If you're new to the world of mattress shopping, the king single size might not be immediately familiar to you. Unlike the ubiquitous single, double, queen, and king sizes that dominate advertising, the king single occupies a unique middle ground that many Australians are just beginning to discover. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about king single mattresses, helping you make an informed decision for yourself or someone in your household.
What Exactly Is a King Single Mattress?
A king single mattress measures 107 centimetres wide by 203 centimetres long. To put this in perspective, it's approximately 15 centimetres wider than a standard single mattress (92cm) and shares the same length as a queen or king bed. This additional width might not sound like much on paper, but when you're actually sleeping, that extra space makes a significant difference in comfort and freedom of movement.
Standard Australian king single: 107cm wide x 203cm long (approximately 42" x 80"). This is different from US sizing, so always check dimensions when ordering internationally.
The king single size is particularly popular in Australia and New Zealand, though it's less common in other parts of the world. This regional preference has led to a healthy selection of locally manufactured options alongside international brands that have adapted their product lines for the Australian market.
Who Should Consider a King Single?
The king single mattress serves several demographics particularly well:
- Teenagers and young adults who have outgrown their childhood single beds but don't have space for a double
- Taller individuals who need the extra length that comes standard with king singles
- Active sleepers who move around during the night and need more room
- Guest room setups where you want to accommodate visitors comfortably without dedicating excessive floor space
- Smaller apartments where a double bed would overwhelm the bedroom
Many parents find the king single to be an excellent transitional size for their children. It's large enough to remain comfortable through the teenage years and into young adulthood, potentially lasting until the person moves out and purchases their own bed.
Understanding Mattress Materials
When shopping for a king single mattress, you'll encounter several main types of construction:
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam, also known as viscoelastic foam, was originally developed by NASA and has become one of the most popular mattress materials worldwide. It responds to body heat and pressure, conforming to your shape and providing excellent pressure point relief. Memory foam mattresses excel at motion isolation, making them ideal if you share a bed or are easily disturbed by movement.
The main considerations with memory foam are heat retention and the initial off-gassing period. Many modern memory foam mattresses incorporate cooling gels or open-cell structures to address temperature concerns, while off-gassing typically dissipates within a few days of unboxing.
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses use steel coils as their primary support system. Traditional Bonnell coils are interconnected, while more modern pocket coil systems wrap each spring individually, allowing for better motion isolation and more targeted support. Innerspring mattresses tend to sleep cooler than all-foam options due to increased airflow between the coils.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine the support of innerspring coils with the comfort of foam layers on top. This construction aims to offer the best of both worlds: the responsive support and breathability of springs with the pressure relief and contouring of foam. Hybrids have become increasingly popular as manufacturing techniques have improved.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses can be made from natural rubber tree sap, synthetic materials, or a blend of both. Natural latex is prized for its durability, bounce, and hypoallergenic properties. Latex typically sleeps cooler than memory foam and offers a more responsive feel that some sleepers prefer.
- Memory foam excels at pressure relief and motion isolation
- Innerspring provides breathability and responsive support
- Hybrid combines benefits of both foam and springs
- Latex offers durability and natural hypoallergenic properties
Firmness Levels Explained
Mattress firmness is typically described on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being extremely soft and 10 being extremely firm. Most mattresses fall somewhere between 4 and 8 on this scale. Understanding firmness is crucial because the right level depends largely on your sleeping position and body type.
Side sleepers generally benefit from softer mattresses (4-6 on the firmness scale) that allow the shoulders and hips to sink in while maintaining spinal alignment. This reduces pressure points and prevents waking with numbness or pain.
Back sleepers typically need medium to medium-firm support (5-7) that maintains the natural curve of the spine without allowing the lower back to sink too deeply. Adequate lumbar support is particularly important for back sleepers.
Stomach sleepers often require firmer surfaces (6-8) to prevent the pelvis from sinking, which can cause lower back strain. A mattress that's too soft can lead to spinal misalignment for stomach sleepers.
What to Look for When Shopping
Beyond material type and firmness, several factors deserve consideration:
Trial Periods
Many online mattress retailers offer trial periods ranging from 100 to 365 nights. This allows you to test the mattress in your own home, which is far more reliable than a few minutes in a showroom. Understand the return process before purchasing, including whether the company charges restocking fees or requires original packaging.
Warranty Coverage
Standard mattress warranties range from 10 to 25 years, but the details matter more than the length. Pay attention to what's actually covered—most warranties cover manufacturing defects and excessive sagging beyond a certain depth (typically 1.5 to 2 inches), but they rarely cover comfort preferences or normal wear.
Certifications
Look for certifications that indicate quality and safety: CertiPUR-US for foam quality, GOTS or GOLS for organic materials, and OEKO-TEX for textile safety. These third-party certifications provide assurance about what's actually in your mattress.
Don't judge a mattress by its first night. Most mattresses need 30 to 60 days to break in fully, and your body may need time to adjust from your old sleep surface. Give yourself at least a month before deciding.
Budget Considerations
King single mattresses in Australia range from around $200 for basic foam options to over $2,000 for premium latex or hybrid models. While it's tempting to save money, a mattress is an investment in your health that you'll use for 7-10 years. A mattress in the $500-$1,000 range typically offers good value, balancing quality materials with reasonable pricing.
Consider the cost per night: a $700 mattress used for 8 years costs less than 25 cents per night. That perspective often helps justify spending a bit more for better quality and durability.
Making Your Decision
Choosing a mattress involves balancing multiple factors: your preferred sleeping position, any specific health concerns, your budget, and personal comfort preferences. Don't rush the decision, and take advantage of trial periods whenever possible.
Remember that there's no universally "best" mattress—only the best mattress for your individual needs. What works perfectly for one person might be completely wrong for another. Trust your own experience during the trial period rather than relying solely on reviews or recommendations.