If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “is there a mattress bigger than a king?” you’re not alone. The answer is a resounding yes, and for many people, the extra space can be a total game-changer for sleep quality.
Standard king-size mattresses, often called Eastern Kings, are 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. That’s plenty for most, but for taller individuals, families who co-sleep with children or pets, or anyone who simply wants the ultimate sprawling room, bigger options exist. Stepping beyond the king opens up a world of expansive comfort, from longer California Kings to massive specialty sizes.
This guide will walk you through every mattress size that surpasses a standard king. We’ll cover their dimensions, who they’re best for, and the practical things you need to know before you buy one.
Is There A Mattress Bigger Than A King
Absolutely. The mattress industry offers several “specialty” or “oversized” dimensions that provide more width, more length, or both compared to a standard king. These sizes are designed to meet specific needs that a regular king can’t fulfill.
It’s important to understand that these larger sizes are not as universally available as standard ones. You’ll often need to order them from manufacturers or retailers that specialize in custom or luxury bedding. This also applies to sheets, mattress protectors, and bed frames, which we’ll discuss later.
The California King: The Longest Common Size
Often the first size people think of beyond a king, the California King flips the dimensions. It is narrower but longer than a standard king.
- Dimensions: 72″ wide x 84″ long.
- Comparison: 4 inches narrower but 4 inches longer than a standard king.
- Best for: Individuals or couples where one or both partners are very tall (over 6’4″). It’s also a good choice for master bedrooms that are longer than they are wide.
The Texas King: Sheer Width for Sprawling
If width is your priority, the Texas King delivers. It’s all about giving each sleeper ample personal space without compromising on length.
- Dimensions: 80″ wide x 98″ long.
- Comparison: 4 inches wider and a massive 18 inches longer than a standard king.
- Best for: Couples who want maximum width plus extra length. It’s also fantastic for families who regularly have young kids or pets in the bed, as there’s still plenty of adult sleeping space.
The Wyoming King: A Balanced Giant
The Wyoming King strikes a middle ground between the California King and Texas King, offering significant extra space in both directions.
- Dimensions: 84″ wide x 84″ long.
- Comparison: 8 inches wider and 4 inches longer than a standard king. It forms a perfect square.
- Best for: Couples who want a substantial upgrade in both width and length without going to the most extreme sizes. It’s a popular choice for spacious guest rooms or primary bedrooms.
The Alaskan King: The Ultimate Square
This is the mattress that truly redefines a bed as a sleeping surface. The Alaskan King is enormous, essentially creating a square platform for sleep.
- Dimensions: 108″ wide x 108″ long (9 feet by 9 feet).
- Comparison: 32 inches wider and 28 inches longer than a standard king.
- Best for: Large families who co-sleep, individuals with mobility issues who need extra room for equipment or movement, or anyone who wants a bed that feels like a luxurious sleep oasis. It can easily sleep two adults and multiple children comfortably.
Other Oversized and Custom Options
Beyond these named sizes, the world of custom mattresses is your oyster. Some companies offer even larger sizes, like the 96″ x 96″ “Family Size” or the 12-foot wide “Emperor” size. You can also work with manufacturers to create a mattress with exactly the dimensions you need to fit a unique room space.
Critical Considerations Before You Buy
Choosing a mattress bigger than a king is a major decision that goes beyond just the sleep surface. Here are the key factors you must think about.
1. Bedroom Dimensions and Access
This is the most important step. You must measure your room carefully. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 2-3 feet of walking space on at least two sides of the bed. Don’t forget to account for other furniture like dressers and nightstands.
Access is another huge hurdle. Measure your hallways, staircases, and doorframes (especially turning angles). An Alaskan King mattress is essentially the size of a small room and may not fit through a standard doorway without being bent, which can damage some mattress types like innersprings.
2. Bed Frame and Foundation
You cannot use a standard king bed frame for a larger mattress. You will need a specialized frame or foundation designed for your specific mattress size. Options include:
- Custom Wooden Frames: Often the most sturdy and aesthetic choice.
- Adjustable Bases: Some companies make adjustable bases for California Kings, but for larger sizes like Wyoming or Alaskan, you’ll likely need a custom order, which can be very expensive.
- Platform Beds: A simple, solid platform can be built or purchased to support the mattress directly.
3. Bedding and Linens
Finding sheets, duvet covers, and mattress protectors for these sizes is not as simple as running to a local store. You will primarily need to shop online from retailers that specialize in oversized bedding. Availability, styles, and materials may be limited compared to standard sizes, and prices are significantly higher.
Always double-check the exact dimensions before ordering bedding, as there can be slight variations between manufacturers.
4. Cost Implications
Everything about a larger-than-king mattress costs more. The mattress itself, the custom frame, the specialty bedding, and even the delivery fees (which can be substantial for oversized items) will add up. Be prepared for a significant investment.
Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing an Oversized Mattress
- Measure Your Room & Access Paths: Create a floor plan with precise measurements. Include all doors and turns.
- Determine Your Ideal Size: Based on your needs (more length, width, or both) and room size, choose from the options above.
- Research Specialty Retailers: Look for reputable online and brick-and-mortar stores known for custom or oversized mattresses.
- Inquire About Customization: Contact sellers to discuss firmness levels, materials (memory foam, latex, hybrid), and the possibility of split firmness for couples.
- Get Quotes for the Full Package: Ask for detailed quotes that include the mattress, required foundation/frame, and delivery/installation fees.
- Order Bedding Simultaneously: Start shopping for sheets and protectors as soon as you order the mattress, so everything arrives around the same time.
- Prepare for Delivery Day: Clear the path and the room. Ensure you have help available, as these mattresses are extremely heavy and cumbersome.
Pros and Cons of Going Bigger Than a King
Let’s weight the advantages and the challenges to help you make an informed choice.
Pros
- Unmatched Personal Space: Reduces sleep disturbance from a partner’s movement.
- Ideal for Tall Sleepers: Sizes like California and Texas King provide crucial extra legroom.
- Great for Family Beds: Comfortably accommodates parents, kids, and pets.
- Luxurious Feel: The sheer size creates a dramatic and comfortable centerpiece for a bedroom.
Cons
- High Cost: The mattress, frame, bedding, and delivery are all premium priced.
- Limited Availability: Fewer options for mattresses, frames, and linens.
- Access and Installation Challenges: May not fit in all homes or require professional installation.
- Room Dominance: Can overwhelm a smaller or medium-sized bedroom, making it feel cramped.
- Difficult to Move: Future moves will be complex and may require hiring specialized movers.
FAQ Section
What is the biggest mattress size you can buy?
The Alaskan King (108″x108″) is one of the largest standardized sizes, but custom mattress makers can create even larger dimensions, such as 10×10 feet or bigger, depending on your needs and space.
Is a California King bigger than a King?
It’s bigger in length but smaller in width. A standard king is 76″x80″, while a California King is 72″x84″. So, it’s longer but narrower, which is better for tall people but may feel tighter for couples who prefer width.
Where can I buy a mattress bigger than a king?
You typically need to shop at online specialty retailers, custom mattress manufacturers, or high-end furniture stores. Major mainstream mattress stores rarely carry these sizes in stock but may be able to order them.
How much does an Alaskan King mattress cost?
Prices vary widely based on materials, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to well over $10,000 for the mattress alone, before adding the cost of a custom frame and bedding.
Can I use two twin XL mattresses to make a size bigger than a king?
Two Twin XL mattresses placed side-by-side create a standard king size (76″x80″). To create something wider, you could use two full-size mattresses (54″ each) for a total width of 108″, similar to an Alaskan King’s width, but the length would only be 75″, which is shorter than standard.
Do they make adjustable beds for oversized mattresses?
Adjustable bases for California Kings are available. For larger sizes like Wyoming or Alaskan Kings, they are extremely rare and would almost certainly require a costly custom order, if they are available at all from the manufacturer.
Making Your Final Decision
Upgrading to a mattress size beyond a king is a commitment to unparalleled comfort, but it requires careful planning and a higher budget. Start by honestly assessing your bedroom space and your primary reason for wanting more room.
If you’re very tall, a California King might be the perfect solution. If your family shares the bed regularly, the square footage of a Wyoming or Alaskan King could transform your sleep. Remember to factor in the ongoing cost and effort of finding specialty bedding.
For those with the space and resources, a mattress bigger than a king offers a sleep experience that’s hard to match. It turns your bed into a personal sanctuary where everyone has enough room to rest peacefully. Just be sure to do your homework, measure twice, and order everything you need to enjoy your massive new bed from the first night.