Mattress Guides

Mattress Thickness Guide: What Thickness Is Best for You?

Choosing the right mattress thickness is one of the most overlooked yet most important factors in getting quality sleep. Many shoppers focus on firmness or materials, but thickness directly affects comfort, support, durability, pressure relief, and ease of getting in and out of bed. So, what mattress thickness is best for you? The answer depends on your sleeping position, body weight, pain points, bed frame height, and whether you sleep alone or with a partner. This guide breaks down mattress thickness categories, explains who each is best for, and helps you confidently choose the ideal mattress profile for your unique needs.

Key Takeaways

• Mattress thickness directly impacts comfort, support, durability, and ease of getting in and out of bed.
• Most mattresses range from 6 to 14 inches, with 10 inches being the most popular choice for most sleepers.
• Thicker mattresses (12–14 inches) are better for side sleepers, couples, heavier individuals, and people with pain issues.
• Thinner mattresses (6–8 inches) work well for kids, guest rooms, small spaces, and stomach sleepers.
• The best mattress thickness depends on your sleep position, body weight, bed height, and health needs.

What Is Mattress Thickness?

Mattress thickness refers to the total height of the mattress, measured from the bottom of the support core to the top of the comfort layers. Most mattresses fall between 6 and 14 inches, although some specialty or luxury models can exceed 16–20 inches.

Mattress thickness is determined by two primary components:

The comfort layer is the top part of the mattress that you sleep on. It feels soft and helps reduce pressure on your body, support your shape, and limit movement from a partner. Comfort layers are usually 1 to 4 inches thick. Firm mattresses often have thinner comfort layers, while softer mattresses usually have thicker ones.

The support core is the bottom part of the mattress. It makes up about half or more of the mattress’s total thickness. This layer keeps your body supported and stops you from sinking too deeply. A thicker support core usually means the mattress will last longer and stay supportive over time.

Why Mattress Thickness Matters

Mattress thickness affects far more than just appearance. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Spinal alignment: Thicker mattresses often provide better contouring and support
• Pressure relief: Especially critical for hips, shoulders, and joints
• Durability: Thicker support cores resist sagging longer
• Ease of movement: Bed height impacts how easily you get in and out
• Motion isolation: Deeper mattresses often absorb movement better for couples

Common Mattress Thickness Options

Mattresses come in different thicknesses. Each option suits different people, body types, and sleeping needs. Choosing the right thickness helps improve comfort and support.

6-inch: best for kids and guest rooms

Six-inch mattresses offer a practical solution for occasional use. Their slim profile makes them ideal for children’s beds, bunk beds, and trundle beds. Though lacking the plushness of thicker options, they provide adequate support for kids and teenagers while remaining affordable. These mattresses typically feature a simple construction with fewer layers, potentially increasing durability in the long run.

8-inch: budget-friendly for light adults

Eight-inch mattresses represent a step up in comfort while maintaining affordability. Primarily suitable for teenagers, college-aged adults, and lighter individuals, these mattresses work well in RVs, tight spaces, or guest rooms. With enhanced support compared to 6-inch models, they accommodate most sleeping postures and a wider range of body types.

10-inch: most popular for all sleepers

The 10-inch thickness has become the standard choice for most adults. This option strikes an optimal balance between support, comfort, and cost-effectiveness. A typical 10-inch mattress contains a 3-4 inch comfort layer atop a 6-7 inch support base, offering sufficient cushioning without excessive sinkage. Notably versatile, these mattresses accommodate various sleeping positions while fitting standard bed frames.

12-inch: luxury feel and extra support

Twelve-inch mattresses deliver enhanced comfort through additional layering. The extra depth creates a noticeable difference in both feel and durability, with generous profiles allowing for more advanced material combinations, memory foam, latex, or individually wrapped coils. These mattresses particularly benefit side sleepers through improved pressure relief and couples through superior motion isolation.

14-inch+: for heavy sleepers or plush comfort

Mattresses exceeding 14 inches cater to specific needs. Heavyweight sleepers should choose mattresses between 12-14 inches or thicker for proper support. These extra-thick options provide the most comfort layering, creating a luxurious sleep experience. Though expensive and heavier to move, they offer exceptional pressure relief and weight distribution for those seeking premium comfort.

Mattress Thickness Comparison Table

Factors That Influence the Best Thickness for You

Selecting the ideal mattress thickness depends on several personal factors that vary from one sleeper to another. Understanding these factors helps in making an informed decision tailored to individual needs.

1) Sleep position and spinal needs

Sleep position significantly influences the optimal mattress thickness. Side sleepers typically benefit from thicker mattresses with plush comfort layers that provide better pressure relief for hips and shoulders. 

Back sleepers generally find medium-thick mattresses suitable as they offer balanced support for spinal alignment. In contrast to these positions, stomach sleepers usually prefer thinner mattresses (6-10 inches) that help maintain proper spine positioning.

2) Body weight and distribution

Body weight directly affects how deeply one sinks into a mattress. Lightweight sleepers under 130 pounds often need mattresses at least 12 inches thick with substantial comfort layers. People weighing between 130-230 pounds typically find standard 10-12 inch mattresses sufficient. 

Individuals weighing over 230 pounds generally require mattresses at least 12-14 inches thick to provide enhanced support and prevent bottoming out. For couples, a mattress thickness of at least 10 inches is recommended to support combined weight.

3) Mobility and ease of getting in/out of bed

Mattress thickness affects how easily one can get in and out of bed. People with mobility issues often require specific heights compatible with their mobility aids. 

Those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters need mattresses that allow easy transition without straining legs, backs, or arms. Similarly, individuals using walkers or canes typically prefer mattresses that don’t require climbing into or rolling out of bed.

4) Bed Base Height

Your bed frame also matters. A very thick mattress on a tall frame may be hard to climb onto. A thin mattress on a low frame may feel too close to the floor. Ideally, when you sit on the edge of the bed, your feet should rest flat on the floor. This makes getting in and out of bed easier, especially for people with mobility issues.

5) Medical conditions and pain points

Certain health conditions necessitate specific mattress thicknesses. People with back pain might benefit from medium-firm mattresses 10-14 inches thick. Low back pain has been identified as a leading cause of poor sleep quality. 

Pregnant women often find thicker mattresses beneficial during late pregnancy due to added pressure relief for hips and lower back. Those with arthritis may prefer mattresses 12-14 inches thick that facilitate easier bed entry and exit.

When a Thin Mattress Is a Better Choice

Thin mattresses work well in small spaces like kids’ rooms, bunk beds, and RVs. They are lightweight and easy to move, which is great for students or people who move often. Thin mattresses are also more affordable. Some sleepers, especially stomach sleepers, prefer them because they feel firmer and help keep the spine straight.

Read Also: How to Make a Mattress Firmer

How to Balance Thickness and Firmness

The right mattress should support your body while keeping you comfortable. Thin mattresses usually feel firmer, while thick mattresses feel softer and more cushioned. If a mattress is too thin, it may not support heavier sleepers well. If it’s too thick, lighter sleepers may sink in too much. Choosing the right balance helps maintain good spinal alignment and better sleep.

FAQs about Mattress Thickness

How thick is the average mattress?

The average mattress is 10 inches thick, considered a standard measurement. Most sleepers find this thickness comfortable, typically featuring a 6-8 inch base layer with a 2-3 inch comfort layer.

Is a thicker mattress better?

Not necessarily. For enhanced support, a 10-inch or thicker mattress works well. Side sleepers benefit from 12-14 inch mattresses, back sleepers prefer 10-12 inch profiles. Plus stomach sleepers do better with firm 10-inch options.

How thick should a memory foam mattress be?

Memory foam mattresses should be 10-14 inches thick. Thinner options may sag prematurely whereas quality memory foam at this thickness can last 8-12 years.

Read Also: Memory Foam vs. Gel Memory Foam

Do I need larger sheets for a thicker mattress?

Indeed. Mattresses taller than 14 inches may require larger sheet sizes. Adding toppers might necessitate deep-pocket sheets as well.

Does a 2-inch mattress topper work?

Certainly. A 2-inch topper can effectively soften or firm up your mattress depending on your needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right mattress thickness plays a crucial role in sleep quality, comfort, and long-term support. The ideal thickness depends on your sleep position, body weight, mobility needs, bed height, and health concerns. While 10 inches suits most sleepers, thicker or thinner options may be better for specific needs. You can ensure proper spinal alignment, pressure relief, and a more restorative night’s sleep by balancing thickness with firmness.