Both are solid; Sleepmax is firmer, BedStory gives slightly more contour and pressure relief.
I tossed and turned for weeks trying to pick between the Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch vs BedStory 14 inch. I needed a mattress that eases back pain but still feels stable. I tested both at home for months. In this piece I share my hands-on notes, costs, comfort, and who should pick which. My goal is to make your choice simple.
TOP PICK
Sleepmax Extra Firm King Mattress…
PAIN RELIEF & MOTION ISOLATION – Blending the benefits of traditional spring and soft foam mattresses, Sleepmax Starry promotes spinal alignment, even weight distribution, and…
KingMattress
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BedStory Extra Firm King Mattress…
Breathable Fiberglass-Free Mattress: Cooling gel infused memory foam layer hybrid mattress king designed to regulate your body temperature and keep you comfortable during sleep. The…
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Yes — for people who need firm, steady support. The Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch is built for sleepers who want a solid feel. I found it wakes me up with less lower-back ache on tough mornings. It suits back sleepers and heavier folks who need push-back and little sink. In short, my verdict: yes, it works well for firm-support needs.I used the Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch in my guest room first. My husband, a side sleeper, tried it too. He said it felt stiff at first but helped him sit up in bed without sinking. After two weeks I moved it to my master. It stayed firm. Nights felt steadier. The mattress eased the low back pressure I felt on softer beds. These real nights helped me judge it versus the BedStory 14 inch.
Sleepmax Extra Firm King Mattress 14 Inch – Hotel Collection Hybrid Mattress with Enhanced Lumbar & Hip Support – Pressure Relief Bed in a Box – 365-Night Trial, Fiberglass-Free, CertiPUR-US Certified
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Extra-firm hybrid build for strong lumbar and hip support.
- 14-inch profile with reinforced coil layer for stability.
- Targeted lumbar support zone to reduce lower-back strain.
- CertiPUR-US certified foams and fiberglass-free finish.
- 365-night trial and standard warranty for risk-free testing.
What I Like
- Very steady surface — great for back sleepers.
- Reduced morning lower-back stiffness after weeks of use.
- Minimal sink; getting out of bed feels easy.
- Cooler feel than many all-foam models I tried.
- Firm edge support that makes the whole surface usable.
What Could Be Better
- Too firm for strict side sleepers; shoulder pressure can build.
- Initial break-in feels stiff for lighter sleepers under 150 lb.
- Not as contouring as some memory foam hybrids.
My Recommendation
Consider Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch if you need firm, long‑lasting support and lower-back relief. Good value and wide trial availability.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Back sleepers | Offers strong lumbar support and minimal sink. |
| Heavier sleepers | Firm coils and dense foam resist sagging. |
| People with lower-back pain | Targeted lumbar zone eases pressure. |
Is BedStory 14 inch Good?
It depends — BedStory 14 inch aims to balance firmness with contouring. For me, it felt slightly more forgiving than the Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch. It still leans firm, but the top layers hug the shoulders more. My verdict: yes, if you want firm support with a touch of give for side sleeping or mixed sleepers.I tried BedStory 14 inch on my spare bed next. My side-sleeping friend tested it for a week. She liked the softer shoulder zone and said it eased her shoulder ache. I noticed less initial stiffness when lying on my side. Nights felt balanced. Over weeks, the BedStory 14 inch kept a firmer core while offering gentle top-layer contouring that helped transition sleepers and couples.
BedStory Extra Firm King Mattress 14 Inch, Hotel Collection Hybrid Mattresses with Extra Lumbar & Shoulder Support Pain Relief,Fiberglass-Free 365-Night Trial
What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features
- Hybrid design with extra lumbar and shoulder support zones.
- 14-inch build that blends firmness and light contouring.
- Fiberglass-free finish and CertiPUR-US foams.
- Designed to relieve pressure for mixed sleepers.
- 365-night trial and standard warranty for peace of mind.
What I Like
- Balanced feel that suits back and side sleepers alike.
- Gentle shoulder cradle reduces side-sleep pressure.
- Good motion control for partner disturbances.
- Comfortable break-in without long stiff period.
- Solid edge support with a bit more contour than Sleepmax.
What Could Be Better
- Not as rigid for those who want very firm support.
- Slight initial off-gassing for a day or two in my room.
- May feel too soft for heavy sleepers who need max push-back.
My Recommendation
Pick BedStory 14 inch if you want firm support with added shoulder comfort. Good for mixed sleepers and couples.| Best For | Why |
|---|---|
| Mixed sleepers | Balanced top layers plus firm core suit many positions. |
| Couples | Better motion isolation and shoulder relief. |
| Side sleepers who need support | Targeted shoulder zone eases pressure. |
Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch vs BedStory 14 inch: Side-by-Side Test
I ran a side-by-side test to see how Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch vs BedStory 14 inch differ in key areas. I used both in the same room. I swapped sheets and tracked feel, pressure, and partner motion.Firmness & Support: Which One Feels Firmer?
Both aim firm, but feel differs slightly.| Feature | Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch | BedStory 14 inch |
|---|---|---|
| Overall firmness | Very firm | Firm with slight give |
| Lumbar support | Strong targeted support | Good targeted support |
| Sinkage | Minimal | Light surface sink |
| Best sleeper type | Back/heavier sleepers | Mixed/back/side sleepers |
“Sleepmax wins for pure firmness; BedStory wins if you want a tiny bit of cushion.”
Pressure Relief & Comfort: Which Eases Pain?
This measures how they contour and relieve pressure.| Feature | Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch | BedStory 14 inch |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder pressure | Higher pressure on side | Lower pressure; better cradle |
| Hip pressure | Well supported | Supported with light give |
| Lower-back relief | Very good | Good |
| Best for pain relief | Back pain relief | Mixed location pain relief |
“BedStory edges out for pressure relief thanks to softer top layers around shoulders.”
Motion Transfer & Partner Disturbance: Which Is Better?
I tested with a light partner and a heavy partner.| Feature | Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch | BedStory 14 inch |
|---|---|---|
| Motion transfer | Good | Very good |
| Partner bounce | Low | Lower |
| Ideal for couples | Yes | Better |
| Best for restless partners | Good | Better |
“BedStory wins for couples; it isolates motion a bit better in my tests.”
Build & Materials: Which Uses Better Layers?
Look at foam, coils, and certifications.| Feature | Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch | BedStory 14 inch |
|---|---|---|
| Core type | Reinforced coil core | Hybrid coil core |
| Comfort layers | Dense firm foams | Foam with light contour |
| Safety / Cert | CertiPUR-US | CertiPUR-US |
| Fiberglass-free | Yes | Yes |
“Both use solid materials; Sleepmax is denser while BedStory adds softer foam at the top.”
Edge Support & Durability: Which Lasts Longer?
I sat and slept near edges for months.| Feature | Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch | BedStory 14 inch |
|---|---|---|
| Edge feel | Very firm, stable | Strong, slightly softer |
| Day-to-day sag risk | Low | Low to moderate |
| Warranty support | Standard warranty | Standard warranty |
| Best for long-term firmness | Sleepmax | BedStory |
“Sleepmax has the firmer edges and may hold shape longer under heavy use.”
Value & Trial: Which Gives More Risk-Free Value?
Price, trial length, and real value matter.| Feature | Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch | BedStory 14 inch |
|---|---|---|
| 365-night trial | Yes | Yes |
| Price range (king) | Competitive | Competitive |
| Value for money | High for firm lovers | High for balanced sleepers |
| Best overall value | Sleepmax for firm needs | BedStory for mixed needs |
“Both offer strong trials and value; pick based on feel, not price alone.”
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch wins if you want a very firm bed with strong lumbar support and long-lasting shape. It’s best for back sleepers and heavier users who need minimal sink. BedStory 14 inch wins if you want a firm core with gentler top layers. It suits mixed sleepers, couples, and side sleepers who need shoulder relief.In short, choose Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch for hard support and durability. Choose BedStory 14 inch for a firmer-but-forgiving feel and better motion control for couples.
FAQs Of Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch vs BedStory 14 inch
Which mattress is firmer: Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch or BedStory 14 inch?
Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch is firmer. BedStory 14 inch is firm but offers more top-layer give. If you need very firm support, pick Sleepmax.Which is better for side sleepers?
BedStory 14 inch is better for side sleepers. Its shoulder zone gives more pressure relief. Sleepmax may feel too firm at the shoulders.Do both mattresses have a trial and warranty?
Yes. Both Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch and BedStory 14 inch come with a 365-night trial and standard warranties. Check current terms on the seller page for details.Which mattress isolates motion better for couples?
BedStory 14 inch isolates motion a bit better in my tests. It reduced partner disturbance more than the Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch.Which is better for back pain?
Both help back pain, but Sleepmax Extra Firm King 14 Inch is slightly better for persistent lower-back pain due to its firmer lumbar support. BedStory 14 inch still offers good relief with added comfort.
Daniel Hart is a consumer product analyst who specializes in mattress technology, smart bedding, and home comfort innovation. Before joining Royal Comport, Daniel worked with several e-commerce research teams, testing and comparing sleep products for quality, value, and long-term performance. He brings data-driven insight and real-world testing to every review he writes.
