{"id":18154,"date":"2021-03-19T16:33:21","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T23:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepjunkie.com\/?p=18154"},"modified":"2024-02-26T01:43:34","modified_gmt":"2024-02-26T08:43:34","slug":"mattress-thickness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepjunkie.com\/mattress-thickness\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose Mattress Thickness"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Part of choosing the perfect mattress<\/a> is considering how thick should a mattress be. The mattress thickness contributes to your comfort level at bedtime. Purchasing a thin mattress may cause premature sagging and contribute to poor sleep. It is recommended sleepers choose a bed at least 10 to 14 inches thick. However, there are many factors like body type and sleep position that may require an even thicker mattress.<\/p>\n In this article, we\u2019ll discuss what you should consider when looking for a thick mattress. Also, we\u2019ll break down what affects the thickness of your mattress.<\/p>\n Before you choose your new bed, you\u2019ll need to know what contributes to the depth of your mattress. Most mattresses have two or more layers inside of them, specifically designed to provide support for sleepers. Let\u2019s look at the two basic layers found in all mattresses: the comfort layer and the base layer.<\/p>\n The comfort layers are the soft top layer of your mattress. These layers are the closest to your body when you’re asleep and relieve pressure, which is why they feel so plush. Comfort layers are made with cotton, wool or poly-foam, to contour to the curves of your body. They also are effective in isolating motion transfer, which can be especially good for couples.<\/p>\n Some luxury beds may have more than one comfort layer to provide sleepers with cooling technologies or targeted back support. These additional layers may contribute to the overall depth of your mattress. They may even be 3 to 4 inches thick. However, the majority of\u00a0 comfort layers have a mattress thickness of 2 to 3 inches thick.<\/p>\n Underneath the comfort layer of your mattress lies the transition layers. The transition layer acts as an insulator by providing a buffer between the soft top layers and firm core layers. Most beds have insulator\/transition layers made of high-density poly-foam, latex, or wool.<\/p>\n Depending on how the mattress is constructed, this layer is zoned to offer more comfort to sensitive regions of your body, such as the head, shoulders, back, hips, and feet.<\/p>\n The base layer or support layer is the foundation of your mattress and is usually made from poly-foam, latex, or pocketed springs. This layer should make up at least 50 percent of your mattress thickness.<\/p>\n Typically, mattresses with a thick base layer tend to be more durable, while thinner ones may be prone to sagging. So if your bed has a depth of 14 inches, you should make sure the base layer is 6 to 7 inches thick.<\/p>\n Ideally, a durable and comfy mattress thickness should be at least 8 to 14 inches thick. You\u2019ll also want to meet the minimum requirement of a\u00a0 2 to 3-inch thick comfort layer and 5 to 6-inch base layer. However, there are other factors to consider before you choose your new bed.<\/p>\n Your sleeping position affects how comfortable you will feel on a mattress. Certain sleeping positions, like side sleep, require extra cushioning for individuals to stay comfy.<\/p>\n On the other hand, you may need support for sensitive regions of the body, like your back and hips. Choosing a\u00a0 comfortable mattress<\/a> with a specific thickness can help cater to your sleep needs.<\/p>\n Adding too much pressure to your mattress can cause permanent damage to your bed and can negatively affect your sleep. To avoid having to replace your mattress earlier than you planned, you need to determine how your mattress responds to your body weight.<\/p>\n Sharing a new bed with a partner will add more pressure onto your mattress than if you were sleeping alone. Putting extra pressure on a thin mattress will cause it to sag and may impact your sleep. So, if you\u2019re sharing your bed, it should be at least 10-12 inches thick.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll want to combine the mattress thickness and a deep or extra tall mattress foundation<\/a> to ensure your bed will still be accessible. When your bed is too high, it\u2019s harder to climb in and out of bed each night.<\/p>\n We suggest keeping your mattress at least 25 inches from the ground<\/a>. This will allow you to access your bed easily throughout the night. Keeping your thick mattress elevated also minimizes its exposure to dust and other allergens, though you may still want to look into a mattress protector<\/a> if you want to avoid triggering allergy symptoms.<\/p>\n There’s also toppers to consider, as a mattress topper<\/a> will raise the height of your bed by 2 to 4 inches, usually. Many sleepers won’t bother pairing a mattress topper with a new mattress, as ideally the surface shouldn’t need any extra help to feel comfortable.<\/p>\n However, if you plan on pairing something like a cooling mattress topper<\/a> with your new mattress, you will also need to account for the topper’s thickness when it comes to your bed’s total height.<\/p>\n SEE ALSO:\u00a0Best Hypoallergenic Mattresses for Allergies<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n If you are experiencing difficulty getting into bed, search for a mattress thickness under 14 inches. Going beyond a 14-inch mattress is not recommended for individuals with mobility issues since struggling to get in bed could worsen medical conditions. The ideal bed height<\/a> makes it easier to move in and out of bed, minimizing the risk of falls.<\/p>\n Sleepers with arthritis, shoulder pain, or hip pain should use mattresses 12 to 14 inches thick. These thick mattresses tend to be softer and contain enhanced cushioning to relieve pressure.<\/p>\n Investing in a thicker mattress provides sleepers with more cushioning and offers an ultra-plush sleeping surface. Thin mattresses are not the best choice for couples since they can’t withstand the weight of two adults. This can make bedtime extremely uncomfortable and may cause permanent damage to your mattress due to sagging.<\/p>\n Though a thick 14 inch mattress<\/a> or even thicker may be the best option for some, there are a few drawbacks. Extra thick mattresses include more layers, so they can be extremely pricey, with some high-quality thick beds costing more than $1500.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s not uncommon for sleepers to purchase a topper to modify their mattress comfort. A good mattress topper<\/a> can add to the overall softness, luxuriousness, and support of your mattress. It can also increase the thickness of your mattress and even and prolong its lifespan. Not to mention, toppers are an affordable way to add thickness to your bed without purchasing a new mattress.<\/p>\n The average thickness of mattresses ranges between 8 to 14 inches. Typically, the best mattresses have a comfort layer at least 2-3 inches thick with a base layer 6-8 inches thick. Also, they contain a 1-2 inch thick transition layer. It\u2019s best to choose mattresses within this range to maintain good quality sleep.<\/p>\n If you are purchasing a memory foam mattress<\/a>, you should consider beds 10 to 14 inches thick. Mattresses in this range are durable and will provide sleepers with the proper support while asleep. Choosing a mattress thinner than recommended may take away from the natural comfort of a memory foam mattress. Thinner memory foam mattresses are also likely to sag and might become damaged.<\/p>\n Mattresses thicker than 14 inches may need a larger size sheet to fit properly. Furthermore, for beds with additional items like mattress toppers or pads<\/a>, you may need a bigger size as well. If your sheets are constantly popping off your bed, we recommend purchasing tight-fitted sheets with deep pockets to keep them on.<\/p>\n See Also: 10 Inch vs. 12 Inch Mattress<\/a><\/p>\n We recommend keeping your bed at least 25 inches from the ground. A mattress can be 12 inches<\/a> or more,\u00a0 so most people consider purchasing foundations around 8.5 inches to achieve the suggested height. Remember, sheets, mattress toppers, or pads all contribute to the overall height of your bed.<\/p>\n Buying a thin mattress can contribute to poor sleep, but a thicker mattress may be uncomfortable for some. Sometimes, when mattresses are too thick, it\u2019s harder for sleepers to climb in and out of bed. Typically, the best mattress<\/a> for you will depend on your sleeping position and body type.<\/p>\n A good rule of thumb is to choose a mattress<\/a> within the 10 to 14-inch range since they are known to provide individuals with a good night’s sleep.<\/p>\nWhat Affects Mattress Thickness?<\/h2>\n
Comfort Layer<\/h3>\n
Base Layer<\/h3>\n
Mattress Thickness Guide<\/h2>\n
Sleeping Position<\/h3>\n
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Body Type<\/h3>\n
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Are You Sharing a Bed?<\/h3>\n
Height of Your Foundation<\/h3>\n
Mobility Issues<\/h3>\n
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Thick Mattresses<\/h2>\n
FAQS<\/h2>\n
Should I use a mattress topper to add thickness to my bed?<\/h3>\n
How thick is the average mattress?<\/h3>\n
How thick should a memory foam mattress be?<\/h3>\n
Do I need bigger sheets for thicker mattresses?<\/h3>\n
How high should my bed be?<\/h3>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n