What size mattress should I buy?

What are the different mattress sizes?

The standard UK mattress sizes are as follows:

Small single: 75cm x 190cm

Approx imperial equivalent: 2ft 6” x 6ft 3”

Single: 90cm x 190cm

Approx imperial equivalent: 3ft x 6ft 3”

Small double: 120cm x 190cm

Approx imperial equivalent: 4ft x 6ft 3”

Double: 135cm x 190cm

Approx imperial equivalent: 4ft 6” x 6ft 3”

King size: 150cm x 200cm

Approx imperial equivalent: 5ft x 6ft 6”

Super king size: 180cm x 200cm

Approx imperial equivalent: 6ft x 6ft 6”

Many companies – including Harrison Spinks – now only use metric sizing as standard, but you can get an idea of the approximate imperial equivalent below each metric size.

A recent Sleep Council poll (March 2016) found that almost half of respondents (47%) slept in a double bed and only 8% slept on a king-size mattress. However, if two adults are sharing a standard double bed, the width of the space that they each have to sleep on is just 67.5cm, around 2ft 3”. It’s not a lot – especially if you share with a space hogger – in fact it’s about the same width as a baby’s cot.

Equally, if you sleep alone or are looking for a replacement bed for a growing teenager, what size mattress you buy can make all the difference. Upgrading from a single bed to a small double or double bed will make all the difference to the quality of sleep.

What are the benefits of a larger mattress?

It may seem like an exaggeration to say that a bigger bed can improve your health, your work life and your relationship. But consider this: we all change position several times during the night, and in a cramped space you and your partner are more likely to disturb each other and wake up feeling tired and grumpy.

Moving to the next mattress size up can give you a more restful night’s sleep, which will improve your health and well-being, make you more alert at work and banish arguments over breakfast.

Upgrading to a king-size or super king-size bed will also add a few extra inches to the length of your bed. This means taller people can stretch out without squashing their partner into a corner.

How much should I spend on a mattress?

Ask yourself this: How much is a good night’s sleep worth to you? The Sleep Council recommends we change our mattress every seven years, which equates to 2,555 days. So for just £1 a night, you could be enjoying a £2,555 bed.

To put this in perspective, spending £2.40 on a takeaway coffee every day equates to £6,132 over seven years. Even if you only buy coffee five days a week and take holidays into account, the figure is around £4,000. Imagine the quality of bed you could purchase for this amount!

How big should I go?

A good rule of thumb is to go for the largest size you can afford. The good news is that whichever Harrison bed you choose, you will enjoy the benefits of a high spring count and natural fillings to support you and keep you cool and dry as you sleep. However, you may want to balance the size of mattress you need with the type of mattress filling and spring count you prefer.

Another consideration how much space you have in your bedroom for a larger bed. Don’t forget to take into account space to open any underbed storage drawers. This could be a good time to reconfigure your bedroom or invest in fitted furniture to maximise space.

If you’re worried about getting a large mattress through tight hallways or staircases in your house, a zip-and-link mattress, where the mattress comes in two parts that zip together, could be the solution. This can also help when turning your mattress, especially as Harrison mattresses have a high spring count for extra support, which can make the mattress heavier.

Any width, any length

Because all Harrison beds are tailor made for each customer, what size mattress you desire doesn’t matter, we can create a bespoke, hand-made mattress to the exact size you need, including adding a little extra to the width or length of your bed.

A good night’s sleep shouldn’t be considered a luxury, even if sleeping on a Harrison bed is!