Single vs three-quarter mattress in South Africa: size, room fit and matched prices

What is the size difference?

Sealy lists a standard Single mattress as 915mm wide by 1880mm long, and a standard Three Quarter as 1070mm wide by 1880mm long [1]. The Three Quarter is therefore 155mm (15.5cm) wider, while the standard lengths are the same. Sloom independently gives the rounded equivalents as 91cm × 188cm and 107cm × 188cm [2].

Do not assume every listing uses the standard length. Sealy says 2000mm extra length is available on request, and Sloom says its mattresses are available in extra length [1] [2]. Check the selected mattress, base and linen specification together before ordering.

Which size fits the room?

Start with the mattress footprint, then check the base, door swings, drawers and the route through the home. A Three Quarter needs 15.5cm more width than a Single, which can be significant in a compact bedroom or guest room. Sealy suggests allowing about 75–90cm of clearance on two or three sides where possible [1]. That is planning guidance, not a guarantee that every room needs exactly that amount.

Use masking tape to mark both footprints on the floor. Test the planned walking space with cupboard and bedroom doors open. The extra width may be worthwhile for a growing sleeper or someone who wants more space alone, but the choice depends on the room and the compatible base rather than on a universal comfort winner.

Single: 915 × 1880mm in Sealy's standard dimensions.
Three Quarter: 1070 × 1880mm in Sealy's standard dimensions.
Width difference: 155mm (15.5cm); standard length difference: none.

How to compare prices fairly

Dial-a-Bed's category pages displayed these matched, standard-length mattress-only pairs when checked on 3 November 2026: Sealy Crawford Firm was R3,199 for Single and R3,399 for Three Quarter, a R200 difference [3] [4]. Slumber King Comfort Time Firm was R2,599 for Single and R2,799 for Three Quarter, also a R200 difference [3] [4].

These are the retailer's displayed promotional cash prices for named variants. They exclude bases, delivery and finance costs, and promotions or availability may change. They show two model-specific examples, not a fixed Three Quarter surcharge for every brand or construction. For a new comparison, match the same model name, firmness, length and mattress-only or set status on both size pages before calculating a difference.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Three Quarter mattress longer than a Single?

Not in the standard dimensions checked here: both are 1880mm long. The Three Quarter is wider, at 1070mm versus 915mm [1]. Extra-length versions can be 2000mm, so confirm the selected variant before buying [1] [2].

How much wider is a Three Quarter mattress?

Using Sealy's standard measurements, it is 155mm, or 15.5cm, wider than a Single [1]. Mark both footprints and check the base and door clearance rather than relying on the room's nominal size.

Are the example prices for mattress sets?

No. The cited Dial-a-Bed entries are named mattress-only listings marked Standard Length. The examples do not include a base, delivery or finance instalments [3] [4].