Which type of mattress thickness is right for you? This article will help you figure typical mattress thickness out! I’m going to discuss how thick the mattress should be, how each different thickness suits different people, and how to find what’s best for your needs. After reading this post, you’ll know how to choose the right thickness for your bed!
If you’re having trouble deciding whether to go with the slim thickness or an extra thick mattress, this article will tell you how to pick the right thickness.
Mattress thickness is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a mattress. The right choice depends on how much you weigh and how your sleeping style changes over time as well as medical conditions.
Some people might prefer thin mattresses because they are more comfortable, but other factors such as support should be considered before buying one.
So, how thick should a mattress be?
How does the thickness of the mattress affect you?
Does mattress thickness matter? Of course! The thickness of the mattress should be right for you. If you choose a mattress that is too thin or too thick, you may experience sleep problems like insomnia. And this can seriously affect your health.
Layers of mattress
If there are many layers in the mattress, it will be thicker and more expensive. Layers could be made from latex, pocketed coils, memory foam and others. Material affects your sleep too. It must be pleasant and durable. The cheapest mattresses have only 2 layers: comfort and base. Transmission is very common too. And more expensive it can have 6-7 extra layers.
So how many layers do you need? Actually, 2 layers are enough. If you don’t have special medicine indications, you don’t need more.
Comfort
It’s a plush top layer of the mattress. It can be made from different materials: wool, cotton, memory foam, poly-foam and others. A mattress could have an extra comfort layer for targeted support for the back. If you have health problems it can be a good choice for you. But for some people, it can be too expensive.
If you’re moving in your sleep, then the top layer should not let you slide down very much or make loud noise during such movements. The thicker the better (up to a certain limit) because more separate comfort. The ideal thickness for this layer is at least 2 inches.
Just like an iceberg, most of your mattress lies below its surface. The comfort layer makes up 30% to 40%. It absorbs your weight, distributes it evenly and lets you sink in. The level of sinking determines how well a mattress will support the spine.
Base
A base layer is also called the foundation. Its job is to provide a solid foundation for the top layers that can easily collapse under pressure, especially when you sit on them. The base layer should be made of dense material and its thickness depends on how much weight it has to support from above.
This layer must be at least 50 percent of the entire mattress. If there is less, the mattress is worn out quickly.
Transition
The most expensive layer to make but also one of its main selling points. Transition it’s the layer between base and comfort and it provides extra support. Accordingly, a mattress with this layer will be thicker and more durable.
It’s not necessary to buy a mattress with a transition layer but some people really like this.
How much should a mattress cost?
It depends on how much material it has inside. Mattresses are often made of foam or springs but there are also waterbeds which consist of an air bladder filled with water to give it cushioning properties. There are more expensive materials and cheaper ones. Just buy a mattress at a price you can afford.
Companies try to make their product interesting so they come up with different ideas on how to sell it better than the other companies do. But don’t let them fool you, just buy what works for you.
But don’t buy a mattress that costs less than 150 $. It will be really poor-quality.
5 types of thickness
There are 5 types of mattress thickness: low profile, slim, standard, thick and extra thick. Each type suits different people but most of the mattress has standard mattress thickness.
Type 1 – Low-Profile
Low-profile mattresses are between 2 to 4 inches thick. This type is usually used as air mattresses, foldaway beds, and toddler mattresses but not for long-term use. There are also mattress toppers of this thickness but usually, there are 1 inch thick.
It’s the cheapest category of mattress thick and is intended for special situations.
Decent pick: LUCID 3-inch Ventilated Gel Memory Foam Mattress
This mattress is usually used as a topper because it has only 3 inches. You can buy it if you choose a too thin mattress and you need extra thick.
It’s made with memory foam and it’s ventilated for air circulation. That means a thicker mattress but still suitable as a topper. It adds comfort to your knees, shoulders and hips. The mattress is infused with a plush gel that captures heat for a comfortable sleep climate.
This mattress may smell a bit unpleasant for the first 2 days after delivery. Also, this product has 3 years guarantee.
Type 2 – Slim
A slim mattress ranges from 5 to 8 inches. This type is good for children (3-12 years) and people with limited mobility because slim mattresses are very comfortable to get on them.
People who tend to move around during sleeping preferred slim-type mattresses because the mattress is easy to handle and you will not fall off it.
Also, people who weigh less than 100 pounds can choose a slim type of thickness.
Decent pick: Linenspa Innerspring Mattress
This slim mattress is 6 inches thick. The comfort foam layer is made with polyester viscose fiber. It’s intended for trundle beds, children’s beds (up to 12 years), bunk beds and day beds. Also, it can be used as a guest mattress. The polyester fibers are of high quality, so the mattress is very comfortable.
It isn’t suitable for everyday use by people who weigh more than 100 pounds and people who sleep with a partner. It’s recommended for children and teens as their bodies develop and grow. Adults can use this mattress too, but rarely. The advantage of this mattress is a rather low price.
Type 3 – Standart
This is one of the most popular types. They range from 9 inches to 12 inches. It’s thin enough to be easy to move around on but still thick enough for your body not to feel it pressing through into the floor below. This is the reason most people choose this.
This type is for all ages groups that including adults, teenagers and children (over 12 years). The standard size of the mattress has the ability in providing comfort when sleepers change positions during nights of sleep.
It’s ideal for people who weigh from 130 to 200 pounds and it’s very comfortable with a pillow top added on top of that.
Decent pick: Tuft & Needle Nod Hybrid Mattress
This mattress is 10 inches thick with a medium level of support and it’s a great choice for back and stomach sleepers. Non Hybrid is made with foam and springs 6 inches thick. The rest of the thickness is a soft comfort layer made with ventilated fabric. It’s intended for keeping the surface cooler.
This mattress provides deep compression support, pain relief, pressure point relief and optimal spinal alignment.
Some reviewers say that this mattress is off-gassing for several days after buying so it smells not unpleasant. This is maybe the only flaw of this product.
The terms of the company are very favorable – they provide a 10-year guarantee and 100 days trial period. Also, they have free shipping and returns.
Type 4 – Thick
This type of mattress thickness can range from 13 to 16 inches and it’s good for larger and taller sleepers. If your weight is bigger than 200 pounds, you should choose the thick type. The deep mattress will give you extra comfort.
It is usually used for platform beds and is often found in luxury hotels across the world. This is a good option for people who need strong support and firmness in their mattresses. However, this mattress costs a bit more expensive than the standard.
If you sleep on your side, the mattress base should be firm so that there is no flex in the middle of the bed. So it’s a really good choice for side sleepers.
The thickness of the mattress is also referred to as its height or depth. Mattresses thicker than 18 inches are often called extra deep or extra tall mattresses.
Decent pick: Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress
This 14 inches mattress is the best choice for large people who needs special comfort. It’s made with premium memory foam. That provides a comfortable sleeping surface for deep sleeping.
This mattress is covered with elastic stretch knit and has a beautiful waterfall edge. The comfort layer is adjacent to the body and regulates temperature, so you can fall asleep faster and easier.
“Classic Brands” is one of the most reliable companies in the manufacture of mattresses and gives a 10-year guarantee. It also gives 2 pillows made with shredded memory foam as a gift.
Type 5 – Extra Thickness
These mattresses are more than 16 inches.
This type is for those who prefer a very soft bed and don’t mind spending extra money on it too. It suits people who weigh more than 230 pounds. People with medical conditions or disabilities may also find that an extra thick bed helps them get in and out more easily than on a standard mattress.
It is also a good option if you have back or shoulder pain because it provides more firmness in the middle of your body where most weight is concentrated when we sleep on our side.
But if you are not sure about this, go for a standard or thick mattress.
Decent pick: Peps Double Decker 16-inch Queen Size Spring Mattress
This mattress is really large and has 16-inch thick. The primary material of the mattress is latex and it has a 10-year guarantee.
This mattress has many layers made of memory foam and plush viscose. It relieves pressure because of its softness. It also helps to get rid of back pain if you sleep on your side.
Generally, this mattress is good for sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds because it has medium firmness and latex provides a bouncy feel too. In addition, the luxury viscose cover gives maximum comfort level by trapping air inside which keeps us cool during hot summer nights. The mattress has more pressure in the center so it does not push through as is often the case.
What is the best thickness for each sleep position?
How thick of a mattress do i need? It’s a matter of personal preference, but generally:
- back sleepers need 10 to 12 inches.
- stomach sleepers feel comfortable with 10 inches.
- side sleepers can get by with 12 to 14.
- if you’re a combined sleeper, you’ll need at least 12 inches.
| Sleeping style | Average mattress thickness |
| Back sleepers | 10-12 inches |
| Stomach sleepers | 10 inches |
| Side sleepers | 12 to 14 inches |
| Combined sleepers | 12 inches |
Sharing a bed with a partner or sleeping alone
When you sharing a bed with a partner, you should take into consideration how close you like to sleep and how much space you need.
It’s not as easy as just adding the thickness of two standard mattresses together! You have to consider how tall or heavy your partner is and how much they weigh compared to you, because if one person sinks significantly more into their side of the bed.
The most important thing is to make sure you both get a good night’s sleep, so if your partner likes their side firm and you like yours soft, consider how each other feels when choosing the thickness for your bed.
A mattress with a high profile may feel very different from one bought for an individual bed; if your partner is used to sleeping on a soft surface, it might not be the best choice because they could roll off in their sleep.
Sometimes the problem is not thickness but size. If one person sleeps in an odd position or actively moves during sleep, you should choose a bigger mattress.
Medical indications
If you suffer from any diseases or chronic pain, then you need to choose the thickness of the mattress based on the problem.
If you suffer from arthritis or other condition that affects your circulation, then a thick mattress will provide good support for you. The best thickness for that problem is from 12 to 14 inches (thick type). Also if you have regular chest or hip pain, this thickness will be good for you. It will help you to get rid of pain points.
If you have problems with back pain and regular sleeping posture, you should choose the standard thickness of a mattress from 9 to 13 inches. Also, you don’t need a thick comfort layer, 2 inches is enough for you, without an extra comfort layer.
In addition, it might be better to get rid of the hard bed frame and use a slatted base instead. It provides better support to your mattress and it helps with back pain. If you sleep on the side, then get rid of the regular bed frame because it will be too hard for you to move around in the night without hitting something.
FAQ
What affects the thickness of the mattress?
Two things: how much foam the mattress is made of, and how high it’s sitting off the ground (e.g., on a box spring or platform bed). The thicker the mattress’ layers of comfort materials like memory foam are, the more expensive it will be.
What thickness memory foam mattress is best, best thickness for memory foam mattress?
When it comes to memory foam mattresses, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how thick the mattress should be. The best thickness for a memory foam mattress depends on a number of factors, including your sleeping position, weight, and preferred level of firmness.
If you sleep on your side, a thicker mattress may be more comfortable as it will provide more support for your hips and shoulders. The thickness between 5 and 7 inches is often considered ideal for side sleepers. If you are a stomach sleeper, a thinner mattress may be more comfortable as it will provide less support and allow your hips to sink in slightly, which can help prevent back pain. The thickness between 3 and 5 inches is often considered ideal for stomach sleepers. If you sleep on your back , you may be comfortable with a mattress of any thickness, although a thicker mattress may provide more support for your lower back.
How thick should a memory foam mattress be if you are a heavy person? If you weigh more than 230 pounds, you may find that a thicker mattress provides more comfort and support. A mattress that is 8 inches thick or more may be a good option for you. How thick should a memory foam mattress be if you are a light person? If you weigh less than 130 pounds, you may find that a thinner mattress is more comfortable. A mattress that is 3 inches thick or less may be a good option for you.
How base layer affects mattress durability?
The base layer of the mattress is what supports you and how durable it is, affects how long your mattress will last. It’s usually made out of high-density polyfoam or dense innerspring coils. We recommend getting a bed with at least eight inches thick foundation to support heavy people especially if they weigh more than 230 pounds.
Do I need bigger sheets for a thicker mattress?
Yes, you do. It’s important to have the correct size sheets that fit your mattress perfectly so it doesn’t bunch up when you move in your sleep and cause damage to how well your mattress stays in place on top of its foundation layer.
Platform bed or low profile?
A low-profile bed is a bed that suits close to the ground. Against platform bed is higher off the ground and this type of bed is more common. A low-profile bed has been designed for those who need a shorter base. These typically allow only half of the mattress to be seen above its box, as opposed to three-quarters with standard bed bases. Since this type doesn’t have a frame or foundation, it can be more expensive than other types because you need to buy both your mattress and foundation separately.
Actually, you can choose any of the 2 types because it’s not affected your health or sleep. Better focus on choosing the right mattress.
Does a slim bed affect the choice of mattress?
No, it’s absolutely unrelated things. A slim bed has been designed for those who need less space in their bedroom or live in an apartment where they don’t have much room. It’s just like how the name implies, it’s slim. This means that the mattress only sits on top of a bed base instead of resting inside one like most other types. But it doesn’t actually affect the mattress choice.
Slim beds are usually made with very little metal or wood and may have wheels attached to them so they can be easily moved around. They typically cost less than standard beds and can be used in a variety of places. They’re usually best for children, teenagers, students who need to save space and move lots.
Is a thicker mattress better than a thinner one?
The thickness of a mattress is how many inches or centimeters there are from the top of the bed to the floor. It also works as how much space for your body between your hips and shoulders when lying down on your side. The main difference between how mattresses are classified in terms of thickness is how they affect firmness and support. The thicker it is, the more comfortable it will be but it will also be more expensive.
A thicker mattress with the same material sleeps cooler than a thinner one, so if you sweat at night when sleeping on your back or stomach, getting a thick mattress is advisable. If you sleep best on your side, a thin mattress will be better as it is firmer and less likely to sag over time.
How do I choose a mattress topper?
A mattress topper is a great way how you can make your sleep more comfortable and how it will not be too deep. There are many other differences between how toppers and mattress thicknesses work.
A thicker one will be softer, so it is a good choice if you want extra cushioning but do not like sleeping on a really soft surface. On the other hand, a thinner mattress topper has more support for your body while still being comfortable enough.
A good mattress topper can also prolong mattress durability and increase your comfort during sleep. Choose the topper based on your weight and medical conditions. If you need extra comfort and softness, buy a thicker topper.
How long will the mattress last?
Again, this is about how many layers and how thick they are. The more layers, the longer it will last. On average, a mattress can keep in good shape for 8 years.
To make the mattress last longer, you should take a topper with 1 or 2-inch thickness.
Conclusion
The thickness of the mattress should be chosen according to your weight, sleeping position and your needs. Also, put attention to your medical indications and whether you sleep with a partner or alone.
Hope that you finally choose the thickness you need and enjoy sleeping on your new mattress.