Mattress 90×190 cm: the Short Classic
Mattresses with a width of 90 cm are among the most popular models in Germany, but the 90×190 cm mattress is an exception: It is ten centimetres shorter than the now standard mattress length of 200 cm and is therefore one of the special sizes. However, special size does not necessarily mean custom-made. Mattresses 90×190 cm can also be found in the regular range of some mattress manufacturers and bed stores. You can order the BODYGUARD® Anti-Cartel-Mattress in the 90×190 cm size as normal without any surcharge or extended delivery time.
Who Sleeps on a Mattress Like This?
The 90×190 cm mattress is primarily designed for a single bed. However, the person sleeping on it should not be too tall. As a guide: you should always have a 10 cm margin on the mattress at the head and foot ends. You should therefore not be much taller than 170 cm to have enough space to sleep on the 90x190 cm mattress. If the mattress is too short, your feet may protrude over the edge of the bed. It is also increasingly likely that the body will no longer be bedded ergonomically.
Formerly Standard in Bed
Almost all bed frames are now 200 cm long, but this was not always the case. For a long time, the standard length of a bed frame in Germany was 190 cm and this was directly related to the average height of the population. In 1914, men in Germany were still 167.2 cm tall on average. 100 years later, in 2014, the average height of German men was already 179.9 cm - a considerable increase of 12.7 cm. So it's clear that at some point the beds got longer too.
90×190 cm Mattress in Other Countries
In contrast to Germany, the 90×190 cm mattress is still the standard for single beds in our neighboring country France. However, if you look at the average height of the French population, it hardly differs from the average in Germany. Problems with beds that are too short are therefore likely to occur more frequently in France than in Germany. In principle, it is true that the average body size determines the standard length of mattresses in a country. However, it is likely that not every market reacts equally quickly to changes in circumstances and demand.
Mattress 90×190 cm – Double Pack for Double Bed
Even though 90×190 cm mattresses are obviously designed for people who sleep alone, they are not only bought for single beds, just like 90×200 cm mattresses. Two 90x190 cm mattresses next to each other result in a lying surface of 180 cm in width, which is the preferred size for many double beds. Although a full-length double bed mattress is becoming increasingly popular these days, the advantage of two individual mattresses is that you can choose a different firmness level for each side of the bed. Disadvantage: Depending on the bed frame, there may be a small gap between the two mattresses, the so-called visiting crack. A continuous mattress topper measuring 180×190 cm, which you place over both mattresses, can help in this case. A narrow bed frame, a large mattress cover for the individual mattresses or at least a sheet twice the size, which presses the two mattresses together, also prevent the sleeping pads from slipping apart.
For Short and Antique Beds
Whether inherited or acquired as an antique piece of furniture, older bed frames are still frequently used and are usually only 190 cm long. New bed frames with a length of 190 cm can also still be found on the market. Although most people today are taller than they were 100 years ago, this does not apply to everyone. If you don't need 200 cm, you can save valuable space with a shorter bed frame. There are also various special cases, such as in caravans or motorhomes, where shorter beds are also more common. For all these reasons, 90×190 cm mattresses are still in demand today - even though they are actually a special case.
Not Suitable for Everyone
In addition to the body size already mentioned, you should consider your own sleeping habits before buying a 90×190 cm mattress. More than one person will not fit comfortably on a 90 cm wide mattress. Single people should therefore also be aware that overnight visitors can be quite uncomfortable on a 90×190 cm mattress. A wider mattress in 100×190 cm or 120×190 cm, for example, makes the situation much more flexible for single people in this respect.
The Right Slatted Frame for a Mattress 90×190 cm
As with mattresses, you will usually find slatted frames with a length of 200 cm online and in retail stores. However, the 90×190 cm slatted frame is also still regularly available. If you plan to place two 90×190 cm mattresses next to each other, you should use two 90×190 cm slatted frames. Although very few slatted frames wider than 140 cm are available, this is strongly discouraged due to a lack of stability. You should also look for high-quality workmanship and sturdy wood such as beech for the slatted frame.
