How to choose the right mattress size

According to Craig Fruchtman, owner of the mattress store Craig’s Beds in New York City, it doesn’t need to be that serious. Finding the right bed size can be simplified to a couple of steps.

First and foremost, measure your bedroom or apartment correctly to know what you actually have room for, and what amount of space you’re willing to devote to a mattress. “If you’re not sure, go home and measure,” Fruchtman advised. Some mattress stores may not do size-based exchanges like they do comfort ones.

Second, consider whether or not anyone else will be sleeping with you in the bed–a partner or pets, for example–or anything else that will affect your bed-size needs.

Finally, don’t let the royally named bed sizes fool you into purchasing a bed that ultimately doesn’t fit your body or your lifestyle. Fruchtman pointed out how modern-day pressure to constantly upgrade our lifestyles has extended to the mattress industry. But whether someone is better off sleeping in a California king, a regular king, or a twin XL depends on a variety of personal factors.

“That’s the best advice I can give to somebody–just do your thing and don’t worry about how you measure up,” Fruchtman said. “Don’t worry about how your bed measures up.”

Here’s what you should know about mattress dimensions and how to find your ideal bed size.

Mattress size chart

Most common mattress size dimensions

While there may be very slight differences between one brand’s queen mattress size vs. another’s (an inch or so), beds are typically sized in a standard way to make selling and purchasing mattresses a little easier.

Below is a breakdown on how mattresses usually measure in width and height. Again, keep in mind that there may be small differences based on the mattress manufacturer. For example, Nectar Premiere Hybrid Mattress and Helix Midnight Luxe have slightly different sizes for their full-sized mattress–a 53-inch width vs. 54-inch width.

Fruchtman also noted that if you buy a mattress that comes in a box, it may take a few weeks to fully decompress, meaning it’ll be a bit shorter for a while.

Twin

38-inch width x 75-inch length

A twin bed is ideal for one person who sleeps in a small bedroom or anyone who wants to keep the amount of space their bed takes up to a minimum. At around 75 inches long, twin mattress dimensions may not be the most comfortable choice for people who are very tall.

Because they use less material, twin beds are the most affordable mattress size.

Twin XL

38-inch width x 80-inch length

A twin XL bed is another great option for a single person who doesn’t have a lot of space for a bed. It’s also a little longer than a twin-size mattress (about five inches) making it a better choice for taller people who need a little more room to stretch out. A twin XL or twin mattress can also make a great guest bed, according to Fruchtman, since they take up less space and are more affordable than larger mattresses.

Twin XL and regular twin beds, however, have the narrowest mattress dimensions and won’t be ideal for those who need or want a little more space at night.

Full

54-inch width x 75-inch length

If there’s enough space for it, a full-size bed may offer an ideal amount of space for a single person of average height to comfortably stretch out in. Compared to twin or twin XL beds, a full bed will also accommodate those who toss and turn or change sleeping positions because of its extra width.

Some companies also make full XL beds, which are the same width as a full but have five extra inches like a queen bed. But Fruchtman warns that choosing a less-common or custom bed may make finding furniture to fit it more tricky, and it may limit your choice of mattress.

Queen

60-inch width x 80-inch length

A queen-size bed is a good option for many couples, as a queen bed will offer noticeably more space than a full-size bed when accommodating two people. A queen is also longer than a full-size bed, making it a better option for tall individuals who like more room for their feet.

People often find themselves deciding between a full size bed and queen bed. But according to Fruchtman, a queen mattress size may be a better investment.

“If you can fit both, get the queen,” Fruchtman said. “Generally speaking, a queen is not much more money than a full.”

King

76-inch width x 80-inch length

A king mattress size is the go-to choice for many couples who have the space for it in their home. It has more width than a queen – about 16 inches more – which means ample space for pillows, blankets, and other sleeping props that can make co-sleeping more comfortable.

Because it’s larger and uses more material than smaller mattress models, a king-size bed comes at a higher price point that may be a barrier for some. People who buy a king bed should also be prepared to buy the king-size accessories, according to Fruchtman.

“Getting a king means you’ve got to get king sheets, and king blankets, and king this and king that,” he said. The fact you’ll need to upgrade your bedding is another important thing to keep in mind when changing mattress sizes.

California King

72-inch width x 84-inch length

Contrary to what some might think, a California king bed is actually less wide than a standard king–about 4 inches narrower. Those few inches are instead moved to the foot of the bed, making the California king the longest bed among the standard mattress sizes and suitable for very tall people.

How tall is “tall enough” for a California king bed? There’s no science to it, Fruchtman said, but he guesses someone who’s six feet 2 inches or taller may benefit from California king mattress dimensions. But even then, he points out that taller people also usually have wider wingspans (a measurement of the distance between your hands when your arms are stretched out), which may mean the wider king mattress dimensions would be a better fit.

Fruchtman also said that people regretting buying a California king bed is one of the top bed-sizing mistakes he sees in New York City, citing the difficulty of getting it set up in small spaces. (If you’re buying a mattress in a spacious home in the suburbs, that’s another story.)

Less-common mattress sizes

There are some instances when a standard-size mattress may not cut it for your or your family’s needs. If this is you and you thought mattress dimensions ended at the California king, you’re in for a treat: Larger, custom-made mattresses sizes are also available, selling under names like Wyoming king, Texas king and more.

Split king: A split king bed is basically two twin XL mattresses pushed together, made to accommodate couple with different mattress preferences. The dimensions should be the same as a standard king, but make sure you inquire with the mattress company you’re purchasing from.

Texas king: According to the mattress brand Purple, the Texas king is about 80 inches wide and 98 inches long, giving a regular king mattress size a run for its money.

Wyoming king: A Wyoming king is 84 inches by 84 inches, making this bed seven feet by seven feet.

Alaskan king: The Alaska king is the biggest of the big beds. It’s 108 inches wide and 108 inches tall, accommodating multiple people. If you co-sleep with family or multiple partners — and you have the space for it—an Alaskan king bed may be the most comfortable option.

If you’re looking for a mattress larger than a king or California king, you’ll need to reach out to your preferred mattress company or a mattress retailer to see what they offer. Before you purchase a custom-made or extra-large bed, however, keep in mind mattress “musts,” like your sleeping position and ideal level of support and firmness, and the fact that your choices may be more limited. You’ll also need to be more creative when finding sheets that will fit an extra-large or custom-made mattress.

How to choose the right mattress size

Buying a new bed is a big investment. To make the best choice for you, size-wise, you’ll need to consider the following factors:

Space: This is often the first factor people consider when buying a new bed after moving. Before you buy a new bed, measure the dimensions of the room you’d like to put it in as well as any nearby furniture that may be rearranged to accommodate your mattress. And think about whether you value having close access to a nightstand, for example, or whether you want a larger bed. Ask yourself what you’re willing to sacrifice for your ideal sleeping space.

“What’s a priority, an end table or having a wider bed?” Fruchtman said. “How much space do you have to navigate around your room?”

How much space you need to toss and turn: Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and a perfect fit for one person may be a tight squeeze for another. In addition to your height, consider how much space you need to be comfortably spread out or change positions throughout the night. You can go to a mattress store to test beds before you purchase.

How many people will be sleeping in your bed: Two (or more) bodies in a bed will subtract the amount of space anyone has to roll over and spread out throughout the night.

Price: As mattress dimensions grow, so does the price tag. A larger bed requires more material, which is why you’ll typically see the price increase with each bed size. Also know that there are affordable, quality mattresses available without the luxury price tag, so you don’t need to sacrifice your comfort by sleeping on a bed that’s too small.

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