Ultimate Sleeping Guide: Choosing The Right Mattress Thickness

A good 9–14 inches in thickness is common for a  mattress  to provide adequate support and comfort. Mattresses as thick as 16 or 18 inches are unusual, although they exist. Thicker mattresses are typically more luxurious and give a little more than their thinner counterparts, but both types of mattresses provide a firm, stable surface for sleep.

However, while a 12- to 14-inch  mattress  may look more luxurious and supportive than a standard 10-inch mattress, most sleepers don't need such a massive bed. Here, we'll go through the different  mattress thickness  and how they affect the overall feel, comfort, and lifespan so you can make an informed decision.

Tips to Choose Right Mattress Thickness

Rating for Mattress Thickness

Most high-end  mattresses  range in thickness from 10 to 14 inches, with the latter being ideal for larger people. However, besides their typical applications, other mattress depths are also provided.

• Thin mattress, between 2 and 4 inches, are famous for air mattresses, crib mattresses, and toddler mattresses. Although they are compact and can be stored almost anywhere, prolonged use is not recommended.

• Mattresses in the 5th to 8th-inch thickness range (the "slim" range) are great for children, short people, and those with mobility issues since they are easier to get in and out of.

• Most people find their ideal comfort level on mattresses between 9 and 12 inches in thickness, which is the normal mattress size range. Although the extra space between standard mattresses of a few inches can make it easier to get in and out of  bed, it can also change the mattress's hardness and, hence, your comfort level.

• Mattresses between 13 and 16 inches (thick and deep) may be more comfortable for more significant users or side sleepers. Still, they may be more expensive due to their greater durability and materials.

• Mattresses 17 inches in thickness or more are considered dated because they are excessively massive and don't provide any more comfort or support than thinner ones. No major mattress company makes mattresses of this thickness, so you'll need to order one specially.

Read Also: Mattresses That Are Too Soft Can Harm Your Sleep

Models for Sleeping Mats

A mattress often consists of multiple layers to provide the necessary support and cushioning for your body. All mattresses have three layers: the top comfort layer, the bottom support layer, and the middle transition layer.

Layer of Comfort

The softness, pressure relief, and hardness of a mattress are determined by its top layer, known as the comfort layer. Although other coatings are just as important, most consumers focus on this when purchasing a mattress.

Layers of comfort often consist of soft foam like  memory foam, gel foam, or  latex foam, and some feature supplemental technology to aid with support or ventilation. The optimal thickness of a comfort layer to provide enough support for your body is 2 inches.

Switching Layer

Transition layers, typically 1 to 2 inches of memory foam, foam with gel infusion, or latex, are put between the comfort and base layers. The purpose of the intermediate layer is to provide a stronger foundation. The absence of a transition layer is not indicative of a less supportive or unpleasant mattress; rather, it indicates that the mattress is less complex.

Bottom Layer

A bed's foundation is usually made of supporting material like latex, polyfoam, or pocketed springs. The quality of a mattress's foundation affects its durability, lifespan, and supportiveness (whether or not it consistently keeps your spine aligned).

If you want a good night's sleep on a mattress, make sure half of it is dedicated to the mattress's foundation layer. If your mattress is 12 inches tall but only 4 or 5 inches thick at the base, it is more likely to sag, degrade, and become unsupportive. Ideally, the base layer of a mattress that is 10 to 12 inches in height would be 5 to 6 inches thick.

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Choice of Mattress Depth

Remember that only some people favour thicker mattresses while shopping online for your new one (12 inches or more). A smaller mattress (ten to twelve inches) can meet a person's needs just as well as a larger one (thirty to forty inches), despite the latter's more elegant appearance.

Health Conditions

People who suffer from diseases like chronic hip and shoulder discomfort, fibromyalgia, or arthritis may benefit from the added cushioning provided by a 12 to 14-inch mattress.

Pregnant women, who should sleep on their sides to reduce pressure on the abdomen, may find a mattress with a thickness of 12 to 14 inches more comfortable. Pressure relief and lessened joint pain could result from this thickness. Too thick beds may be difficult for those with mobility issues to get in and out of. 

Read Also: Tackling Neck Pain Using A Memory Foam Mattress

Having a Bedmate

To accommodate a range of weight distributions in a couple, a  mattress thickness  of 12 inches is recommended. Thicker mattresses reduce motion transfer, helping you and your partner get some shut-eye.

If you and your partner both prefer to sleep on your backs, a thinner mattress may be appropriate; nevertheless, the middle of the bed may sink if used by two people.

Bed's Overall Height

You can think of your mattress's total height as the sum of its components: the foundation, the bed frame, and the mattress. The full height of your bed, including the mattress, box spring, and any added layers, such as a mattress topper, should be measured.

Read Also: Considerations to Make Before Purchasing a Mattress

Conclusion

You can get a decent night's sleep without a super  thick mattress, and some people may even find extra  thick mattress  too bulky for their liking. Before deciding on mattress thickness, consider your sleeping environment and any health difficulties you may have.