Mattress thicknesses vary widely , and choosing one can be difficult as it also comes with a budget.

However, there is good news for those who are thinking, "I don't know what thickness is right for me ... " or "There are so many different thicknesses of mattresses and it's confusing." This page clearly explains how to choose the right thickness for your purpose, environment, weight, etc., so you can find the mattress thickness that's best for you.

We will also cover points to consider when deciding on the thickness of your mattress in the second half of this article, so please read to the end.

[Author introduction]

Senior Sleep Health Instructor (No. 733 ). An expert on sleep and bedding. He has purchased and tried over 50 mattresses in a year and is an expert in choosing a mattress that suits your environment and body type. →Good Sleep Hack

Mattress thickness varies depending on the type of mattress, from thin to thick. Thin mattresses are only about 2-5cm thick , while thick mattresses can be over 30cm thick.

Of course, the thickness of the mattress affects the comfort of sleeping, and it is common to use different thicknesses of mattresses depending on the purpose and use.

For example, a thin mattress (less than 5cm thick) is used in combination with a thick mattress. It is placed on top of the mattress to improve comfort, and is generally called a "mattress topper."

If your mattress is too hard or has worn out, you may be able to adjust the firmness to your liking by using a mattress topper. They are available at reasonable prices, making them a more convenient way to improve your sleeping comfort than buying a new mattress.

Medium-thickness mattresses can be used alone and have the advantage of being compact and lightweight, making them easy to care for. They are also convenient for those who move or carry around a lot. Some medium-thickness mattresses are foldable, so they can be stored when not in use.

The biggest advantage of a thick mattress is its comfort. It also has increased durability, so it's recommended for those who want a high-quality mattress that can be used for a long time. However, the thicker the mattress, the more expensive it is, so you'll need to consider your budget. Also, as the mattress gets thicker, it becomes heavier. Daily maintenance is more difficult, so you need to be careful about the growth of mold and dust mites.

From here, we will explain the characteristics, main uses, advantages and disadvantages of each mattress thickness. We will also explain who each type is recommended for, so please use this as a reference when looking for a mattress that suits you.

A mattress that is 3-5cm thick is quite thin and is not suitable as a single mattress. Not only will you feel like you are hitting the bottom, but it can also cause pain in your shoulders and lower back.

For this reason, we recommend using it as a "mattress topper" to place on top of your mattress. You can improve your sleeping comfort by placing a softer mattress topper on a slightly worn mattress or on a mattress that is too hard. However, please note that placing a hard mattress topper on a mattress that is too soft will result in an unnatural sinking sensation and you cannot expect much improvement in your sleeping comfort.

By the way, a mattress topper is placed on top of the mattress and then covered with a fitted sheet. This also has the benefit of increasing the durability of the mattress itself.

• I want to make my current mattress soft and comfortable to sleep on.
• My new mattress is too hard
• If you buy a cheap coil mattress, it will feel springy.
• Improve your sleep comfort at a low cost

This is recommended for those who already have a mattress and want to improve the comfort of their mattress. Even if the mattress does not suit your body, you can improve your sleeping comfort by placing a mattress topper on it.

However, if the mattress is already significantly worn out, a mattress topper alone will have its limitations, so it is recommended that you replace the mattress itself.

The 7cm thick mattress is thick enough for people with a normal build to use as a single mattress like a futon. It is also used as a mattress for children. It is lightweight and compact, so it is easy to maintain, such as by standing it up frequently and drying it in the shade.

However, for those who are heavy or large, the feeling of hitting the bottom may be a concern. Also, if the mattress material is soft, the feeling of hitting the bottom is more likely to occur. Therefore, it is necessary to compare not only the thickness but also the user's weight and the mattress material when choosing a mattress.

• Those weighing less than 60 kg
• Those who want to store things frequently

A 7cm thick mattress is lightweight, so it's recommended for people who move around a lot. If it's a foldable type, you can store it away when not in use, freeing up space in your room.

It is also recommended as a mattress for use in loft beds and bunk beds. The rails of loft beds and bunk beds are 30cm high, so if you use a mattress that is around 7cm high, you won't have to worry about falling off when you turn over in your sleep.

This mattress is a standard thickness for a urethane foam mattress. Even as a single mattress, it is thick enough to sleep comfortably without feeling like you're hitting the bottom. Also, from a thickness of about 10cm , it becomes easier to stand on its own, making it ideal for hanging up against a wall.

However, if it is thicker than 10cm , it will weigh around 5 to 12 kg, making it difficult to store on a daily basis. If you want to store it away, choose a foldable mattress.

• Those who want to use it without feeling like they're hitting the bottom
• Those who want to store things frequently

This mattress is recommended for those who want to use a single urethane mattress. It is also the perfect thickness for those who want to use it directly on tatami mats. It is also just the right thickness for a mattress to be used on a slatted bed frame.

This mattress is thick enough for a urethane mattress, but it is a little thin for a coil mattress. There is a high chance that you will feel the hardness of the coils directly because there is too little filling, so it is best to avoid it.

Also, while a urethane mattress is thick enough, a cheap one may be of poor quality. Just because it's thick can mean it's too hard or easily wears out, which can lead to back pain and stiff shoulders, so be careful not to choose one based on thickness alone.

• Those looking for a comfortable urethane mattress
• Those who want to use it without worrying about hitting the bottom

This mattress is recommended for those looking for a comfortable urethane mattress. It is thick enough to be used directly on the bed, so you won't feel like you're hitting the bottom. Of course, it can also be used on a bed frame.

This thickness is common among pocket coil and bonnell coil mattresses that are relatively affordable. It is more durable than urethane mattresses and can be used for a long time.

Also, when it comes to urethane mattresses, there tends to be many high-quality mattresses that have been designed with all aspects in mind, such as comfort and sleeping posture.

However, the downside is that it is thick, making it difficult to maintain, such as by propping it up. We recommend placing it on the bed frame rather than directly on the bed to prevent poor ventilation.

• Those who want to purchase a relatively inexpensive coil mattress
• Those who want to purchase a high-quality urethane mattress
• Looking for a mattress to put on a bed frame?

Recommended for those who want to purchase a pocket coil or bonnell coil mattress at a low price. Urethane mattresses are often high quality, but they are not as breathable as coil mattresses, so careful measures to prevent moisture are required.

It is also suitable for those looking for a mattress to be placed on top of a bed frame, although it may not be thick enough to create a luxurious feel.

Mattresses around 25cm thick are common in pocket coil and bonnell coil mattresses priced around 100,000 yen. High-end mattress manufacturers sell mattresses of this thickness for over 100,000 yen. They are also increasingly durable, with many lasting for over 8 years.

Like mattresses around 20cm thick, it is generally used on a bed frame, but considering its weight and thickness, it is not suitable for use on lofts or bunk beds. Also, if the bed frame has a low headboard, the thickness of the mattress may hide the headboard.

• Those looking for a high-quality mattress
• Those who want a luxurious bed

A mattress with a thickness of around 25cm is recommended for those who want a high-quality mattress. It is a thickness that is suitable for those who want a certain level of comfort and durability, even if it is not the highest quality.

Also, when it is around 25cm thick, it looks impressive, so it is recommended for those who want to give their bedroom or bed a luxurious feel.

This is a thick mattress that is common among luxury mattresses. Many famous mattress manufacturers offer this type of mattress, and it is best to plan for a budget of 100,000 to 200,000 yen or more. The spring material is high quality and the filling is often tightly packed, providing the ultimate in comfort.

This thick mattress is often used in hotels, but its disadvantage is that it is heavy and difficult to maintain regularly. Also, if the filling is too thick, it will be difficult to feel the benefits of the coil springs, so be careful.

• Budget is over 100,000 yen
• Those seeking the ultimate in sleeping comfort
• Those who want a luxurious bed
• Those who want to use their mattress for nearly 10 years

This mattress is recommended for those who have a budget of over 100,000 yen and want to experience the highest level of comfort. It is thick and looks luxurious, so it is perfect for creating a luxurious feel in your bedroom.

In addition, many mattresses can last for more than 10 years, so they are recommended for people who want to use a good mattress for a long time.

From here, we will explain the recommended thickness for each type of mattress: floor-standing mattress, non-coil mattress, and coil mattress.

The recommended thickness of a floor mattress is about 7cm for people weighing less than 60kg , and about 10cm for people weighing 60kg or more.

If you choose a mattress that is too thin, you will feel the bottom hitting the floor. The hardness and coldness of the floor will be transmitted directly to your body, which can lead to shallow sleep.

However, we also do not recommend mattresses that are too thick (over 15cm ). If the mattress is too thick, moisture will accumulate at the bottom. If you place it directly on the floor, moisture will not be able to escape, which can lead to the growth of mold and dust mites, so try to avoid mattresses that are too thick.

If you're looking for something that's easy to store or carry, be sure to check the weight as well as the thickness.

Non-coil mattresses are generally around 15-20cm thick. A thickness of around 15cm will provide sufficient comfort, but placing it on a bed frame can make it look unattractive. It's recommended to place it on a low bed or a slatted bed.

A thickness of about 20cm looks good and is the perfect thickness for a mattress to be placed on top of a bed frame.

Some non-coil mattresses are over 25cm thick, which can look luxurious, but are more expensive. They also have the disadvantage of being difficult to deal with moisture, so if you want a thicker mattress, we recommend choosing pocket coils or bonnell coils.

The recommended thickness for a coil mattress is around 20 to 30 cm . Thin coil mattresses less than 20 cm thick may have a thin filling, which can easily cause back and shoulder pain.

Therefore, when choosing a coil mattress, you should pay attention not only to the overall thickness but also to the thickness of the filling. It is recommended to choose one with a filling thickness of 4cm or more.

Mattresses over 30cm thick are good for creating a luxurious feel, but they are prone to trapping moisture and are too heavy to maintain. Unless you're planning on moving anytime soon or simply want to buy the highest quality mattress, this thickness is not suitable for use at home.

Here are three things to keep in mind when it comes to mattress thickness:

1. There is a minimum thickness depending on weight.
2. The thickness of the mattress should match the height of the bed.
3. There are also disadvantages to having unnecessary thickness

First, keep in mind that the minimum thickness required varies depending on the user's weight. Whether a mattress is thick enough or not also depends on the user's weight.

For example, someone weighing less than 60 kg can use a 7 cm thick mattress without feeling like they are hitting the bottom, but even if the mattress is the same thickness, someone weighing 80 kg will likely feel like they are hitting the bottom, so caution is required.

Especially when sleeping on your side, your shoulders and hips sink in, making you feel like you're touching the floor. A mattress used by someone weighing 100 kg needs to be at least 15 cm thick. Remember that the minimum thickness required varies depending on the user's weight.

However, since most Japanese people weigh less than 80 kg, a thickness of about 10 cm should be comfortable for most people.

The thickness of the mattress will affect how well it fits with the height of the bed, so if you already have a bed frame, you need to choose a mattress that matches its height.

For example, for high beds such as loft beds and bunk beds, a medium-thickness mattress of about 7 to 15 cm is optimal. Loft beds and bunk beds generally have rails that are 30 cm high, as they are designed to accommodate mattresses around 10 cm thick.

If you use a mattress that is too thick, you may fall off when you turn over in your sleep. Also, as the mattress becomes thicker, it becomes heavier, making it unsuitable in terms of weight-bearing capacity. On the other hand, a mattress that is too thin will be uncomfortable to sleep on, so choose a mattress that is about 7 to 15 cm thick.

A mattress that is 15 to 20 cm thick is suitable for bed frames that are somewhat elevated from the floor, such as a bed with two drawers. A mattress that is 30 cm or thicker will be too high off the floor and make it difficult to get into bed.

For low-rise beds, such as "low beds," we recommend a thick mattress that is 20 to 30 cm thick. Even if you place a thick mattress, it will not make the entire room feel cramped. It can also be used on beds with legs, but be careful as it will be difficult to use if the legs are too high.

While thick mattresses have a luxurious feel and are comfortable to sleep on, there are three disadvantages to choosing a thick mattress just for the sake of it .

The first is "weight." The thicker the mattress, the heavier it becomes, making it more difficult to move. For those who move or rearrange frequently, it will be difficult to move and will get in the way. It will also be difficult to lean the mattress against a wall to allow it to breathe, or to rotate the mattress upside down to prevent it from wearing out. Be careful, as a mattress that is too thick may not be able to be transported.

The second is that it reduces breathability. Body heat and night sweats trap moisture inside the mattress while you sleep. The thicker the mattress, the harder it is for that heat and moisture to escape. Therefore, if you want to buy a thick mattress, you need to take all possible measures, such as using a slatted bed base or dehumidifying sheets.

The third reason is that the filling may be too thick. A thick coil mattress may have a thick coil layer, but it also has a lot of filling in the layer above it. More filling is not necessarily better, and in some cases you may not be able to feel the springiness of the coils, making it difficult to turn over in bed.

For the reasons above, be careful not to choose a mattress that is too thick, as you will end up regretting it.

We've explained in detail about mattress thickness. There are various types of mattress thickness, which not only affects the comfort of your sleep but also the atmosphere of your room. However, thicker is not necessarily better, and there are also disadvantages to being thick, so you need to be careful.

Choose the optimal mattress thickness to suit your environment and body type, and create a bedroom space that will satisfy you.