What Size Bed and Mattress is Right for You?

With so many beds available to be purchased, one of the main difficult things is for a person to figure out what is the perfect size bed and mattress for them? With different sizes like Twin, Single; Double, Full, Queen, King, California King, Western King, and Eastern King. How in the world is anyone supposed to know the difference between all the beds on the market today? Even the sales person in your local department store bed department might not really have all the facts. It can be very confusing! Also if you think you're sure that a King is larger than a Queen, you might not know just how much larger. What exactly is the difference between the different sizes of beds available?

Here is the breakdown of information on different sized beds. First lets start with the Twin beds, which are also known as single beds. These sized beds are the most common choice for children's rooms or multi-use guest rooms. These beds are narrow and fit easily into the smallest bedroom. Often twin beds have a "trundle" underneath to accommodate a sleep-over or second guest. Twin beds are used for bunk beds too. The general overall dimensions are 39 inches wide and 75 inches long. Here are the positives on the twin sized bed. Because of its small size it will fit easily into smaller bedrooms. Twin sheets are the least costly of all sheet sizes and are available in lots of patterns. It's easy to make a twin bed. Here are the negatives. A standard size is too short for many adults unless you like sleeping alone in the fetal position! Just kidding!

The Twin Extra Long beds are 5 inches longer than a standard twin. They're often used in college dorm rooms to accommodate tall teens. There overall dimensions are 39 inches wide and 80 inches long. The positives are that the longer length is good for taller teens and adults. It's easy to make, since it's narrow. If you need flexibility in a guest room, two extra long twins are a good choice. They can be used as singles or pushed together to form a king size bed. The negatives are that the bedding is difficult to find and not available in every pattern.

The next sizes are the Double, a Full, or a Queen size bed. Any of these sizes fit in a normal room, but many couples feel that a Full or Double bed are definitely too narrow for anything more than an occasional night's sleep. A Queen size bed gives each one a bit more room without taking up too much more floor space. Here are the basic differences between a Full bed and a Queen. Double or Full beds are 15 inches wider than a Twin, but if two share the bed, each has only 27 inches of personal space which is much less than a twin! A Queen bed is 6 inches wider than a Double bed and allows for more room for each person, but still 9 inches less than a twin bed. There are a few facts that you should know about with the Double, Full, and Queen Beds. Double beds which are also known as Full beds were the most common for two to sleep in until the 1960's. They're only 15 inches wider than a Single bed, leaving only 27 inches of sleep space for each of two adults. At 75 inches long, a Full size bed may be too short for some taller adults. The overall dimensions are 54 inches wide x 75 inches long. A positive for the full sized bed is that it fits into smaller rooms. Might be just right for a single sleeper who not that tall. Sheets are less expensive than queen or king size. The negatives are that many people find a Double bed too narrow for 2 adults and too short as well.

Queen size beds are 21 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a Twin bed and 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a Double size bed. Though this extra width and length can make all the difference in getting a good night's sleep, each adult still has 9 inches less of width than if they each slept in a twin bed. A Queen bed works well for guest rooms and small master bedrooms and is a good choice for couples who like to snuggle. The positives for the Queen sized bed is that it gives 2 adults more space than a double. Sheets and blankets are easy to find and cost less than king bedding. The negatives are that With only 30 inches of personal space for each person which is only 3 inches more than a Double, a Queen may be too narrow for everyday sleeping for a couple.

There are two sizes of King Beds and four names, so it can get confusing when you go shopping for a King Size Bed. Here's the breakdown on this. The Standard King is also called an Eastern King and a California King is also called a Western King. A Standard King is about 4 inches wider and a California King is 4 inches longer. Two people sleeping in a King size bed will get the same amount of personal sleeping space as in a Twin bed. In fact, if you pushed two Extra-Long Twin beds together they'd be about the same size as an Eastern King. For great versatility in a guest room, if you have the floor space, use 2 extra long twin beds separately for singles or push them together to make a king bed for couples. Standard King or Eastern King beds are about 16 inches wider than a Queen bed and the same length. A King size bed is sold with two box springs or frames and one mattress. This makes it easier to move. The overall dimensions are 76 inches wide and 80 inches long.

The positives are that the King sized beds are the widest bed commonly available in stores with the Standard King being the most comfortable for two adults. The 80 inches length is sufficient for most people. Sheets labeled "King Size" fit a Standard King bed. The negatives are, because of its size, a King bed may not be practical for a single person who has to do the moving by himself. They're hard to get upstairs, through narrow, winding hallways, and small rooms. A King bed may not be long enough for very tall people. Bedding is most expensive in the King sizes. The wide bed requires at least 3 standard or 2 queen or king pillows, adding to the cost. California King or Western King beds are 12 inches wider than a Queen and 4 inches longer. This is the longest bed commonly available in stores and is the best choice for tall people. Like the Eastern King, the California King bed set comes with one mattress and two half-width box springs to be more manageable when moving. Very tall single people can sleep from corner to corner and still be comfortable. The overall dimensions are 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. The California King Size mattress is wide enough for two to sleep comfortably and is the longest bed commonly available. Its extra length is good for tall people. On the negative side, this very large mattress may be cumbersome to move and may not fit up stairs, through narrow hallways, or in small bedrooms.

Besides the size of the mattress, you are going to want to think of other aspects to buying your mattress. Here are some key elements to keep in mind when selecting a mattress. The four most important factors are comfort, support, space and matching sets. First of all, if the mattress doesn't feel comfortable when you lie down on it, find one that does. A mattress should provide ample support for all parts of your body. A firm mattress that supports your body is better for your health in the long run compared to a very soft one. Also, make sure there is enough space for free, easy movement. A couple needs to have a king or queen size mattress. Finally, a mattress and foundation are designed to work together. Buy them as a set to ensure optimal support and comfort.

Also don't forget the coil count! Coil construction and quality vary from manufacturer, but coils should at a minimum be 300 for a full size mattress, 375 for a queen and 450 for a king. Also, ask about the diameter or gauge of the coils. The lower the gauge is then the thicker the wire. As the number of coils increases, wire size decreases so that the mattress still has some give to it.

Another thing you should think of is the material of the mattress. Many mass-produced mattresses and cribs are made from polyvinyl chloride covered with cotton or polyester layers. Chemical emissions from these synthetic materials have been linked to toxic carcinogens. Natural mattresses are made from organic wool, organic cotton, and pure latex. Organic wool is an excellent choice because it is naturally fire, dust mite and mold-resistant. Organic cotton mattresses need to be treated with a flame retardant or require a doctor's note for not treating them. Natural latex is a relatively new product in the bedding industry and is also resistant to mold, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites. Latex covered in wool is fire resistant. Latex mattresses contain no metal and moving parts to wear out, so they are exceptionally quiet. As for materials, solid hardwoods are best that contain a non-toxic finish. Beds that contain plywood or particleboard made with glues can release formaldehyde fumes. Make sure to inspect the construction of the bed.

Futon beds are a popular choice for many consumers due to their flexibility of function. It is a unique style of mattress. A futon bed can be used during the day as a sofa and makes a great bed for sleeping on. Futon mattresses need a lot of care than conventional ones. There are some factors that have to be considered when buying futon mattresses. For example, the heaviness of the mattress will determine the amount of effort required to transform the futon sofa into a bed.

Lastly, how can you tell if you need a new mattress? Well, the average life span of a quality mattress is eight to ten years. Mattresses older than this can suffer from deteriorating comfort features and support capabilities. The most obvious sign is that you don't wake up refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning. If this is the case, you probably need to begin looking for a new mattress.

Here are some things to look out for when picking your mattress. One is to test for Firmness. A soft mattress may feel great when you first lie down, but by morning you may find your body plagues by aches and pains.

Next, look for comfort. Does the mattress seem to conform to the shape of your body? Don't be shy. This is something that's going to have an effect on your health and well-being so try it in the store. Lie down. Roll over. Can you get comfortable on it? Does the mattress offer support where you need it? Don't listen to sales people who try to tell you it's just right.

With a mattress you should always shop for quality. Don't go for the cheapest model in the store. You get what you pay for. Lower priced mattresses tend to be thinner, poorly made and lack the firmness to give you support. When in doubt, shop for well known brand names in a reputable store. Never buy a second hand mattress. That's just asking for trouble. The shape of the bed has learned to conform to the person who has been using it. It will never learn to fit your shape. You may also be inheriting other problems like diseases or even bugs. Certainly it will be filled with dust allergens and, yuck, flakes of the previous owner's skin that slew off in the night. Buy new! It's your health, your rest, your peace of mind. This is doubly important if you are one of the many people who suffer from sleep disorders. Sleep well. Stay healthy.

With so many beds available to be purchased, one of the main difficult things is for a person to figure out what is the perfect size bed and mattress for them. With different sizes like Twin, Single, Double, Full, Queen, King, California King, Western King, Eastern King, it is hard to choose. Best of luck finding the mattress and right sized bed for you!