The best mattress size is not always the biggest one available, although having the extra space to sleep and lounge on does have its advantages. With the number of choices available for mattress sizes nowadays, it can be quite challenging to look for the one that will be most suitable for your needs. US mattress sizes come in the following choices: crib, twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, king, and California king. The size selection caters to varying requirements with regards to space requirements as well as the comfort level of the person(s) using the bed at the same time, and other factors that are present in and around the sleeping area inside your bedroom. In case you are planning to replace an existing mattress, you need to make sure that the dimensions of your new choice will still match the bed frame that you already have in place.
Crib Mattress
Dimensions: Minimum size is 27 ¼ inches wide by 51 ¼ long and should not be more than 6 inches thick, according to the specifications set by the United States Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 or CPSIA. These dimensions are designed to fit snugly into the interior of a standard-sized crib to ensure the safety of the child and prevent accidents caused by the baby’s head being stuck in between the mattress and the crib’ frame.
As the name suggests, this size is designed specifically to be used as a baby’s crib, with just the right space to be enjoyed as a child’s first bed. The crib-sized mattress can also be used by a child up to the toddler years, depending on the child’s height and overall body size. A toddler who can fit into this size will also benefit from the additional security that the crib’s frame will offer. This mattress size has enough space to allow an infant to move around freely and be more active while in bed, without outgrowing the mattress too quickly. The crib-sized mattress provides great value, allowing it to be used and enjoyed to the fullest for a longer period of time without the need to change mattresses in between a child’s infancy and toddler years (again, depending on the child’s height and size).
Twin size mattress
Dimensions: A twin-sized mattress measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long, although other sources put the width at 39 inches. This mattress size if the smallest choice for standard mattress sizes.
Who Is A Twin Mattress Ideal For?
This mattress size is an ideal choice for single sleepers such as an adult with a smaller body structure, or a child who has outgrown a crib-sized mattress, who may both find it comfortable to sleep with the mattress’ compact dimensions. It is great for guest bedrooms where the bed may be used only occasionally by one guest who will need to stay for a night or two in your house. A twin-sized mattress and bedframe will also be a great choice for a mobile sleeping space that can quickly be moved from one room to another as the need arises. This mattress size offers the most economical choice for a sleeping area, especially if spaciousness is not a deciding factor. It is also a good choice for a bedroom with limited space availability for the sleeping area.
The limited space offered by a twin-sized mattress will not be suitable for individuals who share the bed with a partner since there is not enough space to comfortably accommodate two persons. It may not be a good choice as well for people who are active sleepers who will want more room to shift from one sleeping position to another without falling completely off the bed.
Twin XL Mattress
Dimensions: A mattress with a twin XL (extra-long) size comes in at 38 inches wide by 80 inches long. It is just like a twin mattress in width but with the addition of 5 inches to its length.
Who Is A Twin XL Mattress Ideal For?
This extra-long mattress is a fantastic choice for persons who sleep by themselves but who want to have the additional benefit of having extra legroom. This mattress size is ideal for taller individuals who may feel a bit cramped when sleeping on a standard twin-sized mattress. It is still compact enough to fit into a room that only has a small space for setting up a sleeping area, but it is long enough to allow more comfortable stretching out, without tall individuals bring forced to let their legs dangle over the bottom edge of the mattress. The space-saving structure makes it easy to maneuver to other areas of the house where it needs to be set up as a sleeping space in short notice.
While it offers a more generous length compared to the standard twin size, a twin XL-sized mattress can still only fit one person comfortably and is not suitable for couples who want to sleep on the same bed. This size may also not be the ideal choice for active sleepers who may find the space too constricting for natural movement.
Full Size Mattress
Dimensions: This size is sometimes referred to as “double” and measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long (with some sources clocking in the width at 53 inches). It has 16 inches of additional width compared to the standard twin-sized mattress.
Who Is A Full Size Mattress Ideal For?
The double or full-size mattress is an excellent choice for a single adult sleeper who will benefit from just the right amount of space without the cramped feeling. It is also a great option for children who may be able to use the mattress for a long time as they transition to young adulthood when they will most likely need a bigger mattress. The extra space on the mattress will also be beneficial for parents who will be able to sit comfortably on the bed while spending time with their children before they go to sleep.
While it has a more generous width compared to a twin-sized mattress, the full-sized mattress is still suitable for only one person in a comfortable sleeping position. This is because the dimensions of the full mattress, when arranged for two persons, puts the sleeping surface for each person at only 27 inches wide – the width that is almost exactly the same as that of a crib-sized mattress which is suitable for babies’ use.
Full XL Size Mattress
Dimensions: The full XL or double XL size of a mattress has the dimensions of 54 inches wide by 80 inches long, with some sources placing the width at 53 inches. This mattress size is longer than the standard full or double option by 5 inches.
Who Is A Full XL Mattress Ideal For?
This mattress size is suitable for a taller individual who will be able to comfortably stretch out while sleeping or relaxing, without being forced to curl up the legs just to prevent them from dangling over the edge, which can happen when using a shorter mattress. It has the same width as the full or double mattress so while it has a longer profile, it can still only provide a comfortable sleeping surface for one person. This is considered as the largest mattress size that is intended for use by a single person.
The price of full XL-sized mattresses generally does not differ that much from that of a queen-sized mattress. This is the reason why most people opt for the bigger mattress size that already comes with enough space to fit in two persons.
Queen Size Mattress
Dimensions:Queen-sized mattresses measure 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. This mattress size is the most popular one because it has the space to generously fit in one active sleeper or two people in comfortable sleeping positions.
Who Is A Queen Mattress Ideal For?
A queen-sized mattress is an ideal choice for two individuals sharing the same bed without being forced into a cramped sleeping area. It is also a superb choice for one person who prefers having a wide space on the bed to allow for freedom of movement while changing sleeping positions throughout the night. The size of a queen mattress is enough to accommodate two persons but is not extremely big that it occupies too much precious space in the bedroom, making it an upgraded yet still a reasonable choice for master bedrooms.
As the queen-sized mattress is the most popular choice, there are more options available when it comes to the bedroom furniture, beddings, and bed accessories. This increased number of options also means that there are more queen-sized mattresses available in different price ranges to suit almost any budget.
King Size Mattress
Dimensions: The king-sized mattress has all the space you and your loved ones will need at 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. The substantial measurements make this an ideal choice for couples who want the luxury of a roomy sleeping surface that can even accommodate children or pets sleeping on the same bed.
Who Is King Size Ideal For?
This is an ideal mattress size for those who want to indulge in a spacious bed and want to completely relax without feeling cramped even when sharing the same bed with another individual. The king-sized mattress is 16 inches wider compared to the queen mattress and offers significantly more space to move around in that active sleepers will fully appreciate. It is also a fantastic choice if you want to invest in a mattress that will allow you to share the same sleeping area with your children or pets without being uncomfortably cramped. A king-sized bed will be a commanding presence in a spacious master’s bedroom and may be used as the room’s focal point.
When choosing a king-sized mattress, it is important to measure the bedroom’s area (along with the bed frame) to ensure that the mattress will fit in without problems. It is also a good idea to measure the hallways, doors, and stairwells that the mattress will need to pass through on the way to the bedroom where it will be set up to ensure safe and convenient movement.
California King Size Mattress
Dimensions: The dimensions of a California King mattress is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, making it 4 inches longer but also 4 inches shorter than the standard king-sized mattress. It is also sometimes referred to as the “Western King” size.
Who Is Cal King Ideal For?
The considerable dimensions of this mattress size can significantly level up the luxurious feeling in a bedroom. It is spacious enough to accommodate a couple who can sleep soundly without their individual movements being limited by a confined space. The longer mattress is a great option for taller individuals as the additional length allows people who are more than 6 feet tall to fully stretch out on the bed without the need to curl up just to prevent their toes from going over the bottom edge. On the other hand, the reduction on the width can help this king XL-sized mattress fit much easier into narrower spaces where a standard king-sized mattress may not be able to squeeze into.
It is important to measure the bedroom where a king XL-sized mattress will be placed in to ensure that the mattress and its generous length will be able to fit in without any problems.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Mattress Size
These are the factors that need to be taken into consideration while you shop around for the best mattress size.
Bedroom Size
The size of your bedroom plays a crucial role in choosing the best mattress size. Simply put – if your mattress does not fit into the bedroom, you will not be able to use and enjoy the mattress at all. To ensure that you will not encounter any problems with the mattress’ and the bedroom’s size, you need to take the time to measure the bedroom and take that into consideration when looking at the available mattress sizes. It is also a wise move to take the measurements of the doorways, corridors, and stairwells that the mattress will need to move through as you maneuver it into the bedroom of your choosing. Doing so will prevent accidental mattress damage or being unable to move the mattress from your front door to the bedroom because it will not fit into your home’s hallways.
Number of Person(s) Occupying the Bed
It is important to consider the number of person or persons who will occupy the bed when looking at the best mattress sizes. This will ensure that you will choose the mattress size that will bring the highest level of comfort to the occupant while taking into consideration the size of the bedroom that the bed will be placed in. Bearing in mind the person or persons who will use the bed can also ensure that you will make the most out of the mattress’ value and the available space in the bedroom. Even loved ones sharing the bed infrequently – such as children and/or pets – should be considered to make sure that the top mattress size is chosen.
Occupants’ Comfort Level
Aside from the number of occupants, the occupant’s comfort level needs to be considered when shopping for the best mattress size. A smaller size such as a twin XL mattress may be enough for one person, but it will feel too small if that person spends most of the night shifting from one sleeping position to another. A person who sleeps by himself but needs lots of pillows around to be able to sleep soundly may need a queen or even a king-sized bed, which actually has enough space for more occupants. The mattress size is a personal choice and as such, needs the thoughtful consideration of the occupant’s personal desires and requirements.
Budget
The price of the mattress should be taken into consideration when choosing the best mattress size, especially if you want to stay within a specific budget range. While the king-sized mattress offers a luxurious sleeping space, it may not be the most suitable choice if you are looking for a more economical option. To get the most value out of your purchase, it is best to get the size that fits your budget range but will still be able to provide you with a comfortable sleeping space.
FAQs
Q: What does the XL in “twin XL” and full XL” sizes refer to?
A: In this case, the XL refers to the extra length added to the mattress, compared to that mattress’ standard size counterpart. For example, a twin XL-sized mattress is 5 inches longer than the twin size, and the double XL size is also 5 inches shorter compared to the standard double-sized mattress. The XL version of the mattress sizes is ideal for people who are looking more legroom to stretch out while sleeping or relaxing in bed.
Q: What is the difference between the king and California king sizes?
A: A king-sized mattress measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, while the California King mattress is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. This means that the California king is narrower by 4 inches but longer by 4 inches compared to the standard king size. The California king size is a suitable choice for individuals who want more legroom to stretch out in bed, while the king-sized mattress may be more ideal for people or couples who want a wider space to move around in.
Q: Is super king bigger than the king size?
A: No, the super king is slightly smaller with dimensions of 72 inches wide by 78 inches long, compared to a king-sized mattress which measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Q: Is the full-sized mattress the same as the queen size?
A: No, the full-sized (sometimes referred to as “double”) mattress is smaller than the queen mattress. The dimensions of a full mattress is 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, while the queen-sized mattress has bigger proportions at 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Q: What is the best bed size for couples?
A: Depending on the size of the bedroom, a California king has the substantial size that can provide more space and comfort for couples to enjoy while in bed. A king-sized mattress that is just 4 inches shorter, but 4 inches wider will also work marvelously for providing luxurious spaciousness for couples.
Q: What is the most ideal size for a person sleeping alone in bed?
A: It all depends on that occupant’s preference. A twin XL bed may have enough space for one person sleeping alone in bed, but it can feel confining if that person wants more room to move around to change positions during the night. A king-sized bed that is usually considered as a great choice for a couple with small kids may actually be what an active sleeper will find most comfortable to use. The ideal size of a mattress depends on what the person using it needs and wants.
Q: Will a full-sized mattress be too big for a child?
A: A full-sized mattress can be a great choice for a child’s use since it can be used for a long time, all the way to the time that the child transitions to his or her teens. While it may seem too big at first for a young child, it offers
great value over time because it will be able to keep up with the growing child’s space requirements, so you will not need to purchase new mattresses to adjust along with the occupant’s age. Investing in a high-quality full-sized (or even queen-sized) mattress can go a long way in ensuring that your child will enjoy the comfort of a familiar bed to sleep on for years to come.
Q: Why is it important to measure the size of the bedroom before deciding on a mattress size?
A: The space inside the bedroom needs to be measured before purchasing a mattress to ensure that there is enough room to accommodate the mattress size that you are interested in. This is especially true if you are looking at bigger mattress sizes such as the king and California king options. If the mattress is bigger than the available space in your bedroom, you may end up placing the mattress and accompanying bed frame in an awkward position that leaves limited space to move around.
Conclusion
The best mattress size is the one that will make you feel most comfortable while ensuring that it makes the most out of the available space in your bedroom. Taking into consideration several crucial factors, it will be much easier for you to sort through the various mattress sizes to get to the one that will bring you the greatest value. An excellent mattress size is a personal choice so deciding on which one to pick should suit your needs and preferences, allowing you to gain the most benefits with your purchase.
Neil Russell is a product manager at SuperComfysleep and is genuinely passionate about the latest and most premium mattresses, sleep products and gadgets. Before joining SuperComfySleep, Neil worked in product design and development for start-ups and large corporations alike. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. When he’s not working, Neil enjoys playing basketball and football.
