Despite the misconception that bigger mattresses are more comfortable, there is significant evidence to prove otherwise. Thin mattresses are just as good or even better if you know which one to pick, although that will depend on your needs and why you’re buying one in the first place.
We examined these thin mattresses on a closer level and can conclude that things like material construction, sizes available, thicknesses available, firmness options available, and even extra features are the most significant variables between the beds. Consequently, looking at these features has helped us identify the best thin mattresses. We list some of them below and tell you why we think they’re a cut above the rest.
Other features: mattress-in-a-box
The LINENSPA 5 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, as implied by the name, only comes in a 5” configuration. However, the width and length options available cater to an impressive suite of frame options. As for how it’s made, this bed incorporates a polyester cover while the insides are fitted with support foam and gel memory foam. Notably, this bed is classified as firm and therefore provides the highest level of support to sleepers. This is understandable as with only 5” of thickness, there isn’t much room for the mattress to conform. The purchase of this mattress also includes a 10-year warranty, and the bed is delivered to you in a box.
This LINENSPA 5 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress is for stomach sleepers since it provides the most support.
Other features: GOTS certified, hypoallergenic, GREENGUARD Gold certified
The Plushbeds The Natural Bliss Latex Mattress is another bed option that lives up to its name since it features organic construction. This includes the 100% latex construction in addition to the organic cotton cover on the exterior. As such, it’s no surprise that it’s GOTS certified. As an extra benefit of the organic construction, this bed is hypoallergenic and doesn’t emit fumes as much as other mattresses. Notably, there are as many as nine available mattress sizes. This is in addition to three thickness options. The variety continues even where the firmness is concerned, and you can either get it as a medium-firm or a firm alternative.
This thin mattress is suited to those who want organic or hypoallergenic options.
Other features: 120-night trial, Certipur-US® certified, made in the USA
The price of the Nolah Original 10-Inch Mattress is also relatively high, although it’s still cheaper than the Plushbeds The Natural Bliss Latex Mattress. It comes with a 10” thickness that incorporates three different foam layers. Also, it’s the only thin mattress on the list with a lifetime warranty. It’s made in the US and adheres to some pretty lofty mattress manufacturing standards. As such, buyers get extended sleep trials, and shipping is free. Lastly, it features a Tencel cover with benefits such as being moisture absorbent and anti-bacterial, among others.
The Nolah Original 10-Inch Mattress is for people who love the quality of American-made products.
Other features: relieves pressure points, reduced motion transfer
The next low-profile bed on the list is the Signature Sleep Memoir Memory Foam Mattress. This option is available in four thickness settings ranging from 6” to 12”, although technically, the 12” option doesn’t qualify as thin. It’s also one of the best thin Twin mattresses in the market, although you can get it in Twin XL, Full, Queen, and King options as well. Given that it has a memory foam top layer and is medium-firm, you can expect some conformity to your body which might help you sleep better and wake up with fewer aching joints. This design even helps reduce motion transfer to your partner in the bed.
This mattress works best for sleepers who want a bed that conforms to their body, e.g., side sleepers.
Other features: CertiPUR-US certified, gel-infused memory foam top layer
As for the Modway Aveline 6″ Gel Infused Memory Twin Mattress, you find it’s one of the most affordable low-profile mattresses available. The name is a bit misleading since you can get it in other variations apart from the twin option. However, compared to other thin mattresses, the bed size options are somewhat limited. The innards of the bed are only divided into two layers, i.e., a responsive base foam layer and a gel-infused memory foam layer. Also, despite its low cost, it’s still independently certified, meaning it has been tested and conforms to some rather rigorous standards in terms of performance and emissions.
This thin mattress is for shoppers working with a limited budget.
Picking out the best low-profile mattress is a slightly different ball game compared to purchasing regular mattress sizes. However, as you’ll see in the buying guide below, a lot of the considerations are the same since both types of mattresses are used for the same purpose.
Average mattresses typically have a thickness of between 8”-14”. The 14” options are bulky, and the same can be said of the 12” options. As for thin mattresses, they’re technically those that are 8” or thinner. However, most people consider 10” the maximum size for a low-profile bed since it doesn’t exactly qualify as bulky.
Of course, if you’re going to buy a thin mattress, it has to provide you with some benefits over the bulkier counterparts. These benefits may be:
This can be attributed to the quantities of materials used in construction. However, there are still some relatively pricey thin mattresses in the market, as shown by the list above.
Consequently, unpacking and moving them from place to place is a lot easier for the end-user.
Given that shipping charges are affected by factors such as weight and size, you find that these mattresses are cheaper to ship since they’re lighter and smaller in comparison to standard mattresses.
In structures like an RV, the top bunk, or a camping tent, the space is limited, and the more you can save, the better. Thin mattresses take up less space and, by default, work better for such tight spaces.
Due to the bulk in regular-size mattresses, you find they don’t conform as easily to the bed. Additionally, even when they do, they stick out from the top like a sore thumb on the bed and can look unflattering on your frame.
This functionality may seem trivial to some, but it’s essential for others. It might come in handy for kids, the elderly, and even those with limited mobility due to health issues.
Here are the top elements and features to look out for when picking out the best thin mattress.
The mattress type and composition is something you look at in every single mattress, whether it’s low profile or otherwise. Is it a spring mattress, a hybrid, or a foam mattress? Notably, all the low-profile beds listed above feature foam construction. However, there are a few hybrids and spring mattresses that qualify as low-profile beds as well.
Also, the different types of mattresses have varied benefits, e.g., innerspring mattresses are more breathable while foam mattresses are better suited for spinal alignment.
As seen above, there are also variations in the types of foam used, with examples such as latex foam, gel-infused memory foam, plain memory foam, and more which have varied benefits as well.
These variations are translated to the covers as well, where we have cotton covers, Tencel covers, and more. Notably, information by The Eco Market Trusted Source Tencel Fabric - What is Tencel? - Find out more here What is Tencel? Tencel is a natural, man made fibre which is also referred to as Lyocell. See the advantages of Tencel fabric. Caring for your Tencel www.the-eco-market.com asserts that Tencel is one of the most sustainably made pieces of fabric in the market with some extra benefits, e.g., it’s durable and anti-bacterial.
Ultimately, it’s essential to have enough information about the attributes of your thin mattress selection in terms of the type and composition before you make the purchase.
Firmness preferences vary widely depending on the person using the bed. They may be affected by the size and weight of the user and their preferred sleeping position.
The general rule is that back, and stomach sleepers are more comfortable with medium-firm to firm beds. Conversely, side sleepers should go for medium-soft to medium-firm.
However, the firmness selection depends entirely on the individual, and you’re more likely to know which option you prefer. If you’d rather sleep on a firm bed, options like the LINENSPA 5 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress are your best bet.
The dimensions of your mattress also need to be in line with the dimensions of your bed frame. For instance, you can’t buy the Signature Sleep Memoir Memory Foam Mattress for a Cal King frame since there are no versions of the bed that can match it. However, it should work fine for Twin, Full, Queen, King, and Twin XL frames.
Notably, sharing a bed with a partner can also affect the quality of your sleep, especially when one or both of you toss and turn all night. If there is motion transfer, it could be enough to disrupt the other person’s sleep cycle. This is especially true for light sleepers. However, with a mattress that limits motion transference, both parties can get a good night of sleep.
Another consideration is the ease of maintenance. For instance, removing a mattress cover for washing can help you keep the mattress clean for longer. However, for beds like the Signature Sleep Memoir, the cover is non-removable, meaning that buying a mattress cover may be necessary. If you don’t, keeping the mattress clean could be a tall order.
Certifications are essential for determining the quality of a low-profile bed. They could also help you determine whether your purchase is in line with your values. One example of a certified thin mattress is the Plushbeds The Natural Bliss Latex Mattress, which comes with a GOTS certification.
According to the Organic Trade Association Trusted Source Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) | OTA The aim of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is to define requirements to ensure organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labeling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer. GOTS is recognized as the world’s leading processing standard for textiles made ota.com , GOTS is the world’s top processing standard where textiles made from organic raw materials and fibers are concerned. Consequently, such a certification should put the bed ahead of the pack for people who prefer organic products. Other possible certifications you could come across when shopping for thin mattresses include CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold, among others.
You also want a mattress that you can afford, so looking at the price is always important. Luckily, the prices for thin mattresses are varied, and you can find one that works just for you. There are $1000+ options while others cost less than $100.
While pricier options tend to have better features and construction, they’re not always the best value for money. As such, you can’t just pick the most expensive option and call it a day. You need to be sure of the figure you’re willing to spend and what features are realistic for your budget.
Finally, there’s the issue of the warranty and sleep trial. Ideally, you should get the best terms available. This is where something like the lifetime warranty of the Nolah Original 10-Inch Mattress comes in. However, sometimes a favorable warranty or sleep trial may come at the cost of something else in the mattress, so you need to be careful.
Some of our favorite thin mattresses from the list above are the LINENSPA 5 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Plushbeds The Natural Bliss Latex Mattress, and the Nolah Original 10-Inch Mattress, and it’s easy to see why. The LINENSPA 5-inch mattress, as we highlighted above, fits the description of a thin mattress perfectly. Additionally, it’s affordable and seems to tick the right boxes for what you expect in such a mattress.
With the multiple certifications, the quality of the Plushbeds The Natural Bliss Latex Mattress is guaranteed even before the purchase, and it’s hypoallergenic to boot. As for the Nolah, it’s hard to argue against the warranty provided. The cover used is also perfect for sensitive skin.
That said, even with our top three favorites highlighted, the decision on which low-profile bed to buy will ultimately fall to you. However, we’re confident that choosing the best thin mattress will be a cakewalk if you utilize the information above.