Why double is the UK's most popular size#
The UK double (135 × 190 cm) hits the sweet spot between price, bedroom space requirement and sleeping comfort. It's large enough for most couples in standard UK bedroom sizes, yet compact enough to fit in a second bedroom or allow reasonable furniture alongside. Most mattress brand pricing is quoted for double size, it's the benchmark size for comparison.
Double for couples: is it enough?#
A double gives each partner 67.5 cm of width, less than a generous single. For most couples of average build who sleep reasonably still, a double works. For couples where one or both partners is tall, heavier, or a restless sleeper, a king size (adding 15 cm of total width) is a meaningful improvement worth considering if the bedroom allows it.
Best double mattress under £400: Nectar Original#
During Nectar's regular promotions, the double Original comes in under £380 and sometimes under £350. Five layers of quality foam, a Tencel cover and the 365-night trial make it the best value double in the sub-£400 category.
Best double hybrid under £600: OTTY Original#
At double size, OTTY's hybrid comes in around £450–£550 during sales, competitive pricing for a genuine pocket-spring hybrid with a 5 cm gel-foam comfort layer.
Best all-round double: Emma Original or Simba Hybrid#
Emma and Simba are the two most trusted direct-to-consumer brands for double mattresses in the UK. Emma is better for side sleepers and those who prioritise pressure relief; Simba for back sleepers and hot sleepers. Both offer 200-night trials and 10-year guarantees at comparable price points during sales.
Should you upgrade to king?#
If your bedroom is 10′ × 12′ (304 × 366 cm) or larger and you sleep with a partner, upgrading from double to king is worth considering. The additional space (each partner gains 7.5 cm of width and 10 cm of length) consistently ranks as one of the highest-impact sleep quality improvements couples report.
The doubles we have scored#
A double is 135 × 190cm, and at that size the mattress has to work harder for two people than a king would. These are the catalogue picks we would put on a double, from a spare room to a main bed.
| Model | Type | Depth | Feel | Support | Comfort | Price (double) | Why it is here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Cashmere | Foam | 23cm | Medium | 8.5 | 8.8 | £198 | Best sub-£200 double for one adult |
| Emma Original | Foam | 25cm | Medium | 8.4 | 8.9 | £469 | Medium foam all-rounder, best motion isolation |
| Luxe Velour Hybrid | Hybrid | 28cm | Medium | 8.2 | 8.4 | £399 | Sprung medium, firm edges; the best value double for two |
| LuxeErgo 3400 Hybrid | Hybrid | 31cm | Firm | 9.0 | 9.0 | £464 (sale) | Firm hybrid for a heavier couple on a double |
| Emma Original Pro | Hybrid | 25cm | Medium-firm | 9.0 | 8.8 | £699 | Zoned springs, 200-night trial |
Prices are for a double at the time of writing (September 2026), using the sale price where the brand runs a permanent one. Full scores are on each review page. We may earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you; it never affects a score.
For two adults on a double, edge support matters more than at any other size because you both sleep near the edge. That is why the sprung picks lead for couples. Our couples guide covers the case for upgrading to a king.
Related reading#
- Best mattress for couples – the size question and motion isolation
- Best king size mattress – if you can fit the upgrade
- Best small double mattress – the 120cm option for a smaller room
- UK mattress sizes guide – all dimensions in one place
- Best under £500 – every double we score below £500