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A king size mattress can be a worthwhile investment for couples, co-sleepers, and those who simply prefer more space. As the largest standard mattress size, the king mattress often represents the pinnacle of luxury. However, with so many mattress companies today manufacturing king size models, choosing the best one for your needs can be challenging.
We’ll discuss some of the best options currently on the market, including offering insights on how to choose a king size mattress, who king beds are best for, and how to tell the difference between a king and a California king.
The Sleep Doctor's Top Picks
Best Overall
WinkBeds GravityLux
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Firm (7)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,199 – $1,999
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Zoned polyfoam provides targeted support
- Three firmness levels
- Above-average temperature control
Ideal For
- A wide range of sleeper types and body weights
- Hot sleepers who prefer foam beds
- Shoppers interested in multiple firmness levels
The WinkBeds GravityLux is an all-foam mattress available in three distinct firmness levels. With medium soft (4), medium (5), and firm (7) options available, this model will likely be comfortable and supportive for people across a wide range of body types.
The GravityLux begins with a Tencel cover engineered to help the mattress stay cool by wicking away excess heat and moisture. Underneath, there are four foam layers, each targeting a different need. The comfort system includes two types of foam engineered to regulate temperature and relieve pressure buildup. Our testers reported that the top 2-inch layer of gel-infused polyfoam felt plush while also promoting airflow and drawing away heat. A layer of AirCell, a proprietary open-cell memory foam, is designed to reduce heat retention.
A zoned transitional layer helps maintain spinal alignment by increasing support under your lumbar region and midsection while allowing more give beneath pressure-prone areas. The polyfoam support core provides a durable base that prevents sagging and sinkage.
During our tests, we observed that people under 130 pounds, particularly side sleepers, were most comfortable on the soft option. Our back and stomach sleepers, as well as those over 130 pounds, preferred the increased support of the medium and firm models.
WinkBeds ships the GravityLux free within the contiguous U.S. and backs the mattress with a limited lifetime warranty. Customers have up to 120 nights to try the mattress with a mandatory 30-night break-in period.
The WinkBeds GravityLux is a high-quality, all-foam mattress designed to cushion and contour evenly to your body. The three firmness levels make it likely that there’s a comfortable option for just about every body type and sleep position.
The WinkBeds GravityLux is an all-foam mattress available in three distinct firmness levels. With medium soft (4), medium (5), and firm (7) options available, this model will likely be comfortable and supportive for people across a wide range of body types.
The GravityLux begins with a Tencel cover engineered to help the mattress stay cool by wicking away excess heat and moisture. Underneath, there are four foam layers, each targeting a different need. The comfort system includes two types of foam engineered to regulate temperature and relieve pressure buildup. Our testers reported that the top 2-inch layer of gel-infused polyfoam felt plush while also promoting airflow and drawing away heat. A layer of AirCell, a proprietary open-cell memory foam, is designed to reduce heat retention.
A zoned transitional layer helps maintain spinal alignment by increasing support under your lumbar region and midsection while allowing more give beneath pressure-prone areas. The polyfoam support core provides a durable base that prevents sagging and sinkage.
During our tests, we observed that people under 130 pounds, particularly side sleepers, were most comfortable on the soft option. Our back and stomach sleepers, as well as those over 130 pounds, preferred the increased support of the medium and firm models.
WinkBeds ships the GravityLux free within the contiguous U.S. and backs the mattress with a limited lifetime warranty. Customers have up to 120 nights to try the mattress with a mandatory 30-night break-in period.
The WinkBeds GravityLux is a high-quality, all-foam mattress designed to cushion and contour evenly to your body. The three firmness levels make it likely that there’s a comfortable option for just about every body type and sleep position.
“The WinkBeds GravityLux excelled in multiple performance areas, but some of the standout features were the cooling Tencel cover and generous foam layers for surface contouring.”
Best Value
Bear Original
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Firm (7)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $748 – $1,248
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Highlights
- Firmer-than-average feel provides excellent overall support
- Celliant-blend cover designed for any environment
- Foam layers absorb movement and reduce motion transfer for couples
Ideal For
- People who are easily awakened by their partner's movements in bed
- Those who normally find all-foam beds too soft
- Hot sleepers
While foam mattresses are quite popular, a common complaint is that they’re too soft and prone to uncomfortable sinkage. The Bear Original avoids this by having a firm (7) feel and offering even, sturdy support for people who weigh 130 pounds or more. A memory foam comfort layer contours lightly to alleviate pain and pressure points in sensitive areas, but the denser base layers reinforce the sleep surface to keep your body on an even plane — including around the midsection.
A cover made from Celliant-blend fabric encases the mattress. Celliant is engineered to feel cool to the touch, and our tests showed that body heat retention was minimal. The memory foam comfort layer, which is infused with graphite, is also designed to help with temperature regulation. Since the mattress is on the firmer side, we found sinkage to be minimal, leading to better surface airflow.
During our hands-on tests, the Bear Original received favorable ratings from side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds. Motion isolation tests showed little to no transfer when the other person moved on their side of the bed.
The Bear Original’s sticker price is below-average for a memory foam mattress — even in a king size — and shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S. All customers receive a 120-night sleep trial with their purchase. Bear also backs the mattress with a lifetime warranty against structural and workmanship defects.
The Bear Original may be a good fit for you if you enjoy the contouring of memory foam but normally find all-foam mattresses too soft. The cooling Celliant-blend cover also helps cut down on uncomfortable heat retention, another common issue with foam beds.
While foam mattresses are quite popular, a common complaint is that they’re too soft and prone to uncomfortable sinkage. The Bear Original avoids this by having a firm (7) feel and offering even, sturdy support for people who weigh 130 pounds or more. A memory foam comfort layer contours lightly to alleviate pain and pressure points in sensitive areas, but the denser base layers reinforce the sleep surface to keep your body on an even plane — including around the midsection.
A cover made from Celliant-blend fabric encases the mattress. Celliant is engineered to feel cool to the touch, and our tests showed that body heat retention was minimal. The memory foam comfort layer, which is infused with graphite, is also designed to help with temperature regulation. Since the mattress is on the firmer side, we found sinkage to be minimal, leading to better surface airflow.
During our hands-on tests, the Bear Original received favorable ratings from side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds. Motion isolation tests showed little to no transfer when the other person moved on their side of the bed.
The Bear Original’s sticker price is below-average for a memory foam mattress — even in a king size — and shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S. All customers receive a 120-night sleep trial with their purchase. Bear also backs the mattress with a lifetime warranty against structural and workmanship defects.
The Bear Original may be a good fit for you if you enjoy the contouring of memory foam but normally find all-foam mattresses too soft. The cooling Celliant-blend cover also helps cut down on uncomfortable heat retention, another common issue with foam beds.
“We recommend the Bear Original for anyone who enjoys the conforming feel of foam but doesn't like the deep sinkage. The above-average firmness also helps keep heat retention to a minimum compared to other foam models we've tested.”
Most Comfortable
Saatva Latex Hybrid
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Price Range: $1,295 – $2,990
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Hybrid design promotes airflow
- Latex comfort system offers responsive support
- Free White Glove delivery
Ideal For
- Back and stomach sleepers
- Couples
- Those who sleep hot
Saatva is well-known for producing high-quality mattresses, and its Latex Hybrid is no exception. The Saatva Latex Hybrid has excellent support, responsiveness, and temperature control — three characteristics often found in mattresses that include latex. This model’s price-point is higher than other latex hybrids, but its top-notch build, free White Glove delivery service, and eco-friendly materials may be worth the added cost for many sleepers.
The top layer’s organic cotton cover and hand-tufted Euro-top create a plush feel, and a layer of organic wool helps to regulate temperature by wicking away moisture and heat. A 3-inch layer of Talalay latex provides responsive pressure relief and support under the lumbar region, thanks to its five-zone construction. The ventilated latex also generates airflow and increases breathability.
The pocketed coil core helps to promote proper spinal alignment. Each individually wrapped coil moves independently, decreasing the amount of movement that transfers across the bed. A cotton and wool pad makes up the base, keeping the mattress secure.
This medium firm (6) mattress is a suitable choice for most sleeper types and body weights, though the side sleepers under 130 pounds on our testing team found the mattress too firm.
Saatva offers free shipping and White Glove delivery to shoppers in the contiguous U.S. Purchases include a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Those wishing to return their mattress must pay a $99 return fee.
The Saatva Latex Hybrid provides a good balance of cushioning, cooling, and responsiveness. The price-point is higher than other latex models, but some customers will likely find that the free in-home setup and year-long sleep trial are a good trade-off.
Saatva is well-known for producing high-quality mattresses, and its Latex Hybrid is no exception. The Saatva Latex Hybrid has excellent support, responsiveness, and temperature control — three characteristics often found in mattresses that include latex. This model’s price-point is higher than other latex hybrids, but its top-notch build, free White Glove delivery service, and eco-friendly materials may be worth the added cost for many sleepers.
The top layer’s organic cotton cover and hand-tufted Euro-top create a plush feel, and a layer of organic wool helps to regulate temperature by wicking away moisture and heat. A 3-inch layer of Talalay latex provides responsive pressure relief and support under the lumbar region, thanks to its five-zone construction. The ventilated latex also generates airflow and increases breathability.
The pocketed coil core helps to promote proper spinal alignment. Each individually wrapped coil moves independently, decreasing the amount of movement that transfers across the bed. A cotton and wool pad makes up the base, keeping the mattress secure.
This medium firm (6) mattress is a suitable choice for most sleeper types and body weights, though the side sleepers under 130 pounds on our testing team found the mattress too firm.
Saatva offers free shipping and White Glove delivery to shoppers in the contiguous U.S. Purchases include a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Those wishing to return their mattress must pay a $99 return fee.
The Saatva Latex Hybrid provides a good balance of cushioning, cooling, and responsiveness. The price-point is higher than other latex models, but some customers will likely find that the free in-home setup and year-long sleep trial are a good trade-off.
“The Saatva Latex Hybrid checks a lot of boxes when it comes to mattress performance. Our hot sleepers found the bed cool and comfortable, and many testers enjoyed the gentle cushioning and responsiveness.”
Best Luxury
Puffy Royal Hybrid
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,349 – $2,699
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Excellent motion isolation
- Zoned polyfoam offers comfortable, ergonomic support
- Memory foam comfort system provides deep contouring
Ideal For
- Side and back sleepers
- Those who experience pressure points
- Couples
The Puffy Royal Hybrid’s construction offers sleepers the deep contouring of memory foam and the responsiveness of springs. With a medium (5) feel, the mattress is likely to be most comfortable for people who weigh up to 230 pounds.
The Royal Hybrid’s stain-resistant polyester cover encompasses a seven-layer construction. The first layer is a 1.5-inch memory foam layer infused with cooling gel beads, which our testers found provided good temperature regulation. The 1.5-inch layer of memory foam beneath is designed to help relieve pressure and prevent you from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
Next comes two inches of proprietary Climate Comfort polyfoam designed to resist humidity and wick away moisture. This is followed by a 2-inch layer of Cloud Air Technology polyfoam that increases airflow in the mattress. Six inches of pocketed coils form a supportive core and adapt to your body’s unique shape, and dense polyfoam wraps around the perimeter to increase edge support and stabilize the mattress. A thin polyfoam layer forms the base.
Puffy ships the Royal Hybrid for free to shoppers within the contiguous U.S. Customers who return their mattress within the 101-night sleep trial qualify for a full refund. Each mattress comes with a lifetime warranty.
The Puffy Royal Hybrid is softer and more adaptive than many competing hybrid models, making the mattress an appealing option for side and back sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less. The thick foam layers also ensure above-average pressure relief and motion isolation.
The Puffy Royal Hybrid’s construction offers sleepers the deep contouring of memory foam and the responsiveness of springs. With a medium (5) feel, the mattress is likely to be most comfortable for people who weigh up to 230 pounds.
The Royal Hybrid’s stain-resistant polyester cover encompasses a seven-layer construction. The first layer is a 1.5-inch memory foam layer infused with cooling gel beads, which our testers found provided good temperature regulation. The 1.5-inch layer of memory foam beneath is designed to help relieve pressure and prevent you from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
Next comes two inches of proprietary Climate Comfort polyfoam designed to resist humidity and wick away moisture. This is followed by a 2-inch layer of Cloud Air Technology polyfoam that increases airflow in the mattress. Six inches of pocketed coils form a supportive core and adapt to your body’s unique shape, and dense polyfoam wraps around the perimeter to increase edge support and stabilize the mattress. A thin polyfoam layer forms the base.
Puffy ships the Royal Hybrid for free to shoppers within the contiguous U.S. Customers who return their mattress within the 101-night sleep trial qualify for a full refund. Each mattress comes with a lifetime warranty.
The Puffy Royal Hybrid is softer and more adaptive than many competing hybrid models, making the mattress an appealing option for side and back sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less. The thick foam layers also ensure above-average pressure relief and motion isolation.
“The Puffy Royal Hybrid was a hit with the side and back sleepers on our team. The thick memory foam layers really cushioned their hips, shoulders, and spine, which helped keep painful pressure buildup at bay.”
Best for Side Sleepers
Nectar Mattress
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Price Range: $399 – $1,138
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- All-foam construction transfers very little motion
- Gel-infused memory foam contours joints and pressure points
- Cover engineered to regulate temperature
Ideal For
- Couples and co-sleepers
- Value seekers
- Sleepers who run hot
The Nectar Mattress is an all-foam mattress with a medium firm (6) feel. Stellar pressure relief makes it a great option for all side sleepers, as well as those who prefer the hugging sensation of memory foam.
The Nectar’s quilted polyester blend cover includes proprietary technology intended to help the mattress wick moisture away from the sleeper. This is followed by a layer of gel-infused memory foam engineered to reduce heat retention. The memory foam also effectively relieves pressure points by evenly contouring to your body.
Our testers reported that the 2-inch polyfoam transitional layer below offered support and responsiveness while still preventing them from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
The base layer consists of 7 inches of polyfoam that provide the upper layers with a durable platform while also limiting sinkage and sagging.
Our tests showed that, in addition to pressure relief, the Nectar Mattress also excels at motion isolation. You’re less likely to wake a partner since the foam absorbs movement instead of transferring it across the surface.
Nectar offers shoppers a generous 365-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty. Customers in the contiguous U.S. receive free shipping.
The Nectar Mattress offers the excellent pressure relief and motion isolation of a memory foam bed while also sleeping relatively cool. Affordable pricing and a 365-night trial period should further incentivize value seekers.
The Nectar Mattress is an all-foam mattress with a medium firm (6) feel. Stellar pressure relief makes it a great option for all side sleepers, as well as those who prefer the hugging sensation of memory foam.
The Nectar’s quilted polyester blend cover includes proprietary technology intended to help the mattress wick moisture away from the sleeper. This is followed by a layer of gel-infused memory foam engineered to reduce heat retention. The memory foam also effectively relieves pressure points by evenly contouring to your body.
Our testers reported that the 2-inch polyfoam transitional layer below offered support and responsiveness while still preventing them from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
The base layer consists of 7 inches of polyfoam that provide the upper layers with a durable platform while also limiting sinkage and sagging.
Our tests showed that, in addition to pressure relief, the Nectar Mattress also excels at motion isolation. You’re less likely to wake a partner since the foam absorbs movement instead of transferring it across the surface.
Nectar offers shoppers a generous 365-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty. Customers in the contiguous U.S. receive free shipping.
The Nectar Mattress offers the excellent pressure relief and motion isolation of a memory foam bed while also sleeping relatively cool. Affordable pricing and a 365-night trial period should further incentivize value seekers.
“Our tests showed the Nectar Mattress excelled at motion isolation, so we recommend it for co-sleepers who wake each other up with movement at night.”
Why You Should Trust Us
With the amount of king size mattresses currently available for purchase, finding the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. Our team has spent years personally testing and reviewing mattresses and other sleep products. Our testers include people with different body types, preferences, and sleeping habits so that we can provide accurate information to our readers based on firsthand experience.
We put each mattress through a rigorous set of tests to evaluate performance metrics like support and durability. Our team also uses body-mapping technology and thermal imaging to measure pressure buildup and heat retention. We regularly update our top picks to reflect the current market’s best mattresses.
Who Is a King Mattress Best For?
While many people may want to sleep like royalty, a king size mattress isn’t necessarily the right fit for all sleepers.
King size mattresses are the largest of all standard mattress sizes in terms of total surface area. As a result, these models cost more and require additional floor space. They may also appeal to some types of sleepers more than others.
- Single adults: A king size mattress is a great option for many single adults. Whether you want the extra space because you need more room, are taller than average, or simply crave a luxurious bedroom, a king size bed can help you achieve peak comfort.
- Couples: King size mattresses may be the gold standard for couples. A mattress with more surface area allows couples plenty of room. It can also be helpful for active sleepers, since the extra space means you’re less likely to disturb your partner when you move around.
- People with kids or pets: Kids and pets take up a fair amount of room in a bed. A king size bed can go a long way in keeping the peace when co-sleeping.
King Mattress Pros & Cons | |
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Pros | Cons |
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What Is the Difference Between a King and a California King?
Though kings and California kings actually have the same total surface area, their dimensions differ. A standard king measures 76 inches in width by 80 inches in length, while a California king measures 72 inches in width by 84 inches in length. California kings are 4 inches narrower than standard kings but have an extra 4 inches in length.
Deciding between a king and California king comes down to whether you prioritize width or length. Tall sleepers may want to opt for a California king for the extra leg room, while couples may prefer the square look and added width of a standard king.
King vs. California King | |
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Sleeping Space | Though they have similar surface areas, California kings have more space lengthwise, while kings have more widthwise. |
Availability of Accessories | Both king and California king mattresses and accessories are widely available. There may, however, be fewer options for California king linens. |
Price | Typically, king and California king mattresses are similar if not identical in price. |
Mattress Weight | Because their total dimensions are nearly the same, weights between the two sizes rarely differ too much. |
What You Should Know About Buying a King Mattress
Before you hit the checkout button, make sure you’ve considered whether a king size mattress is a good fit for your lifestyle, home, and budget.
Doorways, Hallways, and Room Size
First, ensure you have enough square footage in your bedroom to accommodate a king size mattress. After measuring your floorspace, check that a king size mattress can fit through your doorway or hallway. You can bring a mattress in a box into a tight space when it’s compressed, but you may not be able to move it after it has expanded.
Mattress Weight, Mattress Type, and Movability
A king size mattress is significantly heavier than a queen in most cases. King size mattresses can easily weigh over 100 pounds, with some models nearing 200 pounds. You may need up to four people to move extremely heavy latex mattresses, which can be unwieldy.
Bed Frame Sizing
If you prefer a modern, streamlined look, you may be able to use a bed frame that’s only slightly bigger than their mattress, cutting down on how much total floorspace you need. However, if you want storage, a headboard, or a footboard, you’ll want to consider how much extra space you can afford for your bed frame.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Lead Product Tester
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- Position: Side Sleeper
- Temperature: Hot Sleeper
- Chronotype: Lion
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