We spend approximately one-third of our entire life sleeping. If you don’t get enough sleep, you may experience sleep deficiency, which can cause problems with learning, focusing, and reacting.
Having a good mattress is crucial for falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. However, purchasing the right mattress for your health and bed needs can be surprisingly difficult. That’s why we put together this guide for understanding different mattress sizes on the market and the one that might be best for you.
Standard Mattress Sizes
The two most important elements for selecting a new mattress are size and materials. Knowing your ideal size is most important as the right materials are easier to select once you have the brand and measurements picked out. Listed below are the most common mattress sizes. Thinking through the size you need is a great first step before beginning your shopping process.
California King Size Bed Dimension
Created as an alternative to the popular King size bed, California King mattresses combine the luxurious breadth of their predecessors with length that might appeal to an NBA basketball player. Intended as a way for tall sleepers to avoid having their feet hang over the bed’s edge, California Kings are an attractive option for anybody that wants a little extra leg room and measure 72″ x 84″. Although California King mattresses typically run the same cost as a standard King, sheets and bedding sets that are sized appropriately can sometimes be harder or more expensive to find.
King Size Bed Dimensions
The other large mattress option is a standard King at 76″ x 80″. These mattresses are ideal for couples who move around a lot in their sleep or for families where the occasional child or dog sneaks into the bed halfway through the night. Some King mattresses are split down the center, which allows couples to choose different levels of firmness that suit their individual sleep preferences. These split styles also make the mattress easier to move. Typically the most pricey mattress option, Kings can be a great investment for more than one sleeper or those who particularly love their space.
Queen Size Bed Dimensions
The most popular mattress size is the Queen as it provides ample room for a single sleeper and can also be a perfect fit for couples. Measuring at 60″ x 80″, Queen size mattresses don’t take up as much floor space as kings and can easily fit in most standard bedroom sizes. Because of its popularity, there are many different options for accessories, covers, and bedding sized for a Queen mattress.
Full Size Bed Dimensions
A single adult sleeper looking to maximize bedroom floor space may prefer a Full mattress. Clocking in at 53″ x 75″, this mattress is ideal for small apartments or shared spaces. Couples who don’t move around too much can also sleep comfortably on Full mattresses. For taller individuals, a Full XL is also available.
Twin XL Size Bed Dimensions
At 38″ x 80″, a Twin XL is a great option for growing teenagers or still gangly college students. Narrow enough to fit one sleeper comfortably, Twin XLs provide more length for sleepers that need extra leg room. These mattresses can fit in a guest bedroom or dormitory and still provide plenty of walking space.
Twin Size Bed Dimensions
Children who no longer need a crib usually graduate into a Twin mattress. At 38″ x 75″, Twins are very versatile and can grow with children well into adulthood. They are also the perfect size for a small room. This mattress size is fairly standard and can be found at most retail and furniture stores.
Other Things to Consider When Choosing a Mattress Size
Besides the physical dimensions of the actual mattress, there are several other factors to consider when it comes to mattress sizing and space. Below is just a short breakdown of important tips to keep in mind when mattress shopping.
The Size of Your Bedroom
| Before pulling the trigger on a purchase, take into consideration the overall size of your bedroom and any other present furniture. You may want to use a tape measure to plot out floor space to figure out what size mattress you can reasonably fit while still having space to safely navigate around the room. Also avoid creating difficult to navigate spaces or narrow walkways. The last thing you want when you have to wake to use the restroom at 2:00 am is to fall into the side of your dresser. |  |
Who Will Be Using the Bed
Not everybody has the same sleep preferences and finding a mattress option that fits the needs of all the sleepers who may end up in your bed can be challenging. This is true particularly for couples (and has also led to its fair share of inter-partner conflict).
The first step to resolving some of these disputes is by understanding what makes you comfortable while sleeping. This knowledge could include a combination of size and material needs. Some people can sleep flat on their backs and move around very little in their sleep. If this sounds like you, you may be able to sleep just fine on a smaller-sized, medium-firm mattress.
However, some people like to sprawl out at night and don’t feel comfortable unless they have the extra space only a larger-sized mattress can provide. Knowing your preferred sleeping style – and understanding your partner’s as well – is critical to picking a mattress that can stand the test of time for both of you. Below are some categories that most mattress sellers use to help shoppers find the right type of mattress firmness, which is a key part to getting a good night’s sleep.
Soft to Medium-Firm
Side sleepers generally prefer softer mattresses that conform to their body’s curves. This contouring can especially feel nice around shoulders and hips. Mattresses with a soft to medium-firm designation can help alleviate body aches and pains and appeal to side sleepers. If your partner prefers a firmer mattress, one option you can try is to customize it with a mattress pillow-top, which could offer a nice compromise for different sleep styles.
Medium to Medium-Firm
These mattresses are slightly firmer and support the lower back. These mattresses are perfect for back-sleepers and can still provide enough cushion for partners that may prefer a softer feel.
Medium-Firm to Firm
Stomach-sleepers tend to need extra support for their lower backs, so a firmer mattress tends to be the most comfortable option. Firmer mattresses can make a big difference for pregnant women and sleepers that have chronic pain issues.
Understanding the differences between firmness options will allow you to select the optimal combination of how a mattress feels while laying down and its size.
Materials
As sleep technology improves, there are a wide variety of mattress materials on the market that fit every budget and preferred sleeping position. Knowing the kind of material that will work best for you is also a good tip to keep in mind while mattress shopping. Here is a breakdown of the four most popular mattress compositions.
| Mattress Type | Summary | Longevity | Pros | Cons |
| Innerspring | This traditional mattress is made up of encased coils with a comfortable padding on top. | 7-8 years | Good if you tend to change positions a lot at night. Helps keep hot sleepers cool. |
Heavy. Does not provide a ton of support or contouring options for sore bodies. |
| Foam / Memory foam | Made from several different layers of foam that adapt to your sleeping position. | Low-density foam: 5-7 years High-density foam:10-15 years |
Low motion transfer. Good at relieving pressure points. |
Can make certain sleepers feel hot. Lower-quality foams contain harmful chemicals. |
| Hybrid | Constructed with both springs and memory foam, it strikes the perfect balance between the breathability and support of an innerspring mattress with the pressure-point relief of foam mattresses. | 7- 15 years | Good at relieving pressure points. Sleeps cool. |
Can be expensive. Extremely heavy. |
| Latex | Very similar to foam, but a bit firmer. Good resilience with memory foam support. | 8 – 15 years | Provides cool sleeping. Durable. |
Expensive. Very heavy. Can induce an allergic reaction. |
Budget
Finally, one of the most limiting mattress considerations for most people is price. Foam mattresses have the lowest market entry point, while latex mattresses are typically the most expensive.
| Type of Mattress | Low Price Range | Medium Price Range | High Price Range | Average Price (Queen) |
| Innerspring | < $700 | $700 – $1,000 | > $1,000 | $850 |
| Foam | < $500 | $500 – $900 | > $900 | $700 |
| Hybrid | < $1,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 | > $2,000 | $1,500 |
| Latex | < $1,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 | > $2,500 | $2,000 |
Ultimately, being intentional about mattress sizing, firmness levels, and materials will help you select a mattress that works for your sleep needs.
Mattress Sizes and Dimensions FAQ
What kind of mattress accessories are available?
A mattress protector is crucial to improving the longevity of your new mattress and is highly recommended. The protector prevents dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells from absorbing and accumulating into the mattress over time. Some manufacturers require the purchase of a mattress protector in order to maintain a warranty. Mattress toppers, pads, or pillow tops are great ways to add a softer contouring layer to a firmer mattress for better pressure point relief. Individuals who sleep in a combination of positions or couples with different sleeping styles may want to invest in a topper to customize their comfort layer.
How do I support my mattress?
Mattresses can be extremely heavy, and without proper support, they can become deformed. This may cause extreme discomfort to the sleeper and damage to the mattress. If your brand-new mattress feels uncomfortable because it’s not supporting your weight, you may need a new bed frame, box spring, or foundation as well.
What’s the difference between a mattress foundation and a box spring?
A mattress foundation is a frame constructed of metal or wood with planks or slats set across the top to hold up the mattress. Most mattress foundations are designed to elevate the height of the bed to make getting in and out of the mattress easier. They also help evenly distribute your weight across the surface of the mattress. Foundations can be placed directly on the floor or on a bed frame. They are best for foam and latex mattresses.
In contrast, a box spring is a wooden frame lined with metal springs and covered in a protective fabric. They are best suited for innerspring mattresses as they help to absorb motion. They are not suited for foam or latex mattresses. Like a mattress foundation, they are designed to raise the mattress to a comfortable level, but they must be placed on a bed frame.
How often should I clean my mattress?
You should clean your mattress about every six months. There are a lot of different ways to clean a mattress, but perhaps the simplest one is to remove all bedding and mattress covers and then vacuum the entire thing. If you want to remove odors, try sprinkling baking soda on your mattress and let it sit for an hour before vacuuming. Stains can be cleaned by using a combination of fabric cleaning supplies and techniques.
Mattress Size Chart and Bed Dimensions Guide