Finding the right 3ft single mattress for your needs
At MattressNextDay, we offer the UK's biggest range of mattresses. While that gives you plenty of options to choose from, it can be tricky to narrow down which is best for you. Our Sleep Experts recommend these types of single mattresses, depending on who will be sleeping on the bed, and how your priorities for support, safety, and durability will change.
For Children & Teenagers: Growing bodies need consistent, responsive support. Our Kids Mattresses are designed with breathable materials to regulate temperature throughout the night.
For Bunk Beds: If you are shopping for a bunk or mid-sleeper, safety is paramount. Ensure you choose a Bunk Bed Mattress with a depth of no more than 16cm to ensure the safety rails function correctly.
For Adults: If this is a primary bed for an adult, we highly recommend a high-quality Pocket Sprung Single Mattress. These provide targeted support for your pressure points and offer far greater longevity than basic open-coil models.
For Guest Rooms: A Hybrid Single Mattress is often the best choice here. Combining springs with a foam top layer offers the best of both worlds, and choosing a medium feel will suit both side and back sleepers.
Expert Advice: Which firmness is best?
Selecting the right tension when choosing your perfect single mattress can help maintain healthy spinal alignment, reducing your risk of back pain. If you are unsure, our Sleep Experts recommend basing your choice on the primary sleeping position:
Side Sleepers (Soft to Medium): You need a mattress with enough cushioning to allow your shoulders and hips to sink in comfortably.
Back Sleepers (Medium-Firm): A medium-firm surface provides the necessary targeted support for your lower back.
Front Sleepers (Firm): A firmer feel prevents your hips from dipping into the mattress, which protects against lower back strain.
Our collections of mattresses for side sleepers, for back sleepers, and for front sleepers can help you tailor your single mattress choice even further.
Why shop for a single mattress with MattressNextDay?
With over two decades of experience, our team is dedicated to making it as easy as possible to find your perfect mattress, no matter the size.
Industry Leaders: Winning the NBF Online Retailer of the Year award three times running highlights our unwavering commitment to providing safe, high-quality beds you can trust.
Sleep on It Risk-Free: We know that whether you are buying for yourself or a growing child, comfort is subjective. That is why we offer a 100-Night Sleep Trial so you can be completely certain you have made the right choice.
Hassle-Free Recycling: Upgrading a bedroom and need the old bed gone? Let us do the heavy lifting. Add our Old Mattress Removal service to your basket, and we will collect your previous mattress for eco-friendly recycling.
3ft Single Mattress FAQs
What are the exact dimensions of a standard UK single mattress?
A standard UK single mattress measures exactly 3ft wide by 6ft 3in long (90cm x 190cm). This size is standard across the UK and will fit perfectly into any regular Single Bed Frame or Single Divan Base. For a full breakdown of all bed sizes, view our Ultimate UK Bed and Mattress Size Guide.
Is a single mattress big enough for an adult?
Yes, a 3ft single mattress is 190cm (6ft 3in) long, making it perfectly suitable for an average-height adult. However, if you are taller than 6ft 2in, or if you prefer extra legroom, you may want to consider upgrading to a King Size Mattress, which offers a longer 200cm length. Our guide to choosing a bed for a tall person can help!
Can I use my existing bed frame?
Yes, as long as your existing single frame is structurally sound. If you're buying a single mattress for a child, it might be worth investing in a new bed frame anyway, to ensure maximum safety. Also, if your bed frame is slatted, ensure the slats are no more than 7cm apart to keep your new single mattress as supported as possible.
What is the difference between a small single and a standard single?
A Small Single Mattress is 2ft 6in wide (75cm x 190cm), which makes it 6 inches narrower than a standard 3ft single. Small singles are generally only recommended for toddlers transitioning from a cot, or for extremely tight box rooms where floor space is heavily restricted.