When looking to buy a new mattress, one thing you’ll consider is how high, or thick, you’ll want your new bed. While it might be assumed that the higher, the better, how high is too high for a mattress in general?
After Spring Air International surveyed 50 of their top dealers, asking a variety of mattress construction questions, it was revealed that mattress height is a growing concern among buyers.
“Consumers believe the industry has actually gone a little overboard in terms of mattress height, particularly at the higher end of the market, where taller mattresses have long been perceived as offering more comfort,” said Spring Air International President Nick Bates. (1)
Bates continued, saying the feedback from the survey indicated “that older shoppers in particular want the height of their mattresses to be realistic and practical for their lifestyles.” (1)
This demographic of 45- to 70-year-olds are typically the consumers buying higher luxury mattresses, Bates added, for context.
As a result of the survey, Spring Air International is setting a maximum height limit of 16 1/2 inches on all future designs. The goal with this is to better accommodate their key demographic, catering to their specific needs.
But can a higher mattress be beneficial to some?
Amelia Jerden, Sleepopolis’s product expert and senior staff writer, explained all you need to know about the height of your mattress.
Mattresses do range in height, Jerden said, with them being anywhere from 6-8 inches thick, while others are 15 or 16 inches thick. The average height of most mid-range mattresses is somewhere between 10-13 inches.
Why the wide range of options? Taller mattresses tend to be a luxury bed, and, often designed for heavy sleepers who weigh 250 pounds or more, Jerden explains.
Larger sections of coils are often used in higher mattresses or they might have more comfort layers to provide more support for heavier body weights, Jerden said. They also generally tend to make these mattresses more durable.
For a heavy sleeper, Jerden explains, “with too thin of a mattress, they may sink all the way through the material or ‘bottom out’ on their bed frame foundation, which would be uncomfortable and possibly painful.”
However, some people may prefer a thinner mattress due to mobility issues or a disability, either of which can make it more difficult to get in and out of bed, while others prefer to be lifted higher off the ground.
It’s also important to note that, while part of the reason luxury beds are thicker tends to be because they can be more durable and supportive since they’re able to incorporate more layers to create a luxurious product, Jerden points out that you can still have a luxury bed that has a lower profile.
Overall there is no best mattress height, according to Jerden. Instead it comes down to personal preference and what you need out of your mattress.
She points out that you can also change your entire bed setup by the type of frame and base you use.
For example, if you want a higher bed and your mattress is 10 inches thick, you can place it on a tall frame or use a box spring to still be lifted higher off the ground. On the opposite side of things, if you have a thick mattress, you can place it on a low profile base to keep the bed at a height that works best for you.
Whether you’re Team High or Team Low, we’ve got you covered for all your mattress needs.
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Sources
1. Contributors, Staff Reporters. BedTimes Magazine. 28 Sept. 2024. https://bedtimesmagazine.com/2023/09/bigger-isnt-better-when-it-comes-to-mattress-height/.
Jerden, Amelia. Personal Interview. October 2024.
