Mattresses
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BedsMattress Sizes: Knowing the Difference
Posted by Nicole on Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Tags: king mattress, full mattress, mattress sizes
Over the course of an entire lifetime, a person
spends roughly one third of his or her life asleep. With so much time dedicated to rest, the
right mattress is important. In addition
to the softness or firmness, a vital factor in choosing a bed is size. With twin, full, queen, and king mattresses
being common industry standards, knowing more about these options is helpful in
the decision-making process.
A twin bed is a common and suitable choice for
children. Measuring 38” x 75”, this size is compact enough for
smaller spaces, and the use of fewer materials means that it is usually the
least expensive option in mattresses.
However, given its narrow width it is difficult to use for more than one
sleeper, so even couples on a budget would want to consider one of the larger
options. Similarly, though 75” sounds
long enough, it is more comfortable for someone under six feet tall.
The next size commonly available is the full mattress
(sometimes referred to as a “double”).
The full size is 53” x 75”, making it fifteen inches wider than the twin
option. Many parents have begun choosing
the full size bed as an option for their children, as it grows better with the
child into his or her teenage years.
Some couples also like the closeness of a full size bed, but it is
important to keep in mind that the available sleep width with two people in a
full size bed is under 27”, making it a snug arrangement. Most often, the full size is recommended for
single sleepers under six feet in height.
Queen mattresses are 60” x 80”. Wider and longer than a full size, queen
mattresses are very popular with couples, taller individuals, and those who
like a lot of room to move around in their sleep. Some couples find that the 30” of sleep width
is not enough if they both tend to sprawl in their sleep, but others like the
closeness it provides. Smaller master
bedrooms are well suited for this size.
Queen is also the most common size for guest bedrooms, as it provides a
place for overnight visitors to rest with enough room to feel comfortable.
The largest size commonly available is the king mattress. A king size bed is 76” x 80”, making it an
excellent option for couples who like to have maximum personal sleep width
while still sharing a bed. Customers
also have the option of the California King, which measures 72” x 84”. However, the benefit of a spacious king sized
bed must be weighed with space constraints. Narrow doorways or winding stairs can be
difficult to navigate with this size.
Being knowledgeable about the various common
mattress sizes is a helpful tool in the process of selecting a new bed. There are benefits to each size, and good
options for each sleeper’s unique needs.