Plank Mattress Review

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.

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.