10 vs. 12 inch Mattress: Which Should You Get?

December 16, 2021 | Casper Editorial Team

No one wants to be up all night counting sheep. But the difference between a 10 vs 12 inch bed 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.

Factors to Consider

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. 

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 thick mattress, like the Casper Element Mattress®, will offer enough support for your body while still promoting cloud-like cushiness. Plus, the Casper Element Mattress® has a durable base foam which is designed to support for years to come. 
  • Heavier sleepers – The best option for heavier sleepers is a 12 inch thick mattress, like the Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress®. Those additional two inches provide extra support and guarantee the longevity of the mattress. Plus, if you choose the Casper Nova Hybrid Mattress®, resilient springs provide added lift and airflow to keep you comfy all night long. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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 mattress thickness is right for you, take a look at a couple more differences between a 10 inch mattress vs 12 inch:

  • 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, 10-inch Casper Element 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 Nova Hybrid Mattress® has two additional two inches which will elevate you, while its AirScape® 3 is designed to ensure airflow and prevent you from overheating at night. 

Casper: The Right Fit

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. 

Sources:

  1. Sleep Foundation. How to Choose a Mattress. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-information/how-to-choose-a-mattress 
  2. Best Mattress Brand. Memory Foam Mattress Buying Guide. https://bestmattress-brand.org/memory-foam-mattress-buying-guide/n