If you’ve ever felt like most mattresses are just too soft, the Plank by Brooklyn Bedding might be exactly what you’re looking for. Marketed as one of the firmest beds available, it’s a favorite among back and stomach sleepers—but does firm always mean better? In this review, we break down everything you need to know before you commit to sleeping on something this solid.
What Makes the Plank Mattress So Incredibly Firm?
The Plank mattress is built for firmness lovers who want structure, not sink. Here’s how it delivers that signature solid feel:
- Flippable design with two stiffness levels: firm and ultra-firm
- High-density foam layers provide support without sagging or sinkage
- Minimal cushioning and a flat, quilted surface for a no-frills feel
- No memory foam hug—you stay on top of the mattress, not in it
- The optional cooling panel helps manage heat without softening the surface
Key Takeaway: The Plank’s firm feel comes from dense materials and a minimalist design, perfect for sleepers who want flat, solid support.
Who Is the Plank Mattress Best For?
The Plank mattress isn’t trying to please everyone, and that’s exactly its strength. Its ultra-firm design is tailored to a specific group of sleepers who genuinely benefit from a flatter, more supportive surface.
Here’s who should consider it:
- Back sleepers – The firm surface helps keep the spine aligned and prevents lower back sagging, which can often happen on softer beds.
- Stomach sleepers – With almost no sink, the Plank keeps the hips elevated and avoids uncomfortable lower back arching.
- Heavier individuals (over 230 lbs) – Firmer beds provide better long-term support and durability for heavier body types, preventing the “bottoming out” sensation common with softer mattresses.
- Minimalists and fans of firm surfaces – If you’ve ever slept well on the floor, a firm futon, or a hotel bed with a dense feel, the Plank might be your ideal match.
- People with back pain (in some cases) – Those with certain types of back discomfort may find relief in the Plank’s pressure-free, flat alignment. But it’s not for everyone—some might need contouring instead.
Who should avoid it?
- Side sleepers – The lack of padding might produce unpleasant pressure points around the shoulders and hips.
- Lightweight sleepers (under 130 lbs) – May find the mattress too rigid, leading to discomfort instead of support.
- Couples with different firmness preferences – If one person likes soft and the other loves firm, the Plank can be polarizing.
Key Takeaway: The Plank mattress is ideal for back and stomach sleepers, heavier individuals, and anyone seeking firm, no-sink support—but it’s too rigid for most side sleepers and lighter body types.
How Does the Plank Compare to Other Firm Mattresses?
With dozens of “firm” mattresses on the market, it’s important to know what makes the Plank stand out—and where it might fall short compared to the competition.
Here’s how it stacks up:
- Firmness scale – While many mattresses labeled “firm” fall between 6.5 and 7.5 on the firmness scale, the Plank pushes it further, with one side rated around eight and the ultra-firm side closer to a 9 out of 10. Most competitors don’t go that far.
- Flippable design – Unlike firm beds like the Saatva Firm or Tempur-Pedic ProAdapt Firm, the Plank is dual-sided, offering two distinct firmness levels in one mattress. This gives sleepers more flexibility without having to swap beds.
- Material feel – The Plank uses high-density foam without much contouring or cushioning, delivering a flatter, more rigid feel. In contrast, beds like the Avocado Green or WinkBed Firm use latex or hybrid coils to provide a firmer feel with some responsiveness or bounce.
- Pressure relief – If you’re seeking a firm mattress that still adapts a bit to your curves, something like the Helix Dawn or Bear Elite Firm may offer better pressure point comfort. The Plank is better suited for those who prioritize surface stability over plushness.
- Cooling—While other firm mattresses may come with built-in cooling tech (like breathable coils or phase-change fabrics), the Plank’s cooling is optional. If you tend to sleep hot, you’ll need to add the Glacier cooling panel.
Key Takeaway: Compared to other firm beds, the Plank is one of the firmest available, offering a flat, flippable design with minimal give—best for those who want true firmness, not just a firmer-than-average feel.
What’s It Like to Sleep on the Plank Mattress?
Sleeping on the Plank mattress is a noticeably different experience from most modern beds. It’s not soft, bouncy, or contouring—instead, it offers a stable, unyielding surface that emphasizes alignment and firmness above all else.
Here’s what that actually feels like:
- You sleep on it, not in it – Unlike memory foam beds, where you sink in, the Plank keeps you elevated and supported. Your body stays on top of the surface, which some sleepers find refreshing and grounding.
- Zero plushness – There’s very little cushioning between you and the core of the mattress. You’ll feel every inch of support, especially on the ultra-firm side. It’s the closest thing to a supportive mat, which is appealing to those used to very firm sleeping environments.
- Spinal alignment – The hardness keeps the spine in a neutral, straight position for people who sleep on their stomachs or backs. This can enhance posture when you sleep and lessen strain on your lower back.
- Less pressure relief for side sleepers – If you sleep on your side, the Plank can feel uncomfortably rigid at the hips and shoulders. The lack of giving may lead to numbness or soreness over time, especially if you’re lighter in weight.
- Motion isolation – Despite being firm, the foam absorbs motion well. Couples will value that there is no bounce or movement transfer, making it simple to sleep through the night even if your companion moves.
- Heat retention—Due to the dense foam, the Plank tends to sleep a bit warm on its own. However, Brooklyn Bedding offers an optional Glacier Cooling Cover that significantly improves breathability and temperature regulation.
Key Takeaway: Sleeping on the Plank feels firm, flat, and highly supportive—ideal for back and stomach sleepers who want structure but are too rigid for side sleepers or those who prefer contour and softness.
Is the Plank Mattress Worth It in 2021?
The Plank mattress by Brooklyn Bedding stands out in the crowded mattress market by offering an uncompromisingly firm sleep surface. But does it justify its place in your bedroom? Let’s delve into its value proposition.
✅ Pros
- Unparalleled Firmness: With one side rated at 8/10 and the other at 9/10 on the firmness scale, the Plank is among the firmest mattresses available. This makes it ideal for back and stomach sleepers who require solid support to maintain spinal alignment.
- Dual-Sided Design: The flippable construction offers two distinct firmness levels, providing versatility to accommodate changing preferences or needs over time. Mattress Clarity
- High-Quality Materials: Constructed with CertiPUR-US certified foams, the Plank ensures durability and safety and is free from harmful chemicals. Sleepopolis
- Affordable Pricing: Priced competitively, especially considering its firmness and quality, the Plank offers good value for those seeking a firm mattress. GoodBed
❌ Cons
- Not Suitable for All Sleepers: Side sleepers and those under 130 lbs may find the Plank too rigid, leading to discomfort due to insufficient pressure relief.
- Limited Edge Support: While the mattress offers a consistent sleep surface, some users have reported less robust edge support, which may be a consideration for those who sit on the edge frequently. oursleepguide.com
- Heat Retention: The dense foam design may retain heat if it is not utilized with the optional Glacier cooling cover, which would make it less appropriate for hot sleepers. oursleepguide.com
💰 Bottom Line
If you prioritize a firm, supportive sleep surface and have specific needs that align with Plank’s design, it offers excellent value. However, if you prefer a softer, more conforming mattress or have concerns about heat retention, you might want to explore other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sleep on both sides of the Plank mattress?
Yes. One side is firm, and the other is ultra-firm—designed to be flippable.
Does the Plank mattress need a box spring?
No, it works on any solid foundation, including slatted frames or platform beds.
Is the Plank good for back pain?
For those who need strong lumbar support, yes. But it may be too rigid for those needing pressure relief.
Does the mattress off-gas?
There is minor off-gassing upon unboxing, but it’s CertiPUR-US certified and non-toxic.
Is the Plank mattress good for couples?
It has minimal motion transfer, but firmness preference can be polarizing for partners.
Additional Resources
Conclusion
The Plank Mattress is a bold answer to soft-bed fatigue. If your ideal sleep setup is closer to sleeping on a tatami mat than a pillow-top cloud, this may be your match. Just be prepared—it really is as firm as they say.