Split California King Mattresses: What It Is, Buyer’s Guide, and Best Options

Split California King Mattress Size Explained

Split California King is not the most popular mattress size, which is why many shoppers confuse it with other similar options. 

However, to understand what a Split Cal King is, shoppers simply need to remember that it measures the same as a regular California King – 72 by 84 inches. The only difference is that the split version features two separate mattresses that make one California King.

It’s also worth mentioning that California King is narrower but longer than regular King. That’s why Split California King mattresses work great for taller couples.

You can read more about the best California King-size mattresses here to understand the peculiarities of this size.

Source:
https://www.nectarsleep.com/posts/king-vs-california-king/

Is Split California King Mattress Size Better Than Traditional Cal King?

When browsing through Split California King mattress reviews, some shoppers don’t understand what makes this size so great. And that’s understandable, as there isn’t much of a difference between Split Cal King and regular California King.

Here’s the deal, though:

Split California King mattress size can be a much better solution than a traditional Cal King bed for a specific group of sleepers. They are:

• couples that include a restless and a light sleeper. Because Split California King size is divided into two smaller mattresses, shock from motion won’t travel from one side to the other. This can be a real gift for light sleepers who share their bed with restless partners. A Split Cal King would allow them to remain undisturbed no matter how much movement there’s on the other side of the bed.
• partnered sleepers who have different comfort preferences. Using a Split Cal King allows sleepers to add mattress toppers to their side of the bed and thus, adjust its feel without having to compromise with their partner. Additionally, many mattress companies offer split models with different comfort levels on the two sides. This way, each sleeper can pick something that works for them.
• partners who want to use an adjustable bed frame without disturbing each other. Using a split adjustable base offers multiple benefits, especially for couples who have different preferences. Paired with a Split California King mattress, it would help partnered sleepers remain 100% comfortable while allowing for independent comfort adjustments. 

A quick note: readers should remember that all Split Cal King mattresses have a gap in the middle. That’s the price for independent sleeping surfaces, but the gap may cause discomfort when cuddling or having sex. There are special gap fillers for split mattresses, but getting one would mean extra expenses.

Also Read: Alaskan Kind Mattresses

How Much Do Split California King Mattresses Cost?

In most cases, Split California King mattresses cost the same as (or slightly more than) standard Cal King models. For a quality mattress, users typically have to pay around $600-$1,500.

Anything pricier than that would probably come with extra features. They may include adjustable firmness, advanced cooling components, organic materials, etc.

Important Aspects to Consider When Looking for the Best Split California King Mattress

Taking Split California King mattress reviews into consideration is a wise choice. However, aside from following recommendations, shoppers also need to figure out how to choose a good mattress based on their needs. 

So, here are the most important factors users may want to consider when shopping:

Mattress Type

The most popular mattress material is undoubtedly memory foam. Such mattresses are favored for their tension-relieving properties. The thing is, foam responds to applied pressure and body heat, which allows it to adjust to the sleeper’s body. Therefore, it can hug the protruding parts while supporting the rest of the body. This helps with tension redistribution and enhanced comfort.

However, memory foam is not perfect. This material is known for trapping heat, which often causes users to sleep hot. The best solution, in this scenario, would be opting for gel-infused or open-cell foam.

It’s also worth mentioning that foam mattresses usually have weak edges. And poor edge support means less sleeping space, especially for those users who enjoy lying close to the edge of the bed.

Hybrid mattresses are also becoming quite popular these days. They combine coils with memory foam (sometimes latex) and typically have a very balanced feel. The coils deliver resilient support, and the comfort layers offer the needed cradling for effective pressure alleviation.

That being said, hybrid mattresses might not be everyone’s cup of tea. First of all, they are often tall and thus, difficult to transport. Additionally, this isn’t the cheapest mattress type on the market.

Now, there are also latex mattresses available in Split California King size. This material could be an excellent choice for someone seeking a safe, natural mattress that sleeps cool and delivers proper tension relief.

At the same time, latex mattresses can be very expensive. Here, however, it’s important to remember that latex belongs to the most durable mattress materials. Therefore, even though it could be a big investment, it’s also going to be a long-lasting one.

Innerspring mattresses are the cheapest ones, but there’s a reason for that. While spring beds can offer responsive support, they aren’t that great in terms of pressure alleviation. Therefore, such mattresses might not work for all shoppers, including side sleepers or individuals with tender joints.

Firmness and Sleeping Style

A comfortable Split Cal King mattress has to work with the user’s sleep position. In this case, the firmness level is the most crucial aspect. Here are the general recommendations:

• Back sleepers require a combination of sturdy support and moderate cradling for the buttocks and hips. Therefore, they are advised to sleep on medium to medium-firm mattresses;
• Side sleepers need generous cushioning for the protruding hips and shoulders. That’s why this sleeping style calls for soft mattresses;
• Stomach sleepers require firm support and no sinkage at all. They usually feel the most comfortable sleeping on firm mattresses;
• Combo sleepers need something that would allow for unrestricted movement. In this case, medium-firm mattresses perform quite well.

Weight and Firmness

The weight of the sleeper can affect the firmness level of the mattress. For instance, a model rated Medium by the manufacturer can actually feel too firm for a petite user or too soft for a heavier sleeper.

That’s why lightweight individuals (less than 130 pounds) are advised to stick to slightly softer mattresses for all sleeping styles.  This will help prevent sharp pressure points and spinal misalignment.

And heavier users (over 230 pounds) need sturdier support and thus, slightly firmer mattresses for all sleep positions. In this case, they will not sink too deeply, keeping their spine relatively straight and tension-free.

Other Shopping Considerations When Searching for the Best Split California King Mattress

Here are the additional factors to consider that can help users pick a perfect Split Cal King mattress:

• Cooling. This aspect is a must for chronic hot sleepers, as sleeping hot can ruin even the most comfortable mattress. In most cases, innerspring and latex models perform the best in terms of cooling. Hybrid mattresses may also work for hot sleepers if they don’t use extra-thick and extra-cradling comfort layers. As for memory foam, it doesn’t always sleep hot. Models that employ gel infusion or have an open-cell structure usually have a cooling effect.
• Edge support. Sturdier edges may come in handy for those users who need more sleeping space. Edge support is also important for sleepers with slight mobility issues. The thing is, it’s much easier to get out of bed when the edges can provide support for the arms. Users can push into the edge and give themselves a boost to get up. Now, spring and hybrid mattresses can usually offer the best edge support.
• Cover. For allergy-prone sleepers, a removable cover is a must. The thing is, washing the bedding regularly can reduce the number of potential allergens in the room (1). And since mattress covers tend to accumulate a lot of dust, being able to remove and wash the cover can make anti-allergen cleaning even more effective.
• Sleep trial. Cal King mattresses are expensive, so shoppers might not feel very comfortable committing to one (especially when purchasing online). That’s when an in-home trial can come in handy. A word of warning: a new mattress may require a break-in period, which means it might feel uncomfortable at first. That’s why it’s better to choose a model with an extra-long trial if possible.
• Compatibility with adjustable frames. Using a Split Cal King mattress is a perfect chance for partners to enjoy individual configurations on their Split adjustable bed frames. But they should remember that not all Split Cal King mattresses work with this type of beds. A suitable model has to bend without damaging the materials inside. Such mattresses include foam, latex, and some models that use individually wrapped coils. With the latter, readers need to be careful. It’s always better to contact the manufacturer to ensure the mattress can be used safely on an adjustable bed frame.