In the realm of King sized beds, the Standard King and the California King are very popular. The California King is slimmer and somewhat longer than a Standard King sized bed, dropping 4′′ off the sides and adding 4′′ to the mattress length.
So, why would someone want a California King over a Standard King, and when should they stay to the standard size? To discover out, keep reading for our guide to each mattress size!
1. California King vs. King – Mattress dimensions
A regular California king mattress measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, whereas a standard King mattress measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. The normal King has a square form, but the Cal King has a rectangular shape. The California King mattress is the longest offered to purchasers. The King mattress is four inches wider than the Cal King, making it the largest mattress on the market.
The surface area of a California King is smaller than that of a King. The surface area of the California King mattress is 6,048 square inches, while the surface area of the King mattress is 6,080 square inches.
Tip: Their names are a helpful approach to distinguish between these two. California is one of the world’s longest states, and the California King is longer than the King.
2. California King vs. King – Advantages & Disadvantages
It’s always crucial to examine the pros and drawbacks of your options before making a final purchase, whether it’s memory foam vs. spring or King vs. California King.
2.1 California King mattress
The California King, commonly known as the “Western King,” is somewhat higher and narrower than a King-sized mattress. It is the market’s highest mattress, but it also compromises a few inches in breadth.
- Advantages
Excellent for taller folks.
Better suited to long and narrow spaces
Ideal for singles or couples.
- Disadvantages
It is difficult to move
Accessories for are more difficult to come by
The California King is perfect for taller persons, as well as singles and couples. Any more than this, though, might make the area feel claustrophobic. Because this mattress size isn’t as widely available to purchasers, it might be tough to locate bedding and bed frames for it.
2.2 King mattress
A regular King mattress, commonly known as a “Eastern King,” is the most spacious mattress available. It’s meant to accommodate two sleepers as well as a few more family members.
- Advantages
Ideal for couples who have children or pets.
Better for smaller and larger spaces
Widely accessible
- Disadvantages
It is difficult to move.
Too short for those taller than 6′
The King mattress is ideal for couples who have kids or pets. It’s also perfect for spaces that are either shorter or broader. However, if you are taller than 6′ 2″, your feet may protrude from the mattress.
3. Things to think about when making a decision
Both mattress sizes exude a sense of grandeur. Shouldn’t a mattress suited for a king be ideal for you? However, there is a lot more to think about than position and height. Examine your sleeping surroundings. Will your room accommodate a California King bed? Will your partner’s feet be dangling over the edge? Consider the following before investing in prestige.
3.1 Dimensions of the room
When it comes to sleeping space, the California King is better suited to rooms that are longer rather than broader. This can include guest rooms and master bedrooms that are around 12 feet by 12 feet, while it is advised that rooms be approximately 12 feet by 14 feet so that you have some additional area to wander around.
The King mattress is also ideal for guest rooms and master bedrooms, although it will not fit if the space is too narrow. The King mattress is ideal for 12 foot by 10 foot bedrooms, while 13 feet by 13 feet is recommended for greater space.
3.2 Price
The cost of King versus California The quality of a king mattress is mostly determined by the brand from which it is purchased. They are, however, generally approximately the same price. It’s also crucial to consider the accessories you’ll require.
The California king is becoming more popular, although it is still not as frequent as the King. As a result, finding the appropriate bed frames, box springs, mattress protectors, and sheets for the mattress size is more difficult. As a result, it may be more costly. The King-sized mattress is much easier to discover and purchase, which means you’ll have a wider range of pricing points to compare and evaluate.
3.3 Your family or your partner
The California King can easily accommodate two persons. Any more than this, though, might make the area feel claustrophobic. If your children prefer to jump into bed with you, you might want to go for the King.
Kings are a little broader and provide more room, which is very useful if your dog prefers to nap beside you. Both mattress sizes are excellent at reducing motion transmission when it comes to motion isolation. Choose a memory foam mattress if you want your mattress to be motion-isolating.
3.4 Your stature
Because the California King is significantly longer than the King, it is better suited to persons who are extremely tall. If you are taller than six feet, a California King mattress will keep your feet from dangling over the side. A King sized mattress is ideal for those who are six feet or shorter.
4. Which size is right for you?
There are some aspects to consider when deciding between king and California king:
4.1 Cost & availability
Because California king beds are less popular, some manufacturers charge more for them than normal king beds. Even if the price difference between the two sizes is the same, customers will notice that accessories for Cal king beds are nearly always more expensive.
Bed frames, box springs, sheets, and other bedding for Cal king beds are sometimes more expensive than equivalent things for ordinary king beds. When it comes to Cal king, there are just fewer accessory alternatives, which makes them both harder to obtain and more expensive.
4.2 Sleeping partner
With whom do you share your bed? If it’s only you, the only factor to consider is your height. If you are tall, choose a California king; otherwise, any will suffice. If you share your bed with a companion, you’ll probably prefer the regular king’s generous breadth.
Similarly, parents who share a bed with a small kid should nearly always choose a regular king, since the extra 4 inches of breadth can make a significant difference in comfort. If you share your bed with dogs, cats, or other pets, the California king is a preferable option since its additional length allows your pets to lie at the foot of the bed without disturbing your sleep.
4.3 Height and sleeping position
How tall are you and your companion? Those over 6 feet tall will love the California king’s additional length. This decision, however, is also dependent on your sleeping posture.
Tall persons who sleep on their sides, for example, will find that any size selection will likely work well, as most side sleepers curl up a little. Back and stomach sleepers should pay special attention to the length of the bed.
4.4 Sizes of bedrooms
There are also some aesthetic issues to consider when it comes to the size of your bedroom. We usually recommend allowing around 24 inches of space between each side of your bed and the bedroom walls.
Up to 36 inches or more is recommended for a more expansive impression. Both Cal king and king mattresses might feel overly huge in smaller areas, making a small room feel claustrophobic. The sole factor here is if you have a bigger space (in which case a king would fit better) or a tighter room (in which case a queen would fit better) (in which case a California king would be more aesthetically pleasing).
4.5 Transport/installation ease
Before buying a bed, carefully measure the size of your bedroom, your home’s entryway, and any staircases or doors you’ll need to pass through. Both king and California king beds can be difficult to move, but each has its own set of issues.
Cal kings’ greater length makes them more difficult to maneuver around tight corners and stairwells, whereas normal kings’ increased width makes them a closer fit through doorways.
5. Top best California King mattresses
5.1 GhostBed Luxe
The GhostBed Luxe is an all-foam mattress with cooling capabilities that distinguishes it from other foam versions. As a result, the mattress is a suitable alternative for persons who find foam layers excessively warm.
The GhostBed Luxe is made up of a cooling cover, a memory foam comfort layer, a latex-like polyfoam layer, and a high-density polyfoam support core.
As a consequence of the combination of contouring and responsiveness, the GhostBed Luxe is an excellent choice for consumers who desire both conforming and bounce.
The GhostBed Luxe comes with a medium firmness feel that is ideal for individuals weighing less than 230 pounds. The GhostBed Luxe provides enough support and spinal alignment for the majority of sleepers in this price range. A firmer mattress may be required for heavier people.
Because the bed is particularly engineered to keep bodies cool throughout the night, it should not retain heat like many all-foam mattresses do.
Its cooling cover is quilted with memory foam and includes phase-change material into its fibers. In addition, the “Ghost Ice” layer contains phase change material, which absorbs heat energy and converts it to a colder temperature.
5.2 Nectar Mattress
The all-foam Nectar Mattress is a superior alternative at a reasonable price. This model is made with polyfoam and memory foam, which work together to give even support and deep contouring that is suitable for a wide range of sleepers.
Back, side, and stomach sleepers weighing less than 230 pounds may benefit the most from this medium firm (6) mattress, while those weighing more over 230 pounds may want a firmer mattress.
The top layer of the Nectar Mattress is constructed of gel-infused memory foam, which is meant to keep you cool while hugging your body.
It is supported by a 2-inch transitional polyfoam layer that functions as a buffer between the memory foam and the supporting high-density polyfoam core. The no-slip cover keeps your mattress and its components in place.
The Nectar’s high-quality foams help it excel in various categories, most notably motion isolation and pressure alleviation. Instead of transferring motion from one side of the bed to the other, the foam absorbs all movement. It also prevents pressure points by cradling sensitive regions such as your hips and shoulders.
Nectar provides a generous 365-day sleep trial as well as a lifetime limited warranty to customers. Customers in the contiguous United States are eligible for free delivery.
5.3 Layla Hybrid
Because of its reversible shape, the Layla Hybrid is a unique option for California King consumers. The one side has a bigger comfort layer and a medium soft (4) feel, whilst the other side has less foam and feels firm (7).
Memory foam is used to cushion both sides of the mattress. A layer of pocketed coils is sandwiched in the center and serves as the bed’s support core regardless of surface. These coils are zoned to reinforce the edges against sinkage without sacrificing comfort by being too hard.
Each side has its own set of advantages. The softer surface excels in motion isolation and pressure reduction, making it ideal for those weighing less than 130 pounds. People who weigh more, especially back and stomach sleepers, feel better supported on the firmer side.
The coils keep the mattress at a constant temperature by circulating air throughout the inside. Both memory foam layers are infused with copper for increased breathability. Copper has natural cooling characteristics and also provides antibacterial protection against hazardous microorganisms.
The Layla Hybrid is priced similarly to other hybrid models, however all buyers in the lower 48 states will receive free ground delivery with their purchase. A 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year guarantee are included with the mattress.
6. Top best King mattresses
6.1 DreamCloud Mattress
The DreamCloud Mattress blends the innerspring stability with the uniform contouring of an all-foam bed. As a consequence, the sleep surface relieves pressure and reduces motion transmission without compromising support. Regardless of sleep position, a medium firm (6) feel provides appropriate reinforcement for most persons weighing 230 pounds or fewer.
Soft polyfoam is quilted into the cover to provide a luxuriously soft surface, while a second comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam gives extra cushioning and contouring.
A polyfoam transitional layer prevents heavy sinkage around the midsection, and a pocketed coil system strengthens the mattress without making it feel rigid or excessively sensitive.
The entire mattress is covered in a cashmere cover, which has great cooling capabilities. Consistent ventilation across the coil layer also aids in the mattress’s ability to maintain a pleasant internal temperature.
The dense foam layers also absorb a lot of movement, so couples and co-sleepers shouldn’t have to worry about unwanted motion transmission.
The DreamCloud Mattress is reasonably priced for a hybrid model, and ground delivery is free for all purchasers in the contiguous United States. The company’s sleep trial lasts a full year, allowing you plenty of time to try out the mattress and make a choice.
If you decide to keep DreamCloud, you’ll also get a lifetime guarantee that covers structural flaws for as long as you possess the mattress.
6.2 Helix Midnight
Because of the added strain on the shoulders and hips, side sleepers are more prone to aches and pains. The Helix Midnight has a thick foam comfort system that molds the body deeply to prevent pressure accumulation, making it an excellent alternative for side sleepers and those who suffer from joint discomfort.
The mattress begins with a Soft Touch Design polyester cover. This material is flexible and made to breathe. A layer of patented Memory Plus Foam follows, which relieves pressure and redistributes weight to preserve good spinal alignment. A denser polyfoam transition layer sits between the comfort layer and the coil support core. This layer also prevents excessive sinking.
The support core is made up of pocketed coils. These coils move independently, which means they compress without impacting the coils around them. This design gives targeted support to heavy parts of the body and aids in motion transfer reduction. For further stability, the coils are supported by a layer of thick polyfoam.
A medium firm (6) feel should be good for a wide variety of sleepers, but our testing team discovered that side sleepers weighing between 130 and 230 pounds prefer the Helix Midnight. This mattress was also liked by our back and stomach sleeping testers who weighed less than 130 pounds.
The mattress excelled in relieving pressure buildup due to its thick foam comfort structure. Heat is commonly retained by foam layers, however ventilation through the coil support core keeps the mattress very cool. Sleepers who enjoy the “body embrace” of memory foam but think it traps too much heat may be interested in this option.
Helix provides a 100-night sleep trial and free shipping to all 50 states. Midnight mattress sales come with a 10-year guarantee that covers structural flaws.
6.3 Bear Hybrid
Sleepers looking for comfort from painful pressure points tend to gravitate toward mattresses with deep cushioning, but this can occasionally come at the expense of firmness and stability. The Bear Hybrid overcomes this issue by utilizing a hybrid design that provides a solid mix of contouring and support.
The mattress has a thick profile and a medium firm (6) feel to it. It all starts with a cover composed of Celliant fabric, a substance designed to aid in muscle rehabilitation. To produce a soft, contoured surface, a polyfoam comfort layer is quilted into the cover and lies on top of another polyfoam layer.
The support core, which incorporates a system of pocketed coils and a thin layer of high-density polyfoam for sturdiness and longevity, is then buffered by a transitional layer of polyfoam.
The thick foam layers offer great contouring to assist relieve pressure building over the night. This may appeal to side and back sleepers, who put strain on their shoulders, hips, and spine.
This can cause pain or discomfort. The bed’s medium firmness makes it acceptable for most weight categories, although it will be most comfortable for sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. If you sleep overheated at night, the Celliant fabric regulates temperature, and the coils allow air to move effectively through the bed.
Bear backs its mattress with a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime guarantee, both of which are long in comparison to other mattress companies. Beds are sent free throughout the contiguous United States.
