How Thick Should A Mattress Be

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
18 min read

How thick a mattress should be is subjective and should be determined by the individual sleeping on it. Get the finest night’s sleep possible with the information presented here about the optimal mattress thickness for each individual. A mattress no more than 10 inches thick is ideal for a quick range, though.

It’s been shown that the thickness of a mattress has as much of an effect on sleep quality as the height of the pillows we use. It changes the way we lay down to sleep, and if we don’t utilize the best pillow, we may wake up with aches and pains. Read on for some useful information on mattress depth!

5 Benefits of A Good Mattress

1. Achieve Adequate, Quality Nighttime Sleep

At the top of the list is the guaranteed ability to obtain a decent night’s sleep or a refreshing nap whenever you need it. Your mattress, depending on its make, should either alleviate all your body’s pressure points or help support your back, providing for a really blissful sleep.

Best Mattress Thickness: How Thick Should a Mattress Be? - Amerisleep

The goal of purchasing a mattress is to enhance your sleep quality, not degrade it. Signs that it’s time to replace your mattress include nightly discomfort, trouble falling asleep, and waking up with sore muscles. In case you have persistent back pain, click here immediately to read about the top-rated mattresses for back pain relief.

2. Promote Good Form and Posture

It’s possible that people don’t even realize how often they switch sleeping positions throughout the night. If you invest in the correct mattress, you can keep or even enhance your shape and posture. If you sleep in the same position night after night, you need a mattress that supports that position.

For instance, people who tend to sleep on their sides (the “fetal position”) are more likely to experience back discomfort because of the stress placed on their spine and cervical spine. Since it will be pressed down against the mattress, it might also exert pressure on the arms and shoulders, cutting off circulation. If you favor sleeping on your right side, you should know that this puts extra strain on your internal organs.

Thank goodness side sleepers aren’t left out in the cold with memory foam mattresses! The resilient material can help keep the spine in its natural position while also relieving strain on specific areas. If you sleep on your side, though, your spine and joints may suffer if you choose a mattress that isn’t designed for that purpose. Consider your preferred sleeping posture before making a purchase.

3. Keep Your Mental and Emotional Health in Check

Having a subpar mattress can seriously disrupt one’s slumber. Sleeping on a terrible mattress every night can lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue, even if it simply causes insomnia at first. Sleep deprivation has been related to a variety of negative outcomes, both short and long term, and can have a significant impact on your mental and emotional well-being.

Negative consequences on one’s mental and emotional well-being are often the result of little or poor quality sleep.

  • a failure to maintain focus and clarity.
  • Brings on sleepiness and yawning during the day.
  • Increases irritation and mood swings.
  • Increases the severity of mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADD/ADHD (ADHD).
  • Impairs one’s ability to think and act.

If you invest in a high-quality mattress, you’ll reduce your risk of developing any of the aforementioned health problems while you snooze. However, keep in mind that even with the most comfortable bed, you probably won’t get the finest sleep.

4. Develop an Inclination to Your Sleeping

There are many different reasons why people may detest sleeping, and one of those reasons is a poor mattress. Another issue is that some people are so busy working, studying, and socializing that they neglect to get enough sleep. It’s possible that you might get your sleep back to normal with a high-quality mattress.

If you’re the type of person who still feels unsatisfied even after eight hours of sleep, the problem might lie in your bed. Making your bedroom a relaxing retreat is another effective strategy for getting more shut-eye.

Get a good night’s sleep every night. Here are some suggestions to make your bedroom more conducive to sleeping:

  • Keep the bedroom free for rest and romance.
  • Lessen the amount of background noise and other interruptions.
  • Reduce the temperature to a comfortable 65 degrees Fahrenheit or 18.3 degrees Celsius.
  • Ensure that all electronic devices are out of reach.
  • Reducing visual noise
  • Color your bedroom with warmer tones.

5. Get the Most Out of Your Purchase

The market price of a mattress in the present day is not something to be taken lightly. It’s not easy to put up money for a mattress, even the cheapest alternative, especially if you’re also responsible for a number of other outgoings, such rent, utilities, food, and clothing.

A good mattress, therefore, is an investment that should last a lifetime. Investing in a high-quality mattress is a wise decision because it will last you for several years with proper care.

Look at the typical durability of various mattress materials:

  • Age of the innerspring: between five and six and a half years
  • Between 6 and 7 years for foam
  • 5–8.5 years for latex
  • 5–7.5 years for hybrids

What Is The Ideal Thickness For A Mattress?

The appropriate mattress thickness varies from one individual to the next. Selecting the appropriate mattress thickness for your sleeping position is as important as choosing the appropriate pillow loft for you. It’s true that a 10-inch mattress is an excellent starting point, but different people will feel more comfortable and get more rest with varying thicknesses.

Example: those who sleep on their backs should utilize medium-firm mattresses that are no more than 12 inches thick. However, to keep the spine in a neutral position while sleeping on one’s side, a mattress of 12 to 14 inches in thickness is recommended. If you sleep on your stomach, you should be fine with a mattress that is 10 inches high and is firm.

If you pay attention to how you sleep, you can determine which position is your dominant one. Mattress thickness should be tailored to your preferred sleeping position if you toss and turn frequently in bed. You shouldn’t have to work too hard to keep your body in a healthy position while you sleep if you have the correct pillow.

Does a thick mattress base matter?

Let’s move on to the mattress foundation now. As a general rule of thumb, the thicker the bed’s base, the more sturdy the mattress will be. You should anticipate your mattress to endure longer if this layer accounts for at least fifty percent of the total height of the bed.

How thick should your mattress topper be?

What about the thickness of your mattress topper? There are a variety of mattress toppers available, but anything thicker than two inches is probably unnecessary. A mattress topper might be beneficial for sleepers if it is customized to their preferred level of firmness.

Mattress Thickness Guide-Every Consideration

How Thick Is A Normal Mattress?

Once you’ve determined the optimum mattress thickness for your needs, you need also be familiar with the options currently available on the market. Standard mattress depths range from 8 to 14 inches. There should be a base of about 6-8 inches thick and a comfort layer of about 2-3 inches thick, however these numbers might vary widely depending on the make, model, and materials used.

Furthermore, some mattresses contain a transition layer that is an additional inch or two in thickness. The general construction of the bed will determine how long it lasts and how comfortable it is. Although thickness is essential, it shouldn’t be your only criterion when shopping for a mattress.

Is A 5 Inch Mattress Thick Enough?

A mattress that is only five inches thick may not be comfortable for most people. In order to be comfortable when sleeping and to get the most use out of your bed over time, you should aim for a mattress thickness of at least 8 inches. The perfect mattress would have a 5-inch thick base and a 2-inch thick comfort layer.

Is A 6 Memory Foam Mattress Thick Enough?

A mattress with a thickness of 8 inches will provide the most support and longevity. It is recommended that memory foam mattresses be between 10 and 14 inches in thickness. Keep in mind that memory foam has a reputation for conforming to the shape of the user, and that a thinner foam may not be able to replicate this effect well.

What Is Considered A Thick Mattress?

As some sleepers may find thick mattresses overly plush, others may find them just right. Anything over the typical bed thickness of 9 to 12 inches would be considered excessively thick. However, a thin mattress is one that is between 6 and 8 inches.

Product thicknesses of 20 inches or more are classified as thick, whereas those of 12 to 20 inches are sometimes classified as medium by manufacturers. However, mattresses that are 20 inches or more in thickness are not typical because of the difficulty in transporting and storing them. Mattresses of this type are fragile and cannot be compressed without being damaged.

What are the benefits of a thick mattress?

The two most obvious benefits of a thick mattress are increased comfort and increased longevity. Those who are heavier or who share a bed would appreciate these the most. Furthermore, if you have mobility issues, a thick bed may make getting in and out of bed easier.

A thick mattress should last longer via normal use and compression without losing its shape or support. You will be less prone to sink and will be able to maintain the optimal level for a good sleeping posture thanks to its thickness. You should keep in mind, however, that these benefits may vary depending on the sort of mattress you choose and the material it is made out of.

How to Keep Your Mattress in Good Shape Longer

Here are seven tried-and-true methods for extending the life of your mattress and warding off potential disasters.

1. Make sure your mattress is properly supported.

A box spring or foundation is not necessarily required when purchasing a new mattress, but it is still important to ensure that your mattress provides the proper level of support. This aids in maintaining the durability of materials and stalling their wear.

For suggestions, you can either contact the maker or read the guarantee. Memory foam mattresses and other speciality mattresses typically demand strong, stable support, hence box springs are typically exclusively utilized with spring mattresses.

All bed frames, including queen and king sizes, need to have central support bars to hold the weight of the mattress and the occupants. Depending on the type and weight of the mattress, a platform bed with wide slats may require additional slat support.

Every year or so, you should inspect the slats and springs supporting your bed to make sure they are in good working order and not compromising the integrity of your mattress.

2. Use a mattress protector from the beginning.

A mattress protector is one of the finest and simplest ways to extend the life of your bed, and we’ve talked about why that is previously.

A high-quality mattress protector not only keeps your bed clean and free of dust, debris, and filth, but it also provides waterproof protection in case of accidents.

This prevents allergens like mildew and dust mites from accumulating in your bed, keeps skin oils and sweat off the bed, and helps preserve the life of the materials inside your bed. Additionally, a protector makes cleanups easy in the event of an accident, and many modern varieties are as comfortable as a fitted sheet.

3. Wash bed linens regularly.

Sleeping results in the loss of moisture, oils, hair, and skin cells. Crumbs from breakfast in bed and pet paw prints are only two sources of potential contamination in the bedroom. It’s gross, and it can encourage the growth of bacteria and dust mites in the layers of a mattress.

Most cleaning professionals agree that washing bed linens once every week to two weeks is optimal. Maintaining clean bed sheets is essential even when using a mattress protector. Mattress protectors should be washed on a regular basis as recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Get pets separate beds to snuggle in.

If we’re talking about things that should not be allowed to sleep in bed with us, then pets should not be allowed to share our beds.

Even the cleanest pet will track in dirt and grime from the outside world, drool, and shed hair and cells much like us. Accidents involving pets are another common source of mattress damage.

5. Rotate the mattress regularly.

Regularly rotating a mattress of any size or material is recommended. Even while some manufacturers claim it is unnecessary, rotating can help ensure uniform wear and prevent the depressions and softness that can occur if a part is not turned regularly.

Turn it from head to foot 180 degrees every 2-4 months. This is especially crucial in the first couple of years, while you are “breaking in” the mattress.

6. No jumping on the bed!

Your mom was right when she cautioned you not to jump on the bed. Although spring, water, and air mattresses are more likely to be damaged by rigorous use, foundations, frames, and foams will all wear out more quickly under heavy stress.

7. Take care when moving your mattress.

Avoid creases and tears by encasing your mattress in plastic before you move. Heavy-duty mattress bags, which may be attached with tape and so keep dust, water, and scuffs/scratches off the bed, are commonly available at moving and box stores.

If you need to move a mattress, it is recommended that you stand it up on its side to prevent it from being wrinkled or saggy during the trip. Manufacturers of mattress covers with handles often advise against utilizing the handles for the purpose of dragging or transporting the mattress.

8. Don’t bring home unwanted hitchhikers.

Mattresses can quickly become infested with bedbugs, which can be difficult to get rid of once they have taken up residence.

Whenever you spend the night away from home, it’s important to check the bed for evidence of bed bugs and to keep your belongings off the floor. Bedbugs are a serious problem, and if you think you have them, Texas A&M University provides some advice on how to keep them from coming home with you.

If you live in a high-risk region for bedbugs, whether it’s an apartment building or a rural area, you might want to invest in a mattress encasement. When it comes to protecting your mattress from bed bugs, these are not the same as mattress protectors. They have sturdy zippers and encase the entire bed.

9. Let the light in occasionally.

Strip your bed down to its frame once every two months on a dry, sunny day to let the sun and air out the mattress (though if bedbugs are possible, leave the cover on).

According to research conducted at Kingston University, this helps eliminate moisture problems brought on by both sleepers and humidity, and it also has the potential to reduce the prevalence of dust mites.

10. Follow manufacturer cleaning directions.

You should regularly clean your mattress no matter what it is made of to ensure your health and the health of your sleeping companions.

Most beds should be vacuumed with a hose attachment to eliminate surface dust, and many manufacturers provide guidelines for removing stains and cleaning in general.

Use a mild soap and water solution on stains as needed, but be sure to let them dry completely before making the bed again. Harsh chemical cleaners should be avoided on foams since they compromise foam integrity.

Mattress Thickness: How Thick Should A Mattress Be? - Bed Consultant

Vacuuming once every few months is recommended, and stain spot treatment should be done as needed, depending on dust levels, allergies, or personal taste.

Care and maintenance for mattresses, regardless of kind or brand, are essentially identical, however they may vary slightly. Maintain a tidy bed by avoiding spills and stains, keeping it off the floor, making ensuring it has a solid foundation, and turning it over often to ensure uniform wear.

There are a lot of things that can shorten or lengthen the life of a mattress, but if you follow these guidelines, you can maximize the amount of time you spend sleeping soundly while minimizing the amount of money you spend on a new mattress. Know that a 10-year guarantee on your mattress is regarded industry standard, whether you’re shopping at a traditional mattress store or one of the new bed-in-a-box startups.

Conclusion

Bed thickness is something else to think about, right? How thick of a mattress would you recommend, then? How you lay your head down at night is a major factor in this answer.

A bed that is 12 inches thick is ideal for those who sleep on their backs. Mattresses less than 10 inches are preferable for stomach sleepers, while those larger than 14 inches are ideal for side sleepers. In addition, think about the bed’s base and comfort layer to ensure you’re getting the support and longevity you need.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.