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what is the standard thickness of a mattress

by Valerie Howe Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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between 8 to 14 inches

Is a 10 inch mattress thick enough?

The right mattress thickness can help alleviate that pressure so that you can sleep better. Back sleepers benefit from a mattress type that keeps their spine in a neutral position. A standard mattress of either 10 or 12 inches can maintain this alignment.

How thick is a normal full mattress?

Full: Full mattress thickness can vary between 5 inches to over 20 inches in thickness. Queen: Mattress thickness can go anywhere from 5 inches to over 20 inches thick. King: Mattress thickness is often between 5 inches to over 20 inches thick.

How thick is a thick mattress?

Mattress Thickness ChartThicknessMattress Type5 to 8 InchesSlim Profile8 to 12 InchesStandard Profile12 to 16 InchesDeep, Thick, or Tall ProfileMore than 16 InchesExtra Deep, Extra Thick, or Extra Tall Profile1 more row•Jun 13, 2022

What is the normal thickness of a queen mattress?

What is the depth of a queen mattress? Queen size mattresses can measure anywhere from 8 inches deep to 18 inches deep. While mattress thickness is a matter of preference for most people, adults usually sleep on a mattress with at least 10 inches of thickness.

Why are new mattresses so thick?

Extra cushioning on many new models is part of the reasons that newer mattresses are thicker. And those extra layers may mean your old sheets won't fit, since standard fitted sheets probably are difficult to pull over the corners of mattresses 15 inches or thicker.

How thick should a mattress be for a heavy person?

Mattress Thickness OverviewThicknessTypeGood For8 to 12 inchesStandardMost adults Back and stomach sleepers Guest bedrooms12 to 20 inchesThick, Deep, or TallSide Sleepers Heavy Sleepers20+ inchesExtra Thick, Extra Deep, or Extra TallTypically unnecessary for all sleepers2 more rows•Jul 16, 2022

How thick is the purple 4 mattress?

The Purple 4 Mattress uses a combination of materials and totals 13″ thick. A quick peek inside the coil Purple mattresses. 4″ of proprietary, patented Hyper-Elastic Polymer: This is what gives Purple mattresses their special feel, which is soft and pressure relieving, yet also supportive.

How thick of a memory foam mattress is best?

Support is the Basis for Comfort If your comfort layer is two or four inches, then make sure your base layer is at least four to eight inches. Depending on your body type and other factors, you may want to choose a thicker mattress. Sufficient support promises to prevent your bed from sagging.

How thick should a mattress be for a platform bed?

Thickness & Support The best mattresses for platform beds should be at least 12 inches thick, but up to 14 inches is even better. The thickness of a mattress often depends on the number of different layers, but for less expensive mattresses, it could simply just be the cut of the material.

Which is better 6 inch or 8 inch mattress?

The ideal thickness for most mattresses and the general preference lies between 7-8 inches, and a thicker mattress would always be better than one that's 5-6 inches thick. In 7-8 inch thick mattresses, the comfort layer is usually between 3 or 4 inches, and the support layer is a similar 3-5 inches.

Do people still use box springs?

Even though the coil mattress trend is dwindling, it can still be beneficial to know when a box spring is a valuable investment. Originally built to add height to your bed and support your mattress, box springs still provide this today, as well as a few other minor benefits.

What is the best height for a mattress?

Finding the Best Bed Height While 16″ to 24″ inches is generally a standard bed height, it is pretty simple for people to find out exactly what height will work for them. Basically, they should sit down on the edge of the bed and make sure that their legs are at close to a 90-degree angle.

Which is better 6 inch or 8 inch mattress?

The ideal thickness for most mattresses and the general preference lies between 7-8 inches, and a thicker mattress would always be better than one that's 5-6 inches thick. In 7-8 inch thick mattresses, the comfort layer is usually between 3 or 4 inches, and the support layer is a similar 3-5 inches.

How thick is a mattress and box spring?

Mattress foundations range from less than 1 inch to 18 inches thick. Box springs are typically 8 to 10 inches thick, bunkie boards are typically 1.5 to 3 inches thick, slats are usually ¾ of an inch to 2 inches thick, and platform beds range from 14 to 18 inches thick.

How thick should a mattress be for a platform bed?

Thickness & Support The best mattresses for platform beds should be at least 12 inches thick, but up to 14 inches is even better. The thickness of a mattress often depends on the number of different layers, but for less expensive mattresses, it could simply just be the cut of the material.

How thick should a latex mattress be?

between 6 and 13 inchesHow thick should a latex mattress be? Depending on sleeping style and body type, the best latex mattress thickness can be between 6 and 13 inches. If you're heavier than 150 pounds getting a mattress height greater than 10 inches is best.

How Thick is a Mattress?

Mattresses are comprised of layers that, when combined, can range from between 2 inches thick to over twenty inches thick. 2

Mattress Thickness Breakdown

When it comes to thickness, mattresses can be separated into five distinct categories.

How to Choose Your Mattress Thickness

While understanding the categories of mattress thickness can narrow down your mattress search, identifying your unique sleep preferences and needs can help pinpoint the exact mattress of your dreams.

Common Mattress Sizes & Thickness Measurements

Twin: Twin mattress thickness often ranges anywhere from 5 inches to over 20 inches thick. Full: Full mattress thickness can vary between 5 inches to over 20 inches in thickness. Queen: Mattress thickness can go anywhere from 5 inches to over 20 inches thick. King: Mattress thickness is often between 5 inches to over 20 inches thick.

Common FAQs About The Normal Thickness Of A Boxspring

How Thick Is A Normal Box Spring? – Mattress models ranging in thickness from 10 to 14 inches thick are the most acceptable to mattress buyers. As shown above, traditional coil spring mattresses can range from about 5 inches to well over 20 inches in thickness.

Mattress Thickness & Quality of Sleep

The thickness of your mattress can definitely affect your quality of sleep. If it is too thick or too thin, it could have negative side effects depending on your specific and individual sleep needs. For some, the height is not as important as the materials used on the inside, and the overall quality of the mattress itself.

Mattress Thickness Chart

This mattress thickness guide will give you a brief overview of what to expect from your typical mattress based on thickness and why it matters.

What Are the Benefits of a Thicker Mattress?

A thicker mattress does not always guarantee a higher level of comfort. However, there are some benefits to be considered regarding specific sleep needs.

What Are the Benefits of a Thinner Mattress?

Just like thicker mattresses, there are several reasons why a thinner mattress could be more suited to your specific sleep needs.

Additional Resources

Emily Melynn Alexander was born on the east coast of the USA but has called Colorado home since 2000. She has a degree in English and Political Science from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She enjoys sleeping in locations all around the world.

Mattress Thickness Chart

There are no standard regulations on mattress thickness. Most high-quality mattresses are between 8 to 14 inches thick. The following list gives you an idea of how mattresses are grouped based on their thickness.

Factors Determining Mattress Thickness

The depth of a mattress depends on the thickness of each of the layers inside it. Most mattresses have 2 layers inside them, but high-quality mattresses may have three, four, or more layers. Each layer contains different materials. These materials affect the cushion, support, and durability of your mattress.

What to Consider When Deciding on Mattress Thickness

If you want one of the most durable mattresses that stays comfortable for years, it should be at least 8 inches thick, including the minimum requirement of a 2 to 3-inch thick comfort layer and 5 to 6-inch thick base layer.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Thick Mattresses

Thick mattresses are typically softer than thin beds, and as such, they provide a plusher surface for the hips, shoulders, and other sensitive areas. However, thick mattresses also have some drawbacks; they can be heavier and more expensive.

FAQs

The average thickness of mattresses ranges between 8 to 14 inches. The best mattress should have a comfort layer that’s at least 2-3 inches thick and a base layer that’s at least 6-8 inches thick. Most mattresses also contain a 1-2 inch thick transition layer. This is the minimum thickness needed for adequate comfort and durability.

Conclusion

Too thick mattresses make getting in and out of bed difficult, while too thin mattresses may not be supportive enough for a night of restful sleep. If you buy a 10 to 14-inch thick mattress you strike a balance between too thick and too thin.

In This Article

Comparing mattress sizes starts with looking at their dimensions in regards to length and width. Keep in mind that height/thickness varies depending on the manufacturer and model, so there is no universal thickness for each mattress size. Width and length measurements are standardized for each size and are listed in the table below.

Mattresses for Couples & Families

The sizes queen, king, and California king are all large enough to comfortably sleep multiple people. The big consideration with these three sizes is how much extra space you want, as well as how well the larger sizes will fit into your bedroom.

Beds for Single Sleepers

The sizes full, twin XL, and twin are better suited for single sleepers. A full mattress could potentially accommodate a couple in a pinch, but twin XL and twin are definitely only for single people. There are a few other considerations to keep in mind with these sizes:

About Our Editorial Team

Logan has extensive experience testing sleep products and producing sleep content. She is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach.

Cover

A mattress cover is a material that covers it. Knitted and damask are the main two types of covers. They vary hugely in functionality and touch.

Comfort Layer

The comfort layer is just a couple of inches above the surface of the mattress. It features an array of materials that have different depths tailored to provide a supportive and comfortable surface. Every type of material within this layer brings with it dissimilar benefits and properties.

Support Layer

Finally, yet importantly, there is a supportive layer. It is your mattresses’ major part. In addition to providing your body the utmost support it requires; it also determines its level of firmness.

1. Extra Thick (Luxury)

While it is attractive, an extra-thick mattress features a prohibitive weight. This feature makes it a no-go zone for the infirm and elderly. Another bad highlight of ultra-thick mattresses is the fact that finding a set of sheets that is deep enough to cover the entire mattress is challenging.

2. Medium-Thick (Affordable Luxury)

Mattresses of this thickness level feature an array of materials. This means that they are the most complex of the offerings on this list. Many premium mattresses are this category. The fact that many materials go into the making of this mattress means that they are costlier than others.

3. Standard (Most Popular For Family)

There is a variety of mattresses on this thickness level. Unlike the thin and low-profile offerings that feature foam only, these can be made from materials such as:

4. Thin (Youth, Guest room)

Thinner mattresses are mostly created from foam. In addition to being handy for rooms with limited space, you can also use them on youth beds and baby cribs. Their tiny size does not distract your décor’s easy flow.

Deciding on mattress height: when you should get a thick or tall mattress

Personal and aesthetic preferences, along with your budget, are among the many factors to consider when choosing the ideal mattress thickness. As a rule, mattress thickness alone is not an indicator of quality; that's more a function of mattress material and construction. A thicker mattress might be best for you if:

Learn More About Saatva's Best Mattress for Bigger Bodies

This luxury hybrid innerspring mattress is specifically engineered to support people weighing between 300 and 500 pounds. Plush upper layers made of foam and latex deliver comfort, while a high-durability coil base offers support.

Pair Your Thick Mattress with Our Platform Bed

A platform bed, with a lower profile, sleek lines, and graceful legs. Featuring plush padded edges that lend a rich look and a fully upholstered back. Available in taupe and graphite vintage velvet.

Deciding on mattress height: when you should get a shorter mattress

Sometimes a thicker mattress may not be the best choice. You may want to stick with a thinner mattress if:

What foundation can you pair with a thick mattress?

Thicker mattresses don't have more complicated foundation needs than their thinner counterparts. You can use a conventional box spring or a platform bed. Adjustable bases are an option as well for some thicker mattresses, but seek the manufacturer's advice on whether the combination will work.

Check Out These Saatva Mattresses, Available in a Variety of Mattress Heights

100% natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It's naturally hypoallergenic too.)

Is a thick mattress more durable?

A mattress's thickness has nothing to do with how durable or high-quality it is. As with all mattresses, thick varieties are composed of layers, which can be made of assorted materials. Thicker mattresses are most likely to be hybrids, which combine innersprings with comfort layers made from memory foam and/or latex.

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Mattress Thickness Chart

Factors Determining Mattress Thickness

  • The depth of a mattress depends on the thickness of each of the layers inside it. Most mattresses have 2 layers inside them, but high-quality mattresses may have three, four, or more layers. Each layer contains different materials. These materials affect the cushion, support, and durability of your mattress. The two basic layers found in all mattresses are the comfort layer and the base l…
See more on amerisleep.com

What to Consider When Deciding on Mattress Thickness

  • If you want one of the most durable mattressesthat stays comfortable for years, it should be at least 8 inches thick, including the minimum requirement of a 2 to 3-inch thick comfort layer and 5 to 6-inch thick base layer. Usually, the thicker a mattress, the softer it feels. In this section, we discuss the factors to consider when deciding on your mattress thickness.
See more on amerisleep.com

Benefits and Drawbacks of Thick Mattresses

  • Thick mattresses are typically softer than thin beds, and as such, they provide a plusher surface for the hips, shoulders, and other sensitive areas. However, thick mattresses also have some drawbacks; they can be heavier and more expensive. When choosing a new bed, consider the thickness of each of the layers and how they affect the mattress’s feel.
See more on amerisleep.com

FAQs

  • How thick is the average mattress?
    The average thickness of mattresses ranges between 8 to 14 inches. The best mattress should have a comfort layer that’s at least 2-3 inches thick and a base layer that’s at least 6-8 inches thick. Most mattresses also contain a 1-2 inch thick transition layer. This is the minimum …
  • Is it better to have a thicker mattress?
    Mattresses 10 inches thick or more are good for enhanced comfort and support. If you are a side sleeper, a 12 to 14-inch thick mattress most likely will provide the extra cushioning you need. Back sleepers are often comfortable on a 10 to 12-inch thick medium-firm mattress, while stomach sl…
See more on amerisleep.com

Conclusion

  • Too thick mattresses make getting in and out of bed difficult, while too thin mattresses may not be supportive enough for a night of restful sleep. If you buy a 10 to 14-inch thick mattress you strike a balance between too thick and too thin. Depending on your needs and the materials used to make the mattress, it’s better to choose a mattress within the 10 to 14-inch range.
See more on amerisleep.com

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