Mattress Size Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Mattress Sizes

Is a King, Queen or Double bed the right size mattress for you?

o you need room to move around at night or less so snuggling is easier? Choosing the best mattress size for you (and your partner) is as important as choosing the right fit of underwear. Too big or too small and you’ll be uncomfortable all the time. While your personal preferences for mattress size may be about comfort, style or health there’s no denying your bed set the tone for how well you sleep and can affect your mood the whole day long.

Thankfully mattresses, like underwear, come in smorgasbord of shapes, styles and sizes. If you sleep with someone else, you won’t be surprised to know that being disturbed by a partner is the number one sleep complaint from couples who share a bed.

To know if a bed is the right fit for you, lie beside your partner on your mattress, with your hands under your head and your elbows pointing out. If your elbows barely graze each other or don’t touch at all, you’re on the right size mattress.

But there’s more to understanding mattress size than elbow room.

Mattress size chart

Twin size mattress

Twin (or single) mattresses are most often used by children and college kids in dormitories. They were once a popular option for mature adults who slept alone in their own apartments or homes – or boarding houses, where space was tight. A regular twin mattress offers a comfortable length for most men and women but a Twin XL mattress (or California twin mattress) delivers an extra six inches in length.

Double size mattress

During the 60’s and 70’s, the double – or full-sized – mattress ruled marital bedrooms, even though it was only 15” wider than a twin size bed. But our homes were smaller and we were shorter. Today, double size mattresses are a popular choice for spare rooms and sometimes a child’s room.

If you and your partner are less than 5’5” tall and have a smaller room, a double mattress may be a good choice for you. Sheets are also less expensive than with larger or specialty mattresses.

Queen size mattress

Queen size mattresses gained popularity in the 80’s and are now the most popular size mattress for people who share a bed with a partner. Here’s why – the 6” addition in width and length from a double mattress make for a more comfortable and less-disturbed sleeping environment.

For many couples, a queen size bed is the ideal choice as it fits well into most bedrooms and is larger enough to give both people the space they need to sleep undisturbed.

King size mattress – Standard King & California King

King size mattresses have come into vogue in the last decade, offering couples as much space in bed with their partner as if they were alone in a twin. In fact, if you push two twin size mattresses together, you’ll have a king size bed – in width at least.

King size mattresses come in two popular lengths, offering taller people more legroom. The California King mattress is the longest mattress available.

The pros & cons of a king size mattress

Because of the size of king size mattresses, they’re not a viable option for many homes. They can be tricky to maneuver around corners and up the stairs and are heavier than other mattresses. What’s more, they simply won’t allow for walkability around the mattress in smaller homes and apartments. Bedding is also more expensive and extra-long pillows are needed. On the flip side, they offer sprawlers the opportunity to move freely throughout the night with disturbing their partners. And when kids and pets pile into the bed, there’s more than enough room for everyone.

Find the right mattress size for you and your body

• Break out the tape measure – Measure your room and how much space you need around the bed. Don’t forget to measure doors, stairs and hallways to make sure you can fit your choice into your home.
• Set a budget – Look at mattresses in your price range, comparing features to your personal health concerns. If you need to increase your budget, you’ll know exactly what the increase will buy you.
• Start your research online – Arm yourself with information before heading into a retail store to test out mattresses.
• Test drive a lot of mattresses – Buying a new mattress is hard work but worth it. After all, you’re going to spend more time on your mattress than you will on any other piece of furniture in your home.