A small single mattress measures 75 x 190cm - 15cm narrower than a standard single - making it the right choice for younger children, bunk beds, cabin beds, and very compact rooms where a standard single will not fit. At Land of Beds, we stock around 100 small single mattresses across foam, memory foam, pocket spring, hybrid, and natural fibre constructions, from brands including Hypnos, Harrison Spinks, Lewis and Jones, Dormeo, and Breasley. With over 50 years of experience helping families choose the right mattress and free delivery on orders over £100, our team can help you get this right.
Browse the full collection below, or use our guides to find the right small single mattress for the sleeper, the room, and your budget. Our team is available seven days a week for a personal recommendation.
The small single is the narrowest standard UK mattress size, and it is worth being clear about who it is actually right for before you browse. At 75cm wide, it provides a younger child with comfortable sleeping space without taking up more room than necessary. For most adults - including teenagers from around 14 or 15 - a standard single at 90cm wide is a noticeably better fit, and the difference in room footprint is modest. If you are buying for a child who is growing quickly, it is worth factoring in how long the mattress will remain the right size. For a bunk bed or cabin bed with a fixed small single frame, the size decision has already been made for you. For a standard children's bed frame, it is worth checking whether the frame is sized for a small single or a standard single before ordering. See our guide: What Size Mattress Do You Really Need? for a full comparison of all UK sizes, and our Bed Sizes and Home Measuring Guide for room-by-room advice.
Three things determine whether you are choosing the right small single mattress. Getting these right matters more at this size than any other, because the sleeper is often a growing child whose needs will change over time.
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Who is sleeping on it | The right construction and tension for a young child is different from the right choice for a teenager, and different again from a guest room or occasional use mattress. Age, weight, and how frequently the mattress is used all affect which type is appropriate. | Young children generally benefit from a firm or medium firm surface for correct spinal support. Older children and teenagers can move to medium. Guest room use requires less durability than everyday child use. |
| Construction type | Construction determines feel, durability, airflow, and how well the mattress supports a growing body over time. Pocket spring mattresses are generally more durable and breathable than foam for children who will sleep on the mattress every night for several years. | Match construction to how long the mattress needs to last and how intensive the use will be. A pocket spring model is a better long-term investment for a child's main bed than an entry-level foam option. |
| Base and frame compatibility | Small single mattresses must match the frame exactly. Many bunk beds and cabin beds specify a maximum mattress depth - always check this before ordering. Too thick a mattress on a bunk bed top bunk reduces the effective height of the guardrail. | Check your frame's maximum mattress depth specification before ordering, particularly for bunk beds. Most bunk beds specify a maximum of around 15 to 19cm for the top bunk. [TO CONFIRM: verify your recommended top bunk maximum depth guidance.] |
Not sure which is right for you? Speak to our team on 01928 242829.
Small single mattresses are available in every major construction type. Here is a plain comparison of what is available and who each type suits.
| Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | Lightweight, low profile, easy to handle, compatible with most bases. Firm and medium firm options available. Generally the most accessible choice at this size. | Younger children, top bunk use, guest rooms, occasional use |
| Memory Foam | Contours to body shape, good pressure relief, absorbs movement. Slightly heavier than standard foam. Can retain heat. | Older children and teenagers who prefer a softer, contouring surface, lower bunk or standard bed use |
| Pocket Spring | Individual springs in fabric pockets, good airflow, responsive feel, good durability. Well suited to everyday use over several years. | Children's main bedroom mattresses that need to last through growth, those wanting a traditional sprung feel |
| Hybrid | Combines pocket springs with foam or latex comfort layers. Versatile performance for a range of sleeping positions and ages. | Older children and teenagers wanting both support and surface comfort, main bedroom everyday use |
| Natural Fibre Pocket Spring | Premium pocket spring with natural fibre comfort layers. Breathable, durable, and luxurious. Found at the upper end of the budget range. | Long-term investment, those wanting a premium children's mattress from brands like Hypnos and Harrison Spinks |
Choose a Foam mattress if:
Choose a Memory Foam mattress if:
Choose a Pocket Spring mattress if:
Choose a Natural Fibre Pocket Spring if:
In our experience, parents often underestimate how quickly children outgrow a foam entry-level mattress. A quality pocket spring option at small single size tends to outlast the cheaper foam alternatives by several years, and for a mattress that gets daily use, that difference adds up. If the mattress will be used for several years, it is usually worth investing one step up.
This is the most common question we get on this page. Here is a plain comparison to help you decide.
| Small Single | Standard Single | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 75 x 190cm | 90 x 190cm |
| Width difference | 15cm narrower than a standard single | The standard UK single size |
| Best age range | Younger children (typically up to around 10 to 12, depending on size) | Children from around 10 to 12, teenagers, and adults |
| Bunk bed use | Commonly used in bunk beds and cabin beds | Also used in many bunk bed frames - check your frame specification |
| Bedding availability | More limited than standard single - check before choosing | Wide availability across all major bedding ranges |
| Best for | Children's beds where the frame is sized for small single, bunk beds, very compact rooms | Most children from around age 10, teenagers, adults, guest rooms |
If you are not buying for a specific frame that requires a small single, a standard single is almost always the better long-term choice for a child over the age of around 10. Browse our single mattresses for the full range.
| Budget | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Under £250 | Entry-level foam or pocket spring construction. Good comfort and support for lighter use. | Occasional guest use, younger children, top bunk, those on a tight budget |
| £250 to £599 | Better construction - higher spring counts, improved foam quality, more durable materials for everyday use. | Children's main bedroom, daily use, those wanting a mattress that will last several years |
| £600 and above | Premium natural fibre pocket spring, high spring counts, superior construction from brands like Hypnos and Harrison Spinks. | Long-term investment, families who want a quality mattress from a trusted brand for a child's main bed |
A mattress protector is particularly worthwhile at any budget for a child's mattress. Accidents and spills are more likely in a child's room, and a protector significantly extends the life of the mattress. Browse our mattress protectors for suitable options.
Looking for a quality small single mattress at a lower price? We have options starting from under £150, with regular sales across selected models.
Our Price Promise Guarantee means you won't pay more than you should. Interest-free finance is available on eligible orders - see our finance page for full details.
| Item | Typically Included? |
|---|---|
| Mattress | Yes - always |
| Mattress cover / ticking | Yes - always |
| Care guide | Yes - always included |
| Mattress protector | No - sold separately. Strongly recommended, particularly for children's mattresses. |
| Bed frame or divan base | No - unless part of a bundle deal |
Always check the individual product listing for full details on what's included before purchasing. This varies between products.
We offer a mattress removal and recycling service - we'll take away your old mattress when your new one is delivered.
| What We Offer | Why It Matters to You |
|---|---|
| 50+ years of expertise | Honest advice on the right construction and tension for the age and use case - not just a sale |
| Around 100 small single mattresses | One of the widest selections at this size, from entry-level foam to premium natural fibre |
| Free UK delivery on orders over £100 | No hidden delivery charges on the vast majority of orders. Some remote postcodes may incur a surcharge - see our delivery page for details. |
| Price Promise Guarantee | We'll match any like-for-like price you find elsewhere |
| Interest-free finance available | Spread the cost on eligible orders - see our finance page for terms |
| Expert advice, 7 days a week | Real people via phone, chat, or in-store - no scripts, no pressure |
| Family-run, independent retailer | We recommend what's right for you, not what generates the best margin |
| Rated Excellent on Trustpilot | Real feedback from verified customers across thousands of orders |
Not sure whether a small single is the right size, or which construction is right for the sleeper? Our team has helped thousands of families get this decision right - and there's no pressure to buy. Chat online, call us, or visit our showrooms in Cheshire and Greater Manchester. We're open seven days a week.
| How to Reach Us | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Live chat | Fast responses for quick questions. Available during opening hours. |
| Phone - 01928 242829 | Speak directly with a mattress expert. Best for advice on size, construction, bunk bed compatibility, and base requirements. |
| In-store (Cheshire / Greater Manchester) | See mattresses in person before you buy. See our store locations. |
| Help Centre | Buying guides, size guides, and FAQs available 24/7. Visit our help and advice section. |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What size is a small single mattress? | A small single mattress measures 75 x 190cm (2ft 6 x 6ft 3). It is 15cm narrower than a standard single mattress, which measures 90 x 190cm. Both sizes are the same length. The small single is the narrowest standard UK mattress size. |
| What is the difference between a small single and a standard single mattress? | The only difference is width - a small single is 75cm wide, a standard single is 90cm wide. For most children over the age of around 10 or 11, and for all teenagers and adults, a standard single provides meaningfully more sleeping space with a modest difference in room footprint. The small single is best suited to younger children, bunk beds, and frames specifically designed for this size. See our guide: What Size Mattress Do You Really Need? |
| Are small single mattresses suitable for adults? | They can work in a very compact space or as a guest room solution, but for regular daily use most adults will find a standard single more comfortable. At 75cm wide, there is limited room to move during sleep, which can affect sleep quality over time. If space is tight, a standard single typically fits in most rooms that can accommodate a small single. |
| What is the best mattress for a child's small single bed? | For younger children, a firm or medium firm mattress is generally recommended as it provides the right level of support for a growing spine. For children aged around 8 and above, medium is usually appropriate. Pocket spring models are a good choice for a child's main bedroom mattress as they tend to be more durable and breathable than foam for daily use. Always check the mattress depth if fitting to a bunk bed top bunk. |
| How thick should a small single mattress be for a bunk bed? | This depends on your specific bunk bed frame. Guardrails are designed to work with mattresses up to a maximum depth, and a mattress that is too thick reduces the effective guardrail height. Most bunk bed manufacturers specify a maximum of around 15 to 19cm - always check your frame's specification before ordering. Foam mattresses are usually the best choice for the top bunk as they tend to have a lower profile and are lighter to handle. |
| Do small single mattresses need a mattress protector? | Yes, and it is particularly worthwhile for a child's mattress. A protector guards against spills and accidents, significantly extends the life of the mattress, and most manufacturers require one to maintain the warranty. Browse our mattress protectors for suitable options. |
| How long should a small single mattress last? | A quality pocket spring small single mattress used as a child's everyday bed typically lasts 7 to 10 years with proper care. Entry-level foam options have a shorter lifespan, typically 5 to 7 years. Using a mattress protector and rotating the mattress regularly will help maintain performance throughout its life. |
| Do you offer free delivery on small single mattresses? | Yes, free UK delivery is included on orders over £100, which covers the vast majority of our small single range. Some remote postcodes may incur an additional charge. Lead times vary by brand and model - check the individual listing for estimated delivery. See our delivery page for full details. |
| Can I buy a small single mattress on finance? | Yes. Interest-free finance is available on eligible orders. See our finance page for full details on terms, eligibility, and how to apply. |
| Do you also sell small single bed frames and bases? | Yes. Browse our children's beds for small single bed frames including bunk beds, cabin beds, and mid sleepers. We also stock small single divan bases and bed frames to complement your mattress purchase. |
