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In the world of mattresses, the Queen is the queen of sizes.
At the same time, King and California King are quite popular too. But I often come across many people who believe these two are the same.
And that is not entirely true.
In this article, I will point out the main differences between the Cal King and regular King sizes and share my reviews of the 7 best California King mattresses that can give you the heaven-quality rest.
So, if you want to make your shopping easier, continue reading!
A Quick Preview
![]() | Best Cal King Mattress Dreamcloud | Shop Now on DreamCloudSleep.com Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best Cheap Mattress Nectar | Shop Now on NectarSleep.com Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Adjustable Firmness Botanical Bliss | Shop Now on PlushBeds.com Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Hot Sleepers Awara Sleeping | Shop Now on AwaraSleep.com Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Sensitive Sleepers Amerisleep AS3 | Shop Now on Amerisleep.com Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best Mattress for Heavy Couples Winkbeds | Shop Now on WinkBeds.com Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best Flippable Mattress Layla | Shop Now on LaylaSleep.com Read more about this mattress |
Reviews of 7 Best California King Mattresses
Best Cal King Mattress - Dreamcloud
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Highlights
- balanced medium support;
- luxury look and feel;
- breathable design.
I’m starting the list of best California King mattresses with this model by DreamCloud. Featuring a smart combination of layers, it provides even support and great pressure relief levels, ensuring that you’ll have a peaceful night.
This model is constructed with eight different layers of various materials, which complement each other seamlessly. This creates a pleasant sensation of medium firmness, without that “sinking-in-your-bed” feeling, which is optimal for most users.
Several materials are responsible for maintaining proper thermoregulation here. The soft cashmere cover fabric and layer of gel foam right below it effectively draw away excess heat from your body. Plus, the latex inside the mattress enhances airflow between the layers and reduces the chances of mold and mildew development.
Now, in terms of comfort, the combination of high-density foam and individually wrapped coils allows you to get the needed support for your spine, while the top layers of latex and memory foam offer the right balance of cradling and bounciness.
Overall, the DreamCloud mattress is pretty comfortable. It works well for back and stomach sleepers and is supportive enough for most side sleepers. What’s more — It’s a real steal for such a price.
Recommended for:
- Side sleepers. Thanks to generous cradling and a medium feel, the Dreamcloud can relieve tension in hips and shoulders, if you prefer to sleep on your side.
- Hot sleepers. The coil unit promotes cool airflow between the mattress layers and helps wick some of your body heat for a more comfortable shut-eye.
- Couples. The Dreamcloud has reinforced edges, meaning you can get that extra space you need to stretch when you’re sharing a bed with someone.
Cons:
- may transfer some motion, which can be a turn-off for sensitive sleepers;
- might fail to properly support a heavy sleeper.
Best Cheap California King Mattress - Nectar
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Highlights
- great motion isolation;
- proper spine support in different positions;
- temperature-neutral design.
Recommended for:
- People with a limited budget. The Nectar has a thoughtful construction that easily competes with more expensive models. However, the price won’t tear a hole in your pocket.
- Active sleepers. Maximum motion absorption is a strong point of this mattress. The Nectar effortlessly deals with sharp movements and can guard your peaceful slumber if your bedmate is a restless sleeper.
- Back pain sufferers. Medium to medium-firm is the ideal level of firmness to support proper spine alignment and alleviate stiffness and pain in people of most body compositions.
Cons:
- might still retain some body heat due to generous cradling;
- mediocre edge support.
Best for Adjustable Firmness - Botanical Bliss
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Highlights
- 2-in-1 firmness;
- 3 thickness options: 9”, 10”, and 12”;
- available in a split configuration.
Recommended for:
- Indecisive sleepers. Having two firmness levels in one mattress is a great deal, especially if you don’t know which one you want yet.
- Those who need a cooler mattress. Natural latex has superb cooling properties and may help you deal better with hot sleeping.
- Allergy sufferers. Latex has tiny pores, so no mold or dust mites can get in there. If you’re sensitive to home allergens, a latex mattress like the Botanical Bliss might be a good pick for you.
Cons:
- may take some time to adjust to the latex feel;
- might feel too bouncy for some users.
Best for Hot Sleepers - Awara Sleeping
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Highlights
- high-profile construction;
- temperature-neutral;
- has four convenient side handles
Recommended for:
- Hot sleepers. The Awara is designed to be breathable and can suit even chronic hot sleepers.
- Heavier users. Coils and dense Dunlop latex can withstand larger weight pretty easily and will offer a heavy sleeper proper spinal support.
- Eco-conscious sleepers. With every purchase, the company plants 10 trees to restore forests, so buying this mattress would be an easy way to contribute towards a healthier, happier planet.
Cons:
- natural wool might have an unpleasant smell during the first couple of nights.
- might feel too rigid for small sleepers.
Best for Sensitive Sleepers - Amerisleep AS3
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Highlights
- open-cell foam comfort layer;
- HIVE zoned system for pressure relief;
- dense and stable foam base.
Recommended for:
- People sensitive to movement during sleep. The motion absorption of the AS3 is just great, and if you share a bed with a restless sleeper or allow your pet in, you can stop worrying about your shut-eye.
- Side and back sleepers. The medium feel of the AS3 suits side and back sleepers bets, and it can offer proper support for their natural spine curves.
- Those who appreciate the cradling feel. The AS3 has a noticeable sinkage that can lull you to sleep so you won’t toss and turn a lot. If you have difficulty falling asleep — give this mattress a try.
Cons:
- might fail to support stomach sleepers and heavy users;
- like most all-foam beds, the AS3 lacks edge support.
Best Cal King Mattress for Heavy Couples - Winkbeds
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Highlights
- four firmness levels available;
- great lumbar support;
- breathable construction.
Recommended for:
- Large sleepers. The Firm Plus option of the Winkbed is designed particularly for heavier-sized users and can offer incredible support and even weight distribution.
- Those who sleep hot. The combo of a coil unit and breathable foams (or latex, depending on the model you choose) results in a cool and comfortable slumber.
- People with back problems. One of the Winkbed’s strongest points is its lumbar support. It may even help you cope with chronic pain and might alleviate any unpleasant sensations in your lower back.
Cons:
- even the softest option might feel too rigid for petite sleepers, especially those who sleep on their side;
- may feel overly responsive to movements.
Best Flippable California King Mattress - Layla
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Highlights:
- flippable design;
- copper-infused for better durability;
- removable cover.
Recommended for:
- Those who haven’t decided on their preferred firmness. Thanks to the dual-sided construction, you can tailor the Layla to suit your exact sleeping preferences.
- Hot sleepers. Copper-infused foam has high thermal conductivity and can quickly cool you down, which is a great feature for those who tend to overheat during sleep.
- Allergy sufferers. The same copper particles aid in better mold and mildew resistance, thereby making a great fit for those who are prone to allergies.
Cons:
- might take some time to expand;
- may not work for sleepers who need a medium feel.
What Are the Main Differences Between King and California King Mattresses?
That was a little bit of history, but now let’s get back to modern times now.
Today, California King mattress dimensions are 72” x 84”, which makes this size the longest available on the market to date. At the same time, the regular King measures 76” x 80” and is currently the widest mattress available (2).
If you have a King bed, there’s an easy way to imagine the approximate size of a Cal King one. Just take 4 inches off your King’s width and add it to the length instead.
Of course, the difference in dimensions has both advantages and drawbacks. Let me explain them below.
Pros and Cons of California King Mattress Explained
Both King and California King are excellent choices for couples. But the latter has one significant advantage: it is suited for people whose height is more than 6 feet. So, if you or your partner are considerably tall or you like to stretch out in your bed, the extra 4 inches of the mattress length may just be exactly what you need for a relaxing sleep.
Now, there’s a common misconception about the California King mattresses:
Some believe that since they are “irregular” in length, choosing bed sheets might become a serious problem.
This might have been an issue. Decades ago.
But today, manufacturers offer different types of sheets and other bedding items in various sizes, including the popular Cal King size.
To me, the only significant drawback of California King mattresses is that they have a less width for one person — 36’’ compared to 38’’ in the regular King bed — and surface area overall.
Here, let me do the math for you here:
For King, 76 x 80 equals 6,080 square inches of total area. And for Cal King, 72 x 84 equals 6,048 square inches of total area.
The gap might not seem so drastic, but in some cases, it can make a significant difference.
Now, regarding the price range, both King and California King are the most expensive options on the mattress market. Yet, I have found that most manufacturers have the same price for both of these sizes. Overall, for low-cost models, you’re looking at around $400, with prices reaching as high as $4,000 for top-rated options.
Shopping at a Store vs Shopping Online
For some people, shopping is a way to have a social time with family and friends, while others panic as soon as they hear the word.
Since a mattress is quite a significant investment that involves spending not only your hard-earned money but also your time, I decided to clarify the pros and cons of online and offline shopping to help you choose how best to make that investment.
So, with online shopping, you can:
- shop sitting in your pajamas from the privacy of your own home;
- read reviews and research available options to make an informed decision;
- “visit” a large number of stores within a short amount of time;
- do this at any time, even late at night, as online stores are never closed.
As a bonus, online shopping gives you access to a large number of promotions and discounts, especially if this is your first order.
But:
- you can’t test or feel the item you’re going to buy.
- if you want to buy pillows, blankets, toppers, and other bedding items along with the mattress, implying they all come from different online stores, you might end up spending some serious money on delivery;
- it’s harder to make sure that you’re buying an original product.
Do not forget that shops receive your email after you make an order, so don’t be surprised to get spammy emails flooding into your inbox.
Now, when buying a mattress offline or physically in stores, you can:
- talk with a consultant about the model you are interested in;
- test the product yourself without relying on random or even fake reviews;
- have an easy return process, as you will know exactly where to go for help.
But:
- it’s time and energy-consuming;
- the prices in retail stores are usually much higher;
- not all stores have a great range of items to choose from.
In general, the choice of the appropriate type of shopping depends on you and your personal preferences. For example, if you are already familiar with the manufacturer and only want to replace your mattress with a newer model, then making an online purchase can be an ideal option.
And if you are ready to spend time thoroughly testing the models presented at the stores, then offline/in-store shopping is what you need.
What to Consider When Shopping for a Cal King Mattress?
Now, before making your purchase, please consider the tips I have gathered for you below.
- Measure your room (and your bed frame).
This is a useful step whatever the size of your mattress. But as Cal king is the largest one and will take up quite a lot of space, I suggest that you measure twice.
The ideal room size would be 10 x 12 feet.
Shopping itself is quite a stressful thing, and the availability of discounts and hot deals might often make you feel the urgency to click the “Order” button right away. But that’s just a marketing move. So, calm down and take time to make sure your desired bed will fit into your bedroom.
- Leave enough room to move.
Just making measurements is, in fact, only half of the process. It is also important to analyze how much space will be left around the bed and make sure that the bed itself does not engulf the entire room. Leaving 25–30 inches of space on each side is considered optimal.
Now, don’t forget about the nightstands. Their size impacts the amount of space around the bed too. Note that you should also have a gap of at least 2 inches between the bed and the nightstand to separate the furnishing.
Now, if you get a one-piece California King bed, you should also consider how you will bring it into the room. Mattresses of such width cannot always fit through narrow staircases. Plus, they are usually rather heavy, so you might want to use the help of friends, relatives, or removalists. If it’s not possible, then consider buying a split California King mattress instead.
- Be sure to read the terms of the trial period and return policy.
Sometimes you buy a mattress, sleep on it for a few weeks, only to realize that it isn’t exactly what you wanted.
That’s where a sleep trial comes in.
Today, most online mattress companies offer a trial period during which you can return your new mattress and get a full refund if you’re not completely satisfied.
Each mattress company provides slightly different conditions (3), which is why it’s important to get familiar with the terms offered by the particular company you are considering.
Note that after the trial period is over, you can return a mattress or get it replaced only if it happens to be defective. This is called a warranty. Similar to trials and returns, a warranty also comes with particular rules and limitations, so it’s worth reading and understanding how it works.
FAQ
What is the difference between a King and a California King mattress?
The Standard King mattress is 76” x 80”, and the California King mattress is 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer, thus measuring 72” x 84”.
What is a split California king mattress?
A split California King mattress consists of two independent halves, each measuring 36” x 84”, that can fit into a Cal King bed frame. This division allows you and your partner to choose a mattress according to your individual preference and needs.
Conclusion
California King sized mattresses have quite a few features that should certainly be considered before you make a purchase. But my key piece of advice is this: Choose products from well-known brands that provide a trial period, allowing you to check whether the mattress is right for you.
Above, I have collected the best models available in today’s market. And I’m sure at least one of them has appealed to you. As for me, I personally loved the DreamCloud. It has an impressively diverse construction, and each layer makes a contribution to your overall comfort. Working together, they adapt to your body in any sleeping position.
What about you? Which criteria are the most important for you when it comes to choosing a new mattress? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
References
- Mary Ann Hogan (1994, March 26). California King’s Reign Stops at the State Line. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-03-26-hm-38579-story.html
- Melanie Shebel (2020, February 21). The Difference Between California King and King Sized Mattresses. Retrieved from https://dengarden.com/interior-design/Difference-Between-King-and-California-King
- Ron Lieber (2016, September 16). Buying a Mattress Online Was Easy. Now, About the Return. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/17/your-money/buying-a-mattress-online-was-easy-now-about-the-return.html
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