For more, watch our interactive video. You can skip to chapters on the different types of mattresses, tips for test driving a mattress, and more. Common claims that haven’t held up in our tests: Foam Layers Make a Better Bed More innerspring mattresses now include foam on top. But the foam is often too thin to make a difference on some of the hybrid models. Hybrid innerspring models that scored well in our tests had a foam layer several inches thick, though performance still varied. More Coils, the Better The better innerspring models we tested had 600 to 1,000 coils. But even if one mattress has more coils than another, the coils could be made of thinner-gauge metal. You’ll also hear about coil variations such as Bonnell (hourglass type), continuous wire, and individually pocketed springs. None of those is inherently superior. Gel Provides a Cooler Sleep Some mattresses (noted in our Ratings) have a layer of gel-infused foam that’s supposed to provide a cooling effect.
But that layer is buried beneath other layers. While our tests have shown that innerspring mattresses containing gel did tend to sleep slightly cooler, the reverse was true with gel-infused foam beds. Extra Lumbar Support Helps Back Sleepers A special lumbar-support zone is one of many ways manufacturers try to differentiate their product lines. But there’s no guarantee that it makes any real difference, and it hasn’t shown significant benefits in our tests. Forget About Comparison Shopping If you like a mattress at one store and ask elsewhere for something similar, you're likely to be steered toward a same-brand mattress claimed to have the same construction, components, and firmness. But they’re probably not the same. Mattress makers offer some lines nationally, but when those brands are sold through major chains such as Macy's, Sears, and Sleepy’s, they're for lines exclusive to those chains. And manufacturers don't publish a directory of comparable mattresses.
When we went to three bedding chains and asked for mattresses similar to those we’d bought at three department stores, five of the six were way off the mark. So use our Ratings as a guide, and insist on the precise make and model that scored well in our tests. Also check our Ratings of mattress brands and stores, based on subscriber surveys. If possible, lie on any mattress that you’re considering. Wear loose clothes and shoes you can slip off. Make yourself comfortable, and shoo away the salesperson if you’re feeling pressured. Salespeople should expect you to take your time. Spend at least five or ten minutes on each side and on your back (your stomach, too, if that's a preferred sleeping position). Panelists who took beds home for a month-long trial rarely changed the opinion they formed after the first night. Shopping online or at a warehouse club? Tryouts aren’t usually an option, so checking return policies before you buy is extra important. Make sure the store offers a full refund or credit toward another mattress.
Return periods, often called “comfort guarantees,” range from a couple of weeks to 120 days. Some retailers, including Macy’s and Sears, charge a 15-percent restocking fee. Costco and some online sellers provide free pickup if you want a refund or exchange, but otherwise, you’ll have to pay for it—or cart the mattress to the store. And you’ll be responsible for any damage. Once you’ve settled on a model, try to bring the price down. Many businesses, such as warehouse clubs, have fixed prices and won’t budge. But for retailers that do negotiate—particularly specialty chains—huge markups allow them to lower prices by 50 percent or more during their frequent sales. Our recommendation: Any time of year, insist on a sale price you’ve seen for the mattress you know you want, and don’t be afraid to walk out if you feel you’re getting a raw deal. Don’t Be Bullied Into Buying a Box Spring You might not need it. For an innerspring mattress, the box spring (also called a “foundation”) is a wood frame enclosing stiff wire and covered with fabric to match the mattress.
For foam or adjustable-air mattresses, it’s a box several inches high. If you're switching to a foam or adjustable-air bed from an innerspring, you'll need a boxy foundation that lacks springs and wire. Otherwise, if your box spring isn't broken and is still structurally sound, consider keeping it and saving money (roughly $150 to $300 for a queen-size). One caveat: Some brands require you to buy their box spring to receive full warranty coverage. It can range from 10 to 25 years and covers only manufacturing defects such as sagging and loose or broken coil wires. Coverage is frequently prorated, meaning that it decreases over time. Never accept delivery without inspecting the mattress (and the box spring, if you buy one) for stains and other damage. Also be sure that the mattress has a label that states “all-new material” before you send the driver on his way. If it’s not there, refuse delivery. And keep it on afterward in case you do have to file a warranty claim in the future.
Table of Contents1 Mattress Dimensions Chart Twin Mattress Dimensions Standard Mattress Dimensions Queen Mattress Dimensions King Mattress Dimensions California King Mattress Dimensions Before you decide which size bed you want to buy, it is important that you understand all of the different sizes along with their benefits. The mattress size chart below is the perfect resource as it can give you valuable insight to the bed size you need, including some information about mattress dimensions that can come in handy when you purchase fitted sheets. In the United States, manufacturers measure their mattresses in inches. Although most people tend to pay the most attention to length and width, depth is also very important – particularly when it comes to determining how high your bed will stand off of the ground and the types of sheets you need to buy. Mattresses can range in depth from a mere four inches for bunk beds all the way up to 20 inches or more for the finest queen and king sized mattresses.
There is no real “industry standard”, so make sure that you ask about the mattress depth before you purchase it. A standard twin bed measures 39 inches wide by 75 inches long. These are usually between eight to 10 inches deep, and they are designed for a single child or adult. Particularly tall adults who want to purchase a twin bed may want to consider purchasing a twin XL, which adds an additional five inches to the overall length of the bed, bringing it to 80 inches. Mattresses for traditional bunk beds share the same dimensions as a twin, but they usually lack the same depth. A standard mattress (also called a full or double mattress) used to be the most common bed for couples when homes were much smaller than they are today. These measure 54 inches wide and 75 inches long with an average depth of between eight and 12 inches. However, with today’s larger bedrooms, couples are often advised to purchase at least a queen-sized bed. Two adults on a full-sized mattress is equal to about 27 inches of sleeping space each – the equivalent of a crib mattress.
Today, full or standard beds are common choices for single adults who prefer extra sleeping space. The queen sized mattress is the most popular size sold in the United States today. It is recommended for co-sleeping couples who either do not need a king sized bed or who do not have room for one. It measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, and it provides a comfortable 30 inches of sleeping space for each partner. Queen size beds usually have a depth between 12 and 17 inches. A traditional king sized mattress, also called “eastern king” is the same length as a queen mattress – 80 inches – but much, much wider at 76”. This is the absolute best choice for couples who like to spread out as they sleep, and it is also the best choice for people who have pets or children who love to share their beds. However, a king sized bed takes up a lot of bedroom space, so you should consider this before you make your purchase. A king bed can range from 10 inches up to 21 inches or more in depth.
A California king mattress has a completely different set of dimensions than a standard king. It is a little less wide at just 72 inches, but it boasts an 84-inch length for people who are quite tall. It is the longest bed available on the market today, and it takes up quite a bit of room thanks to its massive length. In some cases, you may need to purchase a special frame to hold a California king due to its overall length. Like a standard king, a California king bed ranges from 10 inches to 21 inches or more in depth. As you can see, mattresses come in a variety of shapes and sizes designed not only to fit in your bedroom but also to fit your sleeping habits. Before you decide on the right size, use this mattress dimensions chart to consider the amount of space you need as you sleep and the amount of space you have in your bedroom. If you are looking for a new mattress, then be sure to check out our guide to the best memory foam mattresses right here. Take a look at our essential guides: