When buying a mattress, we tend to consider many things, such as price, material, firmness, etc. but what about thickness?
Thickness, also known as height, is an important factor when buying a mattress. A good mattress is generally between 8 inches and 14 inches. It should have a comfort layer of 2-3 inches and a support layer of 5-6 inches. Our guide will walk you through picking the perfect mattress thickness.
Why is mattress thickness important?
The thickness of your mattress really matters because it affects how comfy and supported you feel while you sleep. Plus, it’s a big factor in how long your mattress will last. Here’s why:
- Support: Thicker mattresses typically contain more layers of material, such as memory foam, or springs. These layers provide better support and help maintain the spine's natural alignment. Especially for side sleepers or heavier people, a thicker mattress can prevent excessive sinking. It also reduces pressure points and avoids overtaxing certain areas of the body.
- Comfort: The thickness of a mattress can increase comfort. Thicker mattresses are generally softer than thinner mattresses. They provide deeper cushioning, allowing the body to relax and recover better during the night.
- Durability: Thicker mattresses are generally more durable. They have more material to resist wear and deformation. Thicker mattresses are less likely to dent or sag over time, extending the life of the mattress.
- Adaptability: The thickness of a mattress affects its ability to adapt to different sleeping positions and body types. Thicker mattresses generally provide better adaptation to various body shapes and sleeping positions. They offer even support and enhanced comfort.
Mattress Thickness Chart
You can refer to the common thickness chart in the mattress market:
| 2 to 5 inches | Low | Best for babies or rollaway bed |
| 5 to 8 inches | Slim | Best for kids, guest room |
| 8 to 12 inches | Standard | Best for most adults |
| 12 to 16 inches | Thick/Deep |
Best for big-bodied adults couples, side sleepers |
| Over 16 inches | Extra thick/Extra deep |
Best for big-bodied adults, large bedroom |
- 2-5 inches is ideal for a crib as it provides the necessary safety and support. Babies weigh less and thus do not need a thick mattress for support. Thinner mattresses are generally firmer. They help maintain the natural alignment of a baby's spine and promote healthy development. Low profile mattresses are also great for rollaway beds because they are lightweight and easy to store and carry.
- 5-8 inches have an extra comfort layer compared to 2-5 inches. Not overly soft like adult mattresses. It won't be too firm either. Allowing children to have a comfortable sleeping experience. It can also provide a flexible sleeping experience for guest rooms. They’re affordable while maintaining comfort. This makes them a perfect option for rooms that aren’t used often. Mattresses of this thickness are relatively lightweight and easy to manage. This makes it simple to change sheets or move the mattress regularly.
- A thickness of 8-12 inches is considered suitable for most sleepers. It provides a balanced combination of comfort and support. Almost all mattress brands are almost all in this range in thickness.
- 12-16 inches are ideal for plus-sized people, couples, and side sleepers. This thickness provides deeper support and better pressure relief. For plus-sized people, a thick mattress can effectively prevent sagging. It provides even support and protects spinal health. When couples share space on the bed, the multi-layer structure of thick mattresses helps reduce interference from one partner turning over. This design minimizes disturbances between partners. It ensures a stable sleeping environment for each person. For side sleepers, a thicker mattress can better cushion pressure points on the shoulders and hips. This helps maintain the natural alignment of the spine and improves comfort.
- Over 16 inches are suitable for big-bodied adults, larger families, and larger bedrooms. The extra thickness provides excellent support and durability, effectively supporting greater body weight. Make sure your spine maintains healthy alignment. For larger families, extra-thick mattresses provide a more spacious comfort area. This allows many children or family members to share the bed without feeling crowded. In large bedrooms, mattresses over 16 inches are more coordinated with the proportions of the room. They also bring a luxurious living experience, enhancing both the comfort and beauty of the bedroom.
What determines mattress thickness?
The thickness of the mattress depends on the thickness of each layer. Mattresses are generally divided into comfort layer, transition layer and support layer.
- Comfort layer: Comfort layers can be made from materials such as memory foam, latex, or gel foam. These layers are designed to relieve pressure points and enhance sleep comfort.
- Transition layer: This layer sits between the comfort and support layers and is usually made from denser foam or microsprings. It provides extra support and cushioning to prevent sinking in too deeply.
- Support layer: The design of the support layer directly affects the firmness, support and durability of the mattress. Common materials include high-density foam, spring systems (such as innersprings or pocket springs), and more. This layer ensures that the mattress effectively supports the body's weight and maintains the spine's natural alignment. It helps prevent excessive sagging or deformation.
A comfortable and supportive mattress has a thickness range for each layer, the comfort layer is 20%-30%, the support layer is 50%-60%. For example, when buying a 10-inch mattress, make sure it has about 2-3 inches of comfort layer and 5-6 inches of support layer.
How to choose the right mattress thickness?
Sleeping Position:
Sleeping position is a key factor when choosing the right mattress thickness. Different sleeping positions require varying levels of support and comfort from the mattress.
Sleeping on your back
Suitable thickness: 10 to 12 inches
When sleeping on your back, your spine needs to be evenly supported to maintain its natural alignment. Moderate thickness can provide sufficient support and comfort. It prevents excessive sagging in the middle spine and lower back. A mattress that is too thick may cause your body to sink too far into it. Conversely, a mattress that is too thin may not provide enough support.
Sleeping on your side
Suitable thickness: 12-14 inches
Side sleepers need more cushioning to relieve pressure points on their shoulders and hips while maintaining spine alignment. Thicker mattresses offer a deeper layer of comfort, which helps to ease these pressure points. They also provide enough support to prevent spinal curvature. This combination ensures better comfort for side sleepers. For heavier side sleepers, a thicker mattress can provide better support and comfort.
Sleeping on your stomach
Suitable thickness: 10 inches
Stomach sleepers often need a thinner mattress to avoid excessive softness. A mattress that is too soft can cause the waist and abdomen to sink, which may negatively impact spinal alignment. Moderate thickness can provide adequate support while avoiding excessive sag. Thinner mattresses generally provide firmer support and help maintain the spine's natural position.
Mixed sleeping positions
Suitable thickness: 12 inches
Mixed sleepers may change positions during sleep. Thus, they need a mattress with moderate thickness to accommodate different sleeping positions. A mattress of moderate thickness can provide adequate support and comfort. It also adapts well to different sleeping positions.
Body Type:
Body type is also a factor that needs attention. Different body types have different needs for mattress support and comfort.
Light weight (weighing less than 130 pounds)
Suitable thickness: 8-10 inches
Lighter people don't need too much mattress sag. Thinner mattresses usually provide adequate support and comfort. A thinner mattress avoids excessive sinking while ensuring adequate support. It helps the support layer effectively maintain the natural alignment of the spine.
Average weight (130-230 pounds)
Suitable thickness: 10-12 inches
People of average weight need more support and comfort, especially in the combination of comfort and support layers. A thickness of 10 to 12 inches provides moderate cushioning and support. This helps prevent excessive body sag while maintaining the natural alignment of the spine. This thickness is suitable for meeting the sleeping needs of most medium-weight people.
Heavy weight (weighing more than 230 pounds)
Suitable thickness: 12-14 inches
People with heavy weights need deeper layers of support and comfort to prevent excessive sagging. This is particularly important for the support layers of the mattress. Thicker mattresses provide firmer support, which prevents your body from sinking too deeply into the mattress. This helps maintain healthy spine alignment. Thicker mattresses also increase comfort and reduce pressure points. This makes them suitable for heavier people.
Sleeping Alone?
If you're not sleeping alone but with a partner, children, or pets, choose a 10- to 12-inch mattress. Thicker mattresses generally provide more support. A thick mattress can better isolate the movement of both parties. This reduces interference when turning over and moving. This helps ensure that each person has a stable sleeping environment without being disturbed by the other's movements.
Bed Base Height:
Combined with ergonomics, the height of the bed frame plus mattress should generally not exceed 25 inches. Of course, this doesn't mean that if your bed frame is 5 inches, you have to buy a 20-inch mattress. After all, everyone’s height and personal preferences are different. Here are our recommendations for combining ergonomics and the aesthetics of your bed:
Low bed base (usually 6-10 inches)
Suitable for mattress thickness: 8 to 10 inches
The combination of a lower bed frame and a thin mattress can maintain the coordinated proportions of the bed. This ensures convenience when getting in and out of bed while creating a simple and modern visual effect. Thinner mattresses can reduce the height of the bed. This makes it easier for children, the elderly, or people with limited mobility to get in and out of bed.
Medium height bed base (10-14 inches)
Suitable for mattress thickness: 10 to 12 inches
Pairing a medium-height bed frame with a medium-thick mattress ensures comfort and convenience. It also keeps the bed at a practical height, neither too high nor too low. This combination balances the bed’s height, making it easier to get in and out while preserving its aesthetic appeal.
High bed base (over 14 inches)
Suitable for mattress thickness: 10 to 14 inches
A taller bed frame paired with a thicker mattress can increase the height of the bed, making it more luxurious and easier to get in and out of. A thicker mattress not only provides extra support but also increases comfort while reducing wear and tear on your bed. This configuration is especially suitable for users who need more support. It is also ideal for those who prefer a high bed to enhance the sleeping experience.
Pros and cons of thick mattresses
A thicker mattress means a thicker comfort layer. Many people may think that they should choose a thicker mattress because it is more comfortable. But, this may not be the case. It’s not that thicker mattresses are better!
Pros:
- Thick mattresses typically offer a deeper comfort layer, which provides better pressure relief. This added depth also delivers greater softness and support. This is especially important for side sleepers. A thicker mattress can better relieve pressure on your shoulders and hips, reducing discomfort.
- Thick mattresses have thicker support layers to provide stronger support. This is especially important for heavier people or sleeping positions that must extra support, such as back sleepers. It maintains the natural alignment of the spine, thereby helping to improve sleep quality and physical health.
- Thick mattresses usually offer better motion isolation properties. This means that even if one partner turns over or moves, the other person will experience minimal disturbance. This feature is particularly suitable for mattresses shared with a partner.
- Thick mattresses generally look more luxurious and high-end, and can enhance the visual effect of the bed and make it more impressive. This is very attractive to users who like high-end beds or pursue visual beauty.
Cons:
- Thick mattresses are generally more expensive than thin ones. This is due to the increased use of materials and more complex manufacturing processes. Thick mattresses may not be as affordable for those on a budget.
- Thick mattresses may be more difficult to transport and install due to their weight and thickness. This may cause inconvenience for users who move frequently or need to replace their mattresses regularly.
- If the comfort layer of a thick mattress is too soft, it may cause excessive sagging, especially for lighter people. This can affect support, causing sleep discomfort or spinal misalignment.
- Thick mattresses will significantly increase the height of the bed. This may not be convenient for some users, especially the elderly or those with physical disabilities. Taller beds may not be easy to get in and out of.
Who is a thick mattress suitable for?
- Side sleepers: Pressure relief is crucial for side sleepers. A thicker mattress offers deeper comfort to relieve pressure points and supports proper spinal alignment.
- People who weigh more than 230 pounds: Thicker mattresses have more layers and higher levels of support. It provides firmer support, preventing your body from sinking too deeply into the mattress. This helps maintain healthy spine alignment.
- Family sleepers: Thick mattresses provide better motion isolation, greater support and comfort. Thinner mattresses can support more weight.
Who is not suitable for thick mattresses?
- People with mobility issues: If you have mobility issues, it will be difficult for you to get out of bed because the bed is too high and you cannot control it. Not to mention, moving and rotating them can be a hassle, especially if you do it yourself.
- Small bedroom space: A high mattress will look out of place in a smaller bedroom. It feels like your bed takes up the entire space,
- Limited budget: Thicker mattresses use more materials, so they will be more expensive.
