What is a Plush Mattress? Who Is It Best For?

Plush mattresses feature thicker comfort layers than firm mattresses. They give sleepers a soft, cushioned feeling. In contrast, firm mattresses give sleepers a more responsive, less cushy feeling.

Which firmness level you need depends upon your body size, sleep position, and joint support needs. Mattress firmness ranges from 1 to 10. Plush mattresses usually fall at a 3 or lower on the firmness scale. Firm mattresses are at a 7 or higher. In the middle are medium mattresses. These mattresses are best for couples and those with back pain. Some companies also carry medium-soft and medium-firm mattresses.

This article will explain what a plush mattress is and who should sleep on a soft mattress. We’ll also look at the benefits and drawbacks of firm mattresses. To wrap up, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about plush mattresses.

What is a Plush Mattress?

Sleeping on a plush mattress feels like you’re on a soft, cushioned cloud. One common misconception about plush mattresses is that they aren’t supportive. Support is different from comfort or feel. A mattress can be both plush and foster adequate joint support. You shouldn’t be sleeping on a mattress that isn’t supportive.

Benefits

Soft mattresses offer sleepers a soft, hugging sensation. The contouring that a softer mattress offers aids in pressure relief. This body cradling is helpful for those with joint issues like arthritis.

Petite sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds will be most comfortable and supported by a plush mattress. Smaller framed individuals need the body-holding sensation this mattress offers. Too-firm mattresses let the pressure build up in their bodies.

Side sleepers or those with neck, shoulder, and hip pain also enjoy a plusher mattress.

Drawbacks

Not everyone will feel comfortable or supported when resting on a plush mattress. The intense contouring of this mattress can feel uncomfortable for larger sleepers. The sinking sensation of a softer bed can lead to overheating and difficulty getting out of bed.

Those who need firmer support will feel stiff or sore after sleeping on a plush mattress. Body aches are a common indicator that you aren’t sleeping on a supportive mattress. The indentation that your body makes in a plush mattress makes it prone to early sagging.

Our top recommendation for a plush mattress is the AS5 from Amerisleep. This bed is quick to hug the body but is designed to prevent the sinkage that can cause discomfort. It’s the softest bed in the company lineup/

The AS5, like all Amerisleep mattresses, ships free and includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

The AS5 is a soft mattress designed to sidestep the typical trap of becoming an unsupportive sinkhole. With sturdy, responsive foams that help the mattress retain its shape even after years of nightly use. A sleeper will feel a gentle embrace as the surface rushes to meet all their curves, yet can also enjoy how quickly the AS5 snaps back to its original shape.

Inside the Mattress

The first foam layer is Bio-Pur® foam, an innovative update to traditional memory foam. Bio-Pur® has a partly plant-based structure, with plant oils replacing some of the standard petrochemicals that make up memory foam. Not only does this changed formula create a more eco-friendly foam, but it also renders Bio-Pur® more responsive and breathable.

The next layer is Active Flex, named for its flexible responsiveness. This material boosts how swiftly the surface adapts to a sleeper’s movement and weight, buoying the body without decreasing its soft feel.

The transition foam layer is Affinity foam with HIVE® technology. The hexagonal cutouts that make up HIVE® technology create five distinct support zones across the mattress. In the shoulders and hips areas the AS5 has more flexible cushion for greater pressure relief, while the head, torso, and feet areas remain focused on uncompromising support.

The base layer is Bio-Core®, a material that resists sagging and strengthens the mattress’s overall structure. Bio-Core® provides the back support that side sleepers and lightweight sleepers need to wake up refreshed and ready to tackle their day.

Wrapping around the mattress’s layers is a cover fabric of Refresh. Named for its restorative power, the thermoreactive minerals inside the mattress cover take absorbed body heat and convert it into infrared energy. This transformed infrared energy then penetrates the sleeper’s body to boost local bloodflow.

SEE ALSO: Softest Mattress in a Box (2022)

What is a Firm Mattress?

Firm mattresses have a thinner comfort layer. Their design better holds the weight of larger framed sleepers. People over 230 pounds will feel supported without sinking into the mattress’s surface.

Both back sleepers and stomach sleepers prefer firmer mattresses over their plush counterparts. The anti-sink design of a firm mattress provides support to reduce joint pain. Plus, the responsive surface minimizes the chances of spinal misalignment.

Benefits

Sleeping on a firm mattress is beneficial for back pain sufferers. Mattresses for back pain offer the right level of support to reduce their pain. Firmer beds also lower the risk of night sweats and improve circulation.

When you sleep on a firm mattress, you won’t have to worry about being trapped or having trouble getting out of bed. These issues are common with poorly made soft mattresses. The responsive design of firm mattresses eliminates these problems.

Drawbacks

There are some noticeable drawbacks to be aware of when purchasing a firm mattress. While firm mattresses can be more supportive, they can also have a rigid or stiff feeling. This feeling is normal when first breaking in a new mattress. If it persists for longer than a month, your bed is too firm.

Sleeping on a too-firm bed will result in joint pain and muscle stiffness the next day. A too-firm mattress can make it difficult to find a comfortable position and fall asleep. Over time, this can diminish the quality of sleep you’re getting.

Plush vs. Firm: Which Do I Need?

Stuck on whether you need a firm or soft mattress? Whether you need a firm, plush, or medium mattress depends on several factors. Here are the top four factors to consider when choosing the right mattress:

• Body size: Smaller framed or lightweight sleepers are most comfortable sleeping on a plush mattress. Plush mattresses give these individuals the body-hugging support to sleep comfortably. Large framed, heavier sleepers should opt for a firmer mattress. Firm mattresses provide these people with the right level of support to minimize sinking and avoid discomfort.

• Sleep position: Your preferred sleep position also impacts how firm of a mattress you need. Side sleepers and combination sleepers typically enjoy a plusher mattress. Plush mattresses give these people extra cushion for their neck, shoulder, and hip joints. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress. Firm mattresses aid in back support and promote a neutral spine position.

• Sleeping alone vs with a partner: If you’re sleeping alone, you won’t have to factor in the weight, sleep position, and joint support needs of your partner. Those planning to share a bed with a partner will need to ensure the bed is comfortable and supportive for them as well. Medium mattresses are a popular choice amongst couples.
• Age: Your age is another determinant that can impact your ideal firmness level. Older individuals may need firmer or plush mattresses depending on their health conditions. If you have mobility issues, you may need to aim for a firmer mattress. In contrast, those with severe aches and pains may need to choose a plusher mattress for joint pain.

Some sleepers prefer a bed that’s soft but not too soft. For these sleepers, we recommend a medium-soft mattress. Similarly, some individuals want a bed that’s firm but not overly so. They may find a medium-firm mattress is the key to a good night’s rest.

We also recommend reading our soft vs medium mattress guide to further compare the two feels, along with their pros and cons.

The Zoma Hybrid is the bed for sleepers who want a bed that’s neither too soft nor too firm, with a responsive coil core that ensures the bed adapts quickly to sleepers’ movements.

The Zoma Hybrid comes with free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How the Mattress Feels

While the Zoma Hybrid is a firmer bed, its surface is not so unyielding that it’s suitable for only the most dedicated of stomach sleepers. The gel memory foam gently cushions the heavier parts of the body, supporting the shoulders and hips of side sleepers. Back sleepers can gently sink into the surface without fear of spine misalignment.

Inside the Mattress

The top layer of the Zoma Hybrid is gel memory foam, pulling away absorbed body heat for quick dispersal. The memory foam gently molds to the body, and its 2-inch thickness keeps it from feeling overly soft.

The middle layer is Reactiv™ foam, named for its adaptable feel. The material mimics latex without any of the cost, keeping the Zoma Hybrid affordable while helping sleepers lie comfortably on top of the mattress.

The support core is pocketed coils resting on a dense foam base, reinforcing the coils’ structure. Unlike traditional innersprings, the coils are wrapped to create individual responses. Couples sharing the bed will find that their movements won’t ripple across the surface, allowing partners to sleep undisturbed.

FAQs

How do Euro top and plush mattresses differ?

Euro top mattresses have a thick comfort layer that is stitched underneath the surface of the mattress. Pillow top mattresses have the same style of comfort layer, except that it is stitched into the top or surface level of the mattress. For more information, read our Euro top vs pillow top mattress guide.

A Euro top mattress is also likely a plush mattress. However, not all plush mattresses are Euro top mattresses. Both mattresses provide sleepers with a soft sleeping surface via extra cushioning.

Is a plush mattress good for your back?

Plush mattresses can be good for back pain sufferers who are lightweight or sleep on their side. For these sleepers, a plush mattress lowers tension and relieves pressure points located along the back and spine.

However, plush mattresses aren’t ideal for all sleepers who have back pain. Larger framed sleepers who sleep on their back or stomach need to choose a firmer mattress. Firmer mattresses are necessary for these sleepers to get enough support and to maintain proper spinal alignment.

Can you flip a plush mattress?

You cannot flip a plush mattress (or most modern mattresses) unless they are double-sided. Flipping a mattress that is not double-sided results in you sleeping on an uncomfortable surface. Instead, you can rotate your mattress every 3 to 6 months to promote a more even wear.

Are plush mattresses bad for you?

Plush mattresses are not bad. However, a plush mattress may be uncomfortable or lacking in support for certain individuals. If a mattress is too plush or soft, it won’t provide you with a good night’s rest. Sore muscles, stiff joints, or body aches are a good sign that your plush mattress isn’t providing you with adequate support.

What is the difference between plush and an ultra-plush mattress?

An ultra-plush mattress would be a 1 on the mattress firmness scale, whereas a plush mattress is a 3. Ultra-plush mattresses are the softest beds available. For most sleepers, an ultra-plush mattress is too soft and lacks joint support.

Ultra-plush mattresses can be too claustrophobic, creating a “stuck” feeling for the sleeper. Plus, it’s hard to find a bed this soft. Since it’s not suitable for most sleepers, the average company doesn’t offer beds with ultra-plush feels.

Conclusion

Plush mattresses feature a thicker comfort layer and a softer sleep surface. Your body size, sleep position, and joint health impact how firm of a bed you need. Smaller sleepers who prefer to sleep on their side are most comfortable and best supported by a plusher mattress. Those with arthritis or other joint conditions can also benefit from a softer bed.

A heavier person who sleeps on their back or stomach needs a firmer mattress. Firmer mattress prevents these individuals and those with mobility issues from sinking into their bed. Medium mattresses are a good choice for couples because they fall in the middle of the mattress firmness scale.