Thin mattresses are the preferred mattress type for many sleepers. They offer several substantial benefits and are cheaper too, often making them the better choice if you don’t need the extra cushioning.
If you prefer the feel of a thinner mattress or need one with a shallower depth to fit into an existing bed frame, there are several mattresses in this category that are worth buying. We’ve tested the best thin mattresses available and sorted them by type. You just need to pick the one that meets your requirements.
Our Top Pick - Signature Sleep Mattress
A well-priced hybrid mattress that performs well.
Best Thin Mattress In 2024
Signature Sleep Contour Hybrid Mattress – Best Overall
Our top pick is Signature Sleepers fantastic 8 inch hybrid mattress.
This flippable mattress utilizes a high-quality series of encased spring coils within its core. This provides exceptional support and will keep your body well aligned during sleep. The secondary benefit of this design is to reduce motion transfer for a more peaceful sleep.
Dense support foam is included on both sides of the mattress which enhances the properties of the spring core by providing additional support while remaining comfortable.
As you can see, memory foam is omitted but Signature Sleep instead uses a layer of comfort foam which increases compliance and ensures the mattress never feels hard. This comfort foam also provides pressure relief making this firm mattress ideal for all sleeping types and positions.
We love this mattress as it provides an excellent combination of affordability and performance. We’ve declared the Signature Sleep Contour Hybrid the best thin mattress you can buy.
Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress – Best Thin Hybrid Option
Linenspa excel at producing high-quality budget mattresses and this one is very good.
It’s much simpler than our winner but still performs highly. The innerspring system utilizes a bed of Bonnell coils which provide adequate support across the length and width of the mattress.
On top is a layer of memory foam which provides a comfortable but supportive sleeping surface that works well to isolate motion transfer and provide pressure relief for the shoulder area.
Because the foam layer is relatively thin this mattress is marketed as medium-firm, which in our experience is suitable for almost every sleeper.
The Linenspa is breathable and well ventilated due to the open coil construction and will keep you cooler for longer at night, completed by a cozy knit cover.
Perfect for those on a budget and comes with a 10 year warranty.
Best Price Memory Foam Mattress – Best Thin Memory Foam Option
Best Price’s offering is the one to go for if you must have an all foam mattress.
Through the use of 3 separate foam layers, Best Price have managed to produce a ‘medium’ mattress that provides enough body support while still being breathable and comfortable.
This has been achieved by using a dense foam base, a ventilated foam layer in the middle and a layer of memory foam on top. Each layer works in perfect harmony to relieve pressure and ensure your spine remains in the optimal position.
Unlike many memory foam beds, this one is cool and breathes well thanks to a specially designed ventilated foam middle section. This feature negates one of the biggest downsides to memory foam and makes this mattress a good option if you sleep warm at night.
The rich-poly jacquard cover is soft to the touch and offers a luxurious feel, completing what is a superb thin memory foam mattress.
A 10 year warranty is provided should any defects arise during your ownership.
Modway Aveline Gel Memory Foam Mattress – Best Cooling Option
Modway Aveline’s offering is designed to provide the coolest of sleeps.
It utilizes gel infused memory foam as the top layer which is ventilated through an open cell design. Hot sleepers will benefit the most from this technology as well as those living in warmer climates who struggle during the summer.
The second focus is superior pressure relief as this mattress is designed to soothe your neck, back and shoulders by keeping your spine in alignment. This extends further to your lower back and hips and should reduce backpain.
We found the responsive but firm foam base to provide adequate support, working well in combination with the top layer to provide a ‘medium’ sleeping surface. Finished in a removable stretch knit cover.
Great for warm sleepers and comes with a 10 year warranty.
Sleep Innovations Memory Foam Mattress – Best Thin Firm Option
Sleep Innovations have produced a thin mattress that should be firm enough for most.
Constructed from 3 layers of foam, this mattress is designed to support and cradle your body while remaining firm and limiting motion transfer. This is achieved by a high-quality dense foam support layer which sits underneath two softer layers of channelled foam and memory foam.
Pressure relief is provided for side sleepers while the sleeping surface remains taught enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers.
The mattress cools well due to the gel infusion used for the top layer, which makes this one the perfect choice for warm sleepers who need a firm mattress and prefer the feeling of memory foam.
Made in the USA and supplied with a 10 year warranty against premature failure and defects.
Thin Mattress Buyer’s Guide
Thin mattresses are becoming increasingly popular. Thick mattresses have always been seen as the better choice and have become somewhat trendy, but there are many advocates for the thin mattress who are changing consumer perceptions.
This guide will tell you what you can expect from a performance point of view and whether a skinny mattress might be the better choice for you and your bed.
What Is A Thin Mattress?
A thin mattress is categorized as being between 5 and 8 inches thick. When you consider that some mattresses reach a depth of 16 inches, you can see just how much of a difference there is between sizes.
There are thinner products available, but this is the thinnest category usually recommended for a conventional bed.
Important Points to Consider
Mattress Type
The two most common types of mattress in this category are spring filled and memory foam. Most people will have a preference for one or the other so choose on that basis.
Thin latex mattresses are also available but will cost slightly more than other types.
It is possible to buy a thin mattress that is marketed as being anywhere between extra plush and extra firm, whether you choose innersprings or memory foam.
Mattress Size
Every size between a twin all the way through to a California King is available in this category. Twin, double / full, thin queen mattresses and king thin mattresses will all vary slightly in price. A thin twin mattress will often be cheapest.
If you’re replacing an old mattress, you’ll need to match the existing size to ensure it fits your bed frame.
If this is a new bed, you are free to buy the size that best meets your requirements.
Your Bodyweight
Heavier people need firmer mattresses. If you weigh more than 200 lbs, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re buying a mattress that is rated as at least a ‘medium’ on the firmness scale. Some mattress brands even produce mattresses for heavy people.
If you’re lighter than average a slightly softer mattress is ideal, so look for a ‘plush’ to ‘medium’ firm mattress. If you find your new thin mattress to be too firm, a mattress topper will provide more comfort without adding too much additional height.
Thin Mattress Benefits
The best low profile mattresses offer a range of benefits and some of them might apply to you depending on your intended usage.
Space Saving
One of the biggest reasons to buy a thin mattress is due to limited space. Some pieces of furniture such as futons and sofa beds only allow you to install a thin mattress due to the lack of space within their design. Bunk beds also often present limitations in mattress thickness.
Similarly, smaller camper vans and RVs often lack vertical space which can make a thin bed more suitable. Thinner beds are always lighter too, so if you plan to relocate it often, this is another reason to go thinner.
If you’re limited in space but still require a comfortable mattress, your best option is a thin one. They’re also suitable as mattresses for RVs, mattresses for futons and sofa bed mattresses.
Cost-Effective
The larger the mattress the more it is likely to cost. If you’re on a budget, it is possible to buy a thin mattress of good quality which isn’t going to break the bank.
You will be able to find cheap memory foam and innerspring mattresses in this category, providing you with plenty of choice. A budget of $200 is more than enough money to buy a thin mattress and should allow you to pick up a thin queen size and maybe a king size depending on the brand.
Better Sleep Temperature
Thick mattresses retain significant amounts of heat, especially if they’re made from memory foam. Thin mattresses are much better at dissipating heat due to being lighter and including less material.
Studies show that a cooler sleeping environment improves the quality of sleep you receive and promotes better blood circulation. The idea being that you’ll feel more rested when you wake up.
Thin mattresses are therefore perfect for warm sleepers and those who live in warmer climates. If you’re tired of waking up sweating, we recommend a thin mattress.
Better Motion Isolation
Thick mattresses of lesser quality can cause motion transfer when moving around. This can disrupt the sleep of the person you sleep next to and become uncomfortable if you usually toss and turn throughout the night.
A thin memory foam or latex mattress will limit this as they’re capable of isolating motion transfer and ensuring you remain in place while you sleep.
Easier to Use & Safer
Shorter people often struggle to climb onto and off taller beds. Older people can also have trouble accessing their bed if its too tall or high relative to the floor. And if you have children, a taller mattress can increase the height they fall from if they fall out of bed overnight.
If you suffer from poor mobility or struggle to climb onto a taller bed, we recommend trying a thin mattress in combination with a short bed frame.
Are There Any Health Benefits to A Thin Mattress?
The main purpose of any mattress is to ensure that your body is properly supported when sleeping. Some mattresses will perform this task better than others, but thin ones do the job very well.
Improved General Health
Its important that we receive enough oxygen when we sleep. This means that our lungs need to be able to expand fully so they can carry oxygenated blood around the body.
People tend to sink into thick mattresses which may sound comfortable but can place the torso into a poorly aligned position and prevent proper breathing.
A firm thin mattress will prevent this and ensure that you can breathe unobstructed. You will notice a significant difference if you usually sleep on your stomach or sleep on your back. Combo sleepers can also benefit from a thin mattress.
Improved Spinal Alignment
Back pain when sleeping is often the result of poor spinal alignment. This occurs when a mattress is providing inadequate support, causing your body to lie unnaturally while you sleep.
A thin mattress that is firm will keep your shoulders and hips in alignment which should provide relief from back pain and other sleep related aches over time.
Increased Sleep Duration & Quality
The more sleep you receive and the higher quality it is, the better you will feel and the healthier you will be. Restlessness and waking frequently will disrupt sleep rhythms and prevent you from entering a deep, restful sleep.
A thin mattress is designed to keep you sleeping for longer and will ensure your sleep is of a better quality. This is down to improved breathability, a cooler sleeping surface and less sinking into the mattress.
Caring for and Maintaining a Thin Bed
A thinner and lighter mattress is far easier to care for. Keep it in good condition by following these tips:
- If you buy a mattress with a removable cover, you’ll be able to take it off for cleaning whether in the washer or by hand. Be sure to allow the fabric cover to dry properly.
- Consider using a mattress protector to prevent liquids and stains from damaging the mattress.
- It’s a good idea to flip your mattress over every month if its double sided. A lighter mattress will make this task much easier. Flipping your mattress regularly will increase its lifespan and prevent premature wear and tear.
Final Verdict
Thicker doesn’t always mean better when it comes to beds. If we’ve sold you on the benefits, we’re certain that your new thin mattress will provide you with the support and comfort you need without the sinkage that often accompanies thick beds.
Whether you prefer coil springs or memory foam, there is a thin mattress for everyone. The products tested here are some of the best thin mattresses available and will provide a comfortable, restful sleep for years.
