Tall people may find it difficult to find a bed and mattress that is both suitable and within their budget.
Few bed manufacturers make the effort to design beds specifically for taller individuals, and if they do, the mattress is often a basic coil spring mattress that is overpriced or has regular memory foam inside, that may begin to sag over time.
In our guide, we’ll discuss some of the best options available for tall sleepers.
What are UK standard bed and mattress sizes?
First, let’s look at the standard bed and mattress sizes in the UK. While they might work for most people, if you’re taller than the average height, their length might not be sufficient.
- Single: 3ft x 6’3ft (90cm x 190cm)
- Small Double: 4ft x 6’3ft (120cm x 190cm)
- Double: 4’6ft x 6’3ft (135cm x 190cm)
- King: 5ft x 6’6ft (150cm x 200cm)
- Super King: 6ft x 6’6ft (180cm x 200cm)
Bed and mattress manufacturers generally make their products up to 6’6 feet tall.
There is also an option to find an Emperor size, which measures: 6’6ft x 6’6ft (200cm x 200cm) or 7ft x 6’6ft (215cm x 200cm).
Shopping tip: Check out our list of the best emperor sized mattresses, starting from just from £635.
What is the best bed if you’re over 6 feet tall?
When looking for a sleeping surface if you are over 6 feet tall, you should take into account a number of criteria, such as: your sleep position, materials used inside, and your budget.
You want your bed to made of high quality materials so that it’s comfortable, it will last longer, and it won’t sag or break down after a few months.
Next, check the length carefully. Add 6-9 inches to the height of the tallest person who will be sleeping on the bed, so you can calculate what size you should get.
- If you’re 6ft tall you’ll need 6’6ft or 7ft long bed.
- If you are 6’6ft tall then you’ll need 7ft or 7ft6 long bed.
This will ensure that your feet don’t hang off the end of the bed and that you can sleep comfortably.
Custom Size Mattress
One of the best mattresses for tall people is the British Bed Company mattress collection, which is available in wide range of custom sizes.
They are made with high quality materials, such as: pocket springs, cotton, and wool (depending on the model). All of them are made in the UK and come with 5 year warranty.
The British Bed Company Hotel Rest Deluxe Mattress is available in over 20 different custom sizes.
You can order longer sizes with lengths of: 6’6″, 6’9″, or 7′.
The mattress has a “firmer” comfort grade, which is suitable for average to heavily weighted people.
The British Bed Company Hotel Rest Deluxe Mattress with size 5ft (wide) x 7ft (long) mattress size is priced at only £522.75 (reg. £615). Read full review here.
Simba Hybrid Mattress
Another good option for tall people is the Simba Hybrid Mattress.
It has a breathable hypoallergenic sleep surface. A layer of open cell graphite infused Simbatex, which offers up to 30 times better airflow and prevents overheating.
A layer of up to 2,500 conical springs, which distribute weight evenly and provide pressure relief. There is edge to edge foam and a base foam, separated into five zones.
The Simba Hybrid Mattress is available in 9 sizes, including:
- EU single 3′ x 6’7 long (90 x 200cm)
- EU double 4’7 x 6’7 long (140 x 200cm)
It comes with free delivery, 200 night trial and 10 year guarantee. The trial period lets you test the mattress at the comfort of your own home, and if for some reason you’re not satisfied you can return it for a full refund.
The EU single size is priced at £509 (reg. £849). Read full review here.
Which mattresses should you avoid?
Mattresses that are too thin (15-20cm deep), most likely won’t be able to support a tall person’s weight and will begin to sag or dip after a few months of sleeping on them.
Make sure you pick a mattress that is at least 25cm deep.
Lower density foam mattresses are usually low quality and will lose their shape soon. As a result, they’ll probably form a dip in the middle and will become less comfortable. Instead look for mattresses with denser foam, which feel more firm.
Avoid buying open coil or bonnel spring mattresses. Generally, they don’t mould to your body shape and don’t offer tailored support. Another problem is that couples will feel the movements of their sleep partner during the night, and will usually “roll together”.
Instead opt for mattresses that have pocket springs inside, which offer tailored support and pressure relief. There should be at least 1,000 up to 2,000 full size pocket springs inside.
Extra Long Beds
When selecting the base for an extra long mattress, the additional weight should be taken into consideration. A divan base is less expensive than an extended bed frame, however, it should be constructed with additional reinforcements and a stronger platform top to prevent it from sagging.
