When it’s time to buy a new mattress, size is one of the most important aspects to consider. The amount of personal space you have while you sleep plays an important role in comfort, so don’t sell yourself short.
The most common mistake made by mattress shoppers is buying too small. If you’re buying for a child, don’t forget to take growing room into account. If you share a bed with someone, consider how much personal sleeping space each of you will need. Here’s a breakdown of each mattress size to help you figure it out:
Twin – 39″ x 75″ 
It doesn’t get any smaller than this unless you’re buying a mattress for a crib. Twin mattresses are a great option for a child’s first mattress, day beds, or guest rooms.
Twin XL – 39″ x 80″ 
Many college dorms use twin XL mattresses, which offer a bit more length for an adult. Two twin XLs pushed together are the same size as a king mattress, creating a space-saving option for changing sleep situations.
Full – 54″ x 75″
& Full XL – 54″ x 80″
Also known as double, full mattresses provide more room for a single person to sleep, but not always enough for two. If you’re going to be sharing the bed with someone else, be aware that two adults in a full mattress each only have 27 inches of personal sleeping space; that’s the same size as a standard crib mattress. A full mattress is also only as long as a twin, which may be too short for taller sleepers. Like the extra long twin size, a full XL mattress is five inches longer than a standard full. This is a great option for those looking for the width of a full mattress with extra length of a twin XL.
Queen – 60″ x 80″
Queen mattresses are a little wider and longer than full-size models, making them a popular choice for couples as well as single sleepers who like a lot of room to stretch out. If you’re concerned about space in your master bedroom, a Queen-size mattress might be perfect for you. You and your sleeping partner can each enjoy 30 inches of personal space in a mattress this size, which is still less than a single adult in a twin-size bed.
King – 76″ x 80″
With almost a foot and a half more width than a queen, a king mattress is the best choice for couples, especially if you prefer more personal space (remember: a king is equal to two twin XL mattresses).
Cal King - 72″ x 84 “
King mattresses are also available in a size called California King, which is 4 inches narrower than a standard king, but adds 4 inches in length, perfect for accommodating taller sleepers or unique sizing situations.
Custom & Unique Sizing
Some beds may require a specially sized mattress. Many antique beds use 3/4 mattresses, while RVs, boats, and semi trucks often include a variety of irregular sizes. Be sure to take precise measurements of your current mattress if you’re looking for a replacement, or at least be aware of the space available when shopping for a completely new bed. US-Mattress.com offers a wide selection of mattresses that can be custom-made to fit any situation.
Settling on a size is the first step in selecting the perfect new mattress, and it’s an important one. In order to sleep comfortably, you need the right amount of personal space, so take the time to consider which mattress suits your sleeping situation. Mattress size information and other helpful shopping guides can be found in our How to Shop and Shopper’s Resource sections.
Posted by Dan 
