Single Mattresses

What is a Single Mattress?

Single mattresses are designed to accommodate a single bed frame or base. They’re compact in size which makes them ideal for children, guest bedrooms or adults who sleep by themselves. And given their relatively small footprint, a single bed with a mattress can help maximise the floor space in a bedroom. This means you’ll be able to prioritise more storage savvy furniture or leave space for the kids to spread out with their toys.

The name 'single' is derived from single mattresses being designed to sleep one person comfortably. Kids can sleep snug in a single bed from the moment they transition from their cot or cot bed, right through to their teenage years and into adulthood.

What is a 3ft Mattress?

A 3ft mattress is another name commonly used for a standard UK single mattress. It measures 90cm wide by 190cm long (3ft x 6ft 3in) and is designed for one sleeper.

A 3ft single mattress can be used in children's and teenagers' bedrooms, guest rooms, spare rooms and adult bedrooms where floor space is limited. Before ordering, measure your bed frame to make sure it is designed for a standard UK single mattress.

What Size is a Single Mattress?

A standard UK single mattress measures 90cm wide by 190cm long, which is approximately 3ft wide by 6ft 3in long. It is designed for one person and fits a standard UK single bed frame.

A single mattress is wider than a small single mattress, which measures 75cm × 190cm, while a small double is wider at 120cm × 190cm. Always check the dimensions of your existing bed frame before buying, as European mattress sizes can differ from standard UK measurements.

How do I Choose the Best Single Mattress?

The best single mattress depends on your preferred feel, sleeping position, body shape, budget and the type of support you prefer. There is no single mattress that suits everyone.

If you prefer a responsive feel, consider a pocket sprung or hybrid mattress. If you like a more cushioning, contouring feel, memory foam may be worth considering. Open coil mattresses can provide a more straightforward, budget-friendly option.

Firmness is also important. Consider whether you prefer a softer, more cushioning surface or a firmer, more supportive feel, and compare the manufacturer's comfort rating before buying.

What types of single mattresses are available?

Single mattresses are available in several constructions, each offering a different feel and combination of support and comfort.

Single pocket sprung mattresses

Pocket sprung mattresses contain individual springs housed in separate fabric pockets. The springs can respond independently to movement, creating a responsive feel. Pocket sprung single mattresses are available in different spring counts, comfort layers and firmness ratings.

Single memory foam mattresses

Memory foam mattresses use foam in the comfort layers to create a more cushioning, contouring feel. They can be a good option if you prefer a mattress that feels less springy and more moulding around the body.

Single hybrid mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine two or more technologies, commonly pocket springs with foam comfort layers. They can provide a combination of responsive spring support and a more cushioned surface feel.

Single open coil mattresses

Open coil mattresses use interconnected springs and are often a straightforward, more budget-conscious choice. They are available in different comfort ratings and can be suitable for spare rooms, children's rooms or other situations where keeping costs down is important.

Single latex mattresses

Latex mattresses use latex within their construction to create a responsive, resilient feel. If you prefer a springy surface but want an alternative to traditional spring construction, a latex single mattress may be worth considering.

Which single mattress is right for me?

The right single mattress depends on who will be sleeping on it, how often it will be used and the type of comfort and support they prefer. Consider the sleeper's age, sleeping position, available space and bed frame, then choose from different mattress types and firmness ratings to find a suitable option.

Single mattress for children

A single mattress can be a practical choice for a child's bedroom, providing more sleeping space than a small single while remaining compact. When choosing a mattress for a child, consider the bed frame, mattress depth and firmness, as well as any specific requirements for the bed. For bunk or high-sleeper beds, always check that the mattress is suitable for the specific frame.

Single mattress for teenagers

A single mattress can provide a comfortable long-term sleeping space for teenagers while fitting easily into many bedrooms. As teenagers grow, consider the mattress dimensions, construction and firmness they prefer. Pocket sprung, memory foam and hybrid single mattresses are available in different comfort ratings, making it possible to choose an option suited to their preferred sleeping feel.

Single mattress for adults

A standard single mattress measures 90cm x 190cm and is designed for one sleeper, so it can be suitable for adults as well as younger sleepers. It's a practical option for smaller bedrooms, spare rooms or anyone who doesn't need the additional width of a double mattress. Taller adults may want to consider a longer mattress size.

Single mattress for guest rooms

A single mattress can be a versatile choice for a guest room, particularly where space is limited or the room needs to accommodate occasional visitors. Consider a mattress with a generally comfortable, versatile feel if different people will use the room. Pocket sprung, memory foam and hybrid options are available across a range of firmness ratings and budgets.

Single mattress for small bedrooms

A single mattress can work well in a smaller bedroom because its 90cm width takes up less floor space than a double mattress. This leaves more room for furniture and storage while still providing a full-size sleeping surface for one person. Before buying, measure the available space as well as your existing bed frame to ensure the mattress will fit.

Single mattress for bunk beds

If you're buying a single mattress for a bunk bed or high sleeper, check the manufacturer's requirements before choosing a mattress. The correct mattress dimensions and maximum depth can vary between bed frames, and the mattress needs to be compatible with the specific design. Check the product and bed-frame specifications carefully rather than assuming any standard single mattress will be suitable.

Are Single Mattresses Suitable for Adults?

Yes. A standard single mattress is designed for one sleeper and can be suitable for adults as well as children and teenagers. At 90cm wide and 190cm long, it provides a compact sleeping surface that can work well in smaller bedrooms, guest rooms or homes where floor space is limited.

If you're taller than 190cm, consider whether a longer mattress size, such as a Euro single where available, would provide more legroom.

Single Mattress FAQs

Is a single mattress the same as a 3ft mattress?

Yes. A standard UK single mattress is commonly referred to as a 3ft mattress because it is approximately 3ft wide. The standard dimensions are 90cm wide by 190cm long. You may therefore see the terms single mattress and 3ft mattress used interchangeably when shopping for a standard UK single bed.

Is a single mattress suitable for adults?

Yes, a standard single mattress can be suitable for adults as well as children and teenagers. Measuring 90cm x 190cm, it provides a compact sleeping surface for one person and can work well in smaller bedrooms, spare rooms and guest rooms. If you're particularly tall, consider whether a longer mattress size would provide more comfortable legroom.

What is the best single mattress?

There is no single mattress that is best for everyone. The right choice depends on your preferred comfort, sleeping position, budget and the type of support you like. Pocket sprung mattresses offer a responsive feel, while memory foam can provide more cushioning and contouring. Hybrid mattresses combine different technologies, giving you another option to consider.

What firmness is best for a single mattress?

The best firmness for a single mattress depends on your sleeping position, body shape and personal preference. Side sleepers may prefer a mattress with more cushioning around the shoulders and hips, while back or front sleepers may prefer a more stable surface. Compare soft, medium, medium-firm, firm and extra-firm options to find a feel that suits you.

Are pocket sprung single mattresses good?

Pocket sprung single mattresses can provide a responsive combination of support and comfort. Each spring is housed in its own fabric pocket, allowing the springs to respond more independently to movement. The overall feel depends on the spring count, comfort layers and firmness of the mattress, so compare the complete construction rather than choosing based on spring count alone.

Are memory foam single mattresses comfortable?

Memory foam single mattresses can be comfortable if you prefer a more cushioning and contouring feel. Memory foam responds to body weight and can create a closer, less springy sensation than some traditional mattresses. Comfort is subjective, however, so consider the mattress's firmness, foam construction and your preferred sleeping position when choosing between memory foam options.

What is the difference between a single and small single mattress?

The main difference is width. A standard UK single mattress measures 90cm x 190cm, while a small single mattress is typically 75cm x 190cm. Both are designed for one sleeper and have the same standard length, but a small single saves 15cm of width. Check your bed-frame dimensions before ordering to make sure you choose the correct size.

What is the difference between a single and small double mattress?

A standard single mattress measures 90cm x 190cm, while a small double mattress is typically 120cm x 190cm. Both have the same length, but a small double is 30cm wider. A single is designed for one sleeper, whereas a small double provides additional sleeping space where a full double may not fit comfortably.

How long does a single mattress last?

A single mattress can last for several years, although its lifespan depends on its construction, materials, quality, usage and how well it is maintained. Regularly following the manufacturer's care instructions and using a suitable bed base can help maintain its condition. Signs that a mattress may need replacing include visible wear, reduced support or a noticeable change in comfort.

How do I know if a single mattress will fit my bed?

Measure the inside length and width of your existing bed frame and compare these measurements with the mattress specifications before buying. A standard UK single mattress is 90cm x 190cm, but not every bed uses UK standard sizing. You should also check the recommended mattress depth, particularly if the mattress is being used with a bunk bed or high sleeper.