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Mattress Size Guide: What Size Mattress Do You Need?

Posted By: Layla

Besides how your mattress looks and feels, there’s another important element to consider that impacts your sleep: mattress size. The right-sized mattress is a major part of how well you sleep. After all, you’ve probably experienced the misfortune of a mattress that was too small for you. For instance, maybe you visited your folks during the holidays and had to make do with your childhood twin mattress despite your feet hanging off the edge.

Mattress Size Guide: What Size Mattress Do You Need?

Choosing the right size mattress from all the options out there might be intimidating, especially because many sizes have sub-categories. Want to make sure that you pick the right mattress size for your space? Keep reading our mattress size guide below to learn more about making the right decision for you and your bedroom.

Key Takeaways

  • Twin mattresses are compact and ideal for children or smaller adults, while twin XL mattresses offer extra length suitable for taller individuals or college dorms.
  • Full mattresses provide more room than twins and are suitable for adults or those sharing their bed with pets or children.
  • The most popular mattress size is the queen, which offers ample room for single sleepers, couples, families, and pet parents.
  • King mattresses provide luxurious space for couples or families with children or pets. California king mattresses offer additional length, ideal for taller individuals.
  • Factors like room size, budget, and personal sleeping habits should guide your choice when choosing a mattress size to ensure comfort and practicality.

Twin Mattress Dimensions

Standard twin mattress dimensions: 38 inches wide, 75 inches long

Besides a crib mattress, which is designed for infants or toddlers, a twin mattress is the smallest of all available mattresses. In general, twin mattresses are perfect for children and adolescents who don’t need a very large mattress.

Despite its compact size, twin mattresses also cater to smaller adults seeking a space-efficient sleeping option. Commonly found on day beds, in dorm rooms, or guest rooms, twin mattresses offer versatility in compact living spaces and provide a comfortable solution for various sleeping needs.

Twin XL Mattress Dimensions

Standard twin XL mattress dimensions: 38 inches wide, 80 inches long

As you might imagine, a twin XL mattress is slightly bigger than a standard twin mattress. If you’re a taller adult, a twin XL will typically be more comfortable than a twin-sized mattress. And, you can actually combine two twin XL mattresses on a king-sized bed frame – which is a great set-up to use if you have a partner who prefers a softer or firmer mattress compared to you.

Twin XL mattresses are popular choices in college dorms and guest rooms due to their compact size and enhanced comfort for single sleepers. The extended length ensures a more spacious sleeping surface compared to standard twin mattresses, accommodating adults and taller adolescents alike. Whether used individually or paired for shared sleeping arrangements, twin XL mattresses offer flexibility and comfort in various living and sleeping environments.

Full Mattress Dimensions

Standard full mattress dimensions: 54 inches wide, 75 inches long

A full-sized mattress is sometimes also called a “standard double.” A full-sized mattress is a great option for adults who want a roomier feel than a twin XL. You can sleep in a double bed with a partner, but hopefully, you like to snuggle because it will be a bit cramped for two.

Beyond individual comfort, a full-sized mattress is also well-suited for households with pets or children who occasionally share the bed. The extra width allows for more flexibility and comfort when sharing the bed with furry friends or little ones who may join in during the night.

In bedrooms where space permits, full mattresses are versatile options for guest rooms or smaller primary bedrooms, balancing comfort with practicality in different living environments.

Full XL Mattress Dimensions

Standard full XL dimensions: 54 inches wide, 80 inches long

If you think that a regular full or standard double mattress is the right width, but you’d like a little more room for your legs, a full XL is a great choice.

Compared to a standard full mattress, the full XL offers a comfortable compromise for those who find the twin XL too narrow but still desire the extended length. It’s a versatile option for single sleepers who prefer more space or for taller adults who may find traditional full-sized mattresses too short.

Queen Mattress Dimensions

Standard queen mattress dimensions: 60 inches wide, 80 inches long

Queen mattresses are the most popular option among sleepers of all shapes and sizes, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily right for you. The reason why queens are so popular is because they offer enough room for single sleepers to splay out if they want, but they also have plenty of room for a couple.

It’s important to note that because the queen mattress is larger, you’ll need to consider the size of your bedroom. It might be worth the trouble to measure the dimensions of your bedroom to ensure you get a mattress that actually fits in it!

Olympic Queen Mattress Dimensions

Standard Olympic queen mattress dimensions: 66 inches wide, 80 inches long

If you don’t want to commit to a king-sized mattress but want to spread out a bit more, an Olympic queen is a great compromise.

The Olympic queen offers additional room for single sleepers to spread out comfortably or for couples who prefer a bit more space to move during the night. It’s a popular choice for those who find standard queen mattresses slightly restrictive in width but still want to maintain a manageable bed size in their bedroom.

King Mattress Dimensions

Standard king mattress dimensions: 76 inches wide, 80 inches long

A king mattress is big and luxurious – so make sure that your room is at least 12 x 12 to ensure a comfortable fit.

The generous size of a king mattress offers a luxurious sleep experience, accommodating couples who share their bed with pets or children. This size ensures that everyone has plenty of space to sleep comfortably without feeling cramped.

California King Mattress Dimensions

Standard California king mattress dimensions: 72 inches wide, 84 inches long

For couples or even single sleepers who require acres of space for their slumber, a California king is the answer.

This size is ideal for taller individuals or couples who require more legroom or for couples who prefer ample space to move freely during sleep. The California king mattress provides a luxurious sleep experience, accommodating those who appreciate the expansive dimensions for a more comfortable night’s rest.

Still want more space? Don’t worry; there are other types of king-size beds you can try beyond the California king, including the Texas, Wyoming, and Alaskan king mattresses.

Mattress Size Chart

When it comes to picking out a mattress, size matters! Whether you’re shopping for yourself, setting up a guest room, or just curious about what’s out there, knowing your bed dimensions is key. Our handy mattress size chart breaks down all the options—from twin to California king—so you can see how they stack up.

Mattress sizing chart

Which Bed Size is Right for You?

Your perfect bed size depends on a few different factors. It might be worth a trip to the mattress store to see the difference between mattress sizes and what would fit best in your room. Or, you can simply use a tape measure and mark the bed size on the floor to get an idea of how much space a mattress would take up.

How to choose the right bed size

Budget

Budget is another factor you might want to take into consideration. Obviously, larger mattresses are going to cause a larger dent in your wallet. With that said, make sure you still choose a mattress that’s comfortable and made with quality materials.

Why? Because if you go with the cheapest option available, that mattress likely won’t have the lifespan of a higher-quality one. So, you’ll end up needing a replacement sooner, and any money you would have saved upfront at the cheap price is completely moot.

Also, don’t forget that if you’re changing your mattress size, you’ll likely need a new box spring or foundation. Make sure to factor this into the costs associated with buying a new bed.

Single Person or Companion

If you’re just a single person, you don’t need to opt for a large bed. But that depends entirely on your sleep preferences. If you like to sleep like a starfish, for example, or if you’re a taller person, you might need a slightly larger mattress to feel comfortable.

And if you sleep with pets, your kids tend to wander into your bedroom after every bad dream, or you sleep with a partner, a queen-size or king-size mattress is ideal.

Room Size

In most cases, you’re not going to want a California king mattress if you live in a tiny studio that’s 300 square feet. Unless you’re into your entire place being just a mattress. With that said, it’s important to find a mattress size that actually works with your space.

That’s another reason why the queen mattress is a popular size; it gives sleepers adequate room but doesn’t take up a ton of real estate.

Body Size

If you’re tall — like over 6 feet — you’ve probably noticed that standard mattresses can feel a bit cramped. That’s where sizes like twin XL, full XL, queen, or king come in handy. They offer that extra length you need to stretch out comfortably and get a good night’s sleep without your feet banging the footboard.

Matching your mattress size to your body size ensures you’ve got enough space to move around without feeling restricted. For couples, going for a queen or king mattress can make a big difference, especially if one or both of you are on the taller side or tend to toss and turn at night.

Sleeping Patterns

Ever noticed how your sleeping style can affect how comfy you feel in bed? If you’re someone who tosses and turns a lot during the night, a bigger mattress might be your best friend. It gives you more room to move around without bumping into the edges or disturbing your sleep partner.

Think about it: if you’re a restless sleeper, a larger mattress like a queen or king can be more conducive to a good night’s rest. It lets you shift sleeping positions without feeling cramped and helps you stay comfortable all night long.

So, when you’re picking out your mattress, consider how you sleep. It’s not just about the size of your room — it’s about making sure you have the space you need to sleep soundly, no matter how you move.

Mattress Sizing FAQs

Still have a few questions around mattress sizing? We’ve got your back! Below are some mattress sizing frequently asked questions and other related mattress questions.

What if I buy the wrong-sized mattress?

If you’ve purchased a large mattress and realized that it’s too big for your space, or perhaps you’ve chosen a too-small mattress that leaves you feeling cramped, you might be out of luck. Returning a mattress can be a hassle.

That’s one of the many reasons why it’s important to buy your mattress from a reputable company that offers a guarantee that you’ll like your mattress. Layla Sleep offers a 120-night trial so you can be sure your mattress is the right size and type.

What kind of mattress material should I choose?

We’re partial to copper-infused memory foam ourselves – but there are a ton of options out there to choose from. Layla, for example, offers a unique memory foam mattress that provides both contouring and foundational support to reduce sciatic pain. There’s also an option to get a Layla Hybrid Mattress, which serves up memory foam combined with traditional spring supports.

While other mattress types might give you a great night of sleep, some types, like traditional spring mattresses, quickly lose their supportive qualities and begin to sag. Review our guide on the different types of mattresses to determine which works best for you.

What is the best mattress size for couples?

For couples, the more room you have, the more space you can spread out. If you both are of average size and weight, a queen-sized mattress might provide enough room. But if you have other bed companions like pets or a spare kid or two, you might want to opt for a king or California king instead.

As long as your bedroom is big enough, it’s better to err on the side of larger rather than smaller when it comes to your mattress. You won’t be complaining if your mattress is too big and you have too much space. But you’ll likely have some serious gripes if your feet are hanging off the bed or if you’re overheating from sleeping too close to your partner all night.

How do you measure a mattress?

Measuring a mattress isn’t challenging, but it’s important to get it right, especially if you want a comfy fit in your bed frame. Here’s how you do it:

  • Width and length: Grab a tape measure and measure the width from one side to the other and then the length from the head to the foot of the mattress. Pull the tape measure tight to get accurate numbers.
  • Depth: This part is key, especially if you’ve got a fancy bed frame. Measure how thick your mattress is from top to bottom. Some frames or bases are picky about mattress depth, so it’s worth checking to make sure everything fits snugly.

If your bed frame has side rails or a headboard, matching the mattress depth to those measurements keeps things looking sharp and feeling comfortable when you’re in bed. When in doubt, a quick double-check of your measurements saves headaches later on.

What bedding do you need for your mattress?

When setting up your bedding for a mattress, here are some key pieces you’ll need:

  1. Sheets: Sheets come in various materials, such as cotton, linen, bamboo, or microfiber. It’s important to choose sheets that fit your mattress size to ensure a snug fit and comfortable sleep. Shop Layla’s bamboo sheets to enhance your sleep environment.
  2. Pillows: Memory foam pillows support your head and neck, which is crucial for spinal alignment and comfort. They come in different sizes to match your mattress, including queen and king.
  3. Pillowcases: These cover and protect your pillows. They should match the size and material of your pillows for a cohesive look and feel.
  4. Comforter, quilt, or duvet: These provide warmth and comfort. Comforters are filled with synthetic fibers or down, while quilts are stitched with layers of fabric and batting. Duvets are filled with down feathers or synthetic materials and used with a duvet cover. Down alternative comforters offer an excellent option for sleepers interested in a comfortable blanket without the guilt of harming animals.
  5. Mattress cover/protector: A mattress protector protects the mattress from spills, allergens, and wear, helping to maintain mattress hygiene and longevity.

When choosing bedding, consider these factors:

  • Fit: Ensure all bedding fits your mattress size correctly to avoid discomfort or shifting during sleep.
  • Material: Choose bedding materials that suit your comfort preferences and climate, such as breathable cotton for hot sleepers.
  • Hypoallergenic properties: This is especially important for those with allergies or sensitivities to avoid sneezing attacks or congestion in the middle of the night.
  • Temperature regulation: Some materials, like bamboo or certain blends, offer better breathability and moisture-wicking properties to regulate your temperature while you sleep.

Choosing the right bedding contributes significantly to a comfortable and restful sleep environment.

Achieve Deep Sleep: Choosing the Perfect Bed Size

Choosing the perfect bed size boils down to understanding your personal needs and the dimensions of your bedroom. Whether you’re furnishing a solo sleep space or accommodating a partner and maybe even pets or children, selecting the right mattress size ensures comfort and adequate sleep.

Layla offers a comprehensive range of mattress sizes to suit every lifestyle and preference. Our commitment to quality and comfort, paired with options like our 120-night trial, ensures that you can confidently find the perfect mattress size without the hassle, guaranteeing a restful night’s sleep tailored to your specific needs.

At Layla, finding the right mattress size isn’t just about bed dimensions; it’s about enhancing your sleep experience with materials and designs that prioritize comfort, support, and durability. Shop our collection today.