🛏️ Bed Sizes & Sleep Culture in South America: Complete Guide

From siesta-friendly setups in Argentina to space-saving mattresses in Bogotá, South America offers a colorful and climate-influenced range of bed sizes and sleep styles.

In this guide, you’ll get:

📏 A full bed size overview country by country

😴 Insights into how South Americans sleep

🛒 Tips for shopping and sleeping better on the continent

👌🏼 Local quirks, fun facts, and patterns to help you rest easy

📏 Common Bed Sizes in South America (cm + inches)

Country	Typical Bed Sizes (cm + inches)	Popular Terms	Notes
🇧🇷 Brazil	88×188 (35×74), 138×188 (54×74), 158×198 (62×78), 193×203 (76×80)	Solteiro, Casal, Queen, King	Brazil has some of the largest beds in the region
🇦🇷 Argentina	80×190 (31×75), 140×190 (55×75), 160×200 (63×79)	Cama de una plaza, de dos plazas	Local names vary by region
🇨🇱 Chile	90×190 (35×75), 150×200 (59×79), 180×200 (71×79)	Cama Individual, Queen, King	King beds growing in popularity
🇨🇴 Colombia	100×190 (39×75), 120×190 (47×75), 140×190 (55×75), 160×190 (63×75)	Sencilla, Semi-Doble, Doble, Queen	Sizes often smaller than US equivalents
🇵🇪 Peru	90×190 (35×75), 135×190 (53×75), 150×190 (59×75), 180×200 (71×79)	Individual, Matrimonial, Queen	Custom sizes are very common
🇪🇨 Ecuador	90×190 (35×75), 135×190 (53×75), 150×200 (59×79)	Twin, Matrimonial, Queen	Many imported mattresses from the US
🇺🇾 Uruguay	90×190 (35×75), 140×190 (55×75), 160×200 (63×79)	1 plaza, 2 plazas, Queen	Sleep culture similar to Argentina
🇵🇾 Paraguay	90×190 (35×75), 140×190 (55×75), 160×200 (63×79)	Individual, Matrimonial, Queen	Local shops dominate mattress sales
🇧🇴 Bolivia	90×190 (35×75), 120×190 (47×75), 140×190 (55×75)	Individual, Doble	Many handmade and non-standard sizes

😴 Sleep Culture in South America: Country Highlights

🇧🇷 Brazil

Beds are getting bigger—King and Queen are in high demand.
Hammocks are common, especially in the north and Amazon regions.
🌴 Fun Fact: In some homes, a hammock in the living room is the prime napping spot.

🇦🇷 Argentina

People stay up late—dinner starts at 9pm or later, so sleep times shift accordingly.
Firm mattresses are popular, but foam is rising.
🧉 Quirk: Sharing a bed and mate tea is a cozy cultural combo.

🇨🇱 Chile

Rising use of orthopedic mattresses due to health awareness.
Queen size is now the standard for couples.
🌄 Fun Fact: Many Chilean homes feature heated mattress pads during the cold season.

🇨🇴 Colombia

Urban areas use space-saving beds like foldable frames.
Late-night culture means shorter sleep durations during weekdays.
🛏️ Pro Tip: Look for beds with built-in drawers—perfect for Bogotá apartments.

🇵🇪 Peru

Beds vary depending on region—elevation and temperature affect preferences.
Traditional highland homes use alpaca wool blankets and raised wood beds.
🐾 Fun Fact: Sleeping with pets is widely accepted (even llamas in rural areas!).

🇪🇨 Ecuador

In coastal regions, ventilation matters more than mattress type.
Mosquito nets are still common in humid zones.
🐚 Quirk: Some beach resorts offer outdoor bamboo-frame beds with netting.

🇺🇾 Uruguay

Late bedtimes and long morning sleep-ins are common.
Spring and hybrid mattresses are dominant in urban homes.
☕ Fun Fact: Many Uruguayans drink maté in bed before getting up!

🇵🇾 Paraguay

Rural areas often favor wood-framed beds with cotton stuffing.
Cities lean toward modern foam and memory beds.
🧵 Pro Tip: Many families make or customize their mattresses locally.

🇧🇴 Bolivia

In some Andean communities, floor sleeping is still traditional.
Latex and natural fiber beds are popular in urban La Paz and Santa Cruz.
🧶 Quirk: Some mattress covers are hand-embroidered with family initials.

🛍️ Mattress Shopping in South America: What to Know

📐 Measure Twice (and Ask in cm!)

Most countries use centimeters, not inches.
Expect slightly shorter or narrower beds compared to US or EU models.

🛒 Local vs. Imported

Local mattress brands dominate the market.
Imported beds (especially from the US and Spain) are available but more expensive.
Many stores offer custom sizes—especially in Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia.

🧺 Think Climate

In tropical zones: choose breathable covers, natural latex, or gel foam.
In mountainous or cooler regions: opt for thermal layers or mattress toppers.

🛏️ Bed Frames Vary

Some countries use platforms or metal slat bases, others prefer wooden structures.
Folding beds and storage beds are practical in urban apartments.

📍 Coming Soon: Country-Specific Sleep Guides

Want more depth? These guides are in the works:

[Brazil: Hammocks, Heat & Hybrid Mattresses]
[Argentina: Late Nights, Firm Beds & Family Sleep]
[Chile: Mountain Comfort Meets Modern Beds]
[Peru: Sleep Traditions in Highland and Coast]
[Colombia: Compact Living, Cozy Beds]

✅ Summary

Bed sizes in South America are regionally varied but typically smaller than North American standards.
Climate and culture heavily influence sleep preferences, from hammocks to wool blankets.
Shoppers should focus on ventilation, firmness, and local craftsmanship when choosing the right bed.