Double Mattresses

A double mattress at 135 x 190cm is the standard choice for couples in the UK, and it is a size that needs to be thought about carefully rather than assumed. At 135cm wide, two adults have around 67.5cm each, which is less than a single bed gives one person. For couples where both sleepers move around, that can become noticeable over time. For those who sleep fairly still and prioritise bedroom space over sleeping width, it is a genuinely practical choice.

The most common question with double mattresses is whether to go memory foam, pocket sprung, or hybrid. Pocket sprung is a good default for couples because each spring responds independently, meaning one person's movement is less likely to disturb the other. Memory foam gives a closer contour to the body and better pressure relief but can retain heat, which some people find uncomfortable. Hybrid mattresses offer springs for support and responsiveness with foam layers above for comfort, sitting between the two in most measurable respects.

Firmness affects how well the mattress supports your spine through the night. Side sleepers typically need a softer surface that allows the hip and shoulder to sink slightly, keeping the spine level. Back sleepers need more support through the lumbar region, so a medium-firm surface is usually better. Front sleeping puts the most strain on the lower back and is generally not recommended, though a firm mattress helps reduce the impact.

Double mattresses are also the standard size for most guest rooms in UK homes. A double gives visitors a comfortable night's sleep without the cost or footprint of a king, and most double divan beds and ottoman beds in guest room configurations use this size.

One practical point worth confirming before buying: double mattresses measure 135 x 190cm in the UK, but European double mattresses are often 140 x 200cm. If your bed frame is from a European retailer, check the internal frame dimensions rather than assuming a UK double will fit.