A king size mattress can be a worthwhile investment for couples, co-sleepers, and those who simply prefer more space. As the largest standard mattress size, the king mattress often represents the pinnacle of luxury. However, with so many mattress companies today manufacturing king size models, choosing the best one for your needs can be challenging.
We’ll discuss some of the best options currently on the market, including offering insights on how to choose a king size mattress, who king beds are best for, and how to tell the difference between a king and a California king.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following five options made our top picks list of 2024’s best king mattresses.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
WinkBeds GravityLux
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The all-foam WinkBeds GravityLux combines excellent contouring with a high-density foam foundation that prevents excessive sinkage. You can pick between three firmness options, depending on your personal preference and sleep position. Side sleepers on our test team preferred the softer models while back sleepers gravitated toward the firmer models.
Buy From WinkBeds
Combination Sleepers
Medium Soft, Medium, Firm Options
Minimal Motion Disturbances
Some Airflow
Pros
- Zoned polyfoam provides targeted support
- Three firmness levels
- Above-average temperature control
Cons
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may need firmer support
- Hot sleepers might prefer a bed with more natural cooling properties
- Foam design offers less edge support than hybrid or latex models
Why We Like It
The GravityLux begins with a Tencel cover engineered to help the mattress stay cool by wicking away excess heat and moisture. Underneath, there are four foam layers, each targeting a different need. The comfort system includes two types of foam engineered to regulate temperature and relieve pressure buildup. Our testers reported that the top 2-inch layer of gel-infused polyfoam felt plush while also promoting airflow and drawing away heat. A layer of AirCell, a proprietary open-cell memory foam, is designed to reduce heat retention.
A zoned transitional layer helps maintain spinal alignment by increasing support under your lumbar region and midsection while allowing more give beneath pressure-prone areas. The polyfoam support core provides a durable base that prevents sagging and sinkage.
How Does It Feel?
The WinkBeds GravityLux is an all-foam mattress available in three distinct firmness levels. With medium soft (4), medium (5), and firm (7) options available, this model will likely be comfortable and supportive for people across a wide range of body types.
During our tests, we observed that people under 130 pounds, particularly side sleepers, were most comfortable on the soft option. Our back and stomach sleepers, as well as those over 130 pounds, preferred the increased support of the medium and firm models.
Best Value Mattress
Bear Original
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Bear Original caters to sleepers who enjoy the feel of foam beds but need a bit more firmness. With a firm (7) feel, this model is more supportive than other foam models we’ve tested, but still conforms closely enough to relieve pressure buildup.
Buy From Bear
Budget Shoppers
Firm
Minimal Motion Disturbances
Some Airflow
Pros
- Firmer-than-average feel provides excellent overall support
- Celliant-blend cover designed for any environment
- Foam layers absorb movement and reduce motion transfer for couples
Cons
- Foam retains more heat than hybrid or latex models
- Those who sleep close to bed perimeter may prefer stronger edge support
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds might benefit from a firmer bed
Why We Like It
While foam mattresses are quite popular, a common complaint is that they’re too soft and prone to uncomfortable sinkage. The Bear Original avoids this by having a firm (7) feel and offering even, sturdy support for people who weigh 130 pounds or more. A memory foam comfort layer contours lightly to alleviate pain and pressure points in sensitive areas, but the denser base layers reinforce the sleep surface to keep your body on an even plane — including around the midsection.
A cover made from Celliant-blend fabric encases the mattress. Celliant is engineered to feel cool to the touch, and our tests showed that body heat retention was minimal. The memory foam comfort layer, which is infused with graphite, is also designed to help with temperature regulation. Since the mattress is on the firmer side, we found sinkage to be minimal, leading to better surface airflow.
How Does It Feel?
During our hands-on tests, the Bear Original received favorable ratings from side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds. Motion isolation tests showed little to no transfer when the other person moved on their side of the bed.
The Bear Original may be a good fit for you if you enjoy the contouring of memory foam but normally find all-foam mattresses too soft. The cooling Celliant-blend cover also helps cut down on uncomfortable heat retention, another common issue with foam beds.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Helix Midnight
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Comfort is subjective, but most of our testers agree the Helix Midnight nails that fine balance between plush cushioning and strong support. Consistent cooling, a strong perimeter, and a light bounce add to the appeal — not to mention the approachable sticker price.
Buy From Helix
Side Sleeepers
Medium Firm
Minimal Motion Disturbances
Good Airflow
Pros
- Foam hybrid design is cushy, sturdy, and responsive to movement
- Reinforced perimeter coils limit sinkage along the edges
- Sticker price is below average for a hybrid
Cons
- Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may not receive enough support
- Foam layers may emit strong off-gassing for the first few nights
- Mattress may sleep hot without the cooling cover upgrade
Why We Like It
The medium firm (6) Helix Midnight was originally designed for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, but our tests show the mattress should meet the needs of most side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers on our team under 130 pounds also found the mattress comfortable and sufficiently supportive. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper who weighs more than 230 pounds, a firmer Helix model such as the Dawn or Twilight may be a better match.
We awarded the Midnight favorable ratings for edge support, motion isolation, and pressure relief. While the foam may trap some heat, the coil system promotes enough airflow to maintain a consistent internal temperature. People who sleep exceptionally hot should consider the cooling cover upgrade, as the GlacioTex makes a significant difference in surface-level thermoregulation.
How Does It Feel?
The Midnight’s top layer is composed of memory foam, which adapts to your body and creates a pressure-relieving cradle for your unique curves and contours. Transitional polyfoam provides additional cushioning, but also pushes back to keep you on an even plane and creates a barrier between you and the support core, which contains pocketed coils and dense base foam. The perimeter coils are thicker to minimize sinkage when you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed.
Standard Midnight covers are made of knit polyester. This material is somewhat breathable, but you can upgrade to a cover made of GlacioTex phase change fabric if you run hot in bed. GlacioTex is engineered to dissipate body heat on contact and feel cool at all times.
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Latex Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a well-rounded mattress that offers outstanding support and temperature control. The sturdy coil system and latex comfort layer generate ample pushback, with just enough responsiveness to gently cradle the body.
Buy From Saatva
Eco-Conscious Shoppers
Medium Firm
Motion Disturbance Potential
Great Airflow
Pros
- Hybrid design promotes airflow
- Latex comfort system offers responsive support
- Free White Glove delivery
Cons
- Side sleepers under 130 pounds may prefer a softer bed
- Responsive latex produces some motion transfer
- May not appeal to sleepers averse to slight bounce of latex
Why We Like It
Saatva is well-known for producing high-quality mattresses, and its Latex Hybrid is no exception. The Saatva Latex Hybrid has excellent support, responsiveness, and temperature control — three characteristics often found in mattresses that include latex. This model’s price-point is higher than other latex hybrids, but its top-notch build, free White Glove delivery service, and eco-friendly materials may be worth the added cost for many sleepers.
How Does It Feel?
The top layer’s organic cotton cover and hand-tufted Euro-top create a plush feel, and a layer of organic wool helps to regulate temperature by wicking away moisture and heat. A 3-inch layer of Talalay latex provides responsive pressure relief and support under the lumbar region, thanks to its five-zone construction. The ventilated latex also generates airflow and increases breathability.
The pocketed coil core helps to promote proper spinal alignment. Each individually wrapped coil moves independently, decreasing the amount of movement that transfers across the bed. A cotton and wool pad makes up the base, keeping the mattress secure.
This medium firm (6) mattress is a suitable choice for most sleeper types and body weights, though the side sleepers under 130 pounds on our testing team found the mattress too firm.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nectar Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nectar Mattress offers the quintessential hug that foam beds are known for, with a bit more firmness than all-foam competitors. Our testers recommend this model if you need the pressure-relieving benefits of foam combined with enhanced support for your lower back.
Buy From Nectar
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm
Minimal Motion Disturbances
Some Airflow
Pros
- All-foam construction transfers very little motion
- Gel-infused memory foam contours joints and pressure points
- Cover engineered to regulate temperature
Cons
- Hot sleepers may prefer a mattress that retains less heat
- Might be insufficiently supportive for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- Foam layers inhibit ease of movement
Why We Like It
The Nectar Mattress is an all-foam mattress with a medium firm (6) feel. Stellar pressure relief makes it a great option for all side sleepers, as well as those who prefer the hugging sensation of memory foam.
The Nectar’s quilted polyester blend cover includes proprietary technology intended to help the mattress wick moisture away from the sleeper. This is followed by a layer of gel-infused memory foam engineered to reduce heat retention. The memory foam also effectively relieves pressure points by evenly contouring to your body.
How Does It Feel?
Our testers reported that the 3-inch polyfoam transitional layer below offered support and responsiveness while still preventing them from sinking too deeply into the mattress. The base layer consists of 7 inches of polyfoam that provide the upper layers with a durable platform while also limiting sinkage and sagging.
Our tests showed that, in addition to pressure relief, the Nectar Mattress also excels at motion isolation. You’re less likely to wake a partner since the foam absorbs movement instead of transferring it across the surface.
Why You Should Trust Us
With the amount of king size mattresses currently available for purchase, finding the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. Our team has spent years personally testing and reviewing mattresses and other sleep products. Our testers include people with different body types, preferences, and sleeping habits so that we can provide accurate information to our readers based on firsthand experience.
We put each mattress through a rigorous set of tests to evaluate performance metrics like support and durability. Our team also uses body-mapping technology and thermal imaging to measure pressure buildup and heat retention. We regularly update our top picks to reflect the current market’s best mattresses.
Who is a King Mattress Best For?
While many people may want to sleep like royalty, a king size mattress isn’t necessarily the right fit for all sleepers.
A king is one of the larger standard size mattresses available on the market. It’s a good choice for couples who find queen sizes too small. It’s an especially good fit for couples who share the bed with children or pets.
King size mattresses are the largest of all standard mattress sizes in terms of total surface area. As a result, these models cost more and require additional floor space. They may also appeal to some types of sleepers more than others.
- Single adults: A king size mattress is a great option for many single adults. Whether you want the extra space because you need more room, are taller than average, or simply crave a luxurious bedroom, a king size bed can help you achieve peak comfort.
- Couples: King size mattresses may be the gold standard for couples. A mattress with more surface area allows couples plenty of room. It can also be helpful for active sleepers, since the extra space means you’re less likely to disturb your partner when you move around.
- People with kids or pets: Kids and pets take up a fair amount of room in a bed. A king size bed can go a long way in keeping the peace when co-sleeping.
Pros | Cons |
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What Is the Difference Between a King and a California King?
Though kings and California kings actually have the same total surface area, their dimensions differ. A standard king measures 76 inches in width by 80 inches in length, while a California king measures 72 inches in width by 84 inches in length. California kings are 4 inches narrower than standard kings but have an extra 4 inches in length.
Deciding between a king and California king comes down to whether you prioritize width or length. Tall sleepers may want to opt for a California king for the extra leg room, while couples may prefer the square look and added width of a standard king.
King vs. California King | |
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Sleeping Space | Though they have similar surface areas, California kings have more space lengthwise, while kings have more widthwise. |
Availability of Accessories | Both king and California king mattresses and accessories are widely available. There may, however, be fewer options for California king linens. |
Price | Typically, king and California king mattresses are similar if not identical in price. |
Mattress Weight | Because their total dimensions are nearly the same, weights between the two sizes rarely differ too much. |
What You Should Know About Buying a King Mattress
Before you hit the checkout button, make sure you’ve considered whether a king size mattress is a good fit for your lifestyle, home, and budget.
Doorways, Hallways, and Room Size
First, ensure you have enough square footage in your bedroom to accommodate a king size mattress. After measuring your floorspace, check that a king size mattress can fit through your doorway or hallway. You can bring a mattress in a box into a tight space when it’s compressed, but you may not be able to move it after it has expanded.
Mattress Weight, Mattress Type, and Movability
A king size mattress is significantly heavier than a queen in most cases. King size mattresses can easily weigh over 100 pounds, with some models nearing 200 pounds. You may need up to four people to move extremely heavy latex mattresses, which can be unwieldy.
Bed Frame Sizing
If you prefer a modern, streamlined look, you may be able to use a bed frame that’s only slightly bigger than their mattress, cutting down on how much total floorspace you need. However, if you want storage, a headboard, or a footboard, you’ll want to consider how much extra space you can afford for your bed frame.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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