Buying Guide: Does bed height really matter? (hint: it does!)

Choosing the ideal mattress for your unique needs is vital for getting a good night’s sleep.

You’ve probably already considered things like bed size (twin, queen or king?), feel (firm, soft, or somewhere in the middle?), and brand. But one important factor you might not have thought about yet? Bed height!

Generally speaking, the average sleeper does best with a bed that's 25 inches above the floor (that’s including the bed frame and the mattress). That said, this number is not universal, and there are a few factors that determine what bed height is best for you specifically.

The three major factors to consider when selecting your ideal bed height are:

1. Your height

This one is pretty simple. The taller you are, the taller your bed should be! A quick way to tell if your bed is the ideal height is to sit on the edge of your bed (make sure your feet are planted on the ground!) and check out how your knees and hips line up. If your knees are above your hips, your bed is likely too short. If your knees are below your hips, your bed is likely too tall. If your knees and hips are parallel, your bed is juuust right!

2. Your age

Your age plays a big role in your mobility, which in turn impacts your ideal bed height. The closer your bed is to the floor, the easier it is to safely climb in and out of. It’s generally recommended that seniors-- though adjustable bases are the most versatile bet!

3. Your mattress type and height

Since your mattress factors into the bed height equation, it’s an important consideration. The average mattress is somewhere between 11 and 15 inches tall, meaning you'd want a bedframe of somewhere between 16 and 24 inches. These numbers vary however, so it's important to pay attention to the measurements of your mattress. Additionally, some mattress types are more likely to sag (and therefore lose height) than others; regular foam is more likely to lose height over time than memory foam, for example.

Now that you know what your ideal height is, you know what to look for in a mattress frame! One of the best ways to ensure that your bed is the right height every time is an adjustable base. Adjustable bases are movable foundations that can shift the positioning of your head and legs, allowing for the ultimate control and versatility over your bed.

One of our favorites here at Sleep First is the Nectar Move Adjustable Base. This innovative bed frame allows you to control the elevation of your head and feet, while also enjoying a Massage or Zero Gravity setting! It's also mildew resistant, with breathable dura-mesh resin adds strength while reducing mattress weight by over 35%. Plus it has USB charging ports, built-in under the bed LED lighting, and a sleek wireless remote. Comfort, versatility and innovation, check check check!

Plus, you get free shipping and free returns! You also get Nectar’s Forever Warranty and 365 Night Home Trial, so you can sleep that much more soundly. And yes, you read that right: FOREVER warranty. Nectar is so confident in the materials and construction of a Nectar mattress that they thought they’d back it up with an equally ambitious warranty: the Forever Warranty. Here’s how it works: For the first ten years, Nectar will replace your mattress with a brand new Nectar for absolutely no cost to you if yours is defective in workmanship or materials. After that initial ten years, Nectar will recover, repair, or replace your mattress, covering transportation costs if a manufacturing defect or a materials failure is confirmed to exist.

Of course, the best way to test out your options is to come try them out in store! With our signature zero pressure shopping experience, you can rest assured that the entire experience will be stress free. We’re passionate about serving your needs rather than forcing you into something you don’t want, and that applies to mattress chairs too. We promise to always take the time to listen to your needs and find the right chair for you, so you can walk away knowing you made the right choice.

Questions? Feel free to call, email or click the chat icon in the bottom corner of your screen-- we're here for you! Want the VIP treatment? You can also book a private shopping experience with a trained mattress professional, in a zero-pressure environment here. And keep an eye on our mattress sales to make sure you’re getting it for the best price possible!