Plush Vs Medium Mattress: What Is the Difference?

Plush Vs Medium Mattress: What Is the Difference?

Written by Mehran Uzair

Last Updated on Mar 24, 2023

In this article:

    If you are in the market for a new mattress, you must have come across the terms plush and medium related to the firmness levels of a mattress. So, what are they? What’s the difference between a plush vs medium mattress? 

    While a cushiony soft mattress can be categorized as a plush mattress, a slightly firm yet not very hard mattress is known as a medium mattress. In this article, we will walk you through all the key differences between plush and medium mattresses so that you can make the best decision regarding your sleep! So, let’s jump right into it.

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    Difference Between Plush and Medium Mattress

    The below table will help you quickly understand the difference between plush vs medium mattress.

    ParametersPlush Medium
    FirmnessSoft Neither too firm nor too soft
    Firmness Scale1-45-7
    SurfaceLayered soft surfaceThe surface is neither too soft nor too firm
    Pressure Relief YesYes
    Ideal For Side-sleepersSide-sleepers Back sleepers
    FeelExtremely softSoft and firm at the same time
    Temperature RegulationRestricted airflow and can feel hotDistributed airflow and keeps you comfortable
    SupportConforms to your body Provides spinal alignment Conforms to your body

    What is a Plush Mattress?

    Also known as soft mattresses, plush mattresses range between 3-4 on the firmness scale. This mattress cradles your body and offers optimal cushioning. Now, this mattress is ideal for those who love sinking inside a mattress. Plush mattresses are designed for complete comfort and come attached with a feeling of luxury. 

    Plush mattresses benefit users suffering from joint or muscle aches as it cradles the body, distributes the body weight evenly and offers pressure point relief. 

    Usually, soft mattresses are about 12-14 inches thick, where 2 inches are dedicated to the comfort layer. If you are looking for the best plush mattresses, they include latex or memory foam. However, you will also find plush hybrid and innerspring mattresses. But due to the presence of coils, they might be slightly firmer when compared to a foam mattress. 

    Pros of Plush Mattress 

    It’s time to understand all the advantages that a plush mattress offers. 

    Joint And Muscle Pain: Since soft mattresses are not very firm, they easily conform to the body, provide pressure point relief, and help aid any muscle or joint pain. It also provides relief from hip and back pain because of its complete support.

    Easier To Move:  It is easy to set up and move around a soft mattress compared to a traditional coil mattress as they are not very heavy. 

    Cons of Plush Mattress 

    Some disadvantages of a plush mattress include; 

    Spinal Alignment: Plush mattresses may not improve your spinal alignment because the surface is too soft. 

    Expensive: Plush mattresses are higher in price due to the luxe feel and the cushiony comfort it offers. They can be placed between $500 to $2000. 

    May not be suitable for obese individuals: When someone heavier uses a soft mattress, it may lead to wear and tear faster because you tend to sink in a lot more than you are meant to. Here, a firm or a medium mattress might help. 

    Shorter Lifespan: Since softer mattresses don’t have any firmness, they may wear out sooner when compared to a medium mattress.

    Who Are They Best For? 

    Let’s look into who a plush mattress is best for and the sleep style it is most suitable for. 

    Side Sleepers 

    A side sleeper is someone who prefers sleeping on the side and this is a very common sleep position. But, if you are a side sleeper, you tend to put a lot of pressure on the neck, which can then lead to aches and pains. However, a softer mattress can help ease any discomfort and a soft cushion can ease any tension. 

    Light Sleepers 

    If you are petite and light, a soft mattress is an excellent choice because the compression you will experience is more and it will not lead to extreme sinking or sagging in. A soft mattress also provides better contouring when the pressure is low, which means a light sleeper will receive better pressure point relief. 

    Individuals With Pre-Existing Conditions

    If a firm mattress is causing too much back pain or you are unable to fall asleep easily because of any discomfort then a softer bed may be a great option. Also, if you are someone suffering from pre-existing conditions, such as arthritis, a firm mattress can be very uncomfortable. So here, a plush mattress can be an excellent option.

    What’s a Medium Mattress?

    A medium mattress lies on a 5 on the firmness scale. These beds are soft and also don’t offer an excessive sinking-in feeling like that of a plush mattress. The best part about a medium mattress is that it conforms to the body, offering optimal pressure point relief and offers good support. A medium mattress is also more responsive and offers slight bounciness with any movement or pressure. 

    A medium mattress is a middle option for those who want firmness as well as cushiony comfort. So if balance is the key then a form mattress is great for you. 

    Pros of Medium Mattress 

    Some of the benefits that a medium mattress brings you include; 

    Back Pain: If you are suffering from back pain, the wrong mattress can prevent deep sleep. However, according to a survey, people suffering from lower back pain benefited from medium to medium-firm mattresses. If you are waking up with aches every now and then, your mattress may be the culprit. So, switch to a medium mattress in such cases. 

    Ideal Support For Petite Sleepers: People who are petite or lightweight can benefit from sleeping on a medium mattress because it offers the necessary support and doesn’t sag. 

    Cons of Medium Mattress 

    Now that you have learned about the advantages of a medium mattress, let’s take a look at the drawbacks of these mattresses. 

    Too Soft For Heavier Sleepers: A medium mattress may not provide enough support for heavier sleepers as you may sink in. A firmer mattress is an optimal option.

    Not Plush or Fluffy: If you are someone who enjoys the feeling of sleeping on a loud, a plush mattress is more suitable and a medium-firm might feel too firm. 

    Who Are They Best For? 

    Both plush vs medium mattresses come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Now, let’s take a look at who the medium mattresses are best for.

    Combination Sleepers 

    A combination sleeper is someone who sleeps in two or more sleep positions throughout the night. For instance, you may start out on your back but end up sleeping on your side. Here, a medium mattress is the best for combination sleepers because it is neither soft nor hard and just right. 

    A medium mattress offers good support and provides pressure point relief in areas such as the hips and back.  Also, the soft layer of the medium mattress is great for combination sleepers who transition from one position to another during the night. 

    Lightweight and Average Sleepers 

    People who weigh less than 130 pounds and average sleepers between 120-230 pounds will find a medium mattress extremely comfortable because it doesn’t lead to sinking or sagging. 

    Couples

    A medium mattress is a great option for couples because a medium mattress is suitable for almost all types of sleepers. So, if one partner prefers sleeping on the back and the other prefers the side then a medium mattress fits in seamlessly.

    Plush vs Medium Firm Mattresses for Back Pain

    One of the most common myths is that if you suffer from back pain, the firmest mattress is the right choice. However, that’s not the case. A good mattress for back pain is one that maintains a proper spinal alignment. A plush mattress cradles the body but it is not able to offer proper alignment. But, a medium mattress not only ensures proper spinal alignment but also provides the necessary support. 

    According to one study, more than 300 people with lower back pain started using a medium and firm mattress. After 90 days, people using the medium mattress reported the least amount of pain and discomfort. So, if you are looking for the right choice to combat back pain, a medium-firm mattress is ideal. 

    Other Factors To Choose Perfect Firmness

    A few other factors that you must take into account while choosing a mattress include; 

    Sleeping Partner 

    The right firmness will depend on your weight and sleep style and your partner’s. But generally, a medium mattress is the best choice for couples because it is not extremely soft or too hard. So, it is ideal for all sleep styles and suitable for people with an average weight.

    Budget 

    A medium mattress can be less expensive when compared to a plush mattress because of the luxury tag attached to the latter. However, you will find a range of medium and plush mattresses in the market today. So, always finalize a budget before choosing the ideal mattress. 

    Support 

    When you are buying a mattress, see which one provides proper support. Remember, just because a mattress is firm, it doesn't mean that it offers the right support. You can find a plush mattress with great support too.

    Comfort 

    Take your comfort into account. A plush mattress can not always mean optimal comfort. This differs from one sleeper to another. So, see which one works well for you. 

    When it comes to choosing between a plush vs medium firm mattress, we hope this guide was helpful. Both plush vs medium mattresses come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. However, you must choose a mattress that seamlessly suits your needs. Remember to consider your sleeping position, weight, and the support you need to achieve the comfiest firmness level for you!

    Disclaimer: This website does not offer medical advice nor professional medical services; rather, it is provided solely for educational, informational, and/or entertainment purposes. Individuals seeking medical advice should consult a licensed physician. The information provided should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any condition, disease, or injury. When you have a medical condition, you should always talk to licensed doctor or other certified medical professional. You should never delay seeking professional medical advice or treatment based on the contents of this website. Call 911 or immediately go to the nearest emergency room if you think you may have a medical emergency. The contents of this website are provided "as-is", Dreamcloud Sleep and its parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, contributors disclaim any warranty of the information contained herein. Please contact support@dreamcloud.com to report any errors, omissions, misinformation, or abuse.
    {"faq":[{"_id":"d2370ba","title":"Are mattress firmness and support the same thing? ","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EEven a soft mattress can provide great support depending on the brand and the material used. So remember, firmness and support aren\u2019t the same thing. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"b919169","title":"Should back sleepers choose a soft or medium mattress? ","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EBack sleepers have the option to choose from soft to firm mattresses because the pressure is evenly distributed when you sleep on your back. So, you can go with the type of mattress that makes you feel most comfortable. However, if you are struggling with back pain, a \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34878594\/\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003Emedium\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003E mattress can be a good choice. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"bd235e9","title":"Do medium mattresses have a long lifespan? ","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EWhen compared to a soft mattress a medium mattress can have a long lifespan because a plush mattress can sag sooner leading to wear and tear. Now, if you are wondering, do plush mattresses last longer? And what their lifespan is, don\u2019t worry. A plush mattress lasts several years. For instance, a good-quality plush memory foam mattress lasts 10-15 years. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"c719ab8","title":"How can I make a firmer mattress softer? ","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EIf you think your mattress is too firm then you can return it for a softer one. However, if that\u2019s not possible. There are a few things to consider to make your firm mattress softer. They include;\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EBreak it in: New mattresses generally feel a little firmer when compared to an old mattress. So give it some time for it to break in. A month should suffice.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EMattress topper: Getting a softer mattress topper can help you achieve the level of comfort that you are looking for.\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EFlip your mattress regularly: If your mattress care guide doesn\u2019t say otherwise, make sure you flip your mattress regularly. This will ensure that the comfort filling of the mattress gets evenly distributed and help soften it up.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E"},{"_id":"816105f","title":"How to make mattresses firmer","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EThere are also a few tips you can apply if you are looking for how to make mattresses firmer.\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EUse a mattress topper: Just like a soft mattress topper, you can use a firm mattress topper if you want something firmer.\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EMattress Foundation: A solid foundation can make your mattress feel firmer and offer the right support.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003C\/ul\u003E"},{"_id":"0ad49a9","title":"Is a firm mattress better for your back?","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EJust because a mattress is firm doesn\u2019t mean that it is best for your back. You need a mattress that can provide you with the necessary support and keep your spine aligned. That being said, a \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ninds.nih.gov\/health-information\/patient-caregiver-education\/fact-sheets\/low-back-pain-fact-sheet#3102_7\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003Efirm\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003E mattress can be a great choice for back pain as it distributes your body weight equally and helps align your spine. So, choose the firmness according to your level of comfort.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"}],"__globals__":{"answer_typography_typography":"globals\/typography?id=5e8e03a"},"main_title_typography_typography":"","main_title_typography_font_family":null,"main_title_typography_font_size":null,"main_title_typography_font_weight":null,"main_title_typography_text_transform":null,"main_title_typography_font_style":null,"main_title_typography_text_decoration":null,"main_title_typography_line_height":null,"main_title_typography_letter_spacing":null,"main_title_typography_word_spacing":null,"main_title_color":"","question_typography_typography":"","question_typography_font_family":null,"question_typography_font_size":null,"question_typography_font_weight":null,"question_typography_text_transform":null,"question_typography_font_style":null,"question_typography_text_decoration":null,"question_typography_line_height":null,"question_typography_letter_spacing":null,"question_typography_word_spacing":null,"question_color":"","answer_typography_typography":"","answer_typography_font_family":null,"answer_typography_font_size":null,"answer_typography_font_weight":null,"answer_typography_text_transform":null,"answer_typography_font_style":null,"answer_typography_text_decoration":null,"answer_typography_line_height":null,"answer_typography_letter_spacing":null,"answer_typography_word_spacing":null,"answer_color":"","_title":"","_margin":{"unit":"px","top":"","right":"","bottom":"","left":"","isLinked":true},"_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"","right":"","bottom":"","left":"","isLinked":true},"_element_width":"","_element_width_tablet":"","_element_width_mobile":"","_element_custom_width":null,"_element_vertical_align":null,"_position":"","_offset_orientation_h":null,"_offset_x":null,"_offset_x_end":null,"_offset_orientation_v":null,"_offset_y":null,"_offset_y_end":null,"_z_index":"","_element_id":"","_css_classes":"","motion_fx_motion_fx_scrolling":"","motion_fx_translateY_effect":null,"motion_fx_translateY_direction":null,"motion_fx_translateY_speed":null,"motion_fx_translateY_affectedRange":null,"motion_fx_translateX_effect":null,"motion_fx_translateX_direction":null,"motion_fx_translateX_speed":null,"motion_fx_translateX_affectedRange":null,"motion_fx_opacity_effect":null,"motion_fx_opacity_direction":null,"motion_fx_opacity_level":null,"motion_fx_opacity_range":null,"motion_fx_blur_effect":null,"motion_fx_blur_direction":null,"motion_fx_blur_level":null,"motion_fx_blur_range":null,"motion_fx_rotateZ_effect":null,"motion_fx_rotateZ_direction":null,"motion_fx_rotateZ_speed":null,"motion_fx_rotateZ_affectedRange":null,"motion_fx_scale_effect":null,"motion_fx_scale_direction":null,"motion_fx_scale_speed":null,"motion_fx_scale_range":null,"motion_fx_transform_origin_x":null,"motion_fx_transform_origin_y":null,"motion_fx_devices":null,"motion_fx_range":null,"motion_fx_motion_fx_mouse":"","motion_fx_mouseTrack_effect":null,"motion_fx_mouseTrack_direction":null,"motion_fx_mouseTrack_speed":null,"motion_fx_tilt_effect":null,"motion_fx_tilt_direction":null,"motion_fx_tilt_speed":null,"sticky":"","sticky_on":null,"sticky_offset":null,"sticky_offset_tablet":null,"sticky_offset_mobile":null,"sticky_effects_offset":null,"sticky_effects_offset_tablet":null,"sticky_effects_offset_mobile":null,"sticky_parent":null,"_animation":"","_animation_tablet":"","_animation_mobile":"","animation_duration":null,"_animation_delay":null,"_transform_rotate_popover":"","_transform_rotateZ_effect":null,"_transform_rotateZ_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_rotateZ_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_rotate_3d":null,"_transform_rotateX_effect":null,"_transform_rotateX_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_rotateX_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_rotateY_effect":null,"_transform_rotateY_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_rotateY_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_perspective_effect":null,"_transform_perspective_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_perspective_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_translate_popover":"","_transform_translateX_effect":null,"_transform_translateX_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_translateX_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_translateY_effect":null,"_transform_translateY_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_translateY_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_scale_popover":"","_transform_keep_proportions":"yes","_transform_scale_effect":null,"_transform_scale_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_scale_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_scaleX_effect":null,"_transform_scaleX_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_scaleX_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_scaleY_effect":null,"_transform_scaleY_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_scaleY_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_skew_popover":"","_transform_skewX_effect":null,"_transform_skewX_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_skewX_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_skewY_effect":null,"_transform_skewY_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_skewY_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_flipX_effect":"","_transform_flipY_effect":"","_transform_rotate_popover_hover":"","_transform_rotateZ_effect_hover":null,"_transform_rotateZ_effect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