The following guide includes standard mattress sizes and dimensions since it's not easy to decide on the mattress size that will best suit your needs.
Many consumers struggle with the basic mattress dimensions and even find themselves buying without measuring and hoping that everything fits well once the mattress comes home.
In order to help you skip the guessing game we have compiled a dimension guide with the specific information that you will need in order to make the right decision for your home and comfort.
Crib Mattresses
Dimensions: width: 28 inches (71.7 centimeters), length: 52 inches (132.1 centimeters)
Crib mattresses generally come in one standard mattress size, as opposed to cradle mattresses which can vary and are often created to match the dimensions of the cradle. While many crib mattress thicknesses will vary they tend to be less than 4 inches thick for infants.
Thicker crib mattresses are available but are considered to be a health hazard to infants under ten months old. Bedding that is too thick or gives under the weight of a small infant is considered a health risk and could possibly be linked to SIDS, or crib death.
The standard size makes it easy to purchase
cribs and mattresses separately and offers a standard basic for all sheets.
Twin Mattresses
Dimensions: width: 39 inches (99.1 centimeters), length: 75 inches (190.5 centimeters)
The size of a twin mattress is generally appealing for kids and small spaces. Of course, there are plenty of secondary beds that need the smaller dimensions of a twin mattress.
Daybeds or hideaways are generally designed for a twin mattress. Also referred to as a single bed, there is no standard mattress size when it comes to the depth measurements.
Twin Extra Long Mattresses
Dimensions: width: 39 inches (99.1 centimeters), length: 80 inches (203.2 centimeters)
The twin extra long standard mattress size offers a little more foot room than its comparable mate, the twin. These are the type of mattresses that are becoming much more common for kids as they tend to grow rather long for the mattress size of the smaller twin.
A twin XL mattress still requires searching or special ordering when it comes to finding the appropriate bedding despite its growing popularity. Many of today's mattress companies make only a limited number of the longer version of the single bed.
Dorm rooms in colleges, camps, some institutions, and other sleep away environments often use the twin XL mattress size to accommodate adults and longer teens. The twin XL is often passed over for the next standard mattress size since there is usually very little difference in price and the consumer gets more bed in both directions.
Full Size Mattresses
Dimensions: width: 54 inches (137.2 centimeters), length: 75 inches (190.5 centimeters)
The full size mattress is not altogether that much larger than the twin but for smaller adults it can still work out just fine. The depth of this mattress size has no basic standard and can be as slim as 4 inches and as thick as 25 inches.
Sometimes called the double bed, the full size mattress offers an additional 15 inches of elbow room over the twin size mattress, which can be considerably cramped for many adults who share the bed.
The full size mattress is also among the shortest of standard mattress sizes, leaving many adults and teens with feet that stick out of the bottom of the bed. It's a full 5 inches shorter than the next size, the queen size, which can make a huge difference for taller sleepers.
Often chosen for older children or for guest rooms, the full size mattress has the advantage of being able to fit into smaller rooms for those with limited space in the home. Almost all sheets that fit a queen size mattress will also fit the full size mattress, making it easier for consumers to find sheets and comforters that appeal to their style and tastes as well as the mattress size.
Queen Size Mattresses
Dimensions: width: 60 inches (152.4 centimeters), length: 80 inches (203.2 centimeters)
The queen size mattress is by far the most popular among adults in the United States. Many standard homes do not have the room to fit a king size bed. Since the queen size offers more convenience in special needs and more personal comfort than the full size mattress, it's a solid choice for most.
The additional 5 inches of foot space makes a big difference for taller individuals while the additional 6 inches of width help to increase personal space for adults who share the bed. Larger adults tend to find that sleeping within the confines of a queen size mattress is still cramped, as the 60 shared inches boil down to 30 inches per person if you sleep touching.
Bedding is plentiful as most sizes are geared toward offering the full and queen size sheets and comforters as a combination size. This means that the queen might experience a tighter fit while the full will experience a looser fit, but it offers the bedding manufacturers twice the chance for profit on a single product.
King Size Mattresses
Dimensions: width: 76 inches (193 centimeters), length: 80 inches (203.2 centimeters)
For an additional 16 inches of width, the king size mattress offers more personal sleeping space. The dimensions of the king size bed equal the width necessary for two people to sleep in a personal sleeping space that equates the same personal space one would have if sleeping alone in a twin bed. This is becoming a much more popular option throughout the US for comfort.
While most people simply refer to this standard mattress size as the king bed, it is technically known as the Eastern king mattress. While the box spring of a king size mattress comes standard as a two piece set, the greatest disadvantage of a king mattress is trying to get it into a bedroom. The larger mattress is not generally as flexible as the smaller size.
California King Size
Dimensions: width: 72 inches (182.9 centimeters), length: 84 inches (213.4 centimeters)
The California king mattress is the perfect size for individuals who are a bit on the tall side. While it is not quite as wide as the king size, this is the standard mattress size that is rapidly becoming increasingly popular due to its length.
The California king mattress is more popular on the Western side of the United States, thus it is much easier to find the appropriate bedding without a significant search. It is expected that the increase in interest in the California king will bring a better selection to the East coast in the next five years.
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