On average, a person spends twenty-seven years of their life in bed, sleeping. Based on this fact, we can easily demonstrate the importance of choosing the right bedding. What are the criteria for choosing the best mattress? Should we choose a mattress based on our weight? Among the most important factors is thickness. In fact, it plays a significant role in sleep quality and the beneficial effects on our bodies. It’s therefore important to identify your needs and habits. However, there are certain guidelines to follow in order to find the right mattress thickness for each person. Once you’ve reviewed them, you’ll know how to choose the right mattress thickness and enjoy a restful night’s sleep.
The Different Mattress Thicknesses Available
The mattress market is flooded with dozens of brands. Although choosing the right one is of the utmost importance, finding the ideal model can be a real headache. To help you as much as possible, you should start at the beginning and determine the different thicknesses available on the mattress market.
Mattresses less than 14 cm thick
It is not recommended to sleep year-round on a mattress less than 14 cm thick. Even when paired with a high-quality box spring, this thickness does not provide adequate support for an adult’s spine—or even a child’s, depending on the child’s age and weight. This level of firmness will undoubtedly cause back pain and may lead to sleep disturbances in the long term. However, this type of mattress is ideal for occasional use, such as a guest bed or a futon.
Between 15 and 18 cm
This thickness is typically found in foam mattresses. It is often suitable for children, for whom this thickness provides adequate support for their spine. Because these mattresses are lightweight and easy to carry, they also make excellent guest beds for adults. In fact, it is recommended to choose a mattress that is at least 19 cm thick for an adult’s everyday use. This thickness will ensure comfort and proper support while sleeping. It should be noted that this thickness may vary depending on each person’s body type. It is therefore important to determine your needs based on your individual characteristics.
Between 19 and 25 cm
A mattress is considered good quality if it is at least 19 cm thick. On average, an adult needs this thickness to enjoy the comfort necessary for a good night’s sleep. Spinal support is also a key factor in quality. It’s worth noting that to make the best choice when selecting a mattress, it’s also important to prioritize high-quality materials. After all, a mattress with sufficient thickness doesn’t always guarantee optimal quality. It’s strongly recommended that you pay close attention to the composition of the mattress you choose.
Features Based on Mattress Type
Every mattress has its own unique features. That's why it's important to consider the technologies and materials used in its construction.
Memory Foam Mattress Technology
If you choose a memory foam mattress, keep in mind that the minimum thickness is 18 cm. These mattresses are recommended for people who are prone to back pain. By distributing the body’s weight over a larger surface area, they relieve pressure points such as the shoulders, back, hips, and pelvis. With a generally soft feel, this line conforms perfectly to the body. Memory foam mattresses are made of a polymer that gives them their two main characteristics: viscosity (the ability to conform to the body’s shape) and elasticity (the ability to return to its natural shape).
Since memory foam mattresses tend to feel cold, they may not be suitable for everyone. Additionally, the taller the sleeper, the thicker the mattress should be to ensure comfort. Be sure to test the mattress before purchasing to make sure it’s a perfect fit for your sleeping habits.
The Spring Mattress
Inner-spring mattresses are generally thicker. They are, on average, 20 cm wide. This type of mattress is known for its breathability, so it is highly recommended for sleepers who tend to run hot. Moisture is effectively wicked away due to the spacing between the springs. There are two types of spring mattresses: standard spring mattresses and pocket spring mattresses. The latter features springs that are individually encased in a pocket. This system allows pressure to be distributed independently across each spring, providing greater stability for the sleeper. As a result, except for the area where the sleeper is lying, the rest of the mattress surface remains perfectly flat.
In-spring mattresses also generally have a longer lifespan than other types of mattresses. It’s important to note that the composition of the foam is a key factor to consider when it comes to your mattress’s durability. In fact, synthetic foam has a lifespan of 10 years, while natural latex foam lasts 12 years.
Choosing the Right Mattress Thickness Based on Personal Preferences
The choice of mattress thickness is based on strictly personal criteria. Therefore, taking stock of your needs and preferences is essential to finding the right mattress for you.
Age
Depending on age, each person will have different needs. As mentioned earlier, a child will enjoy optimal comfort and support with a mattress thickness between 15 and 18 cm; this is not suitable for adults. A baby, on the other hand, will need a mattress between 8 and 12 cm thick. This thickness will increase proportionally as the child grows. By choosing the right mattress and bed, you’ll not only support your child’s optimal development but also ensure the high-quality sleep that’s so essential at this age.
Conversely, seniors will prefer memory foam mattress brands that are more than 18 cm thick. Sleep experts all agree that sleep patterns change as we age. Nights tend to be shorter, and micro-awakenings become more frequent. A mattress that is thick enough and soft enough can therefore address the specific needs of seniors.
Sleeping Position
People who sleep on their stomachs should avoid overly soft mattresses at all costs. They should opt for a firm model with a thickness of 18 cm that provides adequate support for their spine. Those who prefer sleeping on their side should choose a mattress with support zones that cushion specific parts of the body, such as the neck and hips. They should therefore opt for memory foam mattresses that are 20 cm thick. Finally, those who sleep on their backs should choose a mattress that is neither too firm nor too soft, with a thickness of at least 18 cm.
Size
Just as with age, height is an important factor in choosing the right mattress thickness. The taller the sleeper, the more support their spine will need. In this case, the recommended thickness ranges from 19 to 25 cm.
You now have all the information you need to choose the best mattress thickness. Choosing the right mattress can significantly improve the quality of your sleep. It also plays a key role in determining the mattress’s lifespan. As you can see, choosing the right thickness—as well as the right density—will depend on your needs, but above all on your body type. There’s no such thing as the “best” mattress—only the one that adapts to your body.
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