Buying guide for best king mattresses
Eating right and working out regularly are crucial to a healthy lifestyle, but getting a good night’s sleep can be just as important to feeling fit and avoiding illness. The right mattress makes all the difference in how well you sleep, which is why buying a high-quality king mattress can be a wise investment for your overall health.
A king mattress is one of the largest mattresses you can buy. It measures 76 inches wide and approximately 80 inches long, so it’s an ideal option if you share a bed with a partner and want to make sure that you both have plenty of space. However, it can also work well for larger single sleepers or people who prefer a lot of space to move around in while they sleep.
Not all king mattresses are created equal, though, so it’s important to know what to look for before you shop. BestReviews has you covered. Our shopping guide has all the information you need to find the ideal king mattress for your bed. If you’re still not sure which model to choose, we’ve included some of our top picks to make your shopping as easy as possible.
Key considerations
Type
The most important decision to make when you’re shopping for a king mattress is what type of mattress you prefer. The main types to choose from include the following:
Memory foam: This type of mattress offers superior support and comfort. It is a particularly good option if you sleep on your side. Memory foam molds to the contours of your body, so it provides effective support for shoulders and hips. These mattresses don’t sag the way some other types can, so you don’t have to worry about flipping the mattress regularly.
Gel: This type of mattress usually features a combination of foam and gel, so it feels a little different than a foam mattress. A gel mattress doesn’t absorb body heat the way other mattresses do, so it’s an ideal option if you get hot while you sleep.
Innerspring: This type of mattress has a series of internal metal springs that provide support. More springs or coils usually means more support, but the distribution of the coils determines how well the mattress conforms to the shape of your body. Innerspring mattresses work well if you sleep on your back, side, or stomach.
Pillow top: This type of mattress has an extra upholstered layer on top of what is usually an innerspring mattress. It has an extremely cushiony feel and provides excellent alignment for your back.
Adjustable: This type of mattress allows you to have support exactly where you need it because the base is adjustable in specific areas. You can usually elevate your head or feet and increase support for your back. This makes an adjustable mattress ideal if you suffer from back pain, muscle pain, sleep apnea, or acid reflux.
Thickness
Most king mattresses are approximately 10 inches thick. However, you can find models that are thin as 5 inches or as thick as 15 inches. In most cases, the thickness you prefer depends on your weight. If you’re fairly light, a thinner mattress usually feels more comfortable. If you’re heavier, you’ll likely sleep better on a thicker mattress.
King mattress features
Motion isolation
Most king mattresses are used by two sleepers at the same time, so it’s easy for one partner to disturb the other when they get in and out of bed or toss and turn all night. That’s because the movement on one side of the mattress results in motion transfer that’s felt on the other side. Some king mattresses are made with softer, adaptive interior layers that are able to limit motion transfer, meaning a restless sleeper is less likely to disturb a partner.
Temperature
For many people, a bedroom that’s too warm makes it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. If you’ve adjusted the HVAC in your home and are still too hot at night, choosing the right king mattress for your bed may help.
Many mattresses capture and trap body heat, making you hot and disrupting your sleep. To stay more comfortable, opt for a king mattress that maintains a neutral temperature. Hybrid and innerspring mattresses allow air to circulate, so they’re ideal options for hot sleepers. For the coolest night’s sleep, choose a gel mattress. These are the best at boosting air circulation so your body heat isn’t trapped by the mattress and you stay cooler. Avoid foam and latex, which tend to sleep the hottest.
Antimicrobial/dust resistance
If you suffer from allergies or get sick regularly, it can help to select a king mattress with some type of antimicrobial, dust-resistant layer to keep germs, dust mites, and mold at bay. Foam and latex are naturally antimicrobial and dust mite and mold resistant, while innerspring and pillow top mattresses must have some sort of antimicrobial and dust-resistant cover to prevent you from getting sick while you sleep.
Smart features
These days, it’s possible to buy “smart” versions of nearly any household item, and king mattresses are no exception. If you’re having trouble sleeping and want a mattress that can help diagnose and address your issues, consider a smart king mattress. These models usually offer a sleep-tracking feature that allows you to better understand your sleep patterns, as well as a temperature-regulation feature. Some are even equipped with an alarm to make sure you wake up on time. Just know that you need a smartphone or tablet to download the mattress-connected app that stores your data.
King mattress prices
King mattresses vary in price based on the type and thickness. Most models range from $200 to $5,800.
Memory foam king mattresses cost $575 to $900 for models that are between 6 and 10 inches thick. For mattresses that are between 10 and 15 inches thick, you’ll pay between $900 and $2,000.
Gel king mattresses are a fairly affordable option. Models between 6 and 10 inches thick range from $400 to $720. Those between 10 and 15 inches thick cost between $720 and $1,575.
Innerspring king mattresses are typically the most affordable. Models that are between 6 and 10 inches thick range from $200 to $700. Models that are between 10 and 15 inches thick cost between $700 and $1,325.
Pillow top king mattresses can be fairly pricey because they tend to be on the thicker side. Those that measure about 10 inches thick range from $1,400 to $2,500. Those that measure more than 10 inches thick can cost between $2,500 and $5,000.
Adjustable king mattresses are usually the most expensive option. You’ll usually pay between $3,700 and $5,800, depending on the number of features.
Tips
Keep the mattress dry. To maintain your king mattress, it’s important to keep it dry. Adding a mattress cover before you make up your bed can help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Wash the cover every few weeks to keep it clean.
Vacuum your mattress. Even if you change your sheets regularly, it’s a good idea to vacuum your mattress every week. That helps remove dead skin cells that may attract dust mites, which can trigger allergies.
- Brush some baking soda into the mattress to help remove any odors. Be sure to vacuum up any residue from the baking soda before making your bed.
FAQ
Q. How do I know when it’s time to replace my mattress?
A. In general, most mattresses should be replaced at about the seven-year mark. If you wake up with a sore back, neck, or shoulders, it’s likely time for a new mattress. Keep an eye out for indentations or sagging in your mattress as well, which are signs that it has seen better days.
Q. What type of king mattress is best if I sleep on my stomach?
A. If you’re a stomach sleeper, avoid memory foam, which molds to your body and may feel slightly suffocating if you sleep face down. Opt for a firmer mattress to offer effective support. Innerspring and firm foam models are ideal options.
Q. What details are most important if I’m buying a king mattress online?
A. Buying a mattress online is easier in many ways, but the one drawback is that you’re not able to test it out to see if it suits your needs the way you would in a store showroom. When you’re shopping online, always check the return policy to make sure that you’ll have enough time to test the mattress and will receive a full refund if you’re not happy with the model you choose.
