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Best King Size Mattress (2024): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Best King Size Mattress (2024): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Mattress Guides
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A good night’s rest starts with a mattress that’s comfortable and supportive. A king size mattress can take your bedroom from basic to luxurious. King mattresses offer the same comfort and durability of smaller mattresses only on a grander scale.

We’ve picked five of the best king size mattresses on the market. These models have the quality and comfort to improve your sleep better for years to come. We’ve also included a mattress shopping guide to help you through the purchasing process.

Best King Size Mattresses: 30 Second Summary

  • Amerisleep AS3: Breathable plant-based foam with an underlying layer for targeted support make this an eco-friendly choice for shoppers. The medium feel is suited for most sleeping styles.
  • Zoma Mattress: The cooling gel foam that tops the mattress promotes undisturbed sleep. The second layer of Reactiv™ buoys the sleeper, limiting unnecessary sinkage.

Best King Size Mattresses

Best King Size Mattress for Side Sleepers
Zoma Mattress CHECK PRICES
Best King Size Gel Memory Foam Mattress
GhostBed Luxe CHECK PRICES
Best King Size Innerspring Mattress
Saatva Classic CHECK PRICES
Best Memory Foam Alternative King Size Mattress
Purple Hybrid CHECK PRICES

Best King Size Mattress Overall: Amerisleep AS3

  • Price Range:

    See Price

  • Mattress Type:

    Memory Foam

  • Thickness:

    12 Inches

  • Firmness:

    5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)

  • Warranty:

    20 Years

  • Sleep Trial:

    100 Nights

Mattress Highlights
  • Bouncy plant-based foam
  • Added cushion in shoulder and hip areas
  • Focused support under back, feet, and head areas
Recommended For
  • Couples with similar or conflicting sleep styles
  • Side, back, and combination sleepers
  • Hot sleepers seeking a large king size mattress

Amerisleep’s AS3 continues to be Amerisleep’s best seller and with good reason. This medium-feel model balances cushioning with excellent support. On this mattress, sleepers will find themselves cradled in premium foams and materials that are built to last.

The AS3’s cover is made of a soft and breathable fabric. It covers a Bio-Pur® comfort layer that gently contours to the body, filling the curves of the back or side. Bio-Pur® has an advanced open-cell structure that allows air to circulate through it, giving you a cooler sleep experience.

The second layer provides zoned support with HIVE® technology (Harnessing Intelligent Ventilation & Energy). Hexagonal cutouts in this layer are arranged to provide more support at the head, lower back, and knees and lighter support at the shoulders and hips. This layer promotes better spinal alignment, which can reduce aches and pains. The cutouts also wick away heat.

Finally, there’s the support layer made of Bio-Core®, a high-density foam that redistributes weight evenly across the mattress and adds durability.

Amerisleep provides a 100-day sleep trial and a 20-year warranty that covers indentations over three-quarters of an inch.

AMERISLEEP AS3

  • High-quality foams designed for durability
  • Balance of cushioning and support that relieves pressure and maintains a neutral spine
  • Breathability of Bio-Pur® and HIVE® layers prevent heat build-up

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Best King Size Mattress for Side Sleepers: Zoma Mattress

  • Price Range:

    See Price

  • Mattress Type:

    Memory Foam

  • Thickness:

    11 Inches

  • Firmness:

    5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)

  • Warranty:

    10 Years

  • Sleep Trial:

    100 Nights

Mattress Highlights
  • Cutouts increase the gel memory foam's flexibility
  • Responsive Reactiv™ layer limits "stuck" feeling
  • Study foam layer for greater mattress durability
Recommended For
  • Hot sleepers
  • Side, back and combination sleepers
  • People of all activity levels, not just athletes

The Zoma Mattress was designed for the needs of the active, athletic lifestyle. Its cover and layers support healing and relieve pressure for those who like to test their body’s limits. This medium-feel mattress is made of CertiPUR-US® certified foams, which means they’re free of harmful chemicals and ozone depleters.

The Zoma mattress is covered in an elastane/polyester cover with a mesh-like feel that allows air to circulate and heat to move away from the sleeper. The comfort layer combines Triangulex™ zoned support with gel memory foam. Triangular cutouts at the head and feet provide cushioning under the shoulders and legs and firmer support for the lower back. The cutouts also create more space for better airflow. Simultaneously, the gel absorbs heat while the memory foam cradles the body for a snug feel.

A Reactiv™ transition layer has a latex-like responsiveness that increases the responsiveness of the gel memory foam layer above it. The Zoma’s seven-inch, high-density support layer provides support while further cushioning the body. The combination of zoned support and cooling foams work well for side sleepers and sleepers who like to sink into the mattress.

The Zoma Mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty with coverage for indentations over three-quarters of an inch.

ZOMA MATTRESS

  • Zoned support and breathability of Triangulex™ keep the spine aligned and the body cool
  • Responsiveness of the Reactiv™ layer keeps sleepers comfortable as they move
  • Medium feel allows the sleeper to sink into the mattress for better pressure relief

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Best King Size Value Mattress: Vaya Mattress

  • Price Range:

    See Price

  • Mattress Type:

    Foam

  • Thickness:

    12 Inches

  • Firmness:

    5 to 6 out of 10 (Medium)

  • Warranty:

    10 Years

  • Sleep Trial:

    100 Nights

Mattress Highlights
  • Vaya Comfort Foam suits all sleep positions
  • Airy fabric cover stays cool and dry for sleepers
  • Sturdy base foam keeps the bed standing strong
Recommended For
  • Side, back, and stomach sleepers
  • Couples of all sleep styles
  • Hot sleepers seeking a roomy mattress

If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, you can’t go wrong with the affordable Vaya Mattress. Sold by Vaya Sleep, the Vaya costs only $799 for a king. Plus, it’s designed to suit the majority of sleepers.

We like the Vaya Mattress because it’s designed with medium firmness and comfortable enough to suit side, back, and combination sleeping alike. It’s even a fit for sleepers over 230 pounds because it contains responsive foams.

The Vaya Mattress contains pressure-relieving, airy, lightweight Vaya foam in the comfort layer, and a sturdy base foam in the core layer. It’s also backed by a 10-year warranty protecting you from sags and indentations.

The Vaya Mattress is sold online-only and comes with a 100-night sleep trial.

VAYA MATTRESS

  • Offers universal comfort
  • Budget-friendly
  • Breathable and cooling

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Best King Size Hybrid Mattress: Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid

  • Price Range:

    See Price

  • Mattress Type:

    Hybrid

  • Thickness:

    14 Inches

  • Firmness:

    3 out of 10 (Soft)

  • Warranty:

    20 Years

  • Sleep Trial:

    100 Nights

Mattress Highlights
  • Soft, conforming foam top layer of plant-based foam
  • Buoyant transition foam for increased comfort
  • Conforming, reactive pocketed coils
Recommended For
  • Plus-size and petite sleepers
  • Side, select back, and combination sleepers
  • Shoppers seeking a king size luxury mattress

We talked about the Amerisleep brand a bit earlier, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention their highly-popular AS5 Hybrid, a relatively new addition to their mattress lineup.

Amerisleep offers hybrid counterparts for their AS2, AS3, and AS5 models, and we love their AS5 model because it offers an unbeatable combination of soft, cushioning comfort and bouncy, responsive support. It’s a great soft mattress for side, back, and combination sleepers, and it’s also a great solution for plus-size sleepers seeking a softer bed.

The AS5 Hybrid contains sleep-promoting Bio-Pur® to alleviate pressure and prevent night sweats. What the AS5 Hybrid has that other Amerisleep mattresses don’t is Active Flex—a latex-like layer for added compression and responsiveness. Active Flex offers extra cushion for the shoulders and hips while keeping you lifted in a healthy position.

Below the two layers of foam is this bed’s zoned pocketed coil system, designed to deliver targeted support and minimize motion transfer. These coils allow for more give under the shoulders and hips to relieve pressure. On the other hand, these coils are firmer under the head, torso, and feet to facilitate better alignment. At the very base of the bed is a thin foam layer for added structural support.

We also like the AS5 Hybrid because it has pretty great edge support, so you won’t have to worry about sliding off the sides of the bed. Amerisleep offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty with their AS5, too.

AMERISLEEP AS5 HYBRID

  • Cushioning yet bouncy
  • Comfortable for side, back, and combo sleepers
  • Reinforced edge support and responsive coils promote comfortable sleep for heavy sleepers

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Best King Size Gel Memory Foam Mattress: GhostBed Luxe

  • Price Range:

    See Price

  • Mattress Type:

    Memory Foam

  • Thickness:

    13 Inches

  • Firmness:

    4 to 5 out of 10 (Medium-Plush)

  • Warranty:

    25 Years

  • Sleep Trial:

    101 Nights

Mattress Highlights
  • Fibers, gel foam, and Ghost Ice material for coolness
  • Transition layer of Ghost Bounce for buoyancy
  • Cool-to-the-touch, plush Ghost Ice fabric
Recommended For
  • Hot sleepers
  • Side sleepers
  • Couples

Gel memory foam mattresses are one of the better ways to sleep cool, and it’s difficult to think of a more effective gel memory foam mattress than the GhostBed Luxe. It contains other cooling technologies than just gel memory foam to promote a cool-to-the-touch surface that lasts throughout the night. The bed has a medium-plush feel excellent for side sleepers.

The 13-inch mattress has five foam layers topped with an inch of cooling fiber meant to increase airflow, all wrapped in a Ghost Ice cover fabric. The fabric cover contains phase change technology that reacts to body heat for consistent coolness.

The first foam layer is an inch of gel memory foam, hugging the body for cool pressure relief. The second foam layer is Ghost Ice, a material that’s designed to help the mattress stay cool to its core.

The third foam is another layer of gel memory foam, this one 3 inches thick. This is the final comfort layer and provides compressive pressure relief while dispersing heat.

Next is the transition layer, a material called Ghost Bounce. This foam is designed to combine properties of memory foam and latex, letting it respond to movements while still supporting the body. The fifth layer is 7.5 inches of high-density foam to promote support and mattress durability.

The GhostBed Luxe comes with a 101-night sleep trial and a 25-year warranty.

GHOSTBED LUXE

  • Gel memory foam layers with exclusive Ghost Ice material
  • Ghost Ice fabric cover with cooling, airy fibers
  • Responsive transition foam and dense core foam

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Best King Size Innerspring Mattress: Saatva Classic

  • Price Range:

    See Price

  • Mattress Type:

    Innerspring

  • Thickness:

    11.5 or 14.5 Inches

  • Firmness:

    3 (Plush Soft), 5 to 7 (Luxury Firm), or 8 (Firm) out of 10

  • Warranty:

    15 Years

  • Sleep Trial:

    180 Nights

Mattress Highlights
  • Two coil layers for bouncy comfort
  • Thick Euro top with a cool cotton cover
  • Included white glove delivery for easy set-up
Recommended For
  • Couples seeking split king size mattresses
  • All ranges of sleeping styles
  • Hot sleepers

When it comes to king size mattresses, it’s hard to beat the Saatva Classic’s selection. The mattress comes in a traditional king size, along with split king, California king, and split California king.

Saatva offers its classic mattress in three firmnesses to suit different kinds of sleepers—plush soft, luxury firm, and firm. The luxury firm option is the most popular choice.

The Saatva Classic mattress possesses a 3-inch Euro top on top of pocketed coils, establishing the bed’s comfort layers. Organic, breathable cotton covers the surface, promoting a cool, dry sleep experience.

The Classic’s main support comes from a layer of tempered steels coils that resists sagging. Sandwiched between these coils and the upper pocketed coils is a layer of high-density memory foam to improve back support and pressure relief.

High-density foam rings around the mattress’s perimeter, providing durable edge support.

The Saatva Classic mattress includes a 180-night sleep trial and a 15-year limited warranty. However, the sleep trial isn’t risk-free, as Saatva charges a $99 return fee. Some shoppers might prefer a shorter trial period that offers free returns.

The Classic mattress also includes free white glove delivery, where the delivery team not only sets up your new mattress but hauls away the old one.

SAATVA CLASSIC

  • Four king size options
  • Three mattress firmnesses—soft, luxury firm, firm
  • 180-night sleep trial with $99 restocking fee

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Best King Size Latex Mattress: Nest Bedding Natural Hybrid Latex Mattress

  • Price Range:

    See Price

  • Mattress Type:

    Latex

  • Thickness:

    12.5 Inches

  • Firmness:

    3 (Plush), 4 to 5 (Medium), 7 to 8 (Firm) out of 10

  • Warranty:

    Lifetime

  • Sleep Trial:

    100 Nights

Mattress Highlights
  • Elastic cotton and wool fabric cover
  • Natural Dunlop latex foam for pressure relief
  • CertiPUR-US® and OEKO-TEX® certified materials
Recommended For
  • All sleeping styles
  • Hot sleepers seeking a natural mattress
  • Allergy-sensitive sleepers

If you’re looking for a durable, responsive mattress, you need to look no further than Nest Bedding’s Natural Hybrid Latex Mattress. The natural latex used in the comfort layer is OEKO-TEX® certified, which means it’s been tested by an independent organization and found free of substances that are harmful to human health. Nest Bedding’s non-latex foams are CertiPUR-US® certified, so they, too, are free of harmful substances like ozone depleters, chemicals, and heavy metals.

The Natural Hybrid Latex Mattress starts with an organic cotton and wool stretch knit cover quilted to 1.5 inches of Flex Quilting Foam. This thick cushioning layer covers a three-inch layer of Dunlop latex. The latex contours to the sleeper’s body. Dunlop latex has a denser feel than other types of latex, but it’s incredibly durable and quickly responds to movement.

A 1.5-inch layer of comfort foam further cushions the sleeper and protects the upper foam layers from the six-inch pocketed coils of the support core. These coils flex at high-pressure points and reduce motion transfer. Overall, this eco-friendly mattress provides support that works for back, side, and combo sleepers.

Nest Bedding provides a 100-day sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty that includes coverage for indentations over one inch.

NEST BEDDING NATURAL HYBRID LATEX MATTRESS

  • Firm but responsive Dunlop latex contours to the body and relieves pressure
  • Natural latex’s inherent durability makes this mattress an investment that will last
  • Targeted pressure relief from the pocketed coils prevents aches and pains

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Best Cooling King Size Mattress: Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid

  • Price Range:

    See Price

  • Mattress Type:

    Hybrid

  • Thickness:

    13 Inches

  • Firmness:

    2 to 4 (Soft), 4 to 6 (Medium), or 6 to 8 (Firm) out of 10

  • Warranty:

    10 Years

  • Sleep Trial:

    120 Nights

Mattress Highlights
  • Multiple layers of cooling materials
  • Copper-infused memory foam
  • Pressure-relieving pocketed coils
Recommended For
  • Hot sleepers
  • All sleeping styles
  • Different body types

Do you live in a warm climate or tend to run a little hot? The Aurora Hybrid from Brooklyn Bedding might be the mattress for you, as it’s equipped with numerous cooling features. The hybrid also comes in three firmnesses to better suit all sleeping styles.

The mattress surface is infused with phase change molecules known as TitanCool™. The cooling gel beads that make up TitanCool™ turn to liquid at higher temperatures for more relief, while the beads remain solid at lower temperatures.

The top layer of the Aurora Hybrid is 1.5 inches of exclusive CopperFlex™ foam. CopperFlex™ is an inexpensive alternative to latex foam. The conductive copper gel infusion wicks away heat and keeps harmful bacteria from settling in the mattress.

Next is 2 inches of TitanFlex™ foam with an elastic, cloud-like comfort. The foam adapts to movements, ensuring you’re supported even if you change position. The third layer is an inch of Swirl Visco-Elastic Memory Foam for deeper compression and contouring.

The support core is a combination of 8 inches of pocketed Ascension X® coils and an inch of high-density base foam. The Ascension X® coils relieve pressure while minimizing motion transfer.

The Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid comes with a 120-night risk-free trial and a 10-year warranty.

Brooklyn Aurora Hybrid

  • Cover with infused TitanCool™ phase change molecules
  • Responsive, cooling CopperFlex™ and TitanFlex™ foam
  • Thick base of Ascension X® coils, each individually wrapped

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Best Memory Foam Alternative King Size Mattress: Purple® Hybrid

  • Price Range:

    See Price

  • Mattress Type:

    Foam

  • Thickness:

    11 Inches

  • Firmness:

    N/A, designed to adapt with sleep styles

  • Warranty:

    10 Years

  • Sleep Trial:

    100 Nights

Mattress Highlights
  • Purple Grid™ adjusts to changes in positions
  • Responsive pocketed coils for reactive support
  • Stiff foam perimeter for edge support
Recommended For
  • Different sleep styles
  • Hot sleepers
  • Sleepers who like to feel on top of the mattress

The Purple® Hybrid has Purple’s® Purple Grid™ technology, giving it a unique feel and incredible breathability. Side and combo sleepers who like a cool, responsive mattress will probably love the Purple® Hybrid.

This mattress starts with two inches of Purple®’s hyper-elastic polymer grid called the Smart Comfort Grid™. The grid adapts to the shape of the sleeper while leaving columns of open space for air to pass through. It’s protected from the coil support system by a thin, one-inch poly-foam layer. The squares that make up the grid also double as air channels.

The entirety of the mattress’s support is a layer of 7.5-inch pocketed coils. Each individually wrapped coil flexes independently of the surrounding coils, which relieves pressure and improves motion isolation. A firm foam edge surrounds the coils to give the mattress better edge support.

Purple® mattresses come with a 100-day sleep trial, which includes a required 21-day break-in period. Their 10-year warranty includes coverage for indentations over one inch.

PURPLE® HYBRID

  • Pressure relief and breathability of the Smart Comfort Grid™
  • Quick response to movement prevents sleepers from feeling stuck
  • Added pressure relief from pocketed coils

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Comparing King Mattresses to Other Large Mattress Sizes

King size mattresses aren’t the only large mattress worth considering. When it comes to mattress sizes, there’s the queen size, the California king size, the split king size, and other nonstandard sizes.

King vs California King Size Mattresses

Many companies don’t just offer a king mattress but also a California king size mattress. What is the difference between a California king and king mattress? Well, California king size mattresses are 4 inches longer and narrower than a traditional king mattress. They have the same perimeter as a king bed and a marginally smaller surface area.

A California king mattress isn’t inherently better than a standard king mattress. However, taller sleepers often prefer the dimensions of a Cal king mattress.

One final note—a California king mattress is sometimes referred to as a Western king, with a traditional king, in turn, called an Eastern king mattress.

King vs Split King Size Mattresses

Many partners disagree on the perfect mattress firmness, particularly if they prefer different sleep positions. For many, the solution is simple—buy a medium to medium-firm mattress that suits most sleeping styles. However, those who don’t want to compromise on comfort but still wish to share a bed might want to try a split king size mattress.

A king mattress and split king mattress technically have the same dimensions. However, as the name suggests, a split king mattress is divided in half. Essentially, a split king is two twin XL size mattresses pushed together, and each twin XL mattress can be customized with a different firmness.

Split king mattresses also pair well with adjustable bed frames. A traditional king mattress must move as one piece on an adjustable base, so couples have to agree completely on an elevation. However, if one partner prefers to sleep flat while the other wants to raise their upper body, a split king mattress lets them set up each half in a different position.

Some mattress companies also carry a split California king size mattress, though this is less common than a traditional king mattress divided in half.

King vs Queen Size Mattresses

While many couples find king mattresses are the pinnacle of comfort, others might prefer a queen size mattress. King mattresses have the advantage when it comes to personal space, but not when it comes to bargain-friendly prices. The smaller queen mattress is easier for many to afford on a budget.

Many bedrooms also aren’t large enough to accommodate both a king size mattress and dressers, nightstands, and other essential bedroom furniture. Queen mattresses do a better job of leaving room space for other necessities.

Other King Mattress Sizes

For some sleepers, a standard king mattress just isn’t large enough. Such people might want to consider an oversized mattress such as an Alaskan king, Texas king, or Wyoming king mattress. Each size is several inches wider and longer than a traditional king.

Oversized Mattress NameDimension
Super king/Grand king/Athletic king/Texas king80 inches by 98 inches
Wyoming king84 inches by 84 inches
Alberta king96 inches by 96 inches
Alaskan king108 inches by 108 inches

The drawback of these mattresses is that they’re not offered by most mattress companies. Often, you have to special order one from a mattress manufacturer.

King Size Mattress Types to Consider

While there are hundreds of mattress models on the market, they all fall into four broad types. We’ll give you a brief intro to each type and the kind of sleeper that usually finds it comfortable.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam’s ability to conform, mold, and contour with heat and pressure make it an ideal mattress material. Under the heat and pressure of a sleeper’s body, memory foam mattresses fill every curve, stretching to relieve pressure at high-pressure points and supporting the lower back, neck, and knees. Once the pressure and heat are removed, the memory foam slowly returns to its original shape. That allows it to continue conforming as the sleeper moves.

Memory foam can be made in low, medium, and high densities. Low-density memory foams have a quicker response to movement. And, because they have less foam per square foot, they’re also more breathable. Low-density memory foams are inexpensive to make, so they’re often found in inexpensive mattresses. However, their low-density also means they wear out sooner than medium or high-density memory foams.

High-density memory foams put more foam in direct contact with the body. On one hand, that means greater contouring and conforming to the sleeper. On the other hand, that means there’s less space for heat and air to escape, which often, but not always, makes high-density memory foams less breathable.

The density of memory foam is not the same thing as firmness. A high-density foam may be relatively soft, while a low-density foam may be fairly firm. Manufacturers often mix high, medium, and low-density foams in their mattresses to achieve a particular feel.

Of the three sleep positions, it’s the side sleepers who tend to benefit the most from memory foam. Memory foam’s pressure-relieving qualities allow it to cradle and contour to the shoulders, lower back, and hips.

Memory foam that cushions the shoulders while supporting the curve of the lower back can also be comfortable for back sleepers. Combo sleepers often need a responsive memory foam mattress to prevent them from feeling stuck in the imprint of their own body.

Stomach sleepers need to be careful on memory foam because their hips may sink down too far, putting painful pressure on the lower back. They should look for a firm memory foam mattress with good support through the hips and lower back to prevent sinkage.

Memory foam does have some downsides. First, it traps heat. Some manufacturers mix gel, copper, graphite, and charcoal with the memory foam to absorb and move heat out of the mattress. Other brands adjust the cell structure of the foam to create larger than average cells that let more air circulate through each layer. Some manufacturers add grooves, cuts, or channels in the memory foam for better air circulation.

The second potential problem of memory foam is slow responsiveness. Memory foam slowly bounces back to its original shape. That slow response to movement may leave some sleepers feeling stuck in their own body impression. Some manufacturers have developed high-density memory foams with better responsiveness. Other manufacturers layer poly-foam or latex underneath the memory foam to enhance the responsiveness of the top layers.

Latex Mattresses

Latex has a bouncy, springy feel in comparison to memory foam, yet it contours and cushions the body much in the same way. Mattresses may contain natural, synthetic, or blended latex.

Natural latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree. After harvesting, it’s made into either Dunlop or Talalay latex. Dunlop latex’s dense, firm feel works well in the support layers of a mattress. However, it’s sometimes used in comfort and transition layers, too. Talalay latex has a lighter, springier feel than Dunlop, which means it’s almost exclusively used in the comfort and transition layers of mattresses.

Synthetic latex is made from petrochemicals. It’s less expensive to make than natural latex but has a shorter lifespan. Blended latex is a mix of natural and synthetic latex. The ratio of natural to synthetic latex varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Keep in mind that the higher the content of natural latex, the better the durability.

Latex mattresses contour to the curves of the body without necessarily filling them the way memory foam does. It’s excellent at relieving pressure and reducing motion transfer even though it has a springy feel. Latex bounces back into its original shape quickly, an appealing feature for combo and side sleepers. It’s also a great material for side and back sleepers. Stomach sleepers will need a firm latex mattress to reduce pressure in the lower back.

Like memory foam, latex traps heat. It should be made with aeration channels to allow heat and air to circulate. It’s also one of the most expensive materials used to make mattresses, especially natural latex. However, many manufacturers combine latex with memory foam or poly-foam to offset the cost.  In that case, the sleeper gets some of the benefits of latex without the heavy price tag.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses have a coil support system with a quilted cover for cushioning. The coil type—Bonnell, offset, continuous, or pocketed coils—affects the feel and durability of the mattress.

Bonnell coils are traditional hour-glass shaped coils with a rounded head. They’re inexpensive but wear out quickly. Offset coils have the same shape as Bonnell coils, except they have squared off heads that contour better to the body. Continuous coils are made from a single piece of wire that interconnects every coil. Continuous coils are strong, but they transfer motion and can be noisy.

Pocketed coils are the same diameter from top to bottom, and each one is wrapped in an individual piece of fabric. They aren’t interconnected and only flex at high-pressure points. Because the coils flex independently of each other, there’s less motion transfer than with the other types of coils.

The thickness or gauge of the coils determines their firmness. High gauge coils are made of thinner wire and, therefore, give more easily under pressure. Thick, low-gauge wire doesn’t flex as easily, giving it a firmer feel. Some innerspring mattresses have a zoned support system, wherein coils of different gauges are used to support different areas of the body. For example, high gauge coils relieve pressure at the shoulders and hips while low gauge coils support the lower back and legs.

Coils have a firmer feel than memory or latex foam even if the mattress is of a similar firmness level. Innerspring mattresses are bouncy and responsive, but don’t conform to the body and may transfer a lot of motion. They’re best for back and stomach sleepers who tend to prefer a firmer mattress. Side sleepers and combo sleepers may find an innerspring mattress too stiff and firm at the shoulders and hips.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine the cushioning of foam with the support of coils. A hybrid must have at least a two-inch comfort layer to qualify as a hybrid. Many hybrids have far more cushioning than that. The comfort and transition layers may be made of memory foam, latex, or poly-foam in various thicknesses or layer orders to achieve the desired feel.

Hybrid mattresses almost always have pocketed coils. Their ability to target high-pressure areas lets sleepers get a more customized sleep experience.

Hybrids can be expensive, heavy, and the coils usually wear out faster than the foam layers. However, side, back, and combo sleepers can all find comfort on this mattress type as long as it has the right firmness level. Couples who have differing comfort preferences may also find hybrids are a comfortable compromise.

Mattress Budget

An entry-level king size mattress starts at around $400, while premium models go up to over $5,000. Entry-level models cost between $400 and $1,000. For the first few years, these models will probably have similar comfort to more expensive mattresses. However, their lower-quality materials don’t have the durability to last more than five years.

King mattresses that balance quality with price fall into the $1,100 to $2,500 range. These models will have high-density foams, cooling techniques, and high-quality, cooling fabrics. You’ll also find hybrid models with a balance of quality and comfort in this price range.

Premium king mattresses start at around $2,500. These models have intricate stitching and premium fabrics in the covers, high-quality high-density foams, and may contain certified natural and/or organic materials.

You can save on a king size mattress by taking advantage of the year’s big mattress sales:

If you want to save up for a new king size mattress but still want to sleep more comfortably on an older bed, you might want to consider using a king size mattress topper to revive a bed’s feel.

Sleeping Position

Each sleep position creates different pressure points and puts unique demands on a mattress. We’ll go over the comfort needs of the most common sleep positions.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need pressure relief at their shoulders and hips. However, they also need support at the waist and lower back to maintain a neutral spinal alignment—that’s why the best mattresses for side sleepers are usually medium in firmness.

Side sleepers generally sleep better on mattresses of medium to medium-soft firmness. As far as mattress types, foam mattresses—memory foam, latex, or poly-foam—are a natural fit for side sleepers. Memory foam conforms beautifully to the unique shape of the sleeper and deepens its pressure relief the longer the sleeper stays in the same position. Some hybrids have adequate pressure relief for side sleepers.

Typically, most innerspring models are too firm for side and combo sleepers.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers have an advantage in that their spines naturally stay in a neutral position. Memory foam, latex, hybrid, and innerspring mattresses can all be one of the most comfortable mattresses for a back sleeper. No matter the type of mattress, it should support the lower back and cushion the rest of the body to eliminate any painful pressure points.

If you suffer from back pain, medium-firm mattresses have been shown to be helpful. Those that suffer from other aches and pains may want to try memory foam or latex when seeking a mattress for back sleeping because of their ability to adapt and conform to the body’s shape.

Stomach Sleepers

We don’t recommend sleeping on your stomach because of the pressure it puts on the lower back. However, if you can’t help but sleep on your stomach, look for a firm mattress that prevents your hips from sinking into the mattress.

Stomach sleepers also need some cushioning at the shoulders that allows them to sink slightly, which prevents bowing in the lower back. Innerspring and hybrid models work well as mattresses for stomach sleepers, but a firm memory foam or latex model can be comfortable for those who like to sleep in rather than on the mattress.

Combination Sleepers

As the term suggests, combination sleepers “combine” sleep position preferences, sometimes waking up in a different position than they fell asleep in. Because of how they move between positions, a mattress for combination sleepers should have a buoyant feel with a versatile medium to medium-firm surface for smooth adaptability.

Sleeping Cool and Airflow

Mattresses with temperature regulation technology prevent overheating and help you sleep better. If you overheat, it can interrupt your sleep cycle, not only waking you but making it difficult to fall back asleep.

Memory foams with advanced or enhanced cell structures have more space for air to circulate. Other memory foams may have foams mixed with gel, graphite, charcoal, or copper. These additives absorb heat and move it out of the mattress.

best king size mattress

Both hybrids and innerspring mattresses have an advantage when it comes to airflow. The space around their coil support cores lets air and heat move and ventilate. Both types of mattresses tend to sleep cooler than foam models.

Common Questions

What is the best mattress for a king size bed?

Any of the five mattresses on our list would make an excellent choice. However, your personal preferences and circumstances will influence the type, brand, and mattress model that’s right for you. If you share a bed with a partner, a mattress that isolates motion and caters to both partners preferred sleep positions would be the best choice. For someone who sleeps warm, a breathable mattress would be a top option.

How do I pick the best king size mattress?

Start by knowing your preferred sleep position. That will narrow down the types of mattresses that are likely to appeal to you. Next, ask yourself a few key questions like:  Do I sleep warm? Do I like to feel the mattress around me, or would I rather sleep on top of the mattress? Do I like bouncy coils? The answers to these questions will narrow down your search.

Finally, make a list of the factors that are most important to you like breathability, motion isolation, or deep cushioning. Continue to narrow your options by eliminating the mattresses that don’t have the factors at the top of your list. You may need to go to a showroom or two and try a few mattresses to see how you respond to their feel. Eliminating the beds that don’t meet your sleep needs will eventually lead you to the best mattress for yourself.

What are the dimensions of a king size mattress?

The standard king size mattress is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, providing 6080 square inches of sleeping space. However, there are numerous size variations to consider:

  • A California king size mattress is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, offering 6048 square inches.
  • A split king size mattress is the same size as a standard king, but divided in half.
  • A Texas king is 80 inches wide and 98 inches long, providing 7840 square inches.
  • A Wyoming king is 84 inches widthwise and lengthwise, offering 7056 square inches.
  • An Alaska king is 108 inches widthwise and lengthwise,  featuring 11664 square inches.

What is the best king size mattress for back problems?

According to a 2015 study, the best mattresses for back pain have a medium-firm feel. The study specifically suggests airbeds since you can adjust their firmness by adding or removing air. Memory foam and latex mattresses are also good choices because they mold themselves to a sleeper’s body, providing thorough back support.

Which is better, a memory foam or spring mattress?

Both memory foam and spring mattresses have advantages and disadvantages. Of the two types, memory foam mattresses usually have higher customer ratings. Innerspring mattresses often can’t provide the pressure relief needed for a restorative night of sleep.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right mattress is a big decision when mattress shopping. Keep these in mind as you shop for a king size bed:

  • King size mattresses have the same layers and comfort features of smaller mattresses only on a larger scale.
  • Choose your mattress based on your preferred sleep position, body weight, and personal comfort preferences.
  • Be ready to spend more for a high-quality king size bed.

A king size mattress lets you spread out when you sleep. There are plenty of options out there. Take into account your unique circumstances, make sure your chosen mattress has the quality to last, and get ready for an incredible night’s sleep.

Stacey L. Nash is a health, fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle writer. She applies her experiences as a mother, a runner, and a former high school and college athlete towards her research.

As a Seattle-based author, Stacey also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Puget Sound.

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