The average mattress is around 9 to 14 inches thick to provide adequate support and comfort. Some mattresses are as thick as 16 to 18 inches, though this is rare. Generally, thicker mattresses are plush and have a bit more give, while thinner mattresses are firm and provide a solid sleep surface.<\/p>\n
While 12 to 14-inch mattresses are seemingly luxurious and more supportive compared to a standard 10-inch mattress, most sleepers don\u2019t need a super thick bed. To help you understand what mattress thickness you need, we\u2019ll talk about the various thicknesses and how they affect a mattress\u2019s feel, comfort level, and durability.<\/p>\n
Most high-quality mattresses<\/a> are between 10 to 14 inches thick to accommodate the average-sized sleeper. However, we\u2019ve listed other mattress thicknesses you might find along with their typical uses.<\/p>\n Beneath your mattress\u2019s cover are multiple layers to provide your body with adequate support and cushioning. The two primary layers of any mattress are the comfort and base layers, though some beds contain a transition layer for extra support.<\/p>\n The comfort layer is a mattress\u2019s top layer and affects its cushioning, pressure relief, and firmness. This layer is usually what most people usually think of when buying a mattress, though the other layers are equally important.<\/p>\n Comfort layers are made of memory foam, gel foam, or latex foam. Some contain additional technologies for breathability or support. The ideal comfort layer should be at least 2 inches thick to sufficiently support your body.<\/p>\n A transition layer is usually 1 to 2 inches of memory foam, gel-infused foam, or latex, and it sits between the comfort and base layers. The transition layer is meant to provide extra support. Not every mattress has a dedicated transition layer, though this doesn\u2019t mean they\u2019re unsupportive or uncomfortable, merely simpler.<\/p>\n The base layer is the supportive foundation of every bed and is made using poly-foam, latex, or pocketed springs. The base affects the durability, lifespan, and support capability of a mattress (whether or not it consistently keeps your spine aligned).<\/p>\n The base layer of a high-quality mattress should make up 50 percent of the bed. If, say, your mattress is 12 inches tall, but only has a 4 or 5-inch base layer, it\u2019s prone to sagging, wearing down, and being unsupportive. Aim for at least a 5 to 6-inch base layer for 10 to 12-inch mattresses.<\/p>\n When browsing for your next mattress, remember thicker mattresses (12 inches or more) aren\u2019t for everyone. They may seem more luxurious, but a thinner mattress (10 to 12 inches) can be just as comfortable and supportive, so long as it meets a person\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n People who struggle with health issues such as chronic hip and shoulder pain, fibromyalgia, or arthritis, might find the cushioning of a 12 to 14-inch mattress relieves their symptoms and prevents pressure build-up.<\/p>\n Similarly, pregnant women may be more comfortable on a 12 to 14-inch mattress, since they should sleep on their sides<\/a> and a thick mattress is better suited for the position. This thickness may even relieve joint pain and pressure build-up.<\/p>\n Thinner beds (10 to 14 inches) are typically good mattresses for back pain<\/a> to prevent sinking and overextending your back.<\/p>\n See our mattress guides for different medical conditions for more information:<\/p>\n Getting in and out of a thick bed may prove difficult for individuals with limited mobility. For instance, a wheelchair user may find climbing into or rolling out of bed is unideal and potentially unsafe. Finding the correct bed height and thickness is slightly subjective, as you\u2019ll need to find a mattress and matching base to meet your height and mobility requirements.<\/p>\n Couples should aim for at least a 12-inch mattress, especially if either person is heavier. Thicker mattresses typically have little motion transfer, so you and your partner won\u2019t disturb each other during the night.<\/p>\n A thinner mattress might be okay in case you and your partner are both back sleepers, but it may not last very long beneath two people and a sinkhole might appear in the center of the bed.<\/p>\n Your bed\u2019s total height includes the foundation, bed frame, and mattress. When measuring your mattress<\/a> and bed height, you should also include accessories like toppers.<\/p>\n What is the best bed height<\/a>? Well, that can depend on your height. Generally, the top of your mattress with all its accessories should be around 25 inches off the ground. When getting in and out of bed, your feet should touch the floor entirely and your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle.<\/p>\n Some people put their mattress on the floor, though this voids most mattress warranties and can cause mold or mildew buildup, so we don\u2019t recommend it.<\/p>\n\n\n\t Thick mattresses (12-14 inches) are beneficial for their extra cushioning, an aspect particularly useful for larger individuals, couples, and side sleepers. With this in mind, thick mattresses are more heavy and expensive than thin beds (10-12 inches) since they contain more materials and have more layers.\u00a0<\/p>\n Thinner beds have their advantages just as thick beds do. A 10 to 12-inch mattress is typically firmer and better suited for back and stomach sleeping. They\u2019re lightweight, so they\u2019re easier to transport, and more affordable compared to thick mattresses.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Sleeping roughly 25 inches off the ground is ideal so there\u2019s no need to climb in or out of bed, especially for people with mobility issues or chronic pain. However, younger individuals or people with no health conditions can choose their bed height based on preference and aesthetics.\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t An 8-inch mattress won\u2019t provide enough support or cushioning for the average-sized adult. Children or shorter adults should be okay on a thin mattress, and it can be used as a temporary sleep solution for guests. However, the average adult should seek a mattress at least 10 inches tall for ample support and comfort.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t <\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t Mattress toppers are a great way to add extra firmness or softness to your mattress. They\u2019re typically 2 or 3 inches tall and relatively inexpensive.<\/p>\n Sleepers in search of extra cushioning might opt for a soft topper, and vice versa if you need more firmness. For an aging mattress, use a latex or memory foam<\/a> topper for extra support (though we also recommend switching out sagging and unsupportive mattresses entirely).<\/p>\n\n
Mattress Structure<\/h2>\n
Comfort Layer<\/h3>\n
Transition Layer<\/h3>\n
Base Layer<\/h3>\n
Choosing the Right Mattress Thickness<\/h2>\n
Medical Conditions<\/h3>\n
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Mobility Concerns<\/h3>\n
Sharing a Bed<\/h3>\n
Total Bed Height<\/h3>\n
Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\t\t
Is a thick mattress better than a thinner one?\u00a0<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
Is it better to sleep higher or lower to the ground?<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
Is an 8-inch mattress too thin?<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t
How do I choose a good mattress topper?<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t