What Are the Sizes of Twin & Full Mattresses?

Twin

• A single bed that is a regular length and that is purchased in the United States is 39 inches wide and 75 inches long. The same bed purchased in the United Kingdom is 36 inches wide and 75 inches long. The European version is 35 inches wide and 75 inches long, and the Asian single mattress is 42 inches wide and 78 inches long. The American and Asian single mattresses are significantly wider than the British and European versions, and the Asian single mattress is significantly longer (78 inches compared to 75 inches). If you need a single mattress that is extra long, the American extra-long version is 80 inches in length.

Full

• A full or double mattress bought in the United States is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. The same bed in the UK is 48 inches wide and 75 inches long. In Europe, the double/full mattress is 55 inches wide and 75 inches long. In Asia, this same mattress is 48 inches wide and 78 inches long. Mattresses run longer in Asia than elsewhere. An extra-long double mattress in America is 54 inches wide and 80 inches long.

Considerations

• Take into consideration that a full-size American bed that is 53 inches wide and slept in by two people is only 14 inches wider than a single bed, which normally sleeps only one person. That means when two people are in a full-size bed, each person has 26.5 inches of space, whereas in a single bed a single person has 39 inches of sleeping space, or 12.5 more inches that he does when sharing a full bed.

Mattress Life

• Every eight to 10 years you should consider purchasing a new mattress. The duration of a mattress life depends on the initial quality of the bed. Some people keep their mattresses for 30 years or more. Replacing a mattress depends on personal preference. If you are still sleeping comfortably, you probably don't need a new mattress.