Mattress Sizes Secrets

King size mattresses are not all the same dimensions. Like other kinds of mattress sizes, a “king” will vary. The standard king size measures 76” x 80”, but a king size mattress in the UK is roughly the same size as an American queen size mattress. Then there is the California King mattress which is 72” x 84”. In the UK there is also a “super king size” mattress, which measures about 72” x 78”.

Twin mattress set or discount mattress set need not be of lower quality than more expensive brands. The truth is that most mattress dealers from national brands to smaller chains buy their mattresses from the same manufacturers, and in fact these mattresses are virtually identical (they're called “comparables” in the industry) but differ in stitching, fabric, and other superficial ways to distinguish them from competitors. The problem is that this makes it harder to comparison shop.

Shopping for mattress sets can be a terribly confusing business. Different dealers are going to market virtually identical mattresses so that they look as distinct as possible in order to attract customers. Worse, unlike a car dealership, you can't usually “look under the hood” and see what's inside your mattress. One sign of a good mattress dealer is a sample “cutaway” mattress where you can see how the springs and padding are integrated. Seeing the kind of padding and quilting will help you determine whether a particular mattress is worth another look.

If you need to buy a mattress to fit in a particular bed frame or to go in a part of a room where space is limited, don't be satisfied that by knowing the type, i.e., “queen size mattress”, “full size mattress”, king mattress”, etc. you know the mattress size. Take your tape measure and get the size in inches and make sure it will fit.

If you are buying a mattress in a specific size, don't assume that if you know it's a “twin” that you know the mattress size. Mattress sizes can differ even for a particular class of mattress. This is especially true for mattresses from other parts of the world. A “twin” size mattress from Europe will be about three inches narrower than a US twin, and an Asian twin will be about three inches wider and longer.

When you are looking for particular mattress sizes, don't forget the vertical measurements! Mattress thickness can vary dramatically from as little as six inches to 22 inches. If you decide to use a box spring or foundation, that will increase it still further. If you are buying a mattress for an existing bed frame, don't forget to measure the distance from where the bottom of the place where the mattress will rest up to the bottom of the headboard. Otherwise your headboard will either be a nuisance or invisible.

There are basically five different types of mattresses. They are mattresses for queen-size beds, mattresses for king-size beds, mattresses for long twin-size beds, mattresses for full-size beds or double beds and mattresses for California king-size beds.

The mattresses for queen-size beds are typically about 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, and typically measure approximately 152 centimetres by 203 centimetres.

The mattresses for king-size beds are typically about 78 inches wide and 80 inches long, and typically measure approximately 198 centimetres by 203 centimetres.

The mattresses for long twin-size beds are typically about 39 inches wide and 80 inches long, and usually measure approximately 99 centimetres by 203 centimetres.

The mattresses for full-size beds or double beds are typically about 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, and typically measure approximately 137 centimetres by 191 centimetres.

The mattresses for California king-size beds are typically about 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, and typically measure approximately 183 centimetres by 214 centimetres.

Ideally, everyone would spend 8 hours each day in bed sleeping. Though not all of us have the time to follow this rule, we do spend a lot of time in bed and the bed we spend it in has a lot to do with how comfortable we are during the night and day. This is a big purchase and the decision should be made a little more scientifically than stretching out, fully clothed, on a store sample. We have some suggestions about buying a bed.

A Good Bed Frame is Critical

Twin, Single, Double, Full, Queen, King, California King, Western King, Eastern King.

How in the world is anyone supposed to know the difference between all the beds on the market today? Even the sales person in your local department store bed department might not really have all the facts. It can be very confusing!

And if you think you're sure that a King is larger than a Queen (doesn't that make sense!) you might not know just how much larger. What exactly is the difference between the different sizes of beds available?

We're going to help you understand the sizes of beds on the market and how to decide which one is right for your needs.

Note: Some manufacturers are custom-cutting beds larger or smaller than "standard" sizes. But beware! While it may seem intriguing to have a "custom size" bed, you may have trouble finding bedding to fit.

Read on to get details on Twin, Single, and Extra-Long Twin Beds.

• Twin beds are also known as single beds. They're the most common choice for children's rooms or multi-use guest rooms. These beds are narrow and fit easily into the smallest bedroom. Often twin beds have a "trundle" underneath to accommodate a sleep-over or second guest. Twin beds are used for bunk beds too.
  • Overall dimensions: 39" wide x 75" long"
  • Width per person: 39"
  • Pros: Because of its small size it will fit easily into smaller bedrooms. Twin sheets are the least costly of all sheet sizes and are available in lots of patterns. It's easy to make a twin bed.
  • Cons: A standard size is too short for many adults.
• Twin Extra Long beds are 5" longer than a standard twin. They're often used in college dorm rooms to accommodate tall teens.
  • Overall dimensions: 39" wide x 80" long
  • Width per person: 39"
  • Pros: The longer length is good for taller teens and adults. It's easy to make, since it's narrow. If you need flexibility in a guest room, two extra long twins are a good choice. They can be used as singles or pushed together to form a king size bed.
  • Cons: Bedding is difficult to find and not available in every pattern.

Note: What is "standard" is occasionally changed by some manufacturers. Before you go shopping for bedding, be sure to know the exact measurements of the bed you have purchased. Some "standard" fitted sheets may not fit.

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There are no standard mattress depths. Some mattresses are 9-10 inches deep, but many pillow top mattresses measure 15-16 inches in depth, or more. Box springs and other bed components can make the mattress even higher.

If you're making a quilt for yourself it's much easier to consider all the bed size "what ifs." If the quilt is a gift, you can't be sure which bed size it will ultimately be used on, so consider making a quilt that would fit a queen mattress, the most popular bed size.

Knowing mattress sizes will help you design and make a quilt that fits the bed perfectly.

Mattress Sizes:

• Crib Mattress Size: 28" x 52"
• Twin Mattress Size (Single): 39" x 75"
• Full Mattress Size (Double): 54" x 75"
• Long Twin Mattress Size: 36" x 80" (Most beds in college dorms have long twin mattresses)
• Queen Mattress Size: 60" x 80"
• King Mattress: 76" x 80"
• California King Mattress Size: 72" x 84"
• Quilt Design Options

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You're going to need some accessories before you turn off the lights and drift off to sleep. Popular add-ons include:

Frames: Although not strictly necessary, a modest oak or metal frame adds a touch of class to your mattress.

Sheets: Whether they're adorned with flowers, stripes or Star Wars characters, a set of sheets is an absolutely crucial purchase.

Pillows: Just like mattresses, pillows come in a wide variety of styles. Choose a firmness and size that's right for you.

Mattress topper pads: Protect your mattress from leaks and spills with this handy cover-up.

Dust ruffles: Give your bed a Victorian je ne sais quoi with these elegant ruffles that attach to your mattress and graze the floor. They'll come in handy when you're ripping the bodice off your mistress' heaving bosoms! If you play your cards right, you might even be able to convince your mattress salesman to toss in some of these extras for free.

Most Important Things One Should Know:

• Keep your bedding clean (and protect your warranty) by using a mattress pad.
• Bolster your new bed's support by replacing your old box spring.
• Rotate your mattress from head to toe every two months to equalize wear.
• Don't remove the law tag label. Believe it or not, these tags are actually used to identify warranty rights.
• Don't use dry-cleaning fluid on your mattress. If you need to clean your mattress, vacuum it instead.
• Mattresses should never get wet (Just like Gremlins!). Protect your mattress' upholstery at all costs.