Quick Answer: The Plank mattress Canada shoppers find online is made by Brooklyn Bedding and is one of the firmest foam mattresses on the market. It suits strict stomach and back sleepers who want a near-flat, high-density surface. Canadian buyers should budget for cross-border shipping and duties, which push the price considerably above the USD sticker price. Local firm mattress options are worth comparing first.
In This Guide
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What Is the Plank Mattress?
The Plank mattress is a foam mattress made by Brooklyn Bedding, a US-based manufacturer based in Phoenix, Arizona. The name is straightforward: it is meant to feel like sleeping on a plank. That is not marketing shorthand. The mattress was engineered specifically for people who genuinely prefer an extremely firm sleeping surface.
Brooklyn Bedding launched the Plank line as a response to a real gap in the market. Most mattress brands, including the major Canadian bed-in-a-box players, cluster their offerings around medium to medium-firm. People who want a truly hard surface have historically had to seek out specialty products or import them. The Plank filled that gap.
There are two main versions: the Plank Firm and the Plank Luxe. The Plank Firm is a single-sided foam mattress, while the Plank Luxe is flippable, with one firm side and one extra-firm side. Brooklyn Bedding also offers a Plank Natural version made with organic latex and wool, though that model is priced significantly higher.
For Canadian customers specifically, the key question is not just whether the Plank is good. It is whether it makes sense to buy a US-manufactured foam mattress, pay cross-border shipping, absorb currency conversion, and potentially deal with returns across the border if it does not work out.
Construction and Materials
Understanding what is inside the Plank helps explain both its firmness and its limitations.
Plank Firm: Layer Breakdown
| Layer | Material | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Top cover | Tight-knit polyester blend | Minimal stretch, preserves firmness feel |
| Comfort layer (firm side) | TitanFlex foam (proprietary) | Slight surface give without contouring |
| Transition layer | High-density poly foam | Prevents "bottoming out" |
| Support core | High-density poly foam | Primary firmness and structural support |
The Plank rates approximately 7.5 to 8 out of 10 on a standard firmness scale (10 being firmest). The Plank Luxe offers a second side that rates around 9. That extra-firm side is genuinely unusual. Most mattresses described as "firm" by Canadian retailers sit closer to 6 or 6.5, which feels nothing like the Plank's surface.
One thing worth noting: the Plank is an all-foam construction. There are no coils. This matters for a few reasons. Foam mattresses tend to sleep warmer than innerspring or hybrid models. They also have different durability curves. High-density foam can hold up well, but it compresses over time in ways that coil systems typically do not.
What Research Says About Firm Mattresses and Back Pain
A large randomised controlled trial published in The Lancet (2003, Kovacs et al.) compared soft, medium-firm, and firm mattresses in adults with chronic non-specific low-back pain. Medium-firm mattresses outperformed firm mattresses on both pain reduction and disability scores. This does not mean firm mattresses are wrong for everyone. Stomach sleepers, for example, often need a firmer surface to prevent spinal hyperextension. The key is matching mattress firmness to sleep position and body type, not chasing a firmness level based on general advice. The Canadian Chiropractic Association similarly advises that mattress selection should be individualised rather than guided by universal firmness rules.
Plank Luxe: What Flippable Means Here
The Plank Luxe is a dual-sided mattress. One side rates around 7 out of 10 (firm), and the other around 9 (extra-firm). This is genuinely useful if you are unsure which firmness level you need, or if your preferences shift over time. It also extends the life of the mattress because you can rotate wear across two sides.
If you are interested in flippable mattresses generally, it is worth knowing that some excellent Canadian-made options exist. Our guide to flippable mattresses in Canada covers what to look for and why the dual-sided design often outlasts single-sided models.
Who the Plank Suits (and Who It Doesn't)
This is the most important section for most shoppers. The Plank is a niche product with a specific target user. Buying it for the wrong reason leads to an uncomfortable few months and a complicated return process.
Good Candidates for the Plank
The Plank May Suit You If:
- You sleep on your stomach: Stomach sleeping requires a firm surface to keep the pelvis from dropping and creating lower-back curvature. The Plank's high-density core resists this effectively.
- You are a heavier sleeper: Individuals over 230 lbs often find that medium mattresses compress too quickly, leaving them sleeping "through" the comfort layer onto the transition foam. A firm surface maintains consistent support.
- You have previously slept on very firm mattresses and know you prefer them: If your existing mattress feels too firm to others but still feels right to you, the Plank is likely in your range.
- You are recovering from certain spinal conditions: Some physiotherapists recommend firmer surfaces for patients with specific disc conditions. Always confirm with your health provider before making a purchase decision for medical reasons.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Side sleepers are the clearest mismatch. When you sleep on your side, your shoulder and hip bear most of your body weight. A mattress needs to contour enough to allow those pressure points to sink in while keeping the spine straight. The Plank does not do this. Side sleepers on the Plank typically report shoulder pain and numbness within a few nights.
Light-framed back sleepers (under 130 lbs) may also find the Plank too unyielding. When body weight is low, a firm surface can leave gaps under the lumbar curve rather than supporting it. A medium-firm with good lumbar support is usually better for this profile.
Combination sleepers, those who shift between positions during the night, generally do better on a medium or medium-firm. The Plank's lack of contouring becomes a liability when you roll to your side.
If you are unsure where you fall on the firmness spectrum, our mattress firmness guide walks through all firmness levels with practical tests you can run at home before you shop.
Canadian Pricing and Cross-Border Costs
This section is where the Plank gets complicated for Canadian buyers.
Brooklyn Bedding is a US company. Their pricing is in USD. As of early 2026, a Plank Firm Queen typically lists for approximately USD $1,099 before promotions. At the current exchange rate, that converts to roughly CAD $1,530 before any additional costs.
Cross-border purchases add several cost layers:
| Cost Category | Approximate Amount (Queen) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base price (USD converted) | ~CAD $1,530 | Varies with exchange rate |
| International shipping | CAD $100-$250 | Varies by carrier and province |
| Customs duties (CUSMA may exempt foam goods) | $0 to $75+ | Depends on tariff classification |
| HST/GST (Ontario 13%) | ~CAD $200+ | Applied on full declared value |
| Total estimated all-in | CAD $1,830 to $2,050+ | Estimate only, verify at purchase |
Plank Luxe Queen prices run higher, typically USD $1,499 to $1,799 depending on cover options. All-in Canadian cost can approach CAD $2,500 to $2,800 for the Luxe.
A Practical Note for Ontario Shoppers
We hear from customers in Brantford, Hamilton, Kitchener, and Cambridge who have looked at the Plank online, done the math, and then come into our showroom surprised by how much the total Canadian cost differs from the US list price. The currency gap alone is over 30% right now. Once you add shipping and tax, you are often spending as much as, or more than, you would on a comparable firm mattress from a Canadian manufacturer that you can test in person and return locally if it does not work. That is not a reason to automatically avoid the Plank. It is just worth factoring in before you click "add to cart."
Returns from Canada
Brooklyn Bedding does offer a sleep trial, but cross-border returns are more complex than domestic ones. You are typically responsible for shipping costs back to the US, which for a compressed foam mattress can be substantial. Some Canadian customers have reported difficulty navigating the return process from outside the US. Read the current return terms carefully before purchasing.
Firm Mattress Alternatives in Canada
If you need a genuinely firm mattress and want to shop in Canada, you have more options than most people realise. The key is knowing what "firm" actually means on each brand's scale, because mattress firmness labelling is not standardised across the industry.
What to Look for in a Canadian Firm Mattress
When evaluating any firm mattress, regardless of brand, these are the details that matter:
- ILD rating: Foam firmness is measured in Indentation Load Deflection. Firm mattresses typically have ILD ratings above 35. Extra-firm runs 40+. Ask manufacturers directly.
- Coil count and gauge (for innerspring/hybrid): Lower gauge coil wire means stiffer coils. A 13.5-gauge coil system will feel firmer than 15-gauge.
- Base foam density: For foam mattresses, look for a high-density poly foam core of at least 1.8 lb/ft³. Higher density resists compression better over time.
- Try before you buy: No online mattress review, including this one, can substitute for lying on the mattress in the correct position for 5 to 10 minutes. Foam feels different when your body weight is on it versus when you press it with your hand.
Understanding how different mattress types are constructed helps narrow down the field considerably. Innerspring firm mattresses behave quite differently from foam firm ones, even at the same firmness rating.
Plank vs. Firm Innerspring: What We See in Our Showroom
We have been fitting Brantford customers with mattresses since 1997. Brad, our senior consultant, has put thousands of people on firm mattresses over the decades. One thing he consistently sees: the all-foam firm mattress and the innerspring firm mattress serve different needs, even when their firmness ratings are similar.
All-Foam Firm (Like the Plank)
All-foam firm mattresses offer a consistent, even surface. There is no coil give, no zone variation. The feel is uniform from edge to centre. This suits stomach sleepers who want dead-flat support and dislike any spring sensation. The downside is heat. Dense foam traps body heat more than innerspring constructions. For Ontario's warm, humid summers, this is worth thinking about. Some customers add a cooling mattress protector or a thin wool topper to manage this.
Firm Innerspring and Hybrid
A firm innerspring or hybrid mattress provides firmness with a different character. Coils have a slight responsiveness: they push back against pressure rather than simply resisting it. Many sleepers find this more natural. Firm hybrids also breathe better than all-foam, which matters in a Canadian climate where temperatures swing between January cold and August humidity.
Our Restonic ComfortCare line includes firm options backed by individually wrapped coils. The ComfortCare Queen, at $1,619, has 1,222 individually pocketed coils. Each coil moves independently, which means the mattress conforms slightly to body contours while maintaining overall firmness. This is a meaningful difference from a slab of dense foam, and for many firm-preference sleepers, it ends up being the better fit.
Dorothy, our sleep specialist, often asks customers one question when they are torn between all-foam firm and innerspring firm: "Do you want the mattress to feel like it holds you in place, or like it supports you while you move?" The Plank is the first. A firm innerspring is the second. Both are valid. The answer tells us a lot about which mattress that person will still be happy with after six months.
A Test You Can Do in the Showroom (or at Home on Your Current Mattress)
Lie in your natural sleep position for five full minutes without moving. Pay attention to where you feel pressure: shoulders, hips, lower back, knees. If you feel numbness or aching at your shoulder or hip, the mattress is likely too firm for your position. If you feel your lower back unsupported (a gap between the mattress and your spine), the mattress may be too soft. This simple test identifies about 80% of mattress mismatches before purchase.
The Case for Testing Before You Buy
The single biggest advantage of buying a firm mattress from a local retailer is testing it in person. The Plank has a 120-night sleep trial, which sounds generous, but return logistics from Canada complicate it. A physical showroom lets you test three or four firm models in 30 minutes, lying in your actual sleep position, at no cost or commitment.
For Brantford residents and shoppers coming from Hamilton, Cambridge, Kitchener, or the surrounding area, that option is accessible. You can call Brad directly at (519) 770-0001 to ask which firm models are currently on the showroom floor. Stock rotates, so it is worth a quick call before making the drive.
If you are already researching mattresses for back pain, firmness is only one part of the equation. Support, zoning, and sleep position all interact in ways that a single firmness rating cannot fully capture.
The Honest Verdict
The Plank mattress is a legitimate, well-constructed product for a specific type of sleeper. If you are a strict stomach sleeper, a heavier individual who bottoms out on standard mattresses, or someone who genuinely knows from experience that you sleep best on an exceptionally hard surface, the Plank delivers on its promise.
For Canadian buyers, the honest calculation looks like this: you are paying a meaningful premium over the USD price, returning across the border is complicated, and you cannot test the mattress before you buy. Those are real trade-offs.
If your primary need is a firm sleeping surface, and you want to test it before committing, local Canadian retailers carry firm and extra-firm options at comparable price points, often with Canadian warranty coverage and local return policies. That does not make the Plank a bad choice. It makes the comparison worth doing.
Sources
- Kovacs FM, Abraira V, Pena A, et al. "Effect of firmness of mattress on chronic non-specific low-back pain." The Lancet. 2003;362(9396):1599-1604.
- Canadian Chiropractic Association. "Sleep and Spine Health." cca-dc.ca. Accessed March 2026.
- BedTimes Magazine. "Brooklyn Bedding: Vertical Integration and the DTC Model." BedTimes, 2022.
- Government of Canada, Canada Border Services Agency. "Importing goods for personal use." cbsa-asfc.gc.ca. Accessed March 2026.
- American Academy of Sleep Medicine. "Healthy Sleep Habits." sleepeducation.org. Accessed March 2026.
- CertiPUR-US. "Certified Foam Standards." certipur.us. Accessed March 2026.
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Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1997. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Plank mattress available in Canada?
Brooklyn Bedding ships the Plank to Canada. However, Canadian customers pay the USD price plus currency conversion, cross-border shipping, and applicable taxes. The all-in cost is considerably higher than the US sticker price. Local Canadian firm mattress options are worth comparing before finalising a purchase.
Who should buy the Plank mattress?
The Plank is best suited to stomach sleepers, heavier sleepers (typically over 230 lbs), and people who have previously owned very firm mattresses and know they prefer them. It is not recommended for side sleepers, who need surface contouring to relieve pressure at the shoulder and hip.
How firm is the Plank mattress?
The Plank Firm rates approximately 7.5 to 8 out of 10 on a standard firmness scale. The Plank Luxe's extra-firm side rates around 9. Most standard "firm" mattresses from Canadian retailers sit closer to 6 or 6.5, so the Plank is noticeably harder than what most people think of as firm.
What is a good Canadian alternative to the Plank mattress?
Canadian shoppers have several firm mattress options from brands with local or national distribution, allowing in-person testing and straightforward Canadian warranty coverage. At Mattress Miracle in Brantford, we carry firm innerspring and hybrid options you can try before buying. Brad can help you narrow down the right firmness level based on your sleep position and weight. Call (519) 770-0001 to check current stock.
Does a firm mattress help with back pain?
Research published in The Lancet found that medium-firm mattresses reduced chronic low-back pain more effectively than firm mattresses for most adults. That said, individual results vary considerably based on sleep position, body weight, and the specific nature of the back condition. Stomach sleepers often benefit from firmer support. For back-pain-related mattress choices, speaking with your physiotherapist or chiropractor before purchasing is worthwhile.
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- Best Mattress for Back Pain in Canada
- Mattress Types Explained: Foam, Innerspring, Hybrid, and Latex
- Best Flippable Mattresses in Canada
- Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- SEVA Mattress Review: What Canadian Shoppers Should Know Before Buying Online
- Polysleep Mattress Worth It Canada: Honest Assessment of the Antimicrobial Claim, Quebec Origin, and Who Should Buy
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Mattress Miracle — 441½ West Street, Brantford, ON — (519) 770-0001
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If you are looking for a genuinely firm mattress and want to try it before you commit, come by the showroom and we will put you on three or four options in your actual sleep position. No pressure, no commission, just honest advice from people who have been doing this since 1997.