How to choose the right mattress size
This depends on various factors, including your height and body weight, the size of your bedroom or studio apartment, and your family set-up.
These questions can help you make an initial decision:
- Are you short, tall, or of average height?
- Are you light-weight, of average weight, or slightly heavier?
- Do you sleep alone or with a partner?
- Do you have kids or pets that share your bed?
- Are you a restless sleeper?
- If you have a partner, is your partner a restless sleeper?
- How big is your bedroom?
Mattress sizes available in India
There are many different mattress sizes available, including both standard sizes as well as custom-designed sizes.
Also, different countries have different sizes.
The UK, for example, has completely different size dimensions than Germany, even if they fall under the same broad size category.
India has a plethora of different sizes available, and you’ll find that some manufacturers, like Emma, list 13 different dimensions under four size categories (Single, Double, Queen, King).
This can make a choice a little more complicated, even if you’ve decided on which broad size category you need.
Here is our tip:
If you’re buying a replacement mattress, then measure the dimensions of the bed frame and bedding you already have, and buy a mattress in the same size.
If you’re buying a bed and mattress for the first time, consider your budget (also consider the bed frame and bedding) and make a choice from there.
If you don’t know yet which broad size category you need, don’t worry.
We walk you through the most common Indian mattress sizes below.
We’ve included the broad size category, the size in inches, and the size in centimetres for ease of reference.
Single mattresses: 91 x 183 cm (36" x 72") [3'0" x 6'0"]
Single mattresses are a popular choice.
They are suitable for children and people sleeping alone.
You can also combine two single mattresses to form one larger bed.
To make this setup more comfortable, you can invest in a bed bridge or mattress topper to cover the space between the two mattresses.
Single mattresses have the advantage of not taking up a lot of space in your bedroom or in storage.
Double mattresses: 122 x 183 cm (48" x 72”) [4'0" x 6'0"]
Double mattresses are great for people who sleep alone but really like their space, either because they’re larger, they sleep more restlessly, or they merely like space.
They also work well for singles who have pets that occasionally hop onto bed.
This size is also a good entry-level size for couples, especially if they have limited space in their bedroom or are working with a limited budget.
Queen mattresses: 152 x 183 cm (60" x 72”) [5'0" x 6'0"]
Queen mattresses are our preferred choice for couples.
They provide enough room for both partners to sleep very comfortably.
You can also enjoy a queen mattress if you sleep alone, especially if you like more space, have a pet you cuddle with, are a single parent, or enjoy reading and watching television on or in your bed.
King mattresses: 183 x 183 cm (72” x 72”) [6'0" x 6'0"]
The king mattress is the superior choice for couples.
It guarantees that both partners have enough room to move and can sleep very comfortably without squeezing.
King mattresses are also great if you’re a couple with pets or children who occasionally hop into bed with you.
Custom sizes
If you’re particularly tall or have a custom-made bed frame, you may require an extra-length or custom-size mattress.
Not all mattress brands sell extra-length or custom-size mattresses, and this is something you need to pay attention to when deciding on a bed.
We suggest that your mattress should be at least 8” (20 cm) longer than you are.
If you are very tall, it is worth investing in an extra-length mattress.
Having your feet stick out at the end of the mattress is the worst, especially in winter!
Choosing the right mattress size for your needs
There isn’t just one correct size, but here are some guidelines.
The best mattress size for couples
We’d recommend queen-size or king-size mattresses for couples.
These sizes give you enough space for a relaxed sleep and allow you to toss and turn without disturbing your partner.
This is especially true if you (or your partner) are quite a restless sleeper.
If you’re a couple who prefers to cuddle and sleep very close together, you can also choose a double bed.
Many rooms may not be large enough to accommodate bigger mattresses, so a double bed can be a good choice.
And what if you have children or pets that often climb into bed with you?
If that’s the case, you should choose a wider mattress, like the queen or king.
If you or your partner are taller than average, we’d suggest opting for an extra-length or custom-size mattress for superior comfort.
The best mattress size for singles
Singles and people who sleep alone can choose a single mattress.
But, these mattresses are too small for two people.
This is why we suggest that even singles choose a slightly larger size, like a double mattress.
If your room is not very big, though, a single mattress may still be the best choice.
A single mattress is also a good choice for children or teenagers.
The best mattress size for children
Children above the age of six, teenagers, or students stuck in small hostel rooms can sleep comfortably on a single mattress.
If they have space in their bedroom and a budget is available, twin mattresses or double mattresses also work well.
Children above the age of six can sleep on standard adult mattresses and don’t need custom-designed cot mattresses.
The best mattress size for babies and small children
Babies and small children under the age of 6 may require a special cot mattress.
These have been specifically designed for babies and help aid growth and healthy bone and muscle development.
Cot mattresses also rely on exceptionally high-quality materials certified not to contain any toxins or harmful substances.
Many cot mattresses feature a waterproof cover to protect the mattress from spills, moisture, and urine.
Baby mattresses come in a variety of different sizes, including:
- 33” x 14” (85 x 36 cm)
- 39” x 22” (100 x 56 cm)
- 43” x 25” (111 x 65 cm)
- 45” x 24” (115 x 60 cm)
- 47” x 24” (120 x 60 cm)
- 55” x 27” (140 x 70 cm)
Choosing the right baby mattress depends on the size of your cot, the size of your room, and the size of your baby.
Conclusion
Mattresses are available in dozens of different sizes.
It shouldn’t be too difficult to see which size is best for you.
We’d recommend sticking to standard sizes as this will make buying bed frames, duvets, and linen much easier.
If a regular size isn’t suitable, you can also order extra-length or custom-made mattresses from some brands.
FAQ
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What is the best mattress size?
Easy answer?
The best mattress size is the one that suits you and your needs most perfectly.
There is no standard "best mattress size".
Consider the size of your room, how much space you want around your bed, how much other furniture you have in your room, and how much sleeping space you need.
This will help guide you towards the correct size.
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What is the best mattress size for couples?
We recommend that couples choose queen or king mattresses for the most comfort.
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How thick should a mattress be?
The thickness or height of a mattress largely depends on its composition.
If you choose a foam, memory foam, or latex mattress, your minimum height should be 7” (18 cm).
If you choose a spring mattress, your minimum height should be 9” (23 cm).
Higher-quality and more luxurious mattresses are often thicker.
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Can two mattresses be placed next to each other?
Yes, this is recommended for partners with a weight difference of 15 kg or more or if you want to buy a pure spring mattress.
Placing two mattresses next to each other is a great way for both partners to choose the best mattress without compromising desired firmness and feel.
The only issue with putting two mattresses together is the inevitable gap between them.
You can solve this problem by adding a bed bridge or covering both mattresses with one large mattress topper.
