Updated · 5 min read
In short
- Leave 60–70 cm clear on each accessible side of the bed.
- Pocket springs limit partner disturbance; memory foam relieves pressure but sleeps warmer.
- A good mattress lasts about 7–10 years; dips, felt springs and morning aches mean it's time.
Bed sizes and fitting the room
In continental Europe the most common mattress sizes are 90 × 200 cm (single), 140 × 200 cm (double), 160 × 200 cm and 180 × 200 cm (close to the US queen and king sizes; UK and US sizes are different, so check the measurements in centimetres). There are intermediate sizes too — 120 × 200 or 200 × 200 cm — useful when you want more space without going up a full size.
The practical rule: leave at least 60–70 cm clear on each accessible side of the bed so you can make it and move around comfortably, and at least 60 cm at the foot if there's a wardrobe or chest of drawers there. A 160 × 200 cm mattress needs a room of at least 9–10 m² to leave space for other furniture; below that, 140 × 200 cm is more realistic. In a double bedroom under 12 m², 180 × 200 cm becomes tight if you also want a generous wardrobe and bedside tables on both sides.
Firmness and material: springs, foam or hybrid
Sprung mattresses (pocket springs or open coil) give a classic firm support and good airflow, suiting people who sleep hot or need firmer support. Pocket springs move independently, so they transmit less of a partner's movement — a real advantage if you sleep at different times.
Foam mattresses (high-density polyurethane or memory foam) mould to the body and reduce pressure points, recommended for people with joint or back pain, but they hold more heat than sprung ones — worth checking if you sleep hot in summer. Hybrids combine a spring core with foam layers on top, trying to take the best of both; they usually cost more but are a safe choice if you're not sure what you prefer.
The right firmness depends on sleeping position and body weight. Back and front sleepers generally need a medium-to-firm mattress that doesn't let the hips sink too far. Side sleepers need something a little softer at the shoulders and hips, to avoid pressure on the joints. Heavier people usually need firmer mattresses or a sturdier spring core so the mattress doesn't deform quickly.
Lifespan and signs it's time to replace
A good mid-range mattress lasts 7–10 years in normal use; a high-quality memory foam one can go beyond that, while a very cheap basic foam mattress can deteriorate visibly after 3–5 years. Clear signs it's time: visible dips in the sleeping area, springs you can feel, often waking with back or neck pain that disappears away from the bed, and creaking with every movement.
Rotating the mattress every 3–6 months (if the model allows — check the label) evens out wear and extends its life. A topper can refresh the comfort for another year or two, but won't fix a structurally deformed mattress — it's a temporary fix, not a substitute for a new one.
Headboard and frame: function, not just looks
A headboard isn't just decorative: it supports your back when reading or watching a screen in bed and protects the wall from direct contact with the mattress or pillows, which leave marks on paint or wallpaper over time. A frame with a slatted wooden base gives more flexible support and better airflow under the mattress than a solid base, reducing the risk of trapped moisture.
If storage is a problem, a frame with built-in drawers or a lift-up (gas strut) base can partly replace an extra wardrobe — useful in small bedrooms or studios. Check the maximum weight the mechanism takes and how easy the storage really is to reach once the bed is made, because some models become awkward to use daily if the bed is against walls on three sides.