by No one wants to be in the position where they have to stay up all night counting sheep. So can the thickness of your mattress make any difference? Mattresses are available in different thickness options; the most common ones are 10-inch and 12-inch.
But which one should you get? Your body type, sleep position, sleep arrangements, and the height of the bed all tend to be the factors that can influence your decision to go for a particular mattress thickness (also check 10 top rated mattresses).
In this guide, we will find out which one of these thicknesses is the best.
Which Mattress Thickness is Better – 10-inch or 12-inch? (Saatva 11,5″ is our favorite)
The 12-inch mattress is budget-friendly without compromising quality.
This mattress comes with a medium feel, which means it will work well for most sleepers. Whether you prefer to sleep on your side, your back, your stomach, or if you are a combo sleeper, this mattress will work well for you as it provides you with the right level of support and comfort (also check 10 mattresses with great comfort).
It is available in different sizes ranging from Twin to California King. The mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. It has a decent support system, and the mattress is an ideal choice for people who have to deal with back pain.
12-inch mattresses are more durable than their slimmer counterparts because they can get back into their shape and don’t lose it over time. In addition, thicker mattresses are better in support and comfort, and more foam layers are in them.
This mattress has a top layer that has graphite-infused memory foam. This layer works very well to wick moisture. It dissipates heat from your body to make the sleep surface cooler and more comfortable for you.
Additional layers of foam will connect the base layer of this mattress to the top comfort layer and make the mattress more ergonomic to provide support and conformance according to your body shape.
You can also purchase a range of different adjustable bases or powerbase and can purchase mattress toppers, sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding accessories to make your sleep surface far more comfortable.
As this mattress features memory foam in almost all layers, it means that it will have all the good properties that memory foam has to offer. Memory foam mattresses are good for motion isolation, and similar is the case with this mattress.
If you are looking to share this mattress with your partner who is restless during their sleep, then Emma Original Mattress is the right option because it restricts motion transfer (check the top rated mattresses for couple).
These mattresses also provide pressure relief, and you won’t get up to joint pain in the morning. But if you tend to sleep hot, this might not seem a good choice, but Emma Original Mattress has graphite crystals.
How Thick Should a Mattress Be?
The ideal mattress thickness ranges between 8 inches and 14 inches. It means that both 10 and 12-inch mattresses work fine for various reasons. It is up to you which one you prefer for your bedroom.
But you have to keep in mind that a quality mattress must have a comfort layer around 2 to 3 inches thick, and a base layer must be at least 6 to 8 inches thick. Most top-tier or quality mattresses also feature one or two transition layers that are one or two inches thick.
A mattress with a simpler construction will be thinner, while the one with a complicated design will be thicker. But if you tend to share your mattress and it is thin or you with over 230 lbs, then your mattress might sag prematurely, and the sleep surface might go out of shape resulting in a poor sleep experience.
Therefore, the better option is to go for a mattress that is between 10 to 14 inches in thickness. This way, the mattress will be able to maintain its shape and will last longer.
Is a 10-inch or 12-inch Mattress Better?
Both these mattresses have their pros and cons. For example, 10-inch mattresses are better because they are lighter and easy to move. But a 12-inch mattress is more durable and sturdier.
Thinner mattresses are suitable for individual sleepers if you are not sharing your mattress with anyone else. But if that is the case and you are sharing your mattress, you have to go with the thicker mattress.
A 12-inch mattress will be a better choice if you want more softness on your sleep surface (check 8 best selling soft mattresses). On the other hand, a 10-inch mattress will be stiffer and have less of its own feel.
Factors to Consider While Buying a 10 vs. 12-inch mattress
There are various factors you have to consider when it comes to choosing between a 10-inch or a 12-inch mattress. And here, we will be listing down all of them to make sure you make the right decisions according to your needs and preferences.
Sleep position
You must keep in mind what sleep position you prefer. Different people have different preferences when it comes to their sleep position. Some people prefer to sleep on their sides. Others prefer sleeping on their backs and stomachs (check 10 amazing mattresses for stomach sleepers).
Some people are combination sleepers and don’t prefer any strict sleeping position. Some of these sleeping positions can be much more comfortable on a 10-inch or 12-inch mattress.
Side sleepers
Those who prefer to sleep on their sides should prefer to go for 12-inch mattresses for better pressure relieving features (check 10 great mattresses for side sleepers). Wide sleepers need more pressure relief on their hips and shoulders. A thicker mattress would be softer, preventing joint pain when you wake up from sleep.
Back sleepers
These sleepers can go either for 10-inch or 12-inch mattresses because the primary aspect that you need to consider here is to prevent sinkage as it can result in spinal misalignment that can trigger muscle stiffness.
Stomach sleepers
People who have to deal with lung problems should consider sleeping on their stomachs. And for people who prefer to sleep on their stomachs, a 10-inch mattress is a better choice because it provides them with firmer support, and it will prevent their hips from sagging, keeping the spine properly aligned at all times.
Combination sleepers
These sleepers have no strict sleeping position. Instead, they continue to rotate throughout their sleep and can sleep on their sides, their back, or their stomach, throughout the time they are on their bed. These sleepers should sleep on a 12-inch mattress because they need support and comfort to keep their spine properly aligned.
Medical condition
People who have spinal conditions must consult their doctors before they choose a particular sleep surface for them. If there is a specific spinal condition that needs an optimal level of support for the prevention of any further damage, you will need a firmer sleep surface.
But you have to make sure that you follow your doctor’s advice when looking for the sleep surface that is ideal for your conditions, if you have any.
Body weight
You have to go for a sleep surface that adjusts well according to your body type, and it doesn’t work the other way around. Therefore, to be comfortable with people with a bigger body structure, a 12-inch thick mattress will work well (check 10 amazing mattresses for overweight people).
It will provide you with enough support and comfort according to your requirements. Average sleepers can go for mattresses that are thinner or 10-inch thick.
Sleeping arrangement
You might be sleeping alone on your mattress, or you might be sharing the bed with someone. And a thicker mattress would be able to take more load.
So if you will be sleeping alone, a thinner mattress will be a better choice. However, if you are sharing your mattress, you should go for a tucker sleep surface to avoid sagging so that your mattress can last much longer.
Bed height
Some people use height bases with their mattresses, and there can be various reasons. Maybe you prefer to sleep on a mattress directly placed on the floor. In such a scenario going for a thicker mattress would be a good choice.
A thinner mattress might become too firm. Or maybe you have it on an adjustable base that is higher. In such a case, you can go for a thinner mattress, or getting on it will be a task in itself, and you will have to have a separate set of stairs attached to your bed.
Consider your environment’s temperature
You also have to consider the temperature of the environment where you tend to sleep. Thicker mattresses tend to trap more air in them than thinner ones. However, materials also have a significant role to play here. For instance, innerspring mattresses are thicker. But they also boost airflow; if you tend to sleep hot, these will be an ideal option.
Is a 10-inch Mattress Too Thin?
Again, it entirely depends upon what your sleep preferences are. If you prefer to sleep on your side or back, you will need a thicker mattress for more comfort and pressure relief. But if you prefer to sleep on your stomach, you will prefer more support than cushioning. And this is where a 10-inch mattress is better than a 12-inch one.
Moreover, people who weigh over 230 lbs will need a firmer surface that can provide more support and keep their hips from sagging, resulting in a misaligned spine. That is why a thinner mattress might also be a good option for plus-size people. But durability will be in question in such a scenario.
If you tend to sleep hot, a thinner mattress might work well, but you can also go for a thick innerspring for this purpose. So a thinner mattress is never too thin. You can choose from various options, and it is up to you to decide based on your preferences and choices.
Key Takeaways on 10 Inch Vs 12 Inch Mattress
Understanding Mattress Thickness
The distinction between a 10-inch and a 12-inch mattress goes beyond mere numbers. It’s a variation that influences comfort, support, and longevity of the mattress. A 12-inch mattress often comes with additional layers of foam, enhancing its ability to contour to your body shape and provide a cushier sleep experience. However, the 10-inch mattress tends to be stiffer, offering a firmer support which some sleepers might prefer.
Personal Preferences and Requirements
Your sleeping position, body weight, and whether you sleep alone or share the bed are critical factors to consider. For instance, side sleepers might find the extra cushioning of a 12-inch mattress more comforting on their hips and shoulders, while stomach sleepers might prefer the firmer support of a 10-inch mattress to keep their spine aligned. Moreover, if you’re sharing the bed, a 12-inch mattress may provide better motion isolation, ensuring a peaceful sleep even with a restless partner.
Durability and Longevity
The 12-inch mattress, with its additional layers, tends to retain its shape over a longer period, making it a more durable choice. It’s an ideal option for those looking for a long-term investment. Conversely, the 10-inch mattress, being thinner, might be prone to sagging especially if it’s shared by two people or used by an individual with a heavier body weight.
Temperature Regulation
Mattress materials play a significant role in temperature regulation. While memory foam is known for heat retention, the incorporation of cooling technologies like graphite-infused memory foam in some 12-inch mattresses can alleviate the heat issue, making the sleep surface cooler and more comfortable.
Financial Considerations
Budget considerations can’t be ignored. Generally, a 12-inch mattress might be priced higher due to the additional material and comfort layers. However, its longer lifespan could justify the initial cost, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Our Recommendation
A 12-inch mattress is a good option if you need more comfort, and a 10-inch mattress works well if you need more support. But the materials that are used in the construction of these mattresses also matter a lot.
However, these two thicknesses are most common because they are suitable for a range of different options and align well with the needs of more and more sleepers out there.
10 vs 12 inch Mattress FAQs
What is the best mattress height?
The best mattress height depends upon your preferences and sleeps choices. But in most cases, a 10-inch mattress and a 12-inch mattress can work well for most use cases. These two mattress heights work well for most sleepers based on their body type and sleep positions.
How many inches is a good mattress?
A good mattress is considered to be anywhere between 8 inches and 14 inches. It needs to have a comfort layer that must be 2 to 3 inches thick and a base layer that has to be 6 to 8 inches thicker. Some mattresses might also come with a transition layer that is 1 to 2 inches thick.
Are taller mattresses better?
No mattress thickness really doesn’t matter as long as it works well for you. Thinner mattresses are better for more support, while thicker mattresses are better for more cushioning. But it also depends upon the materials used to construct these mattresses.
How thick should a mattress be for a platform bed?
A 12-inch thick mattress works better for a platform bed, but a 14-inch mattress will be an even better option. Thickness depends on the number of layers that the mattress has. With more layers, the mattress will be more comfortable and supportive.