Best Thickness For Memory Foam Mattress: 12 vs 14 Inch Compared

The best thickness for a memory foam mattress depends on your body, sleep position, bed frame, and how much cushioning you want. For many adults, a 10- to 12-inch mattress is a practical starting point; a thicker model can add comfort layers, but extra inches alone do not guarantee better support. The five options below range from 12 to 14 inches, so you can compare their designs and choose a profile that fits your needs.

Quick Comparison

Our Picks: Best Thickness For Memory Foam Mattress reviews

Grbsy 14-Inch Queen Mattress: A Thicker Pick for Added Cushioning

This 14-inch queen mattress is the thickest option in this group. Its four-layer design includes cooling gel and copper foam, an adaptive layer, and a high-density base. The manufacturer describes its feel as medium-firm and says its seven-zone design is intended to respond differently to pressure across areas such as the shoulders, hips, and lower back.

The extra height may appeal if you want a more substantial mattress profile or prefer more cushioning than a basic foam build provides. Its open-cell foam, cooling gel, copper foam, and breathable side mesh are intended to encourage airflow. These features may be worth considering if you tend to sleep warm, though mattress temperature can also depend on bedding and room conditions.

At 14 inches, this mattress will sit higher than the 12-inch choices, so check your frame and fitted-sheet depth before ordering. The thicker profile also does not automatically mean stronger support: the base, layer design, and how the mattress feels under your body matter too. Compared with the other options here, it offers the most height and a more elaborate layer design, but it may not suit shoppers who want a lower bed.

• Pros: 14-inch profile with a four-layer construction
• Pros: Seven-zone support design and medium-firm feel
• Pros: Multiple airflow and cooling features are built into the design
• Cons: Its added height may require deeper fitted sheets and a lower frame
• Cons: More thickness does not guarantee a better fit for every sleeper

Verdict: Choose the Grbsy if you specifically want a taller mattress with extra cushioning layers, and confirm that its height works with your bed setup.

Novilla Bliss 12-Inch Queen Mattress: A Balanced Everyday Profile

The Novilla Bliss uses a three-layer foam design in a 12-inch profile. NanoGel memory foam contours to the body, while the other layers are intended to spread weight and provide support. The product is described as a balanced option for pressure relief and spinal alignment, with a soft knitted cover and reinforced edge support.

A 12-inch height is a common middle ground: it gives you a substantial foam mattress without the extra height of the 14-inch Grbsy. The construction also aims to limit motion transfer, which can be useful if a partner moves during the night. CertiPUR-US-certified foam is listed, and the mattress arrives compressed in a box; the product information recommends allowing up to 72 hours for it to regain its shape.

The listed 100-day trial and 10-year protection may help you evaluate the fit, but check the seller’s current terms for details. This mattress is a sensible option if you want a mid-height profile with cooling and edge-support features. If your priority is the thickest feel or a more specialized cooling design, the Grbsy or another pick may be a closer match.

• Pros: Practical 12-inch profile with three foam layers
• Pros: NanoGel foam and a breathable knitted cover
• Pros: Reinforced edge support and motion-absorbing construction
• Cons: The 12-inch height may feel less substantial than a 14-inch mattress
• Cons: Full expansion may take up to 72 hours

Verdict: The Novilla Bliss is a good fit if you want a versatile 12-inch mattress with a balanced design rather than a particularly tall profile.

Novilla 12-Inch Queen Mattress: Cooling Details and Motion Absorption

This 12-inch Novilla mattress has three foam layers, including gel memory foam and high-density support foam. The company highlights added NanoGel, a breathable knitted cover, and foam layers designed to absorb movement and vibration. Together, these details make it a straightforward middle-thickness choice for shoppers who want pressure cushioning without moving up to a taller mattress.

Its profile is similar to the Novilla Bliss, but this model puts particular emphasis on cooling and moisture management. The supplied product information also lists CertiPUR-US-certified foam and an OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified cover. It arrives compressed in a box, and the manufacturer recommends giving it about 72 hours to air out and reshape.

Cooling features can help with comfort, but they are not a guarantee that every sleeper will stay cool. As with other foam mattresses, consider your usual sleep temperature and bedding. This model could suit couples who want motion absorption and a moderate height; shoppers who want reinforced edge support explicitly called out may prefer the Bliss instead.

• Pros: 12-inch profile with a three-layer foam design
• Pros: NanoGel foam and a breathable knitted cover
• Pros: Designed to absorb movement and vibration
• Cons: The manufacturer recommends allowing time for airing and expansion
• Cons: Cooling performance can vary with bedding and personal comfort needs

Verdict: Consider this Novilla if you want a conventional 12-inch foam mattress with cooling details and motion absorption.

FATHOM Medium 12-Inch Queen Mattress: A Practical Choice for Couples

The FATHOM is a 12-inch memory foam mattress with a medium feel. Its AeroFusion gel memory foam is designed to contour to your body while allowing heat to dissipate. The product description also emphasizes motion isolation, which may help reduce the feeling of movement traveling across the bed when a partner shifts position.

One distinctive detail is the zippered cover, described as removable for cleaning. The manufacturer says the cover is fiberglass-free and lists CertiPUR-US-certified foam and an Oeko-Tex-certified fabric. Those material details may be useful if you are comparing construction and care features, but check the product instructions before removing or cleaning the cover.

At 12 inches, it sits in the same practical range as the two Novilla models. It may suit couples who want a medium feel and a cover designed for easier care. If you want a higher mattress with more comfort layers, the 14-inch Grbsy is the taller alternative; if you prefer a simpler profile, the FATHOM keeps to a familiar 12-inch height.

• Pros: Medium feel in a 12-inch profile
• Pros: Gel foam designed for contouring and heat dissipation
• Pros: Motion isolation and a zippered removable cover
• Cons: Instructions should be checked before removing or cleaning the cover
• Cons: Shoppers seeking a taller mattress may prefer a thicker option

Verdict: Pick the FATHOM if a medium 12-inch mattress, motion isolation, and a removable cover are priorities for your household.

Zinus Cooling Essential 12-Inch Queen Mattress: A Versatile Medium Feel

The Zinus Cooling Essential is a 12-inch mattress with a medium feel. Its cooling gel memory foam is intended to pull heat away from the body, while the foam contours to pressure points and absorbs motion. The listed design is fiberglass-free and uses a carbon-rayon flame barrier.

The mattress is described as compatible with platform beds, box springs, slatted frames, and adjustable bases. Its foam is listed as CertiPUR-US certified, and its cover as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified. Like the other boxed options, it needs time to expand after unboxing; the product information gives a 24- to 72-hour window.

This model offers a useful blend of features at a familiar height, but the supplied listing data indicates it may not currently be available. Availability can change, so confirm the listing before making plans to buy. If it is unavailable, the other 12-inch mattresses here offer similar profile options, while the Grbsy is the choice for a thicker build.

• Pros: 12-inch height and versatile medium feel
• Pros: Cooling gel foam and motion absorption
• Pros: Fiberglass-free design and multiple frame compatibility
• Cons: The supplied listing data indicates availability may be limited
• Cons: Full expansion can take up to 72 hours

Verdict: The Zinus is worth considering if you want a versatile 12-inch profile and can confirm it is available for your setup.

How to Choose the Best Thickness for a Memory Foam Mattress

Start with a Practical Height Range

A 10- to 12-inch mattress is a useful starting point for many adults because it offers room for comfort and support layers without making the bed unusually tall. The 12-inch options in this guide fit that middle-ground approach. A 14-inch mattress may be a better match if you want a taller profile and more cushioning layers, but height by itself does not tell you how supportive or comfortable a mattress will feel.

Consider Your Sleep Position and Comfort Preferences

Your preferred sleep position can affect how much cushioning feels comfortable. Side sleepers often look for enough pressure relief around the shoulders and hips, while back sleepers may focus on support that keeps the body feeling aligned. Stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer, less sink-in feel. A mattress’s firmness and layer design matter alongside its total thickness, so compare those details rather than choosing by inches alone.

Think About Body Weight and Support Needs

People with different body weights can experience the same mattress differently. A sleeper who puts more weight on a mattress may compress its comfort layers more deeply, so the support core and overall construction deserve close attention. If you share the bed, consider both sleepers’ comfort needs. Mattress thickness can help provide room for multiple layers, but it is not a substitute for suitable materials and support.

Check Bed Height and Sheet Fit

Measure your bed frame and consider how high you want the finished bed to sit. A 14-inch mattress can make it harder to get in and out of bed if your frame is already tall, and it may call for deeper fitted sheets. A 12-inch model may be easier to fit into an existing setup. Check the mattress dimensions and sheet pocket depth before ordering.

Review the Base and Frame Requirements

A foam mattress needs a compatible, supportive surface. Check the manufacturer’s guidance for your particular frame, especially if you use slats or an adjustable base. Several products in this guide describe broad frame compatibility, but it is still wise to confirm the details for the exact mattress and bed base you plan to use.

Compare Layers, Cooling Features, and Certifications

Look beyond the total height to see what the mattress is made of. Gel foam, open-cell designs, breathable covers, and side mesh may be included to support airflow, while higher-density foam is often used as a support layer. Cooling features can be useful, but they do not promise a cool sleep for everyone. Certifications listed in product details can help you compare materials, but they do not determine whether the mattress will feel right for you.

Allow Time for a Boxed Mattress to Expand

Several mattresses here arrive compressed and rolled. Follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions and allow the recommended time for the mattress to regain its shape and air out before judging its feel. The products in this comparison generally recommend up to 72 hours, though the Zinus listing gives a 24- to 72-hour window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 12-inch memory foam mattress thick enough?

For many shoppers, 12 inches is a practical height. It provides room for comfort and support layers while staying lower than a 14-inch mattress. Whether it is thick enough for you depends on the construction, your body, your sleep position, and the feel you prefer.

Does a thicker memory foam mattress offer better support?

Not automatically. A thicker mattress may include more or deeper layers, but the quality and arrangement of those layers matter more than height alone. Compare the comfort foam, support core, firmness, and any stated weight guidance before choosing.

Is 14 inches too thick for a memory foam mattress?

Not necessarily. A 14-inch mattress can suit someone who wants a taller bed and more cushioning layers. Before buying, check the total bed height, fitted-sheet depth, and whether getting in and out of the bed will feel comfortable.

What thickness should side sleepers choose?

Many side sleepers look for cushioning that helps relieve pressure at the shoulders and hips. A 12- or 14-inch mattress may work, but the feel and comfort layers are just as important as thickness. Choose based on how the mattress supports your body rather than the height alone.

Can a memory foam mattress go on a platform bed?

Some models are designed to work with platform beds, but frame compatibility varies. Check the product’s setup instructions for details about the required support surface and slat spacing before placing an order.

How long should a boxed memory foam mattress take to expand?

Follow the instructions for your specific mattress. The products in this guide recommend allowing roughly 24 to 72 hours, with several recommending up to 72 hours for full expansion and airing.

Should I choose a medium or medium-firm mattress?

That depends on your preferred feel, sleep position, and support needs. Medium options tend to aim for a balance between cushioning and support, while medium-firm designs may feel more supportive and less yielding. If you are unsure, look for a seller’s trial and return terms and read them before buying.

Final Recommendation

For most shoppers comparing thickness, a 12-inch mattress is a sensible place to start: it offers a substantial profile without the extra height of a 14-inch design. The Novilla Bliss is a balanced pick, while the FATHOM stands out for its medium feel and removable cover. Choose the 14-inch Grbsy if you specifically want a taller mattress with added cushioning layers. Whichever profile you select, compare the mattress’s support design, firmness, frame fit, and sheet requirements—not just the number of inches.