Best Thin Mattresses in 2021 – From 5 Inches to 8 Inches
Getting a good night’s rest does not always mean you need a massively thick mattress, sometimes a thin mattress can do the job just as well. There are many reasons why people opt to purchase a thin mattress instead of a usual thick one and most of the time a thin mattress would help your body achieve the sleep preference you needed without even realizing it.
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As with any sleep-related products, it is always best to do thorough research first before finalizing on a purchase and you should find out more about the functions and benefits of using a thin mattress before considering a purchase.
What Is A Thin Mattress?
The standard sizing for a thin mattress is a thickness of 5 to 9 inches; the mattress may be made with any of the normal materials as another standard mattress. Generally thin mattresses are recommended to sleepers who thinner, this is due to less amount of support needed for a thinner body as compared to a heavier one.
A thin mattress should also have varying degrees of firmness as it is similar to a standard mattress in all aspects except in thickness. You should be able to choose firmness levels ranging from soft to very firm unless the manufacturer has only one or two firmness settings for that particular mattress.
Reasons To Purchase A Thin Mattress
A thin mattress may have multiple of repurposing options as it can be used for more than just a main sleeping mattress. Unlike standard mattresses which can be extremely heavy, a thin mattress can be easily moved about and repurposed with minimal hassle.
Save Space
You can save so much money on transportation costs when purchasing or moving a thin mattress, they are so light and easily managed you would probably only need your car to move it around.
A thin mattress also can easily be folded and fit into a closet if you are living in a small space and need all the room you can get; this is also a great choice of mattress to have if you are bunking in with friends or family. If your priority is to save space, I would highly recommend that you look at the best foldable mattresses. The best foldable mattresses are often really thin to allow the users to fold them.
A thin mattress also can be an excellent spare mattress in case you have guests over, you would not have to worry about sharing beds since you can provide other alternate sleeping options. If you have kids, a thin mattress also can be used as a nap time mattress and can be easily put away when not in use.
Bunk Beds
Thin mattresses are great for bunk beds, you can make the most of the space you can get on a bunk bed with a thin mattress. Due to the options available in the sleep industry now for thin mattresses, you may also find a very comfortable mattress that suits your sleeping needs to make your bunk bed extremely comfortable.
Height is a big consideration factor when it comes to bunk beds so the thinner the mattress you use on a bunk bed to more save you get to move around without hitting your head against the top section of the bunk.
Temperature
Thin mattresses have great breathability due to its thinness, it has lesser materials and layers so the airflow is better to cool down the sleeper. This sort of mattress is nice to use in hot climates or when summer comes around; the extra breathability of the mattress will encourage you to sleep better if you tend to overheat easily at night and you do not have to spend a ton of cash to purchase a high-end mattress to stay cool as thin mattress can be a budgeted option to do the job.
Benefits Of Using A Thin Mattress
Most users do not realize that there are benefits to using a thin mattress because most popular mattresses that are being marketed are standard thicker versions. There are good uses for thin mattresses too and you may be surprised at how comfortable a good thin mattress can be.
Support And Pain Relief
Proper oxygen intake is important for a good night’s rest and your body should be in an optimal and comfortable position to breathe well; this factor fully relies on the support that the mattress provides. Adequate oxygen intake is crucial for the body to release stress, balance hormones and improve the overall blood circulation of the body; this is key for your body to rejuvenate and heal while sleeping.
A thin mattress can provide good support and help with realigning the spine to ensure your body sleeps in a more comfortable position. When the spine is realigned, issues like back, neck and shoulder pain can be resolved as the lower lumbar area is supported in a proper position with a thin mattress. A thinner mattress also may encourage the natural spine curvature and this indirectly helps the body to position itself in a more natural sleeping position which helps the lungs to breathe in more oxygen.
Motion Isolation
There are light sleepers who are sensitive to motion when in bed, this can easily wake them up from deep sleep. A thin mattress has excellent motion isolation properties and you can be ensured that there will be almost no motion transfer with this type of mattress. Generally a memory foam mattress has better motion isolation compared to other materials but a normal standard thin mattress with solid support should be good enough to cancel out any motion transfer so you can sleep easily without experiencing any disturbance of movement from your partner.
Multiple Uses
A thin mattress can be repurposed and used for more than just a main sleeping mattress; it can be used in an RV, on a boat or stored for guests. Thin mattresses are also great for kids, you can easily move it to a playroom or the living area for a child to nap or play on. This also works well for elderly folk who want to change their sleeping arrangements, a thin mattress does not require much strength to move or carry so older people can have the convenience of moving the mattress on their own.
Factors To Look For When Purchasing A Thin Mattress
When purchasing any sort of mattress there are important variables to look for so you can get the best product to suit your preferences and needs. The same goes for thin mattresses, there are a few features that are worth looking into before confirming your purchase to ensure you get a mattress that is both comfortable and functional for you.
Materials
Thin mattresses are made with similar comfort materials like other standard mattresses; memory foam, latex and innerspring coils are three standard material used in the current mattress market. You may also opt to use either a full standard mattress that has only one type of comfort material or you can also choose to use a hybrid mattress where there are two materials combined to provide added comfort and support. This choice of comfort materials generally varies from user to user as it is a personal preference and there is no right or wrong choice.
Durability
Thin mattresses are surprisingly durable like standard thick mattresses, they have good breathability properties so the constant airflow will ensure that the mattress does not have build-up of dust mites, bacteria and allergens. Try to purchase mattresses that have been certified to be hypoallergenic as the longer the mattress can stay resistant to such harmful growths the longer you can use the thin mattresses. The comfort layers that are being manufactured today are of good quality so generally a thin mattress should be able to last as long as its average lifespan provided it is taken care of.
Our Top Picks For Best Thin Mattresses In 2019
Here is a list of our top picks for best thin mattresses for 2019.
1. LUCID’s 8″ Memory Foam Mattress
LUCID is an online bedding retailer that predominately focuses on providing comfortable and affordable sleep solutions for their customers. They believe in offering customizable mattress options as no one user has the same sort of sleep preference so their range of mattresses varies from memory foam, latex and hybrids that have different firmness levels to cater to almost all sorts of sleepers.
The LUCID 8-inch memory foam mattress is a thin mattress that comes with good comfort layers that cater to providing the best support possible while being durable. If you are searching for a thin mattress that has more than adequate support functions to remedy lower back, neck or shoulder pain then this is a good thin mattress to consider; LUCID has designed this product in a way that it provides great pressure relief while having all the benefits of a thin mattress.
The LUCID 8-inch memory foam mattress comes covered in premium Tencel™ lyocell blend mattress cover; this highly soft and breathable mattress cover is made from wood cellulose and it is extremely durable and soft-to-touch. This special mattress cover provides the thin mattress with a classy and luxurious feel while being functional and allowing a good amount of airflow into the thin mattress. The Tencel™ cover is also eco-friendly and hypoallergenic so it is safe to touch your skin for a prolonged period of time and not harmful to the environment.
The first comfort layer of the mattress is made of specially manufactured gel-infused memory foam; this layer of memory form has great body conforming properties so you can feel the mattress provide a snug feeling towards your body when you lie down. Due to its gel-infusion, this memory foam layer also helps to provide good pain relief to all the pressure points of the body especially towards the neck, shoulders, hips and lower back area. It also has a good response to pressure so you will not feel too much sinkage when you first make contact with the mattress; do note that different body weights might have varying experiences as a heavier user will feel more sinkage than an average-sized user.
The whole thin mattress is then given a 6-inch support base foam to provide an overall comfort layer. This support base provides some plushness to the thin mattress and helps with realigning the spine; this is especially helpful to back sleepers who suffer from lower back pain. LUCID ensures that this mattress has the capability to support sleepers who have large frames; this mattress can be functional for average to large users.
This mattress is rated to be on the medium-firm feel side of firmness hence it is recommended to back, stomach and combo sleepers. Side sleepers might find this mattress to be a little too firm for their liking. The LUCID 8-inch mattress is especially great for students to use in a dormitory due to its high comfort value and its lightness. This mattress also has been certified by CertiPUR-US® which means all the materials used in its making is free from harmful chemicals and it also has low emission rates; this is great if you are sensitive to manufacturing chemicals as this thin mattress will not trigger any adverse reactions.
The queen-sized version of this mattress is priced at $249.99 and it comes with a 10-year warranty; this is a slightly premium price from a thin mattress but it is made of high-quality materials with great functionality and durability.
Memory foam is a material that is popular for bedding and it’s rightly so. Memory foams can help provide you with a good night’s rest by giving you extreme comfort. You can read more about the best memory foam mattresses at our blog too!
2. Modway’s Aveline 8″ Mattress
Modway is a furniture based company that also manufactures bedding products and their Aveline mattress has been a popular customer choice on Amazon due to its pricing and functionality. Many users have complimented the mattress stating that it provides no-hassle comfort and it is quite durable with good functionality.
The Aveline 8-inch is an all memory foam mattress that comes covered in a diamond-patterned stretch knit polyester fabric that has good stretchability and breathability. The mattress cover fits well across the surface of the thin mattress and does not bunch up to make uncomfortable lumps. The diamond-pattern knit cover also gives the mattress a classy look and it is soft-to-touch; this gives the thin mattress a luxurious feel.
The first comfort layer is made of ventilated gel-infused memory foam that provides excellent body contouring and pressure relief. This layer of memory foam is also cooling due to the gel-infusion and work to absorb body heat and flow it out of the mattress to keep you and your partner sleeping cool and comfortable all night long. The comfort layer also features an open-cell structure that enhances the cooling capabilities of the gel so more air can move through the layer and this also helps to filter out unpleasant odors from the mattress. The gel-infused memory foam layer also provides good pressure relief and spine realignment so you can feel pain relief as soon as you lay down on the thin mattress.
The final comfort layer of the mattress is made of a thick layer of responsive memory foam; this layer provides overall support to the whole mattress while evenly distributing weight across its surface. You should feel some pleasant sinkage with this comfort layer as it works to hug the body but it will not constrict your movements; you should be able to change your sleeping positions easily without feeling any restrictions. This mattress is suitable for side, back and combo sleepers; stomach sleepers might find the mattress to provide inadequate comfort towards the hips area.
The motion isolation for the Aveline mattress is good, you should not feel any motion transfer from your partner when sleeping. The high-quality memory foam that is used absorbs motion very well and you can rest easy at night with no motion disturbance. This thin mattress is made with memory foam that has been certified by CertiPUR-US®; no harmful chemicals or toxic materials were used in its manufacturing. The mattress also has low volatile emissions hence it is safe to be used around adults and children alike.
The memory foam used is also hypoallergenic and should cause no allergic reactions to the skin and respiratory system. Overall this is a solid and simple thin memory foam mattress that provides good functionality; the manufacturer also provides a 10-year warranty with the Aveline mattress.
3. Doze by DreamFoam
The Doze mattress by DreamFoam is a sleeping product that is part of their Slumber Essential series that comes in a variety of thicknesses. The thin mattress version of the Doze is made at 7-inches with good features and functionality.
The Doze mattress has a very simple and straightforward construction, its primary function is to provide adequate support and comfort to the sleeper. The thin mattress of 7-inches is recommended more for side, back and combo sleepers as the memory foam material is great for spine realignment and pressure relief. The Doze mattress comes covered in a quilted foam top that has an intricate diamond pattern; it provides a nice aesthetic look and the mattress is suitably covered with a breathable fabric to encourage airflow.
The Doze is made of 6.25 inches of high-density convoluted base memory foam that is designed to support the entirely of the thin mattress with adequate conformity and comfort. You may feel slight sinkage as the memory foam hugs your body to provide pressure relief; this mattress’s base support also has superior airflow technology and its breathability can help to cool off any excess body heat so you can sleep in comfort.
The mattress uses CertiPUR-US® certified foam so you can assured that the materials do not contain any harmful chemicals and the thin mattress itself should not emit any harmful gasses so it can be safe for long-term usage. This mattress is also hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites and other allergens.
The Doze thin mattress has overall good functionality and it is quite durable; it is easy to handle and light so it is also suitable for kids and the elderly. The 7-inch queen-sized version of this mattress is priced at $174.99 which is quite reasonable and it also comes with a 10-year warranty from the manufacturer.
4. Linenspa’s 5″ Memory Foam Mattress
Linenspa is a mattress manufacturer that made its mark producing budget-friendly mattresses that have good functionality and value for money. This company is one of the biggest online retailers of mattresses and they are a strong customer base who prefer the no-hassle and no-fuss range of sleeping products they offer.
This thin mattress measures at 5-inches of thickness and it comes covered with a polyester and viscose blended fabric; the cover is designed to be very soft and breathable. The polyester in the fabric helps the cover to be stretchable and flexible so it can cover the surface of the mattress comfortably without being too tight; the viscose material is added to ensure the airflow of the mattress cover is enhanced so the fabric does not trap heat into the comfort layers beneath it and this also helps you to sleep cool through the night.
The first comfort layer is made of 1-inch of gel-infused memory foam that is made to provide good body conformity and support especially to the pressure points of the shoulders, neck and lower lumbar area. This gel-infused memory foam also has good cooling capabilities as the gel helps to cool down the foam and transmits the heat out of the memory foam layers. If you overheat while sleeping or if you live in a hot climate then this cooling feature can be very helpful to keep you temperature neutral while resting.
After the first layer there is the second layer of support base memory foam, 4-inches of high-density base foam that is added to provide overall support and some softness to the thin mattress. This support layer helps to provide some pleasant sinkage to your body so you can feel added conformity without feeling too much sinkage; this experience might defer for a heavier user. The overall feeling of firmness of this mattress is rated to be a firm feel; this is great for back and stomach sleepers but side sleepers might find it too firm for their pressure points.
All the memory foam used for this Linenspa memory foam mattress has been certified by CertiPUR-US®, there are harmful manufacturing chemicals used in its making and it also has a low volatile emissions rate so the memory foam does not release any harmful gasses. This mattress is also hypoallergenic so it should not trigger any allergic reactions if you have sensitive skin or prone to asthma. Linenspa recommends spot cleaning the mattress cover with mild detergent if you need to remove any stains and to avoid using high-heat items like hair dryers on the mattress as this might compromise the durability of the memory foam.
This mattress is priced at $159.99 for queen-sized version and it also comes with a 10-year warranty. The manufacturer does not provide any sleep trial for this mattress so you do not have a return policy attached with the product. Overall, this is a good product to consider for a kids bedroom or as a guestroom mattress as it has good functionality and is quite durable with its good quality materials.
5. Olee Sleep 8″ Memory Foam Mattress
Olee Sleep is a popular online mattress retails with a good repertoire of products and high customer ratings; they do have a good variety of mattresses to choose from. Their thin 8-inch memory foam mattress is a solid thin mattress with good functionality and durability. This all-foam mattress comes with a polyester jacquard cover that stretches well across the surface of the mattress with no creasing and extra fabric that might cause lumps.
The first comfort layer is made from Olee Sleep’s Dura memory foam that is specially engineered to provide superior body conforming properties; there is good pressure relief to be received from this comfort layer and your pressure points like shoulders and lower back will benefit from the support and plushness of the Dura memory foam. The support base of the thin mattress is made of high-density foam that provides adequate sinkage to your body while supporting it enough to not sink too deep.
This thin Olee Sleep mattress has adequate breathability features and there is good airflow for the mattress to dissipate heat away from the memory foam. Overall, this is a simple, functional thin mattress that is reasonably priced and it also comes with a 10-year warranty from the manufacturer.
6. Zinus’s 6″ Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
Zinus’s famous green tea memory mattress is a customer favorite due to its reliability and reasonable pricing and this mattress comes in various thicknesses. This green tea infused mattress is one of the company’s highly sought after sleep products and it is constantly out-of-stock. If you are looking for a unique thin mattress that does slightly more than provide comfort then perhaps the Zinus Green Tea memory foam mattress is worth your consideration.
This all memory foam mattress comes covered with a knitted jacquard cover that gives the mattress a comfortable and classy feel; it is extremely soft to touch and covers the surface of the mattress well. The polyester of the fabric also has adequate breathability and does not trap heat; there is good airflow which is important for as a memory foam mattress tends to overheat easily.
The first comfort layer of the thin mattress is made of 1-inch memory foam that has been infused with all-natural green tea extract. Zinus uses green tea extract in their mattress to act as a natural deodorizer and as an anti-oxidant; this helps the mattress to eliminate unpleasant odors and maintain a certain air of freshness around it. This can help you sleep and wake up fresher since the green tea is resistant to bacteria and filters unpleasant smelling air away from it.
As an added bonus, Zinus has also infused activated charcoal into the memory foam; charcoal is commonly used to cleanse unpleasant odors and it also has excellent moisture-wicking properties which can help the thin mattress to absorb sweat easily and yet not develop any unpleasant odors after prolonged use.
After the first comfort layer, the base of the whole mattress is supported with 5-inches of high-density memory foam that focuses fully on pressure relief; this foam base helps to enhance the thin mattress’s ability to help you fall asleep easily by relieving pain at crucial pressure points like the neck, shoulders, hips and back. This pressure relief memory foam also focuses on relieving joint pain; this can be helpful to the elderly or sufferers of arthritis who experience joint pain.
This mattress has a firmness level of 6.6 so it can be classified as medium-firm, this firmness is ideal for back, stomach and combo sleepers; this memory foam mattress might be too firm for side sleepers. Side sleepers usually require more plushness in their mattress and since this thin mattress is solid and durable it is better suited for back and stomach sleepers.
The Zinus Green Tea memory foam thin mattress is priced at $156 for its 6-inch queen-sized version, it also comes with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty; this is a pretty good deal for a thin mattress. This thin mattress has good durability, high-quality materials and odor eliminating properties that can make it long-lasting and a pleasant mattress to use throughout its lifespan.
7. Best Price’s 8″ Memory Foam Mattress
Best Price is a bedding manufacturing company primarily manufacturers bedding items for a wide variety of customers that prefer budget to mid-range products. Their 8-inch thin mattress is quite a reasonable option for a thin mattress due to its make and pricing. This all memory foam mattress is made of two comfort layers which are quite standard to have for a thin mattress.
This thin mattress comes with a polyester mattress cover that can be zipped off for washing; this is a good feature to have on any mattress as most users prefer to wash their mattress covers to care for its hygiene and overall cleanliness.
The first comfort layer of the Best Price 8-inch mattress is made of 2-inches of memory foam that provides good pressure relief and some body conforming properties; the first layer helps your body to get comfortable and sink into the memory foam a little so there is a snug-like feeling to help you body relax. This would help you to ease pressure points like the neck and shoulders while the mattress tries to also help your body to realign the spine and lower back area.
The initial comfort layer also has adequate airflow properties so you will not feel overheated when you lie down in bed; this helps your body to not overheat which is important avoid as a memory foam mattress can retain heat if the airflow is not provided properly. This memory foam layer is also ultra-soft and adds plushness to the thin mattress so side sleepers can feel comfortable too; the plushness is also important to help your body relax on a whole and not stay rigid on the mattress.
The support base of the mattress is made from 4-inches of high-density foam to boost the top comfort layer and distribute your weight evenly across the mattress. This layer also has a good response to pressure so it does not let your body sink all the way to the bottom of the mattress; too much sinkage will be uncomfortable as you will feel trapped and constricted by the bed. It is also important to note that a heavy user will feel more sinkage, especially in a thin mattress due to the lesser number of comfort layers in the mattress as compared to a standard mattress of more than 10-inches in thickness.
All the memory foam used in this thin mattress has been CertiPUR-US® certified so there are no harmful chemicals like formaldehyde used in its manufacturing; there should be also no harmful emissions from the memory foam. If you are sensitive and prone to allergies then rest assured that this thin mattress is hypoallergenic and should not trigger any skin or breathing-related problems.
This 8-inch thin mattress from Best Price is priced at $139.99 although there is no return policy or warranty attached to it; this is a moderately adequate mattress that delivers the basic functionality of a memory foam mattress. It can be a good addition to an RV, boat or a spare guestroom.
8. Classic Brand’s Cool Gel 8″ Mattress
Classic Brands is a mattress manufacturer that predominately markets products online, they have a good customer base on Amazon and most of their mattresses have good user ratings and reviews. Their Cool Gel mattress is an 8-inch mattress that has good features and is reasonably priced for a thin mattress.
This all memory foam mattress comes covered in a polyester fabric that is stretchable and simple; it covers the mattress with good stretchability and is not loose to cause any lumps around the mattress. It also has adequate breathability to allow airflow to cool the mattress and filter out any excess heat from the surface of the mattress and it has a soft-to-touch feel.
The first comfort layer is made of ventilated cool gel-infused memory foam, this layer gives off good body contouring and has excellent cooling properties to keep your temperature regulated and neutral when you sleep on this thin mattress. The comfort layer also gives off good pain relief by providing pressure relief to the neck, shoulders, hips and lower back. This cooling layer also has a level plushness to give you some softness to comfort your tired body and provide some snug-like sinkage so you can naturally relax on the mattress.
This self-cooling comfort layer absorbs and flows body heat out of the mattress easily so the chances of you overheating on the mattress is low due to the gel infusion. The cooling effect can ease muscles and soothe overheating sleepers; this is especially helpful to pregnant women or if you live in a hot climate that is humid.
The support base layer of the Cool Gel mattress is made of high-density foam that provides a boost to the upper gel-infused comfort layer; this support layer gives good support to the whole body and has good weight distribution. It also gives off a cloud-like comfort feeling when you lie down and the support layer helps to realign the spine for better posture and breathing during the night. This thin mattress is quite flexible and can used on an adjustable bed frame with no damage to the memory foam layers in it.
This thin mattress has a medium-firm feel to it and it is suitable to back stomach and side sleepers; side sleepers might prefer a thin mattress that is plusher. The Cool Gel memory mattress has good support and the memory layers in it possess a moderate response to pressure so you will feel adequate sinkage; there should not be too much restriction to move or change sleeping positions in bed. The mattress also has good motion isolation due to the good memory foam used; you should not feel any motion transfer from your sleeping partner moving in bed.
All the memory foam and materials used in the Classic Brands Cool Gel thin mattress is CertiPUR-US® certified, there are no harmful chemical used in its creation and there should no harmful gas emissions so it is safe for prolonged use. This reasonable thin mattress comes with 100-night trial and the manufacturer accepts returns for any reasons within the trial period.
Should You Consider Purchasing A Thin Mattress?
A thin mattress is a good addition to have to a home due to its versatility; it can be used in so many parts of a home and almost anyone can get good functionality from it.
This type of mattress is great for health and economic reasons and you do not need to break your wallet to get a reasonably good thin mattress. Also, there are other types of mattresses that are common in the market as well. All of them have different qualities such as the memory foam mattress, gel mattress or even those made with pillow tops.
If you have space issues and need a portable mattress that does not take much effort to move and store then a thin mattress can be perfect for you.
In short, you do not have to spend a fortune to get a comfortable, supportive and functional thin mattress than can last long if it is cared for. It is best to narrow down your preferences and why you need the thin mattress so you can make the best purchasing choice within your budget. A thin mattress can last for a good decade so it is a long term investment especially when some manufacturers offer 10-year warranties.
About the Author Jessica Larsen
I am a big advocate that having great sleep is something everyone deserves. With over 10 years of experience in this field, I would love to use this platform as a means to help you achieve a good night's sleep.
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