Best For
- Very firm feel, better for back or stomach sleepers
- Very fast response time
- Outstanding edge support
Considerations
- Not great pressure relief for side sleepers
- Extra firmness also means higher levels of motion transfer
Our Verdict
The Plank Luxe mattress is a flippable hybrid with a very firm feel. It has a 13.25″ profile height with a quilted cover on both sides of the mattress. It comes with a standard, thin cover or you can opt for an upgraded cooling cover.
It has moderate sinkage and high bounce giving a more float-on-top of the mattress feel.
It comes with a flippable design with two different firmnesses. One side is 8 out of 10 and the other 9 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm. On either side, this mattress is very firm.
The Plank Firm Luxe has an overall score of 8.76, placing it in the top 36% of all mattresses we’ve tested to date. Compared to other hybrid mattresses, it is in the top 32%.
For a queen size, the Plank Firm Luxe costs $1,072, 20% less than the average hybrid mattress. With an above-average performance and cheaper cost, it is a good value if you are looking for something more firm.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Very Firm (8 or 9)
Best For: Back or Stomach Sleepers, Moderate to Heavyweight Sleepers
In This Review
Performance Tests | Firmness | Support & Sleeping Positions | Design | Materials | Comparisons | FAQs
Performance Tests
At NapLab, we put each mattress to the test.
We test 10 different factors that impact the performance, comfort, and value of the mattress. We then take the results of that test and compare to every mattress we’ve tested to date.
Check out the full performance table below to see how this mattress ranks:
| Factor | Plank Firm Luxe | Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.76 | 8.53 |
| Price (Queen) | $1,072 | $1,398 (Hybrid only) |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 | 8.6 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.12″ | 2.16″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 7.7 | 8.2 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 10.14 m/s² | 8.75 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.1 | 8.8 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.3 sec. | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.8 sec. | 1.0 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.32″ | 9.26″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 10 | 8.6 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.00″ | 4.04″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Outstanding | Good |
| Sex – Score | 9.1 | 8.3 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 8.0 | 8.6 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.5″ | 4.2″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 13.25″ | 12.1″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.3 | 8.2 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Moderate | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 6 days | 7 days |
| Company – Score | 9.7 | 8.6 |
| Trial | 120 nights | 178 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime | 29% have lifetime warranties, average of other 71% of mattresses is 13 years |
How is the Plank Firm Luxe Different?
The Plank Firm Luxe has an overall score that is above average and a price tag that is below the average mattress. Compared to the average hybrid mattress, the Plank is 20% less for a saving of $269.
Advantages
The mattress outperformed the average mattress in multiple categories. Cooling, response time, and edge support were all better than average. In addition, thanks to higher bounce, the sex performance was also better than average.
Furthermore, the Plank Firm Luxe has a flippable design, giving the mattress 2 different firmness levels.
Neutral Factors
Bounce and sinkage are both preferential factors, and the Plank Firm Luxe is not too far from the average for both. It has slightly less sinkage and 9% more bounce.
Disadvantages
That said, it isn’t better in every category. Motion transfer scored lower with 15% more motion than the average mattress. Additionally, pressure relief scored less than average.
Cooling Test
The Plank Firm Luxe has excellent cooling performance. In our tests, I felt no significant level of heat retention around my body.
Baseline Temp.
76.6° F
Max Temp.
86.9° F
Ending Temp.
78.4° F
The mattress has a minimal level of foam, uses poly foam instead of memory foam, has a hybrid design, and a floating feel (as opposed to sinking into the mattress). This combination of factors is able to further improve cooling performance.
Max Temp.
Ending Temp
- Baseline Temperature – the temperature of the mattress before anyone lies on it
- Maximum Temperature (0 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after lying on it for 15 minutes
- Ending Temperature (5 minute) – the temperature of the mattress after being lied upon and having no one on it for 5 minutes
The mattress we tested had the standard cotton cover. However, there is an optional cooling cover you can choose if you desire even better cooling performance.
Our heat dissipation data showed that the mattress was able to release the majority of its heat by minute 3.
Heat Dissipation Over Time
Overall, I’m quite pleased with the cooling performance I experienced and measured on the Plank Firm Luxe. I don’t expect heat will be an issue for many sleepers on this mattress.
Sinkage Test
The Plank Firm Luxe has a moderate level of sinkage. In our sinkage tests, we measured 2.12” of pressure point sinkage. I was actually a little surprised by the sinkage depth.
The level of sinkage is documented in the image below.
Typically, mattresses at this firmness level create far less sinkage. As a result, you can expect heavier portions of your body to sink to a moderate depth on the Plank Firm Luxe.
However, lighter body parts (feet, lower legs, arms, etc.) will float more on top of the mattress due to the high level of firmness. Notably, we tested the firm side, not the very firm side. Without question, the very firm side will have less sinkage and an even more extreme “floating on top of the mattress” feel.
Motion Transfer Test
The Plank Firm Luxe has a moderate level of motion transfer. In our tests, we measured 10.14 m/s² of acceleration range. This is 1.36 m/s² more motion transfer than the average of 8.78 m/s².
The level of motion transfer is documented in the video below.
Higher motion transfer is pretty common on firm and very firm mattresses. The firmer feel simply creates more immediate pushback and support, which also means more pushback for motion-generating events.
Max. Acceleration
5.45 m/s²
Min. Acceleration
-4.69 m/s²
Accel. Range
10.14 m/s²
Our motion transfer chart (which visualizes our accelerometer data) shows the highest motion peaks from 0 to 0.14 seconds. It begins to drop off thereafter but still remains moderately high until 0.92 seconds, before finally returning to near-zero levels.
Neither the motion peaks nor the motion duration are great. Mattresses with the lowest levels of motion transfer are able to disperse all energy within 0.3 seconds.
Needless to say, Plank Firm Luxe is far from that mark. In my view, if you need a firm mattress then you’re going to have to deal with a higher level of motion. A natural side effect of the firmer feel is a higher level of motion.
Response Test
The Plank Firm Luxe has a very fast response time. In our tests, we measured 0.3 seconds for the materials to mostly recover and 0.8 seconds for full material recovery.
Both of these measurements are better than the average.
Mostly Recovered
0.3 sec.
Complete Recovery
0.8 sec.
Based on all of our tests to date, we have measured an average mostly recovered response time of 0.40 seconds and an average fully recovered response time of 0.90 seconds.
The level of responsiveness is documented in the video below.
Firmer mattresses usually don’t compress as deeply and are often able to deliver the speedy response times that we measured here. Higher response helps improve ease of movement and prevent any type of stuck feeling.
At these response levels, I don’t envision any issues. The mattress rebounds to shape quickly, avoids any stuck feelings, and aids in ease of movement.
Bounce Test
The Plank Firm Luxe has a high level of bounce. In our tests, we measured 10.32” of total bounce height. This is 0.81” more bounce than the average of 9.51”.
Max. Depth
5.03″
Max. Rebound
5.29″
Total Bounce
10.32″
Max. Sinkage Depth
Max Bounce Height
The level of bounce is also documented in the video below.
Higher levels of bounce improve sex and ease of movement. However, too much bounce can create motion transfer issues. Typically, I like to see 8-12” of bounce.
It’s enough to experience the benefits, without being too much. At 10.32” the Plank Firm Luxe is right in the sweet spot. While we did measure higher levels of motion transfer, I suspect most of that is resulting from the firmer feel. Overall, I don’t expect the bounce to be a major issue for sleepers.
Edge Support Test
The Plank Firm Luxe has outstandingly good edge support. In our sitting edge support tests, we measured 3.0” of sitting sinkage at the edge. This is 1.05” less sinkage than the average of 4.05”.
Max Sinkage
3.00″
Lying Support
Outstanding
Subjectively speaking, I felt extremely well supported even when sitting directly on top of the edge. The firm feel creates more than sufficient support over the entirety of the mattress.
Ideally, I like to see 4.0” of sitting sinkage or less. With just 3.0” of edge support sinkage the Plank Firm Luxe is a fantastic performer.
The level of edge support while seated is documented in the images below.
Sitting, 140 lbs.
Sitting, 200 lbs.
Lying edge support was equally as impressive. When lying directly on the edge of the mattress I felt fully supported in all sleeping positions. I have zero complaints when it comes to edge support on the Plank Firm Luxe.
The level of edge support while lying is documented in the images below.
Lying on Edge, 140 lbs.
Lying on Edge, 200 lbs.
Sex Test
The Plank Firm Luxe has excellent sex performance. This is a fantastic score and based on the individual scoring factors, we’re not too surprised.
| Sex Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bounce | 65% | 8.9 | High |
| Edge Support | 20% | 10 | Outstanding |
| Noise | 5% | 10 | Minimal |
| Pressure Relief | 5% | 8.0 | Good |
| Cooling | 5% | 9.0 | Excellent |
This mattress has high bounce and exceptional edge support. These two factors alone make up 80% of the total sex score. In addition to bounce and edge support, it is also very quiet, and has good cooling and good pressure relief.
The only other issue may be the super firm feel. If you’re on the very firm side of the mattress the mattress itself is so firm that some people might find it to be too firm for sexual activities.
Pressure Relief Test
The Plank Firm Luxe mattress has good, but not amazing pressure relief. Ultimately, this is a mattress designed to create high firmness and high support. With that firmness and support comes more of a “floating on top” of the mattress feel, as opposed to in.
Comfort Layer
4.5″
Support Layer
8.8″
A byproduct of that feel means pressure relief is going to be far more restrained. For sleepers who like the firmer feel, this comfort dynamic can be perfectly acceptable.
However, sleepers who need a more significant hug, more body contouring, and more immediate softness in the top layers, are likely to be disappointed by the overall pressure relief dynamic of this mattress.
Off-Gassing Test
Right out of the box, the Plank Firm Luxe has a moderate amount of smell. The off-gassing period lasted 6 days, which is slightly longer than the average across all mattresses that we’ve tested to date.
Initial Smell Strength
Moderate
Off-Gassing Period
6 days
To speed up off-gassing, place the unboxed mattress in a well-ventilated room and leave off the bedding for a day or so. This maximizes airflow, which in turn can shorten the off-gassing period.
Company
Plank has a great company score. They offer a 120-night trial period with a lifetime warranty. Shipping is free, but if you decide to return the mattress there are two caveats to consider.
| Company Factor | Factor Weight | Score | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trial Period | 15% | 8.0 | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 10% | 10 | Lifetime |
| Shipping | 5% | 10 | $0 |
| Returns | 20% | 10 | $0 |
| Trust | 50% | 10 | Outstanding |
| Country of Origin | 0% | USA |
Comparing all mattresses tested to date, this trial is 32% shorter, but its warranty is considerably longer.
Break-In Period: There is a 30-night break-in period from the time you take home the mattress. During the first 30 days, you cannot initiate a return, giving sufficient time for your body to adjust to the new mattress.
$99 Return Fee: If after the 30-night break-in period, you still want to return the mattress, it will cost you a $99 return fee. This applies to used mattresses as well as mattresses still in their original packaging.
How firm is the Plank Firm Luxe?
The Plank Luxe is very firm, one of the firmest mattresses we’ve tested to date. It is a flippable mattress and has a slightly different firmness on each side, although both sides are still considered to be firm and very firm.
One side is an 8 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm.
The other side is a 9 out of 10, where 10 is the most firm.
Support & Sleeping Positions
The Plank Firm Luxe has exceptionally good support. The mattress is designed to create high firmness, high pushback, and fantastic support. It absolutely checks all 3 of those boxes.
The firmer feel ensures that sleepers of all body weights receive ample support, especially for the midsection and lower back. It’s a mattress better suited for heavier weighted bodies, in addition to stomach and back sleepers. In general, it’s not a mattress I’d recommend for side sleepers.
Firm (8 out of 10)
| Sleeper Weight | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 150 lbs. | Maybe | No | Maybe |
| 150-250 lbs. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 250-300 lbs. | Yes | Maybe | Yes |
Extra Firm (9 out of 10)
| Sleeper Weight | Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 150 lbs. | Maybe | No | Maybe |
| 150-250 lbs. | Yes | No | Yes |
| 250-300 lbs. | Yes | No | Yes |
Design
The design of the Plank Firm Luxe mattress is an extra firm hybrid with a total thickness of 13.25″. I will say right off the bat—this mattress is not for everyone.
The extreme firmness of this mattress makes it a tough sell for lightweight sleepers, side sleepers, or just those who don’t enjoy the feeling of a mattress with so much pushback.
Type
Hybrid
Thickness
13.25″
Firmness
8 or 9
That being said, back sleepers, stomach sleepers, or just those who really like a very firm feel may appreciate the Plank Firm Luxe.
Materials
Being a flippable hybrid, there are actually comfort layers on both sides of the mattress with a shared support layer positioned in the core of this mattress.
From top to bottom, the layers on this mattress include:
- 1.5” quilted cover
- 1.0” poly foam (TitanFlex)
- 2.0” poly foam
- 6.0” support coils
- 2.0” poly foam
- 0.75” quilted cover
The Cover
The cover of the Plank Firm Luxe is thin and stretchy, with a breathable feel. This is the standard cover.
On the firm side (8), this layer is 1.5″ thick, for added softness. On the extra firm side (9), this layer is only 0.75″ thick, providing a firmer feel.
If you’re looking for something with more performance benefits, Plank also offers a cooling cover, as an optional add-on.
The cooling cover uses a phase-change material to provide temperature-regulating benefits and improved cooling.
The Comfort Layer
The comfort layer beneath the cover depends largely on what side of the mattress you’re lying on.
On the firm side (8), this layer is 3.0″ thick and uses a blend of two different types of poly foam. On the extra firm side (9), this layer is only 2.0″ thick, provided with a single layer of poly foam.
The Support Layer
No matter which side of the mattress you’re on, the support core is the same. It is a 6.0″ thick layer of pocketed coils, where hundreds of coils are individually encased in fabric.
Product Evolution
The Plank Firm Luxe was launched in 2020 in an effort to reach growing customer requests for an extra firm hybrid. The original Plank came out 3-4 years prior to this launch, but being an all-foam mattress the Luxe was developed as a hybrid alternative to the all-foam construction.
Plank Firm Luxe vs. Plank Firm
So how does the Plank Luxe compare to the original Plank? Check out the similarities and differences below.
Plank Firm Luxe
| Type: Hybrid (Flippable) |
| Thickness: 13.25″ |
| Firmness: 8 or 9 |
| Price: $1,149 (Queen) |
| Overall Score: 8.76 |
Plank Firm
| Type: Foam (Flippable) |
| Thickness: 9.0″ |
| Firmness: 8 or 9 |
| Price: $999 (Queen) |
| Overall Score: 8.87 |
Other Mattresses to Consider
Not sure if the Plank Luxe is the right pick for you? Check out these three other top-rated firm hybrids below.
For Savings
Titan Plus
3.0″ Comfort Layer
The Titan Plus is another hybrid alternative that hit that 9 out of 10 firmness level, not matched by many. If you don’t need flippable firmness, the Titan Plus can offer some good savings over the Plank Luxe.
For Motion Transfer
Ashley Sleep Align
Memory Foam Feel
The Ashley Sleep Align Tight Top mattress has a 4.0″ comfort layer with a pocketed coil base. Having a memory foam top layer, this mattress has much lower levels of motion transfer.
For Bounce
Helix Dawn
8.0″ Coil Supports
The Helix Dawn mattress uses pocketed coils that are 2″ taller than the Plank Luxe and a 3.0″ comfort layer. This gives the Dawn mattress a max bounce of 13.64″. For reference, the max bounce on the Plank Luxe is 10.32″.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Check out some of the top FAQs on the Plank Firm Luxe mattress below and get the answers you’re looking for.
Here are the current prices, both with and without cooling cover, with any sales or promotions reflected below:
Twin: $739
Twin XL: $819
Full: $939
Queen: $1225
King: $1385
Cal. King: $1385
Split Cal King: $819 (per side)
Short Queen: $1125
Short King: $1385
Olympic Queen: $1385
RV King: $1385
With Cooling Cover:
Twin: $819
Twin XL: $919
Full: $1039
Queen: $1345
King: $1545
Cal. King: $1545
Split Cal King: $919 (per side)
Short Queen: $1345
Short King: $1545
Olympic Queen: $1545
RV King: $1545
*Note: Sales prices are subject to change without notice or warning.
Plank is owned and operated by Brooklyn Bedding. In 2021, Brooklyn Bedding was acquired by Cerberus Capital Management (who also own the Helix and Bear mattress companies). Cerberus Capital Management is an American private equity firm.
As soon as you unbox and break the vacuum seal, the Plank mattress will look mostly expanded within a matter of minutes. However, for best performance, give the Plank mattress at least 24 hours to expand before sleeping on it.
I did not find the Plank mattress to be hot. In our cooling tests, I was very comfortable and subjectively found the mattress to sleep cool. For improved cooling, you can also opt for the specialty cooling cover (additional cost), which would enhance the cooling performance beyond what I experienced with the standard cover.
