional memory foam layers tend to retain heat and moisture, we suggest that you purchase one with cooling features, such as plant-based oils, gel memory foam, airflow channels, or mineral infusions.

Latex Foam Mattresses

Latex foam contours closely to the body like memory foam. However, latex foam has more buoyancy, keeping sleepers resting on top of the mattress rather than cradled. Heavier individuals can benefit from a latex mattress because it helps prevent over sinking and spinal misalignment.

Latex foam is resistant to bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew. It is also highly durable—with some latex foam mattresses lasting up to 12 years. Since latex foam can be produced with sustainable methods, these beds are often eco-friendly and free of harmful chemicals and additives.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses have a 2 to 3-inch top layer made of foam, typically memory foam or latex foam. However, instead of a foam base, hybrids have a spring coil base. Most high-quality hybrid beds use pocketed spring coils, which are individually wrapped for motion isolation and accurate contouring.

Like memory foam and latex beds, hybrids are available in several different firmness levels, including medium-firm. However, no matter which firmness you choose, all hybrids have a slight bounce thanks to the coil base. This buoyant quality makes changing positions and getting in and out of bed easier.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring beds have been around for many years, and the design continues to evolve. Like hybrid mattresses, innerspring beds have spring coils for support and a softer top layer for comfort. Many innerspring beds also have an attached pillow top to increase comfort and pressure relief.

However, unlike hybrids, many innerspring beds have very thin comfort layers that do not provide enough contouring. Also, traditional innerspring coils are connected, so when coils on one side of the bed are compressed, the coils on the other side of the bed move. This creates motion transfer that can disrupt your partner as you change positions throughout the night.

Mattress Thickness

The thickness of a medium-firm mattress typically ranges from 8 to 12 inches, although variations exist among brands and models. The design of a medium-firm mattress involves a combination of materials like memory foam, latex, or innerspring coils to provide adequate support while maintaining a level of plushness.

Mattress thickness contributes to the overall feel, influencing factors such as pressure relief, spinal alignment, and motion isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a medium-firm mattress good for back pain?

Yes, scientific evidence suggests Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source that a medium-firm mattress is an excellent way to relieve back pain. The feel can alleviate muscle tension and promote healing. However, it’s also important to choose mattress materials that relieve pressure and pain.

What does medium-firm mean?

The term “medium-firm” essentially tries to capture how the firmness is a midway point between a balanced medium and a true firm mattress. Still, one medium-firm mattress is likely to feel different from another medium-firm mattress. This is particularly true if each mattress is constructed with different materials.

Is a medium-firm mattress good for hip pain?

A medium-firm mattress can relieve certain sleepers’ hip pain, though it may not be the best mattress for hip pain overall. For example, side sleepers may be waking up with hip pain precisely because their mattress is too firm and need a bed in the medium to soft range.

However, back and stomach sleepers may find a medium-firm surface promotes a healthy spine alignment and prevents sore hips in the morning.

What’s the difference between firm and medium firm mattresses?

The difference between a firm and medium-firm mattress is how hard and unyielding the surface feels. This is why each firmness is suited to varying sleep styles, despite how similar they sound.

A medium-firm mattress is also likely to be thicker than a true firm mattress, thanks to the added cushioning materials.

Is a medium firm mattress good for side sleepers?

In most cases, side sleepers find firm mattresses uncomfortable. Side sleepers need contouring to cushion and support the curves of the body. If the mattress is too firm, pressure and tension can build up along the side of the body and leave you with stiff, aching joints and muscles in the morning.

Still, heavier side sleepers may find that a medium-firm mattress feels supportive and cushioning. Combination sleepers who spend time on their backs and stomachs along with their sides may also find a medium-firm mattress comfortable.

Conclusion

If you’re a back or stomach sleeper or frequently experience back pain, you may benefit from a medium-firm mattress. The support of a medium-firm bed ensures your spine stays neutral and your muscles remain relaxed throughout the night, helping to ease tension and promote healing.