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Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more
In this Review
We’ll review the best king-size mattresses that could give you room for a partner, kids and even pets. We’ll talk about comfort, durability, motion isolation, and responsiveness—all factors that we assessed in our mattress testing studio in Austin, Texas.
Do you want to sleep like a king? The best king-size mattress could make you feel like royalty because it gives you so much extra space to move around! We’ve tested hundreds of beds, and seriously considered around 25 of them when constructing this list. Ultimately, we landed on these as the best king-size mattresses, with something for just about every type of sleeper.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best King-Size Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Helix Midnightas the best king-size mattress thanks to its quality materials, pressure relieving memory foam top, and cooling features that excelled in the mattress lab.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
Because mattress size isn’t exactly a scientific category, we considered how much each of these products costs for a king, then compared that to the overall score. To ensure that we only included high-quality mattresses, we stuck with beds that had an overall score of at least 3.5/5, with seven of them scoring a 4 or higher. We also evaluated the mattresses using testers with an array of body types, as our heavier mattress testers tend to prefer a firmer, more supportive mattress, while smaller sleepers prefer softer mattresses. Below, we’ve listed the factors that we weighed most heavily in finalizing our selections for this roundup.
How We Choose the Best King-Size Mattresses
Motion Isolation
King-size mattresses are most often purchased by couples and families. Ensuring your mattress has good motion isolation is crucial to prevent co-sleepers from disturbing each other, especially for those who are restless sleepers.
Responsiveness
Great, you have the luxury of spreading out on a king-size mattress. But what’s the point if you feel stuck in place? King-size mattress lovers might feel more favorable to a bouncy mattress with more give-and-take, so we noted mattresses that feature more of a responsive feel, while also including a mix of bouncy and slower moving models.
Durability
A king-size mattress is a significant investment that you’ll want to last as long as possible. Durable mattresses might come with a higher upfront cost but are less likely to need to be replaced often, saving you money over time.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Helix
Helix Midnight
Medium-Firm Feel
Breathability
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
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The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$936-$1,748 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Provides good pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
This mattress offers good support and body contouring for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
This bed absorbs motion well for a hybrid mattress, so couples shouldn’t notice their partner’s movements.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight mattress is a fantastic choice for back and side sleepers. It’s a perfect medium-firm mattress that offers a lot of comfort from the foam at the top with supportive coils at the bottom.
This mattress shouldn’t trap too much heat thanks to the coils, which allow for airflow. You also have the option to add a specialized cooling cover.
Hybrid mattresses can be bouncy and disturb others who are in bed, but the Helix Midnight absorbs motion very well for this type of mattress.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
This mattress is too soft to support stomach sleepers. The hips will dip into this bed over time, which can cause strain on the lower back.
While this bed absorbs motion well, it’s still a hybrid. If you don’t want that bouncy, coil feeling to your mattress, you should look for an all-foam bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10 years
Returns
Free returns during the trial period
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.2
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4
Motion Transfer
4
Response
4.5
Durability
4.5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
The Helix brand offers several mattress models of various firmnesses and feels, so no matter what position you sleep in, Helix should be able to set you up. And like all other Helix mattresses, the Helix Midnight has a high-quality hybrid construction. The Midnight stands out as our editor’s favorite king-size mattress because of its all-around quality in the sleep lab. For starters, the bed scored a 4/5 on our durability test—a sign of a sturdy, well-constructed hybrid mattress. Testers also gave the bed a 4/5 responsiveness score for the bed’s solid amount of give-and-take, which makes it easier to switch positions for combination sleepers.
The Helix Midnight mattress has a soft, breathable knit cover, with an option to upgrade to the cool-feeling GlacioTex Cooling Pillow Top for extra cushioning and a luxurious feel. You may not need that added cooling, though, if you don’t sleep hot—our testers rate Helix Midnight 4/5 for its cooling abilities even without the additional cooling layer. On our thermal gun test, the bed heated up by about 3.4 degrees F after human contact, which is a solid range. Comfort layers include a slow-moving memory foam, and a bouncier, denser transition foam for additional contouring and pressure relief. Finally, the support layer features up to 1,000 individually wrapped coils for support and airflow, which you can feel everywhere on the mattress: Helix Midnight earned a 4/5 score for its edge support from testers, who said they felt well supported on the bed’s perimeter. Our heaviest tester recorded a 2.25″ sinkage on the edge, which is better than a standard innerspring.
What the testers say: “In my experience, the Helix Midnight offers great comfort and support. When lying on it, I enjoyed a touch of pressure relief without sacrificing spinal alignment.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight
Those prone to overheating throughout the night may find the cooling features of the Helix Midnight a welcome facilitator of temperature regulation.
The Helix Midnight supports back and side sleepers very well, so much so that it can be a great option for those of you who have back pain. The hybrid build allows your hips and shoulders to sink in enough to get needed pressure relief, but not so much that your spine goes out of alignment. If you’re a stomach sleeper with back pain, however, this mattress might not be firm enough for you.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight
Stomach sleepers tend to need firmer mattresses, something that keeps their hips elevated so that their spines remain properly aligned—instead, consider the Helix Dawn.
Our heavier mattress testers (over 230 lbs) found that the Helix Midnight may have caused some uncomfortable pressure buildup around their hips and shoulders.
Other User Reviews
On the Helix website, the Helix Midnight has 4.5/5 stars from 6,214 customer reviews. Many of these praise the balance between soft and firm as well as the support that the Helix Midnight provides. However, some negative reviews indicate a lack of motion isolation, as well as a saggy mattress perimeter.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Nectar
Nectar Classic
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
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The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress. It has a plush comfort layer followed by a thin layer of transition foam. At the bottom, there’s a layer of high-density base foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Nectar mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$699-$1,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress isolates motion well, which means couples shouldn’t feel movement come over to their side of the bed.
Side Sleepers
It offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
The Nectar mattress offers plenty of support for most back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
This mattress has a slow-moving feel. If you like mattresses that contour to your body, this could be a great option.
The Nectar mattress isolates motion well, which is helpful for people who share a bed with a partner or a pet.
It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lb.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
Even though it has cooling gel-infused foam, it’s not the best mattress for hot sleepers.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers. In this position, you may feel your hips sink out of alignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Because it’s an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress, it has a 48-hour off-gassing period. You’ll need to let the mattress air out for two days before sleeping on it.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Forever warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.3
Overall Score
4
Support
3.5
Cooling
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Motion Transfer
3.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Unlike the vast majority of mattresses on this list, the Nectar is an all-foam, memory foam mattress that really offers that classic memory foam experience. Lying down, testers experienced a slow sink into the bed. The memory foam will conform to your body and offer lots of pressure relief on a king-size bed.
While Nectar is a memory foam mattress, the bed doesn’t sleep too hot, testers who did the nap test said, awarding the mattress a 4.5/5 cooling score based on the bed’s feel and performance under the thermal gun (more on that below). Cooling materials include a breathable polyblend cover and memory foam with cooling gel infusions that both dissipate heat. And on par with the classic infomercials that demonstrated a memory foam mattress’ ability to absorb motion, Nectar also does an excellent job preventing movement across the surface: Testers gave the bed a 4.5/5 motion transfer score.
What the testers say: “When sleeping on the Nectar, I could feel the memory foam layers conforming to the curves of my body. The Nectar is one of the most comfortable memory foam mattresses on the market and should be a good fit for anyone who needs pressure relief and contouring.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar
Thanks to the Nectar’s comforting memory foam layers, side sleepers may enjoy the pressure relief needed to keep their hips and shoulders comfortable and ache-free.
People who sleep close to the edge of the bed probably won’t have any problem resting on the Nectar’s sturdy perimeter—the bed notched a 4/5 edge support score in the mattress lab after sagging only 3.5″ under our heaviest tester (who weighs about 250 lbs).
The bed’s surface does not overly absorb heat like a typical memory foam bed. Based on our thermal gun analysis, after a tester rested on the bed, the surface temperature of the Nectar rose by less than 2 degrees F.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar
Heavyweight sleepers may need firmer mattresses, as something too soft will likely allow them to sink uncomfortably far into the mattress. The Nectar, like most memory foam mattresses, is one such mattress that is simply too soft for most heavyweight people. Instead, we recommend Titan Plus Luxe.
Like heavyweight sleepers, stomach sleepers usually do better on firmer mattresses. The Nectar simply doesn’t offer the support needed to keep their hips elevated in a comfortable position.
If you like an all-foam bed with more bounce, you may want to consider a bed with latex foams instead. The Nectar has a slower-moving feel that notched a 3/5 score on our responsiveness test based on how quickly the foams reformed.
Other User Reviews
Based on a whopping 50,525 reviews on the Nectar website, the Nectar mattress earns an average score of 4.7/5. There are many reviews stating that the bed has helped mitigate aches and pains, particularly in people who are older. That said, there are many comments calling out the poor customer service that Nectar provides, with some users stating that they waited a very long time for their mattresses to be delivered.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is slightly firmer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,149-$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 130 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
It has a bouncy, responsive feel. This is great for combination sleepers who benefit from a bed that makes it easy to change positions at night.
The WinkBed features zoned support. With firmer foam at the top and bottom and more cushioning foam in the middle, this bed has excellent lumbar support.
This bed sleeps cool. Thanks to the breathable coils and gel-infused memory foam, hot sleepers can expect a cool night’s rest.
Cons
This isn’t the best option for motion isolation.
The WinkBed doesn’t have a traditional “sink-in” memory foam feel.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Overall Rating
5
Support
5
Edge Support
4
Cooling
4.5
Response
3.5
Motion Transfer
4.5
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
The WinkBed—especially the king-size—is a luxurious hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel. Among its many notable features are tall, supportive coils, zoning, and a plush pillow-top. The WinkBed is wrapped in a breathable Tencel cover that helps keep the bed from trapping heat, and the main comfort layer incorporates gel-infused foam for added cooling. Our testers gave the bed a 4/5 score in recognition of WinkBed’s cooling abilities.
The bed is also available in multiple firmnesses, so you can select from a Softer, Luxury Firm, Firm, or Plus model. The Luxury Firm is their most popular and we found it might be a great mattress for combination sleepers—comfortable and supportive for back sleepers, side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and anyone who switches between all of these positions.
What the testers say: “When I lay on the WinkBed, I got a pleasant balance of comfort and support, especially when sleeping on my back. The zoning in this mattress provides great lumbar support, though I did feel a bit too much pressure while side sleeping on this mattress. If you’re a lightweight or average-weight sleeper though, you might find a bit more pressure relief than I did. –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBed
Those who switch sleeping positions throughout the night will enjoy the level of responsiveness that the WinkBed provides. In fact, our review refers to it as “a combo sleeper’s dream” because of how easy it is to move around on.
The Tencel cover is very breathable, as are the individually wrapped coils that make up the support system of the bed. This means that hot air passes through the mattress rather than becoming trapped, making for a cooler sleep experience.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed
Couples likely won’t be too impressed with the WinkBed’s ability to isolate motion. If you’re a light sleeper who is easily disturbed by your partner’s movements, this will especially be a problem for you—instead, check out the Nectar Luxe.
Shoppers looking for something a bit more plush and conforming might not feel comfortable on the WinkBed, which makes you feel more like you’re sleeping on top of the mattress rather than “in” it.
Other User Reviews
The WinkBed earned a 4.8/5, based on 8,414 customer reviews submitted to the WinkBed website. Much praise is given to the firm yet somehow soft feel of the mattress, as well as the ease-of-movement that the construction provides. Not all is well, though, as some customers found it lacking in pressure relief, resulting in hip and back pain.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Premier
Medium-Firm Feel
Cooling
Plush Pillow Top
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Up to 50% off mattresses + spend $1,000 and save $100 See Details
The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,169-$2,998 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the DreamCloud Premier
The DreamCloud Premier is an excellent cooling mattress. Its hybrid design and breathable materials ensure you won’t be overheating during the night.
Back sleepers will feel very comfortable on the DreamCloud Premier. It boasts a perfect balance of comfort and support, which is exactly what back sleepers need.
While it is closer to medium-firm, it is a good fit for side sleepers. Its plush top will help relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips.
It features a plush pillow top design. Those who like the feeling of a luxurious pillow top will love the DreamCloud Premier.
Cons of the DreamCloud Premier
Stomach sleepers won’t get enough support on this mattress.
If you prefer the feeling of a memory foam mattress, the DreamCloud will be too bouncy for you.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxurious hybrid that gives you the feeling of sleeping in a nice hotel. Its combination of foam, coils, and cooling materials make it an ideal pick for both back sleepers and hot sleepers as well. At the same time, it is plush enough for the majority of side sleepers. However, if you sleep on your stomach, take a look at the firmer DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.1
Overall Rating
4
Support
3
Edge Support
4
Cooling
4
Motion Transfer
4.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
A king-size mattress is a big investment. Odds are, you’ll be sleeping on this mattress for years to come, so you’ll certainly want to prioritize comfort. The DreamCloud Premier has you covered in this department, as its plush cashmere and foam blend pillow top provides luxurious cushioning that helps relieve pressure in sensitive areas of your body.
The hybrid construction underneath the quilted pillow top provides ample support, so this mattress really has the best of both worlds—the comfort of a soft foam mattress and the support and durability of an innerspring mattress. Testers felt the DreamCloud Premier’s build merited an overall support score of 4/5. Another area the Premier excelled in was cooling (4/5), thanks to the breathability of the coils and cooling gel memory foam comfort layers.
What the testers say: “The DreamCloud Premier mattress is a luxury hybrid that has been helping people sleep in style for years. It offers an excellent balance of comfort and support because of its plush pillow top and supportive coils.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud Premier
Back and side sleepers of all shapes and sizes should find that the DreamCloud Premier has the perfect, middle-ground firmness that provides plenty of support but also the cushioning needed to relieve pressure.
Couples who prioritize good motion isolation probably won’t need to worry about disturbing one another on the DreamCloud Premier, as this mattress does a good job of keeping movements from reverberating across the surface.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Premier
People who are older may have difficulty getting in and out of bed and have an easier time when the perimeter of the mattress is sturdy and doesn’t sag under applied pressure. Unfortunately, the DreamCloud Premier doesn’t excel here—check out the WinkBed instead.
Heavyweight (over 230 lbs) stomach sleepers may want something firmer than the DreamCloud Premier to keep their hips from sinking uncomfortably far into the mattress.
Other User Reviews
Based on 3551 customer reviews on the DreamCloud website, this mattress has an average score of 4.5/5. Like ours, many of these reviews praise the DreamCloud Premier for accommodating many types of heavyweight sleepers. That said, some found it incredibly cumbersome and difficult to set up, which might especially be a problem if you plan to do it alone.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Saatva is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is a bit firmer than average.
Price
$1,295-$2,790 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive enough for stomach sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 300 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
The Saatva mattress is a great option for combination sleepers. It is available in multiple firmness options, but the Luxury Firm model works well for multiple sleeping positions.
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva will work well for most back sleepers. Its balance of comfort and support and zoned construction ensure you’ll sleep in good neutral alignment.
Shoppers looking for a long-lasting mattress will love the Saatva. It feature high-density foam and durable coils that should ensure it lasts for over 10 years.
Cons
If you like the feel of a memory foam mattress, you’re not going to love the feel of the Saatva.
Lightweight side sleepers might not get the best pressure relief, even on the softest Saatva model.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Saatva is a luxurious hybrid innerspring mattress that should be a great long-term investment. It is available in multiple firmness options, so it should work for the majority of sleeping positions, and its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers. However, lightweight side sleepers and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.3
Overall rating
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4
Cooling
3
Motion Transfer
4.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
If you’ve visited some of our other best-of lists you may have noticed that the Saatva appears quite often. It’s true: We love this mattress, and the testing data speaks for itself. The two sets of coils, combined with a plush pillow top, deliver that luxury hotel feel that so many people look for. And sleepers who struggle with back pain will appreciate that the bed earned a 4.5/5 support score from mattress testers, indicating that the bed will keep your spine in its natural alignment. Plus, the Soft, Luxury Firm and Firm options mean that you can select the firmness that best matches your needs.
But for the best balance of comfort and support, we recommend the Luxury Firm model—this is also the model that we prodded, cut open, moved around on, and napped upon in our Austin, TX sleep lab. Our testers were able to get cozy in any sleep position, and the Luxury Firm also had excellent edge support (4.5/5) for sleepers who tend to favor their bed’s borders.
What the testers say: “The Saatva gives that classic feel that’s expected from a coil mattress with a pillow top. There’s some bounce from the multiple layers of coils, and a soft, plush feel on top. When I lie on the mattress, it feels more like I am sleeping “on” the mattress rather than “in” it.”– Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva
You know that feeling you get when you first enter a hotel room and plop down on the freshly made, perfectly supportive yet soft mattress? Well, thanks to the Saatva’s high-quality hybrid construction it delivers a similar combination of comfort and support.
Sleepers who toss and turn throughout the night may appreciate how easy it is to move around on the Saatva, thanks to its layer of pocketed coils.
Older people who may have trouble getting in and out of bed should find the sturdy edges of the Saatva provide them enough stability when placing their weight along the perimeter.
What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva
Fans of the conforming feeling of memory foam may not appreciate the construction of the Saatva, which doesn’t allow you to sink too far into the mattress surface.
Couples who value motion isolation will likely find that their partner’s movements reverberate a bit too much on the Saatva’s surface—check out the Nectar Luxe instead.
Other User Reviews
On the Saatva website, the classic Saatva mattress has 2,888 customer reviews with an average score of 4.8/5. Many of these reviews praise the high-quality, comfortable materials used in the Saatva, as well as the excellent customer service. On the flip side, a few customers were disappointed to find their Saatva sagging after just a few years.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Nolah
Nolah Evolution
Multiple Firmnesses
Cooling
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows + $150 off BedJet with mattress purchase See Details
The Nolah Evolution is a hybrid mattress, which means it has coils at the bottom and memory foam on top.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,499-$3,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid offers great lumbar support for most back sleepers under 300 lb.
Hot Sleepers
This bed has graphite-infused foam, which helps dissipate body heat. It also has coils that promote airflow.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
It has great cooling features, such as graphite-infused foam and airflow-promoting coils.
Even though it has coils, it isolates motion well. This makes it a great mattress for couples.
It’s available in three firmness levels, so it works for a variety of people.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution
It lacks a slow-moving feel.
It’s not supportive enough for most people who weigh more than 300 lb.
Because it’s a luxurious mattress, it might be too pricey for some people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. It’s not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
5
Cooling
4
Response
4
Motion Transfer
5
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
If you’re looking for a king-size mattress that’s fit for a king, check out the Nolah Evolution as an option. You might be wondering how we define luxury when talking about a mattress. Well, most of it comes down to the quality of materials and construction. With a height of 15”, along with sturdy coils and an Edge Support System, this bed could last for at least 10 years while maintaining its structural integrity and support. Also, cooling features like its special heat escape gusset, its graphite-infused cooling foam, and its cooling cover earned the Nolah Evolution a stellar 5/5 on our temperature regulation test.
What the testers say: “When I lie on this mattress, the Euro-top comfort layer cushions my pressure points, while the Eco Support coils provide a good amount of support. Plus, the mattress is firmer in the center, so I feel extra lumbar support.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Evolution
Side and back sleepers probably receive sufficient support and comfort from the Luxury Firm version of the Nolah Evolution, thanks to the middle-of-the-road firmness level and impressive hybrid construction which utilizes both high-quality foam and supportive coils.
Shoppers who want a mattress with fantastic longevity will appreciate the durability of this mattress. If properly cared for, you can expect the Nolah Evolution to maintain its structural integrity for upwards of ten years.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Evolution
Stomach sleepers should look for something that does a better job of keeping their hips elevated. You’ll likely want to look at mattresses on the higher end of the firmness scale. For some great options, check out our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Budget shoppers may find the Nolah Evolution too pricey—consider the DreamCloud Premier for a more affordable luxury option.
Other User Reviews
Taking a look at customer reviews, on the Nolah website this mattress has an average rating of 4.9/5 based on 810 entries. Customers praise the back pain relief and temperature regulation that the Nolah Evolution provides, however, some find it too tall, making it awkward for them to get into bed. Also, several users complain that it is too firm for their liking.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.0
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Multiple Firmnesses
Affordable
Responsive
Hybrid mattress
120-night trial period
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BFRIDAY30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$665-$1,599 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, short full, queen, short queen, king, short king, Olympic queen, California king, split California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a budget-friendly mattress. It’s a good fit for shoppers looking for an affordable, versatile bed.
Combination sleepers will find it easy to change positions on this bed. Thanks to its bouncy coil construction, the Signature offers a very responsive surface.
Back and side sleepers under 230 lbs can expect great pressure relief and support on this bed.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
This bed doesn’t provide much motion isolation.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature isn’t a luxury mattress.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an affordable, no-frills bed with a medium-firm feel that should work for a wide variety of sleepers. While it’s made with durable materials and should last up to 10 years, it isn’t the most luxurious option. If you’re looking for a premium bed, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.1
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Cooling
4
Edge Support
3
Motion Transfer
4.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
When we say “best priced” we don’t necessarily mean cheapest. Rather, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid earns a spot on this list because of its great value. The company owns its own factory, so the brand is able to cut out the middleman and price beds lower than many of the comparable competitors. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid—outfitted with supportive coils and proprietary foams—is the brand’s most popular mattress and is priced at just a little over $1,000 after discounts.
The bed is swaddled in a thin, breathable cover that keeps you cool, with an option to upgrade to the Cloud Pillow Top for an even cooler feel than the 4/5 rating our testers gave the standard model of bed. It features three comfort layers: a 1.5″ quilted top that contours to your body and wicks away moisture, a 1.5″ bouncy layer for greater ease of movement, and a 1″ transition layer to prevent you from sinking in too much. You can select from Soft, Medium, and Firm models. Our tester tried the medium model, which he found to be a great fit for back sleeping.
What the testers say: “When lying on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, I felt a balance of plushness and support. The mattress comes in three firmness options, and the medium model I tried offered some soft top layers and supportive lower layers.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature has multiple firmness options, so no matter your body type or preferred sleeping position you should be able to find one that works for you. We like the soft option for lightweight sleepers, the medium option for average weight back sleepers, and the firm option for heavyweight sleepers and stomach sleepers.
With sales, the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid can often be purchased for less than $1,000, which is an outstanding price for such a quality mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Couples will likely want more motion isolation than is offered by the Brooklyn Bedding Signature. Memory foam mattresses tend to excel in this area.
Those looking for the bells and whistles of a luxury mattress might be a little bit underwhelmed by the lack of advanced cooling technology and robust comfort layers. If those things interest you, we suggest the Nolah Evolution Hybrid.
Other User Reviews
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid has 10,148 reviews on the company website for an average score of 4.7/5. Many of the comments actually recommend this as a great option for an RV mattress. Some users find even the softest version of the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid too firm for them.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Bear
Bear Elite Hybrid
Medium-Firm Feel
Lifetime Warranty
Sturdy Edges
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BLACK35 for 35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Soft, Medium, and Firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Medium model a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,893-$3,920 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers
Hot Sleepers
Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid
This mattress offers great value. It’s made with high-quality materials and backed by a lifetime warranty, but available at a relatively affordable price point.
It comes with excellent edge support. The Bear Elite Hybrid’s sturdy perimeter is helpful if you need a stable surface to get in and out of bed.
The bed’s cover and foam layers contain cooling materials to help regulate your body temperature. Its coil layer also promotes plenty of airflow to keep you cool.
Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid
Doesn’t do the best job of isolating motion.
Likely not supportive enough for sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bear’s most high-end mattress. It offers luxury features, like zoned support and extra height, while still offering the temperature regulation Bear mattresses are known for. Based on our testing results, we’d recommend this mattress to average-weight side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, check out the Bear Star Hybrid. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Overall Rating
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
3.5
Motion Transfer
4
Response
4.5
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Bear designs its beds for athletes who may deal with aches and pains, and the secret is Celliant technology. The claim is that this material may assist with blood flow to promote muscle recovery, and can also keep you cool at night. Their highest-end model is the Bear Elite Hybrid.
When stretching out on the king-size Bear Elite Hybrid, our tester experienced a great deal of pressure relief, especially while on their back and side. And while we lack the lab equipment to test the bold claims made about the Celliant technology, our testers did experience noticeable cooling capabilities when napping on the Bear—particularly when it came to the hand-quilted cover, which felt cool to the touch, and helped the bed earn an overall cooling score of 4.5/5. The bed’s zoned comfort foam also includes airflow-promoting divots, since foam layers are the biggest culprit for trapping heat. The bed’s solid overall support score (4.5/5) is in part thanks to the individually-encased coil layer (also known as pocketed coils), along with extra coils around the perimeter, adding to the bed’s excellent edge support (4.5/5).
What the testers say: “Sleeping on the Bear Elite Hybrid, I was impressed by how cooling it was. Its cooling cover contains phase change material, which helps lower body temperature. It also contains a layer of copper-infused memory foam to help dissipate body heat. I could feel these materials getting to work, and they made for a restorative night of sleep.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Elite Hybrid
For folks who sleep too hot, the Bear Elite’s cooling cover helps to lower body temperature helping you sleep cool at night.
Athletes looking for something that could help optimize recovery may find that the Bear Elite Hybrid does just that. While we can’t speak to whether or not the Celliant technology actually helps promote blood flow, we will say that the support and pressure relief we felt on the mattress might help mitigate aches and soreness.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Elite Hybrid
Heavyweight (over 230 lbs) stomach sleepers will want a firmer mattress than the Bear Elite Hybrid, as this will help keep their hips from sinking uncomfortably into the mattress. We suggest the Plank Firm.
The Bear Elite Hybrid costs over $2,000 for a queen. Shoppers with a strict budget might need to look elsewhere.
Other User Reviews
On the Bear website, the Elite Hybrid has 4.4/5 stars based on 263 reviews. Many users praised the pain relief and cool night’s sleep that the Bear Elite Hybrid provides. A few people, on the other hand, found the middle of the bed too soft, causing an uncomfortable dip in the center of the mattress.
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid Mattress
Warranty
Lifetime Warranty
Firmness
Multiple Firmness Options
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping
Free Shipping
Weight (King)
140 lbs
Dimensions (King)
76”W x 80”L x 14”H
Price (King- Before Discounts)
$2,796.00
Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review for more information. Not sure the Bear Elite is for you, Check out our best mattresses for athletes for other great options.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Brooklyn Bedding
Plank Firm
Firm Feel
Flippable
Supportive
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BFRIDAY30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with two firmness levels on each side. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the softer side a 8/10. The firmer side comes in at a 9/10.
Price
$749-$1,532 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, short full, full, short queen, queen, olympic queen, short king, split king, split california king, California king, RV king
Stomach Sleepers
It offers ample hip support for most stomach sleepers, especially on the firmer side.
Heavyweight Sleepers
This mattress has a thick comfort layer and sturdy coils that can handle heavier weights.
Pros of the Plank Firm
It has a flippable design, so you can easily change its firmness level by turning the mattress over.
It’s the firmest mattress we have tested, so if you need a lot of spinal support, this is a good option.
It works well for stomach sleepers because it helps keep hips elevated and in the correct alignment.
Cons of the Plank Firm
This mattress is too firm for most side sleepers.
Because it’s made entirely out of foam, it tends to trap body heat.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Plank Firm mattress is one of the most supportive mattresses on the market. It has a flippable design, with two firmness levels in one. On our firmness scale, the the softer side feels like a 8/10 and the firmer side feels like a 9/10. Both sides tend to work well for stomach sleepers, but most side sleepers won’t get enough pressure relief on this bed. Watch our video review to learn more.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.2
Overall Rating
5
Support
5
Edge Support
3.5
Cooling
3
Motion Transfer
5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
The Plank mattress, made by Brooklyn Bedding, is an extra firm, flippable mattress, coming in at 8/10 on our firmness scale for the firm side and 9/10 on the extra firm side. It’s designed to create an extremely flat sleeping surface that your body probably won’t sink into at all. It has an extra-firm side with 0.75″ of quilted polyfoam for minimal softness, and a firm side with the same quilted polyfoam, plus 2″ of bouncy Supreme Response Comfort Foam for a bit more pressure relief. Though firmness is subjective, we found the Plank mattress felt very firm, and we’re sure just about everyone will agree.
If you’re an extra-firm mattress lover who also sleeps hot, you can pay an upcharge and Brooklyn Bedding will sew a cooling panel into Plank Firm’s top layer on each side, known as the GlacioTex Cover. The mattress support comes from a 7″ high-density base foam layer, giving it an overall 11.5″ height, which is more on the sparse side, however, the thinness adds firmness without compromising support: The mattress scores 5/5 for both overall support and edge support from testers. For those who prefer coils, check out the Plank Firm Luxe.
What the testers say: “The Plank mattress is definitely one of the firmest mattresses I’ve tested, ever. This mattress felt way too firm for side sleeping, but for other sleeping positions, my whole body felt supported.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Plank Firm
The Plank is a flippable mattress, which is a great option for folks who aren’t sure which firmness is best for them. Both sides of the Plank are very firm, but the difference between the sides is noticeable.
Heavyweight people will likely feel comfortable on the Plank given its high firmness, which will keep them properly supported. Back sleepers will probably do best on the softer side, while the firmer of the two sides will work better for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Plank Firm
Side sleepers will almost certainly want something with more cushion for their sensitive pressure points (hips and shoulders). Instead, consider the Helix Midnight.
If you find yourself getting uncomfortably hot at night you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling abilities than the Plank Firm.
Other User Reviews
Based on 2,642 reviews from the Plank website, this mattress has an average score of 4.8/5. Many of the customers who were looking for a very firm mattress are clearly pleased with Plank making good on their promise. However, there are a select few who surprisingly claim this mattress simply isn’t firm enough. Of course, this is entirely subjective, but as someone who has tested it, I can honestly say I can’t imagine a firmer mattress.
Titan Plus – Best King Size Mattress for Heavy People
Best Mattress for Heavy People
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Brooklyn Bedding
Titan Plus
Firm Feel
Supportive
Breathable
Hybrid mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Black Friday Sale
Use code BFRIDAY30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
The Titan Plus is a hybrid mattress. This means it has coils at the bottom and foam on top.
Firmness
The Titan Plus mattress is very firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 9/10.
Price
$699-$1,499 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
Heavyweight sleepers
This mattress has a thick comfort layer and sturdy coils that can handle heavier weights.
Stomach Sleepers
It offers lots of hip support, which can help stomach sleepers maintain the correct spinal alignment.
Couples
This mattress has good edge support and motion isolation.
Pros of the Titan Plus
It works well for people who weigh 230 – 500 lb, thanks to its supportive feel.
This mattress has great edge support.
The Titan Plus mattress is breathable and cool, so it works well for hot sleepers.
Cons of the Titan Plus
Lightweight people likely won’t get enough pressure relief on this mattress.
It’s too firm for many side sleepers, who will likely need more cushioning along their shoulders and hips.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Titan Plus mattress works well for many heavyweight back and stomach sleepers. It’s quite firm, coming in at 9/10 on our firmness scale. This means that many side sleepers won’t get the pressure relief they need along their shoulders and hips. Watch our Titan Plus mattress review video to learn more.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.2
Overall Rating
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
3
Motion Transfer
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Another Brooklyn Bedding mattress, the Titan Plus is specifically designed for heavier sleepers. It comes in at 9/10 on our firmness scale, making it one of the firmest mattresses on this list. It’s a great option for supporting heavy sleepers who typically sleep on their stomach. Don’t worry, though—it doesn’t feel like sleeping on a concrete slab. It’s a hybrid mattress, so you’ll get an innerspring feel with a slight foam feeling on top.
The Titan Plus also features a polyester cover with 1″ of gel memory foam for cooling comfort that maintains its shape, and like the Plank Firm, you can add a GlacioTex cooling cover for extra coolness. The comfort layer is 2″ of bouncy TitanFlex foam for responsive contouring and pressure relief. It has an 8″ support layer of durable coils and a 0.25″ high-density foam base for added support. The build is a lower profile—11″ total—but offers plenty of support, with a 4.5/5 support score earned from our heavyweight tester Marten.
What the testers say: “Back sleeping on the Titan Plus I felt supported, but some sleepers may feel like this mattress is a bit too supportive since the firm layers don’t allow the hips to sink into the top foam layer. Overall though, this mattress allowed for good spinal support and should be great for heavy people.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Titan Plus
This firm mattress may offer the support that heavyweight sleepers need in order to keep everything exactly where it should be. Many times, softer mattresses allow the hips and shoulders of heavier people to sink deep into the mattress, thereby throwing the spine out of alignment and potentially causing discomfort. With the Titan Plus, this is not an issue.
Stomach sleepers, like heavyweight sleepers, tend to appreciate firmer mattresses like the Titan Plus. They too need their hips to stay supported and elevated as they sleep, or they risk waking up with back pain.
What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus
Side sleepers will likely find the Titan Plus too firm. Unlike stomach sleepers, side sleepers likely want their hips and shoulders to sink into the mattress a bit, as this helps keep pressure from building up in those sensitive areas. Go for a softer mattress like Helix Midnight instead
Couples might want something that isolates motion more effectively so they don’t disturb each other while changing sleeping positions or getting in and out of bed.
Other User Reviews
The Titan Plus has an average rating of 4.7/5, based on 2,433 customer reviews from the Titan website. Many rave about the high-quality firm construction that’s great for heavyweight sleepers. Unsurprisingly, some users complain that the Titan Plus is too firm and very difficult to get comfortable on.
What to Consider When Shopping for a King-Size Mattress
Testing for edge performance in our sleep lab
Alright, so you’ve decided that a king-size mattress is right for you. But, before you make a purchase, there are still a few more elements to consider. Here are some important factors to think about as you choose the best king-size mattress for you.
Sleeping Position
If you’re a back sleeper, a blend of pressure relief and spinal support is usually best (think medium-firm). Side sleepers often require softer, more pressure-relieving beds; stomach sleepers may require extra-supportive beds; and combination sleepers may need a mattress that helps them feel comfortable and supported in multiple positions.
Body Type
Your body weight and height can have a big influence on the type of mattress that best suits your needs. For instance, tall people might prefer the extra length of a California king, heavyweight people will probably require a more supportive king mattress in the form of an innerspring or hybrid, and so on.
Temperature Regulation
If you tend to sleep hot, make sure to prioritize a mattress that sleeps cool. As a general rule, all-foam beds sleep hotter than innerspring, latex and hybrid mattresses. Some mattresses include design features for the express purpose of sleeping cool, while others don’t.
We put every mattress we review through a rigorous thermal regulation test involving a thermal camera that measures heat retention. With this device, we’re able to see how affective each mattress is in dissipating body heat. Learn more in our roundup of the best cooling mattresses.
Firmness and Pressure Relief
If you’re thinking about your preferred sleeping position(s) and body type, this might prompt you to think about the appropriate firmness and the level of pressure relief that you need from a mattress. As noted above, back sleepers tend to require medium-firm mattresses. Side sleepers, on the other hand, usually feel best on pressure-relieving, softer mattresses. Stomach sleepers generally need firmer mattresses.
Budget Considerations
This is an important factor to consider no matter which size mattress you’re buying. Know your budget before you start shopping so you don’t find the mattress of your dreams only to discover that it’s beyond your price point. Many mattresses list their prices based on smaller sizes first, so make sure you select “king” when you’re shopping.
Motion Isolation
You may want to consider motion isolation if you sleep with a partner. If your partner has ever moved around on their side of the mattress, and this disturbed you on your side, you have experienced motion transfer. This can make it difficult to stay asleep if your partner shifts positions and gets out of bed during the night. Usually, mattresses with thick memory foam are great at isolating motion, but some coil mattresses work as well.
Edge Support
If you do share your mattress with a sleeping partner, then edge support is likely also important. Strong edge support enables you both to utilize the full surface of the mattress, so you can enjoy all the extra space that you’re paying for with a king-size bed. As a general rule, innerspring, latex and hybrid mattresses tend to offer stronger edge support than all-foam beds.
In order to test edge support, we actually measure how much the perimeter of each mattress sags when different testers rest on it. The more it sags, the worse score it receives in this category.
Durability
Since king-size mattresses are usually a big financial investment, most people want to ensure they will last a long time. This is why it’s important to look for a mattress that’s made with high-quality, long-lasting materials, such as sturdy coils, durable latex and/or high-density foams. See our best mattresses that won’t sag for some durable options.
Bedroom Size
Last but definitely not least, make sure you measure your bedroom. You’ll want to make sure that a king mattress (76″ x 80″) will fit comfortably in your space. Make sure you consider the other furniture if your room that will have to fit around your bed. The last thing you want is to invest in a king mattress only to find that it doesn’t work for the space you have.
Who Should and Shouldn’t Choose a King-Size Mattress?
A king-size mattress is ideal for the fussy sleeper who always feels like their partner is encroaching on their space. Even on a bed that lacks superior motion isolation, you’re less likely to feel disturbances across a king-size bed. If you sleep alone, a king-size mattress is great for the “starfish” sleeper who loves to sprawl out in all directions. And if you have the square footage, a king-size bed makes for a grand statement piece for the primary bedroom.
On the other hand, if you have a small bedroom, a king-size mattress can quickly overwhelm the space, limiting floor space and room for other furniture. Also, the costs accumulate: it’s pricier not just for the mattress but also for sheets and frames, so if budget is a concern, you might want to consider a smaller size. You may also want to consider a split-king mattress rather than a king-size mattress if you and your partner have distinctly different firmness preferences. Plus, you can always add a king-size mattress topper to cover the crack in the middle.
Pros and Cons of a King-Size Mattress
There are upsides, and there are downsides to buying a king-size mattress. We’ve got all the major pros and cons of king-size mattresses right here.
Pros of a King-Size Mattress
They offer loads of space. This won’t come as a surprise: King-size mattresses are big. A standard king-size mattress measures 76″ x 80″, or approximately 6.3 by 6.6 feet. This means there’s tons of room for sleepers to stretch out and get comfy in every sleeping position.
There’s room for larger people. Taller and/or heavier people sometimes feel cramped on smaller mattresses. A king-size bed should provide more room for them to sleep comfortably.
There’s room for couples. If you share your bed with a partner, a king offers more space for both of you to stretch out and find the sleep position that feels most comfortable—without kicking, pushing, pulling away blankets or otherwise disturbing each other. See our best mattresses for couples for some great options.
Motion isolation. More great news for couples—because there’s more room on a king-size mattress, you’re less likely to feel your partner’s movement on the other side of the bed. Pro tip: In terms of material, king-size memory foam mattresses tend to be the best at isolating motion.
There’s room for the whole family. If you have kids or pets who like to climb into bed with you, then a king-size mattress can accommodate more people much more comfortably than a smaller bed.
They create spatial balance. If you have a large bedroom, a king-size mattress can help fill the space so the room feels more balanced. In contrast, placing a small bed in an enormous room can make the room feel imbalanced and sparse.
They create a grand look. Many people love the grand look of a king-size mattress and choose a larger bed for aesthetic reasons.
Cons of a King-Size Mattress
They take up a lot of space. While size is one of the primary benefits of a king-size mattress, it can also be a disadvantage if you have a small bedroom. A king bed can overtake the space—or it may not fit at all.
They’re hard to move. Because king-size beds are so large, they’re also extra heavy. This means it can be difficult to transport them to your home and between rooms.
They’re costly. No matter the mattress brand, kings are more costly than smaller sizes. For some people, buying a king-size bed could stretch their budget or be out of reach financially.
They may not look good in certain spaces. Cramming a king-size mattress into a space that’s too small to adequately accommodate it can throw off the visual balance of a room and make it feel more cramped. This is purely a matter of design preferences, of course, but it’s something to consider.
Different Types of King-Size Mattresses
When people picture a king-size bed, they typically imagine a…big bed. But there are actually several varieties under the “king mattress” umbrella. Here’s a quick overview of the different types of king mattresses.
Size
Dimensions
King
76″ x 80″
California King
72″ x 84″
Eastern King
76″ x 80″
Split King
Two 38″ x 80″ pieces
Split California King
Two 36″ x 84″ pieces
Alaskan King
108″ x 108″
Wyoming King
84″ x 84″
Texas King
80″ x 98″
Mattress Size Types Explained
King Size Mattress
In the mattress world, this term refers to a standard king-size mattress, which gives sleepers an extra 16″ of width compared to a queen-size bed. It measures 76″ wide by 80″ long. That’s the same width and length that you’d get if you pushed two twin XL mattresses together
California King
A California king is even longer than a standard king. It’s also a little narrower. It clocks in at 72″ wide and 84″ long. The extra length means California king mattresses are especially well-suited to tall people.
Eastern King Mattress
This term is used interchangeably with “king mattress.” It refers to a mattress that’s the same size as a standard king, or 76″ x 80″.
Split King Mattress
As the name suggests, a split king is a mattress that’s divided into two pieces. Each piece is approximately the size of a twin xl mattress. Many couples enjoy sleeping on a split king because they’re able to customize each side to their personal preferences. Split king mattresses are sometimes referred to as dual king beds. Split Kings can also be found in Split California King- Size which like it’s counterpart California king, there is an extra length of 72” x 84”.
Alaskan King
Now we’re getting into the oversized mattresses, and the Alaskan king is the biggest of them all, measuring a staggering 108″ x 108″. While that’s more space than most folks need, it can be a dream for especially large people and couples who co-sleep with two children. The only downside is that you’ll need a sizable bedroom that measures at least 16 x 16 feet.
Wyoming King
A more realistic option for those who still want an oversized bed is the Wyoming king, which is as long as a California King, but much wider. Its dimensions are 84″ x 84″, to be exact. Parents who co-sleep with one child might want to check it out.
Texas King
Finally, we have the Texas king, an oversized mattress measuring 80″ x 98″. Though shorter than the Alaskan king, it’s still long enough to accommodate families who share the bed with up to two children, depending on everyone’s size.
How to Decide Between a King vs Queen Mattress
If you’re considering a king-size mattress, then odds are good that you’ve also taken a gander at queen-size beds. Many people find themselves trying to decide between these two sizes. Here are some factors that can help influence your decision when considering a king vs queen-size mattress.
Criteria
King-Size Mattress
Queen-Size Mattress
Dimensions
76″ x 80″
60″ x 80″
Price
$900 – $2,300
$800 – $1,700
Choose If…
You have a larger room to fill
You want extra space (especially when sleeping with a partner)
You want to make a grand impression
You want to save some money
You sleep alone
You and your partner fit comfortably in a Queen and do not need additional space
Factors to Consider for a King vs Queen Size Mattress
Bedroom size: This is one of the quickest ways to determine whether a king or queen-size mattress might be right for you. When you take measurements, don’t just think about the mattress. It’s also important to consider how much room you’ll have for a bed frame, side tables, dog beds, dressers, general floor space and so on. If you or your partner use a wheelchair or other mobility device, make sure there’s plenty of room to maneuver.
Sleeping situation: If you share a bed with a partner, pet and/or child, it could be a good idea to upgrade from a queen-size mattress to a king. If you sleep alone, then you might find ample space on a Queen.
Body type: Taller and/or larger people often prefer having a more spacious mattress in the form of a king-size bed. The same goes for couples where both partners are on the taller and/or larger side.
Design preferences: Finally, it’s helpful to consider your aesthetic preferences. Do you like the grand impression made by a king-size bed? Do you prefer your bed to take up less space in the bedroom? Do you have your eye on a specific bed frame that’s only available in one size? The answers to these and other design questions will inform your decision between a king and queen mattress.
There is no one best king-size mattress out there, but there are a few we would recommend. Fans of memory foam should like the Nectar, and innerspring lovers should like the WinkBed.
Remember, a mattress is rarely one-size-fits-all. We suggest you do a good amount of research before investing in what could end up being your sleeping surface for the next decade.
What should a good king-size mattress cost?
A good king-size mattress should cost between $1,500 and $3,000. However, it should be mentioned that your idea of ‘good’ might be different than someone else’s. It’s possible that a king mattress on the low end of that price spectrum simply doesn’t provide you with the level of comfort and support you need. On the other hand, you might find the bells and whistles that a $3,000 mattress offers to be frivolous. Do plenty of research before deciding which camp you land in.
Who should get a king-size mattress?
People with larger bedrooms
People who share a bed with a partner, child or pet
Tall and/or large people
People for whom budget is no issue
Is a king mattress better than a California king?
It depends on your preferences and needs. A king mattress is 76″ x 80″ while a California king is 72″ x 84″—basically, a king is wider while a Cal king is longer. So, tall people who need extra room towards the bottom of the mattress might want to consider a Cal king, while people who enjoy extra room on the sides will likely prefer a king. For more info, check out our article on king vs California king mattresses.
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Marten Carlson
Lead Mattress Reviewer
About Author
Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.
In his role here, Marten’s reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, it’s been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. He’s especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.
Marten’s also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy night’s sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Denison University and his master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University.
