Your mattress of choice depends on your needs and preferences.
We’ll delve into the advantages and potential drawbacks of both plush and firm mattresses, helping you understand which option might be the best fit for your sleep style, health concerns, and overall comfort.
What Is a Plush Mattress?
A plush mattress is one that’s soft — almost cloud like — and provides superior comfort without compromising on support. They are made by layering softer materials on top of the mattress support layer.
Softer materials can be anything from memory foam to latex, and the more that are used, the softer the mattress becomes.
Who Should Use a Plush Mattress?
More than just a comfortable “cloud” to sleep on, the benefits of a plush mattress are many, and include its ability to relieve pressure.
For this reason, a plush mattress is—
- Great for side sleepers: A plush mattress cushions pressure points, which is a life-saver for side sleepers
- Great for side sleepers with joint pain: Side sleepers with joint pain, such as arthritis, will appreciate the pain alleviating properties of a plush mattress
- Other sleepers who suffer joint or muscle pain: Regardless of your sleeping position, if you suffer from muscle or joint pain — or any other chronic condition — then you may highly benefit from a plush mattress that cushions your pressure points
- Lightweight sleepers: A plush mattress is also a great option for petite or lightweight people, as the cushioning of these mattresses will tend to be springier and respond better
What Are the Drawbacks of a Plush Mattress?
- When it comes to plush mattresses, it’s possible to end up with one that’s too soft.
- While “too soft” may not sound so bad, a mattress like this will cause you to sink too deeply into it.
- This will compromise proper spinal alignment, which can lead to things like back and neck issues.
What is a Firm Mattress?
Firm mattresses have less of the soft layers added to the top, and so sleep with a sturdier feel.
If you’re wondering which is better for back pain, then the answer, we’re afraid, isn’t black and white. When it comes to a plush vs firm mattress, the best one for back pain is the one that offers the right support for your body weight, sleep position, and preferences.
Who Should Use a Firm Mattress?
With it’s excellent and reliable support, firm mattresses are:
- Great for side and back sleepers
- An excellent choice for people who just want a firmer bed!
What Are the Drawbacks of a Firm Mattress?
- If you’re a side sleeper, a firm mattress may not be the best choice for you, as it won’t contour to your curves as well as a plush mattress.
- Triggered or worsened pressure on the shoulders and hips.
Plush and Firm Mattress Recommendations
Best Plush Mattress - 8″ Luxury Gel Foam
Rating: ‘Best plush mattress’
Type: Gel Foam
Thickness: 8″
Customizable: Yes
Why We Love the Luxury Gel Foam Mattress
If you’re the kind of sleeper who appreciates something on the plush side, then the 8” Luxury Gel Foam Mattress was designed with you in mind.
Years of testing to find that perfect balance result in this — a mattress that offers the support you expect but doesn’t let you down in comfort.
With cooling gel foam that’s designed to contour and instantly adjust to your body’s movements, plus a plush organic cotton cover on both sides (this mattress design is flippable!), the 8” Luxury Gel Foam Mattress offers the perfect balance of support and comfort.
You’ll also be glad to know that it’s the ultimate crowd pleaser, being loved by side, back, and stomach sleepers.
What Makes This Luxury Gel Foam Mattress Great
- Cooling gel-infused foam
- Flippable design (adjustable firmness)
- Free from toxic chemicals
- Supportive and contouring
- 20-year warranty
Potential Negatives Worth Considering
- Though many love them, gel memory foam mattresses aren’t for everyone
Best Firm Mattress - 8″ Park Meadow Pocketed Coil
Rating: ‘Best firm mattress’
Type: Pocketed Coil
Thickness: 8″
Customizable: Yes
Why We Love This Pocketed Coil Mattress
The advanced pocketed coil system in this mattress ensures that you get firm and superior support, but that’s not all — it’s one of the highest-quality innerspring mattresses you can find on the market.
This means that in addition to support, your mattress will conform to your shape so you get the cushioning you need in the places you need it.
On top of that, the insulated and luxurious quilted cover is designed to prevent that classic coil feel. This way, you sleep feeling extra supported. The firm base and soft top also means that you get the best of both worlds!
What Makes This Pocked Coil Mattress Great
- Eco-friendly
- Helps with back pain
- Supports larger sleepers
- Long-lasting
Potential Negatives Worth Considering
- This firmness level may not be ideal for side sleepers and those with joint issues
Best Medium-Firm Mattress - 8.5″ Latex
Rating: ‘Best medium-firm mattress’
Type: Latex Foam
Thickness: 8.5″
Customizable: Yes
Why We Love the 8.5” Natural Latex Mattress
Our luxurious plush organic cotton cover is not only silky to the touch but it’s also designed to regulate body temperature so you can sleep cool.
Sourced from rubber trees found in the rain forests of Brazil and Sri Lanka, our all-natural latex is free from chemical dyes, bleach, toxic additives, pesticides, fillers, chemical flame retardants, and more.
If you’re after a firm mattress but don’t want to sleep on a hard surface, then you’ll love how comfortable and supportive this all-natural latex mattress is. Kiss aches and pains goodbye!
What Makes This All-Natural Latex Mattress Great
- Made from all-natural latex
- Luxurious at an affordable price
- No sinking into your mattress
- No waking up feeling sore and achy
- Sleeps cool
Potential Negatives Worth Considering
- Latex mattresses generally weigh more
- Not ideal for those who don’t like firmer mattresses
FAQ
Is a firm mattress better for back pain?
A firm mattress can be better for back pain as it provides better spinal alignment and support. However, personal preferences and specific needs should be considered for optimal comfort and pain relief.
The best mattress firmness for you could be a nightmare for someone else. In short, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all in mattresses!
Is a plush mattress better for side sleepers?
Yes, a plush mattress is often better for side sleepers as it provides better contouring and pressure relief for the shoulders and hips, enhancing comfort and maintaining proper spinal alignment.
Can I exchange my mattress if I choose the wrong firmness level?
Yes, many retailers offer a trial period during which you can exchange your mattress if the firmness level is not right for you. Check the store’s return and exchange policies before purchasing.
Do firm mattresses last longer?
Yes, firm mattresses often last longer due to their denser materials, better resistance to sagging, and more robust support layers.
If you need more help deciding on the mattress that’s right for you, why not reach out to one of our friendly mattress experts?
They’ll help you find the perfect mattress for your needs so your search takes minutes instead of hours!
Feel free to call us at 888-488-1468.
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