Best King Size Mattresses

For many sleepers, a king size mattress is the peak of luxury, offering a sleeping surface that’s 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. Some couples also find a king size mattress necessary for a good night’s sleep, with a queen size mattress feeling too cramped.

However, choosing one of the best king size mattresses can be a challenge. A wide array of mattresses is available, all with different constructions to provide various firmnesses and features. It’s also possible to be deceived by a mattress with an over-inflated price, leaving a shopper with the assumption that it must be a high-quality mattress.

We aim to make your mattress shopping experience less complicated with our six recommendations for the best king size mattress.

Best King Size Mattresses Overview

• Best King Size Mattress Overall: Amerisleep AS3
• Best Memory Foam King Size Mattress: Zoma Mattress
• Best Affordable King Size Mattress: Vaya Mattress
• Best King Size Mattress Bundle: Ghost Bed Split King Adjustable Bed Set
• Best King Size Mattress on Amazon: Zoma Start
• Best Luxury King Size Mattress: Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid

Best King Size Mattresses

Best King Size Mattress Overall: Amerisleep AS3

Details

• Price: $804 to $1678
• Mattress Type: Memory Foam
• Mattress Height: 12 inches
• Firmness: Medium (5 to 6 on the firmness scale)
• Best for most couples, different sleep styles
• Available in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, California king, and split king
• Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
• Warranty: 20 Years
• Shipping: Free

Recommended For

• Couples with similar or different sleep styles
• Side, back, and combination sleepers
• Hot sleepers
• Eco-conscious shoppers

Mattress Highlights

• Memory foam made with plant oils and other ingredients
• Targeted support from exclusive sleep technology
• Sturdy base foam promotes years of stability

When it comes to the best mattress for couples, our top choice is the Amerisleep AS3 mattress with its balanced medium feel. As a whole, Amerisleep focuses more on different firmnesses that suit different needs instead of trying to accomplish the impossible task of creating a mattress perfect for everyone. 

That said, the AS3 mattress comes close to providing near-universal comfort. The mattress’s mix of plant-based memory foam and targeted support can support sides, back, or combination sleepers with various body types.

The AS3 has three foam layers encased in a soft, breathable cover fabric. The first layer is Bio-Pur® memory foam, a material made with plant-derived oils and traditional synthetic ingredients. Because of its special makeup, Bio-Pur® foam stays cool and responds faster than traditional memory foam.

Next is the transition layer, Affinity foam with HIVE® technology. Hexagons are cut with precision to establish five distinct zones across the surface of the Affinity foam. The hexagonal cutouts in the shoulders and hips are arranged to increase flexibility, while the cutouts in the head, torso, and feet promote support.

Last is a layer of Bio-Core® foam, a sturdy material that keeps the mattress from developing soft spots or sagging.

The Amerisleep AS3 mattress includes free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 20-year warranty. With a lengthy sleep trial, you have a few months to try out the mattress at home and can return the bed for a full refund if you’re not satisfied. The warranty protects against potential defects, including sagging that exceeds 0.75 inches.

Best Memory Foam King Size Mattress: Zoma Mattress

Details

• Price: $499 to $1198
• Mattress Type: Memory Foam
• Mattress Height: 12 inches
• Firmness: Medium to medium-soft (5 on the firmness scale)
• Best for hot sleepers of most sleep styles and athletes
• Available in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, California king, and split king
• Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
• Warranty: 10 Years
• Shipping: Free

Recommended For

• Hot sleepers
• Couples
• Back, side, and combination sleepers
• Athletes and those who are physically active

Mattress Highlights

• Gel memory foam with pressure-relieving cutouts
• Adaptable transition foam increases surface comfort
• A base layer of supportive foam for a long-lasting mattress

The Zoma Mattress has a design that goes beyond cooling features, focusing on restorative recovery and implementing unique technologies that help a person sleep deeply and undisturbed.

The first layer of cooling and conforming gel memory foam moves absorbed heat away, preventing build-up. Otherwise, sleepers could potentially wake up prematurely feeling overheated and sweating. Memory foam also eliminates pressure points by molding to the body’s curves.

The pressure-relieving capabilities of Zoma’s gel memory foam are also boosted by the included Triangulex™ technology. Triangular cutouts are placed in the mattress’s head and foot, leaving the midsection cut out free. These cutouts help the mattress flex with the sleeper’s body, increasing the cushion under the head, shoulders, and legs. Plus, the cutouts double as air channels for greater heat dispersion.

Underneath the gel memory foam is a layer of Zoma-exclusive material known as Reactiv™. This foam is designed to mimic the bounce of latex without the associated cost, creating a more responsive surface to limit sinkage and entrapment. Reactiv™ makes it easy to move across the mattress’s surface.

Last is the appropriately named base layer of Support+ foam, a material that provides the mattress with stability and longevity. The sturdy foam keeps permanent impressions from developing, preventing soft spots and sagging.

Purchase of a Zoma Mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Best Affordable King Size Mattress: Vaya Mattress

Details

• Price: $349 to $799
• Mattress Type: Memory Foam
• Mattress Height: 12 inches
• Firmness: Medium (5 to 6 on the firmness scale)
• Best for couples living on a limited budget
• Available in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, and California king
• Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
• Warranty: 10 Years
• Shipping: Free

Recommended For

• Couples
• Budget shoppers
• Hot sleepers
• Most sleep styles

Mattress Highlights

• Breathable mattress cover encourages cooling airflow
• Plush Vaya Comfort Foam hugs the body in any position
• Vaya Base Foam supports the spine for ideal alignment

For many people living on a limited budget, buying a king size mattress can seem like an unattainable dream. While it’s not impossible to find an inexpensive king size mattress, it is challenging to find one that provides durable comfort and support. That’s why our top recommendation for a mattress with high value is the Vaya Mattress. 

When we discuss value, we’re referring to how much you pay for the mattress vs. how many years of comfortable sleep you can expect. Vaya keeps the costs down by arranging top-shelf materials in a simple design that still maximizes their potential.

The Vaya Mattress has two layers of foam. There is a responsive comfort layer followed by a supportive base layer. 

The Vaya Comfort Foam is lighter than traditional memory foam and engineered to conform to the body in all sleep positions. The base foam takes on the body’s weight and distributes it evenly to limit pressure build-up while supporting the spine’s alignment.

Because of its medium feel versatility, we recommend the Vaya Mattress for all sleeping styles. The bed feels plush but not too plush, giving sleepers a luxurious sleep surface that doesn’t break the bank.

Every Vaya Mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Best King Size Mattress Bundle: Ghost Bed Split King Adjustable Bed Set

Details

• Price: $2873 to $4379
• Mattress Type: Memory Foam or Hybrid
• Mattress Height: 12 or 13 Inches, depending on the choice of mattress
• Firmness: Medium, medium-plush, or plush (6 to 7, 5 to 6, or 4 to 5 on the firmness scale)
• Best for couples with different sleeping styles and people who need an adjustable bed
• Available in split king
• Sleep Trial: 101 Nights
• Warranty: 20 or 25 Years, depending on the choice of mattress
• Shipping: Free

Recommended For

• Couples with different sleeping styles
• People who want to invest in their comfort
• People with a medical condition

Mattress Highlights

• Adjustable bed includes two remotes for each partner

• Choice of cradling memory foam or bouncy hybrid
• An extensive warranty provides decades of mattress protection

Adjustable beds are the secret behind many sleepers’ comfort. For example, people who snore or have sleep apnea often sleep better when they raise their upper bodies. An adjustable bed is one of the better ways to do so. 

Similarly, split king mattresses can help couples sleep better at night while still allowing them to share a bed. So when it comes to king size comfort, it’s difficult to beat the possibilities that an adjustable bed with a split king mattress offers. Our top recommendation for a king size adjustable bed bundle is the Ghost Bed Split King Adjustable Bed Set.

One of four GhostBed mattresses can be bundled with the king size adjustable bed. You can choose the GhostBed Classic or GhostBed Luxe for an all-foam mattress. If you prefer a bouncy mattress, there’s the GhostBed Flex or the GhostBed 3D Matrix®. The feels of these mattresses vary, with each one suiting different sleep styles.

Naturally, the biggest drawback to this bundle is the price. Purchasing one of these sets will mean making a significant investment. However, for many couples, the cost is worth the improved rest.

Best King Size Mattress on Amazon: Zoma Start

Details

• Price: $273 to $503
• Mattress Type: Memory Foam
• Mattress Height: 10 Inches
• Firmness: Medium to medium-firm (6 to 7 on the firmness scale)
• Best for budget shoppers who frequent Amazon, along with hot sleepers
• Available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king
• Sleep Trial: N/A
• Warranty: 10 Years
• Shipping: Free

Recommended For

• Couples
• Bargain hunters and Amazon shoppers
• Hot sleepers
• Back and stomach sleepers

Mattress Highlights

• Cushioning gel memory foam promotes a mildly firm feel
• Breathable, soft AirCloth encases foam layers for heat dissipation
• Support+ foam structures the mattress and provides spine support

Another excellent mattress for people seeking a king size mattress at a low price is the Zoma Start mattress. The mattress is slim and affordable, and its listing on Amazon makes it widely available for most shoppers.

The Zoma Start has three layers wrapped in a cooling mattress cover. The first layer is gel memory foam, a cooling material that moves heat away from the sleeper’s body for uninterrupted sleep. Underneath the gel memory foam is the responsive Reactiv™ foam and the sturdy Support+ foam.

The Zoma Start is a firmer model than the original Zoma Mattress, making it an excellent choice for back and stomach sleepers. However, side sleepers may want to choose the original Zoma Mattress instead.

A 10-year warranty guarantees the quality of the Zoma Start.

Best Luxury King Size Mattress: Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid

Details

• Price: $1574 – $2098
• Mattress Type: Hybrid
• Mattress Height: 14 inches
• Firmness: Soft (3 on the firmness scale)
• Best for side sleepers sharing a bed
• Available in twin, twin XL, full (double), queen, king, California king, and split king
• Sleep Trial: 100 Nights
• Warranty: 20 Years
• Shipping: Free

Recommended For

• Couples
• Side sleepers
• Heavier sleepers
• Petite sleepers

Mattress Highlights

• Soft, pressure-relieving cushion hugs hips and shoulders
• Aptly named Active Flex helps the mattress adapt to sleepers
• Pocketed coils buoy the body and react individually to movements

Many couples enjoy the idea of stretching on a soft, cloud-like mattress after a long day. Sleepers who desire a plush, expansive mattress should consider the bouncy Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid. Two contouring layers top a base of pocketed coils for a responsive yet cushioning surface.

The AS5 Hybrid has four layers; two focused on comfort and two providing support. The top layer is what you find in all Amerisleep memory foam mattresses, Bio-Pur® foam. We mentioned the benefits of Bio-Pur® foam earlier, but just to recap, the material is designed to be more responsive and breathable than traditional memory foam.

Underneath the Bio-Pur® foam is a responsive layer of Active Flex foam. Active Flex is designed to be buoyant yet contouring, improving the mattress surface without affecting the plush feel.

The AS5 Hybrid’s support core is a tall layer of pocketed coils on a firm foam base. Every coil inside the hybrid is wrapped to promote motion isolation, keeping a person’s every movement from rippling across the surface. The coils also retract under pressure, adapting to the body’s position while promoting airflow through the mattress’s bottom.

The foam base gives the coils a surface to push off from, helping them stand strong after years of use.

Like other Amerisleep mattresses, the Amerisleep AS5 includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

Who Should Sleep on a King Size Mattress?

For couples, the choice is usually between a queen or king size mattress. While the best queen size mattresses offer affordable prices and a relatively compact design, they just can’t match the expansiveness of a traditional king bed. King size mattresses are excellent for partners who enjoy their personal space.

Parents with small children may also prefer a king size if they plan on letting a child occasionally co-sleep with them. After all, a queen bed doesn’t provide much room for a child to join their parents for comfort after experiencing a nightmare.

That’s not to say single adults are barred from sleeping alone on a king size mattress. Indeed, a king bed is a perfect way to complete a larger bedroom and offers a luxurious amount of sleeping space. For many solo sleepers, a king size bed is the most comfortable mattress, giving them room to sprawl and move while they sleep.

What are California King and Split King Mattresses?

California king size mattresses are a longer variation of a traditional king mattress. A California king bed is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. While this added bit of foot room may seem insignificant to some, the extra 4 inches give people over 6 feet tall plenty of space to stretch out.

Split king mattresses share the same dimensions as a standard king mattress, measuring 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. The split king mattress is divided into halves, a design that makes it easy for partners to set up a side with their preferred firmness.

When choosing one of the best adjustable beds, many partners place a split king mattress on top. An adjustable bed with a standard king mattress must move as a whole, which means two people must agree on the desired angle. Dividing the mattress allows each half to move independently, 

What is the Best Type of King Size Mattress?

Most people will choose one of four types when browsing king size mattresses: memory foam, latex foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses.

Memory foam mattresses owe much of their popularity to online retailers offering mattresses in a box shipped directly to customer’s homes. A mattress in a box, sometimes known as a bed in a box mattress, is flattened carefully by special machines to ensure no material damage.

Memory foam compresses well and is quick to regain its shape within a few hours. Once it has reached its full size, a memory foam mattress conforms swiftly to a sleeper’s body. This malleability ensures that the mattress relieves pressure points across the body.

Latex mattresses are a common alternative to memory foam beds. The material offers a similar contouring feel, though some find latex foam is more pleasantly cool and buoyant. Unlike memory foam, latex foam can be entirely natural, made purely from whipped rubber tree sap.

Innerspring mattresses are the traditional type of mattress, with a core of steel springs sandwiched between two thin layers of cushioning. While this design is airy and bouncy, some innerspring mattress owners grow disappointed with the bed’s feel as the springs wear out, causing sagging.

Hybrid mattresses borrow elements from foam and innerspring mattresses to improve on the pitfalls of each design. The best hybrid mattresses have at least 2 inches of comfort foam, often more, and a core of pocketed coils on a foam base. 

Pocketed coil systems have every coil wrapped to limit motion transfer; as a bonus, the wrappings also muffle any squeaks or creaks. This design is why pocketed coils are often considered superior to other spring setups.

Choosing the Best Mattress Firmness

Mattresses come in a range of firmness, from soft to medium to firm, with graduations in between. Sleeping on a too-soft or too-firm mattress can cause back pain, usually by letting the spine slip out of its neutral alignment. However, there is no one true firmness that suits everyone, with a person’s ideal mattress firmness dependent on their sleep style.

A person’s sleep style is influenced by their favorite sleep position and their body type. These factors determine how they press down on the mattress and what support each area of the body needs. People can sleep on their sides, backs, or stomachs, with some sleepers switching up their position while they rest.

Side sleeping is the most common sleeping style and offers many benefits. For example, sleeping on the side is a good way to keep your airway clear. However, side sleepers tend to have pressure points build up in their shoulders and hips. We recommend soft mattresses for side sleepers.

Back sleepers have a position that naturally maintains a healthy, straight posture. A medium-firm to firm mattress for back sleeping helps the spine remain aligned while relieving pressure on the back muscles.

Stomach sleepers require a firm surface to keep themselves from bowing too far into the mattress. When you lie down on a mattress, gravity pushes down on your abdomen. If the surface is too soft, the stomach can sink too far into the mattress and drags the spine out of its neutral alignment.

Because of the risk of misalignment, many sleep experts recommend stomach sleepers switch to another position. However, a firm mattress can help stomach sleepers wake up pain-free.

Combination sleepers move between two or three positions in the night. Because their support needs change with each position, they require a versatile mattress. The best mattresses for combination sleeping usually offer a medium to medium-firm feel with responsive materials to keep sleepers from feeling stuck in the mattress.

The secondary consideration is how much you weigh. Your body weight affects how much you press down on the king mattress, which determines how it feels to you. Generally speaking, a lightweight sleeper will find a surface that feels firmer than a heavier person.

People who weigh under 130 pounds are considered petite sleepers and require a softer mattress to relieve pressure. If a petite sleeper does not choose a mattress in the softer end of their recommended range, they may wake up sore and stiff. 

Conversely, people who weigh under 230 pounds often benefit from a mattress on the firmer end of the range for their preferred position. That said, a well-made softer mattress can still provide the support they need for a good night’s rest.

How Much to Budget For a King Size Mattress

By virtue of being the largest standard size mattress available, king size beds tend to be rather costly. Shoppers can expect to pay around $1500 to $2500 for the average king size mattress. Even the best budget mattresses will cost around $500 to $1000 for a king size. 

How much you can expect to pay for a king size mattress depends on the mattress’s thickness and materials. Naturally, a taller mattress contains more materials that raise its price, and some materials cost more than others. 

For example, latex foam has a higher production cost than memory foam, so a mattress with latex will cost more than a memory foam mattress. Similarly, hybrid mattresses are one of the more expensive types of mattresses because they contain a mix of high-quality materials.

Shoppers can save on some of the best king size mattresses by taking advantage of online deals. Online mattresses are usually more affordable than in-store mattresses because the retailers sell directly to the consumer and have fewer overhead costs to meet.

To save even further on a new mattress, keep an eye out for upcoming mattress sales events. Currently, many mattress brands are offering some of the best Labor Day mattress sales, and many will continue to do so for a few days after Labor Day weekend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a mattress size bigger than a king?

Yes, there are technically mattress sizes that are larger than a standard king. Examples include the Texas king, Wyoming king, and Alaska king sizes. However, these sizes are not carried by the typical mattress retailer. Most shoppers who are interested in one have to custom order the size from a mattress manufacturer.

What’s the difference between a king and a California king mattress?

There are 4 inches of difference between a regular king and a California king. Specifically,  a California king size mattress is 4 inches longer and narrower than a traditional king mattress. This added bit of foot room makes a California king bed a more suitable option for sleepers over 6 ½ feet tall.

How do I know which king size mattress to buy?

Understanding your sleep style is the key to choosing the best mattress for your needs. For example, side sleepers benefit from a soft mattress, while back and stomach sleepers require firmer surfaces for spine support.

However, this choice can be complicated if you’re sharing a bed. Many couples have similar body types and favor the same sleep positions, but others do not. If you and your partner have conflicting preferences, you may have to compromise with a medium or medium-firm mattress. Alternatively, you can both be happy with a split king size mattress with different firmnesses.

What is a split king mattress?

A split king size mattress is a king bed divided down the middle, establishing two separate halves. The purpose of a split king mattress is to allow partners the freedom to customize their comfort. A split king bed can have contrasting firmnesses on each side, letting partners with conflicting sleeping styles comfortably share a mattress.

Split king mattresses also pair well with adjustable bases. A traditional king mattress must move as one piece on an adjustable bed, which means a couple must agree on its setup. Conversely, a split king lets two people set up their sides at different angles.

What is a good price for a king size mattress?

Whether or not you’re paying a fair price for a king size mattress depends on how thick it is and what materials it contains. A basic king size memory foam mattress may cost between $1000 to $2000, while a thicker model or a mattress with more expensive latex foam may cost over $3000.

A too-low price may signify the mattress is made with low-quality materials, though it’s still possible to find exceptional king mattresses at a low price.

Find Your Next King Size Mattress?

King size mattresses are the bed of choice for couples and single sleepers who enjoy their personal comfort. The space they provide ensures a person has room to move and stretch out while sleeping.

It can be trying to find an excellent king size mattress at a low price. However, our list of mattress recommendations focuses on the value each one provides sleepers with, enabling consumers to enjoy what they have for years to come. 

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