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If you’ve been researching mattresses then I’m sure you’ve noticed how hard it is to find information about the standard mattress height. Most websites list the surface area dimensions, but they assume that the height is obvious (it isn’t!). Our team of sleep researchers spent countless hours conducting research to find out everything there is to know about the topic. This article is the definitive guide to mattress height.
Most Common Mattress Height
The average mattress height is 8-14 inches. The standard bed height is 25 inches from the floor to the top of the mattress.
This range is the most common. These days, mattresses with a thickness of 14 inches and more are becoming more popular than thinner ones due to their structure and premium quality.
Tall beds aren’t for everyone. The average height for a man in the US is 5-feet 9-inches and 5-feet 4-inches for a woman. People of average height may find it hard to get in and out of tall beds.
A standard Twin mattress is 8-13 inches high. King-size mattress thickness is between 10 and 14 inches, while the height of Queen size mattresses is 9-12 inches. Thicker foam mattresses often have layers of cooling gel and transfer foam that make them taller, more comfortable, and longer-lasting.
Ten-inch mattresses are usually firmer than thick standard mattresses. Mattresses that are 13 to 14 inches thick offer different comfort levels such as soft, medium, or firm. Your choice of mattresses taller than 14 inches might be a bit limited, but they are still available.
8-inch mattresses are common, and this is the lowest height level that’s actually suitable for average couples. You can find 8-inch mattresses in every size, from Twin (38″ x 75″) to Split King (72″ x 84″).
Mattress thickness overview
- Low profile (4″ – 6″).
- Thin (6″ – 8″).
- Standard (8″ – 12″).
- Tall (12″ – 20″).
- Extra tall (20″ and above).
Choosing the Right Mattress Thickness
Consider both – personal and aesthetic needs. The thickness of your new mattress should depend on your height and weight as well as any health conditions. You may also want to pay attention to how well your new mattress fits the bed frame, and how the whole bed matches the style of your room.
Your height and weight
Your body should be in natural alignment when going in and out of bed. The new mattress should be firm enough to support your palms or elbows if you need help to get out. For adults, 8-inch tall (and taller) mattresses are more supportive and comfortable than thinner ones.
A ten- to twelve-inch mattress is a logical option if you are a heavy sleeper. But if you have a low bed platform, you may opt for an even taller mattress such as 14, 16, or 18 inches. Mattresses thicker than 16 inches are a good choice for big and tall people or if you plan to keep your mattress directly on the floor.
Five- to six-inch thick mattresses are mainly constructed for lightweight sleepers. Quality six-inch mattresses could easily pass as more comfortable and durable than thick ones made of low-quality materials. Also, they are foldable and easy to move around and maintain.
Your sleep partner
The body size of your sleep partner may be different than yours. Sharing a bed is an intimate experience and adjusting your sleeping needs to someone who has a different body size is always a compromise.
Based on personal experience, we can say that 8 inches is the lowest mattress height that couples will find comfortable.
If you have a tall bed and one of you is significantly shorter, that sleeper can keep a step stool near the bed to get in and out easier.
Combining the mattress’s height with adjustable bed frames may help you find an average thickness that is most comfortable for you and your sleep partner.
On the other hand, a taller partner might consider using a mattress pad or mattress topper to add a few inches and make one side of the bed slightly higher.
Bed frame height and mattress thickness
A bed frame is a structure on which your mattress rests. Most bed frames you can find in the market are 8-18 inches high. When choosing the height of the mattress, you should also take the height of the bed frame into account.
To make your bed higher, you may add a taller bed frame to your mattress, a taller box spring, or even stack up all three together. You can also go for a variety of DIY options.
Bed frames are available in the same sizes as mattresses – they range from Twin to King or California King sizes. Their purpose is to support a mattress and lift your bed off the floor.
Modern beds are between 18 and 25 inches high, so if you want the average 25-inch bed height, you might opt for a 7 or 8-inch thick mattress. If you think your bed is too low, a 12-16 inches tall mattress is always an option.
Box springs
Box springs are manufactured to be the same size as beds and used to support mattresses. They are low profile, usually 9 inches high. If you use only a box spring underneath the mattress, you might opt for a thicker mattress.
If you use a bed frame and spring box together but want a lower bed, just lose the box spring. You don’t actually need it unless you want a higher bed.
Types of Bed Frames and Average Frame Height
The standard bed frame is 12-16 inches tall. Bed frames are mostly made of wood or metal. There is a wide variety of bed frames on the market today, which should satisfy even the most demanding buyer.
A platform bed is lower compared to other bed frames. It is generally 18 inches high together with the mattress. The simple design of a platform bed takes up less bedroom space but it doesn’t have extra room underneath. If you have the need for extra space beneath the bed, consider raising the base using bed risers.
If you like to keep your bed much higher off the ground, a loft bed frame is the highest on the market. A tall bed frame with high legs provides lots of storage space underneath. It has a similar design to a bunk bed, but you have only one bed on the higher level, and everything underneath may be used as storage space.
An adjustable frame gives you greater freedom in changing the mattress height, and it may be fun to experiment with different bed heights. They are usually within the 12-24 inches height range. Adjustable bases are practical for people with mobility issues. If you need to adjust the bed height with your recovery and current mobility condition, adjustable bed frames are a practical solution. These frames are usually more expensive and sold separately from the mattress.
What’s the Ideal Bed Height?
Ideally, your knees and hips should be at a 90-degree angle and your feet flat on the floor when you’re sitting down on the edge of the bed.
Unadapted bed height can make getting in and out difficult. When the bed is too low, getting in and out puts extra pressure on the knees and back. Standing up is much easier when your knees are at a 90-degree angle with your spine. This is mainly important for the elderly and those with bad knees and hips.
The bed height should be aligned with your knee level. For most, the knees are typically 16 – 22 inches above the ground – give or take a few inches. Your knees should be at a 90-degree angle relative to your torso as you sit at the bedside. It is too low if your knees are below your hips, and it is too high if your feet dangle in the air.
If you can enter and exit the bed without supporting your body with your hands – you should probably change the height of your bed to match your body size.
You may adjust the bed height compared to the chair size. The height of your favorite chair may help because getting out of bed should be as easy as standing from the chair.
Finding the Best Bed Height for You
The height of a bed is the distance from the floor to the top of the mattress. If your feet hang in the air – the bed is too high. If your knees point towards your stomach – the bed is too low. Please remember that if you’re a healthy person with no health issues, you can have your bed any way you want to. The Japanese have slept on futons and tatamis for a long time, and they don’t have any problems with the bed height.
Some types of people, such as the elderly, tall people, small children, and people with mobility problems, may need a more specific bed height.
A mattress with a height of 6 to 8 inches meets the kids’ requirements; however, if the bed is low to the ground, a mattress height of 9 to 12 inches may be more appropriate.
When searching for the best bed height, people with mobility issues, those in recovery, and pregnant women may combine mattress height with an adjustable basis. This way, they can monitor changes in their condition and adapt the bed height accordingly.
Elderly sleepers are careful when choosing the height of the bed. Sometimes they must support the body with their hands to get up. In this situation, the lower beds may be uncomfortable for seniors, especially if they are troubled with hip/back issues.
Tall sleepers may prefer taller bed frames and thicker mattresses. Raised 36 inches off the floor, an antique bed meets requirements. Also, you may add a few inches to your side of the bed with an extra thick mattress topper.
Less Common Mattress Heights
What you get with a taller mattress
A 12-inch thick mattress and thicker is considered tall. Their thickness means that they have a more complex construction than thinner mattresses.
A taller mattress lasts more than a thin one, but it’s more expensive. A thicker mattress offers higher body support levels for heavy sleepers and makes your bed taller.
Also, high mattresses look more luxurious than standard ones and this style is present in many five-star hotels.
Thick mattresses are heavier to move around than thin ones. They are more demanding to clean than thinner mattresses and may sag if you don’t maintain them properly. In many reviews you’ll find the same conclusion – tall mattresses are better for side sleepers.
If you are suffering from joint stiffness, you should elevate your mattress or buy a taller one.
What you get with a thinner mattress
An 8-inch thick mattress and anything below that is considered thin. This thickness is suitable for lightweight sleepers and children, and especially for stomach or back sleepers.
Typically made of foam, they can still be quite supportive. Thinner mattresses won’t sink in as much as thicker ones – for hot sleepers, this is a benefit.
These mattresses are used in hospitals since they make it easier for patients to get in and out of bed. The same goes for people who use canes, crutches, or wheelchairs.
Thin mattresses may be foldable and very useful for camping or emergencies. They are much friendlier to your budget than thicker mattresses.
People are often advised by doctors to use a thinner mattress if they have back problems. Thick mattresses have more layers, and a thin one is usually firmer.
High Beds: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- For average height and taller people
- For big bedrooms with the taller ceilings
- Extra storage space
- Luxury look
- Easier to make
- Easier to clean underneath the bed
Cons:
- Not the best for a small bedroom
- Risky for restless sleepers
- Harder for kids and pets to get into the bed
Low Beds: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- For average height or smaller people
- Suitable for all bedrooms
- Modern look
- Easy for kids and pets to get in and out
- Safer for restless sleepers
Cons:
- Lack of storage place
- Harder to get in and out
- Harder to clean underneath the bed
Frequently Asked Questions
The mattress on the floor accumulates more dust and other dirt particles. Sometimes in a non-ventilated environment mattress may use heat and sweat to develop mold. On the other side, some researchers believe that having your mattress on the floor improves blood circulation and decreases the risk of scoliosis.
Some people have to sleep on a high bed because they are taller than the average sleeper. Many prefer high beds because they want to avoid dust particles on the floor and other allergens. Many people find that a tall bed is easier to enter and exit. For some people sleeping in a high bed is a vital part of their lifestyle.
You can make your bed taller by using an adequate bed frame or box spring. If the bed isn’t high enough, consider using bed risers. They are made from plastic, metal, and wood, and most are stackable. The risers can elevate a bed by lifting the bed legs – This may save you from buying an entirely new bed. Consider using a thicker mattress and mattress topper to add a few inches on the top.
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With over 5 years experience writing about sleep and mattresses, she's considered one of the go-to experts on the topic.
She likes cycling, nature, art, and languages. She pays special attention to providing you with accurate and useful information when it comes to your sleep quality.
After solving her personal sleep and tiredness problems, she is on to help others by sharing this invaluable information.
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