Sleeping alone: how to choose the best mattress for solo sleeping

Sleeping alone is a rising trend, as more people are opting to have their own space instead of sharing a bed with a partner.

According to a YouGov poll, 37% of Britons said they slept better alone, including 41% of women and 33% of men. 

If you prefer solo sleeping, read on to discover the benefits, including how to choose the best mattress.

Log in or join Which to see our expert advice and find Best Buy mattresses you'll love sleeping on

Why do people choose to sleep alone?

People may choose to sleep alone for all sorts of reasons.

It might be they live in a single-person household, but couples may also decide to sleep separately – for example, if one of them works irregular shifts or has health issues such as sleep apnea.

Parents of babies and young children may choose to sleep in separate bedrooms in order to allow one of them to care for their child while the other sleeps.

Lisa Artis, deputy chief executive of The Sleep Charity, which provides advice and support on better sleep, says: 'As a nation we are becoming more educated on the importance of sleep and its benefits, so it’s no surprise solo sleeping or choosing to sleep alone instead of sharing a bed has become more prevalent in recent years.

'Other factors contributing to the rise in the trend may include hectic schedules and the increased stress levels of modern lifestyles, which are leading many individuals to find solace and relaxation in their own space, free from disturbances.'

She added that there had been a cultural shift in how people regarded sleeping alone:

'While co-sleeping has traditionally been the norm in many societies, attitudes are shifting, allowing for more acceptance of solo sleeping.'

Eat well, live better and stay healthy. Sign up for our free monthly Food & Health newsletter

What are the benefits of sleeping alone?

Some people find sleeping alone improves the quality of their rest, giving them the freedom to relax and control their bedroom environment, including things such as light levels and temperature.

The fact their sleep isn't disturbed by a partner’s movements or snoring can mean they get a more restful night.

Lisa Artis says: 'Everyone has different sleep needs. Some people function much better on six hours’ sleep, whereas others need nine.

'This is also true of co-sleeping. Some people like the security of their loved one being nearby and don’t mind the odd disturbance in the night, whereas others may need the space and complete quiet.

'Also, health considerations can impact sleep. Certain conditions might make solo sleeping more beneficial, such as sleep disorders or physical discomfort.'

Need more sleeping tips? Find out how to sleep better and beat insomnia

Choosing mattresses for solo sleeping

One other benefit of sleeping alone is that it gives you the opportunity to choose from a wider range of mattresses.

'When people are light sleepers and share a bed with a fidgety partner, we often suggest getting a mattress that absorbs movement so they don’t get woken up by their partner moving around,' says Lisa Galliers, Which? mattresses expert.

'But if you’re sleeping alone, you have a wider choice. We rigorously test a huge range of mattresses, from pocket sprung to memory foam and hybrid.'

Whether you choose a single or a double mattress will largely depend on space and budget.

The Sleep Charity said it advised people to consider their choice of bed carefully and to budget for the best they can afford.

'The more space you have tends to be better, but again – that's down to preference,' said Lisa Artis.

She said that if you can afford it and have the space, opt for a double or queen-sized mattress. If you only have room for a single, bear in mind that will still give you more space than a double bed shared between two adults.

Below, we’ve outlined some popular types of mattresses we review and how they might suit solo sleepers.

For more, see UK bed sizes: bed and mattress guide

Spring mattresses

There are two types of spring mattress: pocket sprung and open coil.

'If people are sleeping with a partner who moves around a lot, a pocket sprung mattress can be a good option for them. Each spring sits within its own fabric pocket, which helps absorb some movement,' says Lisa Galliers.

'But if you aren’t sharing the mattress with anyone, you can consider an open coil mattress instead. They're often bouncier than pocket sprung mattresses, but also tend to be cheaper because they're of a simpler construction.'

Below, we've picked out some popular spring mattresses on Which?:

Discover the best pocket sprung double mattresses 

Foam mattresses

Sleeping alone also allows you to control the temperature of the environment around you. The mattress you choose can help you stay as warm or as cool as you need.

• A cool sleep An open coil mattress might be a good choice for you, as its structure allows for better airflow between the layers.
• A warm sleep If you have been used to sharing a bed in the past and miss the warmth generated by another person, you may wish to consider a foam mattress.

Lisa Galliers says: 'Foam mattresses can feel warmer to lie on than other mattress types, which means some people prefer them. They're often topped with a layer of memory foam which moulds to the shape of your body, giving you a cosy, engulfed feeling.

'Foam is also very pressure relieving, with memory foam mattresses said to relieve pressure on painful joints.'

We uncover the best memory foam mattresses

More mattresses for solo sleepers

There are many other mattresses that would suit solo sleepers.

For example, the hybrid double mattresses we've tested are made from a combination of foam and springs. You can read our mattress reviews to find and compare different types.

One final factor to consider is whether your solo sleep arrangement is likely to be permanent or temporary.

'Ideally, you want your mattress to last eight to 10 years, so if you might go back to sharing a bed in the future it’s definitely worth factoring that into any decision you make,' says Lisa Galliers.

And remember, if you're not happy with the mattress you've purchased, you might be able to return it or swap it for another one. Find out more about how to return a mattress.  

To find out more about different types, read our guide on how to buy the best mattress.

Creating the best sleep environment

Sleeping alone leaves you in control of your sleep environment, meaning you can choose the accessories that work best for you.

• Pillows We’ve tested the best ones for back, front and side sleepers, rating them for comfort, neck support and how cool they feel. Read our reviews of the best pillows.
• Duvets Whether you like a lighter or heavier one, or prefer a synthetic or feather filling, our tests cover all bases. Read our reviews of the best duvets.
• Mattress toppers The best help to give you a more comfortable sleep and are easy to wash. Our state-of-the-art equipment measures the difference they make to body support, firmness and pressure. Read our reviews of the best mattress toppers.
• Ear plugs If your reason for sleeping alone is due to disturbance from unwanted noise, these are worth considering. Read our reviews of the best ear plugs for sleeping.
• Smartwatches Many fitness trackers and smartwatches also track your sleep – find out how well they work in how to track sleep.

Tired old mattress making your back worse? See our guide to the best mattresses for back pain.