A guide to standard mattress sizes can be helpful as it can
often be
difficult to decide on the best size. Much goes into the choice of a
new mattress.
There are so many styles and materials available and
mattress dimensions run from cradle to king size.
Yet it is
important for consumers to know what choices are available so that they
can choose wisely. Making the right choice in size will affect our
comfort as well.
After all, we spend about one-third of our
lives in bed. A good choice of mattress can make the difference between
years of restful sleep versus years of restless, inadequate sleep.
A
general rule of thumb for choosing suitable mattress dimensions is to
choose one that exceeds the buyer's height by at least six inches.
During the night, people shift positions dozens of times, and the extra
room with those dimensions helps ensure the sleeper remains entirely on
the mattress.
Cradle Mattresses
Starting with the tiniest of the standard mattress sizes,
cradle
mattresses are often necessary when new parents "inherit" cradles that
don't have mattresses and therefore leave the cradle unused, even
though the gentle rocking motion is calming to new babies.
Cradle mattresses are most commonly available in two standard mattress sizes,
18 x 36 inches
(46 x 91 cm), and 15 x 33 inches (38 x 84 cm).
Crib Mattresses 28 inches x 52 inches (72 cm x 132 cm)
These
are usually four inches thick and measure 28 x 52 inches. Unlike cradle
mattresses, crib mattresses come in one standard size, which makes it
easier to buy cribs, sheets and mattresses separately.
For safety, the
thickness is usually limited to four inches or less, as a thicker
mattress may pose a health risk to infants. There are also toddler beds
that look like smaller versions of twin beds that use crib size
mattresses.
Twin Mattresses 39 x 75 inches (99 x 190 cm)
Twin size or single beds are most often found in children's rooms because
they fit children best and don't take up as much floor space as larger
beds, leaving more room for other furniture, toy boxes, or other items.
This is also the standard size for daybeds.
The standard twin size
mattress dimensions are 39 x 75 inches (99 x 190 cm), and thickness
varies, but is usually 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) thick.
Twin XL Mattresses 39 x 80 inches (99 x 203 cm)
There
are also twin beds that are extra long (designated as XL twin). These
standard mattress sizes are most common in college dorm rooms where
space is at a premium but the sleepers are taller than young children.
These mattresses are generally 39 x 80 inches (99 x 203 cm), and
generally 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) thick. When buying sheets for
these beds it is important to look for sheets sized specifically for
the XL twin size mattress dimensions.
Full Mattresses 54 x 75 inches (137 x 191 cm)
Full
or "double" sized mattresses work well for people who are 5 feet, 9
inches tall (175 cm) tall and under. These mattresses can fit two
people of average weight. Larger people may want to consider larger
standard mattress sizes for the added width they include. Often used in
guest rooms or smaller spaces, Full (double) mattresses are 54 x 75
inches (137 x 191 cm) in size.
The thickness of a full mattress
will depend on the material it is made of and other mattress qualities,
such as its firmness or addition of a pillow top. Depth can range from
a thin 4 inches up to 25 inches.
Queen Size Mattresses 60 x 80 inches (152 x 203 cm)
Queen mattress dimensions are the most popular bed size. They sleep two people of up
to 6 feet, 2 inches (188) cm tall. They are also six inches wider than
a double, making them more suitable for larger people.
These mattress
dimensions are 60 x 80 inches (152 x 203 cm) in size. Like full
mattresses, the thickness will depend on the material the mattress is
made from as well as other characteristics.
King Mattresses 76 x 80 (198 x 203 cm)
King
size mattress dimensions are the widest of the standard mattress sizes at 76
inches (198 cm). They are 80 inches (203 cm) long, so they comfortably
accommodate two sleepers of 6 feet, 2 inches (188 cm) tall.
They are
generally thicker than double mattresses, but again, the thickness of a
king size mattress depends on the material from which it is made.
Sleeping on the wrong size of mattress can be even more difficult if your partner snores. Some snoring solutions can help quiet things down.
California King Size 72 x 84 inches (183 x 213 cm)
The
California king sized mattress is narrower, but longer than the regular
king sized mattress. This size is growing in popularity, especially
with taller consumers.
More popular in the Western United States, it is
becoming easier to find on the East Coast as well. At 72 x 84 inches
(183 x 213 cm) in size, these mattresses require sheets that are
designated California King size.
Mattresses have undergone lots
of changes in recent years in terms of materials and technological
advances, though standard mattress sizes have stayed the same.
Mattress Size Charts - Navigating the World of Bed Sizes - Mattress size charts are just one of the things to consider when you are buying a bed. Even if you find the right material, the perfect firmness, and a great price if your bed is too small you will still be uncomfortable.
Queen Mattress Dimensions - A Queen Mattress Size is Just Right - Queen mattress dimensions are just right; not too big and not too small. Most couples who share a bed find that a queen bed is a good compromise between a cramped full size bed and an expensive and difficult-to-maneuver king size bed.
King Size Mattress Dimensions - The Spacious King Mattress Size For Comfort - King size mattress dimensions give couples enough room to spread out and get comfortable when they are sleeping. You may not realize it, but with a full size mattress, your personal sleeping space is no wider than what is allotted to a baby in a crib.
