Thick mattresses are associated with luxury, comfort, and a good night's sleep. Everyone likes to sleep on a luxurious bed every night, so when you buy a new double or twin memory foam mattress, the height can give you a better sense of mattress comfort. This height is made by the inner or outer layers of the mattress which make the mattress thickness. The thickness of the mattress affects your comfort, as sleeping on a mattress that is too thin or too thick can lead to poor sleep and affect your health. Mattress thickness is also known as height or depth. Mattresses longer than 16 inches are often referred to as extra deep or extra high mattresses. The thickness of your mattress also affects the height of your bed. Ideally, the top of the mattress should be 10 inches off the floor. This allows your feet to reach the floor when standing on the edge of the bed, making it easier to get in and out of bed.
In this article, we'll discuss the factors that determine mattress thickness and what to consider when determining the thickness of your new bed. Mattress thickness table: There are no standard rules for mattress thickness. Most quality mattresses are 8 to 14 inches thick. The list below will give you an idea of how to group mattresses according to their thickness.
- 2 to 5 inches: Low Profile Mattresses
- 5" to 8": narrow carpets
- 8 to 12 inches: standard mattresses
- 12 to 16 inches: thick, deep or long mattresses
- Over 16 inches: extra thick, extra deep, or extra high mattresses
You may have noticed that the first two points describe "thin mattresses", but there is a difference between thin and narrow mattresses. Low-profile mattresses are usually air mattresses or mattresses found in cribs and rollaway beds. A low mattress works well for a small child and also in bedrooms if you need a bed for an occasional guest. (We don't recommend them for people who frequently host out-of-town guests, as these beds are generally not comfortable for adults and break easily.) Narrow mattresses contain foam layers that make them more comfortable and durable. These mattresses are best suited for adults and are a good choice for those with walking difficulties who avoid thick mattresses. Factors that determine mattress thickness The depth of the mattress depends on the thickness of each layer contained in it. Most mattresses have 2-layers on the inside, but high-quality mattresses can have three, four, or more. Each layer contains different materials.
These materials contribute to the cushioning, support, and durability of the mattress. The two bottom layers on all mattresses are the comfort layer and the bottom layer. comfort layer The comfort layer is a plush layer on top of the mattress. With some types of mattresses, such as bedsteads, the comfort layer is a pillowcase made of cotton, wool, or polystyrene. The pillowcase is a top layer of soft material that is sewn together and wrapped with the mattress cover. Other types of mattresses, such as latex, hybrid, or memory foam mattresses, have comfortable layers of latex or memory foam. The base layer is made of different materials. The contours and pressure-relieving properties of the mattress depending on the strength and feel of the comfortable top layer. Comfort layers are usually 2 to 3 inches thick to provide adequate cushioning and support. Some beds may have more than one comfort layer to improve aesthetics or have special sleeping technologies such as cooling features or targeted back support. Other layers below the comfort layer are often referred to as transition layers. In some beds, interlayers provide comfort that adapts to different parts of the body, such as the head, shoulders, back, hips, and legs. Your head, back, and legs need more support, while your shoulders and hips need a softer pillow. base layer The back layer determines the durability of the mattress. With most quality mattresses, the layer makes up at least 50% of the total thickness of the mattress.
For example, if you're buying a 12-inch mattress, make sure the bottom is at least 6 inches (15 cm) thick. Mattresses with a thicker bottom layer are usually more durable because the thick bottom layer prevents the mattress from sagging. In traditional spring mattresses and hybrid mattresses, spirals form the bottom layer. Most memory foam beds have a polystyrene underlayment, while latex beds may have a latex foam or polystyrene underlayment. What points should be taken into account when determining the thickness of the mattress? If you want one of the most durable mattresses that will be comfortable for years to come, it should be at least 8 inches thick, including the minimum requirement for a 2-3 inch and 5–6-inch comfort layer. Thick base layer Usually, the thicker the mattress, the softer it is. In this section, we look at the factors to consider when determining mattress thickness. Different thicknesses affect the feel of the mattress, which in turn affects the quality of your sleep, regardless of your sleeping position. Some sleeping positions require more cushioning, while others require more support. Mattresses of different thicknesses can meet these different sleeping needs. Side cushions: The best side cushions are usually 12 to 14 inches thick and provide ample cushioning for the shoulders and hips These areas bear the weight of your entire body when you sleep on your side. Soft comfort layers provide the cushioning needed to reduce pressure on the shoulders and hips.
Back sleepers: Back sleepers need 10–12-inch mattresses to support the natural curvature of the spine and prevent spinal misalignment. Spinal misalignment can cause or worsen back pain, neck pain, or muscle stiffness. A mattress 10 to 12 inches long with a thick base layer and a thinner layer supports your back for comfort and prevents sagging. Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers need a 10-inch-thick mattress to reduce the risk of spinal cord injury. Mattresses with a thinner comfort layer provide a firmer sleeping surface and are resistant to abdominal pressure. Matching pillows: Matching pillows are usually comfortable on 12-inch mattresses. Since sleepers tend to sleep on their side, back, or stomach at night, they need a mattress that balances firmness and softness. Memory foam mattresses that are too thick, make it difficult to get in and out of bed, and mattresses that are too thin don't provide enough support for a good night's sleep. When you buy a mattress its memory foam thickness is 10 to 14 inches thick, you are looking for a balance between being too thick and too thin. Depending on your needs and the materials used to make the mattress, it's best to choose a mattress in the 10–14-inch range.