My Plank Firm Natural Mattress Review for 2024

Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester

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Read our review of the Plank Firm Natural mattress. Is this natural flippable mattress right for you?

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The Plank Firm Natural is a mattress from Brooklyn Bedding. This bed is also aptly named, as it is as firm as a plank of wood. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t sleep like a log on this bed. 

As the lead product tester at Sleep Advisor, I tested out the Plank Firm Natural for myself and am bringing my findings to you. Let’s dive into the construction and performance of this eco-friendly latex mattress that has different firmness levels on each side so that you’ll know if you should be clicking “add to cart.”

Watch My Plank Firm Natural Video Review

Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology

Who I Recommend The Plank Firm Natural For: 

• Eco-conscious shoppers – This mattress is made with GOTS-certified materials such as cotton, wool, and latex. These materials are organic, as well as naturally hypoallergenic.

• Stomach sleepers – The firmness and supportiveness of this bed make it a solid choice for stomach sleepers. People who prefer this sleep position typically need a bed that will keep their hips lifted and their spine aligned, and the Plank Firm Natural delivers in those areas.  

• Value seekers – Considering that the Plank Firm Natural is a flippable mattress that offers a different firmness level on each side, it provides exceptional value and versatility. I like to think of it as getting two mattresses in one. 

Who I Don’t Recommend The Plank Firm Natural For: 

• Budget shoppers – Although I think that the versatility of this mattress makes it a great value, that doesn’t mean it is cheap. This bed is made with top-of-the-line organic materials, making it more costly than others on the market. If you’re looking for a mattress that won’t break the bank, a budget mattress may be preferred. 

• Lightweight sleepers – While there are two firmness levels within the Plank Firm Natural, I don’t think that either of them may be soft enough for some lightweight sleepers. Lighter folks often need a softer, more contouring bed that helps prevent pressure buildup around areas such as the hips, shoulders, and back. 

• Those sensitive to scents – This mattress has a long-lasting “natural” smell that reminded me of dirt. If you are sensitive to smells or this smell doesn’t smell appealing, I’d find another option. 

First Impressions: Firmness & Feel

Firmness Scale: 6.5/10 (Medium Firm), 8/10 (Firm)

Sleep Advisor ranks mattress firmness on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being like you’re sleeping on a cloud. This mattress is flippable and has a different firmness level depending on the side that you’re using. One side is a 6.5 out of 10, which makes it a medium-firm bed. If you flip it over, you’ll be sleeping on a firm bed that I rated an 8 out of 10. 

There are benefits to both sides, with the firm side providing exceptional support and spinal alignment. Whereas, I felt a bit more cushioning and pressure relief with the medium-firm. Both sides were comfortable on my joints, though.

How Does It Feel? 

There is minimal material at the top of this mattress, and this made me think of how firm mattresses are always a great launch point when looking for mattresses that can help with back pain. The lack of cushioning materials at the point of contact helps keep your body lifted and your spine aligned. 

On top of that, the combination of responsive latex and bouncy coils allows for easier repositioning as these materials quickly spring back to their original shape as they adapt to your movements. 

What I Like About the Plank Firm Natural

• Two-in-one firmness options – The Plank Firm Natural is flippable, with the top and bottom of the mattress featuring different firmness levels. 
• Responsiveness – The combination of coils and latex, two buoyant and responsive materials, makes it easier to reposition when sleeping on this bed. 
• Spinal alignment – The minimalistic approach to the surface of the bed helps it provide exceptional spinal alignment.

My Plank Firm Natural Complaints

• Too firm for some – Lightweight people and side sleepers may find both sides of this mattress too firm for them to sleep comfortably. 
• Strong odor – This mattress didn’t smell good to me. It had more of an “outdoorsy” smell than the typical chemical smell that can be caused by off-gassing. 
• Noisy – Moving around on this bed can be a loud undertaking. It reminded me of the sound that plastic wrap would make if you were sleeping on it. 

Sleeping Positions for Different Body Types

According to a Brooklyn Bedding customer services representative, the Plank Firm Natural can hold up to 950 pounds. 

Side Sleepers

• Lightweight Sleepers – The medium-firm level may work for some lightweight side sleepers, but it will probably be too firm for most. The firm side of this mattress will likely not be comfortable and could cause pressure buildup for these sleepers. 
• Average-Weight Sleepers – Both sides of the Plank Firm Natural should provide excellent spinal alignment for average-weight sleepers. However, those looking for pressure relief would want to use the medium-firm side of this bed. 
• Heavyweight Sleepers – Sleepers seeking superior spinal alignment should be well-served on the firm side of the Plank. However, while it provides excellent lumbar support, I don’t think many heavyweight side sleepers will find it all that comfortable. These sleepers will probably want to avoid the medium-firm side, as they will likely sink too far down.  

Discover the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Back Sleepers

• Lightweight Sleepers – I feel that the firm side would be uncomfortable for a night of sleep, but if you’re a lightweight back sleeper who enjoys a harder sleeping surface, the medium side could provide you with great lumbar support. 
• Average-Weight Sleepers – If you fall into this category, you are likely to feel head-to-toe support on the medium-firm side. You should feel that your hips are fully propped up on the firm side, but I didn’t feel any cushion. Therefore, it may be too stiff for you to get comfortable.  
• Heavyweight Sleepers – I likened the firm side of the Plank to sleeping on the underside of a mattress. It was supportive but too tough for comfort. The medium-firm side is definitely more comfortable for heavyweight back sleepers.  

Browse the best mattresses for back sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

• Lightweight Sleepers – The medium-firm side of this mattress should provide a more cushioned and forgiving night’s sleep than the firm side for lightweight stomach sleepers.
• Average-Weight Sleepers – I found the firm side of this mattress to be an excellent choice for average-weight stomach sleepers. My midsection was aligned, and I felt as if I were getting great pressure relief and cushion around my hips. 
• Heavyweight Sleepers – These sleepers should feel that their hips are elevated and cushioned while sleeping on the firm side. The medium-firm side will allow for more sinkage around their hips, which can lead to awkward and uncomfortable spinal positions. 

Explore the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

Pressure Relief 4/5

One important way that mattresses can keep us comfortable throughout the night is by providing pressure relief to the points of the body that come in contact with the bed. I found that the Plank Firm Natural’s medium-firm side was good for me, an average-weight sleeper. However, I think that even the medium-firm side may be too hard for lightweight sleepers to receive much pressure relief. As for the firm side, it only had the slightest cushion, and I felt very little pressure relief.  

Is the Plank Firm Natural Mattress Good for Pain Relief? 

Mattresses can be a good way to relieve the pressure that can lead to pain around areas of the body that come in contact with your bed through the night. For optimal pain relief, you should keep in mind how your body weight and preferred sleep preference will interact with the construction and materials. 

This bed has two firmness levels: medium-firm and firm. I was a fan of this because it gives you built-in options to find what may work best for your pain relief. 

Back Pain 

When it comes to relieving back pain, the Plank Firm Natural is a standout. I felt that my spine was aligned, and my entire lumbar area was supported on both the medium-firm and the firm side. 

For average and heavyweight sleepers who experience back pain, I think that the firm side may offer the best relief. However, that side could contribute to increased pressure for lighter sleepers who may not weigh enough to receive any cradling from the latex. This side of the Plank may make them feel that they are sleeping on top of the mattress, and this rarely offers pressure relief. 

Explore our top picks for the best mattresses for back pain. 

Hip Pain 

I noticed adequate cushioning around my hips while lying on my side and stomach, which is good news for those navigating hip pain. However, the firmer feel of this mattress, especially on the Firm side, could be too much for lightweight people. They likely won’t activate the comfort materials enough to receive adequate cushioning against their hips.

Shoulder Pain 

Although the latex doesn’t offer a deep cradle like memory foam does, the Plank Firm Natural has enough contouring to help relieve pressure buildup around the small joint of the shoulders, especially when using the medium-firm side. Furthermore, the responsiveness of latex allows this mattress to spring back to its original shape if you reposition yourself. 

However, I think it is worth pointing out that little pressure relief is provided when sleeping on the firm side. Therefore, if you have shoulder pain, you should stick to the medium-firm side. Also, lightweight side sleepers may need something softer in general so they don’t exacerbate their pain.

Related: Best Mattress for Hip and Shoulder Pain

Support 5/5

The Plank Firm Natural excels in the support department, with both sides offering ample lifting. The medium-firm side has a little more sink. However, that is to be expected, and some sleepers may find it preferable. 

The individually wrapped 6-inch coils that make up the majority of the bed provide superior support on either side that you choose. However, what really made this mattress stand out in this category was how well it supported every sleep position. My spine didn’t feel compromised when I tested back, side, or stomach sleeping, and this made me a fan of the supportiveness of this bed. 

Motion Transfer 3/5

If a restless bedmate has ever woken you up with their twisting and turning, you know that a mattress that keeps the motion they generate from traveling to your side can be a sleep saver. When it comes to the Plank Firm Natural, it is a tale of two sides. When testing the firm side, I felt all major movements, as well as some minor ones. I would not recommend the firm side for co-sleepers. However, the medium-firm side did a much better job at isolating motion to one side of the bed.  

Temperature Regulation / Cooling 3/5

This bed is not cool to the touch. However, Talalay latex is a naturally cool material, and this helped me maintain a comfortable temperature throughout my testing. 

That said, if you sleep hot and want a mattress that will help keep you cool when you sleep, this wouldn’t be my first choice. 

For more information on cooling mattresses, check out our list of the best cooling mattresses 

Bounce 5/5

By using latex and coils, Brooklyn Bedding has given the Plank Firm Natural incredible bounce and responsiveness on both sides. I felt this bed reacting to my movements, and I loved how quickly it snapped back to its original state after I applied weight to an area. 

Edge Support 3/5

I had an interesting experience when I was testing out the edge support of the Plank Firm Natural. When I sat at the end of the bed, like you would if you were putting on your shoes, I felt as if I was going to slide off. However, I felt secure sitting and sleeping on the sides of the bed. 

Although this bed has decent security around its perimeter, the lack of support at the end of the mattress gave me pause. 

Performance for Couples 3/5

Sexually active couples may enjoy this bed because its responsiveness can help them reposition easily. However, if you sleep with a restless partner, this bed’s lack of motion isolation could cause some sleepless nights. Also, given this bed’s firmness level, both partners would need to enjoy a fairly hard sleeping surface. 

Learn more: Best Mattresses for Couples and Best Beds for Sex

Preference-based Features

Organic Materials

By using organic materials such as cotton, Talalay latex, and wool, the Plank Firm Natural is a great option for eco-conscious shoppers. 

Shop our picks for the Best Organic Mattresses

Quick Expansion

Unlike other mattresses that may take up to 72 hours to come to their full size, Brooklyn Bedding states that the Plank Firm Natural expands in minutes.

Custom Design

Each Brooklyn Bedding mattress is custom-designed in Arizona and shipped directly to consumers.

Construction: What’s Inside the Plank Firm Natural?

The Plank Firm Natural is a spot-on name for this mattress. This organic, sustainably sourced mattress is part of Brooklyn Bedding’s firm mattress line, and as such, it’s constructed to provide a fairly hard sleeping surface. Furthermore, this 10.5-inch tall bed is made so that you can flip it and choose between a medium-firm or a firm side. For this review, I used the medium-firm side. 

• The cover is made from .75 inches of quilted, sustainably sourced organic wool and organic cotton that make it soft to the touch. These eco-friendly materials combine to provide breathability and moisture-wicking capabilities on both the firm and the medium-firm side. This cover extends to both sides of the mattress since it’s a flippable bed.
• Directly under the cover, you’ll be met with a buoyant 1.5-inch layer of natural 100-percent Talalay latex that is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified. Latex provides responsiveness and pressure relief. This layer will have a slightly different feel depending on whether you are sleeping on the firm or the medium-firm side. 
• The core of the bed consists of 6-inch individually wrapped coils that offer full body support, as well as exceptional bounce. It is located in the middle of the mattress so that it can work on either side that you choose. 
• At the base is another 1.5-inch layer of latex, which, if you flip the bed, is the top of the other side. Again, the feel of this layer will depend on whether the medium-firm or firm side is up.

The organic wool used in the covers of the Plank Firm Natural mattress not only helps relieve pressure but also serves as a natural fire retardant. 

Unboxing & Off-Gassing

The Plank Firm Natural bed arrives compressed and rolled into a box. Once you have moved it to the room where it will be used, carefully cut the box open and remove the mattress. After the mattress has been unrolled, it should take only a few minutes to expand. 

I was somewhat taken aback by the smell of this mattress. Unlike the initial chemical smell associated with some bed-in-a-box brands, the Plank Firm Natural that I tested had an unpleasant dirt-like smell. The smell didn’t dissipate over the months that we had it in our studio. It makes sense given that it is truly an organic bed and none of the materials are treated, and therefore, maintain their organic composition. However, it was a major turn-off for me with this mattress. 

Certifications

• GOTS Certified – Obtaining a GOTS certification means that this product has passed the most stringent textile standard offered. It guarantees safety limits on toxic bleaches, dyes, and other chemicals that may be used during the production process. 

Coupons, Trials, Warranties, and Shipping

• Shipping – You can receive free shipping within the contiguous United States, and shipping to Alaska and Hawaii can be arranged for an additional charge. 

• Trial – You can keep this product for 120 nights to make sure it’s your dream mattress, and if it isn’t, the company will refund your money after sleeping on the bed for at least 30 of the 120 trial nights.

• Warranty – There is a 10-year warranty on this bed.

• Return Policy – After 30 of the 120 nights of your sleep trial, you can return your mattress for a refund. This is only for one occasion, and any further occasions are not eligible for returns. Additionally, there is a 99-dollar return fee. 

Sizes & Prices

Size	Dimensions (inches)	Price (w/o discount)
Twin	38” x 75” x 10.5”	$1,399
Twin XL	38” x 80” x 10.5”	$1,599
Full	53” x 75” x 10.5”	$1,865
Queen	60” x 80” x 10.5”	$2,132
King	76” x 80” x 10.5”	$2,665
Cali King	72” x 84” x 10.5”	$2,665

Frequently Asked Questions 

When can I sleep on my Plank Firm Natural?

Brooklyn Bedding states that the Plank Firm Natural will be fully expanded within minutes. However, you may notice a strong, unpleasant odor as the mattress takes shape. Therefore, it could need some time to air out. To help the smell dissipate more quickly, you can open the doors and windows of the room that it is in.

Are organic mattresses worth it?

The materials used in organic mattresses are often some of the best available. These materials may be hypoallergenic, and they can reduce your carbon footprint. With that being said, this can also make them cost more than other mattresses. However, these beds are usually durable, which can save you money in the long run.

How firm is the Plank Firm Natural?

This bed was specially designed as part of Brooklyn Bedding’s firm line, and there are two firmness sides built into this flippable mattress. The medium-firm side will be slightly softer than the firm side, but both will offer sturdy support. 

Plank Firm Natural vs. Other Brands

Plank Firm Natural vs. Birch Natural

Who I Recommend the Plank Firm Natural For

• People who want more customization
• Sleepers looking for superior spinal support
• Those who enjoy the responsiveness of latex

Who I Recommend the Birch Natural For

• Those who sleep hot
• Sexually active couples 
• Average weight back and stomach sleepers

Read our Birch Natural review if you think it is right for you.

Plank Firm Natural vs. Loom & Leaf

Who I Recommend the Plank Firm Natural For

• Sleepers with back pain
• Consumers searching for GOTS-certified materials
• Heavyweight stomach sleepers

Who I Recommend the Loom & Leaf For

• Hot sleepers
• Those who sleep on their side
• Consumers who want a long trial period

Read our Loom & Leaf review if you think it is right for you.

Plank Firm Natural vs. Other Brooklyn Bedding Models 

Plank Firm Natural vs. Plank Firm Luxe

Who I Recommend the Plank Firm Natural For

• Individual sleepers
• Those who want a firm bed with pressure-relieving capabilities 
• Combination sleepers

Who I Recommend the Plank Firm Luxe For

• Hot sleepers
• Those who sleep near the edge of the bed
• Couples who value motion isolation

Read our Plank Firm Luxe review if you think it is right for you.

My Verdict 

With an overall score of 3.8 out of 5 stars, the Plank Firm Natural certainly has some attributes. However, are there enough of them to offset the high cost of this mattress? The answer is yes if you have been looking for a firm, organic bed. 

I loved that you basically got two beds in one with the Plank Firm Natural. Also, I appreciated the responsiveness and spinal support. It is a bit of a niche bed, but if you are looking for what it has to offer, it could be an excellent choice. 

Julia Forbes

Lead Product Tester

About Author

Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.

Stomach Sleeper