Plank Firm: Best Overall Firm Mattress
We chose the Plank Firm as our Best Overall because it’s a truly firm mattress that’s customizable by flipping to either a firm side or an extra firm side. It also has excellent edge support and strong motion isolation scores.
Why we chose the Plank Firm as the Best Overall
If you’re looking for a firm mattress—really and truly firm—the Plank Firm is a clear winner. We chose the Plank Firm as the best overall firm mattress because it had the highest firmness level of all the mattresses we've tested. The Plank mattress is unique in that it’s flippable. There’s a firm side and an extra firm side.
For context, we rate a firm mattress as a 7 out of 10 or higher on the firmness scale. The Plank Firm is an 8 out of 10. Extra firm is rated a 9 or 10 out of 10, and the Plank Extra Firm is a 10 out of 10.
Firm mattresses like the Plank typically have less pressure relief because of how hard they feel, and they don't contour the spine. Still, some people like this feeling of firmness, and it can be good for those with mobility concerns for the ease of moving around on the bed, as well as edge support.
The Plank Firm scored a 3 out of 5, an average score for support, and a perfect 5 out of 5 for edge support. This means that, for most people, they can sleep or sit at the edge of the mattress without feeling like they’re going to slip off.
Our testing experience with the Plank Firm
Our testers found it easier to change positions while lying on the Plank Firm. “Although there is a little cushioning…it was easy to switch from back to side,” said a tester. But for side sleeping, our average-weight (weighing between 130–250 pounds) tester said she felt her hips pressing too much into the mattress. She also felt some added pressure on her lower back and hips when lying on her back.
We liked the motion isolation of the Plank Firm, with testers saying they hardly felt any movement from a bed partner. “I knew he was moving, but it wasn't impactful at all,” said a tester. “I don't think this would wake me.” In testing motion isolation on the extra firm side, testers reported feeling a little more movement, but still felt it wouldn’t wake them up.
Who is the Plank Firm right for?
The Plank Firm is a mattress for people who really want a firm sleeping surface. People who need strong edge support and have mobility concerns can benefit from its solid, supportive feel. Those who are at a higher body weight (weighing more than 250 pounds) might find the Plank is more supportive than other firm mattresses.
Unsurprisingly, the Plank Firm is not the best option for those with aches and pains. The bed’s firmness doesn’t offer enough cushioning to relieve joint pressure while sleeping. If you need a firm bed to reduce pain while sleeping, you may want to consider the next mattress on this list, the Saatva Classic.
