Get Better Rest On The Best King-Size Mattress, Based On Expert Testing (2024)

Table of Contents
Best King Size Mattress Overall A Classic Medium Feel With Lumbar Support Helix Midnight Luxe Best King Size Mattress For Back Pain A Top-Rated Hybrid With Ample Support Saatva Classic Best King Size Mattress For Back And Stomach Sleepers A Supportive Memory Foam Hybrid At An Affordable Price DreamCloud Hybrid (Queen) Best King Size Mattress For Side Sleepers A Premium Pick That Cradles Pressure Points Nolah Evolution 15 Best King Size Hybrid Mattress A Luxe Blend Of Foam And Springs For Support And Comfort Leesa Sapira Chill Best Firm King Size Mattress A Flippable Mattress With Reliable Support Plank Firm Luxe Best Memory Foam King Size Mattress A Classic Memory Foam Feel With Options For Every Sleeper Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Best Latex King Size Mattress An Extra Clean Mattress For Eco-Conscious Consumers Avocado Green Best King Size Mattress For Heavy People Comfortable Support For Up To 500 Pounds Per Side Helix Plus Best Cooling King Size Mattress A Cool-To-The-Touch Design That Helps Relieve Hot Sleepers Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling Best King Size Budget Mattress A Cooling Mattress With An Affordable Price Tag Cocoon Chill Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Best King-Size Mattresses Compared How We Chose The Best King-Size Mattresses What To Consider When Buying A King-Size Mattress Mattress Type Firmness Motion Isolation Responsiveness Edge Support Sleeping Position And Body Type Price Shipping And Transportation Different Types Of King-Size Mattresses Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What Is The Best King-Size Mattress? What Is The Most Durable King-Size Mattress? Who Is A King-Sized Mattress Best For? Is A California King Better Than A King Mattress? References

The best king-size mattress provides more sleeping room while offering lasting support and comfort, whether you sleep alone or with a partner. We tested the most popular beds online to determine which king-size models are worth the investment. After testing dozens of options, we named the Helix Midnight Luxe the best king-size mattress overall because of its pressure-relieving feel, superior motion isolation, added features and accommodating design. That said, our editors highlighted nine more king-size beds that appeal to a wide range of sleepers.

From cooling options to the best model for side sleepers, we’ve rounded up all the best king-size mattress picks available today—some of which also top our list for the best mattresses of 2024. For a new pillow to match your larger bed, check out our guide to the best king-size pillows, or if you’d prefer something a bit smaller, we’ve also rounded up the best queen-size mattresses.

Best King Size Mattress Overall

A Classic Medium Feel With Lumbar Support

Helix Midnight Luxe

Brand firmness rating: Medium | Type: Hybrid | Height: 13.5 inches | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 15 years

Pros:

  • Good motion isolation and edge support
  • Ideal for all body types
  • Accommodates back, side and combination sleepers
  • Optional cooling cover upgrade

Cons:

  • May be a little too soft for stomach sleepers

When it came to the best king-size mattress overall, we looked for an option that would accommodate a wide range of sleeper types and body sizes, have great edge support and deaden movement. The Helix Midnight Luxe hits on all these features and then some. During testing, we found it has a comfortable, balanced feel that’s hard to dislike, as the foam contours and molds around the body without making you feel like you’re sinking into it. We also love the fluffy pillow top that adds plush cushioning to the bed’s top layers.

Underneath the hood there are multiple foam layers and a system of pocketed coils with enhanced lumbar support and edge support reinforcements, which is a plus for couples who share a mattress. Updates writer Alexandra Garrett also says it tested well for motion isolation, as she could barely feel when someone moved around on the other side of the bed. You can also add a cooling cover upgrade if you or a co-sleeper tend to sleep warm. For more details, see our Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review.

Expert tip: While this mattress isn’t ideal for stomach sleepers, Helix makes a similar mattress especially suited for them called the Helix Dawn Luxe.

Best King Size Mattress For Back Pain

A Top-Rated Hybrid With Ample Support

Saatva Classic

Brand firmness rating: Plush soft (3), luxury firm (5 to 7) or firm (8) | Type: Hybrid | Height: 11.5 or 14.5 inches | Trial period: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime

Pros:

  • Dual-coil construction makes the mattress ultra supportive
  • Choice of height
  • Available in three firmness levels
  • Free white-glove delivery (and removal of your old mattress)

Cons:

  • Costs $99 to return if it isn’t the right fit for you

The Saatva Classic Mattress is what we call affordable luxury. It’s a top-rated innerspring hybrid mattress that’s designed to re-create the lush comfort you’d experience at a five-star hotel. It’s constructed of five layers—including dual-layer coil systems, memory foam, a polyfoam support layer and a 3-inch Euro pillow top with a breathable organic cotton cover. Its strong dual-coil construction and multiple zoned layers for targeted lumbar support make it one of the best mattresses for back pain. However, thanks to those two innerspring layers, our tester Lindsey Vickers found it isn’t as motion isolating as other mattresses, especially those made only with foam. However, its edge support capabilities passed with flying colors.

Beyond its construction, you can customize the Saatva Classic’s firmness and height to suit your sleep preferences. The most popular firmness level among Saatva shoppers is the luxury firm, which provides a keen balance of comfort and support for people who live with back pain. However, you can opt for a plush soft or firm feel if you like a softer or harder bed. With less foam than most other beds on our list, the mattress has more of a lifted feel. According to Vickers, its buoyant sensation helps you sleep cooler. And if the standard 11.5-inch height is too low for your liking, you can bump it up to 14.5 inches. Furthermore, this bed is also available in a split king—ideal for co-sleepers who can’t agree on a firmness level. See more in our Saatva Classic Mattress review.

Expert tip: According to Vickers, “The Saatva Classic is a bit trickier to make than some other mattresses, purely because it has such rigidity to its edges. The mattress is stiffer, so you can’t bend up a corner and tuck a sheet under as easily as you can with a more flexible mattress. Although this didn’t cause me any major problems, it could be a concern for people with some types of mobility limitations.”

Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Luxury firm (6.5) | Height: 12 inches | Trial period: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime

Pros:

  • Balances contouring comfort with lumbar support
  • Superb motion isolation for couples
  • Good for hot sleepers

Cons:

  • Not a good fit for side sleepers who want a soft mattress

For sleepers who deal with back pain, the Dreamcloud Hybrid is like your dreamtime oasis. This luxury firm mattress features multiple foam layers that work in tandem to contour to your curves and keep everything properly aligned, especially along the lower lumbar area. A base layer of individually wrapped innersprings adapts to the shape of your body while the plush cashmere-blend top cover keeps you comfortably cool.

Our contributor Bre Richey tested the DreamCloud Hybrid for more than 30 days and says, “Normally, I wouldn’t think a medium-firm bed would contour my pressure points enough when sleeping on my side, since I have a small frame, but I’ve noticed fewer aches and pains in my shoulders than with any mattress before.” She continues, “My husband and I are typically both combination sleepers who change positions often at night, but we’ve noticed less tossing and turning with the DreamCloud. One note my husband mentioned is that he went to sleep on his back and woke up on his back, which is extremely rare for him. Overall, we feel more comfortable and supported in all positions.” For more, read our Dreamcloud hybrid review.

Expert tip: While we wouldn’t say it feels cool to the touch, our testers absolutely recommend it for hot sleepers if you’re looking for an affordable temperature-regulating pick.

Best King Size Mattress For Side Sleepers

A Premium Pick That Cradles Pressure Points

Nolah Evolution 15

Brand firmness rating: Plush (4 to 5), luxury firm (6 to 7) or firm (7 to 8) | Type: Hybrid | Height: 15 inches | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime

Pros:

  • Accommodates side sleepers of all shapes and sizes
  • You can choose from three firmness levels
  • Enhanced edge support and ample motion isolation

Cons:

  • Not ideal for people who want the deep sinkage of memory foam

For side sleepers, the hips and the shoulders feel the most pressure through the night as they press into a mattress. Enter Nolah—a bed-in-a-box mattress brand that started off catering to side sleepers. The Nolah Evolution 15 in the plush model is a soft, cushioned mattress that gives under the curves of your body for proper spinal alignment in side sleepers. It has a fluffy 2-inch Euro pillow top with three layers of foam underneath, one with zoned perforations so it’s cushier under the shoulders and firmer under the lumbar region for added support. During testing, senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman found it gave her a cozy hugging feel without sucking her in.

Near the bottom of the mattress lies the bed’s support layer, made from thick, zoned, pocketed coils that are firmer in the center of the bed and around the perimeter to boost edge support for co-sleepers. Chapman found the coils kept her supported from edge to edge, and she could hardly feel the movement from her partner or animals when they gathered on the bed (except for when her 60-pound pup would jump on the mattress). With three firmness levels to choose from, you can select the one that accommodates your sleeping position and body type. See more about the bed in our full-length Nolah Evolution 15 mattress review.

Expert tip: Strict side sleepers should consider the plush model, while side and combination sleepers may prefer the slightly firmer luxury firm model.

Best King Size Hybrid Mattress

A Luxe Blend Of Foam And Springs For Support And Comfort

Leesa Sapira Chill

Brand firmness rating: Plush (3 to 5), medium-firm (5 to 7) or firm (7 to 9) | Type: Hybrid | Height: 14 inches | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years

Pros:

  • Cooling materials throughout help comfort hot sleepers
  • Three firmness level options let you cater to your needs
  • Enhanced edge support

Cons:

  • Not ideal if you like an extra-firm mattress

Hybrid mattresses combine the support of steel springs with the comfort of contouring foam. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress is a strong hybrid mattress with up to 1,032 individual pocketed coils and a blend of foam layers that contribute to a neutral, responsive feel that cushions you without feeling like pizza dough or quicksand. The coils are denser in the center for more spinal support and reinforced around the edges to help improve the sturdiness of the bed’s perimeter (a plus for couples).

Above the coils are three layers of foam, each with its own density and feel to either cushion, support or promote airflow. The icing on the cake is a quilted pillow top woven with cooling fibers on top to help regulate temperature and a layer of foam underneath for added plushness. With three firmness levels to choose from, you can accommodate your specific sleeping position and body type. Chapman tested both the plush and medium-firm models and found the plush is best for side sleepers and those who love a soft feel, while the medium-firm can accommodate all sleeping positions for lightweight and average-weight sleepers.

Expert tip: We recommend that strict stomach sleepers, heavier folks and those who want a more “on top” feel opt for the firm model.

Best Firm King Size Mattress

A Flippable Mattress With Reliable Support

Plank Firm Luxe

Brand firmness rating: Firm (8) and extra firm (10) | Type: Hybrid | Height: 13.25 inches | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years

Pros:

  • Ideal for back and stomach sleepers
  • Two firmness levels in one mattress
  • Optional cooling cover upgrade
  • Good for average to heavy body types

Cons:

  • Not suited for side sleepers
  • May be too firm for sleepers under 150 pounds

Very firm mattresses cater to a smaller portion of sleepers, but they do offer great comfort and alignment for the audience they’re made for. The Plank Firm Luxe mattress is one of the firmest beds we’ve ever tested, and it easily makes the best firm pick in our best king-size mattress roundup. Directly in the center of the mattress is a 6-inch system of pocketed coils, which is sandwiched in between transition and comfort layers.

The extra-firm side has less foam than the firm side for a more supportive feel, and it is truly as firm as you can get without sleeping on the ground. We see most people liking the firm side, unless you weigh over 250 pounds and are really seeking maximum support. Hot sleepers can choose to upgrade to the GlacioTex cover, which draws heat away from your body and evenly distributes it throughout the mattress.

Expert tip: The regular Plank Firm mattress is more suitable for sleepers who value motion isolation, since foam mattresses are better at deadening movement.

Best Memory Foam King Size Mattress

A Classic Memory Foam Feel With Options For Every Sleeper

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt

Brand firmness rating: Medium | Type: Memory foam | Height: 11 inches | Trial period: 90 nights | Warranty: 10 years

Pros:

  • Superb motion isolation
  • Ideal for most sleeping positions
  • Free white-glove delivery
  • Cooling cover

Cons:

  • Not as supportive as a hybrid mattress

If you’ve settled on a king-size mattress, it might be because your partner tends to thrash at night and disrupt your sleep. If that’s the case, opt for memory foam—a material that’s renowned for its ability to isolate motion. (You’ve probably seen the commercials with the person jumping beside a precariously balanced wineglass on a mattress.) Tempur-Pedic is an industry leader when it comes to memory foam, and we found the memory foam Adapt model did a great job at deadening movement.

The brand’s Tempur-Adapt line has three different mattresses; the Adapt model offers a good balance between value, comfort and quality. It comes with multiple layers of the brand’s signature foam, which contours around the body and offers a pressure-relieving, doughy sleeping experience. Memory foam is known for retaining heat, but the Adapt mattress comes with a cooling cover that draws heat away and feels physically cool to the touch. We found it did a good job at regulating temperature during testing, along with the open-cell comfort foams that are more breathable than traditional foam.

The mattress comes in a standard king but is also available in a split California king—a hard-to-find option. For more details, check out our Tempur-Pedic Adapt review.

Expert tip: Consider the hybrid model if you weigh over 250 pounds. However, keep in mind that hybrids tend to be a little bouncier than all-foam mattresses.

Best Latex King Size Mattress

An Extra Clean Mattress For Eco-Conscious Consumers

Avocado Green

Brand firmness rating: Plush (4), medium (6) or firm (7) | Type: Latex hybrid | Height: 11, 13 or 15.5 inches | Trial period: 365 nights | Warranty: 25 years

Pros:

  • Eco-friendly; made with sustainably sourced materials
  • Hypoallergenic and antimicrobial properties
  • Multiple firmness options suit different sleeping positions
  • Good for all body types

Cons:

  • The softer models cost more money

For many, natural latex may be the answer to questions about the sustainability, safety and biodegradability of mattresses. Latex foam is sourced from rubber trees, making it less environmentally taxing than the fossil fuel–derived materials that go into many other foam options. But Avocado doesn’t stop at using organic latex that it sources directly. In addition, the cover is made from GOTS-certified cotton and wool that’s organic, and the latex is sourced from “co-owned farmer’s societies and processing facilities.” Plus the mattress has just about every certification it can get, from GOLS and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 to Greenguard Gold and Made Safe.

Materials aside, it’s a great choice in terms of sensation, too. The Avocado Green Mattress comes in three firmness levels, which we appreciate since a lot of latex hybrid mattresses fall on the firm to very firm end of the spectrum. According to our contributor Jamie Ueda, who tested the plush Avocado Green Mattress, “The plush mattress option feels exactly like the name suggests: very soft. When I first lay on the bed, it had a fluffy feel while sinking into the mattress. Compared to over a dozen mattresses that I’ve slept on, this is one of the softest.” She also found it had better motion isolation than other bouncy latex hybrids, as she could feel the movement only when her partner sat back down after getting out of bed. See more in our detailed Avocado Green Mattress review.

Expert tip: Side sleepers should consider the plush model, back sleepers should consider the medium and stomach sleepers should consider the firm. Heavy sleepers over 250 pounds may also prefer the firm model.

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Best King Size Mattress For Heavy People

Comfortable Support For Up To 500 Pounds Per Side

Helix Plus

Brand firmness rating: Medium-firm | Type: Hybrid | Height: 11.5 inches | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years

Pros:

  • Made specifically for people over 250 pounds
  • Optional cooling cover upgrade available
  • Ideal for back, stomach and combination sleepers

Cons:

  • May be too firm for strict side sleepers

You may be surprised to learn that most beds are designed to support 200 to 250 pounds per side. So if you and/or your partner fall in a heavier weight class, it’s worth investing in a mattress made for heavier folks for better longevity (and ultimately, less sinking, dipping and sagging). Nabbing the spot for the best overall pick in our mattresses for heavy people buying guides, the king-size Helix Plus is a worthy addition to this list.

Built for sleepers weighing up to 500 pounds per side (or 1,000 pounds total), this firm hybrid is made with foams of varying densities for comfort and support. It also features reinforced edges and is topped with a breathable cover—if you sleep extra hot, consider upgrading to the chill-to-the-touch GlacioTex Cooling Pillow Top for $280. For people who weigh over 250 pounds, we found its profile should feel like a medium-firm, making it ideal for back, stomach and combination sleepers. It tested really well for edge support, and its neutral foam feel made it easy to switch positions on. You certainly sleep more on top of the bed, rather than settling inside its foam layers. Looking for a bigger surface to snooze on? The Helix Plus also comes in a California king size.

Expert tip: We recommend that you upgrade to the GlacioTex Cooling Pillow Top, which feels physically cool to the touch, if you run hot at night.

Best Cooling King Size Mattress

A Cool-To-The-Touch Design That Helps Relieve Hot Sleepers

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling

Brand firmness rating: Soft (3), medium (5) or firm (7) | Type: Hybrid | Height: 13.25 inches | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years

Pros:

  • Packed with cooling materials—even the cover feels cold
  • Three firmness options available
  • You can opt to add the “cloud” pillow top for more luxury

Cons:

  • Costs $99 to return

The Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is a premium hybrid mattress with an optional plush pillow top upgrade and cover that physically feels cool to the touch. While you have to pay for the GlacioTex cover for a lot of beds named on our list, this one already comes with it. Layered throughout the mattress are even more technologies to help evenly distribute heat and bring cooling relief, including copper-infused foam, which is designed to absorb body heat. Chapman found that the mattress kept her temperature from spiking during the night, and her husband named it the coolest bed he’s ever slept on.

The mattress is offered in three different firmness levels, giving sleepers the freedom to choose what they prefer most. We think side sleepers will appreciate the plush pressure relief of the soft option, while back and stomach sleepers can choose between the medium or firm, depending on how much support they’re looking for. As far as motion isolation goes, Chapman found that it does a great job, and she could barely feel her partner getting in and out of bed in the middle of the night. See our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling mattress review for more info.

Expert tip: Consider using breathable cooling sheets so your bedding doesn’t offset the cool feel of the Aurora Luxe Cooling.

Best King Size Budget Mattress

A Cooling Mattress With An Affordable Price Tag

Cocoon Chill

Brand firmness rating: Medium (6) | Type: Hybrid | Height: 12 inches | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years

Pros:

  • Ideal for a range of sleeping positions
  • Hybrid construction accommodates all body types
  • Cooling cover
  • Enhanced edge support

Cons:

  • May be too firm for side sleepers under 150 pounds

Cocoon is a bed-in-a-box brand by bedding bigwig Sealy, one of the most reputable names in the industry. Many king-size mattresses, especially hybrids, cost well over $1,000, but the Cocoon Chill Hybrid mattress has an affordable price tag around $1,000 and doesn’t skimp on added features like enhanced edge support and a cooling cover. The cover has a cool-to-the-touch sensation that helps absorb body heat and comfort hot sleepers.

Underneath are two layers of comfort foams for a contouring, hugging feel. The base layer is made from over 900 pocketed coils and what the brand calls Quantum Edge Technology, which uses reinforced steel coils around the edge for stronger edge support. It has a fairly simple construction but a lot to offer in terms of value. We found that it has a dense, slow-responding memory foam profile that feels firm at first but softens as your body warms up the foam. After testing, we think it falls around a medium to medium-firm on the spectrum, making it an ideal pick for back, side and combination sleepers, and petite stomach sleepers under 150 pounds.

Expert tip: If you value motion isolation over everything, opt for the all-foam Cocoon Chill Memory Foam model.

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Why Trust Forbes Vetted

We spend a lot of time thinking about sleep here at Forbes Vetted. As a result, we’ve published a large collection of mattress and sleep guides, including other size-related mattress stories like twin-size mattresses and queen beds.

  • Mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon are certified sleep science coaches and professional mattress testers. Together they’ve reviewed all of the mattresses above and oversee all of the recommendations in this guide.
  • While Chapman and Dillon provided the majority of our king-size recommendations, we also asked our team members for their favorite king beds that they’ve tested.
  • We regularly refresh this story to make sure our best king-size mattress roundup highlights products that are still the very best—and in stock. It was last updated in October 2024 by Dillon, who refreshed our picks and added more testing insights.

The Best King-Size Mattresses Compared

The best king-size mattress for you depends on several factors, including your sleeping preferences and budget. In the following table, we break down each of our king-size mattress picks by their price, mattress type, firmness and more.

How We Chose The Best King-Size Mattresses

To put together this list of the best king-size mattresses, we combined our mattress-testing expertise with hours of research. We identified bestsellers and compared our top choices across key factors like durability, support and more.

  • Our team sought out popular king-size models from well-known mattress brands that we love and trust.
  • We evaluated each bed across key categories that matter most for king-size mattresses like durability, edge support, motion isolation, versatility and comfort.
  • We pored over customer reviews to ensure each mattress earned a rating of no less than 4 out of 5 stars. Each mattress also needed to come with a generous trial period and warranty policy of at least 90 nights and 10 years, respectively.
  • Comfort preferences differ from sleeper to sleeper, so we made sure to include king-size mattresses that accommodate different needs and budgets, like a cooling mattress fit for hot sleepers and an option for people with back pain.

What To Consider When Buying A King-Size Mattress

Mattresses are highly individual, so it’s important to consider your unique needs and preferences before buying one. Factors like the mattress’s construction, size and firmness also play key roles in how a bed feels. Below, we breakdown these features and how to find the right king-size mattress for you.

Mattress Type

King-size mattresses are made of different materials and constructions that impact how the bed feels. Some excel at pressure relief, while others provide ample support. Here’s the most common mattress types you’ll come across while shopping.

  • Memory foam mattresses offer suburb pressure relief and motion isolation, making this type a good choice for couples and people with back pain. However, some people don’t like the sink-in feeling of these beds.
  • Innerspring beds are firm, bouncy and tend to sleep cooler than memory foam. They’re a good choice for some back and stomach sleepers, but tend to lack the plushness preferred by side sleepers.
  • Hybrid mattresses blend together elements of innerspring and memory foam beds. They have a coil system on the bottom and comfort layers on top to produce a balanced, supportive yet soft feel.
  • Latex foam beds excel at deep contouring for pressure points, while sleeping cooler than all-foam mattresses. Natural latex, like Talalay or Dunlop, is also more eco-friendly and hypoallergenic than manufactured foams.

Firmness

The best king-size mattresses are available in a variety of firmness levels, but the right feel for you ultimately depends on your sleep position and body weight. For example, a soft mattress tends to be best for side sleepers or lightweight sleepers, whereas a firm or medium-firm mattress is generally the better choice for back sleepers, stomach sleepers and people with back pain. And if you’re a heavyweight sleeper, consider a firm mattress for sturdy support.

Motion Isolation

Some king-size mattresses are built to help minimize how much movement travels from one side of the bed to the other. This feature is called motion isolation, and it’s important to keep in mind if you share a bed with a partner, especially if they regularly toss and turn or get up to use the bathroom at night. All-foam mattresses tend to offer better motion isolation than hybrid models, but a hybrid mattress (like the DreamCloud) can still be a good choice if you aren’t a fan of the sink-in feeling of memory foam.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness is a measure of a mattress’s bounce and how quickly it responds to pressure and movement. A responsive mattress is especially beneficial to combination sleepers who change positions, as well as sleepers with mobility concerns. In general, a hybrid mattress is more responsive than a memory foam mattress, making it easier to move around and change sleeping positions.

Edge Support

Edge support refers to how well the edge of the mattress withstands pressure if you sit on it to tie your shoes or sleep clinging to the side. This tends to be more of a concern with queen size mattresses and smaller just because those beds are more cozy for two people, and you may wind up right on the edge whether you want to or not. However, if you like sleeping toward the end of the mattress or need extra support when getting in and out of bed, make sure the mattress you choice provides ample edge support.

Sleeping Position And Body Type

Body size plays a huge role in how a mattress feels and how accommodating it is. King mattresses are beneficial for heavier or taller individuals, as they give more space to spread out and sleep comfortably. Both single people who are tall or heavy and couples who need more space are ideal candidates for a king bed.

Shah notes that body weight can absolutely affect how a mattress is loaded. "By thinking of a mattress as a surface that is positioned to accommodate the individual loaded areas (like the shoulders or hips), one with a greater body weight will load different areas at a higher pressure thus stressing the underlying resilience of support at those individual areas."

When choosing a specific mattress, it’s also essential to consider your sleeping position. For example, someone who sleeps on their side want a plusher mattress that contours their pressure points, while a stomach and back sleeper requires a firmer mattress for enhanced support and keeping the spine aligned. However, it’s important to note that the same firmness level can feel different depending on body size. In general, the lighter you weigh, the firmer a mattress feels, and the heavier you weigh, the softer it feels.

Price

The bigger the mattress, the pricier it is. As such, king-size mattresses are usually the most expensive of any model (with the exception of specialty sizes like California or split king mattresses, of course). You can generally expect to spend $1,000 to up to $4,000 for a king-size bed, although the exact price depends on its material and construction. Most quality king-size mattresses fall in the $1,000 to $2,000 range (including the majority of the beds on our list), so don’t feel like you need to overspend to get a durable mattress. (King-size mattresses in the $3,000 to $4,000 range typically come with special features like adjustable firmness, smart settings and more.)

Bedroom Space

King-size mattresses take up a lot of floor space. At 76 x 80 inches, these beds require a bigger bedroom than a queen-, full- or twin-size mattress. Be sure to measure your bedroom before purchasing a mattress to ensure it can fit comfortably in your space. By contrast, a California king mattress is slightly narrower and longer than a standard king, at 72 x 84 inches.

Shipping And Transportation

King-size mattresses are big and heavy, so we advise planning how to get the bed set up inside your home before finalizing any purchases. Some brands—like Saatva and Tempur-Pedic—offer white-glove delivery, so it’s something to consider if you’d rather have someone else do the heavy lifting for you. (Saatva offers this service for free, but other brands may charge you $150 or more for white glove delivery.)

Different Types Of King-Size Mattresses

King mattresses are available in several different sizes. Although they can each comfortably accommodate two adults plus small children and/or pets, the exact dimensions vary. Be sure to measure your bedroom before purchasing a king-size mattress to ensure it can fit comfortably in your space.

  • King: A standard king-size mattress is 76 by 80 inches, which is 16 inches wider than a queen-size but the same length.
  • Split King: A split king combines two twin XL mattresses that are each 38 by 80 inches to make a standard king. It’s beneficial for couples who have differing firmness levels or want an adjustable bed.
  • California King: If your feet hang off a queen-size mattress, a standard king won’t help since it’s the same length. However, a California king measures 72 by 84 inches, making it four inches longer while also taking away four inches of width so it doesn’t seem too large.
  • Texas King: Because everything is bigger in Texas, a Texas King mattress measures 80 by 98 inches. It adds inches to both the width and length, making it ideal for tall people, heavyweight people or those with children and pets. However, it doesn’t come standard at most mattress companies.
  • Alaskan King: At 108 by 108 inches, the biggest mattress is the Alaskan King. It’s big enough for co-sleeping families or people with several Mastiffs. However, this size is difficult to find readily available, and bedding options are limited.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Best King-Size Mattress?

Based on our expertise and testing, we found the Helix Midnight Luxe to be the best king-size mattress overall. Its memory foam or hybrid construction, breathable feel and overall value make it a favorite amongst many sleepers.

What Is The Most Durable King-Size Mattress?

After testing and reviewing different options, we found the Helix Plus to be the most durable king-size mattress. It can support up to 500 pounds per side (or 1,000 pounds total), thanks to its sturdy coil base and layers of dense memory foam.

Who Is A King-Sized Mattress Best For?

A king-size mattress is best for couples and families, big and tall sleepers and anyone who wants extra space to spread out. However, keep in mind that with a larger size comes a bigger price tag, so if you’re on a budget, a queen-size mattress might be a better option for you.

Is A California King Better Than A King Mattress?

It depends on what your needs are—because of its longer length, a California king is typically better choice than a king mattress for taller individuals and couples. However, a standard king-size mattress can suit most adults just fine, so it really comes down to whether or not you need extra space to spread out.

Get Better Rest On The Best King-Size Mattress, Based On Expert Testing (2024)

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Hobby: Archery, Metal detecting, Kitesurfing, Genealogy, Kitesurfing, Calligraphy, Roller skating

Introduction: My name is Gov. Deandrea McKenzie, I am a spotless, clean, glamorous, sparkling, adventurous, nice, brainy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.