80×190 cm mattress: the space-saving choice for small rooms, caravans, and more
Whether in a caravan, a garden shed, or a guest room, an 80x190 cm mattress is the ideal solution if you want to save space. This compact size offers sufficient comfort for slimmer individuals up to around 175 cm tall and is especially popular among camping enthusiasts. If you're looking for a compact and functional solution, an 80x190 cm mattress is the right choice for you.
At a glance: when an 80x190 cm mattress is the right choice
An 80x190 cm mattress is a good fit if you
- are no taller than 175 cm
- have a rather slim build
- don’t move around much in your sleep
- want to save space, e.g. in a caravan
Do you have enough space or are you looking for a long-term sleeping solution at home? In that case, it’s better to go for the classic single bed size of 90x200 cm. It offers comfortable sleep for people up to around 185 cm tall.
A short history: the 80x190 cm mattress
Up until around the 1980s, mattresses measuring 190 cm in length were standard in Germany and large parts of Europe. Given the lower average height at the time, this was perfectly sufficient. Over time, however, this changed: while men around 1850 averaged about 163 cm in height, a century later this had already risen to around 176 cm. By 2021, the average height of 18- to 20-year-old men had reached roughly 182 cm. This development did not leave the mattress industry unaffected. In Germany, the standard length has therefore increased to 200 cm. In neighbouring France, however, mattresses with a length of 190 cm are still commonly used.
A space-saving mattress for space-conscious sleepers
The 80×190 cm mattress is primarily suited to people who aren’t particularly tall. Ideally, a mattress should allow at least 10 cm of extra space at both the head and foot ends. This means a mattress measuring 80x190 cm is suitable for people with a height of around 170 to a maximum of 175 cm – in other words, shorter adults, children, and teenagers. Taller individuals risk adopting an unnatural sleeping position, which can lead to tension and back problems over time.
When it comes to width …
For people with a slimmer build who don’t move much during sleep, a width of 80 cm is generally sufficient. If you have a broader build, tend to move around at night, or occasionally expect a guest to stay over, it’s better to opt for a wider mattress — or combine two 80x190 cm mattresses to create a double bed measuring 160x190 cm.
Which mattress length suits you
| Your height | Recommended mattress length (minimum) |
|---|---|
| up to 175 cm | 190 cm |
| up to 185 cm | 200 cm |
| up to 195 cm | 210 cm |
| over 195 cm | 220 cm |
80x190 cm mattress for guest rooms, garden sheds or caravans
Caravan
The smaller size is ideal as an 80x190 cm caravan mattress. Since many caravans, campers, and panel vans are around 190 to 200 cm wide on the inside, a mattress with the standard length of 200 cm would only fit lengthways. A slightly shorter 80x190 cm caravan mattress, on the other hand, also fits widthways in your mobile home.
Garden
The 80x190 cm mattress can also be practical in other temporary accommodations such as garden sheds or dachas.
Guest bed
If you want to use the “half” room in your 2.5-room flat as a guest room, an 80x190 cm mattress can also be a great option. In short: an 80x190 cm mattress fits anywhere you want to save space.
80x190 cm mattress topper – for softer comfort
If your 80x190 cm mattress feels too firm, a 80x190 cm mattress topper can help.
The benefits of an 80x190 cm topper at a glance
- Customised comfort: A mattress that’s too firm can be adjusted afterwards.
- Pressure relief: The body is better supported, especially around the shoulders and hips.
- Mattress protection: The mattress underneath is subject to less wear and lasts longer.
- Flexibility: An 80x190 cm topper is a more affordable alternative to buying a new mattress if only minor adjustments are needed.
Please note: a topper is designed to make a firm mattress softer. It won’t fix a mattress that is too soft or sagging by simply adding a firmer topper. In such cases, a new mattress is needed.
Mattress topper vs mattress protector 80x190 cm
You shouldn’t confuse a 80x190 cm mattress topper with a 80x190 cm mattress protector. A topper is usually between 4 and 10 cm thick and is designed to provide a softer sleeping surface. A 80x190 cm mattress protector, on the other hand, is typically just a thin layer intended primarily to protect the mattress from dirt and spills. Lower-quality mattress protectors can even have a negative impact on sleep comfort. The plastic layer they often contain can reduce breathability and may rustle or crinkle when you move.
The BODYGUARD® Topper
The BODYGUARD® Topper is a high-quality mattress topper whose nine comfort zones – or ergonomic modules – are perfectly matched to those of the BODYGUARD® mattresses. This allows the mattress and topper to work together seamlessly and respond to different areas of the body. You’ll lie noticeably softer, while still being ergonomically supported. Don’t have a BODYGUARD® mattress? You can of course use the BODYGUARD® Topper with any other standard mattress model as well.
80x190 cm foam mattress – a lightweight choice
For use in caravans, campers, and similar settings, not only a compact size but also a lightweight material is key. A 80x190 cm foam mattress is significantly lighter than mattresses with spring or latex cores. This makes a 80x190 cm foam mattress the perfect choice if you want to save not just space, but weight as well.
Which 80x190 cm mattress is a test winner?
Since 80x190 cm is a rather uncommon mattress size, it is rarely tested. Product tests usually focus on standard sizes such as 90x200 cm. As a rule, however, you can assume that other sizes of a test-winning model offer the same high quality – provided they come from the same manufacturer and product range.
The best-tested foam mattress: rating 1.6¹
The best foam mattress tested by Stiftung Warentest is the BODYGUARD® Anti-Kartell-Matratze® mattress in the medium-firm version. The classic single mattress in size 90x200 cm was tested (“test” 2/2024). The BODYGUARD® Anti-Kartell-Matratze® mattress achieved good or very good results in all tested categories.¹
For adults, a mattress height of 18 cm is recommended to ensure good body contouring and sufficient support. If you prefer to lie higher, a mattress with a total height of 28 cm can also be comfortable.
There is no established term for the 80x190 cm bed size. It is a narrower and shorter single bed and therefore considered a special size. Depending on the specific use, you might refer to a bed measuring 80x190 cm as a compact bed, youth bed, or guest bed.
As much as necessary, as little as possible. A high price is no guarantee of good quality. The BODYGUARD® Anti-Kartell-Matratze® mattress, for example, is available from as little as €199.00.
