How thick should a latex mattress be? - Milam Mattress UK
17 December 2021
5 min

How thick should a latex mattress be? 

Natural latex mattresses are unbelievably popular these days. They are healthy, durable, and come in a wide range of thickness.

Mattress thickness is quite important since it affects your comfort. There is not a single latex mattress thickness and firmness that is good for everyone. If you sleep on a too thick or too thin mattress, you will probably find it uncomfortable. As a result, in all likelihood, you will find it more difficult to fall asleep and you will also wake up exhausted.                                                                                                                     How thick should a latex mattress be? If you choose a natural latex mattress, it needs to be adequate for your sleeping style and body type. Read our guide to see why mattress thickness is important and how you can choose the most suitable thickness level for an ideal night’s sleep.  

What is mattress thickness? Why is mattress thickness important?

When shopping for a new mattress, you will find many specifications, including the name, brand, and material. Among these, you will find the mattress thickness that is called mattress height sometimes.

Many factors influence the quality of your sleep: the cooling capabilities of your mattress, whether it transfers motion, bounce, support, body contouring. Though for some people mattress thickness is not important, for many it is an essential quality.

Your mattress needs to be long-lasting and support your body for many years to come. Mattress thickness is important because it affects the overall support you get during the night.

It's essential to note that all mattresses consist of different layers. The comfort layers and support layers have different thickness levels, the main point being to make the layers work together. As a result, they can provide adequate support and comfort for your body.

The support layer will shape your mattress. Apart from this, it will also prevent sagging. The principal purpose here is to keep your spine aligned. Depending on the type of mattress you purchase, you may find support layers in two different places.

The comfort layer is the topmost layer of your mattress. This is what makes your bed comfortable and plushier. Its material usually depends on the mattress type.

Since poor sleep can lead to health problems, mattress sickness has an important role in your overall well-being.

 

 

What type of latex mattress should you choose? 

When it comes to latex mattresses and their thickness, the first thing you need to do is choose the type of latex mattress you would like to buy.

You may choose a 100% natural latex mattress, a blended latex mattress, or you may opt for a synthetic latex mattress.

In all cases, we recommend a purely natural latex mattress. When you choose an all-natural latex mattress, the latex will entirely come from rubber trees. Though they tend to be more expensive than their blended or synthetic counterparts, natural latex mattresses are healthier and more durable. Due to these benefits, opting for a natural latex mattress is always the best decision.

If you want to learn more about the benefits of natural latex mattresses, click here to read our article.

How can you decide what thickness level is good for you? How thick should a latex mattress be? 

We all want to sleep on a luxurious surface every night, and with a natural latex mattress, we can achieve this. But how thick should a latex mattress be? When you are shopping for your next bed, how can you decide what thickness level is good for you?

The ultimate depth of your mattress is determined by the thickness of each layer inside. As we have mentioned above, mattresses contain different layers, most of them tend to have 2-5 layers inside.

If you want to have the most durable mattress, the thickness level of a natural latex mattress could be anywhere between 15 cm and 30 cm.

This might seem to be a wide scale, but it’s important to know that you need to consider many aspects when choosing the right thickness level of your natural latex mattress. Namely, the following factors determine the ideal thickness level:

  • Your body weight

  • Whether you sleep alone or with a partner

  • Specific health conditions

  • The bed base

  • Your sleeping position: whether you prefer to sleep on your back, stomach, or side

  • The level of comfort you need – whether you prefer soft or firm mattresses

 

Body weight and latex mattress thickness

In order to choose the most comfortable thickness level, it’s important to anticipate your body weight.

If you have a higher body weight, you should purchase a thicker mattress. It’s mainly because when you weigh more, the mattress will be compressed more.

Why is it important to take your body weight into account when choosing your next foam?

If you are around 60 kilograms, you can choose a 15 cm thick latex mattress. If you weigh around 100 kilograms, to prevent sinking and ensure proper support, a natural latex mattress of 22 centimetres would be great for you. For sleepers weighing 130 kilograms or more, we recommend a 30 cm or thicker natural latex mattress.

If you share your mattress with your partner, you put more pressure on your bed than when you sleep alone. To find the perfect latex foam, you need to look for a mattress that is at least 22 cm.

All in all, there is an important correlation between your body weight and mattress thickness. Since your body weight affects how much pressure you place on the mattress, it has an impact on the comfort level. 

Health needs and latex mattress thickness

Some people have special needs due to their health conditions. Some may feel more comfortable with thinner layers, others find thicker mattresses a lot more comfortable.

People with the following health conditions may prefer thicker mattresses with additional comfort layers:

  • Arthritis
  • Shoulder pain
  • Fibromyalgia

People suffering from these conditions may experience a lot of pain and don’t feel comfortable without the appropriate level of cushioning.

Those who suffer from back pain tend to prefer slightly thinner mattresses. In all cases, remember to consult with your doctor regarding your medical condition and check with them first if you need any special type of mattress for your health issues.

The bed base 

Usually, we use two types of bed bases: flat or slatted. Slatted bed bases have become more popular recently due to the fact that flat-pack furniture has become incredibly widespread.

If you have a slatted bed base, you should probably opt for a thicker mattress. Since there is space between the slats, the pressure distribution is not that even, so you need to compensate for that with a thicker mattress.

Using a flat bed base means a more balanced pressure distribution, so in that case, you can opt for a thinner mattress.

Sleeping position

Since there are many types of latex mattresses available, you can definitely find the model and right thickness level that is perfect for your body type and sleeping position.

If you sleep on your back, latex mattresses should be between 15 and 22 cm. If you’re a side sleeper, 25 to 30 cm would be very comfortable for your sleeping position.

As you can see, side sleepers need thicker mattresses to relieve pressure on their hips and shoulders. Back sleepers tend to find medium-thick latex mattresses more comfortable. The main goal here is to make sure that there is only a narrow gap between their lower back and the mattress.

On the other hand, stomach sleepers need thinner mattresses. They need a mattress which is around 15 centimetres or even thinner.

Stomach sleepers prefer thinner latex mattresses so as to prevent deviation from the spine.

 

 

Your personal preferences also matter

Ultimately, you need to find the latex mattress that you find the most comfortable.

We all have individual needs, and often our personal preferences cannot be categorized. However, there’s nothing to be afraid of. If you wish to buy your next latex mattress online at Milam, you can benefit from our home trial offer. You can enjoy your luxurious natural latex mattress for 30 days. If you think the mattress is not for you, you can give us a call and we’ll pick up the mattress from your home. You will also get a full refund.

Are the thickest latex mattresses the best? 

Thick mattresses are usually associated with luxury, comfort, and a perfect night’s sleep. Does this mean that the thickest latex mattresses are the best? Not necessarily. It’s more important to check what materials are used in each layer of the mattress.

Back and stomach sleepers tend to prefer firmer mattresses. Therefore, they usually find thinner mattresses more comfortable.

Side sleepers usually prefer softer mattresses so thicker latex mattresses are normally a good choice for them.

A softer type of latex is better suited for people who prefer to sleep on their side. The extra layers provide more support for their pressure points – namely their hips and shoulders.

Closing thoughts

Now it’s obvious that when you choose your next mattress, it’s important to take latex mattress thickness into consideration. How thick should a latex mattress be? It depends on your sleeping position, body weight, health condition, and personal preferences.

If you want to spend your nights on a truly luxurious mattress, check our Original and Premium mattresses. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime.

 

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