Buying Guides
Published June 30, 2022
15 minPlush vs Medium Firm Mattress: What Is the Difference?
When buying a pillow or a bedframe, a buyer always checks its quality, size, and firmness/sturdiness. Likewise, while buying a mattress, the factors mentioned above must be taken into consideration.
Table of contents
Difference Between Firm Plush and Medium Firm Mattress What Is a Plush Mattress What's a Medium Mattress Plush vs Firm Mattress for Back Pain How Firm Should My Mattress be Try Nectar Medium Firm Mattress Final Thoughts Frequently Asked Questions
When buying a pillow or a bedframe , a buyer always checks its quality, size, and firmness/sturdiness. Likewise, while buying a mattress, the factors mentioned above must be taken into consideration.However, the one thing that can make or break the deal is the firmness of the mattress. And while some people love to sleep on "clouds," others might be satisfied with the firm surface. Furthermore, every mattress has its critical attributes, and deciding on the right mattress might sound difficult, prolonging the eternal debate of choices.And whether the "plush vs medium mattress" debate continues or not, everything will boil down to one thing: that is, what is best suited for the consumer.In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through effective methods for treating different types of mattress stains, from common liquid spills to more challenging biological stains. I'll also share tips on preventing future stains and maintaining your mattress for years to come.
Difference Between Firm Plush and Medium Firm Mattress
The main difference between plush and medium mattresses would be their level of firmness. A plush mattress has a soft surface that sinks immensely when pressure is applied; whereas a medium mattress has a moderate conforming surface that is balanced. This means, it is neither too soft nor too firm. Although they both offer pressure relief on different levels and may still possess certain differences, thus the plush vs medium mattress debate might never end.| Plush Mattress | Medium Mattress |
|---|---|
| A plush mattress has a soft surface that sinks greatly when pressure is applied | A medium mattress has a moderately conforming surface that is neither too soft nor too firm |
| A plush mattress consists of multiple soft layers that add the soft feature | A medium mattress consists of a firm and sturdy support core system with a soft upper layer |
| A plush mattress offers pressure relief | A medium mattress offers pressure relief |
| A plush mattress is ideal for a side sleeper because it cradles the sensitive areas | A medium mattress is ideal for a combination sleeper that supports every sleep position |
What Is a Plush Mattress
Soft or ultra-soft mattresses from 1-3 on the firmness scale are classified as 'plush mattresses.' They are often described as 'cloud-like, 'providing cushioning and comfort. Sleepers may experience sinkage on the bed since plush mattresses tend to get compressed when pressure is applied.And though every manufacturer has different techniques and choices of materials, they are typically 12–14 inches thick, with the comforter layer accounting for 2 inches. The upper layer is meant to be plush, while the base layers are generally made of sturdy material.There are mainly two categories of plush mattresses: plush innerspring mattresses and plush foam mattresses.A plush innerspring mattress comprises an ultra-soft upper comfort layer with a supportive and soft innerspring system. The plush innerspring coil system does wonders in contouring the body's curves and enhancing comfort.Besides, to avoid firmness, the coil system is made smaller, making the mattress voluminous while offering sturdiness. And in ultra-luxurious plush mattresses, the innerspring system is dual-layered, with both layers working in tandem to maximize comfort.A plush foam mattress consists of thick yet soft layers of foam throughout the mattress. Since the mattress is all-foam and has no support system, they rely on the density of its core and support layers. Materials like latex foam, HR foam, or memory foam are used in the Plush Foam Mattress to maximize comfort.Furthermore, in luxury plush mattresses, multiple comfort layers and certain constructive features like pillow-top quilting are used. These features are also used in plush innerspring mattresses.Pros of Plush Mattress
- Offers ultimate pressure relief.
- They are soft and sink considerably and conform closely to the body, cradling all the pressure points and tired joints like hips and shoulders.
- High-quality plush mattresses have excellent support layers, promoting healthy spine alignment and enhancing the overall sleep experience.
- Moreover, they are a luxurious solution for side sleepers, petite sleepers, and sleepers with painful joints or muscles.
Cons of Plush Mattress
- While most sleepers enjoy the soft, comforting feel, others may find it claustrophobic.
- And since it is way too soft, heavier individuals may sink too low, jeopardizing their spinal alignment.
- And all-foam mattresses consist of thick foam layers, such as memory foam or latex foam. Therefore, they tend to trap heat due to their close contouring to the body.
Who Are They Best For
Plush mattresses are only suitable for certain sleepers since their firmness and support system do not suit all body types or sleeping styles.- Side Sleeper
- Lighter Sleeper
- Individuals With Pre-existing Conditions
What's a Medium Mattress
A medium mattress provides a balance of contouring and support, which means it cradles the joints without letting the body sink down. They are generally scaled from 4 to 6 on the firmness scale.The medium-firm mattresses consist of sturdy bases, which provide firmness, and a medium-thick comforter top, which contributes to the softer attributes of the mattress. However, every manufacturer uses their own techniques and construction methods, but generally, the top comforter is at least 1-2 inches thick in the medium mattresses.There are many categories and types of medium mattresses. All have unique features, ranging from medium memory foam to innerspring, and hybrid to medium pillow tops.Medium memory foam will lean more on the soft side, while a medium innerspring will provide a firmer surface. And lastly, a hybrid medium mattress will keep the overall balance between firmness and support. The comfort layer of a standard medium mattress consists of one layer, whereas high-profile mattresses may consist of two layers. However, they are typically soft and contoured. Furthermore, the support core system of every mattress is much firmer and denser than the other layers.Pros of Medium Mattress
- The plus point of a medium mattress is that it balances and distributes equal weight and support throughout the mattress surface, improving sleep quality.
- It does not conform much and contours considerably.
- Sleeping on medium mattresses helps with proper spine alignment.
- Although there isn't much clinical data, it is said that the right amount of firmness helps avoid muscle soreness, and a medium-firm mattress is said to have the perfect firmness.
Cons of Medium Mattress
- Sleepers with constant back pain need a firmer surface to support their spine, and a medium mattress may sag and misalign the posture.
- A heavier person may require more sturdy bedding to avoid sinkage and remain in comfortable alignment while sleeping.
Who Are They Best For
Medium mattresses may have the most versatile firmness, but they might not be suitable for all.- Combination Sleepers
- Lightweight and Average Sleeper
- Couples
Plush vs Firm Mattress for Back Pain
One of the common reasons for back pain is unhealthy sleeping posture, but what if the wrong posture isn't the only reason? And between the plush vs medium mattress debate, there's a long-standing myth regarding firm mattresses as well, stating they are ideal for back pain, but is a firm mattress better for your back? Which option is better?Many people complain of back pain when sleeping on softer mattresses, which then all boils down to one thing: support. Since the 'cradling' might be too much, causing the spine to misalign. Similarly, an overly firm mattress might not be suitable as it would distort the natural position of the spine by not contouring to it.Nonetheless, the mattress does not need to be brick-frim, and neither does it need to be cloudy-soft. Finding a mattress of moderate firmness might be an ideal choice. In fact, research suggests that medium-firm mattresses decrease spinal pain and improve spinal alignment and quality of sleep.How Firm Should My Mattress be
Where firmness is the core factor and can significantly impact the feel and performance of the mattresses, there are other factors that must be taken into consideration before selecting a mattress.- Body Type
- Sleeping Style
- Durability
- Temperature Neutrality
- Odor
- Mattress Weight
- Price
