by B. Leslie Baird

Created on: January 25, 2013

You will find many choices in styles of mattresses. You need to choose the right mattress for comfort and size. Mattresses are available with regular support, and many levels of firm support. Foam mattresses and adjustable support options are also available.

Mattresses that are labeled as plush tend to be softer than those labeled as firm or extra firm are. Regular foam mattresses are often soft but are available in firmer styles. Firm and extra firm styles can be a good choice for anyone that experiences lower back pain. Pillow-top styles can provide a softer top surface with firm support in the main portion of the mattress.

Memory foam mattresses are designed to contour to your shape and provide support where your body needs. Adjustable beds allow you to change the amount of support for different sections of your body. Many of these mattresses have dual controls for use by two individuals.

Choosing the right size is just as important as choosing the right sleeping surface. No matter how good the mattress, if your bed is too small you will not get a good night’s sleep.

Twin

Twin bed mattresses are also called single mattresses. They are most often used for children’s beds. The mattress dimensions are 39 inches in width by 75 inches in length. A twin bed is not usually comfortable for the average size adult. Twin extra long mattresses provide an additional four inches of length for a total of 80 inches.

Full

Full size beds are also known as double beds. They are not double the size of a Twin mattress. Full beds measure 54 inches in width by 75 inches in length. Two adults will probably not be comfortable, as each individual will have less space than provided with a Twin mattress. Full size mattresses are available in extra long making the length 80 inches.

Queen

Queen beds measure 60 inches by 80 inches. This bed size is normally comfortable for two average size adults. Larger adults may find the amount of room too small. There is another version of a Queen mattress called the Olympic Queen. This size adds six inches to the width of the standard Queen.

A California Queen or extra long mattress size measures 60 inches by 84 inches. Queen size mattress can be purchased with split box springs to make moving them through smaller doorways easier.

King

A King size mattress provides the space of two twin beds side-by-side. This mattress measures 76 inches in width by 80 inches in length. King size beds use two Twin size box springs for the foundation.

California King, Grand or Super King

The California King mattress is longer than the standard king is but four inches narrower. California King beds measure 72 inches by 84 inches, and are the common King bed size on the west coast of the United States. They can be purchased anywhere, but may require custom ordering. Grand or Super Kings provide an enormous amount of sleeping room. The measurements are 80 inches in width by 98 inches in length. This is over six ½ feet wide by just over eight feet long. The room size must be taken into consideration when purchasing this size bed.

Additional tips

Ideally, your mattress should be six inches longer than the tallest person using it. Try out the mattress for comfort in a store, if possible, before you make your purchase. Otherwise, see if you can purchase the mattress on a 30-day trial basis. What feels right for a few minutes may not provide comfort for eight hours of sleep.

Learn more about this author, B. Leslie Baird.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.