Mattress thickness determine how a mattress will fit into a bed frame and interact with bed sheets. Mattress thickness is a specification to consider when purchasing a mattress because the thickness of a mattress affect the level of support that it will provide to the body resting on it. While many person use visual appearances of mattresses to make their selection, it is crucial to measure the thickness of a mattress.
Thin mattresses is helpful for specific types of bed frames. Examples of these types of frames include bunk beds and trundle beds. Due to the limited space available on these types of beds, thin mattresses are required for proper functioning of the bed frame.
How to Choose Mattress Thickness
For instance, mattresses that is too thick for a bunk bed may interfere with the safety of the bed rails. A thin mattress will provide cushioning while maintaining the safety of bunk and trundle beds. Standard mattresses are used for guest rooms as standard mattresses will comfortabley fit into most bed frames and take standard bed sheets.
Mattresses in the mid-range in thickness are best suited for many different type of people. For example, people that weigh more may require a mattress that is thicker as it will provide the necessary support to there body weight. This will prevent their body from sinking deep into the mattress due to their weight.
Depending on the type of sleeper a person is, they may require a mattress of specific thickness. Mattresses for side sleepers should be two inches thicker then mattresses for back sleepers as side sleepers need more room for the hips and shoulders to rest. Mattress for stomach sleepers should be shallower and firmer as this will promote proper sleeping position of the spine.
Individuals that weigh less than two hundred thirty pounds will not compress a mattress as much as individuals that weigh more than two hundred thirty pounds, so individuals that weigh less may not require a very thick mattress for support. Mattress construction will determine the thickness of a mattress. Foam mattresses will have layers of foam.
Coil mattresses will have metal coils. Hybrid mattresses will have both foam and metal coil layers. Mattresses with a pillow top will have an extra layer of soft material on the mattress that will increase its thickness compared to mattresses without a pillow top.
The type of bed frame may dictate the thickness of the mattress. Trundle beds require mattresses that are four inches thick or less. Bunk beds require mattresses that is six inches thick or less.
Platform beds require mattresses that are eight inches thick or more as these mattresses does not use box springs. Adding a box spring to a mattress will increase the total thickness of the bed to the point where the bed sheets may not fit within the bed. Adjustable bases for beds work best with mattresses that are between ten and twelve inches thick as mattresses that are too thick may break when the bed base is adjusted.
Bed sheets must be of a thickness that will allow them to comfortably lie upon the mattress. Standard sheets have pockets that are eight inches deep and are, therefore, suitable only to thin mattresses. Sheets with pockets of twelve inches are suitable for mattresses in the mid-range in thickness as the mattress will be of a thickness that will require deeper sheets.
For mattresses that are very thick, the sheets must have pockets of sixteen inches or more to avoid slipping off the mattress. When measuring the thickness of a mattress, it is essential to measure the mattress when it is not compressed. The weight of an individual can play a role in the thickness of the mattress that they use.
Individuals that weigh under one hundred thirty pounds will require mattresses that is six to eight inches thick. Individuals of average build will require mattresses that are eight to twelve inches thick. Individuals that are heavier will require mattresses that are between ten and fourteen inches thick as they will require more depth to mattresses to allow for even weight distribution.
Thus, the thickness of a mattress should be matched to the weight of the individual that will sleep upon the mattress.
