85% of sleepers need a medium-firm feel. It is the most popular firmness mattress brands sell and it creates the right balanced of comfort, pressure relief, and support for the vast majority of sleepers.
In choosing the winners for our best medium-firm mattress list we considered every medium-firm mattress we’ve ever tested. Below are the 7 best medium-firm mattresses on the market, based on expert testing and objective data.
Top Pick
Winkbed
The Winkbed is our top pick for medium-firm mattress. It is the highest-performing mattress we’ve tested to date and is available in three firmnesses—soft (4), medium-firm (6), and firm (8).
The 7 Best Medium-Firm Mattresses
- Winkbed – Best Overall
- Helix Plus Elite – Best for Heavy People
- Leesa Sapira – Best Hybrid
- Saatva Latex Hybrid – Best for Natural Materials
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best for Cooling
- Glacier Apex – Best Affordable / Budget-Friendly
- Bear Elite Hybrid – Best Memory Foam Hybrid
| Mattress Name | Overall Score | Type | Firmness | Price | Read Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winkbed | 9.82 | Hybrid | Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), Slightly Firm (7) | $1,499 | Review |
| Helix Plus Elite | 9.62 | Plus-Sized | Medium-Firm (6) | $2,999 | Review |
| Leesa Sapira Hybrid | 9.50 | Hybrid | Medium-Firm (6) | $1,499 | Review |
| Saatva Latex Hybrid | 9.48 | Latex Hybrid | Medium-Firm (6.5) | $2,095 | Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | 9.33 | Hybrid | Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), and Firm (8) | $1,699 | Review |
| Glacier Apex | 9.27 | Memory Foam Hybrid | Medium-Firm (6) | $1,399 | Review |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | 9.24 | Memory Foam Hybrid | Soft (4.5), Medium-Firm (6), Slightly Firm (7.5) | $1,614 | Review |
Our Testing & Selection Process
300+
Mattresses Tested
To Date
43
Data Points Tested
On Each Mattress
89
Mattress Brands Tested To Date
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 Medium-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 medium-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 a medium-firm feel (6 out of 10 on the firmness scale).
When selecting the best medium-firm mattresses, 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 6 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm.
- Had to have a performance score of 9.24 or higher.
- Had to be available for purchase within the USA.
Outliers that met the criteria above, but were still excluded for other various reasons are listed below.
| Mattress | Score | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond Flurry Lux | 9.32 | Brand is not well-known by consumers |
Our Testing Team
Derek
Lead Tester
Kayla
Writer
Kyle
Tester
Nathan
Tester
Samantha
Data Analyst
Winkbed Mattress
Best For
- All-around performance, #1 best mattress tested to date
- Fantastic edge support when sitting or lying at or near the edge
- Pressure relief for sleepers of all body weight or sleeping positions
Considerations
- Deep sinkage isn’t preferred by all sleepers
- 120-night trial is shorter than the 178-night average
- Returns are free, but exchanges are $49
Our Verdict
The WinkBed is a 14″ hybrid mattress with a quilted cover, foam comfort layer (made of gel foam, poly foam, and support foam) as well as pocketed coil base.
The Winkbed is available in three firmness options—Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), and Slightly Firm (7). Winkbed also offers a Plus-sized version. Heavier sleepers, especially over 300 lbs. would be best supported by the Winkbed Plus.
This mattress has deep sinkage as well as moderate levels of bounce. For side sleepers especially, deep sinkage can be really great for contour and support along the spine.
In our performance tests, the Winkbed mattress earned an overall score of 9.82, making this mattress the #1 best mattress we’ve tested to date.
A queen mattress costs $1499, which is 8% more than the average hybrid. But given its higher performance, the differences feel marginal compared to the performance advantages you’re getting with the Winkbed.
Click here to read the full Winkbed review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Slightly Firm (7)
Winkbed Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Winkbed |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.82 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,499 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.38″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.6 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 5.85 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 9.91″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 10 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 2.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 9.1 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 5.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 10 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Company – Score | 9.7 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Helix Plus Elite
Best For
- Heavier weighted sleepers (though sleepers of all weights will still find it comfortable)
- Fantastic cooling performance
- Great edge support for both sitting and lying at or near the edge
Considerations
- High price, $2999 for a queen, 2X more than average
- High bounce (10.05″), which is slightly more than average
- 100-night trial period is 78 nights shorter than average
Our Verdict
The Helix Plus Elite is a hybrid designed for heavier sleepers. However, even lighter weighted sleepers will find it comfortable. This makes it a great option for couples of varying weights. This mattress is 16″ thick and has a robust 7.0″ comfort layer. Materials include a 1.0″ quilted cover, a poly foam comfort layer with micro-coils sandwiched in between layers of foam, and supported by a pocketed coil base.
There is only one firmness of the Plus Elite mattress, a 6 out of 10, which gives the mattress a medium-firm feel.
This mattress has moderate sinkage and high bounce, providing a nice balance of support and comfortable contour.
In our performance tests, this mattress earned an overall score of 9.62, ranking in the top 1% of all mattresses tested to date. This is a fantastic score for heavier sleepers or just those who want unmatched pressure relief and support.
Given its higher performance and impressive material layers, the Plus Elite also sports a higher price tag, $2999 for a queen. This is 78% more than the average plus-sized mattress ($1681) costing sleepers an extra $1,317. While not a budget pick, this mattress has top-tier performance across the board.
Click here to read the full Helix Plus Elite review.
Type: Plus-Sized
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Helix Plus Elite Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Helix Plus Elite |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.62 |
| Price (Queen) | $2,999 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.24″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.2 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 6.85 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.8 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.5 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.05″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.4 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 9.2 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 7.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 16″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.6 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 5 days |
| Company – Score | 9.5 |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Leesa Sapira
Best For
- Exceptionally good cooling
- Higher levels of bounce while still retaining low levels of motion transfer
- Fantastic pressure relief, despite only having an 11″ thickness
Considerations
- Has a high level of bounce
- Sitting edge support is a little weaker than average, 6.25″ sitting sinkage
- 100-night trial is shorter than the 178-night average
Our Verdict
The Leesa Sapira is an 11″ hybrid mattress with a feel that is surprisingly luxurious. It has a comfort layer made of poly foam and memory foam, with a base of pocketed coils and support foam.
The Sapira is available in a single firmness, 6 out of 10, giving the mattress a medium-firm feel.
This mattress has a moderate degree of sinkage and very high levels of bounce, 33% more than the average mattress we tested. This can be an attractive mattress for couples, especially given the low levels of motion transfer as well.
In our performance tests, this mattress earned an overall score of 9.48, ranking among the top 2% best mattresses tested to date. Looking exclusively at hybrids, the Sapira is in the top 1%.
A queen mattress is $1,599 for the Sapira. This is 13% more than the average hybrid mattress and $180 more than the average. But even still, despite the higher cost, performance is also significantly higher so the value is solid.
Click here to read the full Leesa Sapira Hybrid review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Leesa Sapira Hybrid Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Leesa Sapira |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.50 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,599 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.05″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 4.66 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.5 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.4 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 12.67″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Very High |
| Edge Support – Score | 7.5 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 6.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 9.1 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.3 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 6 days |
| Company – Score | 9.5 |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Saatva Latex Hybrid
Best For
- Natural materials with 3.0″ natural latex comfort layer
- Very low levels of motion transfer, 65% less than average
- Fantastic sex performance due to minimal sinkage and high bounce
Considerations
- $2095 for a queen mattress, 28% more than the average latex hybrid mattress
- Generalized contour is a specific feel of latex mattresses, can be a bit polarizing
- Minimal sinkage may not be ideal for all side sleepers
Our Verdict
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a 12″ latex hybrid mattress with a quilted cover, natural latex comfort layer, and pocketed coil base. The natural materials make this mattress an attractive pick for sleepers looking for a more sustainable choice without harsh chemicals.
The mattress is available in a single firmness, 6.5 out of 10, which gives the mattress a medium-firm feel.
This Saatva Latex Hybrid has minimal sinkage and high levels of bounce, pretty typical of latex hybrid mattresses. It has a more generalized, rounded contour compared to the exacting contour you’d get with memory foam.
In our tests, this mattress is the #1 best latex hybrid we’ve tested to date, earning an impressive 9.48 score overall. Among all mattresses tested, the Saatva Latex Hybrid is within the top 2% of all mattresses.
A queen mattress is $2,095, which is 37% more than the average latex hybrid. Compared to other non-latex mattresses, the discrepancy is even higher—a price that is 51% higher than the average mattress. But for the absolute best latex hybrid we’ve tested to date, Saatva Latex Hybrid gets it done.
Click here to read the full Saatva Latex Hybrid review.
Type: Latex Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6.5)
Saatva Latex Hybrid Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Saatva Latex Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.48 |
| Price (Queen) | $2,095 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.85″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Minimal |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 3.13 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.82″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High |
| Edge Support – Score | 10 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.00″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 9.4 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 12″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 10 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Company – Score | 9.4 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
For Memory Foam Feel
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
9.24 Overall Score
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is another mattress you may want to consider. This mattress comes in a single firmness (6 out of 10) with a medium-firm feel. But unlike the Saatva Latex Hybrid, this mattress has deeper contour, more hug, and a classic memory foam feel. It’s also about $300 less than the Saatva Latex Hybrid, only $1795 for a queen.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Best For
- 13.5″ thick and exceptional pressure relief
- Fantastic cooling, a perfect 10 out of 10 score
- Fast material response time
Considerations
- Motion transfer levels are slightly above average (9.06 m/s²)
- 120-night trial period is shorter than 178-night average trial
- Price is 20% more than the average hybrid
Our Verdict
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a 13.25″ hybrid mattress made of poly foam, pocketed coils, and a support foam base. It has a thin 0.5″ quilted cover on top.
It is available in three firmness levels—Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), and Firm (8), giving a variety of options for sleepers on all body weights and sleeping positions.
This mattress has both a moderate level of sinkage and bounce, giving the Aurora Luxe a balanced feel.
In our tests, the Aurora Luxe earned an overall score of 9.33, ranking the mattress in the top 5% of all mattresses tested to date.
The Aurora Luxe is $1,698 for a queen mattress, which is 23% more than the average hybrid. While it’s not the lowest price, the Aurora Luxe is still a fantastic value when we consider its exceptionally high performance.
Click here to read the full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), and Firm (8)
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.33 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,699 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.04″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 8.2 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 9.06 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.6 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.7 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 8.96″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.2 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.50″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 8.6 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.3″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 13.25″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.9 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 4 days |
| Company – Score | 9.1 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Glacier Apex
Best For
- Low levels of motion transfer, 34% less motion than average
- Fantastic pressure relief with 6.25″ of comfort material
- Long 365-night trial period, over 2X the average length
Considerations
- Low bounce may not be ideal for all couples looking for better sex performance
- Material responsiveness is good, but not great
Our Verdict
The Glacier Apex is a value-packed hybrid made of memory foam, poly foam, and pocketed coils. It is topped with a Euro cover for a plush feel.
The Apex hybrid is available in a single firmness, 6 out of 10, which gives the mattress a medium-firm feel.
This mattress has moderate sinkage and low levels of bounce, giving the mattress a fairly restrained feel.
In our performance tests, the Apex earned an overall score of 9.27, ranking the mattress in the top 7% of all mattresses tested to date, an impressive rank for any mattress.
A queen Apex is $1,399, 9% less than the average memory foam hybrid. This makes the Glacier Apex an outstanding value for sleepers of all body weights and sleeping positions.
Click here to read the full Glacier Apex review.
Type: Memory Foam Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Glacier Apex Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Glacier Apex |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.27 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,399 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.14″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.7 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 5.77 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 8.4 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.2 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 6.02″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Low |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.9 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding |
| Sex – Score | 7.4 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 10 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 6.25″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14.25″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.9 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 4 days |
| Company – Score | 10 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Bear Elite Hybrid
Best For
- Very low levels of motion transfer, 57% less than average levels
- Exceptional cooling, especially for a mattress with a memory foam comfort layer
- Great pressure relief with 5.0″ of comfort material
Considerations
- Slower material response time, 1.7 seconds for full recovery
- High bounce may not be ideal for all sleepers
- Slightly deeper sinkage when seated at the edge of the mattress, 4.75″ compared to 4.07″ average sinkage
Our Verdict
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a 14″ memory foam hybrid mattress with a copper memory foam top layer, transitional poly foam layer, and a pocketed coil support base. It is topped by a 2.0″ quilted cover that gives the mattress a nice plush feel and balanced contour.
The Bear Elite is available in three different firmness levels—Soft (4.5), Medium-Firm (6), or Firm (7.5). For our review, we tested the medium-firm version.
This mattress has moderate sinkage and high levels of bounce, 6% higher bounce than the average mattress. Neither of these factors are on the extreme end of the spectrum and still gives the mattress a balanced feel.
In our performance tests, the Elite Hybrid has an overall score of 9.24, an impressive rank that puts this mattress in the top 9% of all mattresses tested to date (considering over 300+ mattresses).
A queen mattress costs $1,614 which is 4% more than the average memory foam hybrid. Although the price is higher, you’re also getting a higher-performing mattress so the Bear Elite provides a strong value.
Click here to read the full Bear Elite review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4.5), Medium-Firm (6), Firm (7.5)
Bear Elite Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Bear Elite Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.24 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,614 |
| Cooling – Score | 10 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.14″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 3.74 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 7.9 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.7 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.32″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.4 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.75″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 8.8 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 5.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.2 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days |
| Company – Score | 9.7 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Best Mattress By Category
Have a specific mattress type, sleeping position, feature, or firmness in mind? At NapLab we’ve ranked the mattresses we’ve tested in 23 different specialized best mattress lists. These lists can help you identify the mattresses best suited to specific needs and preferences.
You can also see our best mattress guide for our overall best-ranked mattresses.
Best by Features & Price
Best by Position & People
