The Difference Between Single and Twin Size Mattresses

Single and twin are the same size. There is no difference in dimensions, construction, or what fits on them. The two names exist because Canada and the United States historically used different words for the same mattress, and both ended up in circulation here.

If that is all you needed, you are good to go. If you want to understand why both names exist, which size is actually right for you, and how it compares to the other sizes on the chart, the rest of this guide covers all of it.

Why Are There Two Names?

"Single" is the traditional Canadian and British term. It describes a mattress designed for one person — straightforward, literal, no marketing spin. It was the standard term used across Canada for most of the 20th century and is still common in Canadian showrooms, older listings, and custom or non-standard size contexts.

"Twin" came from the American hotel and hospitality industry. When two identical single beds were placed in the same room, they were called "twin beds" — a matched pair. The term caught on with American retailers, spread into retail marketing broadly, and eventually crossed the border. As American furniture brands, big-box stores, and online retailers expanded into Canada, "twin" arrived with them. Today most Canadian retailers list both names on the same product, which makes it look like they are two separate sizes. They are not.

Where It Sits on the Full Size Chart

The single (or twin) is the smallest standard mattress size in Canada. Here is where it fits relative to everything else.

Note: if you are over 6 feet tall, the standard single at 75 inches long does not give you enough room. A Single XL (38" x 80") adds 5 inches of length without changing the width — a better fit for tall solo sleepers in compact spaces.

Is a Single the Right Size for You?

At Dozy, our entry-level Osgoode starts at $479 and is available in Single along with other standard sizes. All Dozy mattresses can also be made to custom dimensions if your frame is non-standard — common with older or imported beds.

Does It Matter Which Name You Use When Shopping?

No. Any retailer worth buying from will treat the terms as interchangeable, because they are. If you search "single mattress" on a Canadian retail site and only see "twin" results, those are the same product. If you are buying sheets, a bed frame, or a mattress protector labelled "twin" to go with a single mattress, it will fit.

The one place to be careful is when buying bedding or frames internationally. IKEA mattresses sold in Canadian stores follow North American sizing, but some IKEA bedding lines use European dimensions. If you are ordering from a UK or European retailer, a "single" in those markets is not the same as a Canadian single — UK single mattresses are typically 90 x 190 cm (about 35" x 75"), slightly narrower than the North American standard. Always check the centimetre measurements on the product page rather than relying on the name.

Frequently Asked Questions