The 4 Best Mattresses For Tall People

Us Aussies aren’t particularly tall folk. With the average man teetering on 5 ft 9″ and the average woman hovering around 5 ft 3″, it’s safe to say we wouldn’t win any height award competitions. However, that’s not to say there aren’t some blessedly tall walking amongst us (I’m talking well over 6 feet).

However, extra tall people are the minority here, making life a little difficult, especially when shopping for a mattress. A Double mattress is on average, 188cm long (which is 6 ft 1″), while a Queen mattress is roughly 203cm long (6 ft 6″). So you can see, if you happen to be on the taller side, you’re already ruled out of the typical Double mattress size and would need to go for a Queen or King mattress.

But length isn’t the only thing to take into consideration – there’s also the height of the mattress you need to think about. Not all mattress heights are created equal. The standard mattress height, or average mattress height, is 8-to-12 inches; however, these days it’s common to find 14, 16, and even 18-inch mattresses. 

Of course, you need consider your bed frame, but that’s another problem for another day. Today, we’re helping you figure out the best mattress for you as a tall Aussie who just wants a mattress that fits your long legs. Let’s get stuck in!

Australian Bed Sizes

Before we dive into it, let’s look at typical Aussie bed sizes for reference. Australian mattress sizes are unique and not the same as US or UK bed sizes. Mattresses come in single, king single, double, queen and king.

However, some brands also offer long single beds and super king mattresses as well. As mentioned before, mattress thickness or height also varies from mattress brand to brand, and safe to say the taller you are, the higher off the ground you want your mattress.

Cot Mattress	69 cm x 130 cm
Single Mattress	92 cm x 188 cm
Long Single	92 cm x 203 cm
King Single	107 cm x 203 cm
Double Mattress	138 cm x 188 cm
Queen Mattress	153 cm x 203 cm
King Mattress	183 cm x 203 cm
Super King	203 cm x 203 cm

Mattresses for Tall People Buying Guide

Height

You’ll find that an average bed height usually tends to be roughly 24 inches (60cm) off from the floor. This is when you take into consideration the bed frame and mattress together. Ideally, when you sit on your bed, you should be able to put your feet flat on the floor and your legs should be at a 90-degree angle. If you find your knees are above your hips when sitting, then it’s high time (get it?) you find a taller bed.

Does it matter if you’re tall and you have a low bed? Actually, yes. If you try to jump out of a bed that’s too low, you could possibly have more back pain and joint problems than you bargained for – as such, finding a mattress that’s the right height for you is vital.

Length

You’re a tall person – you probably wouldn’t be reading this article if you weren’t. And, it’s only natural that you want a mattress that is also tall (or long). The bed must be longer than your body, otherwise, you’ll be in a situation where your feet hang off the bed, which isn’t fun for anyone. Queen, King or Super King beds are ideal because they’re typically around 6 ft 6″. If you’re taller than this, you’ll probably need to talk to a specialist manufacturer to get a custom-made mattress to fit your long legs.

Types of Mattresses

There are all sorts of different kinds of mattresses out there to choose from, all with their own pros and cons. Primarily, you have memory foam, innerspring, latex and hybrid options. 

Memory Foam 

Possibly one of the most popular types of mattresses, memory foam mattresses are made up of all-foam and feature one or more layers of memory foam. Memory foam is designed to respond uniquely to your body’s weight, shape and temperature to provide a serious “hugging” feel. Memory foam mattresses are incredibly supportive and offer a cradling sleep surface that moves in ways that are designed to relieve pressure points. This for many people results in a deeper sleep, while waking up with fewer aches and pains. It is also an excellent mattress for motion isolation, which is especially good for couples. 

Hybrid 

Hybrid mattresses are a mix of layers comprised of both foam and spring. Hybrid mattresses are very versatile and work for most kinds of sleepers and sleeping positions. Many hybrid mattresses on the market feature pocket coils that are designed to support pressure points along the spine while at the same time offering a bouncy feeling, which makes it easier for restless sleepers to change positions during the night. The foam layers on top of the springs act as a comfort layer. 

Latex 

Latex mattresses are naturally elastic, so they’re popular for people who enjoy a responsive and bouncy mattress. While it doesn’t have the same pressure-relieving properties of memory foam, latex mattresses do help align the spine and alleviate pressure points. The perforated holes in a latex mattress also make it ideal for airflow, ensuring a cool night’s sleep. 

Innerspring 

The innerspring mattress is probably the most basic and affordable mattress on the market – and the most traditional. This mattress type features a main layer of intertwined springs to keep its form, plus a thin layer of foam on either side of the springs for comfort. Innerspring mattresses do not offer much support, and little to no motion isolation. 

Mattress Layers

The amount of layers in a mattress will largely determine the amount of support you will get when lying on the mattress. It also contributes to the soft or firmness of the mattress, as well as the overall height of the mattress.

Generally, the more layers there are the softer the mattress will be. On the other hand, if there are fewer layers, the mattress will be firmer. The kind of material used can also contribute to the supportiveness of the mattress, and memory foam is usually ideal for support. 

In short, the slimmer the mattress, the less support you will get and the less durability. Thicker mattresses are also more supportive.

Edge Support

Edge support probably isn’t something most people consider when buying a mattress, but it’s actually a vital component. It prevents sag over time around the entire bed, meaning you won’t end up sleeping on just one side. Good, stable edges also support the mattress structure, keeping the mattress construction and components intact and making it a more durable bed that’ll last you years.

The 4 Best Mattresses for Tall People

So, Which Mattress is Best for Tall People?

All of the mattresses listed above would be a good option for people who are tall – at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference and what you need in terms of material, budget, customisation levels and so on. If you need help deciding, get in touch with one of your helpful sleep experts today!