Mattress thickness, also known as height or depth, doesn’t always get the spotlight. But it plays a bigger part in your sleep setup than you might think.
A mattress that’s too thin can feel a bit… unfinished. One that’s too thick? You might find yourself climbing into bed like it’s a top bunk.
While thickness isn’t the only factor that affects sleep, it does change how your bed feels, how supportive it is, and how it lasts.
Key Takeaways
- Mattress thickness affects comfort, support, and durability. Most fall between 20 and 35 cm, with 25 to 30 cm being a solid range for everyday sleepers.
- The right height depends on your body weight, sleep position, health needs, and whether or not you share your bed. Thicker mattresses are not always better.
- So, how thick is a mattress that actually works? It’s one that fits your sleep style, supports your body, and works with your bedroom setup.
In this blog, we’re unpacking the details around mattress height. We’ll help you figure out what works for your body, your bedroom, and your sleep preferences.
Jump to a section:
- Mattress Thickness Chart
- Factors That Determine Mattress Thickness
- How to Choose the Right Mattress Thickness for You
- Why Does Mattress Thickness Matter?
- How Thick Is a Mattress, Really?
- FAQs
Mattress Thickness Chart
Mattresses come in a range of thicknesses, and the numbers can get confusing fast. So here’s a quick look at what’s out there and what each category typically means.
| Thickness Range | Mattress Type | Best For |
| 5 to 13 cm | Low Profile Mattress | Kids, trundle beds, guest rooms |
| 13 to 20 cm | Slim Mattress | Light sleepers, basic use, low bed frames |
| 20 to 30 cm | Standard Mattress | Most adult sleepers, average comfort and support |
| 30 to 41 cm | Thick / Deep / Tall Mattress | Couples, side sleepers, people wanting an extra plush surface |
| Over 41 cm | Extra Thick / Extra Deep Mattress | Luxury sleepers, those who like a tall, soft sleep surface |
Most people end up choosing something in the standard mattress thickness range. That’s usually enough to offer solid comfort, balanced support, and a bit of cushioning without feeling too bulky.
That said, thicker doesn’t always mean better. A low-quality mattress at 40 centimetres can still fall flat, while a well-made 25 cm option can feel like sleeping on a cloud.
If you’re wondering where Ecosa mattresses sit on the thickness scale, here’s a quick comparison of our range. Each option is designed to suit different sleep styles and comfort preferences.
| Mattress Model | Thickness |
| Essence Mattress | 22 cm |
| Ecosa Mattress | 25 cm |
| TrueFirm Mattress | 25 cm |
| CoolComfort Mattress | 28 cm |
| Pure Mattress | 29 cm |
| AeroLux Mattress (with pillow top) | 40 cm |
Factors That Determine Mattress Thickness
At first glance, you might think you found the right thickness for you. But how thick is a good mattress, really? Why are some 20 cm and others 35?
It all depends on what’s inside and how each layer works to support your body through the night.
Comfort Layer
This is the top section of the mattress, the part you feel as soon as you lie down. It’s designed to cushion your body, ease pressure, and help with contouring.
Depending on the mattress type, this layer might be made of memory foam, latex, soft polyfoam, or natural fibres like wool or cotton.
Comfort layers are usually 2 to 4 centimetres thick, though premium mattresses may stack on extra layers for added softness or motion control. Some also include a pillow top or Euro top, giving the surface a cushioned, boutique-style feel while adding to the overall height.
Transition Layer (Optional)
Not every mattress includes this part. But many modern models include a middle layer between the soft top and firm base.
This section helps prevent your body from sinking too far while still keeping some flexibility.
Materials here are usually firmer foams or latex. Heights vary but often fall between 3 and 8 centimetres.
Base Layer
Also called the support core, this layer forms the mattress’s foundation. It provides strength and stability under all the other layers.
In most well-built mattresses, the base layer makes up at least half the total height.
It’s usually made of high-density foam or pocket springs and is designed to support your spine and keep your body aligned.
Base layers tend to range from 10 to 25 centimetres depending on the type and thickness of the upper layers.
How to Choose the Right Mattress Thickness for You
Picking the right mattress thickness isn’t about following a rulebook. What works for your body, sleep style, and setup might not suit someone else at all.
Here’s how to figure out the height that fits your everyday needs.
1. Your Body Weight
Your body weight can change how a mattress feels underneath you. The thicker the mattress, the more room there is for layers that cushion and support where it counts.
- Light sleepers (under 60 kg): A taller mattress with a bit more softness tends to feel best. Aim for something around 30 cm or more with enough plush layers to reduce pressure points.
- Average weight (60 to 105 kg): A 25 to 30 cm mattress is usually a reliable choice. It offers a good mix of support and comfort without feeling overly firm or too soft.
- Heavier sleepers (over 105 kg): A mattress around 30 to 35 cm can help keep the spine aligned and prevent sinking. Look for a strong base layer of at least 15 cm and thicker comfort layers on top.
2. Your Sleeping Position
How you sleep at night affects how much cushioning and support you need.
- Side sleepers benefit from more depth. A 30 to 35 cm mattress with extra comfort layers can ease pressure on the shoulders and hips.
- Back sleepers usually sleep well on a mattress around 25 to 30 cm that offers a stable base and light contouring for the lower back.
- Stomach sleepers need a firmer surface to avoid the hips dipping too far. A 25 cm mattress often gives the best support for this position.
- Combination sleepers should look for something close to 30 cm with balanced firmness. This gives enough adaptability across different sleep positions without feeling too soft or stiff.
3. Your Specific Health Conditions
If you deal with joint pain, arthritis, back issues, or limited mobility, mattress height can directly affect how easy it is to move in and out of bed. A surface that’s too low may strain your knees or hips. Too high, and it might feel unstable or awkward to sit down.
A good rule of thumb is this: when you sit on the edge of your bed, your feet should rest flat on the floor with your knees bent at a natural angle. That puts less stress on your body and makes your mornings a bit easier.
4. Your Sleeping Partner
Sharing a bed changes things. If you or your partner tend to move around at night, a thicker mattress with more layered support can help minimise movement transfer so you’re not jostled awake with every toss and turn.
It also helps balance weight differences between sleepers. A mattress around 30 cm or more usually has the depth to support both people without sagging in the middle. That means better sleep for both of you, without the midnight mattress tug-of-war.
5. Your Bed Base and Room Setup
Before choosing your mattress thickness, think about your bed frame.
A low platform base might pair better with a thicker mattress to bring your sleep surface to a comfortable height. If you already have a high base, a thick mattress might make getting in and out of bed feel like a climb.
Also consider the room itself. If your bed height makes your space feel cramped or awkward, a lower-profile mattress could be the better fit.
Why Does Mattress Thickness Matter?
Mattress thickness might seem like a background detail, but it plays a direct role in how you sleep, how long your mattress lasts, and how easy it is to live with day to day.
Here are the main reasons thickness matters:
1. Comfort and Support
Thicker mattresses often include extra layers that can ease pressure on your joints and improve comfort. But softness alone isn’t enough. A mattress needs balanced support to keep your spine aligned and prevent sagging.
2. Durability
A thin mattress might wear out faster, especially with regular use. Thicker builds, when made well, tend to hold their shape longer and offer more lasting support.
3. Practical Fit
Your mattress height affects how your bed feels and functions in your space. A tall mattress on a high base might sit too far off the ground, while a slim one might feel too low.
Some frames also have height limits, so it’s worth checking before you commit.
How Thick Is a Mattress, Really?
Most mattresses sit somewhere between 20 and 35 centimetres. The right height depends on how you sleep, the support you need, and how well the mattress is built.
But the number alone doesn’t guarantee comfort. A well-designed 25 cm mattress can feel better than a thicker one made with average materials.
If you’re looking for something that gets the balance just right, try our AeroLux mattress. It features a plush pillow top that delivers weightless comfort without sacrificing support.
You can also explore our full range of premium and adjustable mattresses to find the perfect fit for how you sleep.
FAQs
How thick is a good mattress?
A good mattress usually falls between 25 and 30 centimetres, depending on your sleep style and body type. What matters most is how well it supports you and holds up over time.
Is a thicker mattress always better?
Not necessarily. A taller mattress can feel luxurious, but if it’s made with low-quality materials, it may not support you properly. It’s more about the structure than the size.
How thick is a queen mattress?
A queen mattress typically ranges from 25 to 35 centimetres. That gives enough room for comfort layers and support without being too tall for most bed bases.