How to select the thickness of mattress?

Last Updated on 22 January, 2023 by Sourav Roy

Did you know that there is a strong connection between mattress thickness and beauty sleep? And that’s why I am here to guide you on how to select the thickness of mattress.

How to select the thickness of mattress

Restful sleep is completely underestimated today. I see everyone taking utmost care of their health by focusing on a balanced diet and workout regime. Guys, how about getting yourself a peaceful sleep at night? A disturbed sleep pattern can deteriorate your health and wellbeing tremendously. Your body cannot function the right way without relaxed sleep, even if you are a superhero.

Now comes the catch. You are going to get a good nights sleep only when you sleep on the right mattress. What brings a mattress to the category of ‘best mattress’. Well, various factors. Today, we will focus on the thickness aspect.

 

How can you know your mattress thickness is not right?

How can you know your mattress thickness is not right

Whether your mattress is too thick or thin, in any case, it’s not an ideal situation. It can spoil your health in ways more than you can imagine.

  • You can wake up with body pain and aches.
  • You will end up being restless all night. An uncomfortable mattress is sure to make you toss and turn repeatedly.
  • Mattress layers are designed to support the spine of the body. When the thickness is not right, there will be no support.
  • We have already discussed how it can lead to poor sleep quality. And this can weaken your immunity system.
  • You will fatigue all day long.

I am certainly not throwing you into these problems. My mattress thickness guide is here to your rescue.

 

What are the different types of mattresses (Based on thickness)

First, let’s get well versed with this aspect. Mattresses do come in different thickness levels. How thick is each of them? What are the pros and cons? Let’s know it all.

 

1. Extra thick mattress

Extra thick mattress

The extra thick mattress is generally more than 20 inches. They are known to be the most luxurious and hence are often found in hotels. One thing is for sure; you are bound to have a good nights sleep on it.

What are the pros?

  • They look stylish and feel opulent.
  • They are the most comfortable mattress.
  • They are ideal for big rooms.

What are the cons?

  • They are not an ideal option for older adults.
  • They are priced steeply.
  • You will struggle to find bedsheets for these mattresses.
  • It is not easy to move them.

 

2. Medium-thick mattress

Medium-thick mattress

The medium-thick mattress has its thickness anywhere between 12-20 inches. They are very robust in nature and hence considered to be a great option for heavily weighted people.

What are the pros?

  • They are long-lasting.
  • They are comfortable as well.
  • They give good support to the body.

What are the cons?

  • They don’t fit easily in every bed type.

 

3. Standard Mattress

Standard Mattress

The standard mattress comes with a thickness anywhere between 8-12 inches. They are the most commonly used and hence fabricated in various materials. They work well for people with any sleeping position.

What are the pros?

  • They are durable.
  • They come at a pocket-friendly price.
  • They are light in weight.
  • Most people find them comfortable.
  • This mattress is ideal for all types of sleepers.

What are the cons?

  • Nothing major

 

4. Thin Mattress

Thin Mattress

In most cases, the thin mattress is made from coir or foam. They are absolutely light in weight and hence suitable for rooms with limited space. The thickness of these mattresses falls between 5-8 inches. The minimal design makes it a convenient choice for baby cribs and youth beds. It works well for a light sleeper looking for nominal cushioning.

What are the pros?

  • The biggest advantage is that these mattresses are moderately priced.
  • You can easily fold them and store them in one corner.
  • Due to being light in weight, they are high on portability.

What are the cons?

  • They are not durable.
  • They are not very comfortable.

 

How to select the thickness of mattress?

Here comes the sole reason for this blog. How to select the thickness of mattress? Well, there are various parameters to decide this. Let’s get deeper.

 

1. What’s your sleeping position?

What’s your sleeping position in mattress

You will be amazed that every type of sleeper requires a different thickness of the mattress. What’s comfortable to you may or may not be comfortable to someone else.

  • Back sleeper: A standard mattress with medium level thickness should work well for you if you are a back sleeper. It will provide good support to the back as well as the shoulders. Consider getting yourself a mattress made of memory foam or latex foam. Back sleepers require a memory foam at the top of not less than 4 inches.
  • Stomach sleepers: I am surprised to discover the number of stomach sleepers. No, it is not abnormal. You only need to safeguard your level of comfort. Also, because unconsciously, you may put some extra pressure on your lower back. I would recommend you get a mattress with a thickness level of more than 10 inches. Also, if you are heavy in weight, bring yourself the most comfortable one- high-density foam with a strong innerspring.
  • Side sleepers: The side sleeping position is definitely the most common. This sleeping position requires strong support on the hips and shoulders. So, choose a mattress with a thickness of 8-10 inches with a solid foam core.

 

2. Sharing is caring!

The mattress thickness also depends upon whether you are a couple or single. The more people on the mattress, the thicker it should be. If you opt for a thin one, gradually, you will discover a dip in the mattress. And this will cause major discomfort. For singles, a thin mattress can work. But for couples, you need a standard one for sure.

 

3. Weight does matter

mattress for heavy person

I am sorry to get into personal details here. This is certainly an important aspect to look into. Your body weight plays a pivotal role in determining the thickness of your mattress. The heavier you are, the thicker your mattress should be. If you are a plus size, don’t shy away from indulging in the medium-thick mattress. You require a thickness of more than 12 inches.

 

4. Medical conditions

mattress for Medical issues

If you are facing any medical issues, you cannot neglect them. You need to pay utmost attention to the mattress you are sleeping on. A mattress less than 14 inches is what you need ideally. Thicker than that can worsen your medical conditions. In case of any lower back issues, you need to sleep on a really firm mattress. But if you are suffering from any hip or shoulder issue, you need soft cushioning to relieve pressure from your body parts.

 

5. Are you a floor sleeper?

floor sleeper mattress

Yes, that’s a word. Some people prefer the floor over the bed. And there’s nothing wrong with that. The level of comfort differs from person to person. So, if that’s what you prefer, a standard or a thin mattress is what you should completely avoid. It would be best if you opted for either a medium-thick or an extra thick mattress. With less thickness, you are only going to invite health problems.

 

6. How heightened is your bed base?

mattress height compare to bed

Your mattress thickness should also be determined depending upon the height of your bed base. When your bed is at a high height, don’t go beyond a standard mattress. Low beddings are a thing. It gives a different feel and aura. So, if you have a low bed, also called a platform bed, go for the extra thick mattress. I promise you are going to feel like you are sleeping in a hotel room.

 

What affects the thickness of a mattress?

What affects the thickness of a mattress

Mattresses are generally made of four layers, and that can affect the thickness tremendously. These layers exist only to enhance the comfort level of the sleeper.

 

1. Comfort layer

Most mattresses have a comfort layer of at least 2 inches. This is the topmost layer in every mattress. This layer is solely responsible for providing a blissful feeling at night since it is closest to the body. Comfort layers can be made of different fabrics like cotton, poly-foam or more and ensure motion isolation, contouring and temperature regulation of the body. Luxury beds comprise several comfort layers to provide maximum relief to the body.

 

2. Support layer

This layer comes right underneath the comfort layer to support it, as the name says it. Together, both the layers should have a thickness of at least 4 inches.

 

3. Transition layer

Not every mattress has a transition layer. The one’s that do are pretty dense and are fabricated with wool, latex or poly-foam. This layer connects the core layers and the soft top layers. The transition layer is designed to provide enhanced comfort, especially to the shoulder and hip.

 

4. Baselayer

The base layer is the bottom-most part and is designed to provide a foundation to the base. And therefore, it is the most important layer. It determines the whole structure of the mattress. It also defines its breathability and durability. Hence, the base layer of the mattress must always be dense.

 

One Last Thought

While shopping for the best mattress, you certainly cannot ignore the thickness aspect of it.

In only a few minutes, you have become a pro at knowing how to select the thickness of a mattress. The upsides of a thick mattress are unquestionably very tempting. More cushioning, maximum comfort, lavish sleep surface and more.

However, it would be best to keep in mind that it maybe not be the best option for older adults. They are also expensive and less mobile. But you know the drill now. You can define your most suited thickness and customize it too!

Hey, have you checked our blog on 11 Best Mattress in India 2023: Detailed review from Experts yet?

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