We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
  • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
  • Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
  • Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Was this helpful?

Many of today’s popular mattresses are so thick, it seems like you have to be a pole vaulter to get in and out of bed. High mattresses are not always practical, and they may not even be comfortable for some people.

Thin mattresses may have less of a “sinking in” quality that some mattresses have, which could be beneficial for hot sleepers. Thin mattresses can also be easier to get in and out of for people who need support — such as those who use canes, crutches, and wheelchairs.

The reduced bulk and lower price of thin mattresses also make them appropriate for bunk beds, camping, recreational vehicles (RVs), and guest rooms.

Mattresses can range in height from 2 to 24 inches. Thin, or low-profile, mattresses are typically 8 inches or fewer and can include mattress categories like futons and folding mattresses.

There are also thin mattresses in the 9–10 inch range, which may appeal to people looking for a mattress that’s not too thin.

Very thin mattresses that are less than 5 inches include futons and mats used for sleeping on the floor. Depending on what you’re looking for, thick mattress toppers can also fall into this category.

What are the benefits of thin mattresses?

If you have back pain, a thin mattress may provide pressure point relief and pain reduction, provided you use a high-quality, medium-firm mattress. According to Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, board certified spinal and orthopedic surgeon, thin mattresses are beneficial for bodily aches.

“Those with health conditions or back pain that make it difficult to get in and out of bed will find it more comfortable to have a thin mattress. A thinner mattress can make a big difference, because it can offer superior comfort and spinal support to prevent misalignment,” Okubadejo explains. “Spinal misalignment can lead to many other serious health effects, such as chronic headaches, lower back pain, neck pain, knee pain, hip pain, weakened immune system, excessive fatigue, poor posture, and walking abnormalities.”

Was this helpful?

Except when noted, the mattresses on this list are made from high-quality materials, which meet federal flammability standards. Most of the mattresses on this list are available in sizes from twin to California king.

The mattresses here come from transparent manufacturers who provide long-term warranties, customer-friendly return policies, sleep trials, and information about material sourcing and factory location.

We read customer reviews on a wide range of consumer sites and only chose mattresses that significantly lived up to their claims.

We interviewed sleep experts to get their take on the benefits of thin mattresses and chose brands that would work for people with specific needs, such as taking care of their backs.

Pricing guide

Thin mattresses range significantly in price. Some are very inexpensive, and others rival the cost of bigger mattresses. For ease of use, and with a wide range of budgets in mind, we’ve indicated cost as follows:

  • $ = under $500
  • $$ = $501–$1,000
  • $$$ = over $1,000

Unless otherwise indicated, the mattress costs we’ve listed refer to queen sizes. These prices don’t include bed frames, shipping, setup fees, or tax.

Keep in mind that mattresses go on sale periodically throughout the year. Before assuming the accuracy of any cost, check out the websites indicated, as prices often change without notice.

Best 5-inch thin mattress

Linenspa 5-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Height: 5 inches

The Linenspa 5-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress is made from 4 inches of high-density foam and 1 inch of gel memory foam. It’s designed to give sleepers firm support with a soft layer on top.

This lightweight mattress is a good choice for bunk beds and trundle beds.

Some users complain that this mattress has a spongy feel. Other users caution that there is a shedding fiberglass cover under the zipped mattress cover. As such, the zippered cover is not meant for removal.

The 10-year warranty only covers manufacturer defects.

Best 6-inch thin mattresses

Serta Liberty 6-Inch Futon Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Height: 6 inches

If you’re looking for something more in the tatami style, this firm, thin futon mattress may be a good option. The thick, woven cover is filled with cotton batting. There is no foam used in this mattress.

The mattress is also rollable (but it’s when thick rolled up), which some people like for easy storage.

A number of users say that switching to this mattress improved their back pain.

While the good reviews outweigh the unhappy ones, dissatisfaction was mostly around the mattress being thinner than customers expected. Although it’s advertised as 6 inches, it may arrive thinner from compression.

Users report this mattress has off-gassing (new mattress smell) that may need time to air.

Some customers using the mattress directly on a futon frame say they can feel the bed slats through the mattress. It may be best directly on the floor or on a surface with slats that are flat and close together.

Linenspa 6-Inch Innerspring Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Height: 6 inches

This Linenspa mattress is made with tempered steel coils and an upper foam layer, covered with quilted, polyester-rayon fiber. It provides sleepers with firm support.

The mattress is meant to be used in RVs, bunk beds, trundle beds, and day beds. It’s recommended for toddlers, children, and teens, or for occasional adult use.

According to reviews, this mattress doesn’t provide ample support or comfort for people with more weight. It may also not be a good choice for those who sleep with partners.

Some people in smaller bodies also say they can feel the coils when they sleep on it without an added mattress pad.

Wayfair Sleep 6-Inch Medium Firm Memory Foam Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Height: 6 inches

This bed in a box is made with four layers of high density-foam and a polyester cover. The Wayfair Sleep mattress is designed with three zones for different firmness and back support.

Reviewers mention low motion transfer, making it a good choice for couples.

Weighing less than 20 pounds, this mattress may be a good choice for bunk beds.

However, it’s important to note that the warranty for this mattress is sold separately.

Best 7-inch thin twin mattress

Purple Kid Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Height: 7 inches

Only available in twin size, this mattress is 7 inches thick. It’s made with a temperature neutral gel and air channels that are designed to promote airflow and keep foam cooler. The mattress also comes with a removable cover that can be machine-washed.

Compared to the company’s namesake mattress, this mattress is much softer and is made from foam for medium-firm support.

The manufacturer recommends the mattress for kids weighing up to 115 pounds, and they do not recommend using it on a traditional box spring.

Some reviewers mention it takes about a month to get used to the feel of this mattress.

Best 8-inch thin mattresses

Linenspa 8-Inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Height: 8 inches

This Linenspa hybrid mattress is made with CertiPUR-US certified hypoallergenic memory foam in addition to steel springs. It provides medium-firm support.

Hot sleepers say this budget mattress significantly cools them down. Others report that the pocketed coil springs are quiet, even for restless sleepers.

According to reviews, the manufacturer ships their mattresses in packaging that sheds brown specks. Some customers have confused these harmless specks with bed bugs. The specks do not adhere to the mattress, only to the plastic packaging.

Reviewers report that it takes a long time for this mattress to fully expand.

Lucid 8-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Height: 8 inches

The Lucid 8-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress is made with CertiPUR-US certified memory foam that’s infused with gel and bamboo charcoal. It comes in two support levels: medium firm and plush. The medium firm support is recommended for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and those with back pain. The plush level is softer and may be a better fit for side sleepers.

The hypoallergenic bamboo charcoal in this mattress is said to neutralize odors and repel allergens.

The gel foam, breathable cover, and ventilated design are designed to pull heat and wick moisture away from hot sleepers.

This mattress gets overwhelmingly good reviews online, but some users complain about off-gassing.

Returns can only be made within three months of purchase. Some reviewers mention the manufacturer doesn’t always honor the warranty.

Sealy 8-Inch Memory Foam Mattress-in-a-Box

  • Price: $
  • Height: 8 inches

This Sealy memory foam mattress is made with CertPUR-US certified foam that provides medium, cocoon-like support.

The company’s special blend of materials is used to infuse the foam and keep it cooler.

Reviewers give this mattress high marks for no off-gassing and for fast inflation upon opening.

Some say the bed provides a hug-like feel with little spine or pressure point support.

Serta Sycamore Futon Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Height: 8 inches

The Serta Sycamore Futon Mattress is made with foam and cotton-polyester fiber padding. It provides extra plush, or soft, support.

This bendable, tufted futon mattress comes in five colors, and it can be used on the floor or on a futon frame. However, it only comes in full and queen sizes.

Like many futon mattresses, this mattress may be best used as a guest bed, for occasional use, or directly on the floor. It is not firm enough to provide ample back support.

Some reviewers say that the plastic links holding the tufting in place are sharp to the touch.

Best 9 and 10-inch thin mattresses

The Purple Mattress

  • Price: $$$
  • Height: 9.25 inches

The original Purple Mattress is 9.25 inches tall and made with foam. It provides medium-firm to firm support.

If you sleep with a restless partner, the Purple Mattress may be a good choice for you. Reviewers say the mattress significantly reduces motion transfer, allowing for a good night’s sleep.

This mattress is designed to promote spinal alignment. It may be a good choice for people with conditions like scoliosis, or for back and side sleepers who enjoy firm support.

Unlike many thin mattresses, The Purple Mattress has significant heft and weight, which means some people may find it hard to move or lift.

The Purple Mattress has a very distinctive feel which some people love, but others compare it negatively to sleeping on Jell-O.

Tochta Utopia Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Height: 10 inches

Tochta manufactures thin mattresses for use in RVs, trucks, and houses.

The Utopia Mattress is made with latex and CertiPUR-US certified gel memory foam. It provides medium-firm support.

Side and back sleepers say the Utopia provides significant support, but it still feels soft. Many say it doesn’t sag or conform to your body in a cocoon-like fashion.

The foam in this mattress contains gel beads designed to wick away moisture and surface heat.

The customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, but some people mention that they find the Utopia too firm for their specific needs.

Tochta mattresses are made in the United States and ship directly from the factory.

Tuft & Needle Nod Hybrid Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Height: 10 inches

The Nod Hybrid is a 10-inch hybrid mattress made with foam and 6-inch springs, providing medium-firm support. The mattress is made by Tuft & Needle and sold exclusively on Amazon.

The Nod Hybrid is covered in ventilated fabric designed to keep the surface cooler than other foam mattresses.

The layered foam design is made to provide support and limit bounce, which some reviewers say reduces motion transfer. Others say it also doesn’t squeak.

Some people mention the Nod Hybrid has off-gassing that can smell for several days after delivery.

The manufacturer provides a 100-night sleep trial, 10-year limited warranty, and free shipping and returns.

When shopping for a mattress, remember that thickness and firmness are not the same thing. Many thin mattresses are available in firm, medium-firm, or plush support levels.

Look for mattresses with generous sleep trials. You may have to sleep on your mattress for a month or more before you can decide if it’s a good fit for you.

Avoid purchasing mattresses from manufacturers who make claims that seem too good to be true. A mattress may be able to provide support for your back and spine, but no mattress can cure diseases.

Many mattresses are manufactured in the United States but are made with materials purchased from other countries. Whether you buy your mattress from a domestic or foreign company, look for one that has a good reputation and is transparent.

Many thin mattresses are meant to be used occasionally. If you are planning on using yours every night, make sure it has a clear warranty, and is well-constructed.

Keep in mind that you can add accessories, such as a pillow top or mattress topper. This can make a thin mattress thicker and plusher if needed.

Other options to keep things low profile

If you want to sleep lower to the floor but prefer a thicker mattress, you may be able to get the same results by choosing a low-profile box spring. Consider the Amazon Basics 5-Inch Mattress Foundation.

Was this helpful?

Thin, or low-profile, mattresses may be a smart choice for people with back pain.

Thin mattresses also have value for people who have trouble getting in and out of bed, and for those who require supports.

Thin mattresses are tailor-made for guest rooms, RVs, and kid’s beds, like trundle and bunk beds.

If you plan on using a thin mattress nightly, make sure it meets the same criteria for sturdiness and comfort as any other sized mattress.


Corey Whelan is a freelance writer and reproductive health professional who specializes in health and wellness content. She has spent much of the last two decades educating people about infertility and family building options. Whelan is a science nerd, and her heroes span the gamut from Temple Grandin to her wonderful mom. She shares her life in Brooklyn, NY with her all-grown-up, fascinating children and their wacky shelter dogs. Follow her on Twitter.