When purchasing a new mattress, one of the things that you need to make sure of is that you get the size that is right for you or for the person that’s going to be sleeping on it.

A mattress that is too small will definitely have a negative effect on the quality of your sleep. If it is too narrow, you won’t have enough space to move around and this can be very uncomfortable especially if you sleep in different positions. If it is too short, your body might not be properly supported and this will result in body aches and pain.

A mattress that is too big, while not as big a problem as a mattress that is too small, is still not ideal. Mattresses that are bigger will cost more than smaller ones. If you are going to be buying a mattress that is too big for you, you will essentially be paying more for something that you won’t fully utilize and this can be a huge waste of money.

Factors to Consider

• Will the mattress be shared or is it for one person only?

If two people are going to be sharing the mattress, the minimum size should be at least a Queen. It is 60″ wide x 80″ long. Some couples, however, find a Queen bed to be too narrow. In this case, a King or California King is recommended.

A King sized bed is measured at 76″ wide x 80″ long, it is basically the size of two Twin XLs put together side by side. This is more than enough space for two people. A California King is just like a King but it is longer by 4 inches and narrower by 4 inches. California King mattresses are better suited for taller people. Click here for our couple’s guide to buying a mattress.

If the mattress is for one person only, then it gets easier. If it is for a pre-teen child, a Twin or Twin XL is more than enough. If it is for a teenager, a Twin XL or a Full XL is recommended. Children and teenagers are still growing so you should take that into account when buying a mattress for them.

If the mattress is for a single adult, the size of the mattress is dependent on your height and your preference. Your mattress should be at least 6 inches longer than your height so that your whole body is properly supported. As for the width, it’s down to your preference. If you like a wider sleep surface, a Full or Full XL is a good choice.

• What is the size of your previous mattress?

The size of your previous mattress is a good reference point when deciding how big your new mattress is going to be. Just think long and hard how you feel about the size of your previous mattress, is it too narrow? Is it too short? Once you’ve evaluated the shortcomings of your previous mattress size, it will be easier to determine how big or how small you want your new mattress to be.

• How big is your bedroom?

The size and dimensions of your bedroom is very important when selecting a mattress. It doesn’t make sense to buy a big mattress that won’t fit in your room so you should definitely measure your room. Planning ahead is recommended regarding the different furniture that you will be placing in your room.

Mattress Sizes and Dimensions

• Twin – 38″ wide x 75″ long
• Twin XL – 38″ wide x 80″ long
• Full – 54″ wide x 75″ long
• Full XL – 54″ wide x 80″ long
• Queen – 60″ wide x 80″ long
• King – 76″ wide x 80″ long
• Cal-King – 72″ wide x 84″ long

Choosing the right mattress size is very important in the mattress buying process. Hopefully, this article and the sizes and dimensions above have been helpful. If you feel that the standard sizes are still too small for you, there are many mattress manufacturers that offer custom mattress sizes. Dreamfoam Bedding is one that we recommend. This mattress, in particular, has been very well received by many consumers and Dreamfoam Bedding offers customized mattress sizing for it.