Best King Size Mattresses
Mattress Nerd consulted Amanda Marten, MSN, FNP-C to ensure that this article met our editorial standards.
Written by Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester
King size mattresses are the go-to solution for couples who want to share their bed without crowding each other. They’re spacious, kid- and pet-friendly, and widely available from most mattress brands. But with that extra space comes a heftier price tag. Thankfully, the emergence of online direct-to-consumer mattress brands have made King size mattresses available at lower prices.
If you’ve already made the decision to invest in a King size bed, the next question is—which is the best mattress for you? In this review, we’re sharing our top 10 picks for King size mattresses so you can feel confident in your purchase. You’ll also find a shoppers’ guide for buying your next King mattress, including what to look for, the size’s pros and cons, who they’re best for, and the different types available online.
Our team of testers considered over 20 mattresses for this list. Based on our own hands-on testing, we narrowed the list down to the top 10 options, all that come with a specific superlative so that you can find the most personalized choice for your lifestyle. Since our testers range in size, body type, and overall sleeping preferences, our conclusions are based on their expertise and their considerations of the wider demographic.
Bottom Line: What is the Best King Size Mattress?
Mattress Nerd’s team of expert testers has named the Saatva mattress the best overall King size mattress thanks to its great value and high durability score that indicates reliable structural integrity and longevity.
Top Best King Size Mattresses of 2025
- Saatva Classic – Best Innerspring King Mattress
- Helix Midnight – Best King Mattress for Pressure Relief
- DreamCloud – Best King Mattress for Combo Sleepers
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best King Size Mattress for Back Sleepers
- WinkBed – Best Bed-in-a-Box King Mattress
- Nolah Evolution – Best Luxury King Mattress
- Titan Plus – Best King Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
Leesa Mattress – Best Memory Foam King Size Mattress- Bear Star Hybrid – Best King Mattress for Athletes
Nectar Premier Hybrid – Best Hybrid King Mattress
Best King Size Mattresses: Video Review
Tag along as mattress experts Loren, Becca, and Corey walk you through our picks for the best King size mattresses on the market.
Chosen by Experts and Advocates
When putting together this list of best King size mattresses, our team considered overall quality, as well as compatibility with couples and larger sleepers.
Good scores in motion isolation, ease of movement, durability, and other performance factors point towards a bed that will hold up well under weight and allow couples to sleep more comfortably. To learn more, check out our review process.
Best Innerspring Mattress: Saatva Classic
Saatva Classic
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
I guess you could call the Saatva Classic the king of innerspring King size mattresses. It’s a traditional innerspring mattress that’s big on both comfort and support. Additionally, the Saatva’s customizability makes you feel like royalty. You can choose from the following firmness options: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm.
The Saatva contains a low-gauge Bonnell coil support system, which is a fancy way of saying its coils will keep you stable and lifted on top of the mattress, allowing ease of movement. These coils can withstand high levels of compression without shifting. Not only that, but the Saatva is topped with a plush pillow top layer that provides more added comfort than you’ll find in most innerspring options. As such, the Saatva takes from the best of both worlds: it has the support, response, and durability of an innerspring mattress, but also the conforming pressure relief of foam or hybrid mattresses. Though it’s responsive and bouncy as an innerspring, we think that it does a good job at absorbing motion, so neither you nor your partner should feel each other move around during the night.
Saatva prices their mattresses on the higher end of the scale, but the quality materials, construction, and customer experience are nothing short of luxurious. Buying the Saatva Classic in a King size maximizes the surface area of this luxury, and we think you’ll want as much of it as you can get.
What our testers say: “The Saatva sleeps exceptionally cool, is excellent for people with back pain, and has sturdy edges thanks to its innerspring construction. It’s one of my favorite mattresses that I’ve tested.” Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Saatva Classic
- Back and stomach sleepers – Both of these sleepers will likely find the firmness of the Saatva Classic supportive enough to cushion their lower back and hips.
- Hot sleepers – As an innerspring mattress, the Saatva Classic is naturally more cooling than other options, its coils providing generous airflow for a breathable and cool night’s sleep.
Who Might Not Like the Saatva Classic
- Budget shoppers – Coming from a luxury mattress brand, the Saatva Classic is a little pricier than other options on this list.
- Restless couples – With so-so motion isolation, you’re likely to feel your partner moving on the other side of the bed.
Other User Reviews
According to Saatva’s website, the Classic comes in at 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviews are generally positive, praising the bed’s high-quality construction and comfort. Some customers complained about issues with delivery or felt the bed didn’t hold up as long as they would’ve liked.
Read our full Saatva Mattress Review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Saatva mattress, check out our list of the best innerspring mattresses for more great options.
Best King Mattress for Pressure Relief: Helix Midnight
Helix Midnight Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you’re looking for a mattress that relieves pressure along sensitive parts of the body, the Helix Midnight might just fit the bill—and at a reasonable price. As the best-selling mattress in the Helix line, the Helix Midnight is a medium-firm mattress that’s great for lightweight and average-weight side sleepers wanting extra pressure relief and weight distribution. A robust layer of individually wrapped coils makes up the base of the mattress, keeping sleepers from sinking too far into the comfort materials above.
The mattress didn’t score well on its responsiveness, because it’s built for pressure relief and contouring more than ease of movement. Hybrid mattresses are built to be a long-lasting investment, and the Midnight is no exception. It also scored well on our motion isolation test.
What our testers say: “According to our pressure mapping lab test, the Midnight is pressure-relieving enough for most folks with joint pain to sleep comfortably. I feel this is especially true if you sleep on your side.” Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Helix Midnight
- Side sleepers – The top layers of the mattress are made from Helix’s Memory Plus foam and responsive transition foam. These two layers work in tandem to help relieve pressure buildup around the hips and shoulders.
- Couples – It’s a solid choice for couples because of its durability and motion isolation, meaning it’ll last long and you won’t feel your partner moving.
Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight
- Combination sleepers – With low scores on responsiveness, it means that you may struggle to switch positions and feel “trapped” in the memory foam as it hugs you.
- Heavy back or stomach sleepers – The softness of this mattress means it’s possible sleepers who are heavier, especially those who prefer sleeping on their back or stomachs, may sink into the mattress.
Other User Reviews
The Helix Midnight rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Helix website. The main negative is that reviewers tend to find it too soft for their liking and feel as though they’re sinking. But overall, users say they’re getting a great nights’ sleep and some pain relief.
See our full Helix Midnight Mattress Review to learn more.
Best King Mattress for Combination Sleepers: DreamCloud
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
With one look at the DreamCloud mattress, it’s evident that the bed is built for a King: pun intended! Back and stomach combination sleepers should feel comfortable on the DreamCloud mattress because of its medium-firm feel. This creates a balance between comfort and support that’s ideal for these sleeping positions. Additionally, this mattress has a perfect 5/5 score for responsiveness, so combination sleepers should be able to change positions without sinking too much into the bed.
In terms of the qualities we like to see in a King mattress, our testing results showed that not only is the mattress durable, but it could even last you up to a decade. With a generous 365-day trial and a lifetime warranty to top it off, what’s not to love?
What our testers say: “The DreamCloud is a responsive mattress, thanks to its base layer of pocketed coils. That means we were able to move around on the mattress without feeling like we were sinking into a pit of quicksand.” Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the DreamCloud
- Hot sleepers – The DreamCloud features a layer of breathable coils and gel-infused foam, which should relieve pressure and keep you from overheating at night.
- Couples – We think there’s a lot of strength in the DreamCloud motion isolation capabilities, so you and your partner shouldn’t disturb each other while moving around in the middle of the night.
Who Might Not Like the DreamCloud
- Side sleepers – Some side sleepers might not find the bed to be soft enough for their liking.
- Heavyweight stomach sleepers – The foam in this mattress may be too soft and promote sinkage for heavy stomach sleepers, who needs their hips to remain supported as they sleep.
Other User Reviews
The DreamCloud Original scores a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars among customers on its site. Reviews are mixed on the firmness of the mattress, but, overall, users are satisfied with the comfort and say that their sleep has improved.
See our full DreamCloud Mattress Review to learn more. Still unsure about the DreamCloud Mattress? Check out the best mattresses for combination sleepers to get your perfect night’s sleep.
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers: Emma Hybrid Comfort
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Made with both foam and coil layers, the Emma Hybrid Comfort delivers the classic bouncy, responsive hybrid feel that so many sleepers love—moving around and switching positions on this mattress is a breeze. Our team of testers found the Emma Hybrid Comfort to be a 7 out of 10 firmness, which is quite firm. But back sleepers especially should find this mattress to be comfortable, as they need both soft foams to fill in the lumbar region, along with firm support to keep the body lifted into alignment. During testing, we determined that this model should suit back sleepers of most body types, whether you’re a lightweight, average-weight, or heavier sleepers.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress is a great King-size option since it offers all of these features for a pretty affordable price without compromising on peace of mind. Emma offers a generous policy combo: 365-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty.
What our testers say: “While this bed doesn’t have a cushioning feel, it still relieves pressure well.” Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Emma Hybrid Comfort
- Combination sleepers – Coils allow this mattress to be bouncy, meaning you’ll have ease of motion as you change positions throughout the night.
- Heavy sleepers – It’s very supportive and cooling, both factors that people who weigh more than 230 lbs may rely on to get a great night’s sleep.
Who Might Not Like the Emma Hybrid Comfort
- Lightweight side sleepers – This bed doesn’t have the best cushioning around the hips or shoulders for those who weigh less, who may want something softer.
- Couples who are light sleepers – The bounciness of this mattress unfortunately means that you may feel your partner’s movements throughout the night, too.
Other User Reviews
Since it’s so new, Emma’s site doesn’t have many reviews yet. Early customers are impressed, though, rating it 5 out of 5 stars. So far, users rave about the mattress’ cooling abilities.
Not sure the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress is right for you? Check out our list of the best mattresses for back sleepers for more great options.
Best King Size Bed-in-a-Box Mattress: WinkBed
WinkBed Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
We’re still blown away by the fact that companies can fit a massive King size mattress into a tiny, manageable box. Cutting those boxes open in our mattress lab and watching the full product expand to its final form never gets old. Honestly, that experience alone is worth the price of the product. We think its durability also makes it a long-lasting investment. If you’re willing to spend, then we recommend you check out the WinkBed mattress.
The WinkBed mattress is our top pick for the best King size bed-in-a-box. It measures a mighty 14 inches from base to cover, and contains a gel-infused cooling layer along with a coil base layer. It features a hybrid construction that has more of a traditional innerspring mattress feel, while still providing a good amount of cushion throughout its memory foam layers.
Regardless of which position you sleep in, the WinkBed has you covered. There are multiple firmness options: sleepers can go with the softer option for maximum comfort, and for back and stomach sleepers (who need extra support) there are the luxury firm and firm versions. It’s also one of our best mattresses for couples. Although we did see quite a bit of motion transfer, the WinkBed has excellent edge support, responsiveness for ease of movement, and cooling properties.
What our testers say: “I know durability is often a concern of shoppers who learn that their bed comes compressed in a small box. Well, with the WinkBed you can put your worries aside. Through our lab tests I found this to be an exceptionally durable mattress.” Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the WinkBed
- Hot sleepers – The WinkBed’s breathable foam and coil design allows for sufficient airflow that will keep you cool throughout the night.
- Restless sleepers – The responsive nature of this bed means it’s easy to change positions during the night, ensuring you won’t get “stuck” in your bed as you jostle around to get comfortable.
Who Might Not Like the WinkBed
- Couples who are light sleepers – Though it has great responsiveness, the motion isolation on this bed could be better, so you may feel your partner moving around on the other side of the bed.
Other User Reviews
On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews focus on problems with delivery and removal. But overall, people seem satisfied and consider the bed supportive and sturdy.
See our full Winkbed Mattress Review to learn more! If you’re still searching for your perfect mattress check out our other options for best bed-in-a-box.
Best Luxury King Mattress: Nolah Evolution
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
With a purchase like a King size mattress, why not spend a little bit extra to ensure you’re getting the best of the best? The King sized Nolah Evolution delivers dependable comfort, support, and above all, luxury.
The $2,000+ price tag of this mattress may give you pause at first, but the steep cost makes sense when you consider the quality of construction and materials. Plus, since the Nolah Evolution scored so high on our durability (5/5), motion isolation (4/5), and temperature control (4/5) tests, you can share your King mattress with a partner and not worry about damaging its structural integrity, disturbing one another, or overheating. The icing on the King sized cake? The Nolah Evolution comes with a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that the company stands behind the caliber of their product.
What our testers say: “If you’re looking for a cooling hybrid with a balanced feel of comfort, support, and hotel-like quality, the Nolah Evolution 15” mattress could be a great option for you. While not cheap, you’ll get all the bells and whistles that you’d expect with a luxury mattress.” Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Noah Evolution
- Those who like a hotel-bed feel – With layers of proprietary foam, a base of HDMax Eco support coils and orthopedic support foam, and a reinforced perimeter, the hybrid build of this mattress provides that hotel-bed feel that so many people love.
- Hot sleepers – These materials found in the Noah Evolution will make for a cool and breathable bed: a cover made of cooling fibers, a top layer of graphite-infused foam, and a bottom layer of support coils.
Who Might Not Like the Noah Evolution
- Budget shoppers – The Nolah Evolution is priced like a luxury mattress, so feel free to look at our more affordable options in this list.
- Heavyweight sleepers – Heavier folks may find this mattress is too soft for their needs, even the higher firmness options.
Other User Reviews
Earning a 4.9 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website, the Nolah Evolution seems to be a hit. Negative reviews tend to focus on personal preference or regrets about ordering the wrong firmness. Overall, customers are satisfied with the feel and comfort. Many reported their aches and pains disappearing after making the switch to Nolah Evolution.
Read our full Nolah Evolution Mattress Review to learn more. If you don’t think Nolah is the best value mattress for you, check out the best luxury mattresses to find your best fit.
Best King Size Mattress for Heavy Sleepers: Titan Plus
Titan Plus
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Many heavy sleepers tend to have a harder time finding a comfortable mattress because they require lots of firm support, and not all beds are constructed to provide sufficient durability and stability. But luckily, the Titan Plus was made specifically for heavy sleepers in mind, and it is our top choice if you’re a heavy sleeper looking for your dream King mattress. With this mattress’ firmness and sturdy materials, you won’t sink into it too far while still getting the most out of every layer.
While the Titan Plus is made for heavyweight sleepers (over 230 lbs), it excels at providing comfort to all body types, particularly if you sleep on your back.
What our testers say: “The best mattresses for back sleepers support their backs, necks, legs, and hips. Based on our tests, we can confidently say that the Titan Plus provides adequate support to accommodate all types of back sleepers, especially average-weight and heavyweight ones.” Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Titan Plus
- Back sleepers – The combination of comfort layers and individually wrapped coils make for a feel that’s not-too-firm and not-too-soft—perfect for back sleepers no matter your size.
- Budget shoppers – For the high-quality materials, the Titan Plus is a great budget-friendly option for back sleepers.
Who Might Not Like the Titan Plus
- Couples who are light sleepers – If you plan on sharing your King mattress with a partner, the Titan’s average motion isolation might leave you wanting more, but if you’re both deep sleepers then this won’t be a problem for you.
- Side sleepers – Since its firmness is designed for heavier people that may sink into the mattress, side sleepers might find it too hard for their shoulders and hips, which need cushioning.
Other User Reviews
Users on Titan by Brooklyn Bedding’s site have given the Titan Plus a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers say that overall, the bed’s firmness holds up. A few complained about the lack of edge support and that their sheets sometimes slide off. Many negative reviews suggest not buying the bedframe that comes with, but the mattress itself works great for them.
See our full Titan Plus Mattress Review to learn more. Not sure the Titan Plus suits your needs? Check out other great options for the best mattresses for heavy sleepers.
Best Memory Foam King-Size Mattress – Leesa
Leesa Original Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
A memory foam mattress provides a unique feeling that deviates from the springiness of a traditional innerspring or hybrid mattress. Some have described it as feeling like the mattress is giving you a hug. If this is appealing to you then we would recommend you check out the Leesa mattress. Coming in at just over $1,500 for a King, Leesa provides impressive comfort at a reasonable price.
Plus, with pretty solid responsiveness this mattress is easy to move around on, meaning that if you tend to toss and turn throughout the night this might be a good option for you. However, if you’re planning on sharing this bed with a partner, you may want to check out another option on our best mattresses for couples list. The Leesa scored below average in our motion isolation and edge support categories, two important performance factors for sound and supportive sleep while snoozing with another person.
What our testers say: “ Leesa has a balanced yet responsive foam feel. This makes the bed easy to move around on, meaning it’s a good choice for combination sleepers who move around at night. With a three-layer foam construction, you’ll get a soft and supportive feel rather than feeling “stuck” in the mattress.” – Rachael, Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Leesa Mattress
- Budget shoppers – The Leesa is a great affordable option for those who prefer the feel of foam beds.
- Lightweight side sleepers – With great pressure relief all around, the softness of this mattress is best fitted for lighter sleepers, who may have trouble on other mattresses getting cushioned around their hips and shoulders.
- Memory foam lovers – The Leesa’s traditional, cradling foam feel offers top-of-the-line pressure relief for the ultimate cozy feel.
Who Might Not Like the Leesa Mattress
- Hot sleepers – As an all-foam mattress, the Leesa is going to run hotter than other options, like hybrids or innersprings who have breathable layers.
- Heavyweight sleepers – Though great for lighter sleepers, this means that the Leesa mattress is probably too soft to support most heavweight sleepers and properly align their spines.
- Couples – Like we mentioned, the Leesa under performed in our couple-focused testing categories: motion isolation and edge support.
What Users Say: On
See our full Leesa mattress review to learn more. Not sure this mattress is for you? Check out our list of the best memory foam mattresses for more great options.
Best King Mattress for Athletes: Bear Star Hybrid
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear mattresses are made with athletes in mind. If you’re looking for a King mattress to aid in your recovery and help you get an excellent night’s sleep before a big competition, be sure to check out the Bear Hybrid. It boasts a feel that’s both pressure-relieving and responsive, making it ideal for many back sleepers of all body types, lightweight to average-weight stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers.
With the Bear Hybrid’s focus on athletes comes a number of features relevant to rest and recovery. The hand-quilted Celliant fiber top is designed to increase oxygenation and assist with muscle recovery through the night. While I didn’t run through an quick HIIT workout before sleeping on this mattress to see if it helped with recovery, we saw promising signs in the first comfort layer: foam that is infused with cooling gel for hot sleepers.
Athletes who sleep with a partner should also enjoy the Bear Hybrid. This bed is great for couples because of its reinforced edges, meaning you should feel fully supported while using the full surface area of the mattress. As an added bonus, the great edge support is an indicator of durability.
What our testers say: “I dug into the Bear Star Hybrid’s construction and took a look at the recovery-promoting materials myself. As advertised, their cooling technology does seem pretty effective, and the comfort and support the mattress provides is definitely a plus for athletes.” Ashton, Staff Writer & Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Bear Star
- Hot sleepers – Hot sleepers should fall in love with the mattress’s two cooling layers. The Celliant fiber top and the gel-infused foam assist with breathability.
- Couples – While many hybrids struggle to score high in motion isolation, the Bear Hybrid absorbs motion well. So, partners shouldn’t disturb each other while tossing and turning at night.
Who Might Not Like the Bear Star
- Side sleepers – Side sleepers will want a softer mattress to tackle their pressure points.
Other User Reviews
Coming in at approximately 4.5 out of 5 stars on Bear’s site, the Bear Star Hybrid has generally positive reviews. Negative reviews seem to focus around customers saying that the bed was too soft. But the majority positive reviews assert that this mattress is comfortable and even helped out with pain relief.
See our full Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Review to learn more. Looking for other options to get a cooler night sleep? Check out the best mattresses for athletes.
Best Hybrid King-Size Mattress – Nectar Premier Hybrid
Nectar Premier Hybrid
Product Details
Our Recommendation
Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Nectar Premier Hybrid is a medium-firm mattress that accommodates most sleepers regardless of their sleep position or body type. We feel combination sleepers should do well on this mattress because it tested high for responsiveness, meaning that the Nectar Premier should allow for ease of movement.
Back and stomach sleepers of all body types should find solid support. As for side sleepers, we recommend that lightweight sleepers opt for a softer bed, but average to heavyweight side sleepers should experience pressure point relief. On top of that, the Premier Hybrid also excelled in our temperature regulation test, meaning your body heat shouldn’t get trapped in the mattress.
What our testers say: “The Nectar Premier Hybrid is like the Cheesecake Factory of sit down dining: mid-tier. It’s more luxurious than the original Nectar Hybrid, but not as flashy as the Premier Copper Hybrid. The Premier Hybrid steps up the game with better responsiveness and cooling properties, which I was impressed with.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester
Who Might Like the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress
- Those looking for a long-lasting mattress – The Premier Hybrid is a pretty durable mattress with supportive pocketed coils; It should last between seven and 10 years.
- Hot sleepers – The Premier Hybrid features a cool-to-the-touch cover, gel-infused foam, and breathable coils. Not only should you feel cool, but your body heat shouldn’t get trapped in the mattress either.
Who Might Not Like the Nectar Premier Hybrid Mattress
- Couples – If you sleep with a partner who wakes up easily, the Nectar’s motion isolation might not be for you.
- Seniors – The Premier Hybrid does not have the most supportive edges in the world. Older folks need solid edge support for ease getting in and out of bed.
What Users Say: Thousands of reviewers on
See our full Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress review to learn more. Not into Nectar? Check out our full list of the best hybrid mattresses.
King Size Mattress Considerations
Here’s an overview of purchasing considerations and factors when buying a King size mattress:
- Sleeping position: Different positions have different support requirements, so the best King mattress will depend on whether you’re a side, back, stomach, or combination sleeper.
- Weight: Heavyweight sleepers can experience more sinkage when it comes to firmness. So, a medium-firm mattress may feel soft to a heavyweight or tall individual. Alternatively, lightweight or petite individuals who desire firm beds may find their match in mattresses that feel soft to most sleepers. For some more options, check out our pages on best firm mattresses and best soft mattresses.
- Pressure Relief: You may want to look for a mattress that relieves pressure for your specific sleeping position. Some products do a better job of preventing aches and pains in lightweight stomach sleepers, others excel at accommodating heavy side sleepers. If we award a mattress a perfect score of 5/5 in pressure relief, it usually means that it works for the majority of sleepers.
- Temperature: Do you sleep cool or hot? All-foam mattresses tend to sleep hotter, although recent advancements have improved airflow and made mattresses more breathable. If temperature regulation is important, consider a hybrid or innerspring King size mattress or an all-foam variety with dedicated cooling properties. Check out our best cooling mattresses article for more information.
- Material: The bulk of mattresses on the market are innerspring, foam, latex, or hybrid styles. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, and they vary in cost, durability, and more.
- Firmness: While there’s no standardized firmness scale across the industry, mattresses range from 1–10 in firmness, with one being extra soft and 10 being extra firm. Your weight and sleeping position likely have the biggest impact on the firmness that feels best to you and supports proper spinal alignment. Our mattress firmness guide is a great resource if you’d like to learn more.
- Thickness: Most mattresses measure 10″ in thickness, but luxury and thick options can measure 15″ or more.
- Budget: Mattresses vary dramatically in price based on the quality of materials used, the make, the manufacturer, and other costs, like delivery fees. Budget mattresses can cost just a couple hundred dollars, whereas luxury King size mattresses can cost $2,000 or more.
- Performance factors: Consideration of a King-size mattress’ performance will give you a well-rounded perspective on the product’s pros and cons. Take note of properties like durability (how long it will last), motion isolation, pressure relief, temperature, off-gassing, and edge support.
- Noise: If you sleep with a partner, a noisy mattress can be a real annoyance. Even the slightest movement may cause a creak or groan that makes it difficult to sleep peacefully. Memory foam tends to do a good job of suppressing noise, though a hybrid mattress with enough comfort layers can also do a good job of staying quiet.
- Policies: Third-party retailer and mattress company policies—such as shipping, warranties, returns, and trial periods—can greatly impact customer satisfaction and experience, especially if you’ll be shopping for your King size mattress online. Make sure you’re comfortable with the level of protection for the investment you’re making and with the trial and return policies, just in case you’re not happy with your purchase. Be aware that failing to use proper foundation, box spring, or bed frame can void your warranty.
- Mattress weight: By nature of their size, King mattresses tend to be heavier and bulkier. You may need help setting up your mattress.
- Durability: Durability is key for King size mattresses, which often support the weight of two individuals night in and night out. Research and read reviews about the mattress’ longevity, looking for answers to questions like, “Does the mattress sag over time?” and “How’s the edge support?”
Who Is a King Mattress Best For?
Couples: Some couples snuggle up real close when they sleep; some couples like to preserve their personal space. Whether it’s because you or your partner easily overheat, or because one or both of you don’t like to be touched in your sleep, the extra foot of room makes it easier for couples to sleep exactly how they want to. Check out our couples sleep guide for more info.
People with Pets and Kids: Having pets or children means that you may have to share your bed from time to time. Although they might be smaller than you, kids, cats, and dogs can take up a considerable amount of space, making your sleep situation less comfortable. A King size bed provides more surface area, meaning more room for everyone to relax.
Individuals Seeking More Space: Most individuals opt for a Queen mattress, as it provides substantial surface area for one person. If you’re one of those people who loves to spread out and not be anywhere near the edge of the bed, a King size mattress might be more to your liking.
Those with Large Bedrooms: Room size becomes a major factor when shoppers realize that a King is more than a foot wider than a Queen. If you have a large bedroom, then a Queen may not look proportional, and so a King would be more appropriate. The opposite is also true. Leaving two feet of space on three sides of your room is recommended by interior designers, but that’s the minimum. If you want to include a wardrobe, nightstands, and other pieces, you’ll need more room, and a Queen mattress might fit better.
Long Haul Mattress Shoppers: Do you hope for your next mattress to be a part of your home for a long, long time? If even a small part of you thinks that you may want a King instead of a Queen several years down the road, then it may be in your best interest to purchase a King size mattress now.
King vs. Queen Mattresses
If you’re shopping for a King size mattress, you’ve probably also weighed the option of buying a Queen instead. Queen mattresses are more affordable, and if you’re a single person with an average body type, they likely provide enough space for you to be comfortable. That said, there are plenty of reasons why a King might be the right choice for you.
Most importantly, you’ll have more room on a King. A standard King mattress measures 76” x 80”, which is 16” wider than the queen’s 60” x 80” measurements. Whether it’s just you, you and a partner, or you and a pet, this extra 16″ will come in handy if you like to spread out, move around a lot, or even get some space between you and your partner.
A Queen does have its benefits. As mentioned above, they are more affordable. They’re also lighter, making them easier to move, flip, or rotate. If you want your next mattress to be something that you spend many, many years on, then a King might be worth it for you. If this is more of a transition mattress, consider a Queen.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of the great King vs. Queen debate, take a look at our article on King vs. Queen size mattresses, or head over to our mattress size guide.
Types of King Size Mattresses
A bigger mattress may solve issues of disturbances like snoring, turning, tossing, and cover-stealing from a partner. If you’ve decided that a King bed is what you need, you’ll need to decide on the exact type of mattress you’re after. Here are the details and dimensions of the most common King size mattresses.
King
A traditional King Size mattress is one size larger than a Queen. The term King size refers to the standard of this size mattress which provides sleepers with an additional 16″ of width. Standard King Size mattresses come in a measurement of 76″ X 80″ and is great for sleepers who are looking for that extra space when it comes to sleep.
Eastern King
An Eastern King is simply a synonym for a standard King, and it also measures 76″ x 80.” You probably won’t see a mattress referred to as “Eastern King” too often. If you do, you can think of it as a regular King.
Split King
A Split King, otherwise known as a Dual King mattress, comes in two pieces rather than one. Each piece is roughly the same size as a Twin mattress. Creating a King bed out of two separate mattresses allows each partner to customize their firmness level or position (with an adjustable base), while still sharing closeness with their partner.
King vs. California King Mattress
The only difference between a California King and a standard/eastern kKing is in the width and length. A King mattress measures 80” long by 76″ wide, while a California King measures 84″ long by 72″ wide. So, your decision will come down to where you want your extra surface space: in width or in length.
A California King can do well for tall individuals who need those extra few inches to comfortably stretch their legs out, while a standard King has the extra width that allows couples to spread out and occupy their own, dedicated sides of the bed.
California Kings and regular Kings usually go for the same price, so the only thing you need to figure out is which best suits your sleeping situation.
For more information, check out our article on California King vs Standard King mattresses.
Pros & Cons of King Mattresses
Pros of a King Mattress
- More space — King mattresses are 16” wider than Queens, meaning you’ll have a lot more space to spread out.
- Less tossing and turning — The extra space makes it much easier to sleep soundly.
- Proper sleeping positions — Smaller surface areas can make it difficult to comfortably settle into your sleeping position.
- Kid- and dog-friendly — There’s plenty of room for pets and people alike on a King mattress.
Cons of a King Mattress
- Bulkier — If you have a small bedroom, a King mattress may take up an inconvenient amount of space.
- Can be heavy and hard to move — Moving or rotating a King size mattress alone can be very difficult.
- More expensive — King beds generally cost several hundred dollars more than a Queen.
Mattress Size Guide: Video
Mattress Materials & Considerations
If you’ve chosen to purchase a King size mattress, the final step before choosing a brand will be to determine which mattress materials best suit your sleep preferences and needs.
King Size Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam’s contouring ability is generally unmatched in the mattress world. The layers of foam react to your body and cradle all of the sensitive pressure points, like hips and shoulders. These foam layers also isolate motion really well, meaning late night movements won’t transfer to your partner’s side of your King size bed.
Who Are Memory Foam Mattresses Best For?
- Sleepers who enjoy deep contouring
- Couples
- Side Sleepers
If you want to learn more, head on over to our best memory foam mattresses guide.
King Size Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring mattresses have two big things going for them: breathability and responsiveness. Constructed without thick layers of foam or latex, these beds have excellent air flow. Responsiveness refers to how easy a bed is to move around on, and if you’ve ever bounced around on a steel coil bed, then you know how springy they can be. If you tend to sleep hot or switch positions often, then an innerspring King mattress may be right for you.
Who Are Innerspring Mattresses Best For?
- Hot sleepers
- Budget shoppers
- Stomach sleepers
If these factors are important to you, check out our best innerspring mattress list.
King Size Latex Mattresses
Latex Kings offer comfort, support, and peace of mind. What do we mean by that? Well, many latex mattresses are manufactured with the environment in mind. The best way to tell whether or not a mattress brand uses sustainable processes and materials is to take a look at their certifications. The Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 are good indicators of a product that is earth-friendly.
Who Are Latex Mattresses Best For?
- Eco-conscious shoppers
- People who enjoy a bouncy, responsive mattress
- Those looking for a durable product
For a more in depth look at latex makes for good King size mattresses, take a look at our best latex mattresses page.
King Size Hybrid Mattresses
These mattresses are very interesting, because they combine elements from the three mattress types that we’ve already covered. Built with a support layer of springs and top layers of either memory or latex foam, the best hybrid mattresses offer the breathability and responsiveness of innerspring, along with the comfort and pressure relief of memory foam or latex.
Who Are Hybrid Mattresses Best For?
- Sleepers looking for the benefits of both foam and coils
- Luxury mattress shoppers
- Back sleepers
If this sounds like the mattress for you, head over to our best hybrid mattresses list.
King Size Smart Beds
At last, we arrive at smart beds. Smart beds utilize air chambers to provide a customized sleep experience. Adding or removing air from a smart bed adjusts the overall firmness, so you can truly cater these beds to your needs. They’re generally more expensive than a regular mattress, but the customizability is unmatched.
Who Are Smart Beds Best For?
- Long-term mattress shoppers
- Luxury mattress shoppers
- Those struggling with joint pain or back pain
Sleeping Positions
Whether you’re a back, side, stomach, or combination sleeper, a King size mattress can provide you with the freedom to orient yourself in any way that you desire. That said, you’ll want to pick a King size mattress that accommodates your preferred sleeping position.
Side Sleepers: Conforming mattresses tend to be the best beds for side sleepers. This means you will want to look at memory foam mattresses or softer hybrid mattresses.
Back Sleepers: The best mattresses for back sleepers is likely be around the middle of the firmness scale. A good, medium-firm King mattress will allow your hips and shoulder to sink in just enough when you lie on your back, and it will keep your spine aligned to its natural curve. Consider a hybrid mattress with a substantial comfort layer to find the perfect middle ground between firm and soft.
Stomach Sleepers: A good mattress for stomach sleepers is one that tends to sit towards the top of the firmness scale. When you’re sleeping on your stomach, you don’t want your hips to sink too far below the surface; if they do, your spine might be thrown out of alignment. A good firm mattress may help keep everything where it’s supposed to be.
Combination Sleepers: A top priority for combination sleepers is responsiveness. A mattress with high responsiveness will make it easier for you to switch positions and settle into new ones quickly. Check out our list of the best mattresses for combination sleepers to learn more.
Best King Size Mattress FAQ
How thick should a King size mattress be?
Most mattresses fall between eight and 13 inches in thickness, and King beds are no exception. If you’re after something with good durability, you may want a mattress closer to 13 inches in thickness, though you’ll likely have to spend more money.
Who is a King mattress best for?
A King size mattress is good for couples because it provides lots of room for them to spread out. Those with larger bedrooms and those looking for a long haul mattresses should also prefer a King.
How often should I replace my mattress?
It’s recommended that you replace your mattress every seven years, but this number can change depending on the quality of the product and how well you take care of it. Some mattresses can maintain their quality for ten years or even longer. For more information, head over to our article, “How Often Should You Replace Your Mattress?”
What is the difference between a king and queen size mattress?
Queen size mattresses and king size mattresses are approximately the same height and length, but they are different widths. A standard King mattress measures 76” x 80”, which is 16” wider than the queen’s 60” x 80” measurements. Queen mattresses are more affordable. If you’re a single person with an average body type, a Queen mattress will likely provide enough space for you to be comfortable.
Do all King size mattresses get a ridge in the middle?
It depends. That hump, also known as a king’s ridge, develops due to uneven weight distribution on your mattress. If you’re trying to fix it, we suggest you use a mattress topper. Not only will it help reduce the ridge, it will also add some comfort to your mattress. If you’re trying to prevent the hump from forming, make sure that you regularly rotate your mattress, and try sleeping closer to the center of the bed.
How big is a King size mattress?
A standard king size mattress is 76 inches wide x 80 inches long. However, depending on the manufacturer, they may offer custom sizing.
How much does a good King mattress cost?
You won’t find many King size mattresses for under $1,000, and many of the hybrid, hotel-quality Kings that incorporate superior materials into their construction will cost you $2,000 or more. Before you start your shopping journey, identify the absolute most you’re willing to pay for your mattress. Then, read plenty of reviews featuring products in your price range. Before you know it you’ll find your perfect mattress.
Are King size mattresses better for couples and pet owners?
In terms of space, absolutely. King mattresses provide lots of room for couples to spread out, and even furry friends have the space to join. That said, if you sleep with a partner or pet, you’ll also want to pay attention to how well a mattress isolates motion. Thicker comfort layers help isolate motion, so you don’t feel your partner or pet moving around at night.
Recap of the Top Rated King Size Mattresses
Saatva Classic | Best Innerspring King Mattress |
| Helix Midnight | Best King Mattress for Pressure Relief |
| DreamCloud Hybrid | Best King Mattress for Combo Sleepers |
| Best King Size Mattress for Back Sleepers | |
| WinkBed | Best Bed-In-a-Box King Mattress |
| Nolah Evolution | Best Luxury King Mattress |
| Titan Plus | Best King Mattress for Heavy Sleepers |
| Best Memory Foam King Size Mattress | |
| Bear Hybrid | Best King Mattress for Athletes |
| Best Hybrid King Size Mattress |
Loren Bullock
Editor & Mattress and Bedding Expert
About Author
Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.
Combination Sleeper
