Mattress sizes seem to get more numerous as time goes by. We no longer have the basic twin, full (or standard), queen and king mattresses to choose from. Knowing what’s available and what you have space for will help you narrow your decision. But there are styles that can impact the size you buy because they can be moved out of the way when not in use.
Mattresses come in many different sizes and styles. Going to purchase one may seem a little overwhelming when you walk into a store filled wall-to-wall with mattresses. It’s important, however, to do your research on the different mattress sizes, as well as styles, to ensure you are getting a mattress that you will be completely satisfied.
Mattress sizes include the common king, queen, full, and twin sizes, but there are also other sizes like California king, super king, California queen, and Olympic queen. The dimensions of each are listed below:
- Super king (available in Europe mainly) — 70 x 80 inches
- California king — 72 x 84 inches
- King — 76 x 80 inches
- California queen — 60 x 84 inches
- Olympic queen — 66 x 80 inches
- Queen — 60 x 80 inches
- Full/Double — 54 x 75 inches
- Twin — 39 x 75 inches
There are also crib and specialty sizes, including round and heart shaped mattresses. Crib mattresses are widely available at most large department stores and baby specialty stores, while the shaped mattress may have to be specially ordered.
The space and need you are filling will help determine what mattress size you want to buy. If the room is small, a small mattress will be better suited. Larger rooms can manage larger mattress sizes. But, there are extenuating circumstances that can impact your buying decision: can the bed be “stored” when not in use. For example, twin trundle beds can be turned into a queen- or king-size bed, and then returned to a day-bed use. A futon can fold into a sofa when not being slept on, and the sizes vary, depending on how the mattress folds. Some air mattresses can be deflated and stored in the closet when not in use, but blown up when needed. And the Murphy bed will let you have the mattress size you want while keeping it out of the way when not in use.
Mattress styles you can choose from describe what the mattress is made of and how it feels to your body. Mattress styles include:
- memory foam
- latex foam
- innerspring
- air mattress
- waterbed mattress
- futon mattress
Memory foam mattresses are made of a foam-like material which conforms to the shape of your body. It supports you where you need to be supported and helps prevent pressure pain to your body. This mattress is great for people with circulation problems or people who are bedridden.
Latex foam mattresses are a natural mattress made from sap of the rubber tree. This mattress is great because it can be customized according to your needs. It is possible to make customized firm and soft areas so that you can be as comfortable as possible. One of the biggest benefits of latex foam mattress is that it can be anti-microbial, which means that little nasties like mold, mildew, and dust mites. This makes it great for people who have allergies or asthma.
Innerspring mattresses offer support by using coiled springs. These springs are coiled into a mattress frame that is covered by a quilted top or can even be covered by a foam top. These mattresses are the most common type that most people have, but they may not be the most comfortable.
Air mattresses use air-filled sections to help support your body. The best thing is that air can be let in or out of the mattress to make it firmer or softer depending upon your needs and desires. The larger mattresses have separate controls for each side, which make it ideal for a couple who can’t come to a compromise about the desired firmness of their mattress.
Waterbed and futon mattresses are specialty mattresses that are made for the particular kind of bed that they go in or on. They come in different styles, much like the ones above.
Mattress sizes and styles vary between countries, so be sure that you do your research before walking into the store. With a little time and effort, you will be able to find the mattress that fits your bed and your back in no time.