Single mattress basics#
A UK single mattress is 90 × 190 cm (3′ × 6′3″). It's the most common size for children's beds, guest rooms and adults in studio flats or smaller bedrooms. Single mattresses are available at every price point, and all the major UK brands (Emma, Simba, Nectar, Silentnight) offer their full ranges in single size at proportionally lower prices.
Children's singles: what to look for#
For children under 12, the priorities are different from adult mattress selection:
- Firmness: Children generally benefit from a firmer surface than adults, their lighter weight means a medium-firm feels appropriate and provides better spinal support during development.
- Durability: Children's mattresses take significant abuse. Look for reinforced covers, good density foam or robust pocket springs.
- Washable cover: Essential for younger children. Accidents happen. A removable, machine-washable cover is a practical necessity.
- Price: Children will outgrow single beds. Spending £400+ on a child's mattress they'll use for 5 years is less sensible than a quality £200 option with a good washable cover.
Best budget single (children/guest room): Silentnight Eco Comfort#
Available for around £100–£150 for a single, the Silentnight Eco Comfort is a reliable UK-manufactured option with a machine-washable cover and adequate support for occasional use. Good for guest rooms and children under 10.
Best mid-range single: Emma Original or Nectar Original#
Both Emma and Nectar offer their flagship mattresses in single size for £200–£300 during regular sales, excellent value for the build quality. Emma is better for side sleepers (better pressure relief); Nectar for those wanting the longest trial period. Both are appropriate for adults using a single as their primary mattress and older teenagers.
Best for taller adults: go EU single (90 × 200 cm)#
Adults over 6′ (183 cm) will find the standard UK single's 190 cm length restrictive. The EU single (90 × 200 cm) adds a valuable 10 cm of length. Available from selected UK brands, confirm the matching bed frame is also EU sizing.
The singles from our catalogue#
A single (90 × 190cm) is bought for children, guest rooms and single adults, and those three buyers want different things. These picks cover all three.
| Model | Type | Depth | Feel | Support | Comfort | Price (double) | Why it is here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Westwood Memory Foam | Foam | 18cm | Medium | 7.8 | 8.0 | £109 | Guest room or first big bed, £109 in a double |
| Core CoolMax Memory Foam | Foam | 15cm | Medium | 8.0 | 8.3 | £147 | 15cm: fits bunk beds and cabin beds |
| Superior Cashmere | Foam | 23cm | Medium | 8.5 | 8.8 | £198 | The single-adult foam pick under £200 |
| Emma Original Lite | Foam | 20cm | Medium | 7.6 | 8.0 | £246 | 200-night trial for a teenager or student |
| Luxe Velour Hybrid | Hybrid | 28cm | Medium | 8.2 | 8.4 | £399 | Sprung medium for an adult who wants a proper bed |
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.
Prices in the table are for a double; every model is also made in single, king and super king, and The Foam People cut non-standard sizes to order. For an adult over about 6ft, ask The Foam People for a 90 × 200cm cut, which gives you EU single length on a UK frame; our EU sizes guide explains the trade-offs.
Frequently asked questions#
What size is a UK single mattress?#
90cm wide by 190cm long (3ft × 6ft 3in). A small single is 75 × 190cm; an EU single is 90 × 200cm, which fits IKEA and other European frames.
What is the best single mattress for an adult?#
A medium hybrid or a deep foam mattress, not a children's mattress. The Luxe Velour Hybrid gives pocket springs and a trial; The Foam People's Superior Cashmere is the foam pick under £200.
How thick should a single mattress be?#
15–18cm for bunk and cabin beds (check the guard-rail height), 20–25cm for a child's or guest single, 25cm or more for an adult who sleeps on it every night.
Can two singles make a super king?#
Yes: two UK singles (90 × 190cm) side by side are 180 × 190cm, slightly shorter than a super king (180 × 200cm). Two EU singles (90 × 200cm) match a super king exactly, which is why zip-and-link beds use that size.
Related reading#
- Best children's mattress UK – if the single is for a child
- Best mattress for a guest room – if it is for occasional use
- EU size mattress guide – the 200cm-long single
- UK mattress sizes guide – all dimensions in one place
- Best under £500 – every affordable mattress we score
