I kept hearing the same thing from readers who hate soft beds: “Plank mattress. It’s like sleeping on a board.” Since Plank is Brooklyn Bedding’s ultra-firm line, we decided to see how that “floor-like” feel actually performs over real nights—especially for backs, hips, and shoulders.
I’m Chris Miller, a late-30s combination sleeper (about 175 lbs) with occasional lower-back tightness. I tested alongside Marcus Reed (about 230 lbs, sleeps hot, mostly stomach and back), plus Jenna Brooks, who’s sensitive to motion and shares a bed with her partner Ethan Cole.
We rotated through the two current Plank mattresses—the all-foam Plank Firm and the hybrid Plank Firm Luxe. Both are flippable, with a firm side and an extra-firm side, so we could compare feel, temperature, and partner disturbance without changing brands.
Table of Contents
Product Overview
| Mattress | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Starting Price (before discounts) | Overall Score |
| Plank Firm | Very flat, ultra-firm support; flippable firm / extra-firm; strong edge support | Limited pressure relief; can sleep warm; heavy to flip | Back and stomach sleepers who want maximum firmness; heavier sleepers needing rigid support | $749 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Plank Firm Luxe | Hybrid bounce with firm feel; excellent edge support; more contour than Firm | Still too firm for many side sleepers; some motion transfer through coils | Back and stomach sleepers wanting coils; couples who like firmer hybrids | $1,065 | 4.4 / 5 |
Testing Team Takeaways
Chris Miller – Lead Tester
On the Plank Firm, I started on the “firm” side and immediately understood the appeal. The surface stays flat and steady, so my hips never drifted out of line. After a few nights, the mattress felt less like a novelty and more like a practical tool for back and stomach sleeping.
The Plank Firm Luxe kept that same locked-in alignment, but the coil base made it easier to move around. I still didn’t get the deep hug you’d expect from softer foams, but I did notice a touch more give at my shoulders when I rolled briefly to my side.
Marcus Reed – Bigger, Hotter Sleeper
Marcus put most of his time on the extra-firm sides. On both mattresses, he reported the same main benefit: his midsection stayed lifted, so he didn’t wake up with that “bowed” lower-back feeling he gets on softer beds.
Heat was the bigger swing factor. The all-foam Plank Firm stayed fine on cooler nights but felt warmer when the room heated up. The hybrid Plank Firm Luxe ran more breathable for him thanks to airflow through the coil core—especially when paired with the optional GlacioTex cover.
Jenna Brooks – Motion-Sensitive Sleeper
Jenna’s first reaction to Plank Firm was about stability. Ethan’s movement showed up as small ripples, but the mattress didn’t “bounce” her around, which is exactly what she wants as a light sleeper.
On the Plank Firm Luxe, she could feel the coil energy more clearly. The upside was mobility and stronger edge structure; the downside was slightly more noticeable partner movement during bigger position changes.
Ethan Cole – Restless Partner
Ethan liked the extra-firm side for one specific reason: it kept him on top of the mattress. When he turned, he never had to “climb out” of foam, and that made the bed feel fast and responsive.
He preferred the Plank Firm Luxe overall because it combined that flat firmness with a bit of spring. In his words, it felt less like sleeping on a slab and more like sleeping on a very firm, supportive platform.
Plank Mattress Comparison Chart
| Mattress | Type | Height | Firmness Profile | Core Materials | Cooling Performance | Support | Pressure Relief | Responsiveness | Motion Isolation | Durability |
| Plank Firm | All-foam, flippable | 10" | Firm ~7.5–9, Extra-firm ~9.5–10.5 | High-density foam core, firm comfort foam, quilted covers | Neutral to slightly warm; optional GlacioTex cooling panel | Very high for back and stomach sleepers | Limited for lighter side sleepers | Fast for a foam bed; shallow sink | Strong for an all-foam mattress | High, aided by dense foams |
| Plank Firm Luxe | Hybrid, flippable | 13" | Firm ~7.5–8, Extra-firm ~9.5–10 | Individually encased coils, high-density foams, quilted panels, optional cooling cover | Better airflow than Firm; still not icy cool | Very high, with more contour near surface | Slightly better than Firm, still firm-biased | Quick response from coils and firm foams | Moderate; some transfer through coils | High, with strong edge reinforcement |
What We Tested and How We Tested It
We tested Plank’s two mattresses with a mix of structured checks and full-night sleep. Each one stayed in our rotation for at least two weeks, and we also kept them in the same bedroom for longer stretches so temperature and motion feedback were easier to compare.
We evaluated support by watching spinal alignment in back, stomach, and side positions, using visual checks plus feedback from our own pain histories. We tracked pressure relief by paying attention to shoulders, hips, and knees during long holds in one position, especially for Marcus and Jenna.
For cooling, we used warm-room nights, heavier blankets, and direct body feedback along with touch checks on the surface during the night. Motion isolation and edge support came from Jenna and Ethan’s couple tests, plus simple sit and tie-your-shoes drills near the perimeter.
We looked at responsiveness and ease of movement by rolling repeatedly from side to back and from back to stomach, counting how often someone felt “stuck” in the surface. Durability and value judgments rested on materials, construction details, and current pricing, cross-checked with third-party testing where available.
Related Post: How We Test Mattresses
Plank Mattress: Our Testing Experience
Plank Firm
Our Testing Experience
Plank Firm is the most stripped-down version of the brand’s idea: an ultra-firm, all-foam mattress that you can flip for a firm feel or an even stiffer “extra-firm” feel. If you want deep contour or a plush top layer, this isn’t built for that.
On the firm side, the main difference I noticed was how little my hips moved once I settled in. I could almost feel my spine “flatten out” into a straight line, and I didn’t wake up with the lower-back tightness I often get on softer foam.
Flip to the extra-firm side and the surface gets noticeably more rigid. Marcus preferred this side for stomach sleeping because it kept his midsection from dipping, even after long, flat stretches.
The trade-off is pressure relief. Side sleeping put most of the load on my shoulder, and lighter testers felt that even faster. Temperature was also more “foam-neutral” than truly cool unless you add the optional GlacioTex cover.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Ultra-firm, flippable design with firm and extra-firm sides | Very limited contouring for strict side sleepers |
| Excellent spinal alignment for back and stomach sleepers | Can sleep warm without optional cooling cover |
| Strong edge support for an all-foam bed | Heavy, tough to flip alone |
| Minimal motion transfer for couples | Surface feels unforgiving to people who like plush beds |
| ACA endorsement for spinal support and lumbar stress reduction |
Details
- Type: All-foam, flippable ultra-firm mattress
- Height: 10 inches overall
- Firmness: Firm side around 7.5–9 out of 10; extra-firm side around 9.5–10.5
- Construction (top to bottom, firm side): Quilted top panel, firm comfort foam, high-density support foam core, quilted bottom panel
- Cover: Quilted knit cover; optional GlacioTex cooling cover sewn in on one side
- Available sizes: Standard sizes plus several RV sizes through partner channels
- Cooling: Breathable quilting with open-cell foams; optional cool-to-the-touch panel upgrade
- Pressure relief: Thin comfort foam layer, tuned for minimal sink rather than deep hug
- Support core: High-density polyfoam slab, engineered for rigid support
- Responsiveness: Fast response for foam; shallow cradle, quick rebound
- Motion isolation: Strong isolation due to dense foam and limited bounce
- Edge support: Above-average edge stability for an all-foam design
- Durability expectations: Dense foams and flippable build aimed at long-term performance
- Shipping: Compressed in a box; free shipping in the contiguous U.S.
- Trial period: 120 nights, with a 30-night minimum before a return
- Returns: One comfort trial per customer; a $99 return fee applies to mattress returns
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty for current Plank mattresses
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.9 | Keeps hips and torso level even for heavier back and stomach sleepers. |
| Pressure Relief | 3.2 | Very firm foam limits cushioning around shoulders and hips, especially for lighter bodies. |
| Cooling | 3.4 | Runs neutral to slightly warm; cooling cover helps but core stays dense. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.2 | Ethan’s movements created quick blips, not big waves, in Jenna’s tests. |
| Edge Support | 4.8 | Sitting and sleeping near the edge stayed stable with minimal collapse. |
| Durability | 4.6 | High-density foams and flippable layout signal strong longevity. |
| Responsiveness | 3.8 | Shallow cradle with decent rebound, though not as bouncy as coils. |
| Ease of Movement | 4.5 | Firm, flat surface lets restless sleepers turn without digging out of foam. |
| Value | 4.2 | Pricing stays mid-range considering firmness niche and lifetime warranty. |
| Overall Score | 4.3 / 5 | A specialist choice for ultra-firm fans who prioritize alignment over plush comfort. |
Plank Firm Luxe
Our Testing Experience
Shifting from Plank Firm to Plank Firm Luxe felt like moving from a concrete slab to a reinforced deck. The surface still read as firm in my body, though the coils underneath added a slightly springy personality. On the firm side, I could lie on my back, feel my lumbar area lifted, and also sense subtle conformity around my shoulders during long reading sessions.
When I flipped to the extra-firm side, the top quilting grew thinner and the feel sharpened again. That side brought me closest to the all-foam Plank Firm extra-firm side, yet the coils gave my hips a touch more dynamic pushback. During one long night of half-awake tossing, I kept shifting from back to side and then to a short stomach nap. Each adjustment felt quick and mechanical, with little delay from the foam layers.
Marcus spent multiple nights targeting temperature and “reset” support. His usual pattern involved an early-evening workout, then a late dinner, then bed while still slightly overheated. On the firm side of Plank Firm Luxe, he stayed cooler than on the all-foam Plank Firm, especially through the mid-section of the night. The coil core, layered high-density foams, and optional GlacioTex cooling top encouraged faster heat movement away from his torso.
For Jenna and Ethan, this mattress turned into a negotiation between bounce and disturbance. Their shared nights revealed more motion than on the all-foam model, yet the ultra-firm feel kept that motion short. When Ethan dropped into bed, Jenna felt a quick vertical jolt rather than a rolling wave. During one deliberate test, he repeatedly sat on the edge and then lay back; she could sense the coil reaction yet did not feel pulled toward him. Edge support in particular impressed her; she could occupy the outer third of the mattress without any sloping sensation.
Under typical circumstances, this mattress fits sleepers who want the Plank identity but dislike pure foam. Back and stomach sleepers of almost any weight range can find strong support here. Combination sleepers who enjoy a slightly livelier surface also land in its sweet spot, as long as they accept a firm feel with limited cuddling at pressure points. Side-only sleepers with narrow shoulders may still see hot spots during long holds.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Flippable hybrid with firm and extra-firm sides | Too firm for many strict side sleepers |
| Strong spinal alignment plus coil-driven support | More motion transfer than the all-foam Plank Firm |
| Great edge support for couples sharing the perimeter | Price sits higher than typical firm hybrids |
| Better temperature control than all-foam version | Heavy and awkward to flip without help |
| Optional GlacioTex cooling cover for contact coolness | Extra-firm side feels unforgiving for lighter bodies |
Details
- Type: Firm hybrid, flippable, ultra-firm focused
- Height: About 13 inches tall
- Firmness: Firm ~7.5–8, Extra-firm ~9.5–10
- Construction highlights: Quilted panels with varying thicknesses, TitanFlex comfort foam on the firm side, high-density transitional foam, 6" pocketed coil support core, base foam
- Cover: Quilted knit cover with optional GlacioTex cooling upgrade
- Available sizes: Full standard range plus several RV and specialty sizes
- Cooling: Coil airflow plus latex-like TitanFlex response and optional cooling panel enhance temperature management
- Pressure relief: Slightly more forgiving than Plank Firm, yet still decidedly firm-leaning
- Support core: Individually encased coils tuned toward firmer support and strong edge stability
- Responsiveness: Coils and firm foams respond quickly to movement, with minimal lingering body impressions
- Motion isolation: Moderate; enough damping for many couples, though sensitive sleepers may notice larger shifts
- Edge support: Excellent; sitting and lying along the edge felt very secure
- Shipping: Bed-in-a-box delivery, free shipping in the contiguous U.S.
- Trial period: 120 nights, with a 30-night minimum before a return
- Returns: One comfort trial per customer; a $99 return fee applies to mattress returns
- Warranty: Limited lifetime warranty on current Plank models
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Support | 4.8 | Coils and firm foams kept our testers’ spines level across positions. |
| Pressure Relief | 3.6 | Slightly more contouring than Plank Firm, yet still firm at joints. |
| Cooling | 3.8 | Coil core and optional cooling top tempered heat for Marcus and Ethan. |
| Motion Isolation | 4.0 | Jenna sensed motion spikes yet remained stable in real couple tests. |
| Edge Support | 4.9 | Perimeter felt rock solid for sitting and sleeping at the edge. |
| Durability | 4.7 | Sturdy coil unit and dense foams suggest long service life. |
| Responsiveness | 4.2 | Quick rebound from coils supported restless sleepers without drag. |
| Ease of Movement | 4.3 | Ethan turned easily on the firm, flat hybrid surface. |
| Value | 4.3 | Price sits high but matches materials, hybrid build, and firmness niche. |
| Overall Score | 4.4 / 5 | Hybrid take on Plank’s “board-like” feel with improved temperature and mobility. |
Compare Performance Scores of These Mattresses
| Mattress | Overall Score | Support | Pressure Relief | Cooling | Motion Isolation | Durability | Responsiveness |
| Plank Firm | 4.3 | 4.9 | 3.2 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 4.6 | 3.8 |
| Plank Firm Luxe | 4.4 | 4.8 | 3.6 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.2 |
The score pattern is pretty consistent: both Plank models lean heavily into support and durability, with limited “plush” pressure relief by design. Plank Firm is the more dampened, all-foam option (and the better pick if partner motion bugs you), while Plank Firm Luxe adds airflow and a bit more bounce for easier movement.
Best Picks
-
Best ultra-firm all-foam: Plank Firm
This is the most “no-nonsense” option in the lineup. On the extra-firm side, it kept Marcus’s and my hips level for back and stomach sleep, with almost no sink. Choose it if you want a flat, rigid surface and don’t need much shoulder cushioning. -
Best hybrid option: Plank Firm Luxe
If you like the Plank feel but dislike the “solid foam block” sensation, Luxe is the better fit. The coil core makes the bed easier to move on and improves edge stability for couples, while staying firmly on the ultra-firm side of the spectrum.
How to Choose the Plank Mattress?
Plank is built for sleepers who genuinely want a hard, flat surface. If you’ve tried “firm” mattresses that still let your hips sink, these are the rare beds that actually feel board-like.
Your decision is mostly about build and comfort trade-offs. Plank Firm is the dense, quiet all-foam option. Plank Firm Luxe adds coils for easier movement, stronger edges, and slightly better airflow.
-
Back sleepers around average weight
In my view, these sleepers land most comfortably on the Plank Firm firm side or the Plank Firm Luxe firm side. Both kept my spine straight and my hips lifted, while still allowing short side naps. -
Stomach sleepers, especially heavier bodies
Marcus’s experience points toward Plank Firm extra-firm side or Plank Firm Luxe extra-firm side. These surfaces prevented his hips from sagging, even during long, flat-on-the-stomach stretches. - Hot sleepers: The hybrid Plank Firm Luxe generally sleeps a bit cooler than the all-foam model because air can move through the coil core. If temperature is your biggest concern, the optional GlacioTex cover can also help. For more options, see Hot sleepers.
-
Heavier couples sharing the outer thirds of the mattress
From Jenna’s edge-sleeping tests, Plank Firm Luxe stands out. The hybrid design handles paired weight near the perimeter and holds shape for sitting, reading, and getting out of bed. - Side sleepers: Plank is a tough match if you sleep on your side all night, especially if you’re lighter. If you’re set on this brand, the firm side of Plank Firm Luxe is the most forgiving in our testing, but it’s still far from plush. If side sleep comfort is the priority, start with Side sleepers.
Budget-wise, Plank Firm is usually the lower-cost entry point, while Plank Firm Luxe costs more for the coil build. Either way, Plank runs frequent promotions, so it’s worth checking current pricing before you decide.
Related Post: What Mattress to Buy
Limitations
Plank’s biggest limitation is also its whole point: these mattresses are extremely firm. If you’re shopping because you want cushion, sink, or a slow-hug feel, this lineup will feel unforgiving.
Pressure relief is the main compromise—especially around pressure points. Our lighter side sleepers felt sharp shoulder pressure on both models (especially on the extra-firm sides), and even heavier testers didn’t get much contour at the hips.
Price is another factor. Even with frequent promotions, Plank usually sits in the mid-range, and returns typically come with a pickup fee—so it’s smart to go in confident about wanting a very firm surface.
Finally, couples should expect different motion behavior. The all-foam Plank Firm dampens movement better, while Plank Firm Luxe has more bounce (and slightly more transfer) because of the coil base.
Policies at a Glance
| Mattress | Shipping (Cost and Region) | Trial Period | Return Policy / Fees | Warranty Length | Notable Conditions |
| Plank Firm | Free bed-in-a-box shipping in contiguous U.S.; extra charges to some regions | 120-night trial with 30-night minimum; $99 return fee | Limited lifetime warranty on current Plank models | Trial is a one-time use per customer; mattress must be in good condition for return | Trial is a one-time use per customer; mattress must be in good condition for return |
| Plank Firm Luxe | Same free standard shipping policy for most U.S. addresses | 120-night trial with 30-night minimum; $99 return fee | Limited lifetime warranty on current Plank models | Trial is a one-time use per customer; $99 return fee; 30-night minimum before return | Cooling cover sewn in on upgrade; that feature does not change trial rules |
Plank treats both mattresses the same on the big policy points: a 120-night trial with a required 30-night break-in period, plus a limited lifetime warranty on current models. The two things to plan around are the one-time comfort-trial rule and the typical $99 return fee.
Related Post: Mattress Warranty Guide
Related Post: Mattress Trial Guide
FAQs
1. Are Plank mattresses really as firm as reviews claim?
Yes—these are genuinely ultra-firm mattresses. In our tests, Plank Firm landed around a 7.5–9/10 on the firm side, and closer to 9.5–10.5/10 on the extra-firm side. Plank Firm Luxe is similar but slightly more buoyant, sitting around 7.5–8/10 (firm side) and roughly 9.5–10/10 (extra-firm side). If you’re used to typical “firm” beds, expect a noticeable jump in rigidity.
Related Post: The 10 Best Medium Firm Mattresses
2. Which Plank mattress is best for back pain?
For many back and stomach sleepers dealing with back pain, Plank Firm felt like the most “locked-in” option because the foam keeps your hips from dropping. Plank also advertises an American Chiropractic Association endorsement focused on spinal stress reduction and lumbar support. If you want a similarly firm feel but prefer easier movement and a stronger perimeter, Plank Firm Luxe was the smoother experience in our room tests.
Related Post: The 8 Best Mattresses for Back Pain
3. Do Plank mattresses sleep hot?
They can, depending on the model and your room. The all-foam Plank Firm felt more heat-neutral to warm in our room tests, while the hybrid Plank Firm Luxe ran a bit cooler thanks to airflow through the coil core. If you’re heat-sensitive, the optional GlacioTex cover is worth considering—just don’t expect it to replace breathable sheets and a cooler room.
Related Post: The 8 Best Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
4. Are Plank mattresses good for side sleepers?
For most side sleepers, not really. The firm, flat surface doesn’t give the shoulder and hip much room to sink, so pressure can build quickly—especially for lighter bodies. If you’re set on Plank and only side-sleep occasionally, the firm side of Plank Firm Luxe was the most tolerable in our testing, but it’s still a very firm mattress.
Related Post: The 8 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers
5. How does the Plank Firm compare to Plank Firm Luxe for couples?
In Jenna and Ethan’s experience, Plank Firm isolated motion better because dense foam damped Ethan’s rolling. She still sensed small pulses when he moved, yet the mattress never pitched her around. Plank Firm Luxe transmitted more motion due to coil bounce, though the firmer feel kept that motion brief and vertical. Edge support ran stronger on the Luxe, which matters when two bodies share the outer thirds of the bed.
Related Post: The 8 Best Mattresses for Couples
6. How hard is it to flip a Plank mattress?
Both Plank mattresses are flippable, and that adds weight. In our tests, flipping solo felt awkward and risky; two people made it safer and faster. If you expect to flip often (to dial in firmness), plan for the logistics.
7. Do Plank mattresses have strong edge support?
Edge support is a strength for this brand. The all-foam Plank Firm held up well when we sat and slept near the perimeter, but Plank Firm Luxe felt even steadier because the coil system reinforces the sides more consistently.
8. What is the real warranty and return situation for Plank mattresses?
The short version: you get a 120-night trial with a 30-night minimum before initiating a return, plus a limited lifetime warranty on current models. The comfort trial is generally a one-time use per customer, and returns typically come with a fee (often around $99).
9. Who should completely avoid Plank mattresses?
Avoid Plank if you need deep pressure relief, you’re a dedicated side sleeper, or you prefer a cushy top layer that lets you sink in. These mattresses are designed to keep you on top of the bed—great for some back and stomach sleepers, but uncomfortable for anyone who needs noticeable contour.
Related Post: The 10 Best Mattresses for Lightweight Sleepers
