When shopping for a new mattress, you encounter various options. The ideal mattress balances support and comfort, yet what feels best depends on preferences and sleep habits. Some prefer a plush mattress, while others enjoy waking up refreshed on a firm mattress. Here’s everything you need to know about a plush vs firm mattress and how to decide which one will give you the best night’s sleep.
Mattress firmness relies on the thickness of the comfort layer. Plush mattresses have thicker layers, while firm ones have thinner ones. Choosing between plush and firm mattresses depends on one's body weight and sleeping position.
What Is a Firm Mattress?
A firm mattress provides more support and less contouring than its softer counterparts. It doesn't sink or sag under the body's weight but maintains its shape, providing a flat and even surface for sleep.
The mattress firmness is often rated on a scale from 1-10, with 10 being the most firm. A firm mattress usually falls around 7-8 on this scale. It's important to note that what feels firm to one person might not feel the same to another. Body weight, size, and personal preference affect how a mattress feels.
A firm mattress may not be a good fit for everyone. Side sleepers or people with certain medical conditions might find a firm mattress uncomfortable or painful, preferring a softer mattress that provides more cushioning and pressure relief.
Who Should Sleep on a Firm Mattress?
Firm mattresses are typically advisable for those who sleep on their back or stomach, as they help to keep the spine aligned. The best firm mattress can benefit heavier individuals who need more support to prevent sinking.
What Is a Plush Mattress?
A plush or soft mattress is softer and more luxurious than a firm mattress. Its top layers contain extra padding and cushioning materials to offer higher comfort.
Plush mattresses are typically softer than firm mattresses but firmer than pillow-top mattresses. They contour more to the body and provide a sinking feeling, which can benefit pressure relief.
On a firmness scale from 1-10, with 10 being the firmest, plush mattresses usually fall around 3-5. However, just like firm mattresses, what feels plush to one person might feel different to another. Factors such as body weight, size, personal preference, and specific comfort needs can all affect how a mattress feels to an individual.
It's also worth noting that a plush mattress may not provide enough support for heavier individuals or stomach sleepers, who might require a firmer surface to maintain proper spinal alignment.
Who Should Sleep on a Plush Mattress?
These mattresses are often advisable for side sleepers and those with joint or back pain, as they contour to the body's shape, providing support where it's needed most.
Pros and Cons of Plush vs Firm Mattress
Firm Mattress Pros and Cons
A firm mattress could be perfect for stomach sleepers or those with larger body frames.
Pros:
- Aids spinal alignment for stomach sleepers
- Offers solid support for heavier bodies
- Easier to switch sleeping positions
- Allows adding a mattress topper for added plushness
Cons:
- Potential pressure points in shoulders and hips for side sleepers
- Lightweight sleepers might find it uncomfortable
- It may cause pain for those with muscle or joint aches
Plush Mattress Pros and Cons
A soft, plush mattress can perfectly fit side or back sleepers.
Pros:
- Excellent pressure relief for side sleepers at shoulders and hips
- Superb motion isolation
- Conforming feel
- Good back support
Cons:
- Potential for hips sinking too much in stomach sleepers
- Extra comfort layers may trap heat based on materials
- Challenging to switch sleeping positions
- Possible spinal alignment issues
Choosing Plush vs Firm Mattress
How we feel a mattress—whether firm or plush—depends on how we sleep and our body shape. Blissful Nights shares tips to help you pick your ideal mattress easily.
- Sleeping Position: Your preferred sleeping position determines if you need a firm or plush mattress. Stomach sleepers prefer firmer beds, side sleepers need plushness, while back and combination sleepers might prefer a medium feel.
- Body Weight and Type: Your body weight and type influence the comfort between plush and firm mattresses. Lighter individuals find a firmer mattress comfortable, while larger frames often prefer firmness for spinal alignment. Side sleepers, regardless of size, may enjoy plush mattresses for pressure relief, especially with durable support coils underneath.
- Personal Preferences: Choosing mattress firmness is similar to picking clothes—it's all about personal preference. There's no universal right or wrong; it's about what suits your sleeping preferences. At Blissful Nights, you can try plush, firm, and medium mattresses before purchase.
Find Your Plush or Firm Mattress Today!
Whether you lean towards plush or firm, find your ideal mattress to suit your sleep preferences. Explore our range of plush or firm mattresses. Your comfort is personal—discover the mattress that feels just right for you with the guidance of our experts.
Plush vs Firm Mattress FAQs
Are firm mattresses uncomfortable?
It should be comfortable if the firmness matches your sleeping style and body type. Switching to a softer mattress might take around 30 days to get used to it.
Is It Possible to Have a Mattress That Is Both Firm and Plush?
Absolutely! Some mattresses offer a plush feel with a firm core, catering to different preferences, especially for couples.
Is a Plush Mattress Better for Side Sleepers?
Yes, side sleepers may find plush surfaces more comfortable, as they relieve pressure points like shoulders and hips.
Do hotels use plush or firm mattresses?
Hotels often use medium to medium-firm mattresses, aiming for a balance that caters to a wider range of guests.
Do firm mattresses last longer?
Firmness doesn't determine longevity. Look for mattresses with a robust support layer—around half its thickness—to ensure durability.
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