Single Mattresses

How to choose a single mattress

From the firmness to the design, your 3ft mattress should meet all the same criteria for comfort and support as any other option. Other things you’ll need to consider include your size, weight, and whether the mattress is for a child or adult.

Why choose a single mattress?

• They’re designed to fit a standard single bed measuring 3’ x 6’3”

• They come in a wide variety of materials and firmness ratings

• They’re easy to maintain – it’s simple to flip and turn a single bed mattress on your own

• They’re perfect for spare bedrooms and children’s beds

• They're suitable for bunk beds

• They’re a budget-friendly option

What size is a single mattress?

A single bed mattress is 190cm (6ft 3”) long and 90cm (3ft) wide. This 3ft mattress is a perfect size for a single adult or a kids mattress after transitioning from a cot bed. However, if you’d like something a little narrower, a small single mattress is also ideal for growing children.

What is the best single mattress for back pain?

If you suffer from a bad back, memory foam or orthopaedic mattresses are best for you as they are designed to help maintain the spine’s natural curve without doing any long-term damage. These mattresses are also soft enough to offer cushioning if you are in pain.

What is the best single mattress for children?

For children, a mattress with a firmer rating is usually recommended, as this supports growth. This is especially important for toddlers and young children. Pocket-sprung or standard-sprung mattresses are popular options for this.

At MattressNextDay, we cater to a range of budgets. We offer cheap 3ft mattresses that don’t compromise on quality, medium-range options from industry-leading brands and a variety of higher-end products that are sure to help you get a luxurious night’s sleep.

What are the different single mattress types?

There are lots of choices when it comes to buying a single-bed mattress. Different fillings and structures will offer varying comfort levels. So, it’s important to find a mattress that is firm enough to support your joints while offering a comfortable night’s rest. Below are some of our most popular 3ft mattresses, that go great with our single divan beds:

• Standard sprung single mattresses, also known as open coil mattresses, are a popular option. These types of springs work as one whole unit to distribute your weight evenly. The Standard Spring type of mattress is also superb at supporting the spine when asleep.

• A pocket-sprung single mattress involves the individual springs being wrapped up in their own cloth sleeve. This gives them a more responsive feel throughout the night. 

• Latex single mattresses are hypoallergenic and breathable. This makes them a great choice for those who may suffer from allergies or need to feel cool to sleep properly.

• The single memory foam mattress is made from a special foam material that moulds to the body shape of whoever sleeps on it. This kind of mattress is very popular for both adults and children. 

• A reflex foam single mattress has a firm, solid feel thanks to the reflex foam material inside. This is superb for giving complete support to both adults and children.

Find the best single mattress firmness for you:

Soft single mattress

A soft single mattress is the least firm option available. The lack of resistance against your spine and limbs in soft mattresses prevents them from providing a good level of support. Despite this, they have the benefits of being able to offer pressure relief and consistent blood circulation, as well as being less likely to cause sleep disruption if you are a light sleeper. Soft mattresses are also ideal for side sleepers as they combat any potential aches and pains in your joints.

Medium single mattress

In between soft and firm, we have a medium single mattress. In this type of mattress, the cushioning is soft, while the density is firm, for additional support. A medium single bed mattress provides versatility in different styles, so whether you want a memory foam or pocket-sprung mattress, you should be able to find one that has a medium firmness.

These mattresses are good choices for side sleepers and back sleepers. Learn more about what are the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Medium firm single mattress

Medium firm single mattresses are still in the middle firmness zone but are firmer than a medium 3ft mattress. These mattresses provide luxurious cushioning, but they have less sinkage than medium mattresses due to their more rigid structure.

Regardless of age and sleeping position, a medium-firm mattress offers great sleep for most sleepers. Side sleepers, however, may be best off sticking with a medium or soft mattress to properly align their spines and create that dipping effect into the mattress.

For kids' mattresses, a medium firm firmness is ideal, as it offers enough support for growing bones and joints.

Firm single mattress

A firm single mattress is ideal for back and front sleepers as they offer little sinkage and more resistance to your body. They also offer support to your weight without causing pain to pressure points. A firm firmness is another great choice for a children’s mattress, as it provides enough support for their growing bodies. Furthermore, people who suffer from back or spinal pain will benefit from sleeping on these canvases as they offer more resistance, keeping your spine aligned. Find out more about the best mattresses for back pain.

Extra firm single mattress

At the top of the firmness ladder, we have the extra firm single mattress, which most people will find difficult to sleep on without a mattress topper. These mattresses are often used by sleepers with heavier body frames so that they can distribute weight evenly and prevent aches and pains. An extra-firm mattress is also advocated for those who suffer from severe neck, back or joint pain and for sleepers who have extreme medical needs.  

For more help on mattress firmness, check out our helpful Mattress Firmness Guide.

Choose the perfect single mattress based on its features:

• If you suffer from a bad back, then an orthopaedic mattress will be ideal for you, as they are designed to help maintain the spine’s natural curve, without doing any long-term damage.

• A hypoallergenic single mattress is designed to prevent the risk of allergic reactions. Since they are tightly sealed, they prevent body oils and dead skin cells from spreading throughout the mattress.

• Single cooling mattresses have specific materials within them that are purposefully designed to remain cool, making it easier for hot sleepers to enjoy their trip to the land of nod. To learn more, check out our best mattresses for hot sleepers.

• A vacuum-rolled single mattress is a mattress that’s rolled up tightly in a cylinder to be sold. Also known as a roll-up mattress, these designs are placed in a protective bag, which is then flattened in a compression machine.

A single pillow top mattress is a bed that has a permanent mattress topper stitched or glued on top of a springy-based mattress.

How much does a 3ft mattress cost?

Single mattresses cost less than larger options simply because they are smaller in size. However, you can pay as little or as much as you want, depending on the different fillings and structures available. A top-of-the-range memory foam or pocket sprung 3ft mattress will cost more than a standard sprung version. An orthopaedic mattress will also cost more than a budget mattress that’s a little softer. To save even more money, look for free UK mainland mattress delivery services from MattressNextDay.