by Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding occupies a specific, underserved niche in the mattress market: genuinely firm mattresses for stomach sleepers, heavy-framed back sleepers, and those recovering from spinal conditions where a flat, rigid sleep surface is preferred. Most DTC mattresses labeled "firm" are actually medium-firm. Plank is the exception.
The Plank ships as a flippable double-sided mattress — Firm on one side (approximately 8/10) and Ultra-Firm on the other (approximately 9.5/10). We tested both sides for 30 nights each across four testers including two stomach sleepers and one with lumbar disc issues.
PREMIUM ALTERNATIVE
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Plank Firm Mattress Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Plank Firm (Standard) |
|---|---|
| Price (Queen) | $1,299 (frequent sales ~$999) |
| Firmness | Firm side: 8/10 | Ultra-Firm side: 9.5/10 |
| Height | 11 inches |
| Trial Period | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years limited |
| Delivery | Free UPS (box), white-glove available ($149) |
| Materials | Graphite-infused foam + TitanFlex comfort layers + firm poly-foam base |
Testing Results
Comfort & Pressure Relief
On the Firm side, the Plank offers minimal body contouring — deliberately so. For stomach sleepers, this is a feature, not a bug. The hips stay elevated relative to the chest, maintaining a flat spinal plane. Two stomach-sleeping testers reported zero lower back discomfort after 30 nights, compared to their previous medium-soft mattresses where lower back stiffness was a morning fixture.
Side sleepers will struggle on the Firm side. The shoulder and hip receive no pressure relief — the surface simply does not yield. At 8/10 firmness, side sleeping on Plank is uncomfortable for most people unless you are very light (under 130 lbs). The Ultra-Firm side is categorically not for side sleepers.
Support & Spinal Alignment
For back sleepers, the Plank Firm divides testers. Those with a natural lumbar curve found the firm surface created a gap between their lower back and the mattress — common on ultra-firm surfaces for back sleepers. Those with a flatter lumbar curve rated it highly. A lumbar pillow significantly improves comfort for back sleepers on Plank.
For the tester with L4-L5 disc issues, the Firm side was therapeutic — the orthopedic logic of a firm surface supporting a compromised disc held up in practice. However, we note this is individual variation, not a universal recommendation for spinal conditions.
Cooling Performance
The standard Plank Firm uses graphite-infused foam which runs warmer than marketing implies. Firm foam is dense foam, and dense foam retains heat. In testing at 70°F ambient temperature, back sleepers reported mild warmth accumulation by midnight. The optional Cooling Panel cover (TitanCool fabric) at $149 upgrade makes a meaningful difference. If you run hot, budget for the upgrade or consider the Plank Luxe.
Motion Isolation
Good. The dense foam absorbs motion effectively, though slightly less than plush foam mattresses. Partner movement at night was rated low-disruption by both testers in the couple testing this mattress. Better than innerspring, slightly below ultra-plush foam.
Edge Support
Strong. Dense firm foam holds its shape at the perimeter better than softer foam alternatives. Sitting on the edge, you experience minimal compression. This is one of Plank's practical advantages — the usable sleep surface extends closer to the edge than on medium or soft foam mattresses.
Saatva Classic vs Plank Firm: Who Should Choose Which?
Plank Firm is the right choice for dedicated stomach sleepers, orthopedic-preference back sleepers who know they need an ultra-firm surface, and heavy-framed sleepers (250 lbs+) who have tried regular firm mattresses and bottomed out. At ~$999–$1,299, it is purpose-built for a specific audience.
The Saatva Classic is available in Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. Its Firm option (7/10) is softer than Plank but benefits from a dual-coil innerspring system, zoned lumbar support, white-glove delivery, 365-night trial, and lifetime warranty. For back sleepers and couples who want a premium experience that accommodates different sleep positions, Saatva's coil-on-coil architecture is the more versatile — and ultimately more comfortable — choice. Saatva at $1,595 queen competes well against Plank at $1,299 when you factor in the white-glove service and trial period.
OUR TOP PICK
Saatva Classic — Best Overall Mattress 2026
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Related: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid review | Best Mattresses for Back Pain 2026 | Best for Stomach Sleepers | Saatva Classic review
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Plank mattress too firm?
Plank's Firm side (8/10) is significantly firmer than most mattresses. It suits strict stomach sleepers and back sleepers who prefer minimal sinkage. The Ultra-Firm flip side (9.5/10) is genuinely extreme — we recommend it only for those who have already tried firm mattresses and found them still too soft. Most people considering Plank should start with the Firm side.
Is Plank good for back pain?
Firm mattresses can help with certain types of back pain, particularly for stomach sleepers where softness creates lumbar hyperextension. However, clinical evidence is mixed — ultra-firm surfaces can increase pressure at the lumbar curve for back sleepers. Plank works best for stomach sleepers with lower back pain. For back sleepers with pain, a medium-firm mattress with zoned support may be more effective.
How firm is the Plank mattress compared to other mattresses?
Plank Firm sits at approximately 8/10 on firmness. Standard firm mattresses are typically 6.5-7/10. The Plank Ultra-Firm side is 9.5/10 — one of the firmest consumer mattresses available. For reference, most hotel mattresses are 5-6/10, and most 'firm' DTC mattresses are 6.5-7/10. Plank is genuinely in a different category.
Does the Plank mattress have good cooling?
The Plank Firm uses a Cooling Panel cover option (upgrade available) with graphite foam in the comfort layer. Standard Plank runs warm due to its dense foam construction. Hot sleepers should choose the Plank Luxe version with advanced cooling, or consider that firm hybrid mattresses with coil systems run inherently cooler than dense foam designs.
Who makes the Plank mattress?
Plank is made by Brooklyn Bedding, a Phoenix-based mattress manufacturer founded in 1995. Brooklyn Bedding manufactures all their mattresses in-house at their Arizona factory, which is unusual in the DTC mattress space where most brands outsource manufacturing. Plank ships directly from the Brooklyn Bedding factory.