Top Pick
Plank Firm
The Plank Firm is our top-performing extra firm mattress. It has a flippable design with a firm and extra firm side. To date, the Plank is the highest-performing extra firm mattress tested. Lastly, it is a fantastic value at less than $1K.
The 3 Best Extra Firm Mattresses
That’s it. That’s the list. While this list is significantly shorter than other “Best Of” lists, the reality is that there is simply not a huge number of high-performing mattresses with an extra firm feel.
Among all mattresses that I’ve tested, Plank and Avocado are the only brands that deliver both a feel that is truly “extra firm” and overall high performance. You can see a full list of all extra firm mattresses we’ve tested here (sorted by firmness).
As we continue to test mattresses, I will update this list when we find other high-performance extra-firm models.
| Mattress Name | Overall Score | Type | Firmness | Price | Read Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plank Firm | 8.84 | Foam, Flippable | Firm (8) or Extra Firm (9) | $999 | Review |
| Plank Firm Luxe | 8.73 | Hybrid, Flippable | Firm (8) or Extra Firm (9) | $1,299 | Review |
| Avocado Extra Firm | 8.62 | Latex Hybrid | Extra Firm (9) | $2,079 | Review |
Our Testing & Selection Process
Each best list is put through a customized performance analysis with specialized consideration given to our objective & data-driven performance tests. In addition, we consider mattress type, design, materials, value, price, and more.
For our Best Extra Firm Mattress list, we based our selections on the best-scoring mattresses, according to our battery of testing and formulaic-driven scoring.
Our tests analyze performance across 8 critical factors, including cooling, motion transfer, response time, edge support, sex, pressure relief, off-gassing, and company. In addition, we also test sinkage and bounce (though these are not scoring factors).
Our tests include objective and quantifiable data whenever possible. In addition, we use subjective assessment supported by data to round out our testing process.
Our scores are based on mathematical formulas and equations that utilize inputs from our data-driven testing.
In choosing the best extra firm mattresses we looked at the totality of all of our tests, scores, data, and reviews to date. We analyzed this data alongside our established best mattress framework here.
In addition to achieving a high-performance score, all mattresses on this list have an extra firm feel.
When selecting the best extra firm mattress, we’re looking at a combination of overall scoring performance, firmness, and US availability.
To be included within this list all mattresses:
- Had to have a firmness of 9 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm.
- Had to have a performance score of 8.62 or higher.
- Had to be available for purchase within the USA.
Typically, we avoid duplicate brand mentions, but the reality is that there are just not many mattresses on the market that have an extra firm feel. In the interest of only showing mattresses that have an extra firm feel, we have multiple mentions from the brand, Plank.
Plank is designed specifically for sleepers looking for an extra firm feel and the brand has multiple mattresses with that firmness, while also providing a hybrid and an all-foam version.
As we test more mattresses at the extra firm level, we will update this list to include additional performance-worthy brands. You can see the full list of extra firm mattresses we’ve tested here.
Our Testing Team
Derek
Lead Tester
Kayla
Writer
Kyle
Tester
Nathan
Tester
Samantha
Data Analyst
Plank Firm
Best For
- Back or stomach sleepers looking for an extra firm feel
- Excellent cooling with limited heat retention
- Moderate sinkage and bounce for a balanced feel
Considerations
- Likely too firm for most side sleepers
- 3.0″ comfort layer is 1.3″ thinner than average
- Sex performance is good, but far from amazing
Our Verdict
The Plank Firm, by Brooklyn Bedding, is a flippable foam mattress with a 2.0″ poly foam and support foam base.
It has a flippable design, but there’s not much variety between the sides because the two options are firm and extra firm (8 or 9 out of 10).
This mattress has moderate sinkage and moderate bounce, despite being one of the firmest mattresses we’ve tested to date.
In our performance tests, the Plank Firm scored an 8.84, ranking it in the top 34% of all mattresses tested to date and also the highest-scoring extra firm mattress we’ve tested to date.
For a queen mattress, the Plank Firm costs $999, which is 32% less than the average mattress. If you love tons of pushback and an extra firm feel the Plank Firm is a fantastic choice.
Note: We tested both the firm and extra firm sides of the Plank mattress and the firm side scored 8.84, while the extra firm side scored 8.40.
Click here to read the full Plank Firm review.
Type: Foam, Flippable
Firmness: Firm (8) or Extra Firm (9)
Plank Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
Plank Firm Luxe
Best For
- Exceptional edge support
- High levels of bounce can provide a more active feel, better for sex
- Great cooling performance
Considerations
- Higher levels of motion transfer, 16% more than average
- Pressure relief is below average, generally not great for side sleepers
- 120-night trial period is shorter than 179-night average
Why It’s Best
The Plank Firm Luxe is similar to the Plank Firm, but thicker and with coils. It is a 13.25″ hybrid mattress with a quilted cover, a poly foam comfort layer, and a pocketed coil base. The mattress is flippable, so there is also a thin comfort layer and another quilted cover on the opposite side as well.
The Firm Luxe is available in a dual firmness, firm (8) or extra firm (9), depending on which side of the mattress you flip it on. This firmness is typically best suited to stomach sleepers or back sleepers. However, some side sleepers could enjoy it, provided you know you love the firm / extra firm feel.
It has moderate levels of sinkage and high levels of bounce. This higher level of bounce (compared to the Plank Firm) can be advantageous for couples as it improves overall sex performance.
In our performance tests, the Firm Luxe earned an overall score of 8.73, ranking in the top 43% of all mattresses tested to date.
This mattress is $1,299 for a queen, which is 12% less expensive than the average mattress, providing a savings of $176 compared to the average.
Click here to read the full Plank Firm Luxe review.
Type: Hybrid, Flippable
Firmness: Firm (8) or Extra Firm (9)
Plank Firm Luxe Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Plank Firm Luxe |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.73 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,299 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.12″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 7.7 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 10.14 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.1 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.8 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.32″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High |
| Edge Support – Score | 10 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.00″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 9.1 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 8.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.5″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 13.25″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.3 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Moderate |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 6 days |
| Company – Score | 9.4 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Avocado Extra Firm
Best For
- Organic and natural materials – mix of latex, coconut fiber pads, wool, cotton, and coils
- Exceptional edge support, 49% less sinkage than average when seated at the edge
- Extremely fast material response time
Considerations
- Higher levels of motion transfer, 17% more than the average
- Cooling is good, but not great
- Pressure relief levels are likely inadequate for side sleepers
- Very high bounce levels will not be ideal for all sleeper preferences
Our Verdict
The Avocado Extra Firm is a 10.00″ latex hybrid mattress made of latex foam, coconut fibers, and pocketed coils. It is topped by a quilted cover, which gives the mattress a bit more pressure relief without sacrificing firmness.
The Avocado Extra Firm is available in a single firmness level — extra firm. On our firmness scale this is 9 out of 10, tied with the firmest mattresses we’ve tested to date.
This mattress has moderate sinkage and very high levels of bounce. The extra firm feel provides more pushback that ultimately sends energy up and out. The results is more bounce and higher levels of motion transfer as well.
That being said, if you’re looking for an extra firm feel and natural materials, the Avocado Extra firm can be an attractive choice. The use of coconut fibers for the added firmness is not something I’ve seen often, but the material is very effective at delivering a firmer feel.
In our performance tests, this mattress earned an overall score of 8.62, ranking the mattress in the bottom 44% of all mattresses tested to date. When we look exclusively at latex hybrids, that rank dips even lower to the bottom 25%. But if you’re looking for an extra firm natural / organic mattress, this is still the #1 pick I’d recommend.
The Avocado Extra Firm is $2,079 for a queen-sized mattress, which is only 4% more expensive than the average latex hybrid. It is right on par with other natural / organic mattresses and is a solid option for natural materials + an extra firm feel.
Click here to read our full Avocado Extra Firm review.
Type: Latex Hybrid
Firmness: Extra Firm (9)
Avocado Extra Firm Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Avocado Extra Firm |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.62 |
| Price (Queen) | $2,079 |
| Cooling – Score | 8.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.01″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 7.6 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 10.26 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 12.58″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Very High |
| Edge Support – Score | 10 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 2.00″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 9.8 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 8.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 3.00″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 10.00″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.3 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 6 days |
| Company – Score | 8.8 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | 25 years |
