Mattress Sizes - A Guide To Help Make The Right Choice

big bed with white mattress pillows and bedsheets


What belongs on top of a bed? A pillow, a blanket, and most importantly - a mattress.
There are many factors when it comes to choosing a mattress that suits your needs. But where to start? 

There are four questions to ask yourself when selecting a size or you can take this Quiz:

How much space do you have and what is your budget?

Who sleeps with you in your bed? Is it just you, or do you share with a spouse, a child, or maybe even a four-legged friend?

What are your body size, preferred sleeping position, and personal preference?
 
Let's start tackling the sizes.
Instead of relying on the names of mattress sizes, always check the dimensions to guarantee you get what you need. Different manufacturers from different countries have varying standards, as you can see in the table below. Click through the table to see what applies to you!

Even though Europe has more variations in bed size standards than other places, there are some common sizes. Typically centimeters are used in all European countries, though we have listed the Imperial equivalents below! Today, the most common sizes are:

SizesDimensions (inches)Dimensions (centimeters)
Single beds35 x 7990 x 200

47 x 79120 x 200
Double beds63 x 79160 x 200

71 x 79180 x 200 (most common)
79 x 79200 x 200

Although 200cm (79") length is the most common length sold, lenghts of 210cm (83") or 220cm (87") can be purchased by special order.
The longer beds are usually for taller people.

It is recommended that if you are 190cm people (75") or taller you should get a 210cm (83") mattress, while if you are over 200cm (79"), a 220cm one is needed for a good quality rest.

Which size to pick for a child?

A child's day will often depend on the quality of sleep they had the previous night. So getting the right mattress size is essential when it comes to their well being. The right mattress will not only let them sleep well, but it can also support their posture. Since children grow very fast, think ahead a few years so that you can enjoy the mattress for many years to come.

Mattresses for a baby

Crib Mattresses - There are many different types to choose from. If you have a baby, it is best to buy one that fits the dimensions of your crib. These kinds of mattresses will probably last you until your baby turns into a toddler. There are many crib mattresses you can choose from though. The most important thing to keep in mind though is that it should be firm, not soft. This will lower the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Besides, it will provide good support for your baby.

baby in crib
Children room mattress

Mattresses for toddlers, bigger kids, and teenagers

Depending on how well your crib mattress held up when your baby becomes a toddler, it could be the time to switch out the mattress. Otherwise, you could continue using your old one until your child is bigger.
Make sure to check if the mattress is still in good condition - inspect for bumps, lumps, sagging, rips or bugs.
Should you decide to grade up, a great choice would be to opt for a full mattress. If your budget allows for this now, this would be the most economic choice in the long term since a good mattress can last your child until it is ready to head off to university. Alternatively, you could consider a twin, a short-twin, or a twin XL.

teenager room
family sharing a mattress

What are family mattresses?

It is actually quite straightforward, they are mattresses or beds where the whole family sleeps together. The term itself refers to mattress sizes that are larger than the ordinary, standard sizes, being up to 144" wide. This is almost double the size of a king-size bed.
A very popular choice for families are Alaskan King mattresses, for their generous size. These are however hard to find in stores, so if you are interested you will have to have it custom made for you.
Family bed sharing can be a great experience, but make sure that before you make any purchases, you talk about this as a family to ensure everyone gets a good night's sleep.

How to choose a mattress when you experience back pain?


Unfortunately, many people experience back pain or other types of pain after sleeping. There can be many things that can cause it, but a common factor for many is their mattress.

When the mattress does not support your body adequately, when it is sagging or putting pressure in the wrong areas, your spine gets bent unnaturally. This can happen not only when your mattress outlives itself, but also when you have the wrong mattress firmness for your sleeping habits.
Instead of going for the one-size-fits-all solution, getting the firmest mattress available on the market, take the time to think about how you sleep.

If you are a back sleeper, aim for a medium-firm mattress. On a firmness scale of 1 to 10, around 6 to 7.
Side sleepers should aim for something softer. On the same scale somewhere around 5.5 to 6.5.
Stomach sleepers on the other hand should get something firmer, 6.5 to 7.5.
Your spine should not be bent out of shape unnecessarily.

When tackling this question, you also need to keep the choice of material in mind. Check our article on "Why a Mattress Topper Can Be a Game Changer", where we have covered different materials extensively and get more insight into what material choice to go with.

old couple lying in bed

When you should consider getting a pressure relief mattress?

Anyone who needs to stay in bed for longer periods should consider getting a pressure relief mattress. This could happen due to a chronic physical or medical disability, or maybe just from a temporary illness or injury. Lying in bed, in the same position for extended periods can cause bedsores, otherwise also known as pressure ulcers, decubitus ulcers, and pressure sores. These are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue. Bedsores are formed when the blood flow is cut off for more than 2-3 hours. Once formed, they are hard to treat and can be very painful. Thankfully, they are measures you can take to prevent them.

  • keep skin clean and dry
  • protect the skin from too much friction
  • check the bed for any foreign objects
  • consider getting a pressure relief mattress


But what makes a pressure relief mattress different?

These mattresses are adjustable through inflating or deflating them to ensure the body does not stay in the same position for too long. This can be done manually or automatically, depending on the type of mattress.

Pressure relief mattresses are made by many different manufacturers, so before purchasing one, consider all your options to pick the right one for your budget and sleeping preference.

Purchasing the right mattress can feel like a daunting task, but its all the more rewarding when you finally get the sleep you deserve.

You can check our collection of mattresses in a box right here, and if you find something you like, you can use the discount code SweetSleep15 to get a 15% discount on your next order!

Mattress Sizes - A Guide To Help Make The Right Choice

big bed with white mattress pillows and bedsheets


What belongs on top of a bed? A pillow, a blanket, and most importantly - a mattress.
There are many factors when it comes to choosing a mattress that suits your needs. But where to start? 

There are four questions to ask yourself when selecting a size:

How much space do you have and what is your budget?

Who sleeps with you in your bed? Is it just you, or do you share with a spouse, a child, or maybe even a four-legged friend?

What are your body size, preferred sleeping position, and personal preference?
 
Let's start tackling the sizes.
Instead of relying on the names of mattress sizes, always check the dimensions to guarantee you get what you need. Different manufacturers from different countries have varying standards, as you can see in the table below. Click through the table to see what applies to you!

Even though Europe has more variations in bed size standards than other places, there are some common sizes. Typically centimeters are used in all European countries, though we have listed the Imperial equivalents below! Today, the most common sizes are:

SizesDimensions (inches)Dimensions (centimeters)
Single beds35 x 7990 x 200

47 x 79120 x 200
Double beds63 x 79160 x 200

71 x 79180 x 200 (most common)
79 x 79200 x 200

Although 200cm (79") length is the most common length sold, lenghts of 210cm (83") or 220cm (87") can be purchased by special order.
The longer beds are usually for taller people.

It is recommended that if you are 190cm people (75") or taller you should get a 210cm (83") mattress, while if you are over 200cm (79"), a 220cm one is needed for a good quality rest.

Which size to pick for a child?

A child's day will often depend on the quality of sleep they had the previous night. So getting the right mattress size is essential when it comes to their well being. The right mattress will not only let them sleep well, but it can also support their posture. Since children grow very fast, think ahead a few years so that you can enjoy the mattress for many years to come.

Mattresses for a baby

baby in crib

Crib Mattresses - There are many different types to choose from. If you have a baby, it is best to buy one that fits the dimensions of your crib. These kinds of mattresses will probably last you until your baby turns into a toddler. There are many crib mattresses you can choose from though. The most important thing to keep in mind though is that it should be firm, not soft. This will lower the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Besides, it will provide good support for your baby.

Mattresses for toddlers, bigger kids, and teenagers

Children room mattress

Depending on how well your crib mattress held up when your baby becomes a toddler, it could be the time to switch out the mattress. Otherwise, you could continue using your old one until your child is bigger.
Make sure to check if the mattress is still in good condition - inspect for bumps, lumps, sagging, rips or bugs.
Should you decide to grade up, a great choice would be to opt for a full mattress. If your budget allows for this now, this would be the most economic choice in the long term since a good mattress can last your child until it is ready to head off to university. Alternatively, you could consider a twin, a short-twin, or a twin XL.

What are family mattresses?

family sharing a mattress

It is actually quite straightforward, they are mattresses or beds where the whole family sleeps together. The term itself refers to mattress sizes that are larger than the ordinary, standard sizes, being up to 144" wide. This is almost double the size of a king-size bed.
A very popular choice for families are Alaskan King mattresses, for their generous size. These are however hard to find in stores, so if you are interested you will have to have it custom made for you.
Family bed sharing can be a great experience, but make sure that before you make any purchases, you talk about this as a family to ensure everyone gets a good night's sleep.

How to choose a mattress when you experience back pain?


Unfortunately, many people experience back pain or other types of pain after sleeping. There can be many things that can cause it, but a common factor for many is their mattress.

When the mattress does not support your body adequately, when it is sagging or putting pressure in the wrong areas, your spine gets bent unnaturally. This can happen not only when your mattress outlives itself, but also when you have the wrong mattress firmness for your sleeping habits.
Instead of going for the one-size-fits-all solution, getting the firmest mattress available on the market, take the time to think about how you sleep.

If you are a back sleeper, aim for a medium-firm mattress. On a firmness scale of 1 to 10, around 6 to 7.
Side sleepers should aim for something softer. On the same scale somewhere around 5.5 to 6.5.
Stomach sleepers on the other hand should get something firmer, 6.5 to 7.5.
Your spine should not be bent out of shape unnecessarily.

When tackling this question, you also need to keep the choice of material in mind. Check our article on mattress toppers, where we have covered different materials extensively and get more insight into what material choice to go with.

old couple lying in bed

When you should consider getting a pressure relief mattress?

Anyone who needs to stay in bed for longer periods should consider getting a pressure relief mattress. This could happen due to a chronic physical or medical disability, or maybe just from a temporary illness or injury. Lying in bed, in the same position for extended periods can cause bedsores, otherwise also known as pressure ulcers, decubitus ulcers, and pressure sores. These are injuries to the skin and underlying tissue. Bedsores are formed when the blood flow is cut off for more than 2-3 hours. Once formed, they are hard to treat and can be very painful. Thankfully, they are measures you can take to prevent them.

  • keep skin clean and dry
  • protect the skin from too much friction
  • check the bed for any foreign objects
  • consider getting a pressure relief mattress


But what makes a pressure relief mattress different?

These mattresses are adjustable through inflating or deflating them to ensure the body does not stay in the same position for too long. This can be done manually or automatically, depending on the type of mattress.

Pressure relief mattresses are made by many different manufacturers, so before purchasing one, consider all your options to pick the right one for your budget and sleeping preference.

Purchasing the right mattress can feel like a daunting task, but its all the more rewarding when you finally get the sleep you deserve.

You can check our collection of mattresses right here, and if you find something you like, you can use the discount code SweetSleep15 to get a 15% discount on your next order!