While buying a mattress, the first thing you glance at is the thickness of the mattress. Your sleep quality and your mattress thickness are highly correlated. Also, your bed comfort depends on the thickness of the mattress.
Your psychological health can be improved with the better support function of a mattress. Various factors affect the mattress thickness. Some people like sinking in the bed, and some prefer a firmer surface.
Choosing the wrong mattress thickness for yourself can cost you a fortune. In this mattress guide, you get a tour of mattress thickness, its constituents, and choosing the correct depth for yourself.
What contributes to the thickness of the Mattress?
The mattress is not randomly made of feathers or cotton put inside a fabric. It has well-defined layers that are put together as per the requirement of the consumer. The range of the depth of a mattress is from 2 inches up to 20 inches.
A mattress can have more than two layers. In general, the layers of a mattress are divided into two categories. They are the foundation or base layer and the comfort layer. In this section, let us see in what proportions they contribute to the thickness of the mattress.
Foundation or Base-layer
The foundation layer makes the base of the mattress. As per the standards, it shall contribute to at least 50 perfect portions of the mattress. Its primary function is to provide support and stability to your body.
The firmness of a mattress is the result of this base layer. It is durable and supports the comfort layer so that sagging does not take place. The ideal measurement for the thickness of the base layer must be 5 to 6 inches.
A mattress with a weak base layer cannot support your body. It will start showing sagging or weathering earlier than expected. That is why it is necessary to purchase a mattress with a strong foundation layer.
Comfort layers
As the name suggests, comfort layers are responsible for providing your body with comfort so that you can relax and have a good night sleep. It contours the curves of your body and helps with better spine alignment. Comfort layers can help with pressure relief and motion isolation.
A mattress can contain more than one comfort layer for extra support and coziness. If the comfort layer is too thin or thick, it can lead to pain, discomfort, or restlessness. A comfort layer should not be thicker than the base layer.
What should be the thickness of a mattress?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no average size for a mattress. The standard sizes of the mattresses have been divided into five categories. Each category has its benefits and limitations.
Low-profile Mattress
Low-profile mattresses have a thin base and a thin comfort layer. They range from 2 inches to 5 inches and are ideal for fold-away beds as well as air mattresses.
If you have a very slim mattress you can add a top layer for comfort as a solution. This may lead to joint pain or uncomfortable sleep.
Slim Mattress:
Slim mattresses are made of a very dense foam because it provides support and does not add excess height to your bed. It is ideal for beds with greater heights. It is also better for sleepers with low mobility as well as children. They have a size range of 5 to 8 inches. They are very affordable and easy to carry.
Standard Mattress:
Standard profile mattresses are ideal for most sleepers as they range from 8 to 12 inches. They have a firm base and two or three comfort layers. They have a reasonable price, they are easy to move and go with any type of bed.
Thick Mattress:
Thick mattresses, also known as deep profile mattresses, are usually found in hotel bedrooms. They have a size range starting from 12 inches that goes up to 20 inches. They are ideal for people who are looking for pressure relief and cozy beds.
The only drawback of a deep profile mattress is that because of the extra layering, it becomes expensive. Besides this, they are very comfortable and ideal for your master bedroom.
Extra Thick Mattress:
The thickest mattress in the mattress kingdom is an extra-thick profile mattress. They have a depth of 20 inches or more. But, due to the thick base and extra layering, they come with a price and become heavier to move around.
What is the ideal size for different types of mattresses?
If you don’t already know this, you must check out the different types of mattresses available in the market that are made for different types of sleepers. We’ve given a brief understanding of them so that you can choose an ideal mattress of the ideal size.
Memory foam mattress:
When you sleep on a memory foam mattress it gives you a comfortable and hugging experience. It molds itself according to the shape of your body and relieves stress in tensed parts of your body.
An ideal layer of memory foam mattress must not be more than 3 inches. It contributes to a healthy BMI. They experience sagging as they come towards expiration.
Latex foam mattress:
Latex foam mattresses have a rubber-like filling called latex which is made of natural material. They have non-toxic and hypoallergenic properties.
The ideal size of a latex mattress must be from 2 to 3 inches. They can range from medium-soft to medium-large mattresses. They can be topped with an additional layer of PU foam for extra comfort.
Innerspring mattress:
Innerspring mattresses have spring coils inside them to make the mattress extra bouncy and comfortable. They are made with hybrid foam that is the combination of two foams put together. The ideal size of an innerspring mattress must not be more than 4 inches.
Bonded foam mattress:
Bonded foam is used in orthopedic mattresses because it is firm and gives stability. The size of a bonded foam mattress must not be more than 3 inches. It is ideal for plus-size sleepers and patients with arthritis.
How to choose mattress thickness?
The manufacturing of a mattress takes place as per your needs. The best mattress thickness does not depend upon the fabric used, the base layer, the comfort layer, or the type of foam used. The size of the mattress must also comfort your sleeping habits.
We’ve discussed the factors besides physical features that influence the thickness of a mattress. This section will also help you to decide what thickness suits you the best.
Sleeping Position
- The height of a mattress for back sleepers must be 8 to 12 inches. A back sleeper must have support on the shoulders and lower back to maintain the spine alignment.
- Side sleepers must sleep on a bed of 10 to 14 inches to support their shoulders and waist.
- The ideal size for stomach sleepers must be 12 to 15 inches. They need support in front as well as the lower back.
- If you sleep in combined positions, the perfect mattress size is 12 inches.
Body Weight
- For light-weighted people (up to 60 kg) the mattress size can be 12 inches or more.
- People who have a medium weight (60 to 100 kg) should use a mattress of 10 to 12 inches of thickness.
- For plus-size sleepers (more than 100 kg) the mattress size must be less than 10 inches.
Height of foundation
Your bed size matters when it comes to choosing a mattress. If you want to make it easier to climb on the bed, make sure that the total length of the bed and the mattress combined does not go over 40 inches.
FAQs
What should be the height of my bed?
Ans. The standard height of the bed is given as 25 inches. But, it also depends on the height of the mattress you are purchasing.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a thick bed?
Ans. If you get a thick bed, it comes with a lot of luxurious benefits. It is extra plush and super cozy. However, it is costlier than a standard mattress and it is heavy to carry.
Which mattress thickness is best for pregnant women?
Ans. A mattress for a pregnant woman must be medium-soft. It must range from 10 to 12 inches. It is preferable to use a memory foam mattress with bonded foam in the base layer.
Conclusion
Choosing the right thickness can be tough but, we tried to make it simpler for you. Although mattress thickness is vital, it is a secondary step in purchasing a mattress. You must first choose the right mattress for yourself and then find the right thickness in the category.
Your sleeping position and body weight also affect the level of thickness of the mattress you should sleep in. We hope you find the right thickness for your mattress!
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