Mattress thickness, or mattress height or depth, refers to measuring how thick or deep a mattress is from top to bottom. The thickness of a mattress can have an impact on its comfort, support, and overall feel.
How thick should your mattress be? A 10- to 12-inch mattress is usually enough. Your sleeping posture and mattress materials may also affect thickness. Sleepers Over 230 Pounds: Prefer a 12–14-inch mattress because they sink more.
Which thickness mattress is best? In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into mattress thickness and how to choose a mattress thickness level. Exploring its impact on sleep quality, the benefits of different thickness levels, and how to choose the right mattress for your needs.
Mattress Thickness Chart
Mattresses come in various thicknesses, typically 8 inches or less to 14 inches or more, although some specialty mattresses may be even thicker. Here are some key points to consider about mattress thickness:
| Features | Thickness Range | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Profile | 8 inches or less | Low-profile beds are the thinnest. They are only 4 to 8 inches thick. A support core and a basic comfort system are standard parts of them. They feel strong most of the time. | Low-profile types are usually acceptable for kids to use. They work well on twin beds and bunk beds, too. |
| Slim | 8 to 10 inches | A thin mattress’s comfort layer and support core are generally not very thick. | A slim mattress might help adults with trouble getting in and out of a higher bed. A lot of kids also feel safe with them. |
| Standard | 10-12 inches | This is what most mattresses are made of. Standard models usually have a comfortable, stand-out system and a strong support core. | Adults weighing 135 and 230 pounds will find this thickness just right, mainly when lying on their backs. |
| Thick/Deep | 12-14 inches | Thick mattresses frequently strike a balance between cushioning and sturdiness due to their more robust comfort systems and support structures. | People who weigh more than 230 pounds or who sleep on their side and need extra pressure release should choose this thickness. |
| Extra Thick/Deep | 14 inches or more | Extra-thick models tend to feel soft and fight sagging because they have more room for comfort and support systems. But they are so tall, so they can be hard to get around. | People who sleep on their sides and weigh over 230 pounds may like an extra-thick mattress. So does anyone else who wants better support and shaping. |
How to Choose a Mattress Thickness Level?
The mattress that will be most relaxing for you will depend on your body type. Thinner beds with a 2″ to 3″ comfort layer should support people who don’t weigh much.
Thicker mattresses offering more support will help heavier people stay off the foundation. Several factors should be considered when making this decision:
1. Sleeping Position
- Back Sleepers: A medium-thickness mattress (around 10-12 inches) is generally suitable if you primarily sleep on your back. It provides the necessary support for your spine’s natural alignment.
- Side Sleepers: Side sleepers may benefit from a thicker mattress (12-14 inches) with extra cushioning to relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips.
- Stomach Sleepers: A medium to slightly firmer mattress (10-12 inches) helps maintain proper spinal alignment for those who sleep on their stomach.
- Combination Sleepers: Medium-feel, 12-inch-thick mattresses are usually suitable for combination sleepers. Combination sleepers want a mattress that offers a mix of firmness and softness because they alternate between sleeping on their sides, backs, or stomachs at night.
2. Body Weight
- Lightweight Individuals: Lighter individuals may find thinner mattresses (6-8 inches) sufficient, as they don’t require as much support.
- Average Weight: Most people with average body weight can opt for a medium-thickness mattress (10-12 inches) to balance comfort and support.
- Heavier Individuals: Heavy people may need a thicker mattress (12-14 inches) to prevent sinking and maintain proper support.
3. Number of Sleepers
If you share your bed with a partner or pet, consider a thicker mattress to minimize motion transfer and ensure you have ample space and support.
4. Bed Base Height
The height of your mattress foundation vs bed frame can affect how high you want your mattress to be. If your bed base is low, a thicker mattress can make getting in and out of bed easier.
5. Sleeping Alone or Sharing Bed with a Partner
A thick mattress with a tall base layer can support more than a thin mattress. When you share a bed with someone else, you put more weight on the mattress than when you sleep alone.
A lighter mattress can sag if you put more weight on it. A mattress that is at least 10 to 12 inches thick is what you need.
6. Specific Medical Conditions
Consult a healthcare professional or orthopedic specialist for guidance on the appropriate mattress thickness if you have specific medical conditions, such as chronic pain or back pain issues. They may recommend a particular thickness level to address your needs.
What Determines Mattress Thickness?
The thickness of a mattress is primarily determined by the heights of its two primary components: the comfort layer and the base layer.
The comfort system comprises the layers or layers that are closest to the body. It’s the cushiest spot on the bed, especially for relieving stress and conforming to your body while sleeping.
Comfort Layer
The comfort layer is the topmost layer of the mattress, directly beneath the mattress cover. Its purpose is to provide comfort and cushioning to the sleeper.
The thickness of the comfort layer can vary significantly from one mattress to another. Some mattresses have a thin comfort layer, while others feature a thicker one.
The thickness of the comfort layer impacts the level of softness or firmness a mattress offers. A thicker comfort layer provides a softer and more pleasant feel, while a thinner layer offers a firmer experience.
Materials commonly used in the comfort layer include memory foam, latex, polyfoam, and innerspring coils.
Base Layer
The base layer, the support core, is the mattress’s foundation. It is typically located beneath the comfort layer and provides structural support.
The thickness of the base layer is crucial for determining the overall support and durability of the mattress. Thicker base layers generally offer more robust support.
Materials used in the base layer vary based on the mattress type. Innerspring mattresses have a layer of coils in the base, while foam mattresses have high-density foam as the base layer.
The base layer’s thickness also affects how well the mattress distributes weight and maintains spinal alignment.
Transition Layers
There could be a transition layer between the soft top layer and the firmer foundation layer of your mattress. To prevent sinking too deeply into the bed and onto the firm base layer, the transition layer provides additional support by gently propping up your body.
A mattress’s transition layer can be comprised of any number of materials, including innerspring coils, latex, or a firm foam that conforms gently to your body while offering some resistance.
What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Thick Mattresses?
Thick mattresses are often softer than thin beds, providing a softer surface for the hips, shoulders, and other sensitive areas. However, super-thick mattresses have significant drawbacks, such as being heavier and more expensive.
A thick mattress may improve or detract from your sleep quality, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Here are the benefits and drawbacks:
Benefits of Thick Mattresses
- More cushioning: There are more layers in thick beds, which means they might be more comfortable. This is great if you like softer beds, have hurt joints, or lie on your side to sleep.
- Durability: The extra layers in bigger beds give you more support. This extra support can help keep the mattress from sliding over time and keep your body from sinking into the wrong position.
- Support: Extra layers in a mattress give it more support, which makes it a good choice for couples and people who sleep a lot.
Drawbacks of Thick Mattresses
- More expensive: Most of the time, thicker mattresses cost more than smaller ones because they need more materials to be made.
- Heavier: It’s harder to move thicker beds than thin ones because they are heavy and take up more space.
- Height: It’s possible that a thick mattress will not fit on your bed frame. You might need a new bottom or bed if you choose a thick bed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mattress thickness is critical to achieving a restful and comfortable night’s sleep. Understanding the impact of different thickness levels and choosing the right one for your needs can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.
Remember that there is no one-size-fits-all answer, so take the time to find the perfect mattress thickness that suits you best.
FAQs
How thick is the average mattress?
Mattresses typically have a thickness of 8 to 14 inches. A minimum of 2-3 inches thick comfort layer and a minimum of 6-8 inches thick base layer are essential components of the most excellent mattress. There’s also a transition layer, usually 1-2 inches thick, in most mattresses.
Are thicker mattresses better?
A thicker mattress may be preferable for side sleepers, people who weigh more than 230 pounds, and people who find it simpler to get in and out of a higher sleep surface. While most sleepers prefer at least 10 inches of mattress thickness, mattress thickness is determined by personal needs and preferences.
Does the base layer affect mattress durability?
Yes, the base layer’s thickness affects how long a mattress lasts. Most mattresses with firm base foams or pocket coils last between 8 and 10 years. The base layer should be at least half the height of the bed when choosing the mattress’s thickness.
What thickness memory foam mattress is best?
Good memory foam beds 10 to 14 inches thick are enough to support your body. They’re strong and will last for 10 to 15 years. If your memory foam mattress is smaller than this, it might not be supportive enough or last long enough. Within three to four years, it will get soft spots and sag.
How thick should a mattress be for a platform bed?
The optimal mattress height for a platform bed is 12 inches, while mattresses between 14 and 20 inches in height can still work well. Although the typical thickness of a mattress is 12 inches, the range available to consumers is much wider.
Is an 8-inch mattress thick enough?
An 8-inch mattress is theoretically a “standard” size that would accommodate the average sleeper, but depending on your sleep demands and preferences, it may not be thick enough. An 8-inch mattress is often firmer than a 6-inch mattress.
Is a 9-inch mattress thick enough?
A 9-inch mattress should be fine for people who weigh 225 pounds or less for as long as the mattress is supposed to last. For people between 225 and 275 pounds, a 10-inch mattress is better because it is thicker.
How thick does a crib mattress need to be?
As its name suggests, the standard crib mattress is the conventional mattress size utilized in infant cribs. The Consumer Products Safety Commission specifies that a standard (or ordinary) crib mattress must have the following dimensions: 27 1/4 inches in width and 51 1/4 inches long, with a maximum thickness of 6 inches.
Is a 14-inch mattress deep?
Most models at this height have thick comfort and support layers. Because this profile is so popular, consumers may choose from various materials, pricing points, and firmnesses. Thick mattresses, often known as deep mattresses, range in height from 12 to 14 inches.
Is a 6-inch mattress uncomfortable?
Comfortable 6-inch mattresses are possible, but the appropriate layers are essential. You will experience lower back ache if the mattress does not provide sufficient support. On the other hand, if there isn’t enough softness in addition to the support, it will seem firm and uncomfortable.
What is the standard thickness of a queen mattress?
Similar to other mattress dimensions, queen mattresses lack a standard depth. Alternatively, a queen-size mattress could measure between 9 and 16 inches in thickness. Although mattress thickness is subjective, this depth range is sufficiently broad to accommodate all sleeping positions.
