13 Best 6 Inch Mattress of 2026

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A 6-inch memory foam mattress promises a space-saving solution for bunk beds, RVs, and guest rooms, but the thin profile creates two immediate hurdles: the foam may not expand to its full advertised height, and off-gassing can fill a small room with an unwelcome smell. Many buyers discover that their ‘6-inch’ mattress barely clears 4 inches, turning a bed into an expensive, unsupportive topper.

We focused on the models that actually deliver on their thickness claims and contain odor to a brief, manageable window. The picks below are matched to specific scenarios—like a twin for a child’s daybed, a short queen for an RV platform, or a firm king for a guest room—so you get a mattress that fits the bed and the sleeper, without unnecessary surprises.

If your setup requires a 6-inch mattress but you suspect extra support, a closely slatted foundation or bunkie board underneath can transform a mattress that feels too thin into a stable, comfortable surface.

Our Top Picks
Novilla 6" Comfort
Best OverallNovilla 6" Comfort

Washable cover and zero-off-gassing memory foam with reinforced edges for kids’ daily use.

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Cool Gel 6" Foam
Best Cooling on a BudgetCool Gel 6" Foam

1000-lb weight capacity gel foam queen that offers a cool feel for warm-sleeping couples.

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Best Price 6" RV Short Queen
Best for Rv & CamperBest Price 6" RV Short Queen

Short queen sizing for RV platforms, with green tea memory foam that upgrades road sleep.

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EGOHOME 6" Green Tea
Best Support for KidsEGOHOME 6" Green Tea

Green tea gel memory foam with firm, non-toxic support that avoids harsh chemical smells.

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Zinus Green Tea 6"
Best Budget Memory FoamZinus Green Tea 6"

Green tea-infused memory foam that delivers proven pressure relief at a budget-friendly price.

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Lucid 6" Firm Foam
Best Firm FeelLucid 6" Firm Foam

Bamboo charcoal-infused gel foam that stays relentlessly firm for back and stomach sleepers.

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Novilla Bliss 6"
Best for Guest RoomsNovilla Bliss 6"

Gel memory foam twin with a plush top and 100-night trial for guest room flexibility.

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Best for Kids’ Bunk Bed

Novilla 6" Comfort

Novilla 6" Comfort

Key Features

  • Construction: Memory Foam, Washable Cover, Reinforced Edges
  • Firmness: Medium Firm
  • Thickness: 6 in
  • Price: Budget

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The mattress arrives with none of the harsh chemical smell that so often accompanies foam-in-a-box deliveries. It expands to a full six inches within a few hours, and the zip-off cover can go straight into the wash — a practical edge for inevitable spills and sleepover accidents.

The memory foam finds a balanced medium-firm feel that cushions shoulders and hips while keeping a child’s spine in alignment — a far cry from marshmallow-soft surfaces that can sag quickly. Reinforced edges contribute modest but real stability when kids sit or roll toward the sides, and the core foam resists the early body impressions that can appear in some thin budget options.

It’s sized for kids’ daily use, trundles, daybeds, and occasional guest duty. The weight capacity suits children and light teens; for a heavy adult or nightly use by a larger person, a thicker mattress is the smarter choice. Priced to outfit a bunk bed without guilt, its sturdy construction points to lasting through growth spurts and changing family needs.

💡 Tip: Pair this with a solid bunkie board or slatted base with gaps no wider than 3 inches — wide slats can undercut support in a 6-inch foam mattress.

Pros

  • Balanced medium-firm comfort for growing bodies
  • Virtually no off-gassing, ready to use right away
  • Durable build that justifies its low price

Cons

  • Firm surface could feel too stiff for a child who prefers a plush, hugging feel

For kids’ everyday sleep, bunk beds, and guest rooms, this mattress matches the demands of busy households: it expands fully, smells fresh, and keeps cleanup simple — without making comfort a compromise.

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Best for Couples & Rvs

Cool Gel 6" Foam

Cool Gel 6" Foam

Key Features

  • Construction: Gel Memory Foam
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Thickness: 6 in
  • Cooling Features: Gel-infused
  • Weight Capacity & Warranty: 1000 lbs, 5-yr
  • Price: Mid-Range

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Where many 6-inch mattresses cap at 250–500 pounds, this Cool Gel queen supports up to 1000 pounds—suiting bunk beds, RV platforms, and guest rooms that occasionally host two adults. The medium-firm foam isolates motion well, so one restless sleeper won’t jostle the other. Construction holds up under regular use, but the gel layer doesn’t guarantee a cooler sleep for hot sleepers. Out of the box, a chemical smell can be strong and often needs several days of airing before the mattress feels fresh.

💡 Tip: Unbox the mattress in a well-ventilated room and allow 48–72 hours for expansion and odor dissipation before sleeping on it.

Pros

  • Medium-firm comfort works for back, stomach, and side sleepers
  • Motion isolation reduces partner disturbance
  • Solid construction at a budget-friendly price

Cons

  • Hot sleepers may not experience meaningful cooling from the gel layer
  • Off-gassing odor may require several days of airing before use

A sensible choice for queen-size bunk beds and RV setups that need a high weight limit; just give it time to air out and don’t expect a dramatic cooling effect.

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Best for Rv Sleep

Best Price 6" RV Short Queen

Best Price 6" RV Short Queen

Key Features

  • Construction: Memory Foam, Green Tea
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Thickness: 6 in
  • Cooling Features: Green Tea Infused
  • Weight Capacity & Warranty: —, 10-yr warranty
  • Price: Mid-Range

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Designed for RV short queen platforms (74′ x 60′), this mattress eliminates the frustration of forcing a standard queen into a camper. The 6-inch profile with medium-firm green tea memory foam provides comfortable sleep on the road, and owners find the build quality strong for the mid-range price. A chemical odor can linger out of the box, so plan to air it out before your trip. It will not fit standard queen frames—only short queen setups.

💡 Tip: Unbox and air out the mattress for 48–72 hours before placing it in the camper to clear any initial smell.

Pros

  • Memory foam cushioning delivers restful sleep even on bumpy roads.
  • Solid construction and materials hold up well over repeated trips.
  • Short queen dimensions fit RV platforms without gaps or overhang.

Cons

  • Chemical odor may need days of airing out before first use.

The go-to for RV short queen setups, combining comfortable green tea memory foam with a precision fit—just allow off-gassing time before hitting the road.

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Best for Kids’ Support

EGOHOME 6" Green Tea

EGOHOME 6" Green Tea

Key Features

  • Construction: Memory Foam, Green Tea Gel
  • Firmness: Medium Firm
  • Thickness: 6 in
  • Cooling Features: Green Tea Gel
  • Weight Capacity & Warranty: 750 lbs, 10-yr
  • Price: Budget

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Unlike many budget kids’ mattresses that need days to air out, this EGOHOME model arrives with notably low off-gassing, thanks to green tea gel and CertiPUR-US certification. That matters when you’re setting up a child’s room on short notice and want to skip the lingering chemical scent common in foam beds.

The medium-firm feel provides dependable spinal support for growing children, and the 6-inch profile fits neatly into bunk beds and daybeds without towering over safety rails. Just know that older, heavier teenagers and kids who love a plush, sink-in surface may find it too rigid. For young sleepers who prioritize safety and breathability over cloud-like softness, it hits a sweet spot.

Pros

  • Medium-firm support keeps kids’ spines aligned without feeling hard
  • Budget-friendly pricing with durable green tea gel foam that resists early sagging
  • Arrives with virtually no chemical odor, safe for immediate use in a child’s bedroom

Cons

  • May feel too firm for children who prefer a plush, sink-in memory foam cradle

For parents who value certified low-VOC materials and a straightforward setup, this mattress delivers a clean sleep surface that suits most young children’s needs without breaking the budget.

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Best for Budget Twin

Zinus Green Tea 6"

Zinus Green Tea 6"

Key Features

  • Construction: Memory Foam (Green Tea)
  • Firmness: Medium
  • Thickness: 6 in
  • Weight Capacity & Warranty: 250 lbs, 10-yr
  • Price: Budget

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Unlike the upgraded Zinus model that adds zone-specific support, this original version keeps things simple with a single layer of green tea foam that excels at cushioning lightweight sleepers. It eases pressure points for children and occasional guests without the complexity or cost of multi-zone designs.

It’s best reserved for guest rooms and kids’ bunk beds where a few days of airing out isn’t a dealbreaker. The chemical smell can be strong initially and corners may not inflate to a full 6 inches, so assign it to spaces where a slightly thinner edge won’t create a safety gap in bunk bed rails.

💡 Tip: Unbox in a well-ventilated room and allow at least 48 hours before use; corners that seem shy of 6 inches often expand fully with an extra day.

Pros

  • Cushions pressure points well for lightweight sleepers like kids and occasional guests.
  • Delivers strong value, costing far less than premium 6-inch mattresses.
  • Holds up to regular use in low-traffic bedrooms with consistent foam resilience.

Cons

    If off-gassing is manageable and you need an affordable, low-profile memory foam twin that cradles young sleepers, this Zinus fills the role without breaking the bank.

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    Best for Firm Support

    Lucid 6" Firm Foam

    Lucid 6" Firm Foam

    Key Features

    • Construction: Gel Memory Foam, Bamboo Charcoal
    • Firmness: Firm
    • Thickness: 6 in
    • Cooling Features: Bamboo Charcoal, Gel
    • Weight Capacity & Warranty: —, 10-yr
    • Price: Mid-Range

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    Bamboo charcoal-infused gel foam gives this mattress an uncompromisingly firm feel that back and stomach sleepers appreciate, with minimal sink and a noticeably flat surface. The cooling gel helps keep the temperature neutral, and the mid-range price includes a 10-year warranty.

    It’s a practical twin for kids’ rooms, bunk beds, or guest use where a rigid sleep surface is preferred. Side sleepers, however, will encounter too little pressure relief. Some units may not expand to full thickness or develop body impressions earlier than expected, so a solid foundation and patience during setup matter.

    💡 Tip: Allow 48 hours for full expansion and use on a rigid, flat base to reduce the chance of early sagging.

    Pros

    • Firm, consistent support with minimal sink for back and stomach sleepers.
    • Cooling gel and bamboo charcoal help maintain a neutral sleep temperature at a mid-range price.

    Cons

    • Some mattresses do not fully expand or develop body impressions within the first year.

    If you need a seriously firm, budget-conscious twin for a back or stomach sleeper, this 6-inch gel foam is a strong contender — just set it up with care and accept that durability may vary.

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    Best for Guest Rooms

    Novilla Bliss 6"

    Novilla Bliss 6"

    Key Features

    • Construction: Gel Memory Foam
    • Firmness: Medium Firm
    • Thickness: 6 in
    • Cooling Features: Gel-infused
    • Weight Capacity & Warranty: 300 lbs, 10-yr, 100-night trial
    • Price: Budget

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    A plush gel memory foam top layer gives this 6-inch mattress a slightly softer, more cushioned feel than the firmer Novilla Comfort, without sacrificing the medium-firm support needed for growing kids or occasional adult guests. A 100-night trial and 10-year warranty reduce the risk of buying sight unseen — a practical safety net for a mattress that will see irregular use. Expansion may fall short of a full 6 inches in corners or edges, which matters most when safety rails rely on exact height. This makes it a better fit for trundle beds, daybeds, or guest setups than for bunk beds where rail clearance is critical.

    💡 Tip: Allow 72 hours for full expansion and measure corner height before using on a bunk bed with safety rails.

    Pros

    • Medium-firm gel memory foam cushions pressure points without excessive sink.
    • Motion isolation limits disturbance across the surface.
    • Plush gel foam at a budget-friendly price, backed by a trial period.

    Cons

    • Inconsistent expansion may leave corners below 6 inches, a drawback for bunk bed safety clearance.

    Best for guest rooms, vacation homes, and trundle beds where plush comfort and a trial period matter more than millimetre-precise thickness.

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    Best for Queen Bunk Beds

    Linenspa 6" Gel Foam

    Linenspa 6" Gel Foam

    Key Features

    • Construction: Gel Memory Foam
    • Firmness: Medium Firm
    • Thickness: 6 in
    • Cooling Features: Gel-infused
    • Weight Capacity & Warranty: —, 10-yr warranty
    • Price: Mid-Range

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    The Linenspa 6-inch gel memory foam mattress delivers a cool, cushioned surface that children and light sleepers find instantly comfortable — a budget-friendly choice for bunk beds or guest rooms. Adults seeking firmer support may find the feel too plush, and older review data can blur long-term expectations. This is a kids-first mattress that trades adult-grade support for a low profile and gel-cooled softness.

    Pros

    • Cushioned memory foam surface comfortable enough for children and light sleepers.
    • Queen size at a price that makes furnishing bunk beds and guest rooms affordable.

    Cons

    • Firmness can feel too soft for adults, providing less support for larger bodies.

    For children’s bunk beds, occasional guest rooms, or vacation rentals needing a low-profile queen, this gel foam mattress delivers cool comfort at a budget price — provided adult support isn’t required.

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    Best for Guest Queen

    Zinus Ultima 6"

    Zinus Ultima 6"

    Key Features

    • Construction: Memory Foam, Charcoal
    • Firmness: Medium
    • Thickness: 6 in
    • Cooling Features: Charcoal Infused
    • Weight Capacity & Warranty: 500 lbs, 10-yr
    • Price: Mid-Range

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    The Ultima’s 7-zone foam and charcoal infusion deliver noticeably soft pressure relief without the sink-in feeling of older budget foams. The main trade-off is the chemical odor during unboxing, which can linger for days or weeks — so it’s not a grab-and-go solution for immediate guest use. This makes it a smart pick for guest rooms where you can set it up well in advance and let the mattress fully air out.

    Pros

    • 7-zone memory foam with charcoal infusion offers soft, targeted pressure relief that feels refined for the price.
    • Sleep quality punches above its budget tier, making it a strong value for occasional guest use.

    Cons

    • Corners can expand unevenly, leaving the mattress slightly below 6 inches in spots — a potential gap concern for bunk bed safety rails.

    Plan on a break-in period before guests arrive, and this mattress rewards patience with a comfortable, affordable sleep surface that suits a spare bedroom nicely.

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    Best for Temporary Queen

    PayLessHere 6" Gel Foam

    PayLessHere 6" Gel Foam

    Key Features

    • Construction: Gel Memory Foam
    • Firmness: Medium Firm
    • Thickness: 6 in
    • Cooling Features: Gel-infused
    • Price: Budget

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    The PayLessHere 6-inch delivers a soft, comfortable surface at a budget-friendly price, making it a practical pick for guest rooms or dorm setups. However, thickness consistency varies — some units arrive thinner than advertised, resembling a plush topper more than a full mattress. This suits temporary spaces, not a permanent master bedroom.

    Pros

    • Soft, comfortable memory foam feel at a very low price.
    • Excellent value for money for a budget mattress.

    Cons

    • Thickness can be inconsistent — some units measure less than 6 inches and feel more like a topper.

    Best suited for guest rooms, bunk beds, or dorms where a full 6-inch profile isn’t required; the occasional thinner unit makes it less ideal for daily adult sleep.

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    Best for Kids’ Daybeds

    MLILY 6" Memory Foam

    MLILY 6" Memory Foam

    Key Features

    • Construction: Memory Foam
    • Firmness: Medium Firm
    • Thickness: 6 in
    • Price: Budget

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    The near-zero off-gassing makes it a safe pick for kids’ rooms, and the medium-firm feel suits lightweight sleepers. But the mattress may not expand to a full 6 inches—some settle at 4-5 inches—so it’s not a fit for bunk beds requiring exact rail clearance. For daybeds and trundles, the low odor and price make it worth considering.

    Pros

    • No harsh chemical odor — safer for sensitive children.
    • Comfortable medium-firm feel and budget-friendly price for kids’ daily use.

    Cons

    • Expanded height can be under 6 inches, limiting use for bunk beds that need exact rail clearance.

    A solid option for a kid’s daybed or trundle where low odor and budget price are priorities, but skip it if a guaranteed 6-inch thickness is needed for bunk bed safety rails.

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    Best for Lightweight Kids

    Amazon Basics Plush 6"

    Amazon Basics Plush 6"

    Key Features

    • Construction: Memory Foam
    • Firmness: Plush
    • Thickness: 6 in
    • Price: Budget

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    The plush memory foam surface gives toddlers a cozy, soft feel they enjoy. The six-inch profile fits bunk beds and trundles, and the price is budget-friendly for nurseries and playrooms. The foam can release a stubborn chemical odor that requires days of airing out before the room is comfortable. Support fades under heavier weight — the mattress is best kept to children under about 130 pounds, which makes it less suitable for growing teens or guest beds where adults might sleep.

    Pros

    • Soft, plush feel that lightweight sleepers find comfortable
    • Budget-friendly price for a basic memory foam mattress

    Cons

    • Chemical odor can linger, requiring extended airing out before use

    This is a cost-effective soft mattress for a toddler’s bed or occasional child-only sleepover, provided you can air it out beforehand and keep heavier users off it.

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    Best for Firm King Bed

    Ashley 6" Firm Foam

    Ashley 6" Firm Foam

    Key Features

    • Construction: Memory Foam
    • Firmness: Firm
    • Thickness: 6 in
    • Weight Capacity & Warranty: —, 10-yr
    • Price: Premium

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    The firm foam surface keeps back and stomach sleepers aligned for guest stays, but the premium price can feel steep given reports of early sagging. A noticeable off-gassing odor also demands a few days of ventilation before use.

    Pros

    • Firm support keeps back and stomach sleepers aligned without excessive sink.
    • Dense memory foam layers feel substantial and not flimsy.

    Cons

    • Body impressions may develop over time, reducing support for heavier sleepers.

    It works as a firm, occasional-use mattress for back and stomach sleepers, provided you can ventilate it and accept that some units may develop indentations sooner than expected.

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    How to Choose

    The biggest surprise with a 6-inch mattress is how thin it feels, so verifying full expansion and pairing it with a solid foundation is more important than chasing extra features.

    Construction Type

    All-foam mattresses deaden motion and isolate partner movements, making them ideal for kids’ bunk beds and guest rooms. However, the dense foam can trap heat, and the low profile leaves little room for cooling layers beneath the cover.

    Hybrids add a layer of springs for bounce and durability, but with only 6 inches of total thickness the foam layer may be too thin to mask the feel of the coils. For most users, all-foam delivers a more consistent comfort, while hybrids are best reserved for stomach sleepers who need extra firm pushback.

    Firmness Level & Pressure Relief

    Firmness directly impacts spinal alignment and pressure points. A plush mattress lets shoulders and hips sink in, relieving pressure for side sleepers but risking a sagging spine for stomach and back positions.

    A firm mattress keeps the spine neutral but can create painful pressure points for side sleepers. For children and guest rooms where sleep positions vary, a medium-firm balance offers the safest support without sacrificing comfort.

    Thickness Consistency

    Memory foam mattresses are compressed and rolled for shipping; after unboxing, they need up to 72 hours to fully expand. However, many 6-inch models never reach the full advertised height—corners often stay lower than the center.

    If a mattress stops at 4.5–5 inches, it provides significantly less support and can compromise bunk bed safety rails. Always measure after expansion and expect a tolerance of no less than 5.5 inches. A mattress that fails to meet that mark should be considered defective.

    Cooling Features & Breathability

    Gel infusions, charcoal, and green tea are common marketing claims, but the actual cooling effect depends on the thickness and placement of the cooling layer. In a 6-inch mattress, the gel layer is often too thin to make a noticeable difference, and many owners still report sleeping warm.

    Look for open-cell foam structures or ventilated covers that promote airflow. Adding a breathable cotton protector can help, but don’t buy a 6-inch mattress expecting a dramatic cooling sensation—it’s a low-profile design that naturally retains heat.

    Weight Capacity & Warranty

    A low-profile mattress has lower weight limits than a standard 10–12-inch bed. Twin sizes often support 200–300 lbs, while queen models can range from 300 to 1000 lbs. Exceeding the limit leads to rapid sagging and loss of support.

    A warranty of at least 10 years indicates the manufacturer is confident the foam will not degrade prematurely. If weight information is missing from the spec sheet, reach out to customer service before buying—especially for adult sleepers close to the typical thresholds.

    Common Mistake: Ignoring slat spacing on the bed frame; gaps wider than 3 inches can cause a thin mattress to sag between the slats, void the warranty, and create pressure points.

    FAQ

    Why does my 6-inch memory foam mattress still smell after a week?

    The odor comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released by the foam after unboxing. Most off-gassing dissipates in 3–5 days in a well-ventilated room, but some foams contain higher levels of chemicals that linger longer. Placing the mattress near an open window with a fan and sprinkling baking soda can help; if the smell persists beyond a week, the foam quality is likely subpar and you should consider an exchange.

    How much weight can a 6-inch mattress hold?

    Weight capacities vary widely by model and size. Typical twin mattresses handle 200–300 lbs, while queen models may support 300–500 lbs; some like the Classic Brands Cool Gel can hold up to 1000 lbs. Always check the manufacturer’s listed limit and stay under it to avoid premature sagging and voiding the warranty.

    Can adults sleep on a 6-inch mattress or is it only for kids?

    Adults can sleep on a 6-inch mattress as long as the weight capacity is sufficient and the firmness matches their sleep position. Stomach and back sleepers often fare well with a firm, thin surface, while side sleepers may need an additional topper for pressure relief on hips and shoulders. For adults over 200 lbs, a thicker mattress is generally a safer long-term choice.

    Why hasn’t my mattress expanded to the full 6 inches?

    Compression during shipping can permanently flatten the foam, especially at the corners. Allow the mattress 72 hours in a warm room, and gently massage the edges to encourage expansion. If it still falls short—particularly below 5.5 inches—the mattress is likely defective and you should contact the seller for a replacement or refund.

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