Mattress Review
Plank Mattress
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Firm (7), Extra Firm (9)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King, Short Full, Short Queen, Olympic Queen, Short King, RV King
Price Range: $562 – $1,149
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Flippable mattress features both a firm (7) and extra firm (9) side
- High-end edge support
- Sleeps cool, especially with optional cooling cover
Drawbacks
- May be too firm for some people’s comfort
- Limited contouring reduces pressure relief for many side sleepers
- Poor motion isolation might disturb some sleepers easily
Sleep Doctor’s Take: Plank Mattress
With solid edge support and two firmness levels to choose from, the flippable Plank Mattress is a great choice for back and stomach sleepers seeking an all-foam mattress. Sleepers can choose between the firm (7) and extra firm (9) sides, both of which resist heat buildup to facilitate cooler sleep.
Plank Mattress: An Introduction
Established in 2008, Brooklyn Bedding manufactures a wide range of mattress lines. Plank is Brooklyn Bedding’s collection of firmer, flatter, flippable mattresses, and the Plank Firm Mattress is its flagship model.
The all-foam Plank Firm Mattress features a firm (7) side and an extra firm (9) side, which allows it to accommodate a wide range of sleeper types. The mattress is available in standard sizes and a variety of specialty sizes. Sleepers also have the option to add a unique cooling cover.
We’ll highlight the Plank Firm Mattress and outline what makes it different from other foam beds. We’ll also look at how it performed in our testing, who it’s best for, and where you can buy it.
How We Review
Our testing team evaluates every mattress using a methodology that provides a clear and accurate review of each product. In our sleep lab, we rate mattresses across a variety of important performance categories, focusing on the features and functions that matter most to sleepers.
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What’s It Like to Sleep on the Plank Mattress?
Both sides of the Plank Mattress are solid and sturdy with very little contouring. This means that sleepers can move freely around in bed without feeling like they are sinking too deep into the mattress. Strong edge support makes it easy to get in and out of bed.
While foam mattresses are notorious for trapping body heat, the Plank sleeps cool, especially when you add the optional cooling cover. Given its firmer feel, the Plank Mattress suits many back and stomach sleepers and people over 230 pounds.
As with any mattress, the Plank Firm has benefits and drawbacks and is a better match for certain sleepers. We’ll cover what sleeper types are best suited to this mattress.
Plank Mattress Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sleepers can choose between firm and extra firm sides
- Strong edge support and excellent temperature neutrality
- Comes in a variety of specialty sizes
Cons
- Too firm for some sleeper types
- Lack of contouring may not provide enough pressure point relief
Sleeping Positions, Body Weight, and Firmness
Our in-lab analysis rated the two sides of the Plank Mattress as firm (7) and extra firm (9) on our 10-point scale, with 1 being extra soft and 10 being the firmest sleep surface. Sleeping position and body type affect how much firmness or contouring someone needs in a mattress, so our testing team includes individuals of all sizes and sleep styles.
In general, the Plank Firm scored best with our testers who sleep on their back or stomach or who weigh over 230 pounds.
Plank Mattress – Firm Side
Firmness: Firm (7)
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Over 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | 2/5 | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Back Sleepers | 3/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Stomach Sleepers | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Plank Mattress – Extra Firm Side
Firmness: Extra Firm (9)
| Under 130 lbs. | 130-230 lbs. | Over 230 lbs. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side Sleepers | 1/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Back Sleepers | 2/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Stomach Sleepers | 2/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
Side Sleepers
With little contouring, the Plank fell short for most of the side sleepers on our testing team. Side sleepers generally require plenty of hugging to relieve pressure at the shoulders and hips. Unsurprisingly, they found the extra firm (9) side especially uncomfortable. For some side sleepers over 230 pounds, the firm (7) side may provide enough support and comfort.
Back Sleepers
The Plank is a solid option for many back sleepers who typically want a firmer mattress surface that keeps their abdomen from sinking into the bed. In particular, back sleepers over 130 pounds receive the most support from the Plank Firm Mattress, and the highest rating came from people who weigh over 230 pounds.
Stomach Sleepers
The Plank Firm is well suited to most stomach sleepers since they need a firmer sleep surface with less contouring to keep their spine aligned. An overly soft mattress can cause stomach sleepers to sink into the bed, accumulating pressure in their lower back. With two firm sides to choose from, most stomach sleepers receive proper support from the Plank Firm regardless of their body weight.
Our Performance Ratings
We personally evaluate each mattress in our testing lab and rate the most important features of every model according to a 5-point scale, with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent.
Pressure Relief
Rating: 2/5 (Firm), 1/5 (Extra Firm)
The Plank Firm has limited ability to contour and adapt to the main pressure points in the body, which is why this mattress received low marks in this category. With no real comfort layer, the extra firm (9) side performed particularly poorly in this area. Overall, this limits the support that the Plank Firm can offer side sleepers, but it offers light contouring for most stomach and back sleepers.
Temperature Neutrality
Rating: 4/5 (Firm base model), 4/5 (Extra Firm base model), 5/5 (Firm with cooling cover) 5/5 (Extra Firm with cooling cover)
In our testing, the Plank Firm kept our team members exceptionally cool. With limited sinkage, the mattress allows significant airflow around the sleeper. In addition, the optional GlacioTex cooling cover is infused with fibers that are designed to cool the skin on contact. With or without the cover, we found that this mattress can be an appealing choice for hot sleepers.
Motion Isolation
Rating: 2/5 (Firm), 1/5 (Extra Firm)
Because it has very thin comfort layers, the Plank Firm does not have much in the way of material that can isolate motion. Motion isolation prevents you from feeling movement on the other side of the bed, which can be especially beneficial for couples, light sleepers, and people with pets. Testing indicated that both sides permitted significant motion to transfer across the mattress’ surface. People who are disturbed easily by their partner’s movements should consider other mattresses.
Edge Support
Rating: 4/5 (Firm), 5/5 (Extra Firm)
One of the strongest elements of the Plank Firm’s performance in our testing was its edge support. We found that both sides of the mattress have a strong, supportive perimeter, thanks to the high-density foam base. Solid edge support prevents a mattress from sagging when you are sitting or sleeping near its perimeter and also makes it easier to get in and out of bed.
Durability
Rating: 3/5 (Firm), 3/5 (Extra Firm)
Based on our analysis, the Plank Firm Mattress should have good durability. While any foam material can get softer over time, the Plank’s foams are composed of high-density material that is designed to be sturdy. Our testing indicated that this mattress should perform well for at least six years.
Ease of Movement
Rating: 4/5 (Firm), 5/5 (Extra Firm)
Our testers found that it was easy to move around and change sleeping positions on both sides of the Plank Firm. It was especially easy to move about on the extra firm (9) side. Team members felt that they were sleeping on top of the mattress instead of sinking into it. Because it has very little contouring or hug, sleepers gave the Plank Firm excellent marks in this category.
Sex
Rating: 3/5 (Firm), 3/5 (Extra Firm)
The Plank Mattress rates as slightly above average for sex. Its solid edge support and great temperature neutrality give couples more usable surface and help prevent overheating. The mattress also facilitates movement, which makes it easy to change positions. However, some couples may find the mattress to be a bit too firm to be comfortable for sex.
Off-Gassing
Rating: 3/5 (Firm), 3/5 (Extra Firm)
During testing, the Plank Firm gave off some light odors that went away relatively quickly. Off-gassing is the cause of the chemical odor, which occurs when the mattress is first unboxed. A byproduct of the foam manufacturing process, this smell is common with many mattresses and typically fades away after a few hours. Off-gassing is considered harmless but may be unpleasant to people who are sensitive to smells. Making sure there is ventilation in the bedroom can help eliminate this smell more quickly.
What Is the Plank Mattress Made Of?
Each side of the Plank Mattress has a .75-inch quilted top designed to provide only a touch of loft, allowing you to sleep as flat as possible. Underneath the cover, the firm (7) side features a 2-inch comfort layer made of TitanFlex polyfoam. The extra firm (9) side has no dedicated comfort layer. Instead, the quilted top sits directly on top of the 6-inch polyfoam support core. The mattress has a 9.5-inch profile.
The optional cooling cover is made from GlacioTex fabric. Infused with specialty fibers, this cover is designed to reduce skin temperature on contact.
Plank Mattress Construction Layers
| Firm Side | Extra Firm Side | |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort Layers | .75″ quilting 2″ TitanFlex polyfoam | .75″ quilting |
| Support Core | 6″ polyfoam | 6″ polyfoam |
How Much Does the Plank Mattress Cost?
The Plank Firm Mattress is affordably priced but has a slightly higher price-point than many all-foam mattresses. However, few all-foam beds are flippable or have the firmer feel offered by the two sides of the Plank Firm. For these reasons, the Plank Firm can be worth the cost for people who prefer a firm mattress or want the flexibility that comes from its reversible design. The Plank is also available in numerous specialty sizes that can be hard to find.
Customers have the option to add a cooling GlacioTex cover sewn to one or both sides of the mattress for an additional cost. The cost to add this cover varies by mattress size.
| Sizes | Price | Dimensions | Height | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | $749 | 38” x 75” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| Twin XL | $849 | 38” x 80” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| Full | $999 | 53” x 75” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| Queen | $1,332 | 60” x 80” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| King | $1,532 | 76” x 80” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| California King | $1,532 | 72” x 84” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| Split California King | $849 | 36” x 84” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| Short Full | $999 | 48″ x 74″ | 9.5″ | N/A |
| Short Queen | $1,332 | 60” x 75” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| Olympic Queen | $1,532 | 66″ x 80″ | 9.5″ | N/A |
| Short King | $1,532 | 72″ x 75″ | 9.5″ | N/A |
| RV King | $1,532 | 72” x 80” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| RV King | $1,532 | 70” x 74” | 9.5″ | N/A |
| RV King | $1,532 | 70” x 80” | 9.5″ | N/A |
Which Plank Mattress Is Right for You?
Plank offers two different mattresses: the Plank Firm and the Plank Firm Luxe. The Plank Firm Luxe is a flippable hybrid model. Like the Plank Firm, the hybrid provides limited contouring and strong edge support. It’s also a good choice for stomach sleepers, especially those who weigh more than 230 pounds. The Plank Firm Luxe offers more appeal to people who want more bounce from innerspring coils.
If you’re a side sleeper or weigh under 130 pounds, you might be more comfortable on another model from Brooklyn Bedding. The company makes several affordable options that were highly rated by side sleepers in our testing, including the Spartan Soft Mattress and the Signature Hybrid.
Plank Mattresses at a Glance
| Model | Firmness | Mattress Type | Height | Base Price (Queen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plank Firm | Firm (7), Extra Firm (9) | Foam | 9.5″ | $1,332 |
| Plank Firm Luxe | Firm (7), Extra Firm (9) | Hybrid | 13.25″ | $1,532 |
Discounts and Coupons
The Plank website regularly offers sales, especially around major holidays. The company also provides a discount for active duty military and their families, veterans, teachers, college students, health care workers, and first responders.
Where Can You Buy the Plank Mattress?
The Plank Firm Mattress is available online from Plank’s website and from certain third-party websites like Amazon. You can also buy it at select brick-and-mortar mattress stores and Brooklyn Bedding showrooms across the United States. Free shipping and sale prices may not be available outside of the brand’s website.
| Buying Information and Customer Policies | |
|---|---|
| Availability | The Plank Firm Mattress is available at the Plank company website and through some third-party retailers like Amazon. In-person, the mattress can be found at Brooklyn Bedding showrooms and certain brick-and-mortar mattress stores. For online orders on the Plank website, the company can ship directly to customers in the U.S. and Canada. |
| Shipping | Shipping is free for addresses in the contiguous United States. There are fees for shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. The mattress arrives compressed and sealed in plastic, which is shipped inside a cardboard box. The box is delivered to your doorstep, and setting up the mattress involves moving the box to the room of your choice, removing the packaging, and allowing the mattress to decompress. It may take up to five hours for the bed to regain its full size. |
| Sleep Trial | Plank offers a 120-night sleep trial, and you must try the mattress for 30 nights before requesting a return. If you are unsatisfied with the bed after 30 nights, you can get a full refund. Returned mattresses can be donated locally or in some cases picked up for donation. |
| Warranty | Mattresses are covered under a 10-year limited warranty from Brooklyn Bedding. The warranty covers manufacturing defects, such as foam deterioration or sagging that is not caused by improper use. |
Plank Mattress FAQ
Mattress comfort is subjective, and the Plank Firm Mattress may be too firm for some sleepers. Most often, people who find the Plank Firm to be too firm are side sleepers and individuals who weigh less than 130 pounds.
Flippable mattresses give you options if one side feels too firm or too soft. This flexibility can be helpful for people who aren’t sure what their ideal firmness level is, and it can also be a good option for mattresses used in guest rooms. The downside of a flippable mattress is that it may be heavy and difficult to flip, and there’s no guarantee that either of the two sides will be an optimal firmness level.
The Plank Firm Mattress is shipped in a box to your doorstep. Once you receive it, simply carry it to the bedroom where you want to use it and remove it from the plastic packaging. It can take three to five hours for the mattress to fully expand once it has been taken out of the packaging.
Brooklyn Bedding makes both the Plank Firm and the Plank Firm Luxe. The company also produces the Titan, EcoSleep, Bloom Hybrid, Spartan, and Propel mattress lines along with its signature Brooklyn Bedding models.
Plank mattresses are made at the Brooklyn Bedding factory in Phoenix, Arizona.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Sleep Health
With a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Indiana University Bloomington, Rebecca enjoys making accurate, up-to-date health information accessible to all readers. As a freelance writer and editor, she has covered everything from healthcare and experimental music to education. Rebecca lives in Tennessee, where she spends her free time reading, writing fiction, and making music.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Cold Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Dolphin
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