Mattress and Mattress Foundation Buying Guide
Use this guide to learn the right mattress size and foundation for your needs.
To get a good night's sleep you will need a good mattress and solid foundation. This buying guide will help you determine the right size mattress and the ideal foundation type.
Mattress Sizes
In the above chart you can see the standard sizes of mattresses. Below, you'll find more information about each size, including how that size is most often used, the sleeping space offered in each size, and more.
Twin Mattress
Most commonly found in children's bedrooms, twin beds provide the minimal width (39 inches) a person needs to comfortably sleep at night. Twin mattresses are also used on trundle units, daybeds, and hideaways.
Twin XL Mattress
Most often found in college dorms, twin XL beds have an additional 5 inches of length to accommodate taller people.
Full Mattress
Full mattresses are ideal for guest rooms and teens' bedrooms, as they're larger than a twin mattress, but not as wide or long as a queen.
Queen Mattress
The most common mattress size in America, queens are popular in guest rooms and small master bedrooms. Each person only has 30 inches of sleeping space, which is below the recommended 39 inches.
King Mattress
Also known as an eastern king, this mattress gives each person about 38 inches of sleeping room. You can create a king-sized bed by pushing two twin beds together. A king mattress is meant to be used with two half-width box springs for easy delivery and moving.
California King
The ideal choice for tall people, a California king is 4 inches longer than a traditional king, although it is also 4 inches less wide. Also known as a western king, it also is meant to be used with two half-width box springs.
Mattress Foundations
Mattress foundations are equally important to a good night's sleep as the mattress itself. A solid foundation will also help extend the life of your mattress. It is also important to get a foundation that is specifically designed for your mattress. They're often made to work as a set, and not purchasing the matching set could affect the manufacturer's warranty. There are two standard types: box spring and frame. Learn more about each type below.
Box Spring
A box spring is a sturdy wood frame covered with cloth and usually containing springs, providing support and a flat surface for the mattress to rest on. The box spring sits directly on the bed frame.
Frame
Usually made of steel, a frame holds both the mattress and box spring higher off the ground. An individual frame is not necessary if you have a bed that includes a frame.
Low Profile
- 4 1/2 - 5 1/2 inches high
- Desirable if a standard height makes the bed too high to comfortably get into and out of.
- Works well with low profile headboards
Frame
Usually made of steel, a frame holds both the mattress and box spring higher off the ground. An individual frame is not necessary if you have a bed that includes a frame.
Frame
Usually made of steel, a frame holds both the mattress and box spring higher off the ground. An individual frame is not necessary if you have a bed that includes a frame.
Standard
- 7 1/4 inches high
- Must have a centre support for king and queen sizes
Low Profile
- 4 1/4 inches
- Must have a centre support for king and queen sizes
- Ideal for low profile headboards
- Makes it easier to get in and out of bed
Tip!
Platform beds do not require a box spring or frame because they generally have a solid base or use a series of wooden slats for the mattress to rest on.
