Generally, we sleep for six to eight hours a day. So the mattress plays a critical role in our lives. Therefore, choosing the ideal mattress becomes crucial to ensure we do not get backache or other spinal cord-related issues. Among other aspects, the thickness of the mattress is a significant aspect when choosing the most appropriate and supportive mattress for our homes.
There is no hard and fast rule about the ideal mattress thickness, but Indians generally prefer the ideal mattress to be six to eight inches thick. Hence, the top Indian mattress brands like Wakefit, The Sleep Company, and Sleepyhead Duroflex have the maximum number of mattresses in this thickness range. The 10-inch and 12-inch mattresses are rare by Indian standards and usage. However, some luxury brand spring mattresses are available with 12-inches to 16-inches thickness.
Before deciding whether 6-inch or 8-inch beds suit your home, let us discuss mattress thickness options.
Slim Mattresses
Mattresses have multiple layers, like the core, support, and comfort layers. Slim mattresses are those with thickness levels between 2 and 5 inches. Such mattresses are generally firm and ideal for budget-conscious consumers. Usually, they have either one or more materials with uniform densities throughout. Some slim beds have two foam layers to provide some additional cushioning.
General Use Mattresses
Usually, Indian consumers prefer mattresses with thickness levels between 6 and 8 inches. Some beds can even go up to 10 or 12 inches thick, but these options are less preferred. The overall thickness depends on the individual thickness of the core, support, and comfort layers, with luxury beds being thicker than 10 inches.
Hospitality Mattresses
Hospitality mattresses are for special use and are suited to provide more comfort and support. These mattresses are highly durable and can sustain their shape for several years. Such beds are thicker than the general use mattresses because they can be 12 to 16 inches thick. Of course, they are more expensive, and the regular Indian consumer does not prefer these beds.
Factors that decide the thickness of the mattress you prefer
Sleeping patterns
Sleeping orientation plays a critical role in deciding the mattress’s thickness.
- Back Sleepers: A person accustomed to sleeping on his back needs sufficient thickness in the spinal cord area to rest above the support layer comfortably. The support layer determines the bed’s orientation, whereas the comfort layer allows the user to sink deep into the bed and feel comfortable. Therefore, back sleepers require beds with a 3 to 5 inches support layer and a 2 to 3 inches comfort layer. Therefore a 6 to 8 inches bed is ideal.
- Side Sleepers: Most people use the fetal sleeping position. This position requires them to sleep on their sides. Therefore, the comfort layer of mattresses must be denser to allow the spine to remain straight and not sink into the bed. These sleepers require beds with a firmer support layer to compensate for the comfort layer’s lack of freedom of movement. Therefore, the comfort layer should be around 3 to 4 inches, and the support layer with an equal thickness. Thus, overall, a 6 to 8 inches bed is perfect for side sleepers.
- Stomach Sleepers: Generally, you use mattresses that suit your body weight distribution and BMI. Obese and overweight people tend to sleep on their stomachs. Therefore the beds must sink perfectly to allow the spine to remain erect. Therefore bed manufacturers provide a denser comfort and support layer to prevent the body from sinking into an unnatural position. Any bed with a thickness of less than 8 to 10 inches is inadequate for stomach sleepers.
Body Weight
Your body weight determines the mattress’s thickness.
- Low body weight: People with a low body weight feel comfortable sleeping in all the positions mentioned above. Generally, they prefer softer foam mattresses. However, a firmer bed is better for users having orthopedic problems. Lighter people prefer thinner beds with a thickness between 4 to 6 inches. The comfort layer is generally 3 to 4 inches, whereas the support layer of softer beds is around 2 to 3 inches. Orthopedic beds have a firmer support layer of 2 to 4 inches and a comfort layer measuring 2 to 3 inches thick. So, a 6-inch mattress is best suited for lighter people weighing below 60 Kg.
- Average body weight: Most Indians have a medium build and average body weight of 65 to 80 Kg. Such people prefer beds having comfort and support layers of equal thickness. However, people with spinal cord issues need firmer beds with denser comfort and support layers. Usually, mattresses with comfort and support layers around 3 to 4 inches thick are ideal for people with average body weight. Hence, they prefer beds with a thickness of 6 to 8 inches.
- Overweight and obese: Overweight people tend to sink deep into their beds. Hence, they require denser comfort layers measuring around 4 to 5 inches thick. Similarly, the support layer must be equally equipped to bear the weight and sustain the mattress’s shape for several years. Therefore, overweight or obese people weighing over 80 Kg prefer thicker beds with 8 to 10 inches thickness.
Sleeping with partners and children
Generally, Indian families sleep together with children on the same bed. Therefore, one must choose mattresses that can support the combined weight of the entire family. Spring beds are thicker than foam beds but do not support motion isolation. So one restless sleeper can spoil the other partner’s sleep. Therefore, foam beds are better equipped to cater to sleepers who change sleeping patterns continuously throughout the night.
So if you plan to sleep together, it is better to have an 8-inch-thick mattress than a 6-inch bed. The extra cushioning allows for more comfort and support. Memory foam beds are best because they regain the original shape faster than cheaper foam.
Bed Base Height
Your bed’s base height also determines the thickness of the mattress you choose. Usually, you need a space of 20 to 24 inches to place your feet on the floor while sitting on the bed’s edge. It ensures proper body weight balance and improves your posture. Therefore, if your bed is around 16 to 18 inches high from the ground, a 6 to 8 inches bed should be ideal because the beds can sink a couple of inches as you sit on the edge.
So, should you go for a 6-inch or an 8-inch bed? Let us discuss the merits and demerits of thicker mattresses.
Pros of thicker beds
A thicker mattress is more durable and lasts longer than its thinner counterparts. An 8-inch mattress is preferable to a 6-inch bed because of the durability factor.
Thicker beds have balanced comfort and support layers to provide a better and more comfortable sleeping experience. Unless you have spinal cord issues, choosing beds with comfort and support layers of equal thickness is better.
Spinal alignment is critical for a good night’s sleep. Hence, a thicker bed proves handy because it supports all kinds of sleeping positions.
Thicker beds are ideal for Indian homes where the entire family sleeps on the same bed. An 8-inch mattress is perfect for your home because it can sustain your entire family’s weight and provide the best comfort required for a peaceful night’s sleep.
Cons of thicker beds
A thicker bed tends to sink more with the body’s weight. Therefore, they can be more uncomfortable to get out of. However, you can compensate for the thickness by having a bed with a low height of around 12 to 14 inches.
Thicker mattresses are more expensive than their thinner counterparts. But they compensate for the higher cost by lasting longer.
6 inches vs. 8 inches – Which is better?
Therefore, we come to our question, “Which is the better mattress between a 6-inch and 8-inch bed.”
Most Indians prefer their beds to have a thickness of 6 inches to 8 inches. It can be challenging to choose between these two options. While an 8-inch bed is more comfortable and durable, 6-inch beds are comparatively less expensive. So a 6-inch bed is preferable for budget-conscious people. However, the 8-inch bed is a better option if you value comfort and durability.