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When it comes to good health, sleep is a key player. You’ll probably find it hard to get a good night’s sleep without a good mattress.
Sure, everyone may love big beds (who doesn’t want to feel like royalty?), but the reality is that many of us don’t have room for them. Whether you live in a small city apartment or you have a narrow bedroom, space can become an issue very quickly.
With so many options to choose from, you might wonder how you can ever decide on the right mattress. We created the following list of the top 11 full-size mattresses to make this process a little easier.
If you’re looking for a spacious bed that’s still big enough for two, full-size mattresses may do the trick. They’re large enough so you won’t feel like you’re going to fall off the bed all night, with some extra room in case you need to share the bed.
Also, these mattresses tend to be more affordably priced than queen- or king-size ones, which is always a nice bonus.
If you have a full-size bed frame, you’re probably considering full-size mattresses, but your mattress isn’t the only thing that affects your sleep. A too-small bed can also make it tough to get quality shut-eye.
In our list, we took the following factors into account:
Customer reviews: Companies can say anything about their products, but real insight and opinions from other consumers like you offer a clearer picture of how your mattress will hold up over time. We took a careful look at what reviewers had to say about these mattresses.
Company reputation and transparency: We selected mattresses from companies known to create safe, quality products. We also made sure these brands are upfront about their materials and have a good business reputation.
Company policies: When you purchase an expensive product meant to last, such as a mattress, you want to know you’ve chosen the right one. That’s why we included only brands that offer warranties and trial periods.
Affordability: Most people want a great mattress that doesn’t cost a fortune. While we do include some pricier picks, many of the mattresses on our list come in under $1,500. All prices are accurate at the time of publication.
There are four main categories when shopping for a full-size mattress: hybrid, innerspring, latex, or memory foam. When shopping, it helps to know what matters to you regarding material content and design.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are comfortable and supportive. These are a coil mattress that is usually made of polyfoam, memory foam, latex, and other conforming materials. They are great for people who want the support of an innerspring mattress and the feel of a memory foam mattress.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses combine thin comfort layers of polyfoam and/or memory foam with steel coils. They are very supportive yet bouncy. Innerspring mattresses are the most widely sold mattress type among U.S. consumers and the most affordable.
Latex
Latex is created by mixing the sap of rubber trees with chemical fillers. Latex mattresses are very durable and provide just the right amount of contour. If you hate the sinking feeling of memory foam, you may prefer latex (plus, it won’t trap as much body heat).
Foam
There are different types of foam mattresses on the market — polyfoam, memory foam, or a combination of both materials. People love foam mattresses because they easily sink into and help alleviate pressure points.
people who sleep alone or with a small child or pet
people under 6 feet tall
older children and teenagers
college students
A full-size mattress measures 53 by 75 inches, so they aren’t ideal for many couples, especially those who prefer plenty of personal space. Of course, if you’re both on the shorter side and love to cuddle through the night, you might be just fine.
Mattress size isn’t the only factor to consider when purchasing a new mattress.
Mattress type
Mattresses come in four types: innerspring, foam, hybrid, and latex.
Foam mattresses tend to be softer, so dedicated back sleepers and people with higher body weight may find a hybrid or innerspring mattress more supportive.
Hybrid mattresses, the in-between option, combine supportive coils with a softer foam layer.
Traditional innerspring mattresses are coils only, though some newer models might include a pillow top or cooling layer.
Latex mattresses contour gently and feel naturally springy.
Your decision here typically depends on your firmness and sleeping position preferences. Still, your doctor or sleep specialist may recommend a particular type of mattress if you experience chronic pain or regularly have trouble sleeping.
Mattress performance
Mattresses offer plenty of features beyond firmness, so look for the ones you consider most important as you shop.
If you have back pain, you might want a mattress with pressure-relief technology, for example. Perhaps you want to be sure the mattress has a firm edge, so it holds its shape over time.
Sleeping alone? Motion isolation may not matter to you, but you might prefer a mattress with a cooling layer to help prevent overheating.
Bed frame and bedding
With many newer mattresses, you might not need a box spring, but you’ll still need something to put your mattress on.
Many warranties require you to place your bed on a specific type of foundation, such as a box spring or platform, so check yours to be sure the frame you have will work.
If the total height of your mattress is more than 14 inches, you’ll need deep-pocket sheets, so that’s something to consider if you opt for an added pillow top or mattress pad.
Company policies
In a perfect world, the products you purchase would always work exactly as intended. In reality, that’s not always the case, so you want the next best thing: retailers that stand by their products and make the return process as hassle-free as possible.
Mattresses are a big investment. You can’t know how you’ll feel about yours until you sleep on it, so make your purchase from companies that offer home trials and lengthy warranties whenever possible.
If you don’t love it, don’t hesitate to send it back — you deserve quality sleep.
Full-size mattresses work well for people sleeping alone, especially when your childhood bed feels cramped.
Some couples can sleep comfortably on a full-size mattress, but you could have trouble if you both tend to spread out or move a lot in your sleep. If you and your partner (or dog or cat) already spend most of the night battling for space, you may want to consider moving up a size.
If you move often, a full-size mattress is easier to lug along. You’ll also spend less on it than on a queen-size mattress, so that’s something to keep in mind if the price is a big factor for you.
What’s the difference between a full and a queen mattress?
The only difference is the size.
A standard full-size mattress measures 53 to 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, while a standard queen measures 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. The width of a full-size mattress tends to be best suited for a single sleeper or a sleeper with a pet or small child.
Couples who like getting cozy may also enjoy sleeping in a full, but otherwise, the mattress is too narrow to comfortably accommodate two adult sleepers.
A queen mattress is longer and wider and makes a more comfortable choice for two adult sleepers. But it also takes up more space and comes at a higher price than a full mattress.
What is the best full-size mattress for kids?
When you’re buying for a child, consider the materials. You need something that’s going to be durable and stain-resistant. You may also want to opt for materials that are free from certain chemicals or materials that could irritate sensitive skin.
The best full-size mattress for kids in your family will also depend on your price. If you have room in your budget, you can spring for the Avocado Green mattress. If you’re in the market for something less expensive, though, the Tuft & Needle Original mattress is a good option.
Buying a new mattress can require a lot of legwork when all you want to do is rest — especially when the only thing you’re sure about is the size.
There are plenty of options for any mattress budget, so narrowing down the most important features will help you get a great start on your search for improved sleep.
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
