King Mattress (Standard)

A king size mattress is a large mattress that measures 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, making it one of the largest standard mattress sizes. It is intended for two people and provides each person with the same amount of space as a Twin XL bed. Two Twin XL mattresses side by side are the exact size of a standard King mattress.

The term “king mattress” likely originated from the fact that this size mattress is larger than a standard size mattress and is intended to be “fit for a king”.

Like all mattresses, a King size mattress can be made from a variety of materials, including innerspring coils, memory foam, latex, and airbeds. Some king size mattresses come with features such as pillow tops, cooling technology, and adjustable firmness.

It is important to consider factors such as personal preferences, budget, and any specific needs (such as support for certain health conditions) when choosing a king size mattress. Additionally, it’s important to measure the space you have in your room to make sure that the mattress will fit properly and leave enough room for movement. While a king mattress provides a great deal of sleeping space, a standard queen mattress is the most popular size and provides a nice balance of sleeping space while taking up a more reasonable space in the bedroom.

When it comes to bed sheets and bedding, King size mattresses requires King size sheets and bedding, which can be a bit more expensive than the standard sizes. Also, the delivery and moving of a king size mattress might be more difficult and expensive than other sizes. Older homes with narrower hallways, tighter staircases and shorter doors may find it difficult to fit a King size mattress in their home.

It’s also worth noting that there are several variations of a King size mattress. Interestingly enough, they are all named after large states in the USA.

California King Mattress

A California king mattress, also known as a “Cal king,” is slightly longer and narrower than a standard king size mattress. It measures 76″ wide by 84″ long, which is 4″ inches narrower and 4″ longer than a standard king.  This size is ideal for tall individuals or for those who want more room for their legs and feet. California king mattresses are also a popular choice for couples who have a larger room and want a larger bed but don’t have the space for a standard king size mattress.

The California king mattress was first introduced in the 1960s as a response to the growing popularity of the standard king size mattress. Many people found the standard king to be too wide, and so manufacturers began producing a longer and narrower version, which is known as the California king. This size quickly gained popularity in the western United States, particularly in California, hence the name “California king.”

The drawbacks of a California king are similar to any other non-standard size mattress: sheets and bedding are harder to find and are generally more expensive. A standard Universal bed frame will accomodate a California king, however, they still require a pair of split box springs, which must be custom sized to fit a California king. Normally a standard king mattress uses two Twin XL box springs, but a Cal King requires box springs that are each 2″ narrower and 4″ longer than standard Twin XL box springs. Platforms and contemporary frames are also fewer and far between. While it’s not a problem to get box springs, sheets or platforms to fit a California, you are more limited on your options and they are generally more expensive. 

Texas King Mattress

Another non-standard king size mattress is the Texas King. There are two schools of thought regarding a Texas King: it’s a much longer bed for taller couples, or it’s a much wider bed for family sleeping.

A Teaxas King measures 80″ by a whopping 98″! When positioned with the longer side used as the length of the bed, the Texas King size mattress gives ample leg room for taller folks as well as a little additional width. It provides a larger sleeping surface for themselves or pets, or for those who simply want more room to stretch out.

When positioned with the longer side as the width, the Texas King is the same length as a standard king but an entire 2 feet wider! This allows plenty of room for multiple sleepers, perfect for people who sleep with their pets or parents who co-sleep with children. 

This size is not as common as standard King or even a California King and it may be hard to find sheets and bedding that fit this size. Also, it may be difficult to find furniture that can accommodate the size and it may not fit into standard bedrooms. However, for people who require a larger sleeping surface, a Texas King size mattress can be a great option.

Wyoming King Mattress

Continuing our non-standard king size mattresses named after US states, next up is Wyoming King. The Wyoming King mattress measures a perfect square of 84″ x 84″, which is 4″ longer and 8″ wider than a standard king size.

Once again, this oversized mattress is a great choice for tall sleepers, sleepers who just require more room to stetch out, or to accomodate multiple sleepers in the bed.

It may not seem like those few extra inches would make a big difference, but the extra space all around the mattress can make a big difference for our sleep experience. For instance, a very tall couple might not be able to comfortably stretch out on a regular king size mattress. That extra 4″ of length means a Wyoming King can comfortably accomodate a 7″ tall sleeper. Parents with toddlers or young children who crawl into bed with them will appreciated the extra room as well.

This mattress is 7′ x 7′ – it’s a beast to fit into a room. Your room will need the proper space to accommodate it and still have room to walk around the bed. A minimum size room should be at least 14×14 feet if you’re hoping to place a Wyoming king in the room. As with other oversized beds, finding sheets, frames and platforms is more expensive and more of a challenge as they are not available everywhere as are standard size mattress bedding. 

Alaska King Mattress

Rounding out our non-standard king size mattresses named after US states, we have the biggest of the big, the Alaska King. Named after the largest US state, the Alaska King mattress measures a perfect square of 108″ x 108″, which is a 9′ x 9′ massive square! The Alaska King mattress is 28″ longer and 30″ wider than a standard king size. That is one massive bed.

This oversized mattress is a great choice for tall sleepers, family sleeping or for people with a large enough room to accomodate it that want as much room as possible to stetch out and sleep.

This mattress is 9′ x 9′. It’s massive. Your room will need plenty of space to fit it and still have room to walk around the bed. A minimum size room should be at least 16×16 feet if you’re hoping to place a Alaska king in the room, and that’s truly a minimum. Even at that size room the mattress will dominate the space. As with other oversized beds, finding sheets, frames and platforms is of course more expensive and more of a challenge as Alaska King sheets are not available everywhere. If you want a huge sleep surface though, you can’t beat an Alaska King.