Upholstery Depth and GSM Explained
Published 2026-08-03. Last updated 2026-08-03. Desk research by Kaiser Khan — we have not product-tested mattress upholstery depth and GSM. This is not a shop review and not medical advice.
In short
Upholstery depth is how thick the soft layers above the support core are. GSM means grams per square metre and often rates fibre or fabric weight. Deeper upholstery can feel plusher. Higher GSM can mean a denser fill or cloth. Neither number alone proves quality. Read them with spring tension or foam density.
About 1 minutes to read
What materials go into this mattress?
Typical builds use wool and cotton fibre, foam comfort layers, cover fabrics. Exact stacks vary by model. Read the spec, not the shop slogan.
- wool and cotton fibre
- foam comfort layers
- cover fabrics
How long does this mattress typically last?
A typical range is 6– 10 years. Body weight, base support and rotation change that. It is not a warranty promise.
6– 10 years
Two different numbers
| Term | Measures | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Upholstery depth | Thickness of soft layers above the core | Plush versus thin top feel |
| GSM | Mass of fabric or fibre per square metre | Comparing cloth or fill density |
How to use them
- Fix support for your body weight first.
- Then choose upholstery depth for top feel.
- Use GSM only to compare similar materials — not to rank whole mattresses.
Related BedGuide entries
How it works
Frequently asked questions
What does GSM mean on bedding or mattress fabric?
GSM means grams per square metre. It is a weight measure for fabric or fibre. A higher GSM cloth can feel denser. It does not tell you spring tension or overall mattress quality by itself.
Does deeper upholstery make a mattress better?
Deeper upholstery often feels softer on top. Support still comes from the core. A deep soft quilt on soft springs can feel sinky. Match depth to the feel you want after support is right.