Double Mattresses (4ft 6)

Is a standard double mattress right for you?

Choosing the right size is the first step to better sleep. The standard UK double measures 135 x 190cm. It remains the UK's top choice due to its versatile balance of sleeping space and floor-plan efficiency.

Here are some tips on who a double mattress is best for:

• Couples: A double provides 67.5cm of space per person, which is ideal for those who enjoy a cosy sleeping environment. However, if you or your partner toss and turn a lot, upgrading to a king size mattress might be beneficial.

• Solo Sleepers: If you have the room, a double offers luxury spacing that a single mattress simply can't match.

• Smaller Rooms: If floor space is tight, a small double mattress (4ft) might be a better fit, saving you 15cm of width without sacrificing too much comfort. However, double mattresses are ideal if your room isn't quite big enough for a king-size.

If you need more help choosing, our Mattress Size Guide can help.

A guide to double mattress types

If you've decided that a double-size mattress is right for you, you'll then need to consider which type is best. Here's a run down of the most popular double mattress types:

• Pocket Sprung Double Mattresses: The gold standard for shared beds. Individual springs react independently to your body weight, preventing the dreaded "roll-together".

• Hybrid Double Mattresses: Combining the traditional bounce of springs with a top comfort layer of foam, latex, or cooling gel. Perfect if you want the best of both worlds.

• Orthopaedic Double Mattresses: The perfect mattress type for those who suffer from back pain, providing a firmer surface to promote healthy spinal alignment.

• Memory Foam Double Mattresses: Designed to sink and contour to your exact body shape, offering unbeatable pressure relief for aching joints.

Finding the perfect firmness for your sleeping style

To get the most out of your new double mattress, you need to select the right firmness for your sleeping style. For a deeper dive, read our comprehensive Mattress Firmness Guide.

• Side Sleepers (Soft to Medium): You need a mattress with enough "give" to allow your shoulders and hips to sink in, keeping your spine perfectly straight.

• Back Sleepers (Medium-Firm): A medium-firm feel provides the necessary targeted support for your lower back (lumbar) while remaining comfortable.

• Front Sleepers (Firm to Extra Firm): A firmer surface prevents your hips from dipping into the mattress, which can cause lower back strain over time.

Our hand-picked collections of mattresses for back sleepers, for side sleepers, and for front sleepers all feature models in a double size, meaning you can buy the right size and firmness for your exact needs.

Why choose MattressNextDay?

We aren't just a retailer; we are sleep specialists who have been trusted online since 2003. To ensure you get the best product, our team follows strict standards:

• Tested & Validated: We evaluate our mattresses for edge support, motion transfer, and temperature regulation.

• Award-Winning Service: Our unprecedented 3x "Online Retailer of the Year" status from the NBF guarantees excellence in safety, service, and sustainability.

• Sustainable Sleep: Select our Old Mattress Removal service at checkout, and we will responsibly recycle your old bed, keeping it out of landfill.

Double mattress Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What size is a double mattress in cm?

A standard UK double mattress is exactly 135cm wide and 190cm long (4ft 6" x 6ft 3"). For a full comparison of all UK bed sizes, view our Ultimate UK Bed and Mattress Size Guide.

How much does a good double mattress cost?

While we stock excellent budget models from around £150, a high-quality double mattress designed for everyday adult use typically ranges from £300 to £800+. We recommend viewing a mattress as an 8-to-10-year investment in your health and wellbeing. Read our guide to 'how much should a mattress cost' for more guidance.

Do I need a new bed frame?

Not necessarily, but your mattress requires a solid foundation to perform properly. If you are upgrading, ensure your current double bed frame or double divan base is in good condition.

Expert Tip: If you have a slatted bed frame, ensure the gaps between the slats are no wider than 7cm to avoid damaging your new mattress and voiding its warranty.