Know your mattress dimensions before you start shopping for sheets and bedding. A good mattress is incredibly important for better sleep quality, ensuring you have enough room to make your bed each morning and eliminating visual cramping, as well as keeping doors and drawers from banging into the mattress or frame.
Your height and sleep position also determine how much space you need. For example, back and stomach sleepers need legroom to fully stretch out.
Length
Mattress size isn’t just a matter of comfort, it also impacts the practicality of your bedroom. From a twin-sized bed to a California king, the various mattress sizes can make a big difference in both your sleep and your room’s dimensions. However, choosing the right mattress size isn’t always an easy choice. There are many factors that come into play, such as the number of people using the mattress, the size of your bedroom and the stairways that connect it to your home.
Measuring your mattress is essential to ensure you get the right fit. Incorrect measurements can cause your mattress to be too small or too large for the space, and this can be a major inconvenience. You should measure the length, width and height of your mattress before purchasing a new one or switching to another size.
To find the length of your mattress, use a tape measure to go around its perimeter from head to foot. Then, write down the measurement from the end of the tape. For the width, hold the tape measure on the edge of your mattress and drag it to the opposite side until you reach the other end. If your mattress has a beading on its edges, you should also take this into account.
The dimensions of your mattress will affect how you and your partner sleep together, and how much room you have to move throughout the night. The best mattress size for couples is a queen or king, as these are wide enough to accommodate two adults comfortably. However, if you share your mattress with a child or pet, a twin or twin XL may be a better option for your sleeping needs. The smaller sizes are also ideal for apartment dwellers, since they’re easier to maneuver up and down narrow stairways.
Width
As with length, mattress width is another important aspect of the bed you’re buying. It determines how much personal space you have while sleeping and affects the comfort of your sleep. A larger mattress will leave more room between the edges than a smaller one, which can be beneficial for people who sleep mainly on their side or back. It also means that there’s more space for people to sit up in bed or reach out and grab a pillow from the far edge of the mattress without hitting the frame or footboard of their headboard.
The width of your mattress is determined by stripping it of its sheets and protector, and using a tape measure to find out its width. Position the end of the tape at one extreme edge of your mattress and extend it to the other extreme edge. This gives you the widest area of your mattress. If you’re considering a twin, it’s usually 39 inches wide while the narrower version is 36 inches. A full is 53.5 inches wide and is the most popular choice for adults. It’s also the size you’ll find in many college dorm beds and used for adjustable base models.
A queen is around 60 by 80 inches, making it a good option for most individuals. It’s also a great size for couples and people who share the same bed with kids or pets. A king is roughly 79 by 76 inches and is the best fit for taller individuals. A California king, which is 4 inches longer than standard king mattresses, is also available and is great for those who like to sprawl out while they’re sleeping.
Of course, the final decision on the right mattress size will come down to your bedroom’s dimensions and how large or small of a mattress you want in there. Ideally, you want at least 2 feet of clearance on both sides and the foot of your mattress to eliminate visual cramping and make it easier to get in and out of bed each morning. This clearance also allows for more room for storage underneath your mattress and keeps doors and drawers from slamming into the bed when opened.
Height
There’s nothing quite like the surreal feeling of sinking into a plush mattress after a long day. However, the mattress you choose should fit your personal comfort preferences and match the size of your bedroom. Choosing the right mattress dimensions can make all the difference between a good night’s rest and restless nights.
One of the most important mattress dimensions is height. This is especially true for individuals who suffer from certain health concerns. Sleep specialist Valerie Cacho, MD, explained that individuals who experience symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS) often need a higher bed to help reduce the sensation of their legs kicking up and down while they’re sleeping.
Choosing the right mattress height is also important for anyone who enjoys moving around during their sleep. Those who prefer to roll over frequently in their sleep or change positions during the night may find that a mattress that’s too short can lead to them bumping into their partners or falling off of the bed altogether. Alternatively, a mattress that’s too high can cause back pain and irritability.
In terms of determining the right mattress height, it’s generally recommended that you buy a mattress that is six inches longer than your tallest partner to account for pillow space. This will ensure that you have enough room to sit up in bed, read a book or relax with your partner without being cramped or straining yourself.
Once you have the length and width of your mattress, the next step is to measure its thickness. To do this, simply attach your measuring tape to the bottom of your mattress and drag it upwards until you reach the top of your mattress. Afterward, write down the measurement to identify the mattress thickness.
While many people think that the thickness of a mattress is purely a matter of preference, it’s also a vitally important factor to consider. A mattress that’s too thin can wear out quickly and cause back strain, while a mattress that’s too thick might feel overly bulky and uncomfortable. The ideal mattress thickness varies from person to person, but most good quality mattresses range between 10 and 14 inches in height.
Thickness
When it comes to mattress size, most people focus on the length and width measurements. However, the thickness of a mattress also plays a key role in its comfort. Generally, thicker mattresses provide more support and are more durable than thinner ones. The right mattress thickness for you depends on your sleep needs and preferences, body weight, health concerns, and bed base and bedroom type.
For example, people who are light in build may find a thin mattress to be too firm and uncomfortable. Conversely, a person who weighs more than 250 pounds will likely need a thicker mattress to prevent the sagging that can occur with thinner mattresses.
The average mattress thickness is between 8 and 12 inches. Thinner mattresses are often easier to maneuver than thicker options, which can make them a good choice for those who share a mattress with a partner or live in cramped spaces. Additionally, thinner mattresses tend to be less expensive than thicker options.
On the other hand, thicker mattresses can be more difficult to move and may require a bigger space in your bedroom. They can also be heavier and more expensive than thin mattresses.
When determining the thickness of your mattress, consider your sleep position and whether or not you plan to share the mattress with a partner. If you’re a light sleeper, you might prefer a thinner mattress to avoid disturbing your partner while you’re sleeping. Alternatively, you might prefer a thicker mattress to prevent rolling over in your sleep or to alleviate back pain.
If you plan to share the mattress with a heavyweight partner, you’ll want a thicker mattress to ensure that the mattress will hold up over time. A thicker mattress will also help to alleviate pressure points and improve your posture while you’re asleep.
The standard mattress sizes in the US are twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. Typically, smaller mattresses such as the twin and twin XL are used for single sleepers while larger sizes such as the king and California king can accommodate couples or any children or pets who might share the bed. The length and width dimensions of each mattress size are standardized, making it easy to compare mattresses when shopping. However, the thickness of each mattress can vary depending on manufacturer and model.
