Mattress Buying Guide (UK): Size, Type, Firmness and Depth
By the Kinky Beds teamPublished 2 min read
Quick answer
- Choose the size first (it must match your bed frame), then the type, then the firmness.
- Main UK types: open coil, pocket sprung, memory foam, hybrid and latex.
- Side sleepers usually prefer medium to medium-soft; back and front sleepers often prefer medium-firm to firm.
- Check the depth: The Sovereign Bed takes standard UK mattresses up to 30 cm deep.
A good mattress matters as much as the bed frame. This guide covers how to choose one for a UK bed, step by step.
1. Match the size
| Width × length | |
|---|---|
| Single (3ft) | 90 × 190 cm |
| Small double (4ft) | 120 × 190 cm |
| Double (4ft 6in) | 135 × 190 cm |
| King (5ft) | 150 × 200 cm |
| Super king (6ft) | 180 × 200 cm |
The Sovereign Bed comes in Double (135 × 190 cm mattress) and King (150 × 200 cm mattress). See UK bed sizes explained and double vs king.
2. Choose a type
| How it feels | Good for | Watch out for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open coil | Bouncy, traditional | Budget and guest beds | Less individual support |
| Pocket sprung | Supportive, responsive | Couples (springs move independently) | Heavier to turn |
| Memory foam | Moulds to the body, low bounce | Pressure relief, motion isolation | Can feel warm |
| Hybrid | Springs with a foam top | A balance of bounce and contouring | Usually deeper |
| Latex | Buoyant, springy | Durability, breathability | Higher price, heavy |
3. Pick a firmness
Firmness is personal, but sleeping position is a useful starting point. Side sleepers need shoulders and hips to sink in slightly, so medium or medium-soft suits many. Back sleepers often prefer medium-firm. Front sleepers usually need firmer support to keep the spine level. Heavier sleepers generally prefer firmer mattresses; couples with different needs often choose pocket sprung or a hybrid.
4. Check the depth
Mattress depth affects how high you sit and whether the mattress fits the frame. The Sovereign Bed takes standard UK mattresses up to 30 cm deep. Read the mattress depth guide for more.
Mattress checklist
- Measure the frame: confirm the mattress size it takes.
- Check the maximum mattress depth.
- Choose a type that suits how you sleep and whether you share.
- Pick a firmness based on sleeping position and body weight.
- Check the trial, guarantee and returns terms before you buy.
- Plan delivery: will a rolled or flat mattress fit up your stairs?
The Sovereign Bed
From £599.00 · Free UK delivery
- Restraint rings hidden behind interchangeable decorative panels that swap in under 60 seconds, no tools
- Solid hardwood frame with a 150kg load rating
- Double (4ft 6in) or King (5ft), for standard UK mattresses up to 30 cm deep
- Onyx Black or Alabaster White · plain, unmarked packaging · 14-day returns
Frequently asked questions
What size mattress fits a UK double bed?
A UK double takes a 135 × 190 cm mattress (4ft 6in). A UK king takes 150 × 200 cm (5ft).
What mattress firmness is best for side sleepers?
Many side sleepers prefer medium or medium-soft, so the shoulders and hips can sink in and the spine stays straight.
Is pocket sprung or memory foam better for couples?
Both limit partner disturbance. Pocket springs move independently and feel more responsive; memory foam absorbs movement and contours more closely.
How deep a mattress fits The Sovereign Bed?
The Sovereign Bed takes standard UK mattresses up to 30 cm deep, in Double (135 × 190 cm) or King (150 × 200 cm).