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So, the time for a King mattress has finally come!
Maybe you’ve moved into a bigger house or found that a Queen bed is not wide enough for you and your partner, who loves to sleep in a starfish position.
Whatever your motives are, you definitely want your new mattress to be perfect. And that’s where I come in with my reviews of 6 best King Size mattresses.
There’s a bonus below, too: a comprehensive buying guide that will help you make the right choice.
A Quick Preview
 | Best Overall - Editor’s Choice Winkbed | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Second Best Choice Saatva | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best for a Cooler Hug Amerisleep AS3 | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Under $1,000 Nectar | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best for Zoned Pressure Relief Zoma | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
 | Best Value for Money Nolah Original 10 | Check Current Price Read more about this mattress |
Our Reviews of 6 Best King Size Mattresses
Best Overall - Editor’s Choice — Winkbed
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Highlights
- four firmness variations to guarantee comfort regardless of your preferred sleep position and weight;
- pocketed coils for targeted support;
- extra-sturdy edges to offer additional legroom.
Proudly opening the list of the best King size mattresses, the Winkbed gives a good example of a mattress that combines both durability and comfort. This model feels sturdy and even rigid, which means it should serve you loyally for years to come. Plus, the Winkbed is simply comfortable. The conforming foam pillow-top nicely balances out the resilient coils. I was testing the Luxury Firm option, and it hit all the right spots, so to say. The Winkbed can deliver proper contouring without making you feel stuck, and such a balance can be hard to achieve. That is why this mattress stands out from the crowd, especially when compared to all-foam models that often can seem restricting.
Second Best Choice — Saatva
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Highlights
- extended sleep trial to ensure customer satisfaction;
- patented technology to deliver optimal spine support;
- three firmness options to accommodate more types of sleepers.
The next item on our list of the best King size mattresses is this hybrid by Saatva. Now, it seems like the company put a lot of thought into this mattress’s design to make sure it would work for a wide range of sleepers. Not only does it come in multiple comfort options but also has a peculiar construction.
There’s a lumbar support zone to guarantee proper spinal alignment during the night. And that’s something even the more expensive competitors (like the Cool Bliss, for example) cannot offer. Additionally, the Saatva comes with one of the longest sleep trials on the market. It would be an excellent option for hesitant shoppers or sleepers who have pain-causing medical conditions and require more time to get used to their new bed.
Best for a Cooler Hug — Amerisleep AS3
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Highlights
- breathable open-cell foam for cooler sleep without giving up close conforming;
- plant-based foam to accommodate even sensitive and allergy-prone sleepers;
- longer warranty to ensure reliable performance.
Allow me to introduce another model that could be your best King-size mattress - the AS3 by Amerisleep. This mattress is a perfect middle ground for those sleepers who love the hugging memory foam but hate sleeping hot. Because the AS3 has an open-cell design, this mattress allows for proper air circulation during the night and thus, can prevent night sweats. As a side sleeper who sinks a bit deeper into the foam, I appreciate that very much.
You might also like the fact that the AS3 mattress uses plant-based Bio-Pur foam. This material is safer and contains fewer VOCs than traditional memory foam. As proof of that, my AS3 came without any harsh off-gassing. Plus, the Bio-Pur foam is more resistant to such allergens as dust mites and mold. This makes the mattress safer for allergy-prone sleepers.
Best Under $1,000 - Nectar
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Highlights
- quality components and reasonable price, offers good value for money;
- quilted cover for extra comfort (mimics the Euro-top feel);
- gel-infused top layer for a cooling effect;
- Tencel cover for better air circulation;
- great motion isolation, suited for couples and restless sleepers.
Finding an affordable King bed might be really hard sometimes, as this size is typically the most expensive. That’s why I’ve included the Nectar in my review of the best King size mattresses.
This is a memory foam mattress with a medium feel, so it could make a great pick for side and back sleepers. Also, memory foam can absorb motion very well, which is a plus for couples or restless sleepers.
Those who suffer from different kinds of pain will also benefit from the Nectar. The layer of gel-infused memory foam offers a great amount of contouring without trapping too much heat. So, you can expect a refreshing sleep without tension and stiffness.
Speaking of edge support, the Nectar has surprisingly sturdy edges and offers a uniform surface. This might be an advantage if you share a bed with someone or just love sleeping closer to the edge.
I can easily recommend the Nectar as an affordable mattress that is no worse than more expensive brands. It can satisfy most types of sleepers, offering a cool and peaceful slumber.
Best for Zoned Pressure Relief — Zoma
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Highlights
- slow response to pressure for effective motion isolation;
- zoned comfort layer for pinpoint tension relief;
- gel particles to aid thermoregulation during the night.
Wish to feel like a feather when lying on your new mattress? Then you might want to test the Zoma, which belongs to the best King-size mattresses that can promote fast relaxation and effective pressure alleviation. Because the Zoma has a zoned comfort layer, it responds differently to different sections of the body. This allows the mattress to redistribute the sleeper’s weight evenly and thus, prevent tension build-up. I was sleeping on my Zoma after using an uncomfortable mattress that made my back sore. One night on the Zoma mattress, and I woke up tension-free.
Another cool characteristic of this mattress is the balance between cradling and ease of movement. The Zoma has a quite resilient transition layer that combats that feeling of being stuck in the foam. Thanks to that, this model would work great for combination sleepers who shift frequently during the night.
Best Value for Money - Nolah Original 10
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Highlights
- all-foam design for superb cradling and good pressure relief;
- medium feel, would work for different types of sleepers;
- proprietary AirFoam for cooler sleep;
- high-density base foam for reliable support;
- resilient transition layer to combat quicksand feeling.
Another top-rated King mattress on the market is the Nolah Original 10. This bed offers great value for money, combining quality components and offering good pressure relief.
Now, the Nolah is an all-foam mattress. The dense base layer offers sturdy support and measures 7 inches high. The 1-inch transition layer is almost latex-like, with a responsive bounce for a more balanced feel. And the comfort layer is 2 inches thick and uses Nolah’s AirFoam, which is temperature-neutral and cradling.
The cover deserves to be mentioned here as well. The Nolah uses 2 fabric types: viscose (in the original model) and Tencel (which is a limited edition the company currently sells). Both are breathable and contribute to the cooling properties of the top comfort layer.
All things considered, the Nolah Original 10 is a good choice for any value seeker. For quite a reasonable price, it will help you keep your spine aligned and muscles relaxed.
How Did King Size Beds Appear on the Market?
Before we dive into details, let me allocate one paragraph of my King mattress review to a brief historical reference on how King beds actually appeared.
Because it’s quite interesting.
Until the late 1950s, there were two most common bed sizes on the market: Twin and Full. The Hollywood shows and movies of that era projected strict views on intimate relationships, which dictated that it was normal for married couples to sleep in separate beds.
Ironically, a couple of years later, the same Hollywood shows and movies that portrayed the life of the rich changed the game completely.
The image of a luxurious bedroom with a huge bed tucked with silk sheets slowly transferred from the screens to the minds of regular users. This resulted in increased demand for larger beds, with the following introduction of Queen and King-sized beds to the market. The companies that pioneered in making these sizes were Sealy and Simmons (the latter also introduced the California King mattress a couple of years later).
Fun fact: Some historians suggest that the very first King bed was invented around the 1890s and was enormously huge compared to the modern King mattresses. It could easily accommodate up to 15 people (1). Imagine the size of the room you’d need to fit this bed!
Benefits of Having a King-Sized Mattress
Now, let’s outline how a good King-sized mattress can change your sleeping routine so that you make sure you’ve picked the right size:
- More space. Obviously, you’ll have more personal space on a King mattress. This will help you get cozier and find a comfortable position to drift off more easily. Along with that, if you allow your pets to sleep on the bed — or, if you occasionally co-sleep with your kid — a few extra inches of space will also be beneficial.
- Better support. The bigger area of a King-sized mattress allows for more even weight distribution. For example, if your partner is a large sleeper, you won’t feel how deep he dives into the mattress layers and your sleep will be uninterrupted.
- Lower motion transfer. Due to the larger area, King mattresses also muffle sharp movements more efficiently than Queen ones. This might be an advantage for restless sleepers and their partners.
- Healthier sleep. Overall, by having more room to move and get comfy, you can easily improve your sleep quality and even alleviate your sleep disturbances (assuming they were caused by a lack of space).
Aside from all of that, it would be unfair not to mention how luxurious a King mattress looks in a master bedroom. If you choose a high-profile bed and properly decorate it, you can easily turn your bedroom into the royal chambers.
Important Checks to Make Before Choosing a King Size Mattress for Your Bedroom
Finally, I want to briefly walk you through the little yet important details you need to consider if you want to choose the best King mattress on the market.
Here they are.
Room Space
A large mattress requires a lot of space to fit in properly. A King bed measures roughly 6 x 6.8 feet, and you need at least 2 feet more on each side to be able to get in and out of bed comfortably.
Add to this how much the pieces of furniture, such as nightstands and drawers, and the space between them will take — and you will see that not every room will be able to accommodate a King mattress.
I recommend that you opt for this size only if your bedroom measures at least 13 x 13 feet (2). In this case, you can comfortably lay out your King mattress along with the rest of the furniture, without making a room look crowded.
Also, be attentive when making a purchase. Make sure you’re buying a standard King (which measures 76 x 80 inches) and not the wider Cal King (which is 72 x 84 inches) (3).
Bed-in-a-Box or Regular Mattress?
Another problematic moment with King mattresses is their weight and bulkiness, which can make transportation difficult. Especially if you choose brands like Saatva, who don’t ship their products compressed in a box. In a house with narrow staircases, with a bedroom located on the second floor, mattress delivery can turn into a challenge.
So, a bed-in-a-box might be a more suitable option here. However, compressed mattresses might not always expand completely, especially the cheaper ones. This may result in insufficient support and decreased durability.
Bottom line?
Read user reviews and choose trusted brands with a good history and reputation on the market. Also, steer clear of suspiciously low prices.
Alternatively, you may consider ordering a Split King configuration. This way your mattress will arrive as two separate halves. Moreover, you may be able to customize each half prior to purchasing.
How Will You Use It?
Your lifestyle may also impact mattress characteristics.
For example, if you and your partner live minimalist lives, you may not need to overpay for a luxurious King mattress. A medium-priced bed without any bells and whistles can work fine for you.
Keep in mind that as many as 21% of King mattresses range between $600 and $899, according to the statistics in 2016 (4). This means there are many decent models even for a more modest budget.
If your pets sleep with you, then you might need something more durable and resistant to their claws. In this case, investing in a mattress with a removable and washable cover is a good idea. Also, make sure your mattress is made of heavy-duty materials.
Warranty and Returns
Since King mattresses are the priciest option on the market, it’s totally okay to want some funds protection. Choose companies offering sleep trial. In this case, if your new mattress appears unsuitable for your needs after the break-in period, you can just fill in the return claim and get your money back.
Also, learn about warranty conditions. Most mattress brands offer you a refund or replacement in the case of craftsmanship defects, but it’s always better to double-check.
Note that any spills and stains on your mattress will void the warranty, so it’s better to purchase a waterproof protector along with the mattress.
Price
Overall, larger mattresses usually cost more.
And since the King size is pretty big, shoppers might expect to spend quite a lot on their new mattress.
Now, on average, King mattress prices range from around $900 to $2,000. However, the final price would depend on the mattress type (aside from other factors such as brand reputation or warranty).
Innerspring models tend to be among the cheapest ones. Foam mattresses belong to a more affordable segment, but there are plenty of high-end models among them as well. Hybrids are usually a bit pricier. As for latex mattresses, this type belongs to the most expensive price category.
Other Factors That Make a Good King Size Mattress
Size doesn’t mean everything when it comes to mattresses. After all, the best King-size mattress is the one that meets your needs, not only offers more sleeping space. So, consider a few more aspects before you make your final choice to make sure you get exactly what you need:
- Firmness and your sleeping style. A good mattress has to suit your preferred sleep position. Now, as a rule of thumb, most back sleepers feel the best using medium or medium-firm mattresses. People who enjoy sleeping on one side are advised to go with softer mattresses. And strict stomach sleepers should choose firmer mattresses that can deliver sturdy support. A quick note: these are suggestions for average individuals. If you are a lightweight sleeper (less than 130 pounds), you might want to go a tad softer for each sleep position to prevent developing sharp pressure points. And if you are heavier than average (above 230 pounds), you can try going one step firmer for each sleeping style to receive adequate support.
- Thermoregulation. A bigger King mattress will create more space between you and your partner, which means there will be less heat accumulation. However, that might not be of any help if the mattress material would cause you to sweat. If you are prone to overheating at night, check out hybrid or latex mattresses. If you prefer foam, look for models that use gel particles for cooling or have a breathable open cell structure.
- Edge support. A King mattress might offer you more than enough sleeping space, but it doesn’t mean you should disregard edge support. In some cases, stronger edges may really come in handy. For example, if your bed frame is low to the ground, you might require pressing into the mattress edge to give yourself a little boost and get up. The same rule applies to back pain sufferers who also need extra support when getting up.
- Mattress type. Each mattress type has its peculiarities, and some might not work for you. So it’s better to learn a bit more about them before shopping. For example, foam models are famous for their pressure-alleviating properties. That being said, they tend to cause heat retention and might also restrict one’s movement. Innerspring mattresses sleep cool but don’t have an impressively long lifespan. Hybrid mattresses usually have a very balanced feel (support + cradling) and don’t sleep hot. They also have sturdy edges, in most cases. However, keep in mind that hybrid mattresses can often be pretty bulky and thick, which makes them harder to transport. As for latex mattresses, they are durable, sleep cool, and show great results in terms of pressure relief. This mattress type also has an above-average lifespan, which may explain the higher price point.
F.A.Q.
How to get a King-size mattress upstairs?
Most mattresses are shipped vacuum-sealed in a box, so you just need to carry it upstairs and unbox it right in your bedroom. If your King mattress is delivered in its full size, you should measure the passages and staircases to make sure it will fit through.
How much does a King mattress weigh?
Depending on the materials used, a King bed may weigh from 100 to 180 pounds. But the thinner it is, the less it will weigh.
How to dispose of your old King-size mattress?
Many mattress companies offer free mattress removal when you purchase a new bed from them. You can also donate it to your local charity or contact a recycling facility in your area.
Conclusion
King mattresses are popular for a reason. They give you more space to stretch, which is especially important if you share a bed with someone who sleeps in a starfish position. I’ve collected five models that can please even the pickiest sleepers. They have excellent value for money and can offer you great support and serve for years to come.
My personal favorite is the Winkbed mattress, and there are many reasons for that. The main one being its reliable build, of course. Additionally, the Winkbed offers an impressive variety of comfort options, which means there’s a suitable model for almost any sleeper. And I’m sure you will appreciate the balanced feel this mattress has. It offers a compromise between cradling and support, which should be ideal for your comfort and restful slumber.
So, why are you considering getting a King-sized bed? Does any model of those above seem suitable for you? You’re welcome to share in the comments below!
Additional Resources
References:
- Lee Suckling (2016, November 29). How have bed sizes changed throughout the ages? Why has the double died? Retrieved from https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/86945440/how-have-bed-sizes-changed-throughout-the-ages-why-has-the-double-died
- Michelle Miley (2017, September 19). The Minimum Room Size for a King-Size Bed. Retrieved from https://www.hunker.com/13412553/the-minimum-room-size-for-a-king-size-bed
- Michelle Radcliff (n.d.). How to Choose the Best King Size Mattress. Retrieved from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/choose-king-size-mattress-38615.html
- Liam O'Connell (2018, November 13). Share of king-size mattresses purchased in the United States in 2016, by price. Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/884507/share-of-king-size-mattresses-purchased-by-price-us/
Our research
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Mattresses Considered
145
Hours of Research
2
Sleep Experts Consulted