Double Mattresses (4ft 6)

Why choose a double mattress?

A double mattress strikes a balance between a comfortable sleeping space and a footprint that fits in many UK bedrooms. At MattressNextDay, you can compare firmness, support systems, comfort fillings, customer ratings, and prices across a wide range of double mattresses.

Whether you want an affordable double mattress for a guest room or an everyday mattress for two, filters make it easier to narrow your options without assuming that a single construction or firmness will suit everyone.

How to choose the right double mattress

Start with the sleeper, the room and the bed base. A mattress for a double bed should measure 135cm x 190cm, but it’s still worth checking the internal dimensions of your frame before ordering.

Choose a firmness that suits how you sleep

A soft or medium double mattress may suit side sleepers who prefer more cushioning around the shoulders and hips. Many back sleepers favour medium or medium-firm support, while front sleepers may prefer a firmer surface with less sinkage.

Body weight also changes how a mattress feels. Lighter sleepers can experience the same mattress as firmer, while heavier sleepers may prefer a firmer or deeper construction. For couples, consider both people’s sleeping positions and preferences.

Compare support systems and comfort layers

Pocket springs respond independently, which can help reduce movement travelling across a shared mattress. Memory foam moulds more closely to the body and also absorbs movement well. Hybrid mattresses combine springs with foam, gel or other comfort layers, while open coil mattresses use connected springs and can be a practical budget option.

Consider the full sleeping surface

When two people share a double, supportive edges can help you use more of the available 135cm width. If partner movement is a concern, compare motion isolation alongside firmness and edge support rather than choosing firmness alone.

Why shop at MattressNextDay?

Next day delivery - Free next-day delivery is available on eligible in-stock double mattresses across the UK mainland.

Lowest price promise - Compare double mattresses with extra price reassurance from our Lowest Price Promise.

Old mattress removal - Add removal at checkout and we’ll collect your old mattress when your new one arrives.

Excellent reviews - Read verified customer reviews and ratings before choosing your new double mattress.

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

British-designed quality - Choose 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’d like to spend. MattressFinder™ will quickly narrow the range to suitable mattresses for you to compare. Find your perfect mattress.

Buying guidance for double mattresses

Standard UK double mattress dimensions and size comparison

The standard UK double mattress size is 135cm x 190cm, or 4ft 6in x 6ft 3in. Comparing it with the UK small double mattress size and a king can help you decide whether you need to prioritise bedroom floor space or extra room in bed.

For two people sharing a double equally, that works out at around 67.5cm of width each. If you regularly feel short of space, compare the dimensions with a king before buying.

Check your double bed base

A standard double mattress should sit on a compatible 135cm x 190cm bed frame or divan base. Check that an existing base is supportive and in good condition, and follow the mattress manufacturer’s guidance on slat spacing and base compatibility.

Delivery, recycling, and guarantees

Free next-day delivery to most locations - Get your new double mattress quickly, with free next-day delivery available across the UK mainland on eligible in-stock mattresses.

Free weekend delivery - Choose a weekend delivery slot, if available, so your mattress arrives at a convenient time.

Choose a delivery date - Pick an available delivery date at checkout to make replacing your mattress or preparing the bedroom easier.

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 and MattressNextDay will collect 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 so the materials can be reused and recycled instead of going to landfill.

A greener way to get rid of your old mattress - Arrange collection alongside your new mattress delivery and avoid having to organise separate disposal for a bulky mattress.

Find a great value double mattress

Looking for an affordable double mattress? Explore the latest double mattress sale offers and compare firmness levels, constructions and trusted brands before you buy. Shop mattress sale.

Ask the expert about double mattresses

Choosing a mattress is easier when you know what to compare. Our product experts answer common questions about double mattresses, including UK double mattress size, firmness, sharing a bed, motion isolation, bed bases and budgets.

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

What is the standard double bed mattress size in cm?

A standard UK double bed mattress measures 135cm wide by 190cm long, which is approximately 4ft 6in x 6ft 3in. Make sure your bed frame is designed for the same UK double mattress size before ordering.

For comparison, a small double mattress measures 120cm x 190cm, while a king measures 150cm x 200cm. The king, therefore, gives you an extra 15cm of width and 10cm of length compared with a double.

Is a double mattress big enough for two people?

A double is a common size for couples, but whether it gives you enough room depends on how you both sleep. At 135cm wide, two people sharing the surface equally have around 67.5cm each.

If either sleeper moves around frequently, sleeps close to the edge or simply prefers more personal space, a king may be worth comparing. If bedroom space is limited, good edge support can help you make fuller use of a double mattress.

Is a firm double mattress better than a medium firm or soft mattress?

Firmness is a personal choice, so a firm double mattress isn’t automatically more supportive or better than a medium firm or soft double mattress.

Side sleepers may prefer more cushioning, while many front and back sleepers prefer medium-firm or firm support. Body weight matters too, because the same mattress can feel firmer to a lighter person and softer to a heavier person. Use firmness labels as a comparison tool rather than a guarantee of comfort.

Which double mattress type is best for couples?

There’s no single best double mattress for every couple. Pocket sprung mattresses are useful to compare because individual springs move separately, which can limit how far movement travels across the bed. Memory foam also tends to absorb movement well.

A hybrid can combine responsive spring support with foam or gel cushioning. If you and your partner have different preferences, compare firmness, motion isolation, edge support and comfort layers together.

Is edge support important on a double mattress?

It can be particularly useful when two people share a 4ft 6 mattress. Supportive or reinforced edges can make the sides feel steadier when sitting or sleeping near them and can help you make better use of the available width.

Edge construction varies between mattresses, so check the specifications rather than assuming every pocket sprung or hybrid mattress includes reinforced sides.

Can I put a double mattress on a divan bed?

Yes, provided the divan base is the correct size and is suitable for the mattress. A standard UK double mattress needs a 135cm x 190cm double divan base.

If you’re keeping an existing base, check that it’s flat, supportive and in good condition. The type of base can also influence how the finished bed feels, so follow any compatibility guidance supplied with your chosen mattress.

How much should I spend on a double mattress?

There isn’t one budget that works for everyone. An occasional guest mattress may have different requirements from a double bed mattress used by two adults every night.

When comparing a budget double mattress with a more expensive option, look at the support system, comfort layers, firmness, construction, customer ratings and guarantee rather than price alone. This makes it easier to judge value according to how the mattress will actually be used.