TOP 7 Best California King Mattresses (2020)

Our Reviews of 7 Best California King Mattresses

Best Cal King Mattress - Dreamcloud

I’m starting the list of the best California King mattresses with this model by DreamCloud. Featuring a smart combination of layers, it provides even support and great pressure relief levels to ensure you’ll have a peaceful night.

The model consists of as many as eight layers of different materials, which complement each other and create a pleasant sensation of medium firmness without that “sink-in-a-bed” feeling, which is optimal for most users.

Several materials are responsible for maintaining proper thermoregulation here. A soft cashmere cover fabric and a layer of gel foam right below it effectively draw away excess heat from the body. Plus, a latex layer inside the mattress enhances airflow between the layers and reduces 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 a balance between cradling and bounciness.

Overall, the DreamCloud mattress is very close to being universally comfortable. It will work perfectly for back and stomach sleepers and well enough for most side sleepers. It’s a real steal for such a price.

Best Cal King Mattress for Back Pain - Loom and Leaf

Best Innerspring California King Mattress - Saatva

Best Cal King Mattress for Heavy Couples - Winkbeds

Best Eco-Friendly California King Mattress - Zenhaven

Best Flippable California King Mattress - Layla

What Are the Differences Between King and California King Mattresses?

That was a little bit of history, but 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. At the same time, the regular King measures 76” x 80” and is the widest mattress available.

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 them 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 tall and like to stretch out in your bed, the 4 extra inches added to the length of the mattress may be exactly what you need.

Now, there’s a common misconception about the California King mattresses:

Some believe that since they have “irregular” length, choosing bed sheets might become a problem.

This might have been an issue. Decades ago.

But today, manufacturers offer different types of sheets and other bedding items in all popular sizes, including Cal King.

To me, the only significant drawback of California King mattresses is that they have a lesser width for one person — 36’’ compared to 38’’ in the regular King bed — and a lesser overall area.

Let me do the math for you here:

For King, 76 x 80 equals 6,080 square inches. And for Cal King, 72 x 84 equals 6,048 square inches of total area.

The gap might seem not so drastic, but in some cases, it can make a 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, low-cost models start at $400, and the price can go 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 great time with family and friends, while others panic as soon as they hear that word.

Since a mattress is a serious investment that involves spending not only money but also your time, I decided to clarify the pros and cons of online and offline shopping to help you choose how you want to make that investment.

So, with online shopping, you can:

• shop sitting in the pajamas in your room;
• read reviews and research available options in order to make an informed decision;
• “visit” a large number of stores within a short time;
• do this even 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 buy an original product.

Do not forget that shops receive your email after you make an order, so don’t be surprised about spammy emails in your inbox.

Now, when buying a mattress in offline stores, you can:

• talk with a consultant about the model you are interested in;
• test the product yourself without relying on random reviews;
• have an easy return process, as you will know the real place you can come to for help.

But:

• it’s time and energy consuming;
• the prices in retail stores are usually 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. 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 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 gathered for you below.

• Measure your room (and your bed frame).

This is a useful step whatever the size of a mattress. But as Cal king is the largest one and will take 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 the success. 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 optimal.

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 in order to separate the furnishing.

Now, if you get a one-piece California King bed, you must also consider how you will bring it into the room. Mattresses of such width cannot go through a narrow staircase. Plus, they are usually rather heavy, so you might want to use the help of friends or relatives. If it’s not possible, then again, consider buying a split California King mattress.

• 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, and start realizing that this isn’t exactly what you wanted.

That’s when a sleep trial comes in.

Today, most mattress companies that sell online offer you a trial period during which you can return your new mattress and get a full refund if you’re not completely satisfied.

Each of them provides different conditions, 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. Similarly to trials and returns, it comes with certain rules and limitations, so reading how it works is a good idea too.

Conclusion

California King sized mattresses have quite a few features that should certainly be considered before you make a purchase. But my key advice is: 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 on today’s market. And I’m sure at least one of them has appealed to you. As for me, I really loved the DreamCloud. It has an impressively diverse construction, and each layer makes its own contribution to your overall comfort. Working together, they adapt to your body in any sleeping position. 

One more model that impressed me the most was the Saatva. It has a nice, springy feel and comes in three firmness options, which makes it great for all sleepers who appreciate the bounce, regardless of their sleeping position. Plus, I support the eco-friendly ideas of the company. 

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!