Plank Mattress Review

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OVERVIEW

Brooklyn Bedding was in the first wave of companies to join the mattress in a box movement. Today, the company offers pillows, sheets, blankets, foundations, mattress protectors, and multiple mattress models. The current mattress lineup includes the Aurora, the Signature, the Bowery Hybrid, the Spartan, the Bloom, the Titan, the EcoSleep, the Propel, and the Plank Firm.

The Plank, also known as the Plank Firm, is unique among Brooklyn Bedding’s models. This model is one of the firmest mattresses on the market, constructed to provide a flat, even surface. The Plank is flippable with a different firmness option on either side of the mattress. One side of the mattress is firm, rating at a 7 on the 10-point firmness scale. The other side is extra firm, rating at a 9 on the firmness scale.

This mattress is constructed of multiple layers of foam. An optional cooling top panel is also available. The panel uses phase change molecule (PCM) fabric, which is engineered to feel cool to the touch. This adds to the mattress’s temperature regulation, but it does not significantly impact other performance factors.

We’ll discuss the Plank Mattress’s construction, sizing, pricing, performance, customer reviews, and company policies. If you’re considering buying a Plank Mattress, keep reading to learn more.

Ideal For:

• Individuals who prefer an exceptionally firm feel
• People who tend to sleep hot
• Back and stomach sleepers

Considerations:

• Side sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds are likely to find both sides of the Plank Mattress firmer than ideal
• Sleepers with sharp pressure points may feel the Plank does not contour enough for pressure relief
• Individuals who are easily awoken when their partner moves during the night might not experience enough motion isolation from the Plank Mattress

Mattress Performance

Firm Side: 2/5, Extra Firm Side: 1/5

The Plank’s exceptionally firm feel may lead to more motion transfer than average for all-foam models.

Both sides of the Plank Mattress use firm foams, which tend to absorb less motion than softer foams. This means that some vibrations may be felt across the surface of the bed when one partner moves or gets up during the night. Motion transfer could lead to sleep disturbances for individuals who are easily awoken.

The firm side of the mattress may isolate more motion than the extra firm side thanks to its softer foam. Additionally, the firm side uses a transition layer that can further dampen vibrations.

Firm Side: 2/5, Extra Firm Side: 1/5

While many foam mattresses are built to contour closely to the sleeper’s body to relieve pressure points, the Plank is crafted to provide a stable, even plane. Therefore, the Plank does not relieve pressure points to the extent of many all-foam models.

Due to the Plank’s limited contouring, pressure may build up around a sleeper’s hips and shoulders. The firm side of the mattress has more give, so it may be a better option for side sleepers and others concerned with pressure points. The extra-firm side is one of the firmest sleep surfaces on the market, so it is unlikely to relieve pressure.

The Plank’s firm feel and optional cooling top panel promote a cooler night’s sleep than many all-foam models.

Because the Plank is firmer than most mattresses on the market, sleepers do not sink in as deeply. Air can continue to flow around the sleeper’s body, allowing heat to dissipate. Each side of the Plank also uses a lower-density top layer than some mattresses, which allows additional air circulation within the mattress.

While both the firm and extra firm sides of the Plank sleep cooler than some mattresses, the extra firm side has an edge when it comes to temperature regulation. The exceptionally firm feel permits virtually no sinkage, thereby trapping very little heat.

Individuals who tend to run hot might also consider the optional cooling top panel. This panel uses a PCM fabric to further cool the mattress surface.

Like most all-foam models, the Plank Mattress’s edges are not reinforced. This could lead to some sinkage when sitting or sleeping near the perimeter of the bed. While the Plank Mattress’s edges aren’t as sturdy as many innerspring or hybrid models, the mattress’s firmness may make them feel more secure than the edges of many all-foam models. This should allow most sleepers to use the full mattress surface, including the perimeter.

The Plank’s firm feel reduces the likelihood of the “trapped in the bed” feel sometimes associated with all-foam models. This may make it easier to change positions on the Plank.

Since the Plank is designed to provide a firm, even surface, it contours very minimally. While models that contain memory foam often hold the impression of the sleeper’s body and are slow to respond to changes in pressure, the Plank is unlikely to retain a notable impression. This should allow most sleepers to change positions and move across the surface of the mattress unimpeded.

The Plank Mattress may be moderately conducive to sexual activity for most couples.

Like most all-foam models, the Plank lacks the springiness often associated with innerspring and hybrid models. However, the polyfoam transition layer on the firm side of the mattress has a latex-like quality, giving this side of the bed more bounce than many all-foam models.

The Plank Mattress is also virtually silent, so couples don’t have to worry about a creaky mattress drawing unwanted attention.

Most new mattresses, including the Plank, may initially emit a “new mattress smell.” All-foam models like the Plank are especially prone to off-gassing odors because they tend to let off volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These chemicals are usually not considered harmful.

Airing out your new mattress before using it can help reduce VOCs and associated odors. To do so, unpack your mattress and leave it in a well-ventilated space until the smells dissipate. Most mattresses finish airing out within a few hours to a few days.

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Sleeping Style and Body Weight

Plank – Firm side

Sleeper Type

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Side Sleepers:

The Plank’s firm side rates around 7 on the firmness scale. While this is firmer than side sleepers tend to prefer, some may appreciate the mattress’s even support and light contouring.

Side sleepers who weigh over 130 pounds are more likely to experience contouring and pressure relief. Side sleepers who weigh less than 130 may not sink into the mattress deeply enough for noticeable contouring, so they may experience more pressure around their hips and shoulders.

Back Sleepers:

Back sleepers usually prefer an even surface that doesn’t sag, so the firm side of the Plank Mattress is likely to be a good match.

Back sleepers usually prefer an even surface that doesn’t sag, so the firm side of the Plank Mattress is likely to be a good match.The Plank is crafted to maintain an even plane, so it should provide enough support to prevent most back sleepers’ hips from sinking in too deeply. Back sleepers over 130 pounds may experience the best blend of support and cushioning. Those under 130 pounds may feel it is slightly too firm.

Stomach Sleepers:

Stable support from the firm side of the Plank Mattress may make it an excellent fit for stomach sleepers.

The Plank Mattress’s firm side is even enough to support most stomach sleepers’ midsections without allowing it to sink in too far. Because the mattress is firm, it may be a particularly good match for stomach sleepers over 130 pounds. Stomach sleepers under 130 pounds are also likely to find the Plank Mattress supportive, but it may be firmer than many individuals in this weight group find ideal.

Plank – Extra Firm side

Sleeper Type

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

130-230 lbs

Above 230 lbs

Side Sleepers:

Most side sleepers are likely to find the extra firm side of the Plank Mattress firmer than they’d prefer.

The extra firm side of the Plank Mattress is one of the firmest sleep surfaces on the market, so there is very little give to contour to a side sleeper’s hips and shoulders. This could lead to more pronounced pressure points, especially for side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. Side sleepers who weigh over 130 may also experience pressure points, but those who enjoy an exceptionally firm feel may enjoy the Plank’s extra firm side.

Back Sleepers:

Many back sleepers may appreciate the extra firm side’s even support, but some back sleepers may also find it too firm.

Since back sleepers usually benefit from an even, stable sleep surface, the steady support of the extra firm side of the Plank Mattress may work well for some individuals. Many back sleepers suffer from back pain from sleeping on a softer mattress that allows their hips to sink in too deeply. The extra firm side of the Plank is unlikely to allow much if any hip sinkage. However, the extra firm side also does not provide much cushioning. The 1.5-inch comfort layer uses very firm foam without much give, so it may feel too hard to some back sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers:

The extra firm side of the Plank Mattress is likely to provide the support stomach sleepers tend to need to prevent their midsections from sinking in too deeply.

The 1.5-inch comfort layer is quite firm, so a stomach sleeper’s midsection is unlikely to sink in very far and their spine should stay well aligned. A firm polyfoam core lies directly under the comfort layer, further reducing the likelihood of excessive sinkage around the midsection. However, some stomach sleepers, especially those who weigh under 130 pounds, may feel like the extra firm side of the Plank Mattress lacks their desired level of cushioning.

Plank Mattress Review Breakdown

The Plank Mattress is a flippable all-foam model. Each mattress comes with two firmness options built-in. One side is firm, rating around 7, while the other side is extra firm, rating at 9.

The firm side of the mattress starts with a comfort layer of .75-inches of 1.5 pounds per cubic foot (PCF) quilting foam. This foam is medium-density, meaning it conforms moderately and is more breathable than most higher-density polyfoams.

Next, a 2-inch thick transition layer of 3.5 TitanFlex foam gives deep compression support while preventing the sleeper from sinking in against the firmer core. This TitanFlex foam is engineered to contour to the sleeper’s body while providing responsiveness similar to latex.

The extra firm side of the mattress uses a 1.5-inch layer of exceptionally firm 1.5 PCF quilting foam. Its exceptionally firm feel creates an even plane with little to no give.

Both sides of the mattress are supported by a 7-inch 1.8 PCF polyfoam core, giving the mattress more durability and even support.

The Plank Mattress uses a four-way stretch knit cotton cover. An optional cooling panel is also available for an additional charge. This panel consists of phase change molecule (PCM) fabric that’s cool to the touch to help the sleeper maintain a more even temperature during the night.

Mattress Prices and Sizing

The Plank Mattress comes in around the average price for an all-foam model. While there are less expensive models on the market, the Plank Mattress’s firm feel stands out from the crowd. This makes it a good value for sleepers looking for a sturdy, even sleep surface. The Plank Mattress is available in the six standard mattress sizes, and Brooklyn Bedding also produces custom sizes. An optional cooling panel is available at an additional cost.

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