Buying Guide: What Size Mattress Is Right For You

Choosing a mattress that works best for your unique needs is foundational for getting a good night’s sleep. One of the most important aspects to consider when choosing? Mattress size! When it comes to mattress size, you have a few different options. You likely already know that mattresses come in twin, full, queen, and king sizes, but do you know which sizes work best for which people?

In general, there are three main things to think about when it comes time to choose a size for your mattress: how many people will be sleeping on the mattress, the size of those people, and the dimensions of the bedroom.

Read on as we go more in depth into each different mattress size so you can make the very best decision for your needs.

Twin Size Mattresses

The smallest mattress size you can get (other than a crib mattress!) is the twin. Twin mattresses are 38 inches wide and 75 inches long, and are perfect for the smallest of people and the smallest of spaces. There are also twin xl size mattresses, most commonly found in college dorm rooms, which add an extra 5 inches of length.

Twin size mattresses are a good choice for small children and toddlers transitioning from a crib to "big kid" bed. They’re big enough that a smaller child will have plenty of space to roll around, but small enough that they don’t feel too overwhelming to the child and can easily replace a crib without much rearranging. 

Twin mattresses are also great choices for adolescents or adults who don’t have much space. They work well for college students living in dorms, or for young adults living in smaller studio apartments. Similarly, they’re a good choice for adolescents or adults who have smaller bedrooms. When space is a concern, opting for a twin can be the best way to maximize the room you do have.

Full Size Mattresses

Full size mattresses are the next size up, with dimensions of 75 inches long and 52 inches wide— 15 inches wider than a twin. While it’s a common misconception that full size mattresses are a good fit for couples, they’re actually better suited for individuals. They aren’t the best for couples, as each person would only get 27 inches of space, which is less space than a crib.

One place where they are a good choice is in a child's bedroom. Although time mattresses are the most common pick for children, full sized mattresses work better when you want something that will grow with your child and last throughout their teenage years. They’re also good choices for siblings who share a bed, as well as for children who like to surround themselves with all of their stuffed animals at night.

Full mattresses work well for single adult sleepers. They can comfortably fit an individual person with a bit of room to spread out, but are still small enough to be cozy. Single sleepers who love to spread out or who typically sleep with a pet, however, might want to opt for a queen.

Finally, full mattresses are a smart choice for guest bedrooms. Most guest rooms are on the smaller size, and would feel cramped with a queen or king. However, you want your guest to feel comfortable, and a twin might be a little too small. In this case, a full size mattress is just right.

Queen Size Mattresses

Next up are queen size mattresses, which are both the most popular mattress size and the most commonly advertised. They’re 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, the perfect dimensions for most standard bedrooms.They’re a common choice for both younger couples and singles who require a bit more space. 

A queen mattress is a perfect choice for a young couple's first mattress. It's bigger than a full and can comfortably fit two bodies. while still fitting in most bedrooms. Additionally, they're more affordable than king mattresses, so they work for those on a smaller budget. They’re not the best for couples who don’t like to cuddle too close, however— at 60 inches wide, they offer less sleeping space than a twin per person.

Queen size mattresses are also a fit for single sleepers who require a bit more room. If you’re a single sleeper who likes to use your mattress as a place to read, work, or watch movies, you might want to opt for a roomier queen. Similarly, if you like to stretch out at night or frequently sleep with a furry friend, a queen will offer just enough space for you.

King Size Mattresses

Sometimes, bigger really is better. King size mattresses offer the most space of all standard sized mattresses. They measure in at 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, making them a whole 16 inches longer than a queen. If you’re looking for something a little longer, you can opt for a california king, which measures 84 inches long and 72 inches long. King and california king mattresses are perfect for couples, kids, and even the family pet! They’re a good choice for putting in a master bedroom, for families and couples who like their personal space. 

King mattresses provide enough space for the whole family. With a queen size mattress, add in kids or pets (or both!) and things quickly start to get crowded. With a king, you’re able to accommodate the entire family for family movie nights, Sunday morning snuggles, or when someone wakes up from a nightmare and is too scared to sleep in their own bed.

They're also the right choice for couples who value their space. A king provides 30% more sleeping space than a queen, allowing each person to comfortably stretch out. Also, if you're a couple who likes to read or watch movies in bed, a king will give you more than enough space to do so.

When you’re considering which mattress size is right for you, you’ll want to take into account your own individual comfort preferences, circumstances, and sleeping style. The best way to know which mattress size fits just right is to come in to a store and test out the options for yourself. When you’re ready to find your next mattress, come visit us at your nearest Sleep First. We’ll be waiting to help guide you towards your perfect fit!