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Not only does that quote sum up the comfort of the Saatva Classic.

but it also sums up medium-firm mattresses in general.

A collage of our medium-firm mattress testing process

The Saatva Classic is one of the best-rated mattresses on the market(Image credit: Saatva)

This balanced comfort suits most sleep styles, especially those who sleep in different positions.

We’ve slept on all the latest mattresses and and have ranked the best medium-firm mattresses right here.

The best medium-firm mattress overall

1.

Saatva Classic

The Saatva Classic is one of the best-rated mattresses on the market(Image credit: Saatva)

After retesting the Saatva Classic recently, we awarded it five-stars across the board.

Beneath this sits the responsive spring layer, with foam railings for superior edge support.

For more contouring, consider the Nectar at #4.

Saatva Classic mattress, photographed from the side

We tested the Classic in a Luxury Firm (i.e. medium-firm)(Image credit: Future)

The price might be an issue for some, as this is very much a premium mattress.

For a cheaper but firmer alternative, consider the DreamCloud (#5).

With a feel that suits all sleep styles, the Saatva Classic is the top of the class.

A crop of the Linenspa mattress on a wooden frame in a bedroom scene

The Linenspa is incredibly affordable for a hybrid(Image credit: Linenspa)

The best budget medium firm mattress

2.

Coming in three height options, the shortest model is priced at under $300 for a queen.

Wed suggest opting the 10 to get that medium-firm feel and enough support for an adult.

Testing the pressure relief of the Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress by placing a weight in the center of the bed

We test the pressure relief of our Linenspa Hybrid(Image credit: Jo Plumridge)

The Linenspa has a simple three layer construction of responsive foams and open coils.

If you share with a restless sleeper, you might be disturbed in the night.

Temperature regulation isnt too bad either frankly, there isnt enough foam on this mattress to successfully trap heat.

Linenspa Essentials 10"…

you could sometimes save further with rare sitewide sales, whileAmazonoffers semi-regular deals.

Overall, we think its one of thebest cheap mattressesyou can buy.

The best budget luxury medium-firm mattress

3.

Target

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.

Linenspa 10 Inch Memory Foam…

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.

ensuring the hips dont dip and the spine remains aligned.

Linenspa Essentials 10"…

A queen size often sells for just $665 (was $1,613).

Our jaw dropped too.

DreamClouds generous forever warranty, free shipping and one-year sleep trial still applies.

DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress in a bedoom, with a dog lying on it

The DreamCloud is designed to offer affordable luxury(Image credit: DreamCloud)

The best medium-firm memory foam mattress

4.

Its our top recommendation in ourbest memory foam mattressesguide, and particularly suited to side and back sleepers.

This is down to the construction of the mattress, which layers contouring foam with support foam.

DreamCloud Mattress US

We test the DreamCloud mattress for motion isolation(Image credit: Future)

Nectars 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.

Youll also get a generous 365-night trial, forever warranty and free shipping and returns.

The image shows the Nectar Classic memory foam mattress on a white bed frame in a sleek and stylish bedroom

The Nectar Classic Memory Foam is designed to offer medium-firm cushioning(Image credit: Nectar)

The best cooling medium-firm mattress

5.

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

The 14 five-layer Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is our #1best cooling mattressof the year.

The quilted cover adds softness to the surface without too much sinkage.

A weight is placed in the center of the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress to measure pressure relief

We test our Nectar Classic Mattress(Image credit: Future)

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.

nectar classic memory foam…

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 could almost always grab a great deal.

Generally, 35% off.

The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress placed on a wooden bedframe in a white bedroom with wooden floors

(Image credit: Bear Mattress)

The lifetime warranty, 120-night sleep trial and free delivery are the icing on top.

But if thats still out of budget, we recommend you shop the DreamCloud at #3.

It’s not quite as cool, but the overall feel is similar.

The setup process of the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress

It was difficult to find any faults with the Bear Elite we tested(Image credit: Future / Alex Temblador)

The best medium-firm mattress for back pain

6.

Saatva RX Mattress

Saatva makes some of thebest mattresses for back pain.

The brand classifies the Saatva RX as ‘Supportive Plush.’

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress -…

Our testing panel translates that as medium-firm to firm.

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.

Bear Mattress

A lifetime warranty and a one-year sleep trial are also included.

The best organic medium-firm mattress

7.

Birch Natural Mattress

The Birch Natural is one of thebest organic mattressvalues out there.

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress -…

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.

(For very hot sleepers, the Bear Elite with Celliant cover at #5 is better).

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress -…

Regular sales keep the price lower than most of Birch’s rivals.

Our review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties.

We score these performance categories against other mattresses we’ve already tested.

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress -…

Best medium-firm mattress FAQs

Is a medium-firm mattress good for back pain?

However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

But as we always say, firmness and comfort are subjective.

Saatva RX mattress

The Saatva RX is designed to help alleviate aches and pains(Image credit: Saatva)

What feels just right to you may be too soft or firm to others.

Take advantage ofmattress 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.

Saatva RX hand-on mattress review: Saatva RX on bed frame

The Saatva RX Mattress we tested(Image credit: Future / Alison Barretta)

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

You might benefit from aplush mattress instead of a medium-firm bedif you’re primarily a side sleeper.

A softer mattress will be easier on the shoulders, hips, and knees.

Photo of the Birch Natural mattress in a bedroom

The Birch Natural is made from natural latex for a cleaner, greener sleep(Image credit: 3Z for Tom’s Guide)

In that case, try afirm mattress.

Why do hotels use medium-firm mattresses?

So for that reason, most of themattresses used in hotelsare medium-firm feel.

Birch Natural mattress in reviewer’s bedroom

The Birch Natural that we tested(Image credit: Birch)

A woman with long dark hair holds her back which is sore after sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm for her

Saatva Classic Mattress - Twin

Linenspa 10 Inch Memory Foam…

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress -…

Saatva Rx - Twin XL

A collage of our testing process for the best mattress for side sleepers guide

Two members of our review team photographed during a pressure relief test on the Saatva Classic mattress, with one typing notes into a laptop and the other measuring the amount of sinkage caused by a 56lb cast iron weight being dropped into the middle of the Saatva Classic mattress

The Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress, our top pick for best mattress for stomach sleepers

A collage of photos depicting the various stages of our hybrid mattress testing and reviewing process in order to find the best options for people to buy in 2025

A woman wearing green tshirt sitting in bed with her bed tilted and her hand on her neck.

The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress placed on a rattan bed frame in our Sleep Lab and photographed during our testing phase

A split image featuring the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress on the left and the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid on the right, leading into the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid vs Nectar Classic showdown

The image shows a woman sitting up in bed and clutching her shoulder in pain

The Avocado Green Mattress on a simple wooden bed frame in a bedroom, a Tom�s Guide price drop deals graphic (right)

The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress on a bed frame in a bedroom, a man and his young sun sitting on top of it, smiling. A Tom�s Guide price drop deals graphic (right)

A couple using the Scandinavian Sleep Method

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