Double Mattresses: Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Size

Key Takeaways

• Double mattresses (135x190cm) provide ample space for individuals and couples, offering a comfortable sleeping surface for a variety of ages and sleep preferences, including growing children and younger children transitioning from toddler mattresses.
• Medium-firm support with breathable, hypoallergenic materials ensures safe and restful nights for all body types, making these mattresses ideal for kids bed mattress needs and restful sleep for little sleepers.
• Pocket sprung or quality foam mattresses, including memory foam mattresses, offer excellent support for spinal alignment and pressure relief, with springs inside that adapt to the child's body shape and provide great support.
• Consider room size, bed frame compatibility, and personal comfort needs when choosing a double mattress for kids, including compatibility with bunk beds and high sleepers.
• Look for certifications like BS 7177 and chemical-free, high quality materials for optimal safety and peace of mind, along with waterproof covers that are naturally resistant to spills and allergens.

Choosing the right double mattress is essential for ensuring a good night's sleep and overall wellbeing. Whether for growing kids, teenagers, or adults, a double mattress offers significantly more sleeping space than a single mattress, allowing individuals to sleep comfortably and move freely throughout the night. Selecting the perfect mattress involves balancing support, comfort, durability, and safety features to meet diverse sleep preferences and body shapes.

When Is a Double Mattress the Right Choice?

A double mattress suits a wide range of sleepers, from single adults seeking extra space to couples who need room to share comfortably. It is also an excellent choice as a double mattress for kids, especially for growing children who need more room to stretch out and sleep comfortably. Younger children transitioning from toddler mattresses will benefit from the additional space.

Body size and sleep habits play a key role in mattress choice. Taller individuals or those with larger body frames often require the extra length and width a double mattress provides to avoid discomfort such as foot overhang or feeling cramped. Similarly, growing bodies of children require supportive mattresses that accommodate their physical development and reduce the risk of child rolling out of bed.

Sleep preferences vary widely; some sleepers prefer firmer surfaces for support, while others seek softer mattresses for pressure relief. A double mattress allows for more options in firmness and materials to accommodate these preferences, including options for memory foam mattresses or open coil mattresses, both popular choices in children's mattresses.

Room size and layout influence mattress selection. A minimum room size of approximately 3m x 3m is recommended to comfortably fit a double bed while allowing space for movement and furniture. Bed frame compatibility should also be checked to ensure proper fit and support, especially when considering cabin beds or bunk beds that require specific mattress thickness and safety considerations.

Double Mattress Size Specifications

Standard UK double mattresses measure 135cm wide by 190cm long, offering about 35% more sleeping surface than single mattresses (90cm x 190cm). This size suits most adults and older children who require extra space. For smaller rooms or younger children, a small double mattress (120x190cm) might be a perfect mattress option.

Depth considerations usually range from 15-25cm, balancing comfort and support with bed frame compatibility, including bunk beds and cabin beds where height restrictions apply. Mattress thickness can affect safety features like guardrails on elevated beds and the suitability for high sleepers.

Room space requirements are critical for comfort and function. A double mattress requires enough clearance to navigate the room safely and maintain a pleasant environment for child sleep and restful nights.

Essential Features of Double Mattresses

Support and Firmness

Proper support is crucial for maintaining spinal alignment and reducing pressure points, contributing to a good night's sleep and overall physical health. Medium-firm mattresses generally provide an optimal balance of comfort and support for most sleepers, especially growing children and younger children who need supportive mattresses for their developing bodies.

Pocket sprung mattresses feature hundreds of individual springs encased in fabric pockets, allowing adaptive support that responds to different body shapes and pressure areas. This design promotes healthy spinal alignment and reduces motion transfer, ideal for shared beds and children's mattresses. The fabric pocket design also enhances durability and comfort.

Foam mattresses, including memory foam mattresses, offer consistent support across the surface and excellent pressure relief. High-density foam and memory foam variants conform to the body's contours, enhancing comfort and helping children rest easy. Opting for chemical-free foam materials reduces exposure to potentially harmful substances, making them suitable for sensitive skin.

Avoid mattresses that are too soft, as they may cause poor support and discomfort, while overly firm mattresses can create pressure points and reduce comfort, especially for younger children.

Safety and Health Features

Safety and health considerations are vital for all sleepers, particularly for children. Hypoallergenic mattresses minimize allergens such as dust mites, making them suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or respiratory conditions. Many kids mattresses also include natural fillings, such as natural latex, which provide a breathable and allergy-friendly sleep surface.

Chemical-free construction is increasingly important, with many manufacturers offering mattresses free from flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Look for certifications like BS 7177, which ensure compliance with fire safety standards and peace of mind.

Breathable materials and open coil spring systems promote airflow, helping regulate temperature and reduce moisture buildup, contributing to a cooler and healthier sleep environment. Children tend to overheat more easily, so choosing mattresses with temperature regulation features is beneficial.

Waterproof covers provide practical protection against spills and stains, extending mattress lifespan and maintaining hygiene. Many waterproof covers are naturally resistant to dust mites and allergens, making them ideal for kids bed mattress protection.

Types of Double Mattresses

Pocket Sprung Mattresses

Pocket sprung mattresses deliver responsive support and durability. Their individual springs adjust to body contours, providing targeted support and pressure relief. The open structure enhances ventilation, aiding temperature regulation. They are a popular choice in children's mattresses for their great support and comfort.

Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses, including high-density and memory foam types, offer excellent contouring and pressure relief. They are lighter and easier to handle, with options available that prioritize chemical-free materials for health-conscious consumers. Memory foam mattresses are especially suitable for older children and teenagers, offering adaptive support.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine pocket springs with foam layers to deliver adaptive support and ultimate comfort. Cooling technologies such as gel-infused foams or heat diffusing graphite improve temperature regulation, making hybrids suitable for a wide range of sleepers, including kids and grown ups.

Open Coil Mattresses

Open coil mattresses are a budget-friendly option often used for kids mattresses. They provide a firmer sleeping surface and adequate support for growing bodies, though they may lack the contouring benefits of pocket sprung or memory foam mattresses.

Maintenance and Care Tips

Regular rotation every few months ensures even wear and prolongs mattress life. Use waterproof protectors and washable covers to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Vacuum mattresses monthly to reduce allergens and dust. Ensure bed bases provide adequate support to prevent sagging, especially important for bunk beds and high sleepers.

Choosing the Right Mattress for Your Child

Selecting the right mattress for your child involves considering their age group, sleep preferences, and physical needs. Younger children and toddlers benefit from firmer mattresses, such as toddler mattresses, to support their growing bodies and reduce risks associated with suffocation or child rolling.

As children grow, they may prefer softer mattresses with better pressure relief, such as medium firm pocket sprung or memory foam mattresses. The decision making process should also involve your child to ensure comfort and satisfaction.

Consider mattress size carefully; a mattress for your child should ideally be 10cm longer than their height to accommodate growth. Small double mattresses are a great choice for older children and teenagers who need more space than a single mattress but have limited room size.

Brands like Jay Be specialize in kids mattresses and offer collections designed specifically for little sleepers, featuring hypoallergenic materials, waterproof covers, and supportive springs inside.

FAQ

Is a double mattress too big for one person?

A double mattress offers ample space for single sleepers who desire extra room to move and stretch, enhancing sleep quality and comfort. It is also an excellent choice for growing children needing more space.

How thick should a double mattress be?

Double mattresses typically range from 15-25cm thick, balancing comfort, support, and compatibility with various bed frames, including bunk beds and cabin beds.

Can adults use mattresses designed for children?

While adult mattresses generally offer firmer support and larger sizes, mattresses designed for children may lack the durability and tailored support needed for adult body shapes.

What is the difference between a small double and a double mattress?

A small double measures 120x190cm, suitable for smaller rooms, while a full double is 135x190cm, providing more sleeping space and comfort.

How long does a double mattress last?

With proper care, quality double mattresses last 8-10 years, making them a worthwhile investment for restful nights and physical wellbeing.

Conclusion

Choosing the right double mattress for kids involves understanding their unique sleep needs, growth patterns, and preferences. By selecting supportive mattresses made with high quality materials, hypoallergenic and waterproof features, and appropriate sizes, you can ensure your child enjoys restful sleep and healthy development. Whether you opt for pocket sprung, memory foam, or hybrid mattresses, prioritizing comfort and safety will help your little sleepers rest easy night after night.