Take $300 off a WinkBeds Mattress. Use Code: SF300
Sleepfoundation.org is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Written by
It’s hard to argue with a king size mattress, which can comfortably fit two sleepers with room to spare. Significantly larger than other mattress sizes, king size mattresses offer the ultimate luxury for those who can spare the floor space. Split king and California king variants offer the opportunity to further customize your sleep setup.
There’s an exciting range of options available for shoppers seeking a new king size mattress. To help you get started with your search, we’ll share our recommendations for the best king mattresses currently on the market. We’ll also provide some practical advice on how to find the right king mattress, whether you’re sleeping with a partner, kids, pets, or by yourself.
Best Overall
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress available in four firmness levels: medium soft, medium firm, firm, and Plus. Built with high-quality foams and pocketed coils, all four versions boast above-average durability and temperature control, as well as outstanding edge support.
The medium soft, medium firm, and firm WinkBeds offer some initial pressure relief with a euro-style pillow top quilted with gel polyfoam. The medium soft mattress has an additional layer of polyfoam that helps absorb motion for people who sleep with a partner. In turn, the medium firm and firm WinkBeds have a more responsive feel that boosts movement for sex and for combination sleepers. All the WinkBed mattresses have a breathable Tencel cover.
The WinkBed mattress features a dual-coil system with a layer of pocketed micro-coils and a support core of zoned pocketed coils with reinforced edges. Along with strategically placed foams in the comfort layers, this design helps provide targeted support to the spine and lumbar area in particular. One of the best firm king mattresses for heavier sleepers, the WinkBed Plus is similarly built but replaces the top layer of micro-coils with latex for sturdier support.
WinkBeds offers a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty against workmanship and manufacturing defects.
Best Value
The Vaya Mattress is an all-foam model that offers high-quality construction at a budget-friendly price. Even in a king size, the mattress is reasonably affordable – especially compared to other similarly constructed beds.
The comfort layer consists of adaptive polyfoam that contours evenly to the body much like memory foam without the signature “hugging” sensation that many sleepers find claustrophobic. The mattress has a balanced medium feel, so expect close conforming and some added support from the thick base layer made from high-density polyfoam. This ensures better alignment and less pressure for side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds, as well as a flat surface for back and stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds.
Both foam layers isolate motion very well, reducing transfer across the surface of the bed and allowing you to sleep soundly when your partner changes positions or gets on and off of the mattress. The Vaya is also completely silent, so you won’t have to worry about bothersome creaking during the night.
Not only is the Vaya priced low but the company offers free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. The mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial that includes a mandatory 30-night break-in period, giving you ample time to test it out. You’ll also receive a 10-year warranty should you decide to keep the mattress after the trial expires.
Most Comfortable
The Nectar is an attractive option for shoppers who are interested in buying a memory foam mattress at a reasonable price. Multiple layers of gel-infused memory foam sit atop a supportive core, for a medium firm feel that adapts well to most sleeping positions and body types. Sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds may want to consider a firmer option than the Nectar.
All-foam mattresses tend to sleep hot, but the Nectar has a moisture-wicking Tencel cover and a layer of gel-infused memory foam that help reduce heat retention. For nights when the kids crawl into bed, the Nectar’s memory foam layers absorb motion so everyone can sleep as soundly as possible. The mattress also has a relatively firm perimeter that makes it possible to sleep right up to the edge of the bed.
The Nectar mattress holds CertiPUR-US certification, which guarantees it to be low in volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and free of harmful chemicals. Shoppers in the contiguous U.S. receive free shipping. In addition to being an affordably-priced king size bed, the Nectar mattress also comes with a risk-free 365-night sleep trial and a forever warranty.
Best Pressure Relief
The AS3 Hybrid from Amerisleep builds on the design of the original AS3, an all-foam mattress. The comfort layer is constructed from Bio-Pur, a proprietary memory foam that is exceptionally dense and resistant to indentations, impressions, and other types of wear that plague less dense foams. As a result, the expected lifespan of this mattress is longer than average.
The support core contains pocketed coils that stabilize the mattress quite well without making the surface feel too stiff or rigid. These coils are divided into zones based on gauge, or thickness. Thinner high-gauge coils offer comfortable cradling beneath the neck and shoulders, thicker low-gauge coils reinforce the torso and hips, and mid-gauge coils provide a balance of support and contouring for your lower body. The overall feel of the AS3 Hybrid is medium (5), but you’ll notice enhanced support due to the coil configuration.
The coils also promote steady air circulation throughout the interior of the mattress to maintain a cool core temperature. The mesh cover is also fairly breathable. Thanks to its premium memory foam layer, the mattress also isolates more motion and makes less noise than the average hybrid model.
The AS3 Hybrid’s sticker price is on the high end for a hybrid, but all customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free shipping. Every order comes with a 100-night trial that includes free shipping on all returns. The mattress is also backed by a 20-year warranty that covers deep sagging and other structural defects.
Best for Hot Sleepers
If you’re having trouble deciding on mattress firmness, then the Layla Hybrid might be the solution. This is a flippable hybrid mattress with a different firmness level on either side. You can choose between medium soft or firm, and switch back and forth if you find your needs change over time. Most side sleepers prefer the medium soft side, whereas the firm side provides better lumbar support for back and stomach sleepers.
The Layla Hybrid stands out for its use of copper-infused memory foam. Copper is said to be a good heat conductor, and adding it to the memory foam is meant to help draw body heat away from the mattress surface for a cooler night. Beneath the memory foam is a transitional layer of polyfoam with surface modification technology (SMT), which provides firmer support in key areas.
The Layla Hybrid has a sturdy and breathable support core made of pocketed coils. The perimeter is reinforced with higher-gauge coils. As with most hybrid mattresses, the Layla Hybrid has a resilient feel that facilitates movement on top of the mattress.
The mattress is CertiPUR-US certified and is thoughtfully designed with easy-flip handles and a zippered cover. Customers are granted a 120-night sleep trial, after which the mattress is covered by a 10-year warranty. The Layla Hybrid ships for free to the contiguous U.S., with an extra charge for Hawaii, Alaska, and Canada.
Best for Hip Pain
Hip pain sufferers may find relief in the Nolah Original, a 10-inch all-foam mattress designed with cushioning foams that conform to relieve pressure points. A top layer of proprietary AirFoam and a second layer of transitional polyfoam alleviate sore spots without restricting movement. In the mattress core, a thick layer of high-density polyfoam provides the support needed to keep the spine aligned and prevent the hips from sinking in.
In terms of firmness the Nolah Original mattress falls at a medium, or a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. This makes it ideal for side sleepers and those who weigh less than 130 pounds. These sleepers often experience pressure points from firmer mattresses, as they don’t exert enough pressure on the mattress to feel a firmer bed’s cushioning. The relatively plush foams also absorb motion well, keeping co-sleepers from waking each other in the night.
The Nolah Original is CertiPUR-US certified, meaning the foams used in the bed are made without a variety of harmful chemicals and ozone depleters. For every mattress purchased, the company makes a donation to American organization Defenders of Wildlife. Nolah offers a 120-night sleep trial and a 15-year warranty, with free shipping in the contiguous U.S.
Best Cooling
Save 35% on a Cocoon Chill Hybrid and get free pillows and sheets with this code: SLEEPFOUND35
The Cocoon Chill Hybrid from Sealy is a mattress that truly lives up to its name. The cover is infused with phase-change material, a cooling agent that absorbs and dissipates body heat in order to regulate the surface temperature. As a result, the mattress will feel cool regardless of how warm you are.
Two layers of memory foam cushion and contour to the body, but the mattress is considered medium firm (6) and won’t sink or hug to an excessive degree. This mid-range feel is best suited to people who weigh 230 pounds or less. Side sleepers in this weight range receive added padding for the shoulders and hips, which can improve spinal alignment and alleviate pressure points, while back and stomach sleepers won’t sink too much beneath the heavier areas of their bodies.
The Cocoon Chill Hybrid’s support core contains pocketed coils that generate steady air circulation for added cooling and temperature control throughout the mattress core. This layer is also zoned with thicker coils along the perimeter to provide push-back and make you feel more secure when you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed.
This mattress is competitively priced, and you can choose to bundle your purchase with a foundation or power base. All orders include a 100-night sleep trial with free shipping and full refunds on all returns, as well as a 10-year warranty.
Best Luxury
The innovative Saatva Classic combines the responsiveness of a traditional innerspring with the contouring feel of a hybrid mattress. A Euro-top cover containing fiber padding and comfort layers of memory foam and polyfoam gives the surface an invitingly plush feel. The transitional layer contains pocketed minicoils, while the support core features sturdy recycled-steel hourglass coils, so you can also expect a good deal of springiness from the Saatva Classic.
The two coil layers promote consistent airflow, allowing the mattress to sleep exceptionally cool even by hybrid standards. The robust design is also well suited to people who weigh at least 130 pounds and need extra support from their mattress – back and stomach sleepers in particular.
You can choose from three firmness levels for your Saatva Classic: medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (7). There are noticeable differences between these feels in terms of contouring and pressure relief, but all three deliver exceptional support. The mattress is also available in two profiles, 11.5 or 14.5 inches.
Saatva is one of the only online mattress brands that offers free White Glove delivery to all customers in the contiguous U.S. This service includes full assembly in a room of your choice and removal of your old mattress and/or foundation at no extra charge. You’ll also receive 180 days to test out the Saatva Classic before deciding whether to return it or keep it, as well as a 15-year warranty.
Mattress companies like to highlight the proprietary features that make their products stand out from the crowd. However, before giving consideration to these special features, you need to consider whether a mattress is adequate for your body type and preferred sleeping position. If a mattress isn’t right for your sleeping style, no amount of cooling gels or other features can change that.
The following are some of the most important things to look for when buying a mattress. If you look through these mattress qualities and prioritize them based on your personal needs, then you can read between the lines and select a mattress that suits your needs.
Price
King mattresses are the most expensive due to their larger size, but it’s still possible to find good deals to suit most budgets if you do your research. When shopping for a king mattress, you’ll have to weigh the quality and build of the mattress against the amount of money you’re willing to spend.
Sleeping Position
Different sleeping positions alter weight distribution and give rise to different contact points. Since side sleepers typically complain of soreness at the hips and shoulders, a softer mattress with more cushioning is usually the best choice. By contrast, back and stomach sleepers usually opt for a firmer mattress to prevent the hips from sinking in too far, which can disrupt spinal alignment.
Mattress Type
Most shoppers that set out to buy a mattress already have a preferred type. However, if you believe your current mattress may be affecting the quality of your sleep, it may be time to branch out and try a new kind. We’ll go into more detail below about the advantages offered by each type of mattress, and who is best-suited to a foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, or airbed mattress.
Contouring
Because mattresses with closer contouring can adapt to the body’s curves, they generally do a better job of alleviating pressure points. However, materials that conform closely usually have a slower response to pressure. As the sleeper changes positions, it can take a few moments for the mattress to adjust to the new shape. Some sleepers liken this to the feeling of being “trapped” in the bed, and it can be frustrating for those who frequently switch sleeping positions.
Quality Materials
Denser foams, higher coil counts, and other quality markers are a good indication of how well your mattress will perform. They can also help you predict how long the mattress will last before starting to sag or develop permanent body indentations. There’s no harm in cutting corners on a mattress for occasional use, such as a guest room mattress. However, your primary mattress should be made of materials that can withstand nightly use and provide consistent spinal support and pressure relief.
Firmness Level
Mattress firmness determines whether the bed feels hard as a rock or soft as a feather. Most sleepers find that the sweet spot lies somewhere in the middle, at medium firm or a 5 to 7 on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the firmest. This is firm enough to keep the spine on an even plane, but soft enough that it won’t cause too many pressure points. You may prefer a slightly softer or firmer mattress depending on your body type and preferred sleeping position.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is important for all sleepers, as it’s difficult to sleep soundly on an uncomfortable mattress. It’s arguably most important for side sleepers, who often experience pressure build-up where the hips and shoulders meet the mattress. Sleepers who prioritize pressure relief typically opt for memory foam or softer latex mattresses, which are considered some of the best materials for relieving pressure points.
Edge Support
For those of us who enjoy sleeping right up to the edge of the bed or who have trouble getting in and out of bed, edge support is key. Many hybrid and innerspring mattresses have strong edges that enable full use of the sleeping surface. Higher-gauge coils or high-density polyfoam encasements can further reinforce the perimeter and prevent the feelings of instability that can plague softer mattresses.
Temperature Regulation
Sleep experts recommend a slightly cooler temperature for sleeping, but this can be hard to achieve on a mattress that traps heat. Mattresses that incorporate innerspring coils or breathable elements like latex tend to offer the best temperature neutrality. Hot sleepers may also have some luck with beds that make use of cooling technology such as gel-infused foams or phase-change material.
Noise
If you’re planning to buy a king size mattress, there’s a good chance you’ll be sleeping with a partner. Hybrid and innerspring mattresses can produce squeaks and creaks in the coil layers, which may end up bothering your partner every time you move. Likewise, airbed chambers can make some noise when inflating or deflating. Latex and all-foam mattresses are virtually silent and make the best choice for sensitive sleepers.
Introduced to the mainstream bedding industry in the 1940s, king mattresses are the largest of the standard sizes. A king mattress measures 76 by 80 inches, leaving more than enough space for two adults to sleep side-by-side. King mattresses are becoming increasingly popular with multiple subsets of sleepers, including single adults, couples, and families.
Single Adults: With its imposing, almost-square build, a king size mattress can make a powerful statement in a spacious bedroom. If you sleep alone, a king size mattress can be the perfect accent for your carefully curated interior design. For taller sleepers, larger sleepers, or those who frequently switch sleeping positions, a king mattress also allows enough room to sprawl out and get your beauty rest.
Couples: Falling asleep while spooning is romantic, but it’s not for everybody. A king size mattress gives each partner ample room to sleep comfortably. If you and your partner have trouble agreeing on mattress firmness, you can take things one step further and buy a split king with two different feels.
Families: There’s nothing cuter than having the kids cozy up with you in bed, but if you’re short on space, this can make it tricky to get to sleep. A king size mattress is the best option if you and your sleeping partner want some extra room for kids or pets.
There are several variations of the king size mattress, of which the most frequently seen is the California king. Measuring 72 by 84 inches, the California king size is 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than the standard king.
The extra length of the California king makes it popular with taller individuals. However, many people prefer the aesthetic appeal of the almost-square standard king mattress. This size may also be more convenient for heavier sleepers or those who anticipate sharing the bed with children or pets.
Almost every mattress manufacturer offers both king and California king mattresses at identical price-points, although it might be slightly harder to find bedding for California king mattresses. King and California king mattresses may also come in a split version, in which each side can be customized with a different firmness level or other preferences. As split king mattresses aren’t fully attached to each other, they also allow less motion transfer.
Other types of king beds include Alaska king (108 by 108 inches) and Wyoming king (84 by 84 inches). These are rarely found through regular channels and may need to be special-ordered where available.
A king size mattress may be ideal for sleepers who love spreading out in bed, but not everybody has the space for such a hefty mattress. Here are some pros and cons to weigh if you’re considering the jump to a king size mattress.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the different mattress types is a useful way of knowing how a mattress is likely to feel. However, despite broad similarities in materials and construction, the specific design of each mattress will give it its own distinct feel. We’ve outlined the major characteristics of the five major mattress types you’ll find on the market today.
Definition: Hybrid mattresses are generally made with a pocketed coil support core to reduce noise and motion transfer. This is supplemented by a comfort section with one or more layers of memory foam, latex, micro-coils, or other pressure-relieving materials.
Highlight: Middle Ground. Because they incorporate the qualities of multiple materials, hybrid mattresses are a convenient compromise for sleepers who have trouble deciding between the merits of coils, foam, or latex.
Definition: Innerspring mattresses are built almost entirely of steel coils that provide bounce, support, and airflow. Some innerspring mattresses may have a comfort layer, but this does not significantly change the feel of the mattress.
Highlight: Customizable. Innerspring mattresses pair well with mattress toppers. Co-sleepers can use a split king mattress to give each side a different feel and eliminate the problem of motion transfer that can arise with interconnected coils.
Definition: Natural latex is made by processing the milky white liquid of the rubber tree, using either the Dunlop or Talalay method. The resulting material is breathable and durable, and it can be given different properties that make it suitable for use in both the comfort and support layers of a mattress. Synthetic latex alternatives also exist, but they are of lesser quality.
Highlight: Sustainable and Durable. Natural latex is gaining recognition in eco-conscious circles thanks to its environmentally friendly credentials. Despite the higher price tag, latex is a worthwhile investment as it promises longer durability than most mattress materials.
Definition: Made with one or more air chambers in the support core, airbed mattresses feature customizable firmness that can be adjusted by inflating or deflating the chambers. Airbeds may also have an additional comfort layer section on top of the air chambers.
Highlight: Individual Control. King size airbeds usually have a separate air chamber for each side of the bed, so each sleeper can experiment to find the feel that works for them.
Definition: All-foam mattresses have a support core made of high-density polyfoam, and may feature memory foam, latex, polyfoam, or similar materials in the comfort section.
Highlight: Motion Isolation. All-foam mattresses tend to perform the best on motion isolation, which can reduce disruptions when sharing the bed.
Before settling on a purchase decision, ask yourself if the mattress is well-suited to its intended sleepers, and don’t forget to read the fine print for shipping, sleep trial, and warranty policies.
A king mattress is large enough to be used by one or two adults. If you anticipate using the mattress for more than one sleeper, be sure to take each party’s needs into consideration.
Side sleepers and those who weigh less than 130 pounds typically need a closer-conforming mattress that helps take the pressure off the hips and shoulders. Stomach sleepers and those who weigh more than 230 pounds need a firmer surface to better distribute body weight. A split king may be the answer in cases where two sleepers with vastly different needs are sharing the bed.
It’s not uncommon for kids and pets to join their parents in bed. In this case, it may be more appropriate to use a regular king mattress instead of a split king to prevent having anyone sleep on the crack between the mattresses. Those who share the bed with one or more restless sleepers may benefit from a mattress that dampens motion and noise, while strong edge support allows full use of the bed for families who may otherwise find it too crowded.
Most king mattresses are able to be compressed, shrink-wrapped, and shipped as a bed-in-a-box. The standard in the online mattress industry is to offer free ground shipping within the continental U.S., with many companies also offering optional White Glove delivery and old mattress removal for an extra fee. In rare cases where certain king size mattresses may be too heavy to ship via ground shipping, companies may include White Glove delivery at no additional charge.
Mattresses ordered online should come with a sleep trial of at least 90 nights, giving you time to test out the mattress at home and receive a refund if it doesn’t work for you. Following this period, mattress companies typically offer a warranty of at least 10 years against workmanship and manufacturing defects. Before finalizing payment on your new mattress, it’s always a good idea to double-check these terms.
Looking for an affordable mattress? We’ll highlight some of the best ones on the market under $1,000 and share tips…
We’ll highlight the best mattresses under $2,000 and share tips to help you make the most from your money.
Good sleep is critical for teens, and our guide to the best mattresses for teenagers lists the top beds available…
