Mattress Size Chart: Decoding Bed Dimensions to Determine Your Perfect Mattress

Choosing the right mattress involves so many considerations – support, firmness, construction, budget, and, of course, size. While selecting mattress size seems straightforward, the decision is more involved than you might think. The wrong size mattress can result in cramped sleeping quarters, insufficient spinal support, and less-than-optimal sleep quality.  Whether upgrading your bedroom, moving to a new home, or simply exploring your options, understanding how mattress dimensions contribute to a good night’s sleep is one of the first steps to choosing the right mattress. Read on for all you need to know about mattress sizes to ensure your next mattress purchase is ideal for your space, lifestyle, and comfort.

Understanding Mattress Sizes: A Complete Breakdown

While there can be some relatively minor variation in the dimensions of specific mattress sizes, most standard mattresses align with the dimensions shown in the chart below. This handy reference guide also includes estimates for minimum room size and which types of sleepers and situations are ideal for each mattress size.

In addition to these standard sizes, certain manufacturers offer custom or made-to-order mattress sizes outside of these dimensions. For example, many professional athletes require longer beds to accommodate their size. 

Let’s take a look at each of the standard mattress sizes in more detail.

Mattress Sizes in Depth: Finding Your Perfect Fit

Twin or Twin XL Mattress (38” Wide by 70” or 75” Long)

Sometimes called single beds, Twin and Twin XL (for Extra Long) beds make a practical sleep solution for children and teens, or single adults in compact spaces. The Twin XL adds an extra 5 inches in length, great for taller individuals, growing kids, or college dorm rooms. 

Full Size Mattress (54” W by 75” L)

A step up from twin sizes, Full mattresses offer additional width while maintaining a space-conscious footprint. They’re perfect for single sleepers who want more room to stretch out or guest rooms that need to accommodate various visitors.

Queen Size Mattress (60” W by 80” L)

The Queen size mattress is America’s most popular choice, and for good reason. It offers couples enough space to sleep comfortably together and fits in most standard bedrooms while being more budget-friendly than a King size mattress. 

King Size Mattress (76” W by 80” L)

Over a foot wider than a queen, a King size mattress provides maximum sleep surface, making it particularly beneficial for couples who prefer more personal sleep space or extra room to stretch out. Also known as a traditional or Eastern King, this is an excellent choice for families who co-sleep with children or pets as well as homes with large primary bedrooms. 

Cal King Mattress (72” W by 84” L)

Also called a Western or California King, the Cal King mattress trades four inches of width for four inches of length. In addition to the benefits of the traditional King, a Cal King is an ideal mattress choice for taller individuals or couples, sleepers who enjoy additional foot room, and large room sizes that are longer and narrow. 

Split Queen or King Mattress

A split mattress is a mattress whose size is split lengthwise down the middle to make two smaller mattresses of equal halves. Alternatively, a split-top mattress is only cut halfway down the length of the mattress, with the bottom half remaining a solid piece. 

Only available for larger mattress sizes, specifically Queen or King size, split mattresses may be supported by a single foundation (such as a box spring or bed base) or two separate foundations. These are good options for couples concerned about motion transfer in bed, with different sleep style preferences, or for use with adjustable bed bases.

Mattress Size Mastery: Assessing Your Sleep Space

A bedroom should be a sanctuary, not an obstacle course. When selecting mattress size, there are many things to consider, such as traffic flow, window or television placement, entry and exit points, and room size and shape. 

While many designers consider optimal bed placement to be centered on the longest wall, that might not always be possible given other pieces of furniture or features of a room. For instance, are vents or registers on the floors, walls, or ceilings? Where and how far do any doors swing when being opened? How does natural light enter the room? Here are a few more helpful points to consider when planning your bedroom layout: 

• Strive for walking paths of at least two feet 
• Account for dresser depth (typically 24″) 
• Consider space for nightstands, desks, chairs, and any other furniture
• Plan for TV placement if desired
• Consider the door swing radius

If you want to go up a bed size in a small bedroom, space-saving solutions like wall-mounted lighting and shelves instead of nightstands or sliding-door dressers and closets can help free up the needed room.

Mattress Size Recommendations for Different Situations 

In addition to space and furnishing considerations, reflect on your lifestyle and sleeping habits. If applicable, consider who will share the bed and how they sleep. Let’s examine a few scenarios and how they affect mattress size choice.

Twin or Twin XL mattresses can provide maximum space-saving benefits for single sleepers. If you see relationships or pets in your future or like to stretch out, work, or lounge in bed, a Full mattress can provide additional sleep space with a relatively small footprint. 

For couples, Queen or King size mattresses are a must for space and comfort. If different sleep styles, temperature preferences or schedules, or children and pets are involved, the spaciousness of a King mattress becomes preferable. 

Once you have identified the realities of your sleep space and situation, take a moment to prioritize what you value regarding sleep and sleep area. By determining whether you are willing to sacrifice bed size for more space in your bedroom or if the size of your sleep surface is more important, you can choose the right mattress size for you.

Common Mattress Size Mistakes to Avoid

While some people think bigger is better regarding mattress size, there are many other considerations besides sleep area. However, size matters in terms of body and spinal support. 

If you’re too big for your mattress, it will not be able to provide the support necessary for proper spinal alignment, not to mention it just might leave your feet and arms extending over the edges. Conversely, if a bed is too big for you or your sleep space, it can work against a cozy sleep environment, making the room feel overcrowded. 

Below are some common pitfalls of choosing mattress size and how to avoid them.

The best way to assess the optimal bed size for the size and layout of your bedroom is to sketch it out, whether on a piece of paper or using a computer. Carefully measure walls, windows, etc., and access doors and stairways leading to your room. Then, “place” the bed and other furnishings to scale in various configurations to estimate how it all fits and flows in your space. 

Additionally, when you make your final mattress selection, choose a manufacturer that offers a generous trial period. Following this advice will help you visualize your bedroom goals and test them out to ensure the sleep dream matches reality!

Choosing the Right Mattress for Your Bedroom

Once you have considered the size of your room, your lifestyle, and the sleep styles and priorities of all sleepers involved, select the best mattress size for you, given these factors. It’s time to choose the best mattress for you. You’ll definitely want to rely on a reputable manufacturer known for superior quality and industry-leading expertise backed by positive reviews. Enter AirPedic^TM!

The AirPedic^TM Advantage: Innovation at Every Size

Whether you choose a King, Cal King, Queen, or Twin XL mattress size, AirPedic^TM has an ideal option for your sleep needs – and for more reasons than mattress dimensions. 

AirPedic^TM orthopedic air mattresses offer adjustable firmness technology that allows for complete customization of your sleep experience. This adjustability is dual-zoned for Queen and King beds, allowing for independent settings on each side of the bed and making it ideal for couples. 

With premium materials that include latex, gel memory foam, hybrid options, and exacting construction that provides unmatched durability, edge support, breathability, and temperature regulation, AirPedic^TM is sure to have the best mattress for your needs. 

What’s more, AirPedic^TM mattresses are designed to work seamlessly with adjustable bed bases. These luxury bases are designed with well-being in mind to elevate the sleep experience even further with zero-gravity positioning, custom height adjustability, anti-snore settings, USB charging ports, optional massage features, and under-bed lighting. 

And, of course, AirPedic^TM orthopedic air mattresses and adjustable bed bases are backed by generous trial and warranty periods for the kind of quality sleep that comes with peace of mind. 

More than Mattress Size: Making Your Final Decision

Investing in the right mattress is investing in your sleep quality, and mattress size is the first thing to consider when making your choice. When determining the right mattress size for you, you’ll need to consider practical factors such as room dimensions and layout, storage needs, and budget, as well as personal dynamics like current and future lifestyle circumstances, sleep style, partner preferences, and any health considerations. Refer to our comprehensive mattress buying guide for an even more detailed look at the multitude of mattress types and features that will influence your decision.

Ready to find your perfect match? Learn how an Airpedic^TM sleep solution can transform your sleep experience. Explore the complete AirPedic^TM mattress collection to discover the ideal size and comfort combination for your preferences and needs. With our innovative adjustable firmness technology and comprehensive mattress size options, you’re destined to find your perfect sleep solution – and your best sleep ever.

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