Now that you have found your perfect mate, the bed has become too tight. Is it time for a larger space, but your bedroom is too small to fit a queen? Don’t worry, a double bed mattress is the perfect solution for you and your snuggling partner on chilly nights.
Understanding Double Mattresses
Size and Dimensions
There are a few standards for double-sized mattresses. In the UK, you can buy double mattress with standard dimensions of 135 cm x 190 cm while European ones are a bit wider and longer: 140 cm x 200 cm. There is also a variety of a Small Double which measures 120 cm x 190 cm and it’s a perfect choice for smaller bedrooms and growing teenagers.
In Australia, the standard double mattress is twice the size of a single one, 138 cm x 188 cm. This is slightly shorter and less wide than a queen size, but wider than a king single. If you want to buy a double mattress, keep in mind that it would be a great option for newlyweds living in a smaller house or teens who want to enjoy the comfort of a bigger bed.
Types of Double Mattresses
The market offers several types of mattresses depending on their construction including innerspring, memory foam, latex, hybrid and airbeds.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses have a support system made of steel coils and they are the most popular type of all. Bouncy, providing an excellent mix of comfort and ample support, they offer good airflow which keeps the bed cool at night. Budget-friendly and high quality, they are the all-in-one choice for most of the population.
Memory Foam
Memory foam mattresses are known for their superior comfort and cloud-nine experience. They contour the body and reduce pressure on the spine making them a perfect choice for all who want cushy, warm feelings and hot nights.
Latex
Latex mattresses are considered one of the best because they are durable, breathable and hypoallergenic. Ideal for people with back or joint pain they provide pain relief and are recommended by many health professionals. Extremely long-lasting they are worthy of the price you have to pay to get one.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of two or more different materials and constructions that provide the best experience of both worlds. Latex layers combined with pocketed coils produce a cool mattress with extra responsiveness and pressure relief, while memory foam and latex combination create a durable, cool and deep cushioning bed.
Airbeds
These are similar to innerspring mattresses, but feature air chambers instead of coils. They are also the most expensive of all types because of their most important feature: you can customize their firmness by adding or removing air from the chambers.
What to Consider When Buying a Double Mattress
There are quite a lot of points to consider when you are looking for your perfect double-size mattress. The following are only the most important ones.
Firmness
One of the most important criteria you have to keep in mind when looking for a double bed mattress is the level of firmness. Mattresses are divided into several categories starting from soft, medium-soft, and medium-firm to firm and extra firm.
Since your sense of comfort is a subjective thing, you have to do your research and buy double mattress with a level of firmness that suits you best.
Sleeping Position
The next step in your quest for the most comfortable double-sized companion is discovering your sleeping position. How do you lie down when you’re falling asleep and how do you find yourself when you wake up? Define which category you belong to, and see the type of mattress you need.
Side sleepers need contouring for the curve of their hips and shoulders, so soft to medium-firm mattresses (3-6/10) are the best choice for providing support in all the right places.
Back sleepers need medium-firm to firm mattresses (5-7/10), as they give more push-back for even support and at the same time still cushion the shoulders, hips and lower back.
Stomach sleepers will find themselves most comfortable with medium-firm to firm mattresses (7-7/10) because of the extra lift around the hips.
Finally, combination sleepers will have to choose a mattress that is suitable for their primary position and facilitates easy motion since they are moving around a lot.
Body Type
Body shape and weight are also key factors that influence the choice of your faithful sleeping companion. People with lower body weight and side sleeping positions need contouring and softer mattresses, while heavier ones with 230+ pounds should choose firmer and more responsive mattresses that facilitate their movements and quickly respond to pressure. The category in-between will feel most comfortable tucked in medium-firm to firm mattresses depending on their preferences and sleeping style.
Health and Sleeping Issues
Do you have any back pains? Or maybe allergy problems? In the end, health is the most important factor. What is the point of saving a few hundred and then spending sleepless nights in agony? So, search and find the best back pain-relieving and antiallergenic, latex mattresses and give yourself a good night’s rest.
While you are there, if you are a hot sleeper, find gel-infused foam mattresses and breathable covers that will cool your dream world. If your partner tosses and turns and wakes you up each time he goes to the bathroom, buy a foamy double-size with good motion isolation. Pressure relief, ease of movement, edge support, durability and longevity, are all additional factors you need to take into consideration to make the perfect choice.
Budget
Buying a mattress is a serious financial investment, so the price is one of the central factors you have to consider. To get the right idea about the whole sum you would need, think first of your overall bedroom budget, including not just a new mattress, but some other accessories as well. Your bedroom will get a completely new look with new pillows, stylish bedding or a cool mattress protector.
Prices
The price range for most double bed mattresses stretches from low quality, low-cost $180 to the luxurious $3000 and higher for top quality models. Higher prices do not always mean better quality and sometimes some factors increase the costs and are not necessary to pay for. Special materials, famous brands, and places with higher-cost production eliminate all these irrelevant extras and invest in the right type of construction and durable materials.
Finally, don’t pay the ticket price, wait for the regular sales, promotions and discounts which are so many throughout the year. As a last piece of advice in this section, if you haven’t got enough savings for the model you want, consider buying a mattress topper. It will extend the lifespan of your mattress for quite a while with a fresh and new appearance.
It’s Time to Shop
Online stores offer hundreds of different products that can satisfy all your demands. To find the perfect mattress, first read the product descriptions and then continue with the reviews, FAQs, warranties and return policies. For any additional information, call customer service support and get the best recommendations.
If you can visit the physical store, go there and try the mattress yourself. This is the most secure way to see if it fits. But, if you can’t do it, see if there is a comfort trial period for your buy that allows you to try the mattress at home and return it if you don’t want to commit. A good night’s sleep is essential for your overall well-being, so now that you are ready and armed with the know-how, plunge into the online shopping world and find your next double-dream companion.