Mattress thickness: what's the best option for me?

Mattress thickness: what's the best option for me?

To know how to choose your mattress, when to change it and how long it will last, it's essential to understand the basic criteria.
Foam, latex or springs: each has its advantages and disadvantages.

To know how to choose your mattress, when to change it and how long it will last, it's essential to understand the basic criteria.

Foam, latex or springs: each has its advantages and disadvantages.

How thick is a mattress?

The total thickness of the mattress is measured in centimetres. It therefore corresponds to the accumulation of the different layers that make up the mattress: the core (foam, springs or latex), the cover and the ticking.

The thickness of a mattress depends primarily on its technology.

For example, a pocket-spring mattress on average is 18 to 20 cm thick, while a foam mattress may be thinner. The total thickness of a mattress varies from 14 to over 25 cm, as it takes into account the mattress core, the so-called comfort layers and the ticking.

Thickness and density: what's the difference?

Thickness should not be confused with mattress density. In fact, density is a criterion that exclusively concerns foam or latex mattresses. Measured in kilos per cubic metre (kg/m3), it corresponds to the amount of material on a given surface and determines the mattress's level of comfort.

The choice of density depends mainly on 3 criteria:
• The number of sleepers: 1 or 2 people
• The morphology of the sleeper(s)
• The desired level of firmness.

In the case of foam mattresses, it is advisable to opt for a foam density of 30 kg/m3 for very soft comfort to 50 kg/m3 for firmer support. In the case of latex, opt for a density of 28 to 50 kg/m3.

Is a thick mattress necessarily a good mattress?

A thick mattress is often seen as the guarantee of a good night's sleep. Of course, it's not that simple!

A thick mattress is in fact comfortable... if it's of good quality! That's why it's essential to know where to buy a mattress, and to favour specialist brands.

Buying a quality mattress is good. But it's even better if it's perfectly suited to your needs! There's no such thing as one-size-fits-all bedding, and to ensure maximum comfort, your mattress base and base unit should fit you perfectly. So you need to choose a mattress size that's specifically adapted to your body shape and the number of sleepers. Allergy sufferers can opt for foam or latex mattresses, which are hypoallergenic.

As for which mattress to choose for back pain, that depends. Depending on the cause of your pain, a firmer or softer support is recommended - don't hesitate to ask your physiotherapist or osteopath for advice! As a general rule, high resilience memory foam is recommended, but this is not always the case. Although the resilience of the foam means that it moulds perfectly to your shape, it is not as well ventilated as latex, for example, which can be a problem if you perspire (to find out more: memory foam mattresses - advantages, disadvantages).

What thickness of mattress should I choose?

Entry-level mattresses are generally foam mattresses less than 14 cm thick. They generally consist of a simple high-density polyurethane foam structure.

This type of mattress is suitable for a child's first bed or as an extra bed. However, it is not recommended for adults on a day-to-day basis. The 14 to 19 cm thick foam mattress already offers better support for the spine. For a safe and healthy night's sleep for younger people, find out which mattress is right for children and for specific needs, such as a mattress for pregnant women or a mattress for overweight people.

Quality mattresses - often combining foam, latex, springs and memory foam - are logically thicker: 19 to 25 cm. This type of thick mattress ensures optimum comfort, as it is made up of several layers, each with a specific role to play in providing perfect support. It is particularly recommended for people with back problems or rheumatic pains.

Mattresses thicker than 25 cm are recommended for people of heavy build, but also for two sleepers with a significant difference in build.


A very thick mattress improves the sleeping independence of a double bed: you can be sure of a good night's sleep, even if your partner moves around a lot during the night!

Mattress thickness
Less than 14 cm
14 to 18 cm
19 to 25 cm
More than 25 cm
Type of mattress
Memory Foam
Foam or latex
Foam, springs or latex
Foam, springs or latex
Recommended use
Single child's bed or extra bed
Simple bed for everyday use by children or small people
Single or double bed for everyday use
Double bed, heavier sleepers and couples with significant weight differences
Mattress thickness
Type of mattress
Recommended use
Less than 14 cm
Memory Foam
Single child's bed or extra bed
Mattress thickness
Type of mattress
Recommended use
14 to 18 cm
Foam or latex
Simple bed for everyday use by children or small people
Mattress thickness
Type of mattress
Recommended use
19 to 25 cm
Foam, springs or latex
Single or double bed for everyday use
Mattress thickness
Type of mattress
Recommended use
More than 25 cm
Foam, springs or latex
Double bed, heavier sleepers and couples with significant weight differences

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The advantages of a (good!) thick mattress

Choosing a good mattress generally means opting for one that combines at least two technologies. You can even opt for a hybrid technology, such as a pocket-spring mattress offering tonic support, with a layer of honeycomb foam, a layer of latex and a layer of memory foam for a soft welcome.


A thick mattress of this type provides both optimum support and remarkable sleeping comfort. A thick mattress of this type also helps to distribute body weight more evenly by relieving pressure points, especially if it has several comfort zones. The expression ‘sleeping like you're on a cloud’ takes on its full meaning!

A thick mattress usually has good ventilation and superior resilience, which means it can mould to your shape and return to its original form when you get up. In other words, it retains its qualities for longer and has a much longer lifespan than a thin mattress, which will quickly tend to sag.

Finally, the thicker the mattress, the better its sleeping independence!

The best idea is to choose a model with a permanent comfort side. This type of mattress is suitable for all seasons, and there's no need to turn it over in winter or summer.

If a thick mattress weighs a lot, don't worry it's not difficult to maintain! All it needs is daily airing and a good dusting with a hoover. Once or twice a year, we recommend removing the mattress from the base to remove all the dust. To make this operation easier, we recommend that you choose a mattress with handles, especially for a queen-size or king-size double bed.

To make caring for a thick mattress easier, you can also
choose a model with a removable cover or use a mattress protector to prevent stains from becoming deeply embedded. Moisture is one of a mattress's worst enemies, especially when it's thick, as it encourages the proliferation of bacteria and the appearance of unpleasant odours, even if the mattress is well ventilated.

Bed base type
Memory foam mattresses
Latex mattresses
Pocket spring mattresses
Slatted bed base
Yes
Yes
Yes, if passive battens
Spring base
Non
No
Yes
Bed base type
Slatted bed base
Spring base
Memory foam mattresses
Yes
Non
Bed base type
Slatted bed base
Spring base
Latex mattresses
Yes
No
Bed base type
Slatted bed base
Spring base
Pocket spring mattresses
Yes, if passive battens
Yes

Your questions, our answers

Vos questions, nYour questions, our answersos réponses

What thickness of mattress should I choose for a reclining bed?

Allowing you to raise just your torso, or your torso and feet, the reclining bed has a special slatted base, as it is adjustable. In this case, a thick mattress is not recommended, as it is not flexible enough to follow the movement of the base when you raise it.

Foam or latex mattresses are recommended for this type of bed, with a maximum thickness of 20 cm.

What thickness of mattress should I choose for a cot?

The total thickness of a baby mattress varies from 8 to 14cm. Infant specialists recommend a mattress at least 10 cm thick for optimum baby comfort. However, as babies are not very heavy, thickness is not a decisive criterion in choosing a mattress.

On the other hand, it is essential to pay attention to the size of the mattress, as it must be exactly the same size as the cot, for safety reasons. The other key point is the density: the mattress must be firm enough to avoid any risk of suffocation and provide appropriate support for a toddler.

Finally, it's important to choose a mattress that can be removed to ensure that baby enjoys healthy bedding in all circumstances! The key is to be able to act quickly after an episode of fever... or a nappy overflow!

Can a mattress topper help a mattress that lacks thickness?

You've just bought a mattress - or you've got one that's still in excellent condition, but it's not thick enough for your taste? Don't panic: opt for a mattress topper instead!

What is a mattress topper, you may ask? It's a much thinner element than a mattress, with a total thickness of between 2 and 10 cm. As its name suggests, the mattress topper is designed to be placed on top of the mattress. Most often, a mattress topper is used to adjust the comfort of a mattress, making a model that is too soft firmer, or a model that is too firm softer. It also helps to preserve the lifespan of a mattress. And if your mattress lacks a little thickness, it can change everything!

Whatever the thickness of your mattress, remember that good bedding is not complete without a good pillow! Pillows are essential for maintaining the natural alignment of your spine. So always remember to choose a model that's perfectly suited to your body shape and the position you like to sleep in!