Mattress Sizes
Mattress Size Guide
Buying a too-small mattress is one of the biggest mistakes new bed-buyers make. Couples who've been sleeping on a "double", also known as a full size mattress, since they got married may think they have enough room, until they learn that each person has only as much sleeping space as a baby's crib!
A twin mattress is the smallest possible mattress size, other than a crib-sized mattress. Twin mattress dimensions are approximately 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. Both twin and full sizes are approximately 75 inches long, which may be too short for some adults, especially men.
Recommendations: A twin XL might be a good alternative for those living in tight spaces. The XL offers several inches in length, but remains around 38 inches in width. The XL twin is a popular choice in college dormitories.
Sometimes still called a double mattress, a full size mattress is 53 inches wide, which is just 15 inches wider than a twin size (single). That leaves each partner only 27 inches of personal space, or about the width of a crib. Both twin and full sizes are approximately 75 inches long, which may be too short for some adults, especially men.
Recommendations: A full size bed is only enough space for a single sleeper and only if the person is under 5 feet 5 inches tall. Parents are increasingly choosing full size over twin for teenage bedrooms. Parents are even making this choice for younger children in to give themselves a more comfortable place to rest when reading together at tuck-in time.
Queen mattress dimensions are 60 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long – 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a full size mattress. These added inches can make all the difference in comfort, especially for couples, and have made the queen size mattress today's most popular mattress size. However, with 30 inches of personal space, each adult still has 9 inches less width than if they slept alone in a twin bed.
Recommendations: Queen size is a good choice for guest rooms, smaller master bedrooms and for couples who prefer close quarters. It's also a great choice for single sleepers who are also "sprawlers."
The king size mattress dimensions are 76 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long – about 18 inches wider than a queen. This is the closest a couple can come to having as much personal space (38 inches) as each would have on a twin bed. In fact, two twin extra-long beds pushed together are about the same size, an option that can offer a flexible arrangement for a guest room.
Recommendations: A king size mattress is the best choice for couples that want maximum personal sleeping space. It's also the best bet to accommodate that time on Sunday morning when children may pop into bed – or if the pets in your house have mattress privileges! However, size can be a problem. Even with a "split boxspring" – two twin-size foundations to support it – to make a king set more manageable, it may be too big for some bedrooms or too bulky to navigate through some corridors, doors and stairwells. It's a good idea to break out the tape measure to check your room dimensions if there is any doubt.
For consumers on the west coast, there is also the "California King Mattress" which is approximately 72 inches wide by 84 inches long – 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than a regular king.
Futons are a popular alternative for those who need a sofa by day and a mattress by night. Futon mattresses must be very flexible, so they are typically made of cotton, synthetic fibers and foam in various combinations. The futon mattress is designed to support sitting as well as sleeping.
In general, your baby’s crib mattress should be fairly firm. Soft mattresses and pillowtops seem like a good choice for you parents, but babies need a solid sleep surface since they can't move themselves out of positions where their face sinks into the mattress if they happen to flip over on their tummies. Push down on the mattress and see how much your hand sinks into the mattress. The more resistance, the firmer the mattress. Whether you choose an innerspring or solid foam mattress, just make sure that it’s nice and firm!
Much like a crib mattress, the toddler mattress should also be firm. In general, your little one should stay in their crib until they start to climb out of it—and certainly once your baby reaches 35 inches in height, or is two years old, which ever comes first. Though most parents still purchase standard “twin” sized sleep sets, consider purchasing a full size (double) mattress to allow them freedom of movement while sleeping. Consider using detachable safety rails to discourage climbing, prevent falls and help your toddler feel more secure.
