When people talk about thick mattress, it always comes with luxury, high-quality, and a comfy night sleep, etc. But actually, not all sleepers are suitable for thick mattresses over 16 inches. The different mattress height provide you with various degrees of support and comfort, which will influence your sleep quality. Below, we have listed the various levels of mattress thickness and the factors that determine the thickness of a mattress, helping you get a perfect purchase.
Mattress Thickness Overview
When it comes to the best mattress thickness, there are no standard or official regulations. But most high quality mattresses fall into 8-14 inches thick. The following is an overview of different thickness levels and sleepers whom they are good for.
2 to 5 Inches Mattresses
Mattresses between 2 and 5 inches in thickness are regarded as low profile mattresses, which is the thinnest mattress type the manufacturers offer. Low profile mattresses are usually crib and air mattress, or they are typically suitable for trundle beds, fold-away beds and murphy beds in guests rooms. In addition, generally, a thin mattress is ideal for the regular bunk bed. A mattress that is around 5 inches thick is a great choice without sacrificing too much comfort. Because its guard rail designed to protect the sleepers is about 9 to 10 inches high, and a thick mattress may cover the rails.
5 to 8 Inches Mattresses
Mattresses between 2 and 5 inches in thickness are regarded as low profile mattresses, which is the thinnest mattress type the manufacturers offer. Low profile mattresses are usually crib and air mattress, or they are typically suitable for trundle beds, fold-away beds and murphy beds in guests rooms. In addition, generally, a thin mattress is ideal for the regular bunk bed. A mattress that is around 5 inches thick is a great choice without sacrificing too much comfort. Because its guard rail designed to protect the sleepers is about 9 to 10 inches high, and a thick mattress may cover the rails.
8 to 12 Inches Mattresses
8- to 12-inch mattress, called standard mattresses, are the thickness of the average mattresses. They suit for most adult sleepers, and nicely fit in guest and master bedrooms. With more comfort layers, they can accommodate back and stomach sleepers comfortably, and have no compromise on responsive support. And in Sweetnight, both memory foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses fall into this thickness level, whose 10 inches structure offers sleepers a better night’s rest. Plus, with a thicker base layer, they are more durable.
You may also want to know more about: What Is the Difference Between Types of Mattresses?
12 to 16 Inches Mattresses
Mattresses (12-16 inches thick) are considered as thick profile mattresses. Now most hybrid and high-density memory foam mattresses fall into this level with the features of great durability and luxurious soft, which is suitable for all types of sleepers (including the side sleeper) and even for heavy sleeper over 230 lbs. Therefore, this mattress type is well-received by many people. Sweetnight 12-inch mattresses are the ideal models of thick profile mattresses. While memory foam mattresses combined with cooling gel-infused and high-density memory foam can get you experience a cooling night sleep and contouring support, hybrid mattress with high-density memory foam and individually wrapped steel coils, the most comfortable, supportive sleep and excellent motion isolation. In addition, characterized with luxury and comfort, they both fit well in master bedrooms.
More than 16 Inches Mattresses
With thickness more than 16 inches, the extra thick mattresses are extremely soft. But these mattresses are not as available as other mattress types nowadays, due to they are unnecessary for most people. And for they extra thickness, they are very expensive and too heavy to transport. So they are not popular.
Mattress Layers Determining Mattress Thickness
The thickness of a mattress depends on the different layers inside it, which can range from between 2 inches thick to over 16 inches thick.
These layers are classified into two categories:
Comfort layers:
The comfort layers are usually between 2 and 4 inches thick, contributing to provide sleepers with comfort, support and temperature regulation, etc. The mattress may have one or more comfort layers for various purposes, therefore, if the comfort layers are too thin, the sleeper may not get the proper comfort and support, or cooling night’s sleep they want.
Base layer (foundation layer):
The base or foundation layer of a mattress is responsible for its durability, breathability and support. In general, a quality mattress should be equipped with at least 50 percent of base layer. And for optimal support for heavy sleepers, the base layer should be 6 inches thick or more to prevent being worn out soon or sinking and sagging in the mattress.
All in all, the importance of mattress thickness can not be ignored when picking your comfy and quality mattress. A thicker mattress may make getting in and out of a bed difficult, but a thinner mattress may not be supportive and soft enough for most grown sleepers. But when it comes to 8- to 14-inch thick mattresses, you are more likely to shop for a perfect mattress, which gets the balance between comfort and support.
This guide is for informational purposes and should not be a substitute for medical advice from your doctor or other professionals.