Single Mattresses (3ft)

Why choose a single mattress?

A 3ft single mattress gives one sleeper a comfortable 90 x 190cm sleeping surface without taking up unnecessary bedroom space. That makes single mattresses useful for several everyday situations:

• Growing children: A practical step up to a full-size bed once your child has outgrown their toddler bed.

• Teenage bedrooms: The full 190cm length provides more room as children grow taller.

• Guest rooms: Give adult visitors a proper sleeping surface while keeping the room flexible for other uses.

• Bunk and cabin beds: Standard singles can fit many space-saving frames, provided the mattress dimensions and permitted depth match.

How to choose the right single mattress

Start by making sure you need a standard UK single mattress measuring 90 x 190cm. A Euro single is longer at 90 x 200cm, so checking the dimensions of your bed frame before ordering can prevent an expensive sizing mistake.

Next, consider who will use the mattress. For younger children moving into their first full-size bed, look for an age-appropriate mattress with suitable support and a comfortable firmness. As children become taller and heavier through their teenage years, their comfort preferences can change, so it is worth reassessing firmness, mattress construction and cushioning rather than automatically replacing like for like.

If you are buying for a bunk bed, cabin bed or high sleeper, mattress depth is particularly important. Many raised beds specify a maximum mattress depth of around 15cm so the safety rail remains sufficiently high above the sleeping surface. Always follow the maximum depth stated by the bed manufacturer, as this can vary between frames.

Then choose the mattress type that best matches the desired feel. Pocket springs move independently for responsive support, memory foam provides closer cushioning, while hybrid mattresses combine springs with added comfort layers.

Finally, compare prices alongside the overall construction and product-specific reassurance. Check verified customer reviews and the individual product page for applicable warranty and delivery details before choosing your single mattress.

Why shop at MattressNextDay?

Next-day delivery - Available on eligible in-stock mattresses across the UK mainland.

Lowest price promise - Compare single mattresses with extra reassurance around the price you pay.

Old mattress removal - We can collect your old mattress when your new one arrives.

Excellent reviews - Read verified customer reviews to help you compare before buying.

Award-winning retailer - Buy from a three-time NBF Online Bed Retailer of the Year.

British-designed quality - Explore British-designed mattresses made with carefully selected materials.

Need help choosing your next mattress?

Tell us how you sleep, the firmness you prefer and what you would like to spend. MattressFinder™ can quickly narrow the range and help you find a single mattress that fits your needs. Find your perfect mattress.

Buying guidance for single mattresses

Choosing the right single mattress is easier once you know the exact size you need, who will be sleeping on it and the type of comfort they prefer. These practical checks can help you narrow down your options before you buy.

Understanding dimensions: UK single vs Euro single mattresses

A standard UK single and a Euro single are both 90cm wide, but the difference in length is important when matching your mattress to an existing bed frame.

• UK single mattress: Measures 90 x 190cm, or approximately 3ft x 6ft 3. This is the standard size used for most UK single bed frames.

• Euro single mattress: Measures 90 x 200cm, giving you an extra 10cm of length. This can suit taller sleepers or European-style bed frames.
  
  

Best single mattresses for kids, bunk beds, and teenagers

A single mattress can suit children from their first "big bed" through to their teenage years.

For younger children, focus on suitable support, comfort and a secure fit within the bed frame. As they grow, firmness and cushioning preferences may change. For bunk beds, high sleepers and cabin beds, always check the manufacturer's maximum mattress depth, which is often around 15cm. 

A standard single is also a practical guest-room choice, offering enough space for one adult while taking up less floor space than a larger bed.

Choosing your ideal comfort: Pocket sprung, memory foam, or hybrid 3ft mattresses

Different mattress constructions create noticeably different sleeping surfaces, so start with the feel you prefer.

A firmer mattress is not automatically better, and a softer mattress will not suit every sleeper. Compare firmness with construction, comfort layers and who will use the bed rather than choosing on a single feature.

Delivery, recycling, and guarantees

Free next-day delivery to most locations - Need your single mattress quickly? Free next-day delivery is available across the UK mainland on eligible in-stock mattresses.

Free weekend delivery - Choose a weekend delivery slot, if available, so your mattress can arrive when it works for you.

Choose a delivery date - Pick your preferred delivery date at checkout to make replacing a mattress or setting up a new bedroom easier to plan.

Learn more about our delivery and returns policies. 

We make old mattress disposal easy for you

Just £39 to responsibly dispose of your old mattress - Add old mattress removal at checkout for £39, and MattressNextDay will take care of your old mattress when your new one arrives.

100% of your mattress is reused and recycled - Your old mattress is broken down into its core components, and the raw materials are repurposed.

A greener way to get rid of your old mattress - Avoid arranging disposal yourself with a recycling service designed to make replacing your old single mattress more convenient.

Find a great value single mattress

Looking for a single mattress at the right price? Explore the latest MattressNextDay sale to compare offers across trusted brands, different mattress types and a choice of comfort grades. Shop mattress sale.

Ask the expert about single mattresses

Choosing a mattress is easier when you know what to compare. Our product experts answer common questions about single mattresses, including suitability, warranties, firmness, bunk beds and budgets.

Martin Seeley, Product Expert at MattressNextDay, answers questions about single mattresses.

Are single mattresses suitable for adults?

Yes. A standard single mattress provides a full 190cm-long sleeping surface for one person and can work well for adults who sleep alone.

It is particularly practical for guest bedrooms, smaller rooms and homes where preserving floor space matters. If the sleeper is particularly tall, compare the 190cm UK single with longer mattress sizes, including a 200cm Euro single, before deciding.

Are single mattresses good for children moving into their first big bed?

A single mattress can be a practical next step once a child is ready to move on from a cot bed or toddler bed. Because a standard single is a full adult length, it also gives them room to grow without needing another size change quickly.

Look at the mattress firmness, construction and intended age range rather than simply choosing the cheapest single mattress. Comfort needs can change as children grow, so the mattress that suits a younger child may not necessarily be the best choice several years later.

What firmness should a child's single mattress be?

There is no single firmness that suits every child. Age, size, preferred sleeping position and personal comfort all matter.

Younger children are lighter than teenagers and adults, so they may experience the same mattress firmness differently. As a child grows taller and heavier, particularly during the teenage years, it can be useful to reassess whether the existing firmness and level of cushioning still feel comfortable and supportive.

Always check the individual product information for guidance on suitability.

What type of single mattress is best for a teenager?

Teenagers can use many of the same mattress constructions as adults. Pocket sprung mattresses offer responsive support, memory foam provides closer cushioning, while hybrid mattresses combine springs with additional comfort materials.

As teenagers grow, their height, weight and comfort preferences can change relatively quickly. Consider how the mattress feels now as well as whether its construction is suitable for regular everyday use.

How deep should a single mattress be for a bunk bed?

The correct depth depends on the bunk bed itself. Many top bunks, cabin beds and high sleepers specify a maximum mattress depth of around 15cm so the safety rail remains sufficiently high above the mattress.

This is not a universal limit. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for your particular bed frame before buying. A mattress can have the correct 90 x 190cm footprint and still be unsuitable if it is too deep for the upper bunk.

Can I use any single mattress on a cabin bed or high sleeper?

Only if the mattress meets the bed manufacturer's size and depth requirements. Most standard UK single frames require a 90 x 190cm mattress, but raised beds may impose additional depth restrictions for safety.

Check the permitted mattress dimensions and maximum depth before ordering. If the frame has guard rails, make sure the chosen mattress does not sit too high for them to work as intended.

What is a hybrid single mattress?

A hybrid mattress combines a spring system with additional comfort materials such as foam. The aim is to provide some of the responsiveness of springs alongside extra cushioning from the layers above.

Hybrid mattresses can vary considerably in construction, so compare the individual product details rather than assuming all hybrids feel alike. Firmness, mattress depth and the materials used will all influence the final feel.

Are firm single mattresses better for teenagers or adults?

A firm single mattress may suit sleepers who prefer a sturdier surface, but firmness is a personal comfort choice rather than a measure of overall quality.

Medium firm, firm and extra firm mattresses can all feel different depending on their construction and comfort layers. Compare the firmness rating with the sleeper's preferences and the mattress materials rather than automatically choosing the firmest option.

What should I look for when buying a budget single mattress?

Start with suitability rather than price alone. Check that the mattress is the correct 90 x 190cm size, offers a comfort grade the sleeper is happy with and has a construction appropriate for how frequently it will be used.

An occasional guest mattress may have different requirements from a child's everyday bed or an adult mattress used every night. Compare the product details, verified reviews and any applicable warranty information to decide which option offers the best overall value for your needs.

Do single mattresses come with warranties?

Warranties vary between products. Some mattresses may include longer warranties, while others will have different terms.

Check the individual product page before you order so you know exactly what applies to your chosen single mattress. This also lets you compare construction, firmness and price alongside the reassurance included with the product.