When buying a bed, many people focus on design, mattress quality, and comfort—but the height of the bed is often overlooked. Yet it plays a crucial role in ensuring ergonomic sitting and getting out of bed. The right height for getting out of bed makes daily life easier, protects your joints and spine, and significantly increases comfort. In this article, you’ll learn how to calculate the ideal height and what factors influence it.
Why the exit height is so important
A mattress that is too low or too high can make getting out of bed difficult. People with back or knee problems notice this immediately: they either have to push themselves up with great effort or find it hard to maintain their balance when standing up. The optimal exit height ensures that the movement remains natural —much like getting up from a chair.
- A healthier way to get out of bed: less strain on your knees and back.
- Greater comfort: No need to "sink down" deeply when sitting down.
- Safety: Stability when standing up—especially important for older adults.
How do you calculate the ideal exit altitude?
The rule of thumb is: The seat height of the bed should be the same as the height of your lower knee. This way, when you stand up, you can place both feet flat on the floor and have a secure footing.
Here's how to calculate your individual amount:
- Put on regular slippers or socks, just like the ones you wear every day.
- Stand up straight and measure the distance from the floor to the back of your knee.
- This measurement is roughly equivalent to the ideal step-over height for your bed.
Example: For someone who is 174 cm tall, the ideal seat height is usually between 45 and 50 cm.
What factors influence the height of the bed?
The total height of a bed is determined by several factors. To achieve the optimal step-out height, these components must be coordinated:
- Bed frame height: Between 25 and 50 cm, depending on the model.
- Slatted base: Typically adds 4–10 cm in height.
- Mattress height: Varies by type, usually 18–30 cm.
- Mattress topper (optional): 4–10 cm of additional height.
All of these measurements add up to the total height —and thus the actual seat height of the bed.
Practical tips for adjusting the height
Not every bed is the perfect fit right away. But with a few simple adjustments, you can achieve the ideal height:
- Adjusting the height of the slatted base: Many bed frames offer different height settings.
- Choose your mattress height carefully: A thicker mattress can compensate for a bed that is too low.
- Add a topper: Ideal for fine adjustments of just a few centimeters.
- Replacing bed legs: Some models allow for longer or shorter legs.
A simple rule of thumb for the correct exit altitude
The easiest way to determine the ideal height is to use a simple rule of thumb: if your legs are at an angle of less than 90 degrees when you sit on the edge of the bed, the bed is too low.
In this position, you have to rely more on your arms for support when standing up, putting more strain on your knees and back. If, on the other hand, you’re at about knee height, you’ll have a comfortable 90-degree angle—and you can push yourself up primarily using the strength of your thighs. This is much healthier and feels more natural.
Tip: When trying out the bed, simply sit down, place both feet flat on the floor, and pay attention to the angle. If it’s significantly less than 90°, you should consider adjusting the bed height.
Conclusion – the perfect step-through height ensures comfort and good health
The ideal step-over height is exactly where you can support yourself securely, just as you would when getting up from a chair. Use the height of the back of your knee as a guide. Depending on your height, this is usually between 45 and 55 cm. Check your bed to see if the frame, slatted base, and mattress fit together—and make small adjustments if necessary. This way, you combine ergonomic comfort with long-term health.
Tip: If you’re unsure, just sit on the edge of the bed when shopping for one—your legs should be comfortably at a 90-degree angle without you “falling” into the bed or having to struggle to push yourself up.
