Updated Feb 22, 2026
No one wants to be up all night counting sheep. But the difference between a 10 vs. 12-inch mattress could be the difference between a night full of sheep or a night full of zzz’s.
Need help deciding between the two? Your favorite sleeping position, your body type, your sleeping arrangements, and your bed height can all influence the thickness of your ideal foam mattress. By taking these factors into consideration, you can find a mattress thickness that’s perfectly designed to suit you.
If you’ve had enough of your current, ill-fitting mattress, continue reading this guide to learn more about whether to purchase a 10-inch vs 12-inch mattress.
Casper mattresses have the perfect thickness for comfort and support. Find luxurious mattresses for every type of preference.
What Does Mattress Thickness Mean?
Mattress thickness refers to the height of the mattress from top to bottom, typically measured in inches. This dimension affects how a mattress feels, how it supports your body, and how it fits with your bed frame. A thicker mattress often has more layers designed to provide enhanced cushioning and support, while a thinner mattress tends to feel firmer and lower to the bed. Ultimately, the ideal mattress thickness depends on a variety of factors like sleep position, body weight, and comfort preferences.
Pros & Potential Cons of 10-Inch Thick Mattresses
A 10-inch mattress can be an excellent choice for those who enjoy a firmer sleeping surface and prefer a more minimalist approach to bed height. However, it may not be for everyone. Here are some advantages and potential drawbacks to keep in mind when considering a 10-inch mattress:
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Pros |
Potential Cons |
|
Firmer feel, great for back/stomach sleepers |
Less cushioning, not ideal for side sleepers |
|
More affordable and budget-friendly |
Might not be as durable, especially for heavier sleepers |
|
Space-saving, ideal for smaller rooms |
Less motion isolation, noticeable movement across the bed |
|
Easier to move and adjust |
May lack adequate support for some body types |
Pros & Potential Cons of 12-Inch Thick Mattresses
A 12-inch mattress provides an additional layer of luxury, making it a great option for those who value comfort, durability, and support. While it does come with certain benefits, there are a few things to consider before opting for this thicker mattress.
|
Pros |
Potential Cons |
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Greater comfort with more cushioning |
Heavier weight, harder to move |
|
Excellent motion isolation, ideal for couples |
Higher cost, may not suit all budgets |
|
Increased durability, resists sagging |
May raise bed height too high for some users |
|
Often includes cooling technology |
Could be too plush for those who prefer firm support |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a 10-Inch & 12-Inch Mattress
Choosing between a 10-inch vs. 12-inch mattress comes down to more than just height. Factors like how you sleep, your body type, and your overall sleep setup all play a role in selecting the right mattress thickness for comfortable, restorative sleep.
Your Sleeping Position
Whether you sleep like a log or a free faller, your favorite sleep position should influence the thickness of your mattress. How you sleep puts pressure on certain parts of your body and affects how much cushioning you may need in any standard mattress.
The right mattress thickness can help alleviate that pressure so that you can sleep better.1
- Back sleepers benefit from a mattress type that keeps their spine in a neutral position. A standard mattress of either 10 or 12 inches can maintain this alignment.
- Side sleepers need the most support for their shoulders and hips, so an eight to ten inch mattress that’s a bit softer may be more suitable.
- Stomach sleepers place a lot of pressure on their spine, so they’ll benefit from a firmer, thicker mattress type of at least 10 inches.
Your Body Weight
Choosing the right mattress thickness for your body can help it last longer and ensure you get the best sleep and comfort possible. Simply put, with more weight, you’ll sink into the mattress more. Therefore, your body weight may influence the thickness you find more comfortable.
When it comes to a 10-inch vs. 12-inch mattress, choose the one that best matches your body type:
- Lightweight sleepers – A 10-inch mattress is generally a good option for lightweight sleepers, offering a firm, supportive surface without excessive height. For those looking for something similar, the Casper One affordable mattress—though not quite exactly 10 inches at 11 inches thick—delivers a comparable feel. With its three layers of responsive foam, the Casper One provides the medium-firm support lightweight sleepers need, along with a bit of extra cushioning, making it a great choice for a comfortable and long-lasting sleep experience.
- Heavier sleepers – A 12-inch mattress, such as the Casper Dream hybrid memory foam mattress, provides added support and durability for heavier sleepers. Its hybrid design combines responsive springs with zoned foam, offering both enhanced lift and cooling. The Dream’s extra thickness and open-cell foam construction make it ideal for those needing consistent support and airflow throughout the night.
It’s also important to note that mattresses thinner than eight inches may not offer the support that the average adult needs. Those thinner mattresses work better and last longer for smaller children.
Your Sleeping Arrangements
Do you share your bed with someone? Double the weight means you need double the support. With more pressure being applied to a memory foam mattress every night, a thin one would start showing mattress sagging signs before you know it. This makes a 12-inch thick mattress the best choice to support both you and your partner.
How so? Well, thicker mattresses come with thicker bases, and the base is what supports both the mattress and you. The comfort layer, or top layer, is usually half the size of the base layer, or support layer. So, if you have a mattress that’s three inches thick, your base layer will be six inches thick for a grand total of 12 inches.2 When you share a bed with a partner, having that bigger base can offer more support and help prevent the mattress from wearing out prematurely.
Your Bed Height
A thicker mattress means a thicker bed. If you’re someone on the shorter side, a 12-inch mattress can make getting out of bed feel too much like stepping off a cliff and getting into bed feel like climbing a mountain.
Who might appreciate a shorter, 10-inch mattress thickness?
- Those with disabilities or mobility challenges
- Those scared of heights
- Those who may be sharing their bed with small children
On the other hand, if you feel as if your bed isn’t tall enough, you should choose a 12-inch thick mattress to add to its height. Keep in mind that depending on the type of bed you have, you might need to account for your box spring height. A box spring bed might already be very high. In this case, a 10-inch mattress might be a better option for your overall bed height.
If You’re Using a Mattress Topper
Using a mattress topper can enhance comfort, but it also affects your bed’s overall height. For instance, if you add a 2-inch topper to a 10-inch mattress, you’re effectively creating a 12-inch sleep surface. This can be a cost-effective way to achieve a thicker mattress feel without buying a new one. A topper on a 10-inch mattress adds softness without making the bed too tall, which can be ideal if you prefer a lower profile. Conversely, pairing a topper with a 12-inch mattress can create a notably plush feel, but the added mattress height might make getting in and out of bed a bit more challenging, so just keep that in mind.
Durability
The durability of a mattress often increases with thickness, as a 12-inch mattress usually has more layers that resist sagging over time. This can be especially beneficial for heavier sleepers or couples, who place more weight on the bed. That said, both 10- and 12-inch mattresses can offer longevity if they’re well-made (like our mattresses). Consider not just the thickness, but also the quality of materials, to ensure your mattress holds up and supports you for years to come.
Health Needs
Your personal health needs can also help determine the right mattress thickness. If you’re navigating how to sleep with back pain, joint sensitivity, or pressure-point discomfort, a 12-inch mattress may provide better support and cushioning across the hips and shoulders. Heavier sleepers or those with chronic pain often benefit from the added layers of a thicker mattress. That said, a well-designed 10-inch mattress can still offer proper alignment and comfort for sleepers with or without specific medical concerns. If you have ongoing pain or conditions like sleep apnea, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional before choosing.
Which Materials Work Best for 10-Inch and 12-Inch Mattresses?
Choosing the right mattress thickness depends on the materials, as each type needs specific construction to provide optimal support and comfort. Understanding how memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses perform can help you select the ideal mattress thickness for your sleep preferences.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are best suited for 10 inches or more. They require a thick foam base to prevent excessive sinking and to maintain proper support. The extra height also allows for advanced cooling technology, ensuring a comfortable and restorative sleep. A high quality 10 or 12-inch mattress provides both pressure relief and a plush feel without sacrificing support.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses commonly run about 7–12 inches thick. The quality of the coils matters more than the overall thickness, and the open coil structure promotes airflow to keep the mattress cool. A 10-inch mattress typically delivers firm support, making it ideal for those who prefer a more traditional, supportive feel.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses usually work best between 12 and 14 inches. The coil core, which ranges from 6 to 8 inches, needs 4 to 6 inches of comfort layers above to provide the right balance of softness and support. A thicker hybrid mattress ensures proper spinal alignment, better pressure relief, and long-lasting comfort.
Not sure which mattress material you want to begin with? Learn more about the pros and cons of hybrid mattresses and compare hybrid vs. innerspring mattresses in our blog.
Is a 10-inch or 12-inch Mattress Better?
Ultimately, there’s not one definitive answer to which mattress thickness is better than the other. The best choice for you all depends on your unique sleep needs and preferences.
If you’ve considered the above factors, but still aren’t sure which is the ideal mattress thickness for you, take a look at a couple more differences between 10 and 12-inch thick mattresses:
- Weight – A thicker mattress means a heavier mattress, which can be a hassle to flip over or move to a new house. If you’re planning on moving a mattress at some point in the future, consider the lighter, 11-inch Casper One memory foam mattress.
- Mattress location – If you don’t have a bed frame or prefer sleeping on the floor, a thicker mattress is the way to go. The Casper Dream hybrid memory foam mattress stands at 12 inches tall, providing an ideal balance of comfort and support with its zoned foam and responsive springs. Its open-cell foam construction promotes airflow to keep you cool throughout the night, making it a great option even without a bed frame to ensure comfort and elevation.
Finding the The Right Fit With Casper
A quality mattress is not one size fits all. You need a mattress that’s designed to meet your sleep needs and preferences.
For the right fit, try Casper. We’re committed to helping you find your perfect mattress and get your best night’s sleep. When you browse our wide selection of mattresses, you’re sure to find the one of your dreams. Whether you choose a memory foam mattress or one of our hybrid mattress options, don’t spend another restless night counting sheep. Start building your sleep oasis today, with Casper.
FAQs
Can adjustable bases use both thicknesses?
Yes, adjustable bases can accommodate both a 10-inch mattress and a 12-inch mattress. Most adjustable bed frames support mattresses from 8 to 14 inches thick, allowing 10-inch and 12-inch options to bend properly without straining the frame. Thinner 10-inch mattresses often provide firmer support, while 12-inch ones add cushioning, both working well if made from flexible materials like memory foam or hybrids.
What thickness is best for heavy sleepers?
Heavier sleepers often benefit from a thicker mattress, such as a 12-inch mattress. A thicker mattress provides better support, reduces pressure points, and prevents sinking too deeply into the core of the mattress. While a 10-inch mattress might work for lighter individuals, a thicker mattress typically delivers more durable comfort for heavy sleepers.
Does a thicker mattress last longer?
Generally, a thicker mattress may provide longer-lasting support because it contains more material in the comfort layers. A 12-inch mattress typically maintains its shape and firmness longer than a 10-inch mattress. Mattress thickness alone doesn’t guarantee longevity, but a thicker mattress often withstands daily use more effectively.
Should couples get the same thickness on a split king?
While couples could technically get different mattress thicknesses on a split king, ideally they should get the same thickness to ensure a level sleeping surface and even appearance. Partners can still select different firmness levels or materials as long as heights align, allowing personalization without compromising the setup. This is ideal for couples with varying weights or sleep preferences.
Sources:
- Sleep Foundation. How to Choose a Mattress. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-choose-a-mattress
- Best Mattress Brand. Memory Foam Mattress Buying Guide. https://bestmattress-brand.org/memory-foam-mattress-buying-guide/n
