THE MATTRESS SIZE GUIDE The size of your mattress is one of the first, not to mention most important decisions you need to make. There are many options available but here are some handy tips when choosing the best size that suits you: * A mattress should be at least 10cm longer than the height of the tallest person using it. * The width of the mattress should allow you to be able to put both your hands under your head without your elbows touching the edge of the mattress or the person sleeping next to you. * European mattress sizes differ from UK mattress sizes. Select two bed sizes to compare 1 5'0 King W 152cm x L 202cm (5ft x 6'8") With plenty of room to spare, this mattress allows partners to get extremely comfortable. 2 5'0 King * W 152cm x L 202cm (5ft x 6'8") 1 Toddler W 77cm x L 142cm (2'6" x 4'8") This toddler mattress is perfect for smaller bed frames for little ones. 2 Toddler * W 77cm x L 142cm (2'6" x 4'8") 1 2'6 Small Single W 77cm x L 192cm (2'6" x 6'4")
The small single will fit narrower kid's bed frames and guest beds. 2 2'6 Small Single * W 77cm x L 192cm (2'6" x 6'4") 1 3'0 Single W 92cm x L 192cm (3ft x 6'4") A slightly larger single mattress for regular use and extra comfort. 2 3'0 Single * W 92cm x L 192cm (3ft x 6'4") 1 4'0 Small Double W 122cm x L 192cm (4ft x 6'4") Small double beds add a little more sleeping space to smaller areas. 2 4'0 Small Double * W 122cm x L 192cm (4ft x 6'4") 1 4'6 Double W 137cm x L 192cm (4'6" x 6'4") Perfect for couples, this double size provides ample sleeping room. 2 4'6 Double * W 137cm x L 192cm (4'6" x 6'4") 1 6'0 Super King W 182cm x L 202cm (6ft x 6'8") This mattress size is the king of comfort, with the opportunity to really stretch out for both you and your partner. 2 6'0 Super King * W 182cm x L 202cm (6ft x 6'8") 6'0 SUPER KING W 182cm x L 202cm (6ft x 6'6'') The very best in sleeping comfort - the super king mattress gives an unbeatable amount of space for you and your partner.
If your family all like to squeeze in together on Sunday mornings or just someone who values a lot of space, the Super King is a great option. Best for: 2 persons 5'0 KING W 152cm x L 202cm (5ft x 6'6'') Great if you like plenty of sleeping room; a king size mattress will mean you'll be able to turn and move positions without disturbing your partner. If you or your partner are 190cm or taller we recommend a King. In the US this mattress is referred to as a 'Queen' and is known in Japan as a 'Wide Double'. 4'6 DOUBLE W 137cm x L 192cm (4'6'' x 6'4'') A double mattress is the perfect sleeping solution for couples. This size allows for a good amount of room so each person can get an undisturbed night's sleep. Here, at Dreams we stock a huge range of double mattresses with a wide variety of materials and construction. 4'0 SMALL DOUBLE W 122cm x L 192cm (4ft x 6'4'') Small Double mattresses are better suited for one person but can be bought for two average sized adults who don't mind sleeping close to each other.
A small double is also a good choice for couples whose bedroom isn't particularly wide. Best for: 1 person 3'0 SINGLE W 92cm x L 192cm (3ft x 6'4'') This size is great for people who sleep on their own and is a good longer term option for a child as it will last well into their teens. Single sized mattresses are also a great option for larger spare rooms and guest bedrooms. 2'6 SMALL SINGLE W 77cm x L 192cm (2'6'' x 6'4'') The small single will fit narrower kids' bed frames and guest beds. It's the perfect size if you're trying to save on space and is great for a spare room as it can be easily moved when you have guests. Best for: Young kids Toddler W 77cm x L 142cm (2'6'' x 4'8'') A toddler sized mattress is the perfect size for kids aged between one and three and is a great starter for kids ready to move out of their cots. Care should be taken to ensure that the mattress fits perfectly on your kids' bed. Turning the mattress regularly will also reduce wear over time.
Want to get the best bed at the right price? Follow our expert bed shopping tips and you won't go far wrong, whatever your budget. If it's time for you to get a new bed, don't hit the shops without our top 10 tips for bed shopping success. Looking for a space-saving bed with storage to put in a smaller bedroom, or a stylish four-poster bed? Your bed is likely to be the most prominent piece of furniture in your bedroom, so choose a bed type that fits with the style and size of the room. Our guide to the different types of bed takes you through the main options and their pros and cons. How much space do you have? Decide how large or small a bed you'd like - or can fit - in your bedroom. Measure your bedroom if you're moving into a new home, allowing ample space at either side of where the bed will fit to accommodate bedside tables or other furniture. Typical UK bed sizes Mattress sizes do vary - so compare the size of the bed and the mattress to make sure they fit.
Choosing the right mattress is crucial to ensure you get a long-lasting bed that gives you a comfortable night's sleep while properly supporting your body. Contrary to popular opinion, a mattress doesn’t have to be firm to be good for you. As long as it has a good supporting structure, the amount of padding on top is down to personal preference. In our mattress tests we measure the shape of a person's body at 36 different points when standing, and when lying on their back on the mattresses. We then measure the position of their spine when lying on the mattress - a good mattress keeps your spine in line and parallel to the mattress. We also simulate years of use by rolling heavy barrels over each mattress thousands of times. Our Best Buy mattresses start at less than £200 Our test results mean that when you get a Best Buy mattress, you can be sure you're buying a mattress that will support your body and last for years to come. Check out our mattress reviews to find the best for you - our Best Buy mattresses start at less than £200.
There are countless bed shops to choose from - including specialist high street brands, such as Dreams and Bensons, small independents, and general furniture shops including Ikea, Furniture Village and Habitat. Online outlets and warehouse stores offering end-of-line and cheap beds can offer some low-cost options, but it's advisable to try a bed before you buy. Take a look at our guide to the best and worst shops to discover which bed shops were rated highly in our survey of thousands of Which? Four in five bed shoppers spend less than two minutes trying beds in the shop, according to The Sleep Council. You're going to spend a lot of hours sleeping on it, so it's worth spending time getting properly hands-on with different beds and mattresses. When trying out a bed, lie down on it in the same way as you'd lie on your bed at home, to see how it feels. Ideally the mattress should mould to the shape of your body while also supporting it. If you're looking for a double bed for two, bring your partner along with you to try out potential purchases together.
Individuals have different tastes - and not only when it comes to the feel of the bed and mattress - so there may have to be some compromise along the way. In our mattress tests we get people with different body types to lie on each mattress - this means we can tell you which mattresses are suitable for a wide range of people. We also measure whether you'll feel the mattress moving when your partner turns on it. Find out which are our Best Buy mattresses. There are a few key questions to ask in the bed shop so you know exactly what you're getting for your money: It's sensible to approach discounts on products such as beds with a healthy dose of cynicism. It's worth checking if a 'sale' might be coming up - you might benefit from a hefty price cut by waiting a few weeks longer. That said, there are some good bargains to be had. Particularly if you go into a store armed with a better deal you've found on the same spec model online - some shops might be prepared to offer a price match.
Don't be afraid to haggle either, particularly in an independent store where the shop assistants may have more power to reduce the price, or throw in a freebie. Don't be afraid to haggle for the best price, especially if you've seen it cheaper elsewhere Unless you've got access to a van, you'll need to arrange for the store to deliver your bed. There's likely to be a charge for this, so ensure you get a quote for delivery before parting with any money. Not all shops offer evening or weekend delivery slots, so check before you buy if this is important to you. You'll need to dispose of your old bed, too. Ask the shop you're buying your new bed from if it will pick up your old bed when they deliver - some may charge extra to do this. You can ask your council to collect bulky items such as mattresses, but again some charge a small fee for this service. Wooden bed frames can be recycled - contact your council for details of your nearest neighbourhood recycling centre or to arrange a pick-up, or get in touch with the Furniture Re-use Network to donate your bed.