I wanted a plush bed. This bed is not plush, nor hard. It's right in between. With that being said, I still really like the bed. For being a side sleeper myself it's the best hip support I've ever got out of a bed.  Even when sleeping on my back this bed is nice and supportive. I wouldn't recommend it for a stomach sleeper. But all in all I'm happy with it. It was at a full 12" right after opening it and it went to the full 14" within 24hrs. Very pleased.