The Very Best Mattresses - The Strategist

Recognized as one of the top firm mattress brands, the Plank Firm was highlighted in The Strategist’s list of the Very Best Mattresses, earning praise as the Best Firm Memory-Foam Mattress.

Here is what The Strategist had to say about the Plank Firm:

“I wanted to test the firmest mattress out there — or one of the many that claim to hold the title.

In the first few minutes after I opened the Plank Firm and let it expand, it didn’t feel all that firm when I pressed my hand down. I sunk an elbow into it: pretty squishy. I let it breathe in the guest room for a few weeks. By the time it was hauled onto my platform bed and I splayed myself out on top of the ultrafirm side (to be honest, I wasn’t even interested in trying the less-firm side), I could confirm it was the firmest memory-foam mattress I’d ever laid down on. But not in the way that every firm-mattress-averse person might think: This is not a rigid futon with no give.

That initial squishiness I felt is actually part of the design, and makes it appealing for people like me who might roll from side to side — no compressed shoulders in the morning. But where this impressively firm mattress really shines is when you’re lying on your back. The foam doesn’t just fill in around the contours of your body, it puffs you up on top of it with your weight evenly dispersed. The best way to describe it is “neutral spine” — similar to lying on the floor at the end of yoga class in Savasana, when the curvatures of your spine are all in alignment.”

To read the full article on The Strategist, head to the link here.

How to Choose the Best Firm Mattress

Selecting the right firm mattress requires evaluating several essential factors to match your unique sleep needs. From optimal support to material choices, these elements significantly influence your comfort and spinal health. Use this guide to make an informed decision for a better night’s sleep.

Support Levels for Proper Spinal Alignment

Firm mattresses are ideal for sleepers needing extra support to maintain spinal alignment. Here’s what to consider:

Sleeping Position: Firm mattresses work best for back and stomach sleepers by preventing the lower back from sinking and supporting spinal alignment.
Body Type: Heavier individuals benefit from the sturdy support of firm mattresses, which help avoid sagging and discomfort.
Back Pain Prevention: Firm mattresses support the hips and lower back, reducing misalignment-related discomfort.
Side Sleepers Beware: Side sleepers may find firm mattresses too rigid, leading to pressure on the shoulders and hips. A medium-firm or softer mattress provides better contouring for comfort and weight distribution.

Temperature Regulation

Overheating at night can disrupt your sleep. Combat this issue with:

Breathable Materials: Opt for gel-infused memory foam, open-cell latex, or other breathable options.
Cooling Features: Look for mattresses with moisture-wicking covers or advanced airflow systems to regulate body temperature.

Motion Isolation and Edge Support

For couples or pet owners, minimizing disruptions and ensuring stability are crucial:

Motion Isolation: Reduces disturbances caused by a restless partner or pet.
Edge Support: Reinforces the mattress perimeter, offering stability when sitting or lying near the edge.

Material Matters

The materials in your mattress influence comfort, durability, and overall sleep quality. Popular options include:

Memory Foam: Provides contouring support and pressure relief for targeted areas.
Latex: Naturally hypoallergenic, durable, and responsive, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Hybrid Models: Combine foam or latex layers with innerspring coils for balanced support, bounce, and pressure relief.

Certifications and Endorsements

Quality certifications are a hallmark of a reliable mattress:

Safety and Non-Toxicity: Look for CertiPUR-US® or OEKO-TEX® certifications.
Professional Endorsements: A seal of approval from organizations like The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) ensures the mattress meets spinal health standards.

FAQs About Firm Mattresses

Soft vs. Firm Mattress: Which Is Right for You?

Firm Mattresses: Best for back and stomach sleepers, offering support that evenly distributes weight and prevents spinal misalignment.
Soft Mattresses: Suited for side sleepers who need extra cushioning for the shoulders and hips.

Can Firm Mattresses Relieve Back Pain?

Yes! Firm mattresses are highly recommended for back pain sufferers due to their ability to:

Provide lumbar support to reduce spinal stress.
Ensure proper alignment, alleviating pressure points.
For example, Plank by Brooklyn Bedding is ACA-endorsed and acclaimed for reducing chronic back pain.

Are Firm Mattresses Suitable for Side Sleepers?

Generally, side sleepers benefit more from softer mattresses that cushion pressure points and maintain alignment. Back and stomach sleepers, however, thrive on the stability firm mattresses offer.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can confidently select a firm mattress tailored to your sleep preferences, ensuring better rest and spinal health.