The mattress size plays a role in how restorative your sleep is: too narrow, and you hit the edge at night; too long for the room, and the bedroom feels cluttered. In Switzerland, some standard sizes have become established – but which one suits you, your bed, and your room? This guide shows all common sizes from 80×200 to 200×200 cm, explains Swiss peculiarities, and helps you find the right size – including extra length for tall people.
The short answer: As a rule of thumb, the mattress should be at least 10 to 20 cm longer than your height – 200 cm is standard, for tall people there's extra length in 210 or 220 cm. For a single person, 90×200 cm is the comfortable standard; for couples, 160×200 cm (often as two separate 80 cm mattresses in Switzerland) or a generous 180×200 cm. It's important that there's still 60 to 70 cm of space around the bed for movement.
- Standard length is 200 cm; the mattress should be 10–20 cm longer than your height.
- Single person: 90×200 cm is the comfortable standard, 100×200 cm even more generous.
- Couples: 160×200 cm is considered standard in Switzerland, 180×200 cm as a comfort size – often as two separate mattresses.
- Tall people choose extra length (210 or 220 cm); plan for 60–70 cm of space around the bed.
Mattress sizes in Switzerland: the standard dimensions
In Switzerland, mattresses are available in clearly defined standard sizes – this simplifies combining them with bed frames, slatted frames, and bedding. The length is almost always 200 cm, with the width being the main variable. This overview shows which size is suitable for whom:
| Size (cm) | People | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| 80×200 | 1 | Children, teenagers, narrow guest solution |
| 90×200 | 1 | Standard for adults (comfortable single) |
| 100×200 | 1 | Generous single, more freedom of movement |
| 140×200 | 1–2 | Couples with limited space (rather tight), generous single |
| 160×200 | 2 | Swiss standard for couples (often 2×80) |
| 180×200 | 2 | Comfort size for couples (often 2×90), family-friendly |
| 200×200 | 2 (+ child) | Very generous, plenty of space for the family |
A typical Swiss peculiarity: wide double beds are often fitted with two separate mattresses – 160 cm as 2×80, 180 cm as 2×90. This offers a great advantage: each person gets the appropriate sleeping comfort, and movements of the partner are less transmitted. More on this in the guide Mattress for couples.
Choosing the right size: body, room, usage
By body height
The mattress should be at least 10 to 20 cm longer than you are, so that neither your head nor feet touch the ends. With a standard length of 200 cm, you can lie comfortably up to a height of about 1.85 m. If you are taller, extra length is worthwhile – more on this below. For width, the rule is: lie down with your hands crossed behind your head – your elbows should have space next to each other without extending over the edge.
By bedroom size
Measure the room before you commit. As a guideline, there should be 60 to 70 cm of free space around the bed so you can comfortably get in and out and make the bed. In small rooms, a 140×200 bed is often the sensible upper limit; those with limited space can find more ideas in the article Sleeping solutions for small apartments.
By usage
If you sleep alone, 90 or 100 cm width is sufficient. For two people, 160 cm is the minimum for lasting comfort – for restless sleep, height differences, or a pet in bed, 180 cm is significantly more comfortable. For children's rooms, the Children's mattress guide helps with size selection.
Correctly measuring bed frames and room
For the new mattress to fit, measure the internal dimensions of the bed frame in length and width – not the outer edge. One to two centimeters of tolerance are ideal so that the mattress neither bulges nor leaves gaps. Also consider the height: together with the slatted frame, it determines the entry height. A comfortable seating edge is about 45 to 55 cm from the floor. The guide to choosing the right bed frame explains which foundation suits your mattress.
Special sizes and extra length for tall people
Anyone taller than about 1.85 m quickly reaches the limits of standard 200 cm mattresses. The solution is extra length: mattresses in 210 or 220 cm length are available in all common widths. Special sizes for box springs, motorhomes, or antique beds are also available. It's important that the bed frame, slatted frame, and bedding fit the special length – a tape measure and a quick look at the existing bed prevent expensive mispurchases. For on the go, it's worth checking out the article Mattress for motorhomes and camping.
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Which size for couples?
Sleeping two people on 140 cm means only 70 cm width per person – less than in a single bed. For lasting comfort, 160 or, even better, 180 cm is recommended. Two separate mattresses offer two advantages: each person chooses their preferred comfort level, and motion isolation ensures you barely notice your partner turning. Only the gap in the middle bothers some – it can be elegantly closed with a topper or a mattress bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions about Mattress Sizes
What mattress size is standard in Switzerland?
For single persons, 90×200 cm is standard, for couples, 160×200 cm – often as two separate 80 cm mattresses. The standard length is 200 cm.
How long should my mattress be?
At least 10 to 20 cm longer than your body height. Up to approximately 1.85 m, the standard length of 200 cm is sufficient; taller individuals choose extra length in 210 or 220 cm.
What size is best for couples?
160×200 cm is the minimum for lasting comfort, 180×200 cm is significantly more comfortable. Two separate mattresses offer individual comfort and better motion isolation.
How much space should be left around the bed?
Plan for 60 to 70 cm of clear space around the bed for comfortable entry, exit, and bed-making.
Are mattresses available in extra length?
Yes. For tall people, mattresses in 210 or 220 cm length are available in all common widths. Make sure that the bed frame, slatted frame, and bedding fit the special length.
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