Plush mattresses feel ultra-soft, they’re often described as “cloud-like,” and they provide sleepers with lots of cushioning comfort. For people who sleep on their sides, are small or have pain, or for other reasons, they are a luxurious sleep solution. Even though everyone might find the idea of sleeping on a cloud appealing, plush mattresses aren’t comfortable for everyone and can even make some people feel uncomfortable and achy while they sleep. Ouch!
Determining whether or not a soft mattress can meet your sleeping needs requires an understanding of how a plush mattress supports you and how it feels. However, we acknowledge that it’s not always simple or easy to assess a mattress’s feel without actually lying down on it. What distinguishes firmness from support, exactly?
Be at ease; we’re here to guide you through the maze of mattress firmness so you can learn more about plush mattresses and the types of people they’re most comfortable for. In addition, we review some of our top plush mattresses at the conclusion to aid in your search for the ideal mattress.
Why Do Firmness Levels Matter?
The initial feel of a mattress when you lay on it depends on how firm it is. Recognizing the variations among mattresses and knowing what to anticipate from various firmnesses comes from having a basic understanding of the mattress firmness levels.
Although there is no industry standard for firmness levels, plush mattresses typically rate a 3 out of 10. The approximate mattress firmness scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.
Firmness Vs. Support
Firmness and support are distinct concepts, despite how similar they may sound. If we’re going to get technical, ILD and how much a mattress compresses under different weights serve as the true indicators of firmness; soft beds compress more readily and have a lower ILD. On the other hand, support is determined by the way the layers are put together and the mattress’s components, such as its pocketed coils and zoned support systems.
Yes, plush mattresses are soft, but premium plush mattresses never lack support. The best plush mattresses available often have extra support layers to encourage proper spinal alignment and increase the comfort of the sleeper as a whole.
You shouldn’t have much trouble getting into a comfortable sleeping position, drifting off to sleep, or waking up in the mornings feeling pain-free and rejuvenated if your mattress feels cozy and supports you properly.
Who Is It Best For?
Because the beds conform well with little weight, plush mattresses are ideal for petite sleepers. A plush mattress is also advantageous for side sleepers because it reduces pressure points in the hips and shoulders.
Petite sleepers weigh less than 130 pounds, so they don’t put a lot of pressure on the mattress and don’t experience much contouring on firmer mattresses. Mattresses for small people should feel medium to soft so that they can conform to their bodies and relieve pressure.
Many side sleepers who use too-firm mattresses often awaken with hip and shoulder pain. The best mattresses for side sleepers are plush because they offer enough support for the body’s two largest joints—the hips and shoulders—which are prone to pressure and pain points on firm or irregularly shaped beds.
Most stomach sleepers find plush mattresses to be too soft because a soft mattress can cause their hips to sag, which could lead to a misaligned spine and pain.
Similarly, plus-sized sleepers may sink and feel “stuck” in plush mattresses if they don’t contain added supports, like zoned or transition layers, to keep sleepers lifted. For proper support and to avoid lying on their mattress rather than on it, plus-sized sleepers typically require a firmer mattress.
Benefits
A soft, hugging feeling is provided by soft mattresses to sleepers. Pressure relief is aided by the contouring that a softer mattress provides. Those who have joint problems, such as arthritis, can benefit from this body cradling.
A plush mattress will be most supportive and comfortable for small sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. The body-holding feeling that this mattress provides is necessary for people with smaller frames. Mattresses that are too firm allow pressure to accumulate in their bodies.
A plusher mattress is also beneficial for those who sleep on their sides or have neck, shoulder, or hip pain.
Drawbacks
Not everyone will experience support or comfort while lying on a plush mattress. Larger sleepers may find this mattress’ extreme contouring uncomfortable. A softer bed’s sinking sensation can cause overheating and make it challenging to get out of bed.
After sleeping on a plush mattress, people who require firmer support will feel stiff or sore. Body aches are a typical sign that your mattress isn’t supportive of your weight while you sleep. Plush mattresses are more prone to early sagging because of the indentation that your body leaves behind.
Plush Vs. Firm: Which Do I Need?
Confused as to whether you require a firm or soft mattress? Several factors determine whether you require a firm, plush, or medium mattress. Here are the top four factors to consider when choosing the right mattress:
- Body size: The most comfortable sleeping position is on a plush mattress for those with smaller frames or lighter weights. These people can sleep comfortably thanks to the body-hugging support provided by plush mattresses. A firmer mattress is preferable for people with large frames and weight issues. These people benefit from firm mattresses because they offer the ideal amount of support to reduce sinking and prevent discomfort.
- Sleep position: Your ideal sleeping position has an impact on how firm of a mattress you require. A plusher mattress is typically preferred by side sleepers and combo sleepers. These people benefit from extra padding for their neck, shoulder, and hip joints thanks to plush mattresses. A firmer mattress is necessary for back and stomach sleepers. Firm beds support the back and encourage a neutral spine position.
- Sleeping alone vs with a partner: The weight, sleep position, and joint support requirements of your partner won’t be a concern if you choose to sleep alone. Those who intend to share a bed with a partner should make sure the bed is cozy and supportive for them as well. Couples often opt for medium-sized mattresses.
- Age: Another factor that may affect your ideal firmness level is your age. Depending on their health, older people may require firmer or plusher mattresses. A firmer mattress might be better if you have mobility problems. On the other hand, people who experience severe aches and pains might need to pick a plusher mattress for joint pain.
A soft bed that’s not too soft is preferred by some sleepers. We recommend a medium-soft mattress for these sleepers. Similarly to this, some people prefer a firm bed that isn’t too firm. They might discover that the key to a restful night’s sleep is a medium-firm mattress.
Conclusion
A thicker comfort layer and a softer sleep surface are characteristics of plush mattresses. Your need for a firm bed is influenced by your body size, sleeping position, and joint health. A plusher mattress provides the most support and comfort for side sleepers who are smaller in stature. A softer bed can also be helpful for people who have arthritis or other joint problems.
A firmer mattress is necessary for a heavier person who sleeps on their back or stomach. These people and those who have mobility issues can’t sink into their beds because of a firmer mattress. Given that they are in the middle of the mattress firmness spectrum, medium mattresses are a good option for couples.