How to Choose the Ideal Mattress Thickness

Mattress thickness is a key decision that has a significant impact on your overall health and sleep quality. Maintaining proper spine health, pressure point relief, and body alignment all depend on proper mattress thickness. Individual differences in body size, sleeping position, bed size, and number of partners can all affect the ideal mattress thickness. When making this important decision, making the right choice depends on your understanding of the factors involved in choosing the right mattress thickness.

Mattress Thickness Dimensions

Mattresses come in a variety of average sizes and thicknesses, from thin to extra thick. Although all of these mattresses have their uses, most consumers will opt for a mid-range model and leave the edge case for special cases.

2-5 Inches: Thin Mattress

Thin mattresses are the thinnest mattresses available. They are often used for temporary bedding such as roller beds, folding beds, and air mattresses. Thin mattresses can be used as temporary bedding for small children, but they are not supportive enough for adults to sleep comfortably.

5-8 Inches: Slim Profile

Slim mattresses are another thin mattress option for children’s bedding or for people with reduced mobility. These mattresses are made of dense foam with no extra layers to guarantee softness. This makes them supportive but not weak. Some of the most supportive, slim mattresses are made with memory foam that conforms to the sleeper’s body. The slim mattress is perfect for caster beds, bunk beds, daybeds, and rooms where saving space is more important than comfort.

8-12 Inches: Standard Profiles

Most people will opt for a mattress with a standard thickness of 8 to 12 inches. With an adequate base layer and comfort layer, this thickness provides support and comfort. This is the minimum mattress thickness recommended for adults because it allows most adults weighing 130-230 pounds to sleep comfortably with support. This size mattress is best suited for sleeping on your back, but it is also suitable for side sleepers and prone sleepers.

12-16 Inches: Thick/Deep Profile

Thick mattresses contain multiple layers of foam for extra comfort and support. Mixed and multi-layer structures are common in thick mattresses. This can help heavier sleepers or side sleepers find comfort and support. These thicker mattress profiles have a more complex construction process and contain more materials, making them more expensive than standard mattresses. However, if you need more sleep support and intend to keep your mattress for years, the price may be worth it.

Over 16 Inches: Extra Thick/Deep Profile

The extra-thick mattress has multiple layers for maximum support and comfort. These mattresses are best for people who weigh more than 230 pounds or need extra relief at specific pressure points. This mattress thickness provides ample contour and support, making it ideal for side sleeping. These thick mattresses are very heavy due to the multi-layered. This means that they are more expensive to transport and difficult to move. Extra-thick mattresses are also the most expensive mattress option.

Factors That Affect the Thickness of the Mattress

A mattress is made up of multiple layers, each of which contributes to its comfort, durability, and support. The thickness of each layer varies, resulting in a wide range of mattress thickness sizes available. The mattress layer includes a support layer, a comfort layer, and a transition layer. Thinner mattresses consist of only one layer. Standard mattresses have at least two layers, and many high-quality and hybrid models have three layers.

Support Layer

The support layer is the bottom layer of any mattress and the only layer for some types of mattresses. This layer helps to maintain the correct alignment of the spine and body, thus guaranteeing a restful sleep. Coil and foam are the two main types of support layers. Some hybrid mattress types have a combination of coil and foam in them.

The support layer of any mattress should be at least 5-6 inches thick, but in a high-quality mattress, this number will be close to 50% of the total thickness of the mattress. This will ensure that the mattress has enough support and will not wear out after a few years of use. Thin mattresses provide very little support because they are usually just a layer of foam.

Comfort Layer

The comfort layer provides a soft feel to the mattress. It is usually made up of layers of cotton, wool, or polyfoam that reduce pressure points. The comfort layer should be at least 2-3 inches thick. Some mattress types may include thicker layers to incorporate specialized techniques such as temperature regulation or motion isolation. Mattresses with a thicker comfort layer feel more comfortable, while mattresses with a thinner comfort layer feel firmer.

Transition Layer

Not every mattress has a transition layer. This is one layer in a specialized mattress breed that enhances the function of specific areas such as the head, shoulders, back, hips, and feet. This enables users to purchase mattresses that meet their specific needs in terms of support and pressure distribution, breathability and coolness, and motion isolation.

Considerations when choosing a mattress thickness

The right mattress thickness depends on many personal factors and preferences.

Weight

Weight is an important factor in determining the thickness of your mattress, as it directly affects the support you need to get a good night’s sleep.

• Light sleepers (under 130 pounds): Light adult sleepers may find that the lower range of standard mattresses provides adequate support because they don’t put as much pressure on the mattress.
• Regular Sleeper (130-230 lbs): A standard mattress between 10-12 inches in height fits most average sleepers, providing a good balance of comfort and support.
• Heavyweight sleepers (over 230 pounds): Heavyweight sleepers often require thicker mattress sizes because they provide a firmer support core and ample cushioning for stress relief and good spinal alignment.
• Couples with different weights: Couples with different weights should find compromises that work for both parties. A mattress with a thickness of 10-12 inches works well because it provides enough support for people who weigh more than one while not being too thick for those who weigh less.

Sleeping Position

The way you sleep affects which parts of your body need support and which areas need stress relief.

• Side sleepers: Side sleepers put pressure on their shoulders and hips when they sleep, so they often need a thicker mattress or at least a thicker comfort layer. Side sleepers need mattresses that are at least 10-14 inches thick, depending on their weight, to support optimal sleep.
• Supine Sleepers: Supine people need extra support in their lower back (above the hips). To promote proper alignment of the spine, look for a mattress that is at least 10-12 inches thick and has adequate cushioning that conforms to the natural curvature of the spine.
• People who sleep on their stomachs: People who sleep on their stomachs need firm support to prevent their abdomen from sinking into the bed and causing back pain. A standard mattress in the 8-10 inch range provides adequate support and comfort.
• Combination sleepers: People who change sleeping positions frequently need a mattress thickness that balances comfort and support. A standard 10-12 inch mattress is enough to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.

Health considerations

You may need more support or stress relief in certain parts of your body to meet specific health needs, such as joint pain, back pain, sleep apnea, or pregnancy. For chronic conditions, it’s worth considering a specific mattress thickness, which may help alleviate your symptoms. A new mattress is not the best use of resources to meet short-term health needs. Temporary solutions, such as extra pillows or supportive mattress toppers, may provide some quick relief.

Bedstead

The thickness of the mattress may vary depending on the bed frame you choose. In order for a low bed to look well-proportioned, the mattress must be thinner. A taller bed can accommodate a thicker mattress while maintaining proportions. Some specialty beds, such as roller beds or Murphy beds, require a specific mattress thickness to store properly.

Age

The impact of mattress thickness on sleep is largely influenced by age. The little ones can easily sleep on a slim mattress, but as they get older, they will need more support. Older people have a range of needs, depending on their individual circumstances. Some people prefer thinner standard mattresses with minimal extra padding because they find a firm mattress easier to move. For those who need extra support for their joints, a thick mattress is a better option.

Budget

Thicker mattresses have additional materials and specialized layers that are typically used for temperature control, motion isolation, and pressure relief, which can significantly increase the cost. This makes thick mattresses and extra-thick mattresses the most expensive mattress options.

Personal Preference

Everyone has different ideal sleep needs, regardless of age, weight, or health needs. The ideal mattress thickness for you largely depends on your personal preference. While some people find that they sleep better on their mattresses, others prefer to sink into them.

Partner Considerations

Sharing a mattress can affect your choice of mattress thickness, as the heavier the weight, the more supportive mattress is needed. A thicker mattress will provide more support for the extra weight while also ensuring that the mattress lasts longer.

Other factors that may influence your choice of mattress with your partner include their preferences, sleeping position, weight, and health issues.