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- Price: $1,399, cooling add-on for $99
- Material: Memory foam
- Brand’s Firmness Rating: Medium-firm
- Trial period: 365 nights
- Shipping: Free
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Mattress height: 12 inches
- Offers Financing: Yes, using Affirm
Best King-Size Mattress of 2024: Expert Tested
Nov 18, 2024
Fact Checked
We reviewed hundreds of king-size mattresses, factoring in price, materials, customer reviews, and testing data to bring you this guide to the best king-size mattresses.
Key Takeaways
- Our Reviews Team chose the Nectar Original as the best king-size mattress overall due to its affordable price and suitability for most sleepers.
- King-size bed pricing varies from just below $1,000 to luxury models priced at well over $2,000.
- Our recommendations for the best king-size mattresses of 2024 include options for different budgets, sleep positions, and firmness preferences.
- Our experts consider feedback from hands-on mattress testing and analysis, including pressure pad data.
- If you’re choosing a king-size bed because you sleep with a partner and want more room, it’s important to consider features like motion isolation and edge support.
Your sleep requirements can change over time, and what you need from a mattress can shift with new circumstances. If you share your bed with a partner or child, a king-size mattress can give both sleepers the most space to stretch out. Whether you sleep differently than you used to—people 60 and older may require more daytime naps, sleep less at night, experience frequent insomnia episodes, and wake up more often—or have kept up the same lifelong sleep habits, a quality mattress is a crucial piece of the sleep equation. [1] Li J, et al. Sleep in Normal Aging. Sleep Medicine Clinics. Nov. 21, 2017.
If your current mattress is starting to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time for an upgrade. And if you have the space and budget, a king-size mattress can provide plenty of room to stretch out whether or not you sleep with a partner.
Waking up with aches and pains might be a sign it’s time to make a change. In this review, we share our expert take on the six best king-size mattresses based on our testing. [2] Jacobson B, et al. Changes in Back Pain, Sleep Quality, and Perceived Stress After Introduction of New Bedding Systems. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. March 2009
Best king-size mattress in 2024
- Nectar Original: Best King-Size Mattress Overall
- DreamCloud Original Hybrid: Best Affordable King-Size Mattress
- Helix Midnight: Best King-Size Mattress for Back Pain
- WinkBed: Best King-Size Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Saatva Classic: Best King-Size Mattress for Combination Sleepers
- Emma Hybrid Comfort: Best Firm King-Size Mattress
What we look for in a king-size mattress
We found there are several important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a king-size mattress, including:
Spinal support
No matter the size of your mattress, your bed should keep your spine neutral in your preferred sleep position.
Firmness
Body type and preferred sleep position play a big role in determining what firmness level is best for you, but we have found many sleepers are comfortable in a medium to medium-firm mattress.
Motion isolation
Many king-size mattresses are shared by partners, and good motion isolation helps prevent sleep disturbances when one partner is moving around in bed.
Pressure relief
When a mattress evenly distributes the weight of the sleepers, this prevents the build-up of pain in common pressure points like the shoulders, hips, and neck.
Nectar Original: Best king-size mattress overall
Nectar Original
Best Overall
✓
We chose the Nectar Original as our best overall king-size mattress because of its comfortable construction, featuring supportive foam layers and therapeutic gel memory foam. While memory foam mattresses typically run warm, this king-size mattress has excellent cooling capabilities. Because the Nectar Original received top scores in motion isolation, we think it would be a great fit for couples or someone sharing a bed with a pet or child. •
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Our expert take on the Nectar Original mattress
The Nectar Original has multiple layers of plush foam to help relieve pressure on the body and joints. [3] Bai D, et al. Relationship Between a Pressure Redistributing Foam Mattress and Pressure Injuries: An Observational Prospective Cohort Study. PLoS One. Nov. 9, 2020 It’s a good pick for back and side sleepers but might not work for combination sleepers who switch positions frequently during the night or for people with mobility issues.
Nectar rates the firmness as medium-firm, and our Reviews Team agrees the mattress hits this sweet spot exactly. In testing, the mattress also performed well in keeping the spine in neutral alignment. Also, if you sleep with a partner and have different sleep schedules—an issue that can cause disruptions in sleep—the Nectar mattress provides some of the best motion isolation of all the models we’ve tested. [4] Elsey T, et al. The Role of Couple Sleep Concordance in Sleep Quality: Attachment as a Moderator of Associations. Journal of Sleep Research. Feb. 20, 2019.
If you don’t love memory foam’s sinking, contouring feel, this mattress may not be for you. Higher-weight folks might also have issues with sagging over time, based on the non-responsive nature of the foam revealed in testing.
The Nectar Original foam mattress has a classic memory foam feel, ideal if you’re looking for an ultra-soft surface that offers plenty of pressure relief. The bed-in-a-box Nectar Original has a medium-firm feel that’s ideal for most sleepers.
Our tester on the Nectar Original mattress:
“When sleeping on my side, the Nectar Original supports my torso and midsection well. I don’t feel crunched to one side when I am laying on my side.”
Our mattress expert’s take
Who will love it
- Side and back sleepers who appreciate the body-contouring pressure relief
- People who sleep hot
- Couples looking for better motion isolation to prevent partner-related sleep disruptions
Who should avoid it
- People who need extra support, especially in the lumbar region
- Anyone who doesn’t love the feel of memory foam
Customer reviews
The Nectar Original has a 4.7-star rating out of five and more than 52,000 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention how comfortable they feel sleeping on this mattress, while others share that it is firmer than expected.
“This mattress has literally changed my life. I no longer wake up with back pain and I sleep like a baby. Best investment I made”
– Kelly B.., verified buyer on 9/14/2024
“This mattress is very nice and comfortable. Getting better sleep with less back pain when waking up.”
– Faith C., verified buyer on 9/12/2024
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress has a 4.1-star rating and over 81,000 reviews on Google. Many users rated the mattress positively, but some complained about its firmness.
Learn more in our Nectar mattress review.
DreamCloud Original Hybrid: Best affordable king-size mattress
DreamCloud Original Hybrid
Best Affordable
✓
We chose the DreamCloud Original Hybrid as our best affordable king-size mattress because it is a quality mattress with a budget-friendly price tag. We noted excellent pressure relief during testing, with this hybrid mattress doing a great job evenly distributing weight. •
Black Friday Sale! Up to 50% off mattresses, plus spend $1,000 and save $100 (no code required) Our expert take on the DreamCloud Original Hybrid mattress
The DreamCloud Original Hybrid is a hybrid model with foam and innerspring layers designed to provide proper spinal alignment and comfortable support. A breathable quilted cushion top adds an extra layer of softness for an overall plush feel.
Despite its medium-firm rating, our Reviews Team felt the DreamCloud Original Hybrid mattress provided plenty of support and pressure relief for back and side sleepers. Testing revealed it’s a poor choice for stomach sleepers, though.
While a medium-firm mattress generally works well for most, its comfort may depend on your body type. Based on our testing, we think it would work best for lightweight to medium-weight side and back sleepers who find firmer mattress models uncomfortable.
It’s not the best-performing mattress when it comes to motion isolation, but it’s not the worst, either. We wouldn’t recommend it for couples with significant weight or height differences since you will likely feel big movements across the mattress.
The DreamCloud Original is a plush mattress ideal for those who prefer a softer sleep surface but still want solid support and pressure relief.
Our tester on the DreamCloud Original Hybrid mattress:
“I noticed that the top layer was definitely slower-moving, as if the pillow-top contains some type of traditional memory foam. The other layers were quick to respond, though.”
Our mattress expert’s take
Who will love it
- People who love memory foam’s soft, enveloping feel but also want plenty of support
- Side sleepers who need pressure point relief around the hip and shoulder areas
- Back sleepers who like a softer bed but don’t want to skimp on spinal alignment
Who should avoid it
- Stomach sleepers, since the surface is too plush to provide adequate support
- Those looking for top-notch motion isolation
Customer reviews
The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress has a 4.5-star rating out of five and more than 5,100 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention how this mattress balances firmness with the plush top, while others mentioned that their mattress didn’t expand fully and felt too hard.
“I love my mattress. Not too hard and not too soft! I bought the pillows with it and sleep through the night without tossing and turning. Highly recommend!”
– Molly K., verified buyer on 7/14/2024
“Best choice we made! Super soft, comfortable, and I have slept like a champ ever since we replaced it with our old mattress! Highly recommend.”
– Shawna S., verified buyer on 5/21/2024
Visit our DreamCloud mattress review.
Helix Midnight: Best king-size mattress for back pain
Helix Midnight
Best For Back Pain
✓
We chose the Helix Midnight as our best king-size mattress for back pain because the gentle, cradling support of this mattress works well for people looking for a supportive yet comfortable mattress. We found the pillow top to be cushioning for the lower back. •
Black Friday Sale! 27% off and free gifts with code NCOA27 Our expert take on the Helix Midnight mattress
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress that combines supportive steel coils with multiple layers of various foams, including memory foam near the top and dense support foam at the base.
Our Reviews Team felt the mattress scored slightly higher in firmness than the advertised medium feel. Some sleepers might still find the medium-firm surface too soft—side sleepers in particular. Our testers also found the mattress allowed for ease of movement, which is a good feature if you have a chronic pain condition like arthritis or back pain.
What our testers loved most about the Helix Midnight was the gentle support. The mattress offers enough of a firm surface to prevent the sagging that can knock your spine out of alignment but also offers some softness for added comfort. Those who like the overall design and feel of the Helix Midnight but wish it were a tad softer may want to try the Helix Midnight Luxe with its built-in pillow top, which is our pick for the best mattress overall and the best mattress for back pain.
The Helix Midnight is advertised as designed for side sleepers, but we think it’s a better fit for back sleepers, especially those needing extra lumbar support to help with lower back pain. According to one 2021 review, a medium-firm mattress is ideal for people with back pain. [5] Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should Be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021
Our tester on the Helix Midnight mattress:
“I found the foam layers very responsive. When I slept on my back, it offered gentle support, which I found to be very comfy.”
Our mattress expert’s take
Who will love it
- People with aches and pains who need support with a soft feel
- Back, stomach, and combination sleepers
- People with chronic pain conditions who are looking for pressure relief
Who should avoid it
- Side sleepers, especially lighter-weight folks
- People who sleep hot
Customer reviews
The Helix Midnight has a 4.5-star rating out of five and more than 7,000 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention how sleeping on the Helix Midnight has helped decrease chronic pain symptoms, while others said the mattress has too much bounce.
“I went from a cheap mattress to this and it’s amazing not to wake up sore anymore. I almost never wake up in the middle of the night or toss and turn either. I’m very happy with the Helix Midnight.”
– Sam K., verified buyer on 9/19/2024
“Absolutely enjoy the Helix Midnight mattress. Not having shoulder or hip pain throughout the night is the way sleep should be; restful. Also I like not having to wrestle out of the imprint as with foam mattresses. I can turn over with minimal effort. Simply said ‘I love my Helix.”
– Mark R., verified buyer on 9/09/2024
Learn more in our in-depth Helix mattress review.
WinkBeds Original: Best king-size mattress for side sleepers
WinkBeds Original
Best For Side Sleepers
✓
We chose the WinkBeds Original as our best king-size mattress for side sleepers because of its ability to keep the spine in neutral alignment while preventing build up at pressure points. This mattress scored high in most of our testing categories, including cooling capabilities and motion isolation. •
Black Friday Deal! $300 off any mattress, any size. Our expert take on the WinkBeds Original mattress
The WinkBeds Original is an all-around support pro, from mattress center to edge, including “extra-edge anti-sag support” that prevents sleepers from rolling off the sides of the mattress when sleeping or sitting.
It’s a good pick for most side, back, and combination sleepers. If you gravitate toward sleeping on your side but tend to toss and turn occasionally, the WinkBeds Original may work for you. Testing also showed the mattress does a good job of keeping the spine in neutral alignment and preventing joint-related pressure points in a side sleeping position.
Our Reviews Team felt the brand’s 6.5 firmness rating for the luxury firm model was accurate. If you’re a higher-weight sleeper or simply like a firmer feel, you may find the firm version of the WinkBeds Original to be a better fit for your sleep needs. It’s important to note that different body types may have different firmness preferences. What feels firm to a lighter-weight person may not feel as firm to a higher-weight individual.
One major advantage of the WinkBeds Original is its ability to isolate movement despite a hybrid construction. In testing, we found that the mattress provided very good motion isolation with little movement overall.
And while the bed won’t actively lower your body temperature, it’s better at dissipating heat than an all-memory foam mattress due partly to its gel-infused pillow top and breathable cover. It’s also our pick for the best cooling mattress for side sleepers.
The WinkBeds Original is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress with four firmness options: softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus. Its foam and innerspring layers provide plenty of full-body support and pressure relief. Our Reviews Team tested the luxury firm model.
Our tester on the WinkBeds Original mattress:
“When I am on my side, I feel like my hips and shoulders are resting on top of the mattress, but my spine remains relatively straight and feels very neutral.”
Our mattress expert’s take
Who will love it
- Side and back sleepers who crave extra support and pressure relief to help with aching joints
- People who tend to toss and turn at night or have mobility issues
- Hot sleepers who can’t stand the sweaty feel of non-cooling memory foam
Who should avoid it
- People on a budget
- Heavier sleepers who may prefer a firmer version of the WinkBed
Customer reviews
The WinkBed Original has a 4.8-star rating out of five and more than 8,800 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention how easy the customer service at WinkBeds is to work with, while others mentioned that the delivery was slower than expected.
“So far we are very happy with this bed. Comfortable as one in fancy hotels. Wink beds has had excellent communication and is very concerned about our satisfaction. Overall I would highly recommend a Wink bed”
– Molly K., verified buyer on 9/27/2017
“We had the bed approximately a month (time to turn it!). As of now, my husband and I have been sleeping very well. I hope the success continues. This is my kind of bed!”
– Debra D., verified buyer on 7/15/2024
Visit our WinkBeds mattress review to learn more.
Saatva Classic: Best king-size mattress for combination sleepers
Saatva Classic
Best For Combination Sleepers
✓
We chose the Saatva Classic as our best king-size mattress for combination sleepers because of its firm, pressuring relieving qualities. This mattress is firm enough to maintain a neutral spine in a variety of positions, but plush enough to provide pressure relief. This mattress is also very responsive, promoting ease of movement when switching positions in bed. •
Black Friday Deal! Save up to $600 (no code required) Our expert take on the Saatva Classic mattress
The Saatva Classic is a luxury mattress packed with quality materials and coveted features. You can choose between three firmness options: plush soft, luxury firm (the option we tested), and firm. The mattress is also available in two height options: 11.5 and 14.5 inches.
In addition to health- and earth-conscious organic materials, the mattress has a zoned construction, so you feel supported regardless of how you sleep. The hybrid mattress also has an antimicrobial cover made of organic cotton and a natural, plant-based flame barrier.
Our Reviews Team found it the perfect option for combination sleepers, due to a responsive feel with minimal sinkage. Our testers noted the mattress offers the best support when the sleeper’s back is aligned with the mattress’s lumbar region. Because the mattress has plenty of bounce-back—which is great for combination sleepers—there’s a tradeoff regarding motion isolation.
Sleeping with a partner can be comforting, but picking a mattress that works for different sleepers can be challenging. The Saatva Classic is a high-end mattress that appeals to various folks, including back, side, stomach, and combination sleepers, making it a good pick for couples with different sleep styles.
Our tester on the Saatva Classic mattress:
“When I sleep on my stomach, my spine feels neutral. I like that the mattress is soft, but I can still easily switch positions.”
Our mattress expert’s take
Who will love it
- Combination sleepers needing extra back support
- Sleepers with chronic pain who need both pressure relief and support
- People looking for a mattress made with non-toxic, eco-friendly materials
Who should avoid it
- Those who prefer a softer sleep surface
- Anyone whose top concern is motion isolation
Customer reviews
The Saatva Classic has a 4.8-star rating out of five and more than 3,500 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention how their sleep has improved since switching to this mattress, while others complained about slow shipping after purchase.
“I’ve had my Saatva for approximately one month now. From. The very beginning, it had been extremely supportive and comfortable. I have a bad back and have very limited mobility. This mattress has really helped me to feel better. In short, I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone needing or wanting a new mattress.”
– Jodi, verified buyer on 8/12/2024
“After just one month, we found the bed to be very comfortable. It is quite firm. We got the luxury firm. It does a nice job of conforming to your body. It’s easy to get out of bed. While it’s still early in the trial process so far I give it a thumbs up the bed doesn’t make you go wow when you lay down in it, but it does the job.”
– John H., verified buyer on 8/01/2024
Visit our Saatva mattress review to learn more.
Emma Hybrid Comfort: Best firm king-size mattress
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Best Firm
✓
We chose the Emma Hybrid Comfort as our best firm king-size mattress because it stood out for its firm feel and zoned support design. During testing, we had no issues switching positions or moving around on the mattress, making it a good choice for combination sleepers. Our expert take on the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress
The Emma Hybrid Comfort has a firm feel—a 7.5, according to our Reviews Team—thanks to multiple layers of thick, dense foam. The addition of coils helps distribute weight, providing an even layer of support throughout the mattress. Our Reviews Team felt the firmer feel and construction make the mattress a good pairing for higher-weight individuals. A firmer mattress may also be a good fit for people who want plenty of back support but like the feel of a hard versus medium-firm sleep surface. [6] Hong T, et al. The Influence of Mattress Stiffness on Spinal Curvature and Intervertebral Disc Stress – An Experimental and Computational Study. Biology (Basel). July 8, 2022.
We also like the responsiveness of the mattress, a feature well-suited to combination sleepers. In testing, sleepers had no issues switching positions or moving around. While most people find a medium-firm mattress to be ideal, firmness is a preference. If you prefer a firmer sleep surface, the Emma Hybrid might fit your sleep style.
Our testers noted that they wouldn’t recommend it to people with back pain. Based on first impressions, they also had concerns about the durability of this mattress. The different layers seem to bounce back at varying speeds, which may lead to balance issues and sagging over time.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress is an affordable pick that’s ideal for higher-weight sleepers because of its firm feel and zoned support design.
Our tester on the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress:
“During testing, I found this most comfy for stomach sleepers because it is firm but lacks support in curvy areas of the spine in other sleep positions.”
Our mattress expert’s take
Who will love it
- People who prefer a firmer sleep surface
- Higher-weight sleepers of all types
- Combination sleepers
Who should avoid it
- Side sleepers, especially those with joint pain
- People concerned about durability
Customer reviews
The Emma Hybrid Comfort has a 4.6-star rating out of five and 110 reviews on its website. Many reviewers mention how this mattress contours to their bodies, while others say it is too soft to provide the support they require.
“The Emma Hybrid Mattress offers excellent support and comfort without overheating. Setup was easy, and it expanded quickly. If you’re looking for a mattress that combines plushness with solid support, the Emma Hybrid is a great choice.”
– Brenda S., verified buyer on 8/15/2024
“I absolutely love my Emma Mattress. I am most impressed by how quickly it shipped and arrived. The turnaround time was amazing and the set up was a breeze. The pillows are great too and have definitely changed my sleep.”
– Madisson T., verified buyer on 7/17/2024
Learn more in our Emma mattress review.
How we test king-size mattresses
Our Reviews Team spent over 2,000 hours researching more than 100 mattresses, including king-size mattresses, and surveyed over 1,200 mattress owners to learn what is most important in a king-size bed. We also consult with experts to gain an understanding of what factors play a role in comfort, reducing chronic pain, and improving ease of movement in a mattress.
We conduct hands-on testing of every mattress we include in one of our reviews. Once we narrowed down our options to the best king mattresses you can buy online, we mystery shopped these mattresses and set them up in our testing lab. Using a standardized, 42-question testing form, we rated each model across a number of categories and created a scorecard using those scores. Then, by weighing those scores, we calculate one overall score for each mattress. Every mattress chosen for this round up has a minimum score of 8 out of 10.
Firmness
Mattress firmness is typically rated on a 1 to 10 scale, with extra soft beds rating a one and extra firm a 10. Mattress firmness is subjective; what feels too firm to one person might be just right for another. Knowing this, we tried to describe our experience of the mattress in testing to give shoppers an idea of what they might be able to expect from each model.
Edge Support
If you are buying a king-size bed because you are sharing it with another person, and you are most comfortable when you can stretch out at night, edge support is a factor worth considering. This measures how little the edges of a bed collapse under the weight of a sleeper. This is also an important consideration for anyone with mobility limitations, as it is easier to get up out of bed if the edge can adequately support your weight.
Motion Isolation
We measured motion isolation in each model we tested because many people buy a king-size mattress because they plan to share their bed with a partner, pet, or child. We did this by dropping a 10-lb weight on the bed while our tester laid on another part of the bed, then reported if the motion transferred throughout the mattress or was isolated to the spot where the weight was dropped. This factor is especially important to light sleepers who might be disturbed by their partner’s movements.
Cooling capabilities
If you’re a sleeper who tends to run hot, it is worth considering how well a mattress regulates temperature. Some mattresses are naturally cooling, with innerspring coils and natural materials promoting the airflow. The opposite is true of memory foam, which traps heat and can increase the temperature of the sleeper. Some brands improve the cooling capabilities with added materials. For example, gel-infused memory foam feels cool to the touch and phase change materials pulls heat away from the sleeper.
To learn more about our testing, review our sleep methodology.
We continuously test new mattresses each month and make sure we give you the most up-to-date information possible. Using a standardized, 42-question testing form, we evaluate each new model independently, rating it in the categories we feel are most important to a comfortable and supportive king-size mattress.
How to choose a king-size mattress
We chose the Nectar Original Memory Foam as the best overall king-size mattress, but we also know this mattress won’t be a good fit for every sleeper. There are many factors that play into what makes a mattress comfortable for each person, and personal preference is an important consideration before making a purchase.
If you are looking for a new king-size mattress, here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind.
Mattress type
Choosing the right mattress type has a lot to do with your personal comfort needs. Some mattresses are softer and more conforming, and others are firmer with more bounce. Here’s a quick look at what makes each mattress option unique:
- Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are made from layers of polyurethane foam. The best memory foam mattresses contour to the curves of the body and offer excellent pressure relief. Although they may not be as supportive as other mattress types, they tend to work well for average-weight to lighter-weight sleepers.
- Innerspring: The best innerspring mattresses are made from durable and supportive steel coils. The coils may be layered or encased in individual pockets. These mattresses tend to offer firm support, so they’re a great fit for stomach and back sleepers or people of heavier weights.
- Hybrid: A hybrid mattress combines memory foam with an innerspring coil. We have found that the best hybrid mattresses balance support to maintain spine neutrality with comfortable cushioning for excellent pressure relief.
- Latex: Latex is an alternative memory foam that tends to have better airflow. Because of this, these mattresses have more bounce and don’t trap heat like memory foam. Latex mattresses are a good fit for sleepers who want pressure relief but tend to run hot. Learn more about the best latex mattresses.
Sleeping position
Your preferred sleeping position plays a role determining what you need from a mattress to get a comfortable night’s sleep. Here’s what you need to know about sleep position before you choose a new king-size mattress.
- Side sleepers: If you usually sleep on your side, a responsive mattress that contours to your curves while supporting a neutral spine will likely feel most comfortable for you. While each sleeper is different, we have that a medium to medium-firm mattress is often the best mattress for side sleepers.
- Back sleepers: Back sleepers will benefit from a mattress that is firm enough to keep their spine neutral while they sleep. At the same time, the best mattress for back sleepers will also provide pressure relief to prevent build-up and pain in the hips and shoulders.
- Stomach sleepers: We have found that stomach sleepers often require a medium-firm to firm mattress with support that prevents the hips from sinking into the mattress. While each sleeper is different, the best mattress for stomach sleepers often has zoned support in the midsection.
- Combination sleepers: Since combination sleepers change positions throughout the night, it is important to look for a responsive mattress that bounces back to facilitate easy movement. The best mattress for combination sleepers balances support for a neutral spine with pressure relief that will prevent pain at the hips and shoulders in every sleep position.
Firmness
Medium-firm mattresses are best for many, but since each person interprets mattress firmness differently, firmness in a mattress is subjective and changes from person to person. The right firmness level for you is what feels most comfortable, supports a neutral spine, and helps you get a good night’s sleep.
Surface support
A supportive mattress fills the gaps between your body and the surface, providing reinforcement in the areas where you need it most. Many clinicians use the term “spinal alignment” to describe how a mattress supports the spine in a neutral position, which is comfortable for most.
Responsiveness
Responsiveness in a mattress refers to how quickly the mattress bounces back after it is compressed. This can be especially important for sleepers with mobility issues or chronic pain, with a responsive mattress aiding in movement instead of leaving them feeling “stuck in” a mattress.
Body weight
Body weight also plays a role in choosing the mattress type that offers the best support and comfort. Heavier sleepers often benefit from a firmer mattress, as it prevents excessive sinkage that can cause poor spinal alignment. On the other hand, lighter individuals may find a softer mattress more comfortable, as it contours better to the body. Medium-firm mattresses offer a balanced option for those in a mid-weight range or couples of different weights.
Bedroom space
Since king-sized mattresses are some of the largest available, you’ll want to consider the space in your bedroom before purchasing. A king mattress measures 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, making it a dominant feature in any room. For a comfortable setup, it’s generally recommended to have at least two to three feet of space around each side of the bed for easy movement and additional furniture. Placing a king-size mattress in a smaller room can make the space feel cramped and limit your mobility.
Who should consider sleeping on a king mattress
A king-sized mattress offers extra space and comfort, making it a good option for anyone who needs a roomier sleeping surface. With a width of 76 inches and a length of 80 inches, a king-size mattress provides enough room for multiple people to sleep comfortably without crowding. Here are some of the people who might benefit most from a king mattress:
- Couples: A king mattress provides plenty of room for couples who like to stretch out without distributing each other. This is especially true if one or both partners move a lot at night.
- Families with young kids or pets: If you have kids or pets who like to climb into bed with you, the extra space of a king mattress can keep everyone comfortable.
- Tall people: A king-sized mattress is more accommodating to tall individuals, so they don’t need to worry about their feet hanging off the edge.
- Light sleepers: For those who wake up easily, extra space can reduce the chance of disturbances at night.
- Anyone needing extra room: Some sleepers prefer to take up more space, and these individuals may benefit from a king mattress.
Who should not consider a king-size mattress
While a king-size mattress can offer extra space, it isn’t the right choice for everyone. King mattresses are larger, heavier, and often come at a higher price point, which might not suit all budgets or living spaces. Here are some examples of who should skip a king mattress:
- People with limited space: If your bedroom is small, a king mattress may not be the best choice.
- Budget-conscious shoppers: King mattresses are generally more expensive than smaller sizes, so those on a tight budget may want to consider a full or queen-size mattress to save money.
- Single sleepers who don’t need extra room: If you simply don’t need the extra space, spending more on a king-sized mattress might not make much sense!
- Frequent movers: The size and weight of a king mattress might make it difficult to move, so those who relocate often might want a lighter option.
People with narrow stairways or doorways: Getting a king mattress through tight hallways or door frames can be challenging, so homes with limited access points may be better suited for smaller mattress sizes.
Different kinds of king-size mattresses
Most king-size mattresses are 80 inches long and 76 inches wide, but there are different kinds of king-size mattresses that may be a better fit for certain situations. These are the different mattress sizes and styles available for king-size beds.
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Standard King | 80×76 |
| Split King | 76×80 |
| California King | 84×72 |
| Alaskan King | 108×108 |
| RV King | 75×60 |
| Short King | 72×75 |
Standard King
A standard King mattress is popular for sleepers sharing a bed with a partner, a child, or a pet. Standard King-size mattresses are 80 inches long and 76 inches wide.
Split King
A Split King mattress is the same size as a standard king but it is split down the middle. This is a popular choice for couples with different comfort preferences. It may also work well for light sleepers who prefer not to have any motion transfer when their partner moves in bed. A split king can work well with adjustable beds as well, check out our roundup of the best split king adjustable beds to learn more.
California King
Because a California king is longer than a standard king but isn’t as wide, it may be a good fit for a taller person who has a smaller bedroom. These mattresses measure 84 inches long and 72 inches wide.
Alaskan King
By far the largest king-size bed, an Alaskan king mattress might be comfortable for heavier people who share a bed with a partner or families who cosleep with more than one child. An Alaskan king-size mattress is 108 inches wide and 108 inches long.
RV King
An RV king is designed to offer more space than a queen while still fitting in an environment that is short on space. These mattresses specifically fit in an RV and measure 80 inches long and 72 inches wide.
Short King
A short king may also be called an RV king, but has slightly different dimensions than a true RV king. This mattress is 75 inches long and 72 inches wide, making it wider than a queen-size mattress but shorter than Twin XL, Full XL, Queen, and King beds.
Compare the best king-size mattresses as of 2024
| Cost before discounts | $1,399 | $2,169 | $1,748.80 | $1,999 | $2,595 | $1,649 |
| Firmness | Medium-firm | Medium-firm | Medium-firm | Softer, luxury firm, firmer, plus | Plush soft, luxury firm, firm | Firm |
| Mattress type | Memory foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights |
| White glove delivery* | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years |
*White glove delivery includes the delivery, unpacking, assembly, and placement of your new mattress or bed inside your home and the removal of your old mattress.
Bottom line
No matter what size mattress you’re buying, it’s important to consider factors like cost, materials, and trial periods. But your unique sleep preferences, including your go-to sleep position, can also impact the right mattress size for you. And that may mean you need to consider a king-size mattress.
All the king-size mattresses on our list will be solid options, but some may suit your needs better than others. While the all-foam Nectar Original is our top pick for best king-size mattress due to its combination of comfort and value pricing, you might prefer a hybrid mattress, like the DreamCloud Premier or WinkBed. Ultimately, all the mattresses on our list have been extensively tested by our Reviews Team, so you can make an informed decision about the mattress that fits your needs and sleep style.
Additional mattress shopping resources
Frequently asked questions
Your ideal king-size mattress depends on your budget, preferred sleep position, and sleeping situation. Overall, we found the Nectar Original, DreamCloud Premier, and Saatva Classic are good options for most sleepers.
King-size mattresses provide more room to stretch, so they often have a higher price tag than other mattress sizes. In most cases, you should expect to pay between $1,000–$2,000. Luxury models typically run over $2,000.
A king-size mattress measures 76 inches by 80 inches. A California king is slightly longer but less wide at 72 by 84 inches.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org
Sources
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- Hong T, et al. The Influence of Mattress Stiffness on Spinal Curvature and Intervertebral Disc Stress – An Experimental and Computational Study. Biology (Basel). July 8, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9311775/