It’s been said that there’s nothing that a good night’s sleep can’t fix. But what if your slumber isn’t quite as sound as it once was? What if your once comfortable and cosy bed has now become a source for back aches and bad dreams?

The average mattress has a lifespan of just 7-10 years so, if your ‘z-count’ isn’t quite what it used to be, it might be time to upgrade your sleep space. But, finding the right bed frame and the right mattress for your space, size and comfort preferences isn’t always easy. Particularly when dimensions can differ depending on where you are in the world.

Keep reading for a full rundown on every bed size in Australia, along with all the things you need to consider before making a purchase.

Australian mattress sizes

Single, double, queen and king sized mattresses - all sounds pretty standard right? Wrong. While bed and mattress sizes have similar names across the world, there is no international standard when it comes to sizing.

So how do you know exactly what you’re getting when you invest in a brand new bed, or go to upgrade your mattress? How do you gauge what bed size will fit into your space?

To keep things easy for you we’re detailing all of the options available to you in Australia, along with the exact mattress and bed dimensions.

Australian mattress dimensions

Single bed

Size: 92 x 188 cm

The single bed is the smallest mattress option in Australia. Measuring in at just 92 x 188 cm, this size is best suited to children - particularly those that don’t move too much through the night.

Long single

Size: 92 x 203 cm

The long single size mattress is just like the single bed mattress only (drum roll) longer.

Measuring in at 92 x 203 cm it’s the same width as a regular single, just with a little extra leg room. Since two long singles together equal the same measurements as a king mattress, long singles are often used in hotels as adjustable split king beds.

King single bed

Size: 107 x 203 cm

As the name suggests, the king single bed is the largest of the single mattresses. Equivalent in length to both the Queen and the King mattresses (107 x 203 cm) the king single is good for growing teenagers or for little ones who need a little more room for tossing and turning.

Double bed

Size: 137 x 190 cm

Double bed mattresses accommodate up to two people. Measuring in at 137 x 190 cm, they are best suited to teenagers, adults who aren’t very tall or if you have less space to work with.

Queen bed

Size: 153 x 203 cm

In Australia, the Queen is the most popular mattress size. It is the same length as a king, wider than the standard double bed, and suits most teenagers and adults. It measures 153 x 203 cm and offers enough space for the average couple.

King bed

Size: 183 x 203 cm

How much difference can 30 cm make you ask? The truth is, this small increase in size makes a whole world of difference when it comes to your mattress. The King mattress is 183 x 203 cm, making it 30 cm wider than the Queen, and just perfect for that extra space you need, or the addition of a child or two in the early hours of the morning.

Super King

Size: 203 x 203 cm

If you’re looking for pure indulgence and luxury sleep experience, the super king bed may be for you. With the super king you get another 20 cm in width from the standard King bed. It’s great if you’ve got plenty of room to home a bed of this size, and to accommodate the snuggle needs of pets and children.

How to choose the right mattress for you

1. Measure your height (and your partner’s)

The last thing you want when you lay in your new bed for the first time is to have your feet dangling over the end. As a general rule it’s recommended that you measure your height and the height of anyone else sleeping in the bed and ensure that your mattress is a minimum 15 cm longer than the tallest person.

2. Size up your bedroom

The next thing to consider is the size of your bedroom. Just because you can squeeze a king bed into your room, doesn’t mean you should. To avoid toe stumping, knee banging and nighttime falls it’s recommended you leave a minimum 60 cm of space around the perimeter of the bed. Anything less than this can cause safety hazards, not-to-mention, ruin the general aesthetic of your space.

3. Consider your sleeping preferences

While some people have the natural gift of being able to lay their head on a pillow and fall deeply into sleep within minutes, many of us do not. The average sleeper spends 54% of the time on their side, more than 37% of the night back sleeping, and 7% stomach sleeping.

If you or your partner sit in the category of restless sleepers you may wish to size up your mattress. Without the extra space you could find yourself feeling restricted, stiff, or in some cases pain upon waking. A bigger bed minimises disturbances and maximises comfort for all parties.

It’s also worth noting your sleep position. Those who sleep predominantly on their side take up more space than those who sleep on their backs or stomachs. You may need more or less room in the bed depending on how you feel most comfortable.

A sound investment

Hopefully by understanding the different bed and mattress sizes in Australia, you can find an option that helps you have the most optimal night’s sleep - night after night after night.

And, since we know people in Australia spend close to 25 years (one third of their lives) sleeping, it’s certainly worth investing in a mattress that suits your sleep and space needs best.

If you're looking to transport a bed or mattress, try Upmove to find professional furniture removalists that can assist you with everything from single items to full home moves.