How to Measure the Thickness of a Mattress

Modern mattresses are frequently made with additional layers and fillers intended to increase comfort or relieve back problems. Because of these extra materials -- or lack thereof -- mattress thickness can range from half a foot to 1 1/2 feet or larger. When purchasing new sheets or a dust mite cover, you must measure the thickness -- also called depth or height -- to ensure a proper fit.

Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Remove all bedding to uncover the bare mattress.
- 2
  Measure from the top mattress seam to the bottom seam using a tape measure. Measure the mattress only, not the box spring or frame.
- 3
  Measure the mattress on all sides if it has a sewn-in pillow top. Use the largest measurement to ensure that sheets and dust covers fit properly.
- 4
  Multiply the thickness by two and add it to the mattress width, the length from the left side of the bare mattress to the right side. This measurement will tell you how wide sheets and dust covers should be to fit your mattress.

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