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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 4 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 Overall - Editor's choice Puffy | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Back Pain AS3 by Amerisleep | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Heavy Couples Winkbeds | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Stomach Sleepers Zoma | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
Reviews of 4 Best California King Mattresses
Best Overall - Editor's choice — Puffy
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Highlights
- slow-moving feel to prevent motion transfer and ensure undisturbed partnered sleep;
- gel-infused foam for cooler sleep without neglecting proper pressure relief;
- firm core support layer to ensure proper weight distribution and tension alleviation.
The Puffy surely deserves to be the best California king mattress, and there are multiple reasons for that. The main one, however, is the slow response of the foam this model uses. Not only does it work to deliver close conforming and adaptive pressure alleviation, but also absorbs shock from motion to ensure undisturbed partnered sleep.
Another cool thing about this mattress is that the Puffy’s warranty duration exceeds even some of the more expensive competitors. I mean, let’s compare the 25-year warranty of the Botanical Bliss and the Puffy’s lifetime warranty. To me, the Puffy seems like a real steal for the money.
Best for Back Pain — AS3 by Amerisleep
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Highlights
- plant-based foam to increase the mattress’s ability to resist mold growth and dust mites, great for allergy sufferers;
- open-cell design for cooler sleep;
- zoned transition layer to deliver pinpoint support.
Coming in as the best California King mattresses for back pain, the AS3 is a medium firm model that provides a balance between comfort and support for spinal relief. Using a zoned HIVE transition layer, this mattress adjusts to the body and offers optimal support for each specific area. This leads to even weight distribution that can help you feel weightless and fully relaxed. For example, I sometimes experience lower back pain and tension build-up in that area. However, sleeping on the AS3 mattress made me feel completely pressure-free.
AS3 by Amerisleep also makes an excellent choice for sleepers with environmental allergies. This model uses Bio-Pur foam, which is considered safer than regular foam. Why? Because it’s less prone to attracting dust mites or growing mold. I also appreciate that the AS3 comes with a removable cover. It makes cleaning much easier, allowing allergy-prone sleepers to prevent allergen build-up without that much effort.
Read our full Amerisleep AS3 mattress review for more information.


Best Cal King Mattress for Heavy Couples — Winkbeds

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Highlights
- extra-firm variation to offer reliable support for heavier individuals;
- thick pillow-top for enhanced cradling and pressure relief;
- strong perimeter support to offer more sleeping space.
Read our full Winkbeds mattress review for more information.


Best for Stomach Sleepers — Zoma
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Highlights
- ventilated cover for improved breathability during sleep;
- Triangulex gel foam to create a cooler sleeping environment;
- zoned comfort layer for adaptive, pinpoint pressure release.
For users who love to sleep on their stomach, this California king mattress by Zoma might just be the right fit. With targeted tension alleviation through a zoned comfort layer, high levels of relaxation and proper spinal alignment is attained. The Zoma comes with a zoned comfort layer, which results in high comfort levels and proper spinal alignment. And that, in its turn, leads to tension-free rest. And here’s the coolest part - because the top layer is so adaptive, it works equally well in different scenarios. For example, my wife and I have different sleeping styles, but we both felt proper weight distribution when testing the Zoma mattress.
Now, you might also appreciate the fact that this mattress is very reasonably priced. Therefore, even if you opt for a larger Cal King, you won’t have to strain your budget. Having said that, I would also like to mention that the Zoma’s price tag does not affect its quality. This mattress feels rather robust and should last you for a long time.
Read our full Zoma mattress review for more information.


Our Methodology - Why I Picked These Mattresses
These mattresses, like the Puffy, have been chosen based on several factors I consider to be crucial for a mattress to perform well in the long run, especially for Cal King mattresses. In my methodology, I look at the feel and overall quality and contents of the mattress, its sinkage, and how well it isolates motion. The feel and firmness of a mattress are super important, especially for larger Cal King sizes, as a mattress with a high-density core will last longer. I examine each layer, test its firmness, and lie in different positions to see how well I’m supported.
Sinkage is also important too, as this plays a role in how comfortable a mattress is, and how much relief it can provide to pressure points. I test sinkage with two different weight categories to get a better idea of how the mattress will feel for light-weight sleepers and average-weight sleepers. Sinkage also ties in with motion isolate, which I test using a glass of water, and movement on the mattress.
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 Mattresses 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.
- Room measurements and bed frame size.
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.
- Space around the bed.
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.
- Terms of the trial period and the 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.
- Motion transfer (for partnered sleep).
Since California King is slightly narrower than standard King, this mattress size would offer less sleeping space for partnered sleepers. And when two users sleep closer to each other, they are more likely to feel each other’s movements. That’s why it might be a good idea to check out California King mattresses that do not transfer shock from motion that much.
Memory foam models are the best in terms of motion isolation, which is why they are favored by couples. Polyfoam might also do the trick, even though it’s a bit more resilient. Users may also want to consider hybrid mattresses, but only the models that come with extra-thick comfort layers (foam, preferably).
- Bedding accessories.
Shoppers need to keep in mind that a California King mattress would require special bedsheets and other accessories. This might mean extra expenses, especially for those users who are upgrading from a Queen or a King to California King. Therefore, when planning their shopping budget, users need to account for the accessories as well.
- Firmness level.
This aspect is extremely important, as the firmness of the mattress can affect two things: comfort and back health. A good mattress has to allow for just enough sinkage for the protruding body parts while keeping the spine neutral and properly aligned. That’s why shoppers should pick the mattress firmness in accordance with their sleeping style and body weight.
For average side sleepers, softer mattresses are a better choice. Back sleepers are recommended to give their preference to medium models. And stomach sleepers usually feel the best sleeping on firm mattresses. For petite individuals (less than 130 pounds), it may be a good idea to go one step softer for each sleep position to prevent painful pressure points. And for heavier users (more than 230 pounds), it’s better to pick slightly firmer mattresses for each sleeping style to get adequate support.
- Cooling.
A neutral sleep environment is one of those factors that can contribute greatly to one’s sleep quality. And it’s especially important for partnered sleepers sharing a California King mattress. This size is narrower than King, which means partners are going to sleep closer to each other. Naturally, they will be likely to feel warmer because of that.
To achieve cooling during the night, shoppers may want to consider breathable mattresses such as innerspring or hybrid models. Latex can also work for hot sleepers. This material does not envelop the body that much and thus, does not trap heat.
As for memory foam fans, they need to be careful. It might be a good idea to choose gel-infused or open-cell foam. The former can draw the excess heat away and lock it inside the gel particles. As for open-cell foam, it has small air channels and allows for improved air circulation during the night. As a result, this foam type is more breathable and sleeps cooler.
- Durability.
California King is one of the largest standard sizes available. Naturally, mattresses in this size cost more. To protect such an investment, shoppers are advised to pick models that use quality materials.
If it’s foam, it has to be dense. Low-density models tend to start sagging much sooner.
For hybrid mattresses, it’s crucial to pay attention to the coil gauge. A lower gauge number would mean thicker coils that will be likelier to last longer.
Latex mattresses are usually the most durable ones. This is why they can be very expensive.
As for innerspring mattresses, they usually have the shortest lifespan compared to other types.
- Edge support.
Because California King is narrower than regular King, it offers a bit less sleeping space.
This can sometimes be an issue for couples who require more space between them (for instance, those who enjoy sleeping like starfish). Limited space width-wise can also be problematic for larger partnered sleepers who occupy more of the sleeping surface.
Whatever the case is, a California King mattress that has strong edges can offer more space.
Now, innerspring models are famous for their reliable edge support. Hybrid mattresses also perform very well in this scenario.
As for foam and latex mattresses, they usually have weak edges, which means they offer even less sleeping space. Firmer models may deliver slightly stronger edge support, but firm mattresses don’t work for all sleepers.
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”.
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 would choose the Puffy mattress without doubting for a moment. This quality-made California King mattress relieves pressure fast and alleviates tendon instantly. It also has firm core support for better weight distribution.
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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Mattresses Considered
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Sleep Experts Consulted