​Everything You Need to Know About Single Mattresses

There’s a whole host of reasons you might be in the market for a brand new single mattress. Maybe you sleep solo or perhaps you and your partner are giving separate sleeping a try. You might be shopping for a child that’s living at home or a teen who’s off to uni or moving into their first flat. Or maybe you’re furnishing a guest room with little space to spare.

Whatever your reasons for seeking a single bed size mattress, we’ve got the lowdown on what to look for. So read on for our comprehensive guide to single mattresses. We’ll cover the types of mattress available to you, the features you can’t do without and the versatile uses of the smallest mattress on the bed spectrum. We’ll also guide you through some of the best single mattress options out there suitable for your specific needs.

The Different Types of Single Mattress

When choosing a new mattress of any size you’re likely to come across these four most common mattress types:

Sprung mattress: a sprung or innerspring mattress is designed with internal coils that move with you for reliable support. Open coil mattresses are usually made with one coiled wire connected with another helical wire, while a pocket sprung mattress has individual springs contained in fabric pockets for better responsiveness. The best pocket sprung mattress combines large springs with mini springs for targeted support and many, like the Staples & Co Artisan Classic single pocket sprung mattress include a pillow top for comfort.

Memory foam mattress: memory foam was conceived for comfort. Encompassing the body, a single memory foam mattress helps to reduce joint pressure so you wake refreshed and without pain. To experience the original Space Certified foam, try the TEMPUR Original Elite.

Latex mattress: originally used in hospitals, latex mattresses are now a popular choice for home bedrooms. A great alternative to the single foam mattress, latex is usually cooler and has less sink, so it’s ideal for those who don’t want to feel hugged by their bed. Highly supportive, latex is often used in mattresses designed for back support, like the Slumberland Clima Control Backcare mattress.

Hybrid mattress: A single hybrid mattress gives you the best of two worlds, combining springs with foam or latex for unbeatable comfort. For the ideal blend, look to the Slumberland Clima Airstream range.

Features to Look for in a Single Bed Mattress

In addition to finding the ideal mattress material, there may be other special features you’ll want to look out for:

Single hypoallergenic mattresses

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, look for a hypoallergenic mattress. Decreasing the likelihood of an allergic reaction, these beds are a must if you experience symptoms brought on by dust. While some are made using hypoallergenic materials like latex or silk, others have a tightly woven cover that repels dust and mites. Many include both for complete anti-allergy care. Stuffed with bamboo fibres that naturally repel allergens, the Slumberland Naturals range is ideal for allergy sufferers.

Orthopaedic single mattresses for back and joint care

Providing firm support, an orthopaedic single mattress is designed to care for your back and joints. This makes it an ideal choice for those with musculoskeletal issues. An orthopaedic mattress, like the Silentnight Ortho Firm mattress, promotes spinal alignment so you’re less likely to wake in discomfort at night and should experience less pain on waking too.

Temperature regulating single mattresses for cool comfort

If you get hot at night you may think your mattress choices are limited. However, this issue is well known and well addressed by mattress manufacturers, who are finding ever more effective technical solutions to overnight overheating. Made using temperature regulating material, the iGel mattress range helps you to maintain a steady temperature while you sleep for less disturbance and a more refreshing rest.

A Single Mattress for Convenience and Space Saving

Why choose a single bed? Here are three ways a single mattress can help you make the most of your home.

A single bed and mattress to save space

With new build UK homes getting smaller and smaller year on year, it’s imperative we find ways to make the most of the bedroom space we have. If you’re a singleton with little room to spare, a single bed could help to maximise the floor space in a room, creating areas for storage, home working, hobbies and exercise. A single can also be a great solution for homes where access is awkward.

Single beds for spare rooms

If your guest bedroom is a little tight, a single bed may be preferable to shoehorning in a double where it doesn’t want to go. More affordable than its larger siblings, a single bed could leave you with budget for a more luxurious mattress and can squeeze into an alcove or behind a door to save on space.

Twin beds for couples who can’t compromise

Snoring, duvet hogging or late night fidgets… there are all sorts of reasons you might opt to call time on sleeping together. Separate beds is less a sign of a relationship in trouble than an indication that you both know how important a good night’s sleep is. A single bed and mattress each lets you sleep in the same room without the inconvenience of fighting for space or stillness.

Single Mattress Choices for Kids of All Ages

Your little one will need several mattresses over the course of their childhood. Depending on their age and the type of bed they’ll sleep in here’s what to look for…

Choose a small single mattress for toddler beds

Smaller than a standard single, which will usually measure 6 foot 3 inches(approx. 190cm) in length by 3 foot (approx. 91cm)in width, a toddler or cot bed mattress will need to be carefully measured. It’s important that your toddler’s mattress fits a bed well to reduce the risk of trapped limbs. It’s also smart to get advice from the experts on just what a child needs to sleep safely and soundly.

Single mattresses for bunk beds

Though you could, theoretically, use any old single mattress for most bunk beds, there are some things to bear in mind. In particular, the weight of a heavier spring mattress could cause problems for that top bunk. Mattress height is also an important safety consideration on the top bunk. For peace of mind opt for a mattress designed to suit a bunk or loft bed, like the Silentnight Healthy Growth bunk mattress.

The right single mattress for growing teens

Teenagers go through a heck of a growth spurt from tween to adult, meaning you could be hit with more than one mattress bill. You can, however, save yourself money and bother by choosing the Slumberland Flip 2-in-1 mattress. With a softer initial side, this clever mattress is designed to support lighter weight early teens before turning over to a firmer surface suitable for heavier kids aged fifteen plus.

Find Your Ideal Mattress at Bensons for Beds

Shopping for a single mattress size or going super king? Whatever bed you’re looking for, make Bensons For Beds your first stop. In every store our experienced and knowledgeable team are ready to help you find the mattress you’ll love with handy tools like our clever sleeppro system. We can also help to arrange delivery and take away your old mattress while also getting you set up with BedGuard, comprehensive accidental damage cover for peace of mind should the worst happen.

To talk beds or place an order drop into your nearest store or call us on 0808 144 6160.