Should a Mattress Be Thin or Thick?

However, the thickness of a mattress is a major factor in how comfortable and supportive it will be. Models that are thicker are commonly associated with high-end prices, while those that are thinner are typically more accessible to shoppers on a tighter budget.

There is no easy way to determine the ideal mattress thickness. An ideal mattress profile can be determined by a number of factors, including your weight, sleeping position, and the height of your bed frame or foundation.

We'll break down the mattress profile selection process by explaining the various thickness options, who would most benefit from them, and what factors to take into account.  

Considering that the average person spends one-third of their lives in bed, picking a mattress that is both supportive and comfortable is crucial.  

Mattresses can be found in a wide range of depths to meet your specific requirements and personal preferences. Think about your preferred bed height, any mobility issues you may have, your weight, and the way you normally sleep to help you decide. If you share your bed, it's important to consider your partner's preferences as well.

Thickening Scale Description Best For The Lowdown: Minimum of 8 inch depth The lowest profile mattresses are only four to eight inches in height. Commonly, they have a sturdy frame but an inadequate comfort system. When held, they have a resolute firmness. Generally speaking, low-profile models are more suitable for use by children. You can also use them on trundle beds and bunk beds with success. Slim Between 8 and 10 Inches A thin mattress will typically have a thinner support core and comfort layer. For adults who have trouble getting in and out of a standard-height bed, a thinner mattress may be a better option. Comfortable for many kids, too. Standard Inches: 10-12 This is the standard thickness for a mattress. Comfortable features and a solid frame are standard in most retail offerings. The majority of adults weighing between 130 and 230 pounds can find comfort with a mattress of this thickness, especially when lying on their backs. Thick/Deep Measurements between 12 and 14 inches Thicker mattresses typically have more robust comfort systems and support cores, making them an ideal compromise between softness and resilience. Sleepers over 230 pounds, particularly those who sleep on their sides and require a thicker mattress for pressure relief, tend to do well on mattresses of this thickness. Extra-Deep and Thick If the depth is at least 14 inches Extra-thick versions typically feel plush while resisting sagging because they have more room for comfort and support systems. Nonetheless, due to their stature, they can be tricky to negotiate. For side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds or those who prefer a more contouring and supportive surface, an extra-thick mattress may be a good option.

No mattress can possibly accommodate every possible sleeper size. Knowing your body type and the various mattress thickness options is the key to finding the perfect mattress for your height.

Thicknesses for these beds are typically between 4 and 8 inches. Bunk beds, trundle beds, and Murphy beds are typical examples of places where a thicker mattress would be inconvenient. Their softness makes them ideal for kids' use as a bed. However, low-profile models aren't typically suggested for adults because they provide inadequate support and ventilation.

Thin mattresses range in thickness from 8 to 10 inches. Thinner than usual, but still substantial enough for many adults. Sleepers who have trouble getting into or out of a low bed, such as shorter adults and those with mobility issues, may benefit from a slim model. In addition to adults, this thickness is suitable for most children.

Ten to twelve inches is the typical range, and that's plenty for most average-sized adults. Comfort and support layers in most models are quite thick at this height. Due to the profile's prevalence, consumers can pick from numerous options in terms of material, price point, and level of firmness.  

The standard height for a thick mattress is between 12 and 14 inches. Despite having a substantial support core, they typically feature a thick comfort layer that provides increased pressure relief and contouring. In general, people who sleep on their sides and people who weigh more than 230 pounds favor thick mattresses due to the extra sinkage space they provide. These machines also have a higher average lifespan.  

The standard height for a mattress is 6 to 8 inches. Heights of up to 20 inches have been recorded. Typically, a mattress that combines plush comfort layers with a thick support core is very long-lasting and is a good choice for sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds. Extremely prominent models, however, are typically more expensive, bulkier, and more difficult to set up.

How and where you press into the bed each night is affected by your sleeping position. Thus, it also affects the thickness of your mattress.  

The pressure points on a side sleeper's shoulders and hips are more pronounced than those of a back sleeper, so a thicker mattress is typically preferred for side sleepers. Most buyers look for a mattress with a thickness of 12 inches or more and a thick comfort layer. If you sleep on your side, you should avoid a thin mattress because it won't provide enough sinkage to prevent pressure points and poor posture.  

Individuals who prefer to sleep on their backs should be aware that this sleeping position frequently results in a separation of the lower back from the mattress, which can lead to increased pressure there. When sleeping on one's back, it's important to have a mattress that supports the curvature of the spine without sagging too much.

Sleeping on one's stomach can cause strain on the lower back if the stomach sinks too far into the mattress. People with curvature of the spine should look for a mattress that is at least 10 inches thick to prevent their spines from forming a U-shape while they sleep. An alternative would be a taller model with a more slender comfort system.

People who switch sleeping positions frequently require a mattress with a high degree of versatility, as suggested by the term "combination sleeper." A 12-inch mattress should offer a satisfactory compromise between softness and firmness.

When deciding on a mattress thickness, it is equally as important to consider your body weight as it is to consider your sleeping position. People of greater mass tend to sink more deeply into a mattress, necessitating the extra support afforded by a thicker mattress.

The average person weighing less than 130 pounds has a difficult time getting comfortable on a thin mattress. It is recommended that they sleep on a mattress that is at least 12 inches thick and has a large comfort system that provides excellent pressure relief and contouring. Thinner foam mattresses, like those typically found in bunk beds, are fine for kids.

The majority of adults, including children and teenagers, fall somewhere between the 130- and 230-pound weight ranges when they go to bed. A mattress of 10 to 12 inches in thickness is recommended. The optimal thickness may also depend on your sleeping position and the mattress material.

People who weigh more than 230 pounds prefer a mattress that is at least 12 to 14 inches thick so they can sink into it comfortably. A thicker comfort layer and a more solid support center are typically required to properly shape to their bodies without sagging.

Finding a mattress thickness that works for you and your partner or child is more difficult if you share your bed with either. Cohabiting partners require a mattress with sufficient thickness and longevity to accommodate their combined weights.

As an additional consideration, think about how you normally sleep. If you sleep with a partner, you should both look for mattresses that are at least 10 inches thick. Models that aren't as thick are more likely to sag under your combined weight. Partners who weigh more than 230 pounds each may require an extra-thick mattress to get a good night's sleep.

When looking for a mattress, it's important to keep your bed frame's height in mind. An extra-thick mattress on a bed with a frame and box spring can be difficult to enter. When paired with a low-profile platform bed, a thin mattress can make you feel like you're sleeping on the floor.  

It's acceptable to be able to perch on the side of the bed with your feet flat on the floor. Those with mobility issues will appreciate how simple this makes getting in and out of bed. You should know that many bed frames and mattresses can function without a box spring.

The heights of the mattress's primary components, the comfort system and the support core, are the primary factors in establishing the overall mattress depth.  

The layer or layers that are closest to your body make up the comfort system. It's the plushest, most supportive section of the bed, and it's made to help with things like pressure relief, contouring, and keeping you from rolling around during Most soft padding measures between 1 and 4 inches. Models with a higher firmness tend to have thinner comfort layers, while those with a lower one tend to have thicker ones.  

The support core is the thickest part of a mattress and is located at the bottom. It helps keep sleepers from sinking too deeply into the surface and offers general support. A thicker support core is typically associated with increased mattress longevity.

In this article, we'll address some of the most frequently asked questions regarding mattress thickness from mattress shoppers.