Throughout history, mattresses have been designed and manufactured using a variety of materials. Early mattresses were filled with common natural materials such as dry leaves, straw, animal hair, or bird feathers. Today, things have changed; the most common mattresses on the market contain pocket springs, latex, and polyurethane. The classic mattress found in any specialty online store consists of two parts: the outer layer—the cover, or the actual upholstery—and the filling, which consists of the core, the inner core, and other components depending on the material used.
Criteria for determining mattress quality
The purpose of a mattress is to provide optimal support while you rest. To achieve this goal—which defines the quality of the mattress—what matters most is the level of comfort it provides to the user. The key factors to consider are its durability over time, pressure distribution, hygiene, and the microclimate it creates for the skin. Therefore, if you want to determine which is the best mattress, you cannot overlook its durability. A mattress that wears out quickly will lose its original properties, thereby affecting the sleep quality of its user. Beyond the initial quality of the product, part of the responsibility lies with the user—in most cases, periodic rotation helps prevent sagging and excessive wear.
Single or double: choosing the best mattress is up to you
Of course, there are different schools of thought regarding the choice between a single bed and a double bed. But for now, let’s just say it’s all a matter of habit. Most of us grow up in a single bed in our own bedroom. However, some people, as soon as they become teenagers, move on to a larger bed. Once they reach adulthood, for many, dating members of the opposite sex and their first experiences as a couple mark the transition to a double bed.
Every decision regarding sleep is driven by personal preference, but also by the dynamics between people. A somewhat unusual example? These are rare cases, but we can assure you that there are close-knit couples who sleep lovingly in separate single beds in the same room. Just as there are lucky couples who have double beds—one for each of them—in separate rooms.
It all comes down to knowing how to organize yourself well and considering all the options available. Smaller double beds (120 x 190 cm) are slightly larger than a single bed (90 x 190 cm). Therefore, they are ideal for one person of average to larger build or two smaller people.
However, those accustomed to sleeping in a single bed of the right size often appreciate the ability to quickly find a comfortable sleeping position without tossing and turning too much. In any case, habit takes precedence—provided it fits well with the room and the space allocated to the sleeping area.
Choosing a single mattress based on size
Even before choosing the material, for many people the main selection criterion has to do with the size of the single mattress. In many cases, we’re dealing with an existing bed frame, so we need to make sure the new single mattress fits. That’s why there are standard sizes that vary depending on the market.
In Europe, there are several variations, but there are also some standards. If you will, Europe offers more choices than other continents.
In the specific case of Italy, the classification of beds—which must be paired with a mattress of the correct size—is based on “piazze,” which simply refer to the number of sleeping spots. Thus, we have single beds, queen-size beds, French queen-size beds, and king-size beds.
A single mattress is the type you buy for single beds.
The dimensions of a single mattress
In Italy, you can buy a standard-size single mattress, which measures 80x190 cm. However, this is not the only option available to buyers. There are at least three other sizes on the market, for a total of four:
- 80×190 cm
- 80×200 cm
- 90×190 cm
- 90×200 cm
The choice depends not only on height, but also on a person’s build. It’s possible that for one person, the best single mattress measures 85 x 190 cm, but for another, the best mattress is one that measures 80 x 195 cm.
There are many possible combinations, even more so when you add a third dimension and consider the mattress’s thickness. This is determined by several factors, including the internal filling and the cover. Height and thickness are not the only factors that determine a mattress’s ergonomic performance. In fact, you must always take into account the material’s density (kg/m³).
Online, you’ll find conflicting opinions about the ideal thickness for a mattress. Kipli’s 100% natural latex single mattresses are 20 cm thick and provide reliable comfort, thanks to the support offered by both sides of the mattress—the softer side and the firmer side.
The children's mattress
Parents who are particularly attentive often wonder what the best mattress is for their children. The unique challenge faced by this group of single-bed mattress users—parents—stems from the fact that children are constantly growing. Their weight and height change rapidly, making it difficult to predict how much space they will need just a few months down the line.
When choosing the best single bed for your child, we can’t assume that children sleep anywhere and anyhow, or that they’ll adapt to sleeping wherever they happen to be, in any environment. The truth is that they spend most of their time in their own bed, and this bed must be able to support their spine in the best possible way—precisely because it is still developing.
When it comes to the dimensions of a single mattress for children, we must be precise. While it’s acceptable for an adult mattress to extend slightly beyond the bed frame, this must never happen when purchasing the best mattress for children. If the mattress doesn’t fit perfectly within the bed, it could lead to very dangerous and unpleasant situations that put children’s safety at risk.
Standard sizes for this type of product range from 60x120 cm to 80x160 cm, including 70x140 cm. Otherwise, they fall under adult sizes, which are generally purchased for children aged seven and older. Finally, a word about the thickness of the best children’s mattress, which should be around 10–15 cm.
The Best Mattress for Pregnant Women
When trying to determine what makes a good mattress for pregnant women, one obvious factor to avoid is stiffness. Due to their condition, expectant mothers’ spines are constantly under strain from the weight of their bellies. In addition, their range of movement at night is more limited than usual.
In most cases, a pregnant woman does not sleep alone but with her partner, which can lead to additional issues related to sleeping independently. Therefore, when choosing a double bed, consider one of the more spacious models, such as 180x190 cm or 170x200 cm. In other cases, the choice may lean toward a 90x200 cm single mattress. A comfortable support that can facilitate movement.
How to determine the dimensions of a single mattress
Industry experts recommend purchasing a mattress that is at least 15 cm longer than the height of the person who will be sleeping on it. However, there is a 5 cm margin of error—which means that for a person who is 180 cm tall, the ideal mattress should be at least 190–195 cm long. It should be noted that there are cases that can be considered special, but when it comes to buying a standard mattress, the length of the best single mattresses on the market tops out at 200 cm, which provides ample room to move for those over 185 cm tall.
Adjusting to a mattress that’s too small means having to try to position yourself diagonally so your feet don’t end up hanging off the edge of the bed. It means living with a certain amount of anxiety and a great deal of discomfort over what is likely one of the most fundamental aspects of our daily lives. A bed should allow you to rest and recharge—its purpose must never be compromised.
What makes a mattress for older adults different?
Another factor to consider is the overall height of the bed, which is particularly important when shopping for the best mattress for seniors.
In this case, a lot also depends on the bed frame. The combined height of the frame and mattress should allow the elderly person to get in and out of bed easily, without having to exert too much physical effort. When seated, the feet should rest flat on the floor, and the knee should be at the same height as the thigh, forming a 90-degree angle.
For older adults who spend a great deal of time in bed—especially if they are recovering from an illness or have a debilitating condition—there are anti-bedsore products available. To prevent the well-known pressure sores caused by immobility, the mattress must ensure proper weight distribution to help prevent joint pain.
In conclusion
It seems clear that, when choosing the best single mattress, size matters. The more room you have to move around, the better.
The reason smaller mattresses exist has to do with the bed’s structure and the room’s available space. If you’re dealing with a small bedroom, a mattress that’s too bulky could take up too much space, so a compromise is almost always necessary.
When it comes to body weight, rather than focusing on the mattress size, it’s more important to consider the type of material it’s made from.
The mattress must provide proper support, which means evaluating its characteristics. For those who weigh less, a single mattress that fits perfectly—and thus offers a more enveloping feel—will suffice, but as weight increases, so too must the mattress’s firmness. This means that for a particularly tall person—and, consequently, one who is statistically heavier—the best single mattress will be a 90x200 cm model made of natural latex, which offers optimal support. Meanwhile, a short and slim person should opt for a smaller single mattress, such as an 80x190 cm Kipli, used on its softer side, with medium firmness.