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A thin mattress is the ideal solution if you're outfitting a stylish minimalist bedroom, decking out an RV for your next road trip, or just looking to reduce your carbon footprint.
They're lighter, easier to move, and more space-efficient. But many are also poor quality, uncomfortable, and (in some cases) potentially toxic!
So where can you get a slim, low-profile, eco-friendly mattress that's both comfortable and affordable?
In this guide, my team and I use our years of sleep testing experience and expertise to test the most comfortable thin mattresses (10" or less) of 2025.
We've uncovered some fantastic options that will suit all sleep styles, preferences, and budgets...
✔ Cooling Gel Memory Foam
✔ Made in the USA
✔ Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association
Why it's my #1 Pick: I've chosen the Puffy Cloud Mattress as it ticks all the boxes. It's endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, and crafted in the USA.
It features CertiPUR-US certified colling gel foams and a luxurious 5-layer design. At 10" high, it's at the thick end of the thin mattress scale, but it's still lighter than most other mattresses I tested.
Personal Experience: This mattress became an instant hit in the Miller house when it landed on our doorstep for testing. My eldest daughter eventually won the battle of the siblings. It's now her mattress permanently...and she loves it!
The Climate Comfort™ Foam and gel-infused Cooling Cloud™ Foam layers give this mattress a wonderfully cool feel, and the hypoallergenic and stain-resistant cover is a dream to sleep on (you can see why it's called the cloud mattress).
The high-density base layer holds it all together with top-notch body support, alignment, and motion isolation from.
You also have plenty of time to decide if the Puffy Cloud Mattress suits you. With the 101-night sleep trial, you have almost four months to give it a thorough test. If it doesn't meet your expectations, simply return (for free) for a full refund.
If (or more likely, when) you decide to keep this mattress in your life, you then have the peace of mind that comes with a lifetime warranty. As with all things of this nature, there are terms and conditions you need to be aware of (nothing out of the ordinary, though).
It's also reassuring to know that every Puffy mattress is meticulously designed and manufactured in the USA. No cheap substandard imports here!
You can read more about the Puffy Cloud Mattress in my Latex-Free Mattress guide.
✔ Vegan
✔ GREENGUARD Gold Certified
✔ Fiberglass-Free Eco Fire Barrier
Why it's my Recommended Vegan Option: The problem with most vegan mattresses is that manufacturers use potentially harmful fiberglass as a fire barrier as an alternative to wool.
PlushBeds has developed a proprietary Eco Fire Barrier™, crafted from plant fibers. So this 8" mattress is both vegan and 100% organic (and therefore safe).
Personal Experience: As soon as I unboxed the Natural Bliss Latex Mattress it was obvious that it's been handcrafted with the utmost care.
The natural latex contains no blends, synthetics, or harsh chemicals, and there was virtually no new mattress smell, so we were able to get started testing it straight away.
I have to admit I became slightly obsessed with the softness of the GOTS-certified, stretch organic cotton cover. It was certainly the softest thin mattress I tested.
PlushBeds offers the choice between medium or medium-firm so you can get the comfort level that's just right for you.
There are also 10" and 12" high options available. But seeing how this is an article about thin mattresses, I only tested the 8" option. Combined with the medium-firm finish, it provided excellent support for such a lightweight product.
One thing to be aware of is that although you get free US delivery and a 100-night sleep trial, you must organize the return shipping (or pay a $149 collection fee) if you decide not to keep this mattress.
I feel that's unlikely though. If you need a vegan thin mattress, you won't find a better one than the Natural Bliss.
✔ Great Value for Money
✔ Soft Pressure Point Relief
✔ Cool and Breathable
Why it's Recommended for Side Sleepers: The Nolah Original is a thin, non-toxic mattress that's been specially designed for side sleepers.
Unlike regular memory foam, it provides softer, flexible zones around the shoulders, and firmer around the hips and lower back. It's also breathable and 20% more cooling than regular foam - and all at a very reasonable price.
Personal Experience: I'm primarily a side sleeper so I know the importance of good support and pressure relief around the hips and shoulders. Normally I sleep on a latex mattress, but after testing this I have to say that Nolah has created a great memory foam option here at a really competitive price point.
It does feel really comfortable and I often forgot I was sleeping on such a thin mattress.
The Nolah website lists this as a medium firmness, but personally, I felt it was on the softer side. If my build was any heavier or if I were a stomach sleeper I think it would be too soft, but it's ideally suited for a side or back sleeper of average weight or lighter.
Two issues I have with regular memory foam are that it isn't organic, and that it traps heat.
Nolah hasn't managed to solve the first, although the GREENGUARD and CertiPUR certifications do show it's non-toxic and safe. The heat retention has been addressed though, with the Nolah AirFoam technology which dissipates heat around 20% faster than regular memory foam.
If you do sleep hot, you'll notice the difference.
Why it's my Recommended Budget Option: This reasonably priced innerspring mattress from MattressInsider uses a 2" layer of CertiPUR-US certified soy foam on top of a 6" coil layer to produce a firm sleep surface on a par with what I'd expect from a much thicker mattress.
Personal Experience: I love a firm mattress but assumed I could not get a thin option firm enough to suit my needs. I was wrong!
It also did a great job of preventing overheating. The breathable open-cell foam (coupled with the bellows effect of the coils) kept me cool and comfortable all night.
Every MattressInsider is handcrafted in the USA, with rigorous quality control to ensure the best workmanship. Need more support or a specific size? Let MattressInsider know, and they will tailor the mattress to your needs.
Free US delivery is available on all orders, and a 20-year warranty covers your purchase
✔ Easy to Store and Transport
✔ Certified High-Density Foam
✔ Great Camping & Guest Mattress
Why I Recommend It: The Milliard folds up neatly, is lightweight, and is easy to carry and transport. It's also surprisingly comfortable considering how thin it is, plus it comes at a bargain price.
Personal Experience: Measuring just 4" in height, this narrow mattress is the thinnest on the list. However, don't let its limited stature discourage you!
While it may not match the long-term comforts of a traditional mattress, it compensates with its high-density construction and low VOC emissions. The result? Blissful sleep and pain-free mornings.
Furthermore, its remarkable folding feature enables effortless storage, rendering it a perfect option for RVs, dormitories, and compact spaces.
Buying this mattress via Amazon gives you free US delivery and a 100-day return window.
Thin mattresses don't have as much height (thickness) as standard mattresses.
They usually range from 4" to 10" thick.
You might be thinking, "Why would I want less of something so essential as sleep comfort?"
There are several scenarios where a thin mattress might be more suitable than a more bulky option, such as:
We tested 19 low-profile mattresses for this review, but most didn't make the cut. These are the key factors we used in our ratings when deciding which products to recommend:
What's inside your mattress matters (not just for your comfort but for Mother Earth too). Look for eco-friendly materials (such as natural latex or plant-based foams) and sustainable fabrics (such as organic cotton and bamboo).
These natural goodies reduce your carbon footprint and promise to cradle you comfortably into dreamland each night.
Memory foam is another popular choice, especially if you crave that sinking/floating feeling. Just be sure to opt for CertiPUR-US certified foams (more on certifications below).
Eco-certifications help you make informed choices and avoid greenwashing.
They give peace of mind that an independent party has checked out a product and given it the green thumbs up. This can save you time (no need to scrutinize every ingredient or material) and can also provide assurances that you're making a genuinely green and ethical choice.
There are many eco-certifications in the mattress world (each with its own focus).
Here are a few to keep an eye out for:
Finding the right firmness can feel like a Goldilocks situation (you want something that's not too soft or hard).
Getting the firmness just right depends on your sleeping habits:
Thin doesn't always mean cheap, but it often does mean more affordable than thicker counterparts.
Set a budget before you start shopping so you're not swept away by sales pitches for features you don't need.
Thin mattresses come in all the standard sizes
Choose one that perfectly fits your bed frame and your body. If you're tall or like to stretch out, go for a larger size. If you're short on space, a smaller size might work.
And remember, if you're sharing the bed, make sure it's big enough for both of you to sleep comfortably without disturbing the other.
A good warranty can be a lifesaver if your mattress starts sagging or develops other issues.
Look for warranties that cover at least ten years. Some brands even offer lifetime warranties. Always read the fine print to understand what's covered and how to claim.
Many companies offer sleep trials, allowing you to test the mattress at home for a certain period.
If the mattress isn't the right fit, you can return it for a full refund. This is a great way to ensure you're comfortable with your purchase before fully committing.
I've covered a lot in this article, so I thought it might be beneficial to wrap it all up with a list of pros and cons:
While thin mattresses can be a boon for many, it's important not to go too thin.
A mattress that's too thin may lack the necessary support for a good night's sleep, leading to discomfort and potential back problems.
As a general rule of thumb, anything less than 4" may compromise comfort and support.
There are some circumstances (such as rooms with limited space, camping, RVs) where a thinner mattress might be better. However, for permanent use in your main bedroom, many people prefer a thicker mattress.
Layla and Nectar both make light mattresses, but it's more a question of materials than brand. Innerspring and foam mattresses are lighter than latex and hybrid types. Check out our mattress weight guide for a full analysis.
People do still buy memory foam, but some people have been put off because many brands use toxic chemicals and flame retardants, and because regular memory foam usually traps heat which can lead to some uncomfortable nights.
There is no minimum thickness, but in terms of recommendations, it depends on what type of sleeper you are.
For temporary use, a lightweight 4" mattress is usually fine.
If you weigh under 230 lbs, a 6" mattress should provide enough comfort and support. If you're over 230 lbs, I usually recommend 8" or more, but ultimately it comes down to personal preference.
No. Most mattresses do not require a box spring.
If you weigh less than 150 lbs, the best mattress material choice is foam.
No, you can use standard sheets with a thin mattress. Just be sure to buy the correct size. Check with the manufacturer if you're unsure.
No, I do not recommend placing a thin mattress directly on the floor. Most brands will advise against doing this and you may invalidate your warranty if you do. You may also find it quite uncomfortable.
If you're taking a road trip or just want to save space, a lightweight, low-profile mattress could be the solution you're looking for.
But choose wisely, otherwise in exchange for the added convenience, you could end up sacrificing your sleep quality or your health.
We found the Puffy Cloud Mattress to be a great all-rounder. Unlike most thinner mattresses, it's chiropractor-approved and certified non-toxic.
If you're a vegan, a side sleeper, a camping enthusiast, or have a limited budget, we also recommended options that are perfect for your requirements.
For more information, check out our mega organic mattress reviews page where we put all the leading brands through their paces.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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