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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.
We’ll be discussing our top picks for the best California king mattresses considering factors like edge support, comfort, pressure relief, and durability.
If you want the biggest mattress possible, a California king will have you sleeping like royalty.
To help you find the most regal of beds, I personally tested hundreds of mattresses and rounded up a list of of the best California kings. Keep reading to learn more about each bed’s firmness, feel, construction, price point, and more.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best California King Mattress?
The Helix Midnight Luxe is the best California king mattress, thanks to its high-quality construction and cooling features.
Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 150 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.
Hands-on mattress testing in our sleep lab
For this list of the best California king mattresses, we gathered a list of mattresses that range in terms of firmness, mattress type, and price. These mattresses are all available in a California king size and scored high during our general mattress testing.
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.
4.6
Helix
Helix Midnight Luxe
Medium-Firm Feel
Motion Isolation
Breathability
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Cyber Monday Sale – Extended
Save 20% sitewide + 2 FREE pillows with any mattress ($150+ value) See Details
The Helix Midnight Luxe 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
$1,373-$2,073 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 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
This bed has a hotel-like feel. The pillow top provides a plush comfort layer to sink into.
The Helix Midnight Luxe sleeps cool. Thanks to its cooling cover and copper-infused memory foam, even hot sleepers shouldn’t worry about overheating on this bed.
Even though it’s a hybrid mattress, this bed has great motion isolation. That means if you co-sleep, you’re less likely to feel your partner’s movements.
Cons
Stomach sleepers probably won’t find this bed supportive enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
This is a luxury mattress model, so it wouldn’t be considered a budget-buy.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-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 Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium medium-firm mattress that offers a hotel-like feel for a relatively affordable price. Its zoned support and supportive coil layers make it a great option for back sleepers. It likely isn’t firm enough for most stomach sleepers, though. If you’re looking for a more supportive bed, check out the Titan Plus. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Next on our royal tour, we have the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress. This mattress comes from Helix, a brand that is all about options. Helix offers mattresses that run the gamut from soft to firm, plush to supportive. One of the brand’s most popular models is the Helix Midnight Luxe, a luxurious hybrid mattress.
The Helix Midnight Luxe features a plush pillow top, multiple layers of comfortable and supportive foam, and extra-supportive, zoned coils. This luxury mattress design creates a sleeping surface that is both supportive and comfortable. At a perfect medium-firm, the Helix Midnight Luxe is ideal for back sleepers. You will feel your hips sink into the pillow top, while the zoning provides extra lumbar support.
If you want to avoid sleeping hot, the California King Helix Midnight Luxe is the cooling mattress you are looking for. It is breathable and features an airflow-promoting Tencel cover. If you like it even colder, opt for the GlacioTex™ cooling cover.
What our testers say: “The Helix Midnight Luxe is a step up from the standard Helix Midnight in every way. The memory foam on top is much thicker and it felt very good while I rested on my back and side. Back sleepers will also enjoy the zoned coils, which really helps with lumbar support. It is a luxury mattress, but well worth it.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight Luxe
The Helix Midnight Luxe has a thick comfort layer, which is great for side sleepers because it cushions joints.
This is a very thick mattress made with high-grade coils. We expect it to last at least a decade.
It has a zoned support system, which means it feels firmer toward the center and softer near the head and the foot. This helps sleepers maintain the correct spinal alignment in different sleeping positions.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight Luxe
This is one of Helix’s higher-end beds, so it has a bigger price tag. If you’re on a tighter budget, you may want to consider the Nectar mattress.
Other User Reviews
On the Helix website, the Midnight Luxe mattress has an average customer review score of 4.4/5. Many people said it was very easy to order the bed, and others said it had a well balanced feel. A few people left one-star reviews and said the mattress caved in toward the center.
Best California King Memory Foam Mattress – Nectar Classic
Best Memory Foam Mattress
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.
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.
Our Expert’s Take
When you’re on the hunt for the best California king mattress, you want to keep your feel preferences in mind. If you like to lie on your mattress and slowly sink in, memory foam is going to do the trick. And, if you want memory foam fit for a king, take a look at the Nectar Classic mattress.
The Nectar Classic is an all-foam mattress that contains gel memory foam, responsive polyfoam, and supportive coils. This design gives you the benefits of memory foam without the drawbacks. Namely, you’ll get that soft memory foam experience without getting trapped or feeling stuck.
Memory foam mattresses are often a good match for side sleepers, and the Nectar Classic is no exception. It will provide nice pressure relief for the shoulders and hips while still keeping you in good alignment.
What our testers say: “The Nectar mattress is full of foam, and what I enjoy about it is how it makes pressure along my shoulders and hips disappear. It can be difficult to move around for some, but fans of memory foam should really enjoy this bed.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
What We Love about the Nectar
The Nectar Classic mattress has a soft memory foam comfort layer, which is great for side sleepers who need pressure relief.
Thanks to its high-density base layer, the Nectar Classic mattress is supportive enough for most back sleepers.
It’s one of the most affordable, high-quality California king mattresses.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar
Stomach sleepers won’t get the hip support they need on the Nectar Classic mattress; they could develop lower back pain.
Other User Reviews
Customers rated this mattress an average score of 4.7/5 on the Nectar website. One person said this mattress significantly reduced their back pain, and others praised the excellent customer service representatives. However, some people left one-star reviews and said the mattress felt too soft. One person said they were mistakenly given a queen mattress rather than a king.
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
Cyber Weekend Extended
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.
Our Expert’s Take
When you’re shopping for a California King, you may need a slightly larger budget to work with. If your royal purse only contains $2,000, don’t worry. The DreamCloud Premier is a high-quality California king mattress that costs less than $2,000.
The DreamCloud Premier is a hybrid mattress that contains some very high-quality materials. It features a soft, luxurious cashmere blend cover quilted with high-density foam. This creates a soft pillow top feel similar to what you might experience in a nice hotel. Below the pillow top, there are even more layers of foam over supportive coils.
This design creates a medium-firm sleeping surface that will work well for most back sleepers. The pillow top offers some nice contouring and comfort while the coils hold up your body. Average weight side sleepers could also feel some good pressure relief on the DreamCloud Premier.
What our testers say: “The DreamCloud Premier has it all: a bouncy feel, a pillow top comfort layer, and a breathable construction. I felt most comfortable while I was on my back, but it also works well for average weight side sleepers.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud Premier
It has a classic hybrid construction, and the coils make it easy to move around on.
This mattress has a breathable cover and airflow-promoting coils, so it’s a great choice for hot sleepers.
Thanks to its medium-firm feel, it offers plenty of lumbar support for average-weight back sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Premier
Because of its hybrid construction, it lacks a slow-moving feel. If you want to gently “sink” into your mattress, you may want to consider the Nectar Classic instead.
This mattress has a medium-firm feel, so it may not be supportive enough for stomach sleepers.
Other User Reviews
On the DreamCloud website, the DreamCloud Premier earns a customer review score of 4.5/5 stars. One customer said the mattress was “life changing,” and others said the medium-firm feel helped alleviate back pain. Some customers, on the other hand, said the mattress wasn’t supportive enough.
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
Emma
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Firm Feel
Supportive
Breathable
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Exclusive Black Friday Sale
Use BLACKFRIDAY10 to get an additional 10% off See Details
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a hybrid mattress that combines foam in the top comfort layer with coils at the bottom for support.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, we rated the Emma Comfort Hybrid an 8/10, meaning it’s quite firm.
Price
$812-$1,649 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Back Sleepers
Good support for average to heavyweight back sleepers (230 lb and up)
Couples
This bed isolates motion well for those who are easily disturbed while still being responsive enough for sex
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive for all stomach sleepers
Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a great choice for back sleepers who want a firm mattress that can support heavier weights. Back sleepers should get a good amount of comfort and support here.
This bed is good for budget shoppers, as it can be discounted up to 50% during major holidays.
Hot sleepers shouldn’t worry about overheating because the coils allow for airflow, the cover is breathable, and you don’t sink into the bed, which means it won’t trap heat.
Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort
It’s far too firm for side sleepers.
The foam doesn’t offer a lot of contouring.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refunds during the trial period.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is an affordable mattress that’s very firm and offers great support for stomach and back sleepers. It can also handle heavier weights, so it’s a great choice for heavyweight individuals who need a supportive mattress. Couples should sleep soundly without worrying about noticing their partner move around during the night and it won’t trap too much heat. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
A good hybrid mattress takes advantage of the combination of materials to provide a sleep experience with wide appeal. The Emma Hybrid Comfort delivers on this expectation, and for the reasonable price of $1,649 before sales discounts are applied. We had all of our mattress testers rest on the bed, from light- to heavyweight, and all of them were able to find comfort in at least one sleeping position.
The Hybrid Comfort is one of Emma’s newest models and, while it wasn’t developed specifically for heavy sleepers, its layers of supportive foam and sturdy coils make it a comfortable bed for people up to about 300 lbs. It’s also a bed that sleeps cool. The Hybrid Comfort’s memory foam does a good job of allowing airflow and its cover helps wick away sweat.
What our testers say: “I started out back sleeping on the Emma Hybrid Comfort. Because I weigh more than 270 lb, my weight was enough to compress the top layers of the mattress just a bit. I personally felt comfortable in this position, but back sleepers who like their hips to sink in more or simply prefer a softer feel will want to look elsewhere. ” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Emma Hybrid Comfort
It’s made with high-quality materials, and it’s sold at a low price. For about $1,600, you can get a mattress that will last at least 10 years.
It has a bouncy and responsive feel, which is great for people who switch sleeping positions throughout the night.
It’s a cooling mattress with a breathable cover and airflow-promoting coils.
Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort
It might be too firm for some average-weight people. This mattress works particularly well for people who weigh more than 230 lbs.
Other User Reviews
On the Emma mattress website, the Hybrid Comfort mattress has an overall customer review score of 4.8/5. Many back and side sleepers said they got the comfort and support they needed. One person left a three-star review and complained that the packaging was ripped whenever the mattress arrived.
Best California King Mattress for Back Pain – The WinkBed
Best Mattress for Back Pain
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.
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.
Our Expert’s Take
If you struggle with back pain, whether you know it or not, your mattress might be to blame. Choosing a California king mattress such as the WinkBed could help prevent and alleviate back pain.
The WinkBed features a comfortable pillow top over supportive zoned coils. The WinkBed’s hybrid construction and zoning both work to support your lumbar area and keep your spine neutrally aligned.
Depending on your sleeping position, you can also choose from one of three firmness options. Side sleepers with back pain should opt for the Softer model, back sleepers the Luxury Firm, and stomach sleepers the Firmer model. The WinkBed has something for back pain sufferers of all stripes.
What our testes say: “Beds that feature zoned coils are great for back pain, and the WinkBed is one of the best out there. Zoned coils mean the bed will feel much firmer in the center, which provides lumbar support. I really felt it when testing the WinkBed and it really helps support my back.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBed
It has a classic innerspring construction, which makes it particularly durable. It’s also very easy to move around on top of this mattress.
The cover is breathable, and the coils promote airflow. This makes the WinkBed mattress a great option for people who sleep hot at night.
Because it’s available in four firmness levels, it works for a variety of people. Take a look at our WinkBed Plus review if you’re looking for a particularly supportive mattress.
Cons of the WinkBed
A California king WinkBed mattress costs over $2,000 at regular price, which could be out of some people’s price ranges. Take a look at the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid if you are on a bit of a budget.
Other User Reviews
On the WinkBed website, you’ll find many favorable reviews. Many customers said the mattress helped alleviate pain, and others said it was a great value. It’s important to note, though, that WinkBed does not publish any reviews lower than five stars.
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
Nolah
Nolah Original
Soft Feel
Affordable
Pressure Relief
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Cyber Monday Sale
Save 35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
The Nolah Original is an all-foam mattress. It has high-density base foam at the bottom and comfort foam on top.
Firmness
The Nolah mattress feels softer than average. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 6/10. For reference, 6.5/10 represents the industry standard of medium-firm.
Price
$999-$2,398 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, short queen, queen, short king, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress has good edge support and motion isolation.
Hot Sleepers
There’s a layer of breathable comfort foam on top, which helps promote airflow.
Side Sleepers
This mattress offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lb.
Pros of the Nolah
It offers lots of pressure relief, which can be helpful for side sleepers who have back or hip pain.
It’s sold at a budget-friendly price, and it should last at least seven years.
The breathable comfort layer contains AirFoam, which is cooler than traditional memory foam.
Cons of the Nolah
Back sleepers who weigh more than 230 lb may not get enough lumbar support.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers.
It lacks a bouncy and responsive 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 Nolah Original is an all-foam mattress that feels softer than average. It contains proprietary AirFoam, which is more breathable than traditional memory foam. For this reason, it works well for hot sleepers. This mattress offers plenty of pressure relief for many side sleepers, but it may not be supportive enough for some back and stomach sleepers. Watch our Nolah mattress review video.
Our Expert’s Take
Did you know that royal comfort can come in a box? With the click of a button, you can have a high-quality mattress delivered right to your doorstep – a mattress like the Nolah Original.
The Nolah Original is an all-foam mattress that offers the benefits of memory foam with few of the drawbacks. Lying on the Nolah, you will sink into its soft surface, but you should not feel like you are stuck in the mattress. This is because the bed’s proprietary Airfoam, which is soft but responsive as well.
The Airfoam is also designed to be more breathable than memory foam and should not trap body heat. Hot sleepers should be sleeping comfortably on the cooling Nolah Original mattress. That’s a lot of mattress to come out of one box!
What our testers say: “Bed-in-a-box mattresses are super convenient these days, and Nolah’s stands out amongst many of them. The foam is proprietary, called AirFoam, and won’t trap heat. It also feels much more responsive than traditional foam. I liked it for side sleeping because it offered a lot of pressure relief.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Original
It’s softer than average, which makes it a nice choice for many side sleepers. The plush foam layers will help cushion joints and alleviate pain.
Even though it’s an all-foam mattress, the proprietary AirFoam helps dissipate body heat and keep sleepers cool.
It has some impressive customer service terms, such as a lifetime warranty and 120-night sleep trial period.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Original
It’s not supportive enough for stomach sleepers. If you rest on your stomach, you may want to consider getting a firm mattress that’s at least a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale.
It lacks a bouncy and responsive feel. If this is what you’re looking for, you may want to consider the WinkBed instead.
Other User Reviews
On Nolah’s website, you’ll see dozens of five-star reviews. One customer said this bed “lives up to the hype,” and other people said it offers excellent pressure relief. Because Nolah doesn’t publish reviews with less than five stars, I am unable to point out any negative customer feedback.
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
Saatva
Saatva Classic
Multiplem Firmnesses
Durable
Responsive
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free white glove delivery
Limited Time Offer
Take $300 off your order of $1,000 or more See Details
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.
Our Expert’s Take
When it comes to back sleeping, it’s all about balance. You need a mattress that is comfortable and will hug your curves, allowing your hips to sink in. At the same time, you need support to ensure you don’t sink in too far. The Saatva Classic strikes this balance perfectly.
The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress with a high-end design. It features not one but two sets of coils. It also boasts a zoned construction, pillow top, and is available in three firmnesses.
Back sleepers should prefer the Luxury Firm Saatva Classic model. It offers the best balance of comfort and support and works to keep you in perfect neutral spinal alignment. You will experience good lumbar support while the plush pillow top relieves pressure and conforms to your body.
What our testers say: “Saatva is great for its versatility, but the Luxury Firm model really fits most people’s needs, but especially back sleepers. This bed is slightly firmer than average, which wasn’t super great for me when I was side sleeping, but with two sets of coils, back sleepers won’t bottom out.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Saatva Classic
It has a classic innerspring construction with a tufted pillow top. This makes the mattress very durable and easy to move around on.
It’s available in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. The Luxury Firm and Firm models offer ample lumbar support for back sleepers.
Thanks to its breathable organic cotton cover and thick coils, the Saatva mattress doesn’t trap body heat.
What to Keep in Mind about the Saatva Classic
The Luxury Firm and Firm models may be too firm for side sleepers. If you tend to rest on your side, you may want to get the Plush Soft model.
It lacks a slow-moving feel. If this is what you’re looking for, you may want to consider the Nectar Classic.
Other User Reviews
On Saatva’s website, the Saatva Classic mattress has an average customer review score of 4.8/5 stars. Many people said the mattress is high-quality and comfortable. Some people left one-star reviews, and they were mostly about delayed shipping times.
Best California King Mattress for Couples – Bear Original
Best Mattress for Couples
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.
3.8
Bear
Bear Original
Medium-Firm Feel
Affordable
Lifetime Warranty
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
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The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress. It features softer foam layers for cushioning and firmer ones for support.
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
$786-$1,690 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 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 of the Bear Original Mattress
The Bear’s gel-infused memory foam can help hot sleepers stay cool throughout the night.
It’s an affordable option. A queen-size Bear mattress is less than $1,000, even before discounts.
Bear offers a lifetime warranty on this mattress. That means if you find any covered defects or indentations during the life of your mattress, they will replace it free of charge.
Cons of the Bear Original Mattress
This bed probably isn’t a good fit for side sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Stomach sleepers likely won’t find this bed firm enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 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 Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isn’t firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
If you sleep with a partner, a California king mattress could be just what the doctor ordered. A California king will give you and your partner more room to stretch out and move around. However, if you want a California king that is even better for couples, take a look at the Bear Original mattress.
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress that will help cut down on motion transfer between partners making it a good mattress for couples. Memory foam can absorb the motion you and your partner make at night, ensuring you don’t disturb one another. You should be sleeping soundly on the Bear Original, even if your partner is jumping around on the other side.
Overheating is another issue that couples deal with. However, while it is an all-foam mattress, the Bear Original sleeps quite cool. With a breathable cover and cooling, gel-infused top layer, you and your partner shouldn’t feel like you’re sleeping in an oven.
What our testers say: “Couples usually want a mattress that lets both get out of bed or change positions without bothering the other. With a California King Bear mattress, that definitely won’t be a problem. Being an all-foam bed, it will absorb motion and you won’t notice anything. I like it for side sleeping, but back sleepers will get good body contouring, too.” – Joe Auer, Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Mattress
Thanks to its all-foam construction, the Bear mattress isolates motion well. This is great news for couples, because it means that people shouldn’t feel their partners moving during the night.
The plush foam layers offer plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers.
It has a slow-moving memory foam feel that many people love.
Cons of the Bear
Because of its slow-moving feel, it’s not very easy to move around on top of this mattress.
It’s not supportive enough for stomach sleepers. If you rest in this sleeping position, you may want to consider getting the firm model of the Saatva Classic.
Other User Reviews
The Bear Original mattress has earned an average customer review score of 4.5/5. On the Bear website, many customers raved about its plush feel and high-quality construction. Some people, on the other hand, left one star reviews and said the mattress felt too soft.
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 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.
Our Expert’s Take
One of the drawbacks of California king mattresses is that they cost more than smaller models. However, you can still get a comfortable, spacious California King without breaking the bank. That’s what Brooklyn Bedding is known for. They own their own factory and are able to price their bed-in-a-box mattresses very competitively.
The brand’s most popular model is the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress. This hybrid mattress contains high-density memory foam and a transition layer of proprietary VariFlex foam. Depending on your firmness preference, these layers might be thicker or thinner, giving you the exact comfort and support you desire.
I’m a big fan of the Medium model as it is a good match for multiple sleeping positions. It scored a 6.5/10 during my firmness tests, which is ideal for combination sleepers. Add in some good bounce, and you can move around with ease!
What our testers say: “Brooklyn Bedding makes a lot of mattresses, but they own their own factory, which helps customers save. The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a great pick for a lot of people, as it has multiple firmnesses. I tested the medium and it worked really well on my side thanks to the thick foam. But it’s still easy to move around on with coils at the bottom” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature
It’s available in three firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm. This means it works for a variety of people.
Thanks to the breathable coils, this mattress won’t trap body heat.
It’s sold at a great price, especially after factoring in Mattress Clarity discounts.
On the Brooklyn Bedding website, the Signature Hybrid mattress has earned an average customer review score of 4.7/5. Many people praised its motion isolation and price point. Some people who left one-star reviews said the mattress started to sag after a few years of use.
Best California King for Heavyweight People – Titan Plus
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.
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.
Our Expert’s Take
If you only have $1,500 to spend on your new mattress, it may be difficult to find a quality California king for sleepers over 230 lbs. However, the Titan Plus retails for less than $1,500 for a California King and still features durable and supportive materials. Keep an eye out for sales and you may even be able to purchase it for less than $1,200.
The Titan Plus was designed specifically for heavy people. In fact, when our heavyweight tester rested on the mattress, he felt comfortable in every sleeping position. This is largely thanks to the support layers, which are made of 8” industrial coils as well as high-density memory foam.
What our testers say: “The Titan Plus felt very supportive whenever I rested on my back. In fact, some sleepers might find that this mattress feels too supportive in this position. Because it’s very firm, my hips didn’t sink in much at all. That said, I did experience plenty of spinal support.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Titan Plus
The Titan Plus earned a 4.5/5 on our edge support test, which is where we measure the strength of the mattress perimeter. When our testers rested along the edge, they noticed little to no sagging under their weight—this is even true of our heavyweight mattress tester.
The firmness of the Titan Plus not only makes it a good fit for heavyweight people but also stomach sleepers. When Marten, our heavyweight tester, rested on his stomach he felt particularly well supported.
What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus
Our lightweight mattress tasters found the Titan Plus to be uncomfortable pretty much across the board. Even our testers who fall between 130 and 230 lbs found the mattress to be too firm for them. Of the products on this list, we’d recommend that these types of people consider the DreamCloud Premier.
Other User Reviews
The Titan Plus has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 2,639 customer reviews on the company website. There are 21 5-star reviews that mention the mattress being a good match for heavyweight people. However, there are several 4-star reviews that note the mattress might be a little bit too firm for heavyweight side sleepers.
Is a California king mattress right for you? Here are a few of the types of sleepers who should consider a California king.
People with a more spacious bedroom. Let’s face it – California king size mattresses are big and take up quite a bit of space. If you have a large master bedroom with more space to play with, a California king is a great choice. Keep in mind that California king mattresses are 84” long, so your bedroom should be long enough to fit it.
Taller people. I’m 6’7”, and I personally sleep on a California king mattress. Even a regular king mattress is not long enough for someone of my height. It’s no fun to have your feet hanging off the end of the bed, and a California king gives you the most length possible.
Couples. If you sleep with a partner, California king mattresses are a great option. You get 72” of width, which is much wider than a 60” queen. That’s a lot of room for two sleepers to lie next to one another. Also, if you or your partner are on the taller side, a California king will offer the necessary space.
California King vs King Mattress
If you’ve narrowed down your decision to a king mattress, you’ll now have to decide between a standard king or a California king bed. A standard king-size mattress is 76” wide and 80” long, while a California king mattress is 72” wide and 84” long. Basically, a standard king size bed is wider, and a California king mattress is longer.
Because standard King and California king mattresses are usually the same price, choosing between them really comes down to your size, your partner’s size, and the size of your bedroom. If you and your partner are heavier weight, a standard king will be the better option. That extra 4” of width will give you and your partner more space horizontally.
However, if you and your partner are slimmer and taller, a California king size will be the better choice. You won’t need as much width, and that extra 4” of length could offer some clutch leg room.
You also want to keep the size of your bedroom in mind. Standard and California king mattresses are some of the largest mattresses out there, and you want to make sure your bedroom can accommodate them. If you have a wider bedroom that isn’t too long, a standard California king will fit your space better. If your bedroom is longer but not too wide, a California king could be the better choice.
Queen mattresses are extremely popular, but they are smaller than California king mattresses. A standard queen mattress is 60” wide and 80” long. Compared to a 72” x 84” California king, a queen mattress is both slimmer and shorter. However, queen mattresses do cost less than California king mattresses.
Queen mattresses are going to be better if you have a smaller bedroom. If your bedroom isn’t too long or wide, a queen mattress could fit those smaller confines. A California king mattress will be a better fit if you have more space to work with. A huge master bedroom might just look better when it contains a larger California king mattress.
Queen mattresses will work for smaller couples, but larger, taller couples should choose a California king. If you are a smaller couple, you can save money by going with a queen mattress.\
Summary
One last time, here are our best California king mattresses:
No, a California king mattress will not fit on a king bed frame. A California king mattress will be too long for a king bed frame and will also be too narrow. This will leave some unwanted space between the frame and the mattress.
How much does a California king mattress weigh?
California king mattresses can weigh as little as 130 lb or as much as 180 lb.
Is a California king bigger than a king?
While a California king mattress is 4” longer than a king mattress, it is 4” narrower.
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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.
