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Want a little more room while you sleep? While the difference between a queen- and a king-sized bed may seem insignificant on paper (a king is 16 inches wider than a queen), that space can make a huge difference in the quality of your sleep at night, especially if you share the bed with a partner, pets, or kids. Before choosing a mattress, it’s important to determine how you sleep and what sort of bed would best suit your needs. For example, back and stomach sleepers would do better with a firmer mattress to support their back and hips, while a softer bed is more suitable for side sleepers who need pressure relief in their hips and shoulders.
If you are upgrading sizes, we recommend measuring out the dimensions of your new bed ahead of time to ensure you have enough space in your room to accommodate a larger bed and bedframe.
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Best King Mattresses – Our Top Picks
- Best Rated King Size Mattress – Saatva Classic
- Best King Size Mattress for Side Sleepers – Helix Midnight
- Most Comfortable King Size Mattress – WinkBeds Original
- Best Firm King Size Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm
- Best Split King Size Mattress – Nolah Evolution
- Best King Size Mattress for Back Pain – Puffy Original
- Best Luxury King Size Mattress – DreamCloud Premier
- Best Affordable King Size Mattress – Nectar Original
- Best California King Size Mattress – Layla Memory Foam
- Best King Size Mattress for Heavy Person – Titan Plus Luxe
Best Rated King Size Mattress – Saatva Classic
Pros and Cons of the Saatva Classic
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect score in spine alignment makes this bed good for sleepers of all positions | Pricier than other beds, not for budget shoppers |
| Made of durable, eco-friendly materials | Doesn’t offer the best motion isolation for couples and restless sleepers |
| Hybrid construction allows for better airflow, ideal for hot sleepers | |
| Pros | Cons |
- Material: Hybrid (foam and coils)
- Firmness: Soft (3/10), luxury-firm (6/10) and firm (8/10)
- Customer Rating: 4.9/5
- Delivery: 9-21 days, free white glove delivery
- Trial: 365 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
Boasting three different firmness levels to choose from, white glove delivery, and a perfect 10 out of 10 in spine alignment from Mattress Advisor, it’s easy to see why the Saatva Classic mattress is our top choice for the best king mattress. You can take full advantage of all the space your king bed offers with the superb edge support (10 out of 10) and rest easy after making this purchase knowing it’s one of the most durable mattresses according to our mattress review testers (it scored a perfect 10 out of 10 in durability).
This hybrid mattress is constructed with back support and edge support layers to give you good posture no matter how (or where) you sleep on the bed. A quilted Euro pillow-top offers an additional measure of comfort and cushioning.
Best King Size Mattress for Side Sleepers – Helix Midnight
Pros and Cons of the Helix Midnight
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good motion isolation makes this bed optimal for couples and restless sleepers | Sleep trial and warranty could be better |
| High responsiveness, good for those who change positions | Medium firmness isn’t ideal for stomach sleepers |
| Great pressure relief is great for side sleepers | |
| Pros | Cons |
- Material: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium (5.5/10)
- Customer Rating: 4.5/5
- Delivery: 3-7 business days
- Trial: 100 nights
- Warranty: 10-year limited
Side sleepers face the most risk of experiencing joint pain around the hips and shoulders, since this sleep position pushes tension on these areas. While a soft mattress might seem like a surefire answer, without proper lumbar support, back pain becomes a risk as well. Pressure relief and spine alignment are the two most important features side sleepers need from their mattress–and the medium firmness and polyfoam layer of the Helix Midnight accomplishes just that. A high score of 8.75 out of 10 in spine alignment keeps your spine in a natural position as you lie down, and makes this bed a good choice for those with back pain. A high score in pressure relief (8.5 out of 10) means this bed helps alleviate tension and cradle pressure points.
Those who sleep near the perimeter of the mattress can do so comfortably–this king size mattress scored a 10 out of 10 in edge support. All foam layers used in this American-made mattress are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning that you won’t come into contact with any harmful chemicals.
Most Comfortable King Size Mattress – WinkBed Original
Pros and Cons of the WinkBed Original
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good spinal alignment helps to reduce back pain | This bed is somewhat heavy (145 lbs for a king) and may be difficult to set up alone |
| Hot sleepers shouldn’t overheat on this mattress | On the expensive end, not the best choice for those on a budget |
| Durable construction and high-quality build, all backed with a lifetime warranty | |
| Pros | Cons |
- Material: Hybrid
- Firmness: Soft (4.5/10), luxury-firm (6.5/10), firm (7.5/10), plus (8/10)
- Customer Rating: 4.5/5
- Delivery: Within 7-14 business days
- Trial: 120 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
Those who want a little more customization will love the number of firmness options offered by WinkBed. Customers can select one of four available firmness levels to get the most comfortable night’s sleep possible. This king-sized mattress received a notable 9 out of 10 in responsiveness, which means sleepers can move without feeling stuck in the bed–crucial for combination sleepers. This bed has a designated “comfort layer” that works to isolate motion, which is a huge perk for couples and restless sleepers. A lumbar-support pad provides lower back support for reduced tension, which helps maintain healthy spine alignment (8.75 out of 10).
The WinkBed is made of eco-friendly materials including CertiPUR-US certified foams, making this bed super durable and long-lasting (it scored a 10 out of 10 in durability).
Best Firm King Size Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm
Pros and Cons of the Plank Firm
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good pressure relief | Optional cooling panel is an additional cost |
| Delivers great spine alignment | Not ideal for side sleepers |
| Durable, long-lasting construction | |
| Pros | Cons |
- Material: Polyfoam
- Firmness: Firm (7/10) and extra-firm (9/10)
- Customer Rating: 4.8/5
- Delivery: 3-4 business days
- Trial: 120 nights
- Warranty: 10-year
A firm mattress isn’t for everyone, but there are those who prefer a super firm sleep surface. The Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding is the best king size mattress for the job. This dual-sided mattress has two firmness levels: one side for those who prefer a firm bed, and another side that’s even firmer. The extra-firm side is a 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale, providing outstanding pressure relief (9 out of 10) and spine alignment (8.75 out of 10) for back and stomach sleepers.
The Plank’s high-density foam layers are highly durable and have good motion isolation that is helpful for couples. While the Plank does excel with pressure relief, it is better suited to stomach and back sleepers, as side sleepers will likely need a softer bed to better cushion their shoulders and hips while they sleep.
Best Split King Size Mattress – Nolah Evolution
Pros and Cons of the Nolah Evolution
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ideal for couples who use an adjustable base | May not be firm enough for stomach sleepers |
| Comfortable for side, back, and combination sleepers | One of the pricier options |
| Ample cooling | |
| Pros | Cons |
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Plush, Luxury Firm, Firm
- Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- Delivery: Free shipping
- Trial: 120 Nights
- Lifetime Warranty
A split king can be a great option for couples who want to share a bed but have different preferences when it comes to the ideal sleep position. Those with adjustable bases especially can benefit from a split king mattress, which allows each sleeper to lie in whichever way feels most comfortable for them without disturbing their partner. The Nolah Evolution is a supremely comfortable luxury hybrid mattress available in three firmnesses and designed to give sleepers that sought-after combination of pressure relief and lifting support.
The Nolah Evolution uses Nolah’s proprietary AirFoamICE, a cooling air foam that’s supportive without trapping heat and won’t cause sleepers to feel stuck in the bed. Additional foam layers contour to the body, while supportive coils provide a sturdy base layer and good bounce, making it easy to change positions at night. A plush Euro pillow top gives the bed a luxurious, hotel-style feel that welcomes you night after night, so you’ll feel cushioned and cradled but not stiflingly so.
Best King Size Mattress for Back Pain – Puffy Original
Pros and Cons of the Puffy Original
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers great spinal alignment and pressure relief | Mattress can sag with heavier sleepers |
| Good responsiveness makes it easy to change positions on this bed | Memory foam layers may not be firm enough for stomach sleepers |
| Lifetime warranty | |
| Pros | Cons |
- Material: Memory foam
- Firmness: Medium-firm (7/10)
- Customer Rating: 4.6/5
- Delivery: Ships free within 2-5 business days
- Trial: 101 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
Memory foam beds are a great choice for those who want a little extra pressure relief for their joints and a cushy surface that keeps their spine in a healthy posture while they sleep. Crafted with three layers of foam, the Puffy Original mattress provides support and contouring for those areas in your body that could use a little extra comfort, such as your hips, knees, shoulders, and back. A high score in spine alignment (8.75 out of 10) means this bed keeps your spine naturally aligned even as you sleep, and the solid pressure relief this bed offers (8 out of 10) ensures your body is comfortably cradled.
An impressive motion transfer score (9.25 out of 10) makes this cooling king mattress a good choice for couples; you won’t feel your partner tossing and turning throughout the night. The gel-infused memory foam layer makes it one of the best cooling options for an all-foam bed, keeping sleepers cool and comfortable.
Best Luxury King Size Mattress – DreamCloud Premier
Pros and Cons of the DreamCloud Premier
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made of high-quality materials and very durable | Off-gassing smell can take a few hours to dissipate |
| Good pressure relief helps cushion joints and back | Some back and stomach sleepers may require a firmer mattress to preserve spinal alignment |
| Generous sleep trial and warranty | |
| Pros | Cons |
- Material: Hybrid (foam and coils)
- Firmness: Medium-firm (6.5/10)
- Customer Rating: 4.6/5
- Delivery: Within 18-21 business days
- Trial: 365 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
It’s okay to enjoy the finer things in life, especially if one of those “things” is somewhere you spend nearly one-third of your time. The DreamCloud Premier is a luxury hybrid mattress with six different layers bringing you ultimate comfort and support. Offering exceptional pressure relief (9 out of 10), the DreamCloud Premier’s plush Euro-style pillow top and memory foam layers work to give you unparalleled cushioning support. The cashmere cover is luxuriously soft and works with the pocketed coil system to keep you cool as you sleep (8.5 out of 10 for cooling).
Combination sleepers will love the high responsiveness this king bed provides (9 out of 10), and couples will benefit from the incredible motion isolation offered by the layers of memory foam in the DreamCloud Premier (9 out of 10), which helps you stay asleep if your partner moves or gets up in the middle of the night.
Best Affordable King Size Mattress – Nectar Original
Pros and Cons of the Nectar Original
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Awesome warranty and trial period | Not good for those who don’t enjoy the hugging feel of traditional memory foam |
| Good choice for couples | Hot sleepers may need a cooler mattress |
| Suitable firmness for all sleeping positions | |
| Pros | Cons |
- Material: Gel memory foam
- Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
- Customer Rating: 4.8/5
- Delivery: 2-5 business days
- Trial: 365 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
Getting yourself a new mattress doesn’t need to be overly pricey, the Nectar Original mattress proves you can buy a quality bed without spending loads of cash. This bed offers great pressure relief (8.5 out of 10) for the cost, easing some of your tension without emptying your piggy bank. Superb edge support (9 out of 10) allows full utilization of the king mattress, including the perimeter. Five layers of foam (all of which are CertiPUR-US certified) work in tandem to deliver even weight distribution, support in high-pressure areas, and a comfortable night of sleep.
Couples will benefit from the good motion transfer (8.5 out of 10), meaning you won’t be woken if your partner gets up or tosses and turns in the night. This is one of the best memory foam beds you can get at this price point.
Best California King Size Mattress – Layla Memory Foam
Pros and Cons of the Layla
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable choice | Hot sleepers may find the memory foam too hot |
| Offers multiple firmness choices | Not ideal for all body types; heavy sleepers will need more support |
| Memory foam provides good motion isolation for couples | |
| Pros | Cons |
- Material: Memory foam
- Firmness: Medium-soft (4/10) and medium-firm (7/10)
- Customer Rating: 4.5/5
- Delivery: Ships free within 4-8 business days
- Trial: 120 nights
- Warranty: Lifetime
If you or your partner are on the taller end, you’ll likely prefer a California king size mattress over a traditional king size bed. It may not seem like much, but those four extra inches at the end of the bed can mean the difference between stretching out fully or having your feet dangle off the edge. For anyone looking for a top-notch mattress in this size, we love the Layla memory foam mattress. The Layla memory foam bed is a flippable all-foam mattress with two firmness options to choose from: medium-soft and medium-firm, so you can alternate your sleeping surface whenever you want. Combination sleepers will benefit from the exceptional responsiveness of this bed (9.5 out of 10), allowing them to easily change positions or shift around. The memory foam layers hug your body’s contours and provide good pressure relief (9 out of 10) to help reduce aches and pains.
Side sleepers with broader hips and shoulders will love the plush foam on the softer side that allows them to comfortably sink into the mattress while maintaining good spinal posture, while back and stomach sleepers can enjoy the support offered on the firmer side. This king mattress won’t sag like other foam mattresses tend to do, and it maintains solid edge support (it scored a 9 out of 10) for those who want to sleep on the periphery of the bed.
Best King Size Mattress for Heavy Person – Titan Plus Luxe
Pros and Cons of the Titan Plus Luxe
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Optional add-on cooling cover | Not ideal for stomach sleepers |
| Highly durable build means this bed should last a while | Cooling panel costs additional fee |
| Good motion isolation for couples | |
| Pros | Cons |
- Material: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium-firm
- Customer Rating: 4.7/5
- Delivery: Ships free in 3-4 days
- Trial: 120 nights
- Warranty: 10-year
Most mattresses can support a decent amount of weight (around 700 pounds), but larger people and couples may want a sturdier mattress to ensure they’re receiving the proper support for their hips and spines. The Titan Plus Luxe by Brooklyn Bedding, is a hybrid mattress designed with durability and optimal alignment in mind. This mattress can support up to 1,000 pounds and its medium-firm feel makes it an excellent option for back and side sleepers in particular. For stomach sleepers or those who want a mattress that’s really firm, the Titan Plus offers an even firmer surface that’s better for those who like to lie on their stomachs.
The mattress consists of a quilted layer with cooling gel memory foam, a comfort layer with proprietary TitanFlex foam (designed to provide sleepers with contouring, bounce, and pressure relief), TitanCaliber steel coils that are wrapped individually, and a base of high-density foam. The end result is a bed that can withstand regular use from plus-sized people while continuing to provide healthy support and cushioning comfort.
MA Score: The Mattress Advisor Score is a weighted score that takes into account 14 different factors related to the mattress’ performance, function, convenience, and the brand’s social responsibility.
Who Should Purchase a King Mattress?
Maybe you’ve just moved into a new home and finally have a big bedroom, or maybe you sleep hot and need a little more space to spread out away from your partner because they radiate heat. King mattresses are great purchases for couples who could use a little more room, those who sleep with pets or children, or anyone who craves a sleep experience that’s a little more luxurious than what a queen bed can offer. Finding the best mattress for your needs can make a huge difference in the quality of your sleep.
Different Types of King Mattresses
The type of mattress that’s best-suited for your needs will vary depending on how you like to sleep, what specific issues you’re looking to address (such as pressure relief, back pain, improved support and so forth), and other factors, like whether you share the bed or are a heavier sleeper.
Types of King Size Mattresses
| Standard King | The traditional king-sized mattress is a size up from a queen, measuring 76″ by 80″. |
|---|---|
| California King | Taller people who could use a little extra leg room will fare better on a California king, which measures 72″ by 84″, taking a few inches off the side and adding them to the bottom, instead. |
| Split King | A split king bed, or a dual king, is separated into two twin-sized mattresses that are joined together. This allows for individual customization on each side, which is perfect for couples who have different firmness preferences. |
| Standard King | The traditional king-sized mattress is a size up from a queen, measuring 76″ by 80″. |
King Mattress Construction
Memory foam: Ultra-cushioning and great for pressure relief, the comforting contouring of a memory foam mattress is a great option for those who like to feel like they’re sinking into the bed and sleepers who like a softer mattress.. They do tend to trap body heat, so hot sleepers would be better off with a cooler mattress made from coils or latex.
Innerspring: Constructed with a system of innerspring coils, these mattresses are bouncy and springy. They offer great support and usually sleep cool.
Latex: Known for being hypoallergenic and eco-friendly, latex beds work well for sleepers with allergies. These beds are also great for hot sleepers.
Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses mix and match a number of mattress types, which creates beds that are both supportive and cushioning. The versatility of hybrid beds makes them a good choice for sleepers of all types.
King Mattress Dimensions
Traditional King: 76”x 80”
California King: 72” x 84”
Eastern King: 76” x 80”
Texas King: 80” x 98”
Wyoming King: 84” x 84”
Alaskan King: 108” x 108”
Split King: Two pieces, each 38” x 80”
Split California King: Two pieces, each 36” x 84”
Performance Factors
Set-up: Before you get a new bed, you’ll want to consider what the unboxing process looks like. Is it too heavy to move yourself? Does your purchase come with white glove delivery (in-home setup and old mattress removal)? Because king mattresses are heavier than any other size, it may be worthwhile to splurge on white glove delivery if it’s not already included in your purchase. Lugging a heavy mattress around can be quite the challenge if you don’t have assistance.
Pressure relief: If you have joint issues you may want to pay close attention to beds that boast good pressure relief. Pressure relief helps reduce and relieve tension in areas like your hips, shoulders, and back.
Spine alignment: Maintaining good posture while you rest is an important part of waking up without feeling back pain and aches. Mattresses with good spine alignment work to keep your spine in a natural position.
Durability: Mattresses made with higher-quality materials tend to outlast those that are made with lesser-quality materials.
Motion transfer: Isolating motion is a key factor if you sleep with another person or pet and want to keep disruptions to a minimum. A mattress with good motion transfer helps reduce how much movement you feel when your partner shifts or moves.
Temperature regulation: Those who overheat while sleeping will want to seek out a mattress with good breathability and airflow to keep them cool at night.
Responsiveness: Move around a lot when you are asleep? You need a mattress that will move with you to keep you supported. Bouncier beds like latex and innerspring mattresses are well-suited for this.
Edge support: Do you find yourself sleeping at the edge of your mattress? If so, you’ll need good edge support. This denotes the structural integrity of the mattress, ensuring the outermost edges are able to support your weight and won’t sag.
Price: The cost of a new mattress can vary incredibly, from affordable quality mattresses that can fit any budget to luxury beds that can cost twice as much. Brands such as Casper and Nectar make more budget-friendly mattress options, while Saatva and GhostBed are more expensive and luxurious options. Most beds have available payment plans to help you get the mattress you want without blowing your budget.
Shipping and Delivery: When you buy a mattress online, it’s likely that it will ship and arrive at your doorstep within several business days. One plus of purchasing a “bed-in-a-box” online is that it arrives in a compact box, making it easier to bring it into your home and bedroom. If you would like assistance in your mattress setup, look for white glove delivery that provides the setup for you. This is a great option if you live alone, up a flight of stairs, or do not want to deal with the hassle of setting up and removing mattresses.
FAQ About the Best King Mattress
What are the dimensions of a king-size mattress?
The dimensions of a standard king-size mattress are 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. A king mattress is nearly a perfect square.
What’s the difference between a king mattress vs a queen mattress?
Both king and queen mattresses are 80 inches long, but where a king bed is 76 inches wide, a queen-size mattress is 60 inches wide, giving co-sleepers and couples significantly less space to share.
What’s the difference between a king mattress and a California king?
California king mattresses are narrower and longer than a traditional king mattress, measuring 72 by 84 inches, where a typical king bed measures 76 by 80 inches. A California king is a great choice for tall sleepers, giving you an extra four inches at the bottom rather than on the sides.
How long should a king mattress last?
Typically, a new mattress should last somewhere around 7-10 years, though there are several factors that can change this. The amount of body weight pressing into the bed, as well as the materials the mattress is made of are both elements that can shorten or extend the lifespan of a mattress.
Which mattress type typically lasts the longest?
Latex and hybrid mattresses tend to have the longest lifespans due to the nature of their construction. Latex is highly durable and adds longevity to beds, while hybrid mattresses use a combination of materials and have complex constructions that tend to withstand the test of time more effectively than beds with only innersprings or foam in their construction.
Summary of Our Top Picks for the Best King Mattress
- Best Rated King Size Mattress – Saatva Classic
- Best King Size Mattress for Side Sleepers – Helix Midnight
- Most Comfortable King Size Mattress – WinkBeds Original
- Best Firm King Size Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm
- Best Split King Size Mattress – Nolah Evolution
- Best King Size Mattress for Back Pain – Puffy Original
- Best Luxury Size King Mattress – DreamCloud Premier
- Best Affordable King Size Mattress – Nectar Original
- Best California King Size Mattress – Layla Memory Foam
- Best King Size Mattress for Heavy Person – Titan Plus Luxe