Updated on October 12, 2022
Choosing a mattress could be compared to the story of Goldie Locks and the Three Bears. In the story, Goldie Locks attempts to sleep on the beds of three different bears. The first bed was too hard, the second bed was too soft, and finally, the third bed was just right.
There is a valuable lesson to be learned here that not all mattresses are created equal. You need to make sure that you are educated when it comes to buying. Among the many things that you will need to know, size is by far one of the most important.
Choosing The Right Mattress
You might be worried about going into the store for various reasons. Perhaps it’s that pushing salesperson who follows you around not really giving you room to breathe. The cost associated with choosing a mattress scares many people off. Additionally, given all the different mattress types, buying one can easily be compared to buying cars and many of us feel anxiety when it comes to making such a large purchase.
There are some common materials used for the manufacturing of them. Steel springs are the bottom of the line and as you may have guessed not the most comfortable. Probably one of the most commonly found materials today is memory foam. By far it is one of the most comfortable materials to sleep on. Cotton and polyester are commonly used as the outer layer or ticking. Of course, you could always go old school and get a water or inflatable air mattress. And that’s okay. What is not okay would be to walk into the store, not having done your homework before opening the doors. Let’s talk about one of the most important aspects of buying, which is mattress size.
Size Matters
You might be scratching your head right now. Why does size matter when buying? Well, the answer is really quite simple. Is it for you? How big is your room? Do you plan on moving in with that someone special soon?
These are important questions that need answers. Regardless of the answer, you need to consider how long you are going to keep it for. If you plan on keeping it for several years then you may want to get a larger type. If you just need something to sleep on while you try to support yourself on acting gigs in the city, well size might not be as important.
I think it’s smarter to go with the saying, “Bigger is Better,” and nothing is better in my opinion than stretching out on top of a large California King. I could roll around for days without even coming close to the edge.
US Mattress Sizes Chart
As you see below there are different names and mattress dimensions for those sold in the US. The difference becomes more apparent as you get into the larger sizes. Please note, UK types differ in name in dimensions. For UK sizes please check here.
Twin
Dimensions: 38 inches x 74 inches
The Twin size mattress is great for single occupancy. It is ideal for smaller children that are old enough to not have a toddler bed but not really old enough to warrant a bigger bed. Also if you have any military experience then you know the space in the barracks makes the Twin a good fit. Another area where the Twin mattress fits perfectly is the dorms at colleges. An extremely affordable option when it comes to choosing a bed.
Twin XL
Dimensions: 38 inches x 80 inches
The Twin XL is another one of those US mattress sizes designed for single occupancy. It is a better fit for the barracks simply because it offers 5 more inches. College dorms would again be a perfect fit for the Twin XL. This is an ideal choice for those of us who like our bedroom space, or those who lack floor space.
Full
Dimensions: 54 inches x 74 inches
The Full size mattress is designed for double occupancy but has evolved into more of a single occupancy. This one is great for kids as they get older and have outgrown the smaller Twin size. This could also be a great fit if you are living alone and don’t really spend much time in bed.
Full XL
Dimensions: 54 inches x 80 inches
The Full XL mattress is used for similar uses as the Full size. They can be used by couples but better suited for individual use. Another great fit for kids but more suited for the taller among them. If you live alone and have a height advantage on most people then this would be well suited for you.
Queen
Dimensions: 60 inches x 80 inches
The Queen size mattress is the standard accepted for double occupancy. Couples who are looking for an even balance of space and price will look no further than this. While ideally suited for couples it is also an affordable option for those of you who want some extra space during slumber.
King
Dimensions: 76 inches x 80 inches
The King size mattress is best suited for those couples who want extra room whilst sleeping and are not really worried about taking up floor space. The King is often seen almost as a status symbol for couples. It offers generous space for both people sleeping in the bed but as you can imagine the price does start to creep up.
California King
Dimensions: 72 inches x 84 inches
The California King is great for family use considering it can fit at least two adults and two kids. Also great if you are a dog person, this bed size offers room for you and the dog or kids to sleep in bed with you, though you can imagine these don’t come cheap and would suit larger rooms with plenty of floor space.
Being educated helps you make better decisions that will benefit you in the long haul. When you buy a mattress it should be with the intention of keeping it for as long as possible. By thinking ahead you can potentially save yourself thousands of dollars, and therefore buying the right size is an extremely important aspect of the decision-making process.