A single mattress gives one person a proper night's sleep without taking up more room than the bedroom needs. At Land of Beds, we've been helping people across the UK find the right mattress for over 50 years. Whether you want a pocket spring that will last through the teenage years, a memory foam option for a solo adult with pressure discomfort, a hybrid for the best all-round daily performance, or an open coil for a guest room used a few times a year, our single mattress range has something for every situation. Free mainland UK delivery, a Price Promise Guarantee, and honest advice from people who know this category properly come as standard.
Browse the full range below, or use our guides to find the right type and tension for the person sleeping on it. Our team is available seven days a week for a personal recommendation.
A single mattress is one of the most varied purchases in the bedroom category. The right choice for a 7-year-old is completely different from the right choice for a teenager, a solo adult, or a guest room that gets used twice a year. Who the mattress is for, how often they'll sleep on it, and what kind of sleeper they are all matter more here than they do for any other size. At Land of Beds, we've been helping people work through this decision for over 50 years, with honest advice and no pressure to buy.
Three things determine whether a single mattress is the right choice. Get these right and the brand and price decision becomes straightforward.
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | A single mattress for a young child needs to prioritise support for a growing spine. A teenager needs something durable that handles active use. A guest room mattress can be more modest. Each situation calls for a different starting point. | Age and weight of the sleeper, how often the mattress will be used, whether it's a main bedroom or occasional-use room |
| Construction type | Construction determines how the mattress feels, how it handles warmth, and how long it lasts. Getting this wrong for a main bedroom is a costly mistake - particularly for teenagers who may sleep on the same mattress for 5 to 8 years. | Pocket spring vs memory foam vs hybrid vs open coil, and what each does for the sleeper's age, weight, and position |
| Tension (firmness) | The right tension for a child or lightweight teenager is different from what works for a heavier adult. Wrong tension leads to poor sleep and a mattress that wears unevenly within a year or two. | Sleeper's weight, sleep position, and whether they tend to sleep warm |
Not sure where to start? Speak to our team on 01928 242829 or use the quick decision guide further down this page.
A standard UK single mattress measures 90 x 190cm (3ft x 6ft 3in). This is the size to use for all standard single bed frames in the UK. Always match your mattress to your frame exactly.
| Dimension | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 90cm (3ft) | Suits one person comfortably. Not designed for two adults to share regularly. |
| Length | 190cm (6ft 3in) | Suits sleepers up to approximately 5ft 10in. Taller sleepers should consider a small double or above for the extra length. |
| Typical depth | 20 to 35cm | Deeper mattresses are not always better - depth depends on construction. A 30cm pocket spring and a 25cm memory foam can perform equally well. |
If the sleeper is close to or over 6ft, a standard single mattress may feel short over time. A small double provides extra width and personal space, but not extra length, as it remains 190cm long. Taller sleepers may wish to consider a king size or another 200cm-long option instead.
See our UK Bed Sizes Guide for full room-measuring advice.
The construction of a single mattress determines its feel, durability, airflow, and how well it suits different ages and sleeping styles. Here's a plain comparison of every type we stock in single size.
| Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket Spring | Individually wrapped springs that move independently; natural airflow; filling layers on top; responsive feel | Teenagers and adults in a main bedroom; those who sleep warm; anyone wanting a long-lasting single mattress |
| Memory Foam | Contours to the body; excellent pressure relief; absorbs movement; can retain heat unless gel-infused | Solo adults with pressure discomfort; lighter sleepers who prefer a quiet, enveloping surface |
| Hybrid | Pocket springs with foam or latex comfort layers on top; airflow from springs combined with pressure relief from foam | Teenagers and adults wanting the benefits of both; good all-round choice for a main bedroom single |
| Open Coil | Connected spring network; budget-friendly; more movement across the surface than pocket spring | Guest rooms used occasionally; children's first mattress; shorter-term use |
| Orthopaedic | Firmer construction designed to support spinal alignment; available in pocket spring and foam bases | Adults with back concerns; heavier solo sleepers; those needing consistent firm support |
| Children's Mattress | Designed specifically for younger children; firmer surface to support developing spines; lower depth | Children under 10; first proper mattress; transitioning from a cot mattress |
Choose a pocket spring single mattress if:
Choose a memory foam single mattress if:
Choose a hybrid single mattress if:
Choose an open coil single mattress if:
Choose a children's single mattress if:
One thing our team sees often: parents choosing an open coil mattress for a teenager's main bedroom to save money, then replacing it within two or three years. For a child or teenager sleeping on the same mattress every night, a mid-range pocket spring is almost always better value over the life of the mattress.
Single mattresses are bought for a wide range of ages and body weights. Tension should follow the sleeper's weight and position, not a general preference.
| Tension | Best For | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Soft | Lighter sleepers under 55kg (8 st 9 lb); side sleepers needing shoulder and hip relief | More sink-in; good pressure relief; may feel insufficiently supportive for heavier children or teenagers |
| Medium Soft | 55 to 70kg (8 st 9 lb to 11 st); side and combination sleepers | Balances cushioning and support; suits most teenagers of average weight |
| Medium | 65 to 85kg (10 st 3 lb to 13 st 5 lb); back and combination sleepers; most adults using a single as their main mattress | Good all-round support with enough cushioning for most sleep positions |
| Firm | Heavier sleepers 85k+g (13 st 5 lb+); front sleepers; children's mattresses for younger children | Minimal sink; strong support; also the standard recommendation for younger children's spines |
Children under 10 should generally sleep on a firmer mattress regardless of weight. This supports proper spinal development. See individual product listings for age and weight guidance on children's mattresses.
The materials inside a single mattress affect how it performs for the specific sleeper - particularly relevant here given the wide age range a single mattress needs to serve.
| Material | Performance and Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket Springs | Individual springs reduce motion and improve airflow. Higher spring counts mean more responsive support. No maintenance beyond rotation. | Teenagers and adults; everyday main bedroom use |
| Memory Foam | Pressure-relieving and body-contouring. Durable. Standard versions retain heat; gel versions manage this better. Wipe-down only. | Adults with pressure discomfort; lighter sleepers |
| Natural Fillings (wool, cotton) | Temperature-regulating and breathable year-round. Found in mid-range to premium single mattresses. | Temperature-sensitive sleepers; buyers wanting natural materials |
| Open Coil Spring | Budget-friendly connected spring system. Reliable for occasional use. Less durable under daily use than pocket spring. | Guest rooms; shorter-term or lighter use |
| Foam (standard) | Consistent support across the surface. Durable. Wipe-down only. | Children's mattresses; straightforward support needs |
See our Mattress Buying Guide for more detail on construction and how it affects long-term performance.
Budget should follow the level of use. A single mattress for a child's main bedroom is used every night - a guest room mattress is used a handful of times a year. The right budget is different for each.
| Budget | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Under £150 | Open coil or basic foam. Reliable for occasional use. Not designed for nightly use by a child or teenager over several years. | Guest rooms; spare rooms; very occasional use |
| £150 to £399 | Pocket spring or memory foam with improved comfort layers and better durability. Where most parents buying for a child's main bedroom land. | Children's and teenagers' everyday bedrooms; solo adults on a controlled budget |
| £400 and above | Better construction, natural filling options, longer guarantees. Built to last 8 to 10 years under daily use. | Adults using a single as their permanent main sleeping surface; buyers who want long-term performance |
Mike Murray, Land of Beds CEO: "Single mattresses are the most under-invested category we see. Parents often spend significantly less on a child's mattress than they would on their own, even though the child may sleep on it every night for the next eight years. The construction quality gap between a £90 open coil and a £250 pocket spring is significant, and the child sleeps the difference every night."
Looking for a quality single mattress at a lower price? We stock entry-level options from trusted brands, with regular promotions across selected lines. Browse and filter by price to see what's currently available.
Our Price Promise Guarantee means you won't pay more than you should. Finance is available on eligible orders, with interest-free options on selected terms. See our finance page for details.
If you're not certain whether a single is the right size, here's a plain comparison to help you decide.
| Single Mattress | Small Double Mattress | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 90 x 190cm (3ft x 6ft 3in) | 120 x 190cm (4ft x 6ft 3in) |
| Width difference | - | 30cm wider than a single |
| Best for | Children, younger teenagers, guest rooms, compact spaces | Older teenagers, solo adults wanting more room, guest rooms needing occasional shared use |
| Room requirement | Fits most rooms from 2.1m wide | Needs a minimum room width of around 2.4m |
| Price difference | Lower | Marginally higher for the same construction |
Most teenagers aged 14 or above will feel the benefit of a small double. The extra 30cm of width matters for an active sleeper, and the mattress does not need to be replaced when they grow. See our small double mattresses for options.
Inclusion varies by product. As a general guide across our range:
| Item | Typically Included? |
|---|---|
| Mattress | Yes - always |
| Removable, washable cover | Sometimes - check the individual product listing to confirm |
| Trial period | On selected models only - check the listing before ordering |
| Bed base or frame | No - unless part of a bundle |
| Mattress protector | No - sold separately and strongly recommended, particularly for children's mattresses |
Always check the individual product listing for full details before purchasing.
| What We Offer | Why It Matters to You |
|---|---|
| 50+ years of expertise | Deep knowledge of what works across every age group and sleeping style, built over decades of helping families get this right |
| Genuinely independent advice | We're not tied to any brand. Our recommendation is based on who's sleeping on the mattress, not what benefits us. |
| Range across every budget | From entry-level open coil to premium handcrafted constructions in single size |
| Free mainland UK delivery | Free on orders over £100. Some remote postcodes may incur a charge - check at checkout. |
| Price Promise Guarantee | Find it cheaper like-for-like elsewhere and we'll match it |
| Flexible finance available | Interest-free options on selected terms - see our finance page for details |
| Expert advice, 7 days a week | Real people via phone, chat, or in-store. No scripts, no pressure. |
| 9,000+ verified Trustpilot reviews | Real feedback from real customers across thousands of orders |
Not sure which single mattress is right for the age and sleep style involved? Our team has helped thousands of customers work through this - and there's no obligation to buy. Visit our showrooms in Cheshire and Greater Manchester, or reach us online. We're open seven days a week.
| How to Reach Us | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Live chat | Fast responses for quick questions. Available during opening hours. |
| Phone: 01928 242829 | Speak directly with a mattress expert. Best for advice tailored to age, weight, and sleep style. |
| In-store (Cheshire / Greater Manchester) | Try mattresses in person before you buy. Particularly useful when choosing for a child or teenager. |
| Email: [email protected] | For non-urgent pre sale questions. We aim to respond within one working day. |
| Help Centre | Buying guides, size guides, and FAQs available 24/7. |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What size is a single mattress in the UK? | A standard UK single mattress measures 90cm wide by 190cm long (3ft x 6ft 3in). This fits all standard UK single bed frames. If the sleeper is over 5ft 10in, the 190cm length may feel short over time - a small double or larger gives the same length but more width. |
| What is the best single mattress for a child? | For children under 10, a firm mattress is the standard recommendation regardless of weight - it supports developing spines more effectively than softer options. For teenagers, a medium to medium-firm pocket spring or hybrid gives the durability and support needed for daily use over several years. Avoid open coil mattresses for a child's main bedroom - they are better suited to occasional-use guest rooms. |
| What is the best single mattress for a guest room? | For a guest room used a few times a year, an open coil or entry-level foam mattress is a practical, cost-effective choice. There is no need to invest in a premium construction for occasional use. If the guest room doubles as a regular bedroom, treat it like a main bedroom and choose accordingly. |
| How firm should a single mattress be? | It depends on the weight and sleep position of the person using it. Children under 10 should use a firm mattress for spinal support. Teenagers and lighter adults (under 65kg) tend to do best on medium soft to medium. Adults over 75kg generally need medium to medium firm. Front sleepers of any weight typically need a firmer surface to keep the hips in alignment. |
| Do single mattresses fit all single bed frames? | Yes - a standard UK single mattress (90 x 190cm) fits all standard UK single bed frames. If you have an older or non-standard frame, measure the internal sleeping area before ordering. |
| How long should a single mattress last? | A quality mid-range single mattress should last 7 to 10 years under daily use. Entry-level open coil mattresses used every night tend to show wear more quickly - typically 3 to 5 years. Using a mattress protector and rotating regularly as recommended by the manufacturer both help extend the lifespan. |
| Do you offer free delivery on single mattresses? | Yes. Free mainland UK delivery on orders over £100. Some remote postcodes may incur a charge - check at checkout. Lead times vary by brand; check the individual product listing. |
| Can I buy a single mattress on finance? | Yes. Finance is available on eligible orders, with interest-free options on selected terms. See our finance page for eligibility and how to apply. |
| Should I buy a single or small double mattress for a teenager? | For most teenagers aged 14 and above, a small double is worth considering. It is 30cm wider than a single, costs marginally more for the same construction, and does not need replacing as the teenager grows. A single is the right choice for younger children, compact rooms under 2.4m wide, or where the mattress will genuinely only be used by a young child. |
| What is the difference between a children's mattress and a standard single? | A children's mattress is specifically designed for younger children, with a firmer surface to support developing spines and often a lower depth to suit children's beds with guard rails. A standard single mattress is designed for adult or teenage use. For children under 10, always check that the mattress is suitable for their age and weight before ordering. |
