A Quick Guide to Mattresses and Sizes
There are a great many types of mattresses out there, with many different specifications, quality and longevity. A good mattress for a child's bed can also be used by an adult - there aren't significant differences.
Performance is important - where children move more in their sleep and change shape as they grow up the mattress needs to be supportive and most importantly responsive; that is that the mattress quickly returns to its original shape after movement of the sleeper.
Types of Mattresses
These are some of the most popular types of mattresses:
Foam
A foam block with fitted or loose cover. Foam comes in many grades, and these block mattresses tend to be cheaper. No matter how good the foam is it will start to decay at a cellular level and become less responsive - so will need to be replaced more regularly. Foam is also not good for air circulation through the mattress.
Spring Interior
Uses springs at the centre of the mattress to ensure consistent support and responsiveness over a long time. Better quality mattresses will have additional layers (of wool, cotton wadding for example) and this so called comfort upholstery is to improve the feel of the sleeping surface. Good air circulation promotes health of mattress. The traditional way of making good quality mattresses.
Hybrid
Tend to be made of several layers including foam and microspring layers alongside various comfort layers. The better quality foams are said to be more breathable.
Natural
Will use natural materials such as wool and cotton for associated benefits such as temperature regulation and anti-allergenic properties, and to eliminate use of chemicals to meet Fire Regulations. They may use springs at the core or natural fibre blocks such as coir (which will result in firmer mattresses).
Fire Regulations
Important Safety Information
Mattresses are required to meet the Furniture (Fire) Regulations especially as they may use inflammable material such as foam. This is normally done by treating covers with a fire-retardant layer. Use of naturally resistant fibres and materials such as wool means use of chemical treatment can be avoided.
Mattress Sizes
The most common sizes of mattresses for children's beds. Please note mattresses are sometimes made to metric sizes and sometimes to imperial sizes - so some size conversions may be approximate.
| Mattress Type | Dimensions (cm) | Dimensions (imp) | Recommended Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotbed/Toddler Bed | 140cm × 70cm | N/A | Birth to 3 years |
| Trundle | 183cm × 86cm | 6'0" × 2'6" | 3 years + |
| Single | 190cm × 90cm | 6'3" × 3'0" | 3 years to adult |
| "High Bed" Single | 190cm × 90cm | 6'3" × 3'0" | 15cm / 6" thick - for high beds |
| European Single | 200cm × 90cm | N/A | 3 years to adult |
| Small Double - Queen | 190cm × 120cm | 6'3" × 4'0" | 3 years to adult |
| Double | 190cm × 136cm | 6'3" × 4'6" | 5 years to adult |
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