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- Best overall California king mattress: Saatva Classic Mattress | Skip to review
- Best memory foam mattress: Casper Original Mattress | Skip to review
- Best for side sleepers: The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress | Skip to review
- Best for couples: The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress | Skip to review
- Most comfortable: The WinkBed | Skip to review
- Best value: Tuft & Needle Original Mattress | Skip to review
- Best split California king mattress: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt | Skip to review
- Best for back pain: Avocado Green Mattress | Skip to review
- Best latex mattress: Nolah Natural | Skip to review
- Best cooling mattress: GhostBed Luxe | Skip to review
Feeling cramped in your current bed? If you need more room to spread out, upgrading to a California king mattress could be the key to a better night’s sleep.
There are a few reasons to consider a California king, including your height, sleep preferences, and even bedroom size. But there’s more to mattresses than size alone, and it’s important to research your options.
Pricing guide
We selected mattresses at a range of prices so everyone can find something that works for their budget. To determine the price of each mattress, we looked at the cost of a queen-size bed and broke it down into one of the following categories:
- $ = under $1,000
- $$ = $1,000–$2,000
- $$$ = over $2,000
Best overall
Saatva Classic Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: hybrid
- Firmness: plush soft; luxury firm; firm
The award-winning Saatva Classic is a luxury hybrid innerspring mattress. It’s designed to reduce back and joint pain with a top layer of cushioning comfort, while the individually wrapped coils at its core help support proper spine alignment.
Plus, you can choose between three firmness options and two heights at no extra cost.
The Saatva classic routinely earns high praise from reviewers, and it’s made in the United States. As a true hybrid, it might not be the best option if you prefer a memory foam mattress. But with a 180-night home trial, you can test that out for yourself.
Pros
- Designed to reduce back and joint pain.
- Offers a choice of firmness and height options.
- Includes a 180-night home trial.
Cons
- Comes at a higher price point than many others.
- Lacks the shipping convenience of bed-in-a-box models.
- Won’t appeal to those who want an all-foam mattress.
Best memory foam mattress
Casper Original Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: foam
- Firmness: medium firm
Designed for any sleeping position, the Casper Original Mattress has a simple, effective construction.
It has three separate layers of foam. The first is perforated for extra breathability, the second has three firmness zones to support spinal alignment, and the third prevents that sinking-in feeling typical of memory foam mattresses.
Casper is one of the most well-known beds-in-a-box, and reviewers are huge fans of the convenience and comfort that comes with choosing a Casper.
Pros
- Company has a solid reputation.
- Uses a convenient bed-in-a-box model.
- Designed to deliver breathability, spinal support, and cushioning comfort.
Cons
- Does not offer choice of firmness or height.
- Memory foam may be too hot for some sleepers.
- All-foam design may not be supportive enough for some sleepers.
Best for side sleepers
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- Price: $
- Type: foam
- Firmness: medium firm
Nectar’s all-foam mattress is made with multiple layers of foam. The layer of gel memory foam helps keep you cool, while the adaptive foam layer provides a little bounce to prevent the feeling of sinking into your mattress.
The combo of layers can help relieve pressure points in the shoulders, hips, and legs. This makes it a great choice for side sleepers.
Reviewers liken the Nectar mattress to sleeping on air and report less joint and back pain. Nectar also offers a risk-free, 365-night trial.
Pros
- Received excellent reviews.
- Cooling foam may support more comfortable sleep.
- Includes 365-night home trial.
Cons
- No choice of firmness.
- Adaptive foam may be too bouncy for some sleepers.
- All-foam design may not be supportive enough for some sleepers.
Best for couples
The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress
- Price: $
- Type: hybrid
- Firmness: medium
With a blend of gel memory foam and individually wrapped coils, the DreamCloud luxury hybrid mattress is designed to adapt to your body’s shape so you feel supported in any position. It also has minimal motion transfer, which means you can sleep undisturbed even if you share your bed with a partner, a child, or a pet.
The mattress strikes a great balance between firm and soft, making it a good option if you and your partner need to compromise on mattress firmness.
Pros
- Designed for minimal motion transfer.
- Luxury-firm feel suits a wide range of sleepers.
- Comes with a 365-night home trial.
Cons
- Offered at a price point that may be out of some budgets.
- Luxury-firm feel may be too hard for sleepers who prefer softer surfaces.
Most comfortable
The WinkBed
- Price: $$
- Type: hybrid
- Firmness: soft; luxury firm; firm; extra firm
The WinkBed is a hybrid design featuring a Euro pillow top infused with gel. It gives the mattress a luxurious, pillow-like feel, without sacrificing support.
It also has individually wrapped coils that provide targeted support and help protect against mattress sagging. The mattress is offered in four firmness levels at no additional cost.
Reviewers say this mattress is an incredibly comfy and high quality option that’s been a game changer for their sleep. WinkBeds also makes it easy to exchange your mattress if you’re not loving the firmness you originally chose.
Pros
- Includes gel-infused top for comfort and pressure relief.
- Offers choice of four firmness levels.
- Touts an easy exchange process.
Cons
- Comes at a high price point.
- Weighs 145 pounds, so it will likely be hard to move.
Best value
Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
- Price: $
- Type: foam
- Firmness: firm
The Original Mattress by Tuft & Needle is made with two layers of a proprietary foam designed for both pressure relief and support, no matter your preferred sleeping position. The foam also has cooling gel beads and heat-absorbing graphite to pull away body heat, so you can sleep comfortably all night.
Many online reviews about the Tuft & Needle Original touch on the great price point and comfortable support. It’s also a cheaper option because of its all-foam construction.
Pros
- Provides a value-oriented price point.
- Features cooling beads to keep sleepers comfortable.
- Bed-in-a-box model is convenient.
Cons
- All-foam design may not work for all sleepers.
- No choice of firmness or height.
- Thinner height may not appeal to all sleepers.
Best split California king mattress
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt
- Price: $$$
- Type: foam
- Firmness: medium
This split California king mattress is designed for ultimate personalization. Not only can you buy an adjustable base that allows you to control your side of the bed separately, but you can also customize your firmness levels.
To take advantage of the firmness feature, though, you’ll need to contact one of their customer service representatives, so you can buy two separate twin XL mattresses.
The TEMPUR-ProAdapt mattress is made with the brand’s proprietary foam that was originally developed by NASA and adapted for sleep.
It comes in two firmness options, making it a great choice for couples looking to customize their sides of the mattress.
Pros
- Great for couples with different preferences.
- Features different firmness levels.
- Layers are designed to relieve pressure points.
Cons
- May be too warm for some sleepers.
- Incompatible with box springs.
Looking for other ways to get a good night’s sleep?
Check out these six Healthline approved, tested, and recommended products!
Best for back pain
Avocado Green Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: hybrid
- Firmness: plush; medium; firm
Organic from top to bottom, the Avocado Green Mattress is as natural as it gets. Certified organic natural latex, wool, and cotton add a luxurious feel, while a zoned support system offers added back support and relief from pressure point pain.
The mattress has more than 1,000 individually wrapped steel coils, which means better weight distribution, reduced motion transfer, improved spinal alignment, and contouring to your natural curves.
Reviewers can’t get enough of this mattress’s comfort and Avocado’s commitment to healthier sleep.
Pros
- Made with certified organic materials.
- Two firmness options are available.
- Offers a 1-year trial period.
Cons
- Comes at a high price point.
- Pillow top upgrade is an additional expense.
Best latex mattress
Nolah Natural
- Price: $$
- Type: hybrid
- Firmness: medium
The Nolah Natural is a hypoallergenic mattress that’s made with environmentally friendly Talalay latex. This material is designed to offer pressure relief without the sinking-in feeling of memory foam. Together with the cotton cover, it may help improve the breathability of this mattress.
The mattress is a hybrid, so it also has a layer of supportive coils for structure and strength. Targeted support zones also aim to ensure spinal alignment for fewer aches and pains.
Reviewers describe it as a dream, with just the right firmness level.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic materials.
- Reviewers note improved pressure relief.
- Conveniently shipped in a box.
Cons
- May not be budget-friendly for all shoppers.
- The latex component makes this a heavy mattress.
- Could be too responsive for sleepers who prefer the cushion feel of memory foam.
Best cooling mattress
GhostBed Luxe
- Price: $$
- Type: foam
- Firmness: medium
The GhostBed Luxe mattress is engineered with temperature in mind. Featuring materials like gel memory foam that are designed to improve airflow, the brand promises a cool and comfortable night’s rest. They also highlight a patent-pending “Ghost Ice” layer that may help absorb heat as you sleep.
The mattress has a medium-plush feel, so it’s a good fit if you’re looking for a sleeping surface that’s not too solid.
Reviewers praise the Luxe for its cool feel and lasting comfort.
Pros
- Reviewers note it stays cool.
- Medium-plush feel accommodates a wide range of sleepers.
Cons
- Comes at a higher price point.
- May be too cool for some sleepers.
| Mattress | Price | Type | Trial length | Firmness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saatva Classic Mattress | $$ | hybrid | 180 nights | plush soft, luxury firm, firm |
| Casper Original Mattress | $$ | foam | 100 nights | medium firm |
| Nectar Memory Foam Mattress | $ | foam | 365 nights | medium firm |
| DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress | $ | hybrid | 365 nights | medium |
| The WinkBed | $$ | hybrid | 120 nights | soft, luxury firm, firm, extra firm |
| Tuft & Needle Original Mattress | $ | foam | 100 nights | firm |
| Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt | $$$ | foam | 90 nights | medium |
| Avocado Green Mattress | $$ | hybrid | 365 nights | plush, medium, firm |
| Nolah Natural | $$ | hybrid | 120 nights | medium |
| GhostBed Luxe | $$$ | foam | 101 nights | medium |
We compiled our list of the best California king mattresses based on the following:
- Materials: We looked for and included California king mattresses with high quality foam and hybrid materials.
- Sleep preferences and habits: Everyone sleeps differently, so we looked for mattresses that would accommodate different sleeping positions, preferences, and habits.
- Company policies: The best way to test a mattress is to sleep on it, so we chose mattresses with generous trial periods and free or reasonable returns. Also, every mattress on our list is backed with a clear warranty you can easily find on its website.
- Company reputation and transparency: With so many mattress brands out there, we took extra care to only recommend brands with good reputations and transparent business practices. Our vetting process includes a deep dive that considers everything from whether a company follows or leads industry best practices to whether a company is making unsupported medical claims.
- Customer reviews: We carefully reviewed customer reviews and feedback to make sure we recommended the most loved mattresses on the market.
A California king mattress measures 72 by 84 inches. It’s identical to two twin XL mattresses put together.
Most people think California king mattress are bigger than standard King mattresses, but the real difference is the proportion of length to width. California kings are longer and narrower than standard king mattresses, which measure 76 by 80 inches.
California kings are typically a better choice for tall people who measure more than 6 feet, or bedrooms that are narrower.
To help you get started, we found 10 of the best California king mattresses.
Once you’ve decided that a California king suits your needs, there are a few other considerations.
While there’s no single best mattress for everyone, it’s important to choose one that suits your individual body type and sleeping preferences. Consider:
- Mattress type: California king mattresses can be found in foam, innerspring, and hybrid options. Personal preference will play a big role in what feels best to you. If you’re unsure what you like best, a hybrid can be a good place to start, because it has elements from foam and innerspring mattresses.
- Mattress performance: It’s also important to consider how mattresses perform when it comes to firmness, motion isolation, temperature regulation, edge support, and off-gassing (new mattress smell). Think about what matters most to you, and look for mattresses with positive reviews for those attributes.
- Mattress materials: Pay attention to the materials used in a mattress. Look for high quality material certifications, like CertiPUR-US, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), or Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). The better the materials used, the more durable your mattress will be and the longer it will last.
- Trial period and warranty: It can be challenging to find the right mattress based on online descriptions alone — and lying on a bed for half an hour in a store isn’t necessarily a good indication of how it will perform over time either. Your best bet is to find a mattress that offers an in-home trial period of at least 30 days. It’s also a good idea to check the fine print, so you understand the process for returns or exchanges.
Who should buy a California king mattress?
Because it’s 4 inches longer than a standard king, a California king mattress is a good choice if you’re tall. Those extra inches give you room to stretch out without your feet hanging off the bed.
California king mattresses are also convenient if you have pets who sleep near the foot of the bed. Plus, the narrower footprint may be a better fit in some bedroom layouts.
Both the California and standard king mattresses are big beds, but the narrower width of the California king can be a good option if you like to sleep closer to your partner.
Keep in mind that both the mattress itself and accessories, like sheet sets, tend to cost more.
What’s the difference between a California king and a standard king mattress?
California king mattresses shouldn’t be confused with standard king mattresses.
At 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, a California king measures 4 more inches from top to bottom and 4 inches less from side to side.
Because the California king is both longer and narrower than a standard king, you’ll need a new frame and bedding if you’re planning to switch.
What’s a split California king?
The split California king mattress is exactly as it sounds: It’s essentially two separate mattresses that equal the same dimensions as a single California king.
The split California king can be a good option if you share your bed with a partner and have different firmness or temperature preferences, or if one of you is a restless sleeper.
If you upgrade to an adjustable base, you can further personalize your sleep experience without disturbing your partner. However, if you tend to roll toward the middle of the bed, you may find the split California king uncomfortable.
A California king mattress can be a great choice if sleeping space is an issue. While you’ll spend more for the mattress itself, you may find a California king to suit just about any sleeping position, habit, or preference.
Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.