Nothing is worse than lugging your brand new mattress to your bedroom only to realize it’s way too thin or too thick for your bed frame. This cumbersome bedroom essential isn’t something you want to have to return, so take the time to find your perfect match before making this important purchase! Read on for our comprehensive guide on mattress thickness and what to consider when making your choice.

How Thick Should a Mattress Be?

Choosing the right mattress thickness isn’t as daunting as it may seem. Get acquainted with mattress thicknesses and what they’re best used for to figure out which one will help you get the best night’s sleep!

Thin (Less Than 6″)

Any mattress that is 6″ or under is considered a thin or low-profile mattress. These are best used for beds where there is limited space, like daybeds, trundles, children's beds, or dorms. Thinner mattresses typically offer less support (choosing a firm one can help with this), so they are best suited for children (since they require less support due to their lighter body weight) or for less frequently used sleeping areas like a daybed. Thin mattresses are also useful for tight spaces where lightweight, low-profile mattresses are best, like trundle beds, dorms, or top bunks.

Tip!

Not sure what mattress firmness level is right for you? Check out our helpful guide on Understanding the Mattress Firmness Scale.

Slim (6″ – 8″)

Slim mattresses give you a couple more inches of thickness for more support, but they still also fit great in daybeds and bunkbeds. Slim mattresses are typically more cost-effective than standard mattresses since they require less material, so they’re an affordable option for infrequently used guest beds, though they may not be ideal for a primary bed for an adult. If you have the space for some extra thickness but want to keep things both low-cost and comfortable, try adding a mattress topper.

Standard (8″ – 12″)

The standard mattress thickness is between 8″ – 12″. This thickness provides plenty of support, which can be customized to your liking by choosing between different levels of thickness and different mattress types, such as hybrid, foam, or innerspring – learn more about choosing the right mattress type with our handy guide. A standard thickness mattress works well for most standard adult-sized bed frames. Note: If you have a low-profile bed frame, we recommend choosing a thicker mattress – see section below!

Thick (12″ – 16″)

Thick mattresses can be up to 5″ thicker than standard mattresses, which allow for plenty of room for plush comfort. Hybrid mattresses are typically this thickness, since they have both the innersprings and the plush foam top. These mattresses are ideal for low-profile beds or beds with deep frames. Before purchasing, make sure to add the mattress thickness measurement to your bed frame’s height to find out how tall your total bed height will be once assembled. A bed that’s too high or too low can make getting in and out of it difficult and uncomfortable, especially for children or those with mobility issues – do think about what bed height would be most comfortable for you.

Tip!

Keep in mind that thick mattresses are heavier and less flexible when maneuvering them around your house – check out the mattress specifications to confirm that you will be able to get the mattress through interior doors and to your bedroom once delivered.

Very Thick (More Than 16″)

This category includes any mattress that is over 16″ thick! This is the height of luxury and comfort. The ultra thickness of these mattresses allows for customizable blends of firmness and plushness for dreamy night’s sleep. These mattresses also look great on very low-profile and platform beds since they supply so much height on their own. Pairing a very thick mattress with a low-platform bed will prevent you from feeling like you’re sleeping on the floor. Keep in mind that these mattresses may be cumbersome when maneuvering around your home – they tend to be heavier and will likely require extra-deep sheets for a perfect fit.

Mattress Shopping: Key Considerations

Before you pick your perfect sleep match, consider the following factors.

• Height & Mobility: When choosing a mattress height, consider the height of your bedframe and how deep the well that your mattress will sit in is. You want your mattress to sit at a height that allows you to get into it comfortably. Higher or lower mattresses can help with mobility for elderly or disabled people who may have difficulty getting out of a bed that is either too low or two high. Mattress height can also be an aesthetic choice as well, so test out your measurements before purchasing to make sure you will like the look of your bed setup.

• Mattress Weight: While it also depends on the type of mattress and material it’s made out of, thicker mattresses will likely be heavier as well. Check out the weight specifications to make sure that you will be able to get your mattress to its intended destination once it’s been delivered, or that you have someone who can help you ready if needed. You also will need to check your bedframe specifications to make sure it will be able to support the weight of the mattress plus anyone who will be sleeping on it.

• Support & Sleep Position: Mattress thickness can contribute to comfortability, depending on your sleeping positions. Thin and slim mattresses will naturally have less support since there is limited space for springs, filling, or foam in them, but they are typically able to support children for a comfortable night's sleep. Standard to very thick mattresses have more space inside to accommodate a more custom firmness blend, but it will ultimately depend on which type and level of firmness you choose. We recommend stomach and back sleepers to stick to a standard mattress or thicker, since slim mattresses typically don’t have sufficient support for your spine in those positions.

• Cost: While other factors contribute to cost as well, in general the thicker the mattress, the higher the price tag. Therefore consider your priorities when it comes to height, aesthetics, and comfortability when choosing a mattress. An ultra-thick mattress may be within your budget and well worth the investment, but you can also make a slim mattress work for a more cost-effective option!

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