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If you think mattress thickness does not really matter when it comes to choosing something to sleep on, think again. But a thicker mattress does not necessarily mean it’s better than a thin mattress nor vice versa – it all boils down to personal preferences. If you find yourself stumped on choosing between an 8-inch vs 10-inch mattress, don’t worry we’ve got you covered.
How to choose between an 8-inch vs 10-inch mattress
Standard mattresses come in a variety of thicknesses. The most common thicknesses range from 8 inches thick up to 17 inches. Some even go up to 20 inches but those types of mattresses are usually made to order.
For those of you who prefer a thinner type of mattress, your choices are typically between 8 inches and 10 inches. But how do you know which one would give you the best sleep quality?
The following are most important factors to consider.
Body weight
The most important factor in choosing the right mattress thickness is your body weight. One of the key things that determines mattress durability is a person’s weight.
While we’re not saying that thinner mattresses break down easily, their lifespan are usually shorter than those of thicker mattresses. No matter the quality of your mattress, if you’re a heavier individual, sleeping on a thin mattress can cause them to wear down faster or develop premature mattress sag usually due to lack of ample support from a thinner comfort layer.
We always recommend hybrid mattresses to those that weigh over 250 lbs. and hybrid almost always only come higher mattress thicknesses. While all-foam or memory foam mattresses can also come thick, all-foam mattress types won’t be able to give heavier individuals the extra support that they would need.
Sleeping position
But where does mattress thickness come into play when it comes to mattress firmness and sleeping position?
The fact of the matter is, the heavier you are the softer a mattress feels and the more petite you are, the firmer it feels. Why is firmness important, you might ask? Everyone has their own preferred sleeping positions and mattress firmness has a direct co-relation to both comfortability and pressure relief depending on sleeping position.
Thin mattresses like an 8-inch mattress typically come firmer while thicker mattresses like a 10-inch mattress such the Nolah Original 10 can fit thicker comfort layers which means it can come in softer firmness options. That’s not to say that a thin mattress is bad – it’s just that they tend to have a thinner comfort layer.
Back and stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress whereas side sleepers need something softer for them to be able to get optimum pressure relief as well as spinal and lumbar support.
Type of frame
Bed frames can come in many heights and both low and high profile beds can actually cause issues for a good number of sleepers. How? Placing thick mattresses on high profile frames can cause the bed to become higher thus making it difficult for some people to get in and out of bed. The same thing happens when you place slim mattresses on low lying bed frames.
If you have a high profile bed frame, consider placing a thin mattress on top of it and if you have a low level frame, place a thicker mattress. It’s all about balance.
Sleeping partner
Of course you also have to consider your sleeping partner’s preferences when it comes to choosing mattress thickness. The same other rules apply when it comes to preferred mattress types, firmness, motion isolation and sleeping position.
As an example, your partner may prefer innerspring mattresses while you prefer an all-foam mattress. A good compromise when buying a new mattress would be choosing a hybrid mattress that combines both foam and coils. Hybrid mattresses usually start at 10 inch thicknesses although some mattress companies do offer 8-inch ones as well.
Comfort
Comfort is usually tied with mattress firmness. Pillow top mattresses that also contain a good number of comfort layers tend to be extra thick because of all the layers contained within them.
But that’s not to say that you can’t sleep comfortably on a thinner mattress. It’s just that the comfort layers on a thin mattress tend to be lesser than that of a thick mattress like a 10-inch mattress.
If you’re a side sleeper who prefers a plushier bed, opt for a mattress with more layers and extra cushioning like a 10-inch mattress. If you’re a stomach or back sleeper you can opt for firmer mattresses like 8-inch mattresses.
Price
While mattress price points don’t just depend on the thickness of the mattress, thicker beds can cost more than thinner ones. The average mattress cost of a Queen size bed is around $500-600 and up.
If you are looking for a more affordable option then 8-inch beds are the way to go. But if you’re willing to splurge a little, then opt for 10-inch mattresses.
Difference between 8-inch and 10-inch mattresses
Two inches might not seem like a lot but when it comes to mattress thickness, 2 inches spells all the difference between a thin mattress and a thicker mattress.
Number of layers
The thicker the mattress, the more layers it holds and vice versa. As an example, hybrid mattresses contain more than one comfort layers (usually made up of gel-infused memory foam or other types of foam like latex foam), a transition layer, sturdy pocket coils and a foundation layer or base layer (usually mad from high-density poly foam). Thinner mattresses like an 8-inch mattress can only contain so much and may not be able to fit a coil unit.
Firmness
As we’ve mentioned above, a thin mattress means thinner comfort layers resulting in a firmer mattress. A thick mattress can fit more layers in which can include multiple comfort layers hence a thicker mattress like a 10-inch mattress are usually a softer mattress than an 8-inch one.
If you currently have a thin and firm 8-inch mattress, you can add a mattress topper. Mattress toppers can help alter a mattress’ firmness slightly and they can also help add a little bit of thickness to a thinner mattress.
FAQs
Mattress thickness are a personal preference and while an 8-inch mattress may be too thin a mattress for some people, others may find them to be thick enough to be comfortable.
10 inches thick is a standard mattress thickness. 10-inch mattresses are not too thick and not too thin. They are more or less in the middle when it comes to mattress thicknesses and height.
Most high quality mattresses made from memory foam (especially proprietary foam like gel foam) can last up to 10 years depending on proper usage. Mattress warranties can also give you an idea of the mattress lifespan.
Conclusion
Size does matter, especially when it comes to mattress thickness. Even if the difference between an 8-inch mattress and a 10-inch mattress is only 2 inches, this difference can be felt and seen in a bed’s firmness, comfort level, longevity and overall height profile. These are important factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right mattress that would suit your preferences and lifestyle.
Next step: Read our 12-inch mattress guide. If you decide that an 8 or 10-inch mattress isn’t right for you, then it may be worth considering a thicker option. Our guide goes over the pros and cons of thicker mattresses and gives brand recommendations so you can decide for yourself which option is best.
Michelline loves nothing more than a cozy bed, with a stack of books at her side. She loves getting lost when she travels, can bake an entire British afternoon tea from scratch, is obsessed with all things analogue and does calligraphy on the side. She currently suffers from mild insomnia and is more than happy to be your guinea pig, so you won’t have to go through all the trouble of finding out what works best for you.
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