Let’s tackle perhaps the most obvious answer to most of us, the actual thickness of the mattress itself. This is specifically controlled by the materials used to build the mattress. Each layer of building material, whatever that may be, results in the thickness of the finished product. More materials make for a thicker mattress This includes anything used to construct the mattress system. i.e., Coil springs, memory foam, Latex, insulator pads, etc. Additionally, the quality of these building materials can also affect the final price of the mattress. Things like higher (Most costly) or lower density foam (Less costly) OR polyester fiber (Less costly) vs. natural cotton or wool filling (Most costly). 2. Thickness of the box spring and foundation. This traditionally supports the mattress and keeps it from falling through the bed or bed frame. Foundations can be as thin as 2 inches like a Bunkie board platform. Some foundations are as short as 4 to 5 inches while others are as tall as 9 inches. 3. Bed or bed frame height. This ultimately has the final control over the overall height of your bed. Some Hollywood steel bed frames sit no higher than 4 inches off the floor. These are called low-profile bed frames that are made specifically to lower the overall height of your mattress set. While some bed frames like a queen and or Victorian rice beds can sit 18 inches or more off the ground, this measurement does not include the box spring or the mattress.