3ft Single Mattresses

How to choose the right single mattress

Whether you’re buying a new single mattress for a child’s first bed or a teenager’s bedroom, or you’re simply looking to replace a mattress in a spare room that’s well past its sell-by date, choosing a new one can be a tricky job to do.

The 2 main considerations you have to make when purchasing a mattress are the price and the support the mattress will offer. The price of a new mattress will depend entirely on what type you are looking for. 

The mattress firmness will depend on what you require and what you prefer. Some people like the cosy cushioning of a medium soft support, while others like a firmer feel. To help you choose, all of our mattresses have a firmness rating.

So, why is choosing the correct firmness so important?

Once you have decided the price bracket you are comfortable with, it’s now time to choose a mattress that will suit the sleepers preferred firmness. Choosing the correct tension can be the difference between a good or poor night’s sleep.

Side sleepers - If your preferred sleeping position is to curl up on your side, you are more than likely to prefer a medium soft support mattress. More than 60% of us choose this sleeping position.

Changing positions – For those who constantly change their sleeping position, medium firm is a popular choice. Medium firm is renowned for providing just the right support for your spine, neck and lower back.

Front and back sleepers - Whether you sleep on your front or your back, the most popular choice is a firm or an extra firm support. Firm mattresses are often a good choice for those who suffer from lower back pain.

What types of single mattresses are available?

Reflex Foam – A cheaper alternative to memory foam, reflex foam offers the same high level of antimicrobial and dust mite resistance, ideal for allergy sufferers or asthmatics.

Open Coil – Robust and durable, traditional open coil springs are set out in rows running from head to toe and connected at the top and bottom by a series of spiral wires.

Continuous Coil – This is a unique type of spring system that’s made up of intertwining coils that run the length of the mattress. This reduces roll-together and partner disturbance.

Pocket Spring – Housed in their individual cloth sleeves, pocket springs are totally independent of any neighbouring springs, resulting in piston-like support where you need it most.

What are the fillings used in single mattresses?

White fibre layers - A lightweight, high loft material that retains its shape. they're hypo-allergenic and offer great comfort and longevity

Memory Foam – Designed to be temperature sensitive, memory foam softens when in contact with body heat, moulding itself to your contours for a more restful night’s sleep.

Latex – Hypo-allergenic and boasting natural elasticity, latex offers exceptional comfort, support and excellent temperature and moisture regulation.

Gel – Boasting thermo-regulating properties, Gel is able to disperse excess heat away from the body to provide a cooler surface on which to sleep on. 

Geltex – A gel infused comfort layer offers enhanced breathability and a bounce back sensation that actively responds to your body shape as you sleep.

Natural – Springier and softer than synthetic fillings, natural layers such as wool, cotton, silk and cashmere boast excellent temperature regulating properties for a cool night’s sleep.

How often should I replace my single mattress?

As a general rule, it’s recommended by the Sleep Council that you change your mattress every 8 years. When you consider, the average person spends around 8 hours in bed and over an 8-year period that amounts to 23360 hours of wear and tear.

The best way to maintain the support and comfort during its life is to follow the care instructions. Dual-sided mattresses should be rotated and flipped over once a fortnight for the first 2-3 months, then every 4-6 weeks thereafter. One-side mattresses only need to be rotated.

A quality mattress protector will also help to enhance the mattress longevity and performance and prevent the risk of dust build up. In general, mattress protectors are there to keep your mattress hygienic and feeling like new for longer.