Best California king mattresses of 2021 – CNET [CNET]

When you’re shopping for the best California king mattress or king mattress, do you usually assume that the California king is larger? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Yet, while many folks believe that a California king, also known as a western king, is bigger than a standard king, they are unfortunately mistaken. 

The California king is actually just longer — not wider. They typically measure 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, while regular king size mattresses are 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, making the California king four inches narrower and four inches longer than the standard king-size mattress. 

There are even more king mattress sizes, although rarely named on shopping sites. In case there’s a trivia question about it during your next game night, these sizes include the Alaskan king at 108 by 108 inches (truly the largest mattress available — when it’s available, which is not often), the Wyoming king at 84 by 84 inches and the Texas king, which is 80 inches wide by 98 inches long.

But for most shoppers, the California king is the longest mattress that you can buy in stores. That makes it great for taller sleepers, or anyone else who enjoys having a bit more space lengthwise. It’s also a good option if you have a particularly long and narrow or rectangular-shaped room. The California king mattress tends to work best in rooms with dimensions of at least 12 feet by 12 feet. If you’re more concerned with having a wider bed than a longer one (like if you have a partner who loves to wiggle), a standard king mattress is a better mattress type option for you.

If you’re ready to take the plunge on a new California king, we took a close look at which mattresses work best in the California king size. Here are the best California king mattress options we found. (All prices listed are the regular, non-sale list price.)

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