What Is a Plush Mattress? Who Is Its Best For?
Are you longing for the sensation of sinking into a cozy cloud after a long and tiring day? If so, a plush mattress might be the perfect solution for you. But what exactly is a plush mattress? In simple terms, it is a soft and comforting mattress that gently cradles your body, providing you with the utmost relaxation as you drift off to sleep. While plush mattresses are incredibly inviting, it’s important to note that they may not be suitable for everyone. Some individuals prefer the mattress firmer to achieve maximum comfort. This article will explore where plush mattresses fall on the firmness scale and who can benefit most from these soft and cushiony beds. Additionally, we will compare plush mattresses to other cozy beds type, helping you discover the perfect plush mattress that is good enough for your ultimate soft sleep experience.
What Is a Plush Mattress?
A plush mattress, also known as a soft mattress, offers a luxuriously cushioned and gentle surface that allows you to sink in when you lie down. It is designed to provide a comfortable and cozy sleeping experience. Various types of plush mattresses are available, each with unique characteristics. These mattresses come in different levels of softness, catering to individual preferences and needs. Here is a brief overview of the different other soft mattress types used:
- Plush innerspring/coil: Innerspring or coil mattresses typically offer a firmer feel, but a plush innerspring mattress balances softness and medium-firm support. It suits side or back sleepers who prefer a softer sleeping surface. Stomach sleepers, however, may require more firmness for proper support.
- Plush memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are known for their supportive properties and contouring capabilities. A plush memory foam mattress provides a soft and cozy feel, making it ideal for side sleepers. The material conforms to the body’s shape, especially around the hips and shoulders, offering excellent pressure relief.
- Plush hybrid mattresses: Hybrid mattresses combine the best features of innerspring and memory foam mattresses. A plush hybrid mattress strikes a balance between plushness and support. It offers a soft surface that caters to the needs of both side and back sleepers, providing comfort and proper spinal alignment.
- Plush mattresses with a pillow top: A plush mattress with a pillow top features additional padding on the surface. This extra cushioning enhances the softness and comfort of the mattress, providing an even more luxurious and plush feel. This type of mattress is typically on the softer end of the spectrum.
Mattress Firmness
Mattress firmness pertains to the level of softness or hardness experienced when lying on a mattress. The firmness of a soft sleeping surface is primarily determined by the composition of the mattress’s comfort system. Softer mattresses typically feature thick comfort layers that readily compress, while firmer mattresses have thinner comfort layers constructed from materials that offer greater resistance to compression.
It is essential to understand that a mattress’s firmness and support are distinct. Support specifically refers to the mattress’s ability to promote proper spinal alignment, and it primarily relies on the support core, which forms the base layer of the firm mattress itself. The support core often consists of innerspring coils or high-density polyfoam, which provides height and stability and prevents sagging. Soft and firm mattresses can offer adequate support, as it depends not solely on the mattress topper or firmness level.
Firmness Level | Feel | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | Extra Soft | Comfort layers fully compress beneath the weight of a sleeper. |
2-3 | Soft | Considerable sinkage and contouring. |
4 | Medium Soft | Conforms to the body with some resistance. |
5 | Medium | Less sinkage with moderate contouring. |
6 | Medium Firm | Sinks only slightly with minimal cushioning. |
7-9 | Firm | Offers little contouring and sinkage. |
9-10 | Extra Firm | Doesn't noticeably contour or sink, plush and firm. |
Comparing Mattress Firmness Levels
Mattress firmness is commonly measured on a scale from 1 to 10, with plush mattresses typically falling on the lower end of the spectrum, most modern mattresses being around a 3 or 4 rating.
- Extra Soft/Ultra Plush: These mattresses are rare and known for their extremely soft feel. However, they provide minimal support and may not be suitable for those who require more substantial support for their body.
- Soft/Plush: Soft and plush mattresses balance softness and support. They allow you to sink into them comfortably while providing gentle support to your body. These mattresses cradle your body and create a cozy feel.
- Medium-Firm: Medium-firm mattresses are designed to provide equal softness and support. They are often considered a versatile option, catering to a wide range of sleepers. These mattresses offer a comfortable amount of sinkage while ensuring adequate spinal support.
- Firm: Firm mattresses are ideal for individuals who prefer a higher level of support or those who tend to sleep on their stomachs. They provide a firmer surface than medium-firm mattresses and offer enhanced support, especially for heavier sleepers. These mattresses can feel somewhat harder, but they effectively align the spine.
- Extra Firm: Extra firm mattresses are the hardest among the firmness levels. They are typically favored by heavier sleepers who require substantial support. However, these mattresses may feel too hard for some individuals and lack the desired comfort level.
Differentiating Firmness and Support
While firmness and support are related, it is important to understand the distinction between the two:
Firmness: Firmness ultra plush mattress refers to how much you sink into a mattress. A softer mattress provides more sinkage than a softer bed, allowing you to experience a “hugging” sensation. Firmer mattresses, on the other hand, offer less sinkage, providing a more stable and supportive surface.
Support: Support pertains to how well a mattress aligns and supports your spine. Regardless of the firmness level, a mattress should adequately support your body and maintain proper spinal alignment. Supporting a medium mattress ensures a comfortable and healthy sleep posture.
Considering the firmness and support of the same mattress, you can choose a mattress that best suits your preferences and provides the necessary comfort and spinal support for a good night’s sleep.
Who Is a Plush Mattress Best For?
A plush mattress is suitable for different individuals based on their sleep position, body, mattress type used, and personal preferences. It offers comfort to some but may not be preferred by others. When determining the right mattress firmness, it’s important to consider these factors. Generally, plush mattresses are best suited for side sleepers, certain back sleepers, and individuals weighing less than 130 pounds.
Side Sleepers
A plush mattress could be suitable if you tend to sleep on your side. Sleeping in this position puts pressure on your hips and shoulders, and it can be challenging to maintain proper spinal alignment and sleeping position. A plush mattress offers a balance of support and cushioning, effectively relieving pressure points and hip and shoulder pain promoting a healthier sleep posture.
Back Sleepers
While most back sleepers prefer firmer mattresses, some petite sleepers enjoy the comfort of plush surfaces. However, it’s important to note that back sleepers on soft mattresses may experience excessive sinking in the abdominal area, leading to an exaggerated curvature in the lower back and potential back pain. If you’re a back sleeper who prefers a plush mattress, consider opting for one with zoned support to prevent excessive sinking in the midsection.
Lightweight Sleepers
Individuals weighing less than 130 pounds often find plush and firm mattresses more comfortable, regardless of their sleep position. Many people in this weight category find that medium-firm to firm mattresses don’t provide sufficient compression or contouring to their bodies, leading to discomfort and body aches. On the other hand, a plush mattress with a thick and soft comfort system offers the necessary cushioning and contouring for lighter bodies, ensuring a more comfortable and supportive sleep experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, plush mattresses provide a luxurious sleep experience with their thicker comfort layer and softer sleep surface. When choosing a mattress, it’s important to consider factors such as your body size, sleep position, and joint health, as they determine the ideal firmness level for your needs. Smaller sleepers who favor sleeping on their side will find comfort and support in a plusher mattress. At the same time, individuals with arthritis or joint conditions can benefit from the added softness. On the other hand, heavier individuals who sleep on their back or stomach require a plush mattress firmer to prevent sinking and provide the necessary support. For couples, medium mattresses offer a balanced choice as they fall in the middle of the firmness scale. Additionally, it’s always wise to review the mattress warranties before purchasing to ensure coverage for any potential defects or issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plush mattresses can benefit individuals with back pain, especially those who are lightweight or prefer sleeping on their side. These mattresses help reduce tension and alleviate pressure points along the back and spine. However, it’s important to note that plush mattresses may not suit all back and hip pain sufferers. People with larger frames who sleep on their back or stomach typically require a firmer mattress to ensure proper support and spinal alignment.
In most cases, you cannot flip a plush mattress, as with many modern mattresses. Flipping a non-double-sided mattress would result in an uncomfortable sleeping surface. Instead, it is recommended to rotate the pillow top mattress once every 3 to 6 months to promote even wear.
Plush mattresses, in general, are not inherently bad. However, a firm or plush mattress may be uncomfortable or lack sufficient support for certain individuals. An excessively soft or plush mattress may not provide a restful night’s sleep and could lead to sore muscles, stiff joints, or body aches.
The main difference between modern plush and ultra-plush mattresses lies in their firmness levels. Plush mattresses typically have soft foam and rank around three on the mattress firmness scale, while ultra-plush mattresses are at the end, ranking 1.
Ultra-plush mattresses are the softest beds available, but these soft beds may lack proper joint support for most sleepers. Additionally, the extremely soft nature of ultra-plush mattresses can create a “stuck” feeling for some individuals. It’s worth noting that many companies do not commonly offer ultra-plush mattresses, as they are unsuitable for most sleepers.