Plush vs Firm Mattresses: What You Should Know

There’s a lot of questions to ask yourself when looking for a mattress, but one of the most important is do you want a plush or firm mattress? You may only want to consider other important factors, including the size and cost of the mattress, after you have determined your ideal firmness levels for your mattress.

What Are the Key Differences Between a Plush and Firm Mattress?

A common misconception among mattress shoppers is that firm mattresses have fewer comfort layers than plush mattresses. Firm mattresses don’t necessarily have fewer layers, but they may have thinner ones. This ensures they provide ample support without a lot of cushioning or give. Plush mattresses, on the other hand, have thick, cushioned layers that provide a plump sleeping surface. Put simply, this isn’t a matter of hard versus soft but rather whether you prefer a sturdy mattress or a more pliable and giving one.

Weight also isn’t necessarily a differentiating factor. The coils in firm mattresses and the additional cushioned layers in plush mattresses can make both difficult to move or flip over. If having a lightweight mattress is important to you, such as if you’re expecting to need to move the mattress frequently, an InnerSpring mattress will be the easiest to move. These mattresses are highly durable, so you don’t have to worry about damaging them in transit, and they are available in an array of firmness levels, including many that will appeal to those who want a middle-ground option when deciding between firm and plush.

Pros and Cons of Plush Mattresses

Pros

• Comfortable: The biggest benefit of a plush mattress is its enhanced comfort, as its soft surface creates a lush, cushioned feel that cradles you and can make sleep more enjoyable.

• Customization: Plush mattresses are highly customizable. Pillow top and plush-top mattresses in particular can be made with a variety of supportive materials, including InnerSpring and latex. Twilight Bedding allows shoppers to personalize their mattress to meet their unique sleeping needs.

• Balanced Support: Despite the soft surface, most plush mattresses provide good underlying support. Only memory foam doesn’t, as many report waking up in the middle of the night to find themselves sinking into the mattress.

Cons

• Heat Retention: The extra padding can hinder the mattress’s breathability, making it more likely to retain heat and create a warm sleeping surface that some may find uncomfortable.

• Maintenance: While some plush mattresses may require less maintenance, the softer top may be more high-maintenance than other mattresses, as their additional padding can require special care to preserve their quality.

Who Should Buy a Plush Mattress?

Plush mattresses are ideal for side sleepers and those trying to alleviate pressure on their shoulders and hips, like older adults. A soft sleeping surface can soothe discomfort and provide a luxurious, cradling sensation.

Pros and Cons of Firm Mattresses

Pros

• Proper Spinal Alignment: Firm mattresses provide strong underlying support that helps maintain proper spinal alignment, reducing the risk of back pain for those who sleep on their backs.

• Cooler Sleeping Surface: Because they have less padding, firm mattresses are less likely to retain heat, creating a temperature-neutral sleeping surface.

• Motion Isolation: Since they have less give, firm mattresses offer superior motion isolation, reducing motion transfer that can help you and your partner sleep better even if one of you tosses and turns in their sleep.

Cons

• Rigid: Firm mattresses’ stiff sleeping surface may be uncomfortable for some and can exert pressure on your shoulders and hips, especially if you sleep on your side or if you weigh under 130 lbs.

• Initial Adjustment: It can be harder to break in a firm mattress than a soft mattress, potentially leading to a slightly uncomfortable adjustment period.

Who Should Buy a Firm Mattress?

Firm mattresses will be ideal for those who sleep on their stomach or back and need help maintaining proper spinal alignment as well as those who easily overheat while trying to sleep. Those who weigh more than 230 lbs may also enjoy a firm mattress, as the pushback a firm mattress provides will prevent sinking while offering more of a cradling sensation than a plush mattress.



Buy a High-Quality Firm or Plush Mattress From Local Manufacturers Who’ve Been Producing Mattresses for Over 30 Years

As a factory-direct, family-owned company, the team at Twilight Bedding takes great pride in producing hand-made mattresses that have been optimized to provide our customers with reliably great sleep every night – all at a lower price than our competitors.

Learn more about our vast inventory of plush and firm mattresses, including luxury quality latex and InnerSpring mattresses, by calling our Spokane Valley Showroom at (509) 926-2333 or our North Spokane Showroom at (509) 413-2431, or visit us today.