Written by Logan Block, Former Mattress Reviewer
If your feet are constantly hanging over the edge of your mattress, your partner is sleeping just a little too close to you during the night, or you’re just someone who wants to feel like royalty, you might be on the search for the best California king mattress. These mattresses are significantly bigger than a queen bed, and obviously a full or twin, so they truly give a more luxurious sleeping experience to their users. Fortunately, me and my fellow mattress testers here at Sleepopolis have scoured our favorite brands to see which ones are currently offering California king mattress, and in this roundup, I’ve compiled a list of our favorite 10 mattresses just for you.
Obviously, the size of your mattress isn’t the only thing that you’re probably considering when searching for a new bed. Don’t worry, it’s not the only thing I’m considering, either. I ’ve put all of the mattresses on this list through a series of evaluations, including but not limited to a 15-minute rest test, a motion transfer test, and a pressure-map test. All of these tests help me see exactly who these mattresses are best for, and my conclusions can be found down below in the pros and cons section for each mattress on this list.
What’s the Difference Between a King vs. California King Mattress
California king mattresses are longer than king size mattresses, not wider. While standard king mattresses are 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, California king beds are 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.
Our Best California Mattress Top Pick
The DreamCloud gets the top spot on this list because it’s a great option for couples, hot sleepers, and back sleepers. Overall, it’s a nice option for folks who want a slightly softer feel but don’t want to sacrifice support.
Best California King Mattresses
- DreamCloud – Best Overall
- Nectar – Best California King Mattress for Joint Pain
- Helix Midnight – Best Hybrid California King Mattress
- WinkBed – Best California King Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best California King Mattress for Couples
- Nolah Evolution – Best California King Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Bear – Best Foam California King Mattress
- Saatva – Best Innerspring California King Mattress
- Plank Firm – Best Firm California King Mattress
- Titan Plus – Best California King Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
Best California-Size Mattress 2024 Video Review
Compare the Best California King Mattresses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| DreamCloud Original Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Saatva Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Foam | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples
|
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
|
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
|
Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain,
|
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors
|
Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
|
What I Look For In The Best California King Mattress
Comfort and Pressure Relief
When you are in the market for a California King mattress, one of your priorities may be comfort and the ability of the mattress to relieve pressure. We also prioritized these things and tested each of the mattresses on this list for their comfort by analyzing the materials and construction and conducting comfort tests by laying on the mattresses ourselves. We also used a pressure map to test what areas of the body got the best pressure relief on each mattress to help you find the right California King for you.
Temperature Regulation
Staying cool and keeping your temperature regulated throughout the evening is important in all mattresses, so we made sure to test the temperature-regulating properties of each of these mattresses. To do this, we used a thermal heat gun to test the change in temperature of these mattresses after laying on them for five minutes. Doing so allowed us the chance to help you find the best cooling California King bed.
Durability
Your new California King should help you stay supported, comfortable, and cool, but it should also be durable. We tested the durability of these mattresses by examining the quality of their materials and construction, as well as testing out each individual mattress ourselves to examine how durable they are. This will help you find the best California King mattress that will last you a long time.
DreamCloud – Best Overall
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
Expert Opinion
For those in need of a California king hybrid — a bed utilizing plush comfort layers and sturdy coils — set your sights on the DreamCloud. This is a luxury hybrid mattress with a feel similar to what you’d find in a high-end hotel: supportive, durable, and springy. Plus, this is the brand’s most popular model for a reason — it lives up to its dreamy name. All of this and more is why I’ve dubbed it the best overall California king mattress.
The comfort layers included in the DreamCloud include gel memory foam, which not only helps to get rid of trapped body heat, but also has a slow responsive to pressure, helping to alleviate pain for sleepers with sensitive joints. At the same time, the DreamCloud also includes individually wrapped coils that add some bounce and support. To paraphrase, the DreamCloud really is the best of both worlds.
What our tester says: “The DreamCloud felt super luxurious to me. It’s very supportive and offers a plush feel. I really appreciate the high-quality materials used in its construction.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
The majority of the reviews on the DreamCloud website state how impressed they were with the price of this mattress. The total price for a California king DreamCloud mattress is $1,669, but with the constant deals on this website, many users stated that they got a California king for under $1,000.
Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress
- Combination sleepers should love the innerspring coils present in the DreamCloud. These coils help sleepers feel more lifted on the bed, instead of sinking into it. This is great for combo sleepers who need to be able to move around and switch positions easily on top of their mattress.
- The spaces between these coils also provides extra airflow to increase the breathability of this mattress (a big win for hot sleepers).
- Lightweight sleepers should rest comfortably on the DreamCloud, regardless of their sleeping position. Lightweight back and stomach sleepers should get the support they need, since this mattress will feel firmer to their frame. At the same time, lightweight side sleepers should still get enough pressure relief for their hips and shoulders.
Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress
- Strict side sleepers over 130 pounds might find that the DreamCloud is a little too firm for their liking. These sleepers need a soft mattress that provides extra pressure relief at the hips and shoulders.
Think the DreamCloud is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full DreamCloud mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses of 2024.
Nectar – Best California King Mattress for Joint Pain
The Nectar delivers a balance of comfort and support: it’s definitely contouring, but still provides a firm enough foundation for most light to average weight sleepers, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepers would be especially happy on this bed. They’ll get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep. Hot sleepers who have to have a memory foam mattress should also have no trouble at all falling asleep on this bed.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for a California king that’s easy on the joints, then I highly recommend the Nectar. I put this all-foam mattress through my pressure map test, which is where I lay a specialized mat across the mattress and then lie down in different positions to see how much pressure is exerted in each one. For the Nectar, every single sleeping position lit up blue and green, which equates to low pressure. This is great for anyone suffering with joint pain or arthritis, as they can still sleep in their preferred position without worrying about activating their pain.
In general, the Nectar includes an especially thick layer of memory foam on top of its construction that closely contours the pain points on my body, resulting in a lot of pressure relief. This extra foam also allows sleepers to really sink into the mattress’s layers, instead of feeling like they’re more “on top” of their mattress.
What our tester says: “I think the Nectar is a great value for folks wanting a memory foam feel with a little bit of responsiveness. The foams contoured nicely around my joints and offered great relief.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Multiple reviews on the Nectar website came from heavier sleepers (those over 250 pounds). These comments all stated that their weight did not make any difference in the comfort of this mattress, and they had no problem with sinkage or sagging on the Nectar.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
- With a score of 6 on our firmness scale, the Nectar is a softer mattress that gives off more of a cradled, sinking feel to the sleeper. This is great for side sleepers that need extra cushioning around their sensitive joints throughout the night.
- This mattress includes a cover made with heat-wicking technology. This helps keep hot sleepers from overheating during the night, and couples should appreciate the extra breathability and airflow.
- The Nectar is adept at isolating motion. This means that sleepers shouldn’t feel the tossing or turning of their partner during the night.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
- The Nectar is most likely not going to be supportive enough for strict stomach sleepers. These sleepers need a mattress that is firm enough to keep their hips in line with their shoulders in order to promote a healthy spinal alignment. I recommend these folks take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers for some firmer options.
Think the Nectar is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Nectar mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for arthritis.
Helix Midnight – Best Hybrid California King Mattress
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
As a part of Helix’s original line of hybrid mattresses (each with a different firmness), the Helix Midnight is a medium-firm bed that features plush memory foam layered over pocketed coils for a nice balance of pressure relief and support. The versatility of this California King mattress allows it to appeal to many different types of sleepers, including back, side, combination, and some stomach sleepers (usually if they’re lightweight).
But what’s the best part about this royal bed? A California king sized Helix Midnight comes in at around $1,700, which is a steal compared to some queen sized mattresses on the market right now. This price is also before any Sleepopolis sales or discounts that can be applied when purchasing from Helix.
What our tester says: “I felt really comfortable back and side sleeping on the Helix Midnight. Its cushy foams offered me pressure relief, while its pocketed coils offered support.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Customers on the Helix website love how versatile this mattress is. Many users talked about how difficult it is to find a mattress that fits both you and your partner’s preferred sleeping positions, but the Helix Midnight did just that. Its combination of support and cushioning allows it to work for the majority of sleeping positions.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- Sleepers who suffer from shoulder pain should feel some relief after sleeping on the Helix Midnight. The cushioning in this mattress prevents stiffness around the joints, which helps these sleepers wake up without that achy pain around their shoulders.
- The Helix Midnight includes a Tencel cover that helps with temperature regulation, and as a hybrid mattress, the space between coils helps promote airflow throughout the bed. This is great news for hot sleepers or couples who have double the body heat under their covers.
- The Helix Midnight includes a support layer with individually wrapped coils. This gives this mattress an extra-bouncy and responsive feel, which is great for combination sleepers who need to be able to switch positions and move around easily on top of their mattress.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- Heavier sleepers probably won’t be able to get the support they need from the Helix Midnight. These sleepers could try out the Luxe version of this mattress instead, but I recommend they also take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for heavier sleepers to see some other options.
Think the Helix Midnight is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Helix Midnight mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses of 2024.
WinkBed – Best California King for Back Pain
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The best California king for back pain needs to have a balance of comfort and support. That way, the sleeper‘s hips and lumbar region are both cushioned and elevated at the same time, which leads to a neutral spinal alignment. I think the WinkBed does a fantastic job at this, as it has an extra-tall layer of coils that offer a ton of support. I even tested it out my by taking a 15-minute power nap on top of the WinkBed. Throughout my nap, I felt elevated and neutrally aligned.
To further test the pressure relieving abilities of the WinkBed, I put it to my pressure map test. This involves rolling a specialized mat across the bed, which then uses thermal imaging to create a graphic that visually shows us how much pressure is being put on certain areas of the body. For the WinkBed, the graphic showed little to no pressure at the lumbar region — further proof that this is an excellent mattress for anyone dealing with back pain.
What our tester says: “If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. It has a traditional, supportive feel. I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
We cannot overstate how many users commented on the WinkBed’s ability to relieve back pain. Scrolling through the reviews on the WinkBeds website, almost every user stated that they began waking up pain-free shortly after buying their WinkBed, with some having previously had back pain for nine years.
Pros of the WinkBed Mattress
- The WinkBed only uses CertiPUR-US Certified foams in its construction. Because of this, this mattress is free from harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and fiberglass.
- The reinforced edges included on the WinkBed created solid edge support for this mattress. This is great for couples who want to spread out and use the full surface area of their mattress without fear of sinkage or falling off near the sides.
- Lightweight sleepers should sleep well in all positions on the WinkBed. The slightly firm feel of this mattress combined with the softer Euro pillow top makes it sturdy enough for lightweight back and stomach sleepers, while also providing enough pressure relief for lightweight side sleepers.
Cons of the WinkBed Mattress
- The WinkBed has a traditional innerspring feel that places you more “on top” of the mattress than in it. So if you love the soft and slow sinkage of memory foam, it probably isn’t the mattress for you. Instead, check out our roundup of the best memory foam mattresses currently on the market.
Think the WinkBed is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full WinkBed mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for back pain.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best California King for Couples
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
California kings are a wonderful mattress size for couples because they provide lots of legroom and easily fit two sleepers. The best mattresses for couples are also cooling, durable, and good at isolating motion. I think the California king Signature Hybrid checks these boxes. First of all, it includes a breathable cover and comfort layer, as well as coils for added airflow throughout the mattress. At the same time, these coils also add to the Signature Hybrid’s durability, as coils are much more supportive than foams usually are.
We also put the Signature Hybrid through my motion isolation test, where I drop three steel balls of varying weights onto the mattress and then measure how much movement occurred using a seismometer. The Signature Hybrid showed little to no movement rippling across its surface, which proves that you shouldn’t feel your partner getting out of bed or tossing and turning during the night.
What our tester says: “I also like that this mattress offers an ‘on-top-of-the-bed,’ plush feel. I think it’s a great choice for combination sleepers who need a mattress that makes it easy to change positions at night. I’d highly recommend considering the Signature Hybrid if you switch positions frequently throughout the night.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Multiple users on the Brooklyn Bedding website commented on how little movement they feel from their partner during the night. These reviews also praise the edge support of the Signature Hybrid, as it allows them to spread out on their mattress, which they were unable to do with their previous bed.
Pros of the Signature Hybrid Mattress
- Lightweight sleepers who primarily rest on their back or stomach should feel at home on the Signature Hybrid. This is because the hybrid nature of this mattress offers a good balance of pressure relief and support. The foams allow for sleepers to sink into the mattress around their joints, while still keeping their spine in a neutral alignment on the coils.
- Combination sleepers should appreciate the Signature Hybrid because, as a hybrid, its coils allow sleepers to easily move around on top of the mattress. This allows combo sleepers to switch positions as needed throughout the night.
- The bouncy and responsive nature of the Signature Hybrid makes it a great mattress for sex, as couples can easily move around and switch positions on top of this mattress.
Cons of the Signature Hybrid Mattress
- Sleepers who suffer from shoulder pain most likely won’t receive the pressure relief they need from the Signature Hybrid. During my pressure map test, the shoulder area lit up yellow, which signifies there are more pressure forming in that area. These sleepers might want to check out our roundup of the best mattresses for shoulder pain instead.
Think the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for couples.
Nolah Evolution – Best California King Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re a side sleeper on the hunt for the best California king mattress, you’ll want to keep the usual traits for your sleeping position in mind — namely softness and pressure relief at the shoulders and hips. With its two foam comfort layers and a true medium-firm score of 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, the Nolah Evolution fits the bill. When resting on my side, I felt the brand’s proprietary AirFoam ICE (a more breathable alternative to memory foam) hugging my shoulders and hips, all while a bottom layer of support coils prevented me from sinking too far into the bed’s layers. I should note that the Nolah Evolution comes in three different firmness levels: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. I tested out the Luxury Firm.
I was also sure to put the Nolah Evolution through my pressure map test, just to see exactly how much pressure is being exerted on my body in the side-sleeping position. The map was mostly blue, with a tinge of green at the shoulders and hips. This shows that there shouldn’t be too much pressure buildup while side sleeping. And if you’re a side sleeper who struggles with shoulder pain and hip pain, you can always opt for the Plush model.
What our tester says: “I love how the Nolah Evolution comes in three different firmness models, so you can choose the best fit for you. For the Luxury Firm model, I really appreciate its medium-firm feel. This mattress provides good pressure relief and body contouring. It’s a great choice for side sleepers, and back sleepers who like a softer mattress.”.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Although it’s unclear exactly how many reviews for the Evolution are on the Nolah website, it has an average customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, with many of the testimonials coming from side sleepers. One review from a 74-year-old male sleeper praises the bed for being soft, yet also supportive.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- The coils make it easy to move around and switch sleeping positions, which combination sleepers should appreciate.
- Sleepers who suffer from back pain should love the cushy pressure relief that the Nolah Evolution gives them. My pressure map lit up almost completely blue during back sleeping, indicating that pain should be alleviated in this position.
- The breathable foams and coils included in the construction of the Nolah Evolution allow for added airflow. This helps with overall breathability and works to combat the buildup of body heat. Hot sleepers should be comfortable on this mattress.
Cons of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
- Strict stomach sleepers will most likely want to opt for a firmer mattress that keeps their hips lifted in line with their shoulders, promoting a healthy spinal alignment. They might be more comfortable on the Firm model, or they can check out our roundup of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Think the Nolah Evolution is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Bear – Best California King Foam Mattress
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
Foam mattresses often get a bad reputation for trapping heat and sagging prematurely. However, this shouldn’t be a problem for the Bear, which I believe is a stellar all-foam California king. I found the Bear’s additional Celliant cover to be cool to the touch as soon as I laid down (however, this cover will add $130 to your overall total), and the memory foam included in the comfort layer of this mattress is infused with graphite cooling gel.
In addition to all these cool additions (get it?), the Bear also includes high-density support foam in its bottom foundation layer. This support foam is especially durable, so you count on this mattress lasting much longer than other all-foam beds currently on the market.
What our tester says: “I really appreciate the firm and responsive feel of the Bear mattress. Its combination of support and pressure relief makes it a great option for back sleepers struggling with back pain.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many of the customers on the Bear website bought this mattress for their children. All of these users said that this mattress was perfect for a growing kid, as it was extremely durable and long-lasting, and it helped relieve the tired muscles from their kid’s more active lifestyle.
Pros of the Bear Mattress
- The Bear does include some sinkage and contouring in its construction, but the majority of sleepers won’t feel like they’re sinking into this mattress. Instead, sleepers should feel like they’re more “on top” of the bed, making it easy to move around and switch positions. This should especially appeal to combination sleepers.
- The Bear offers an additional Celliant cover that you can choose to top your mattress with, that should keep sleepers stay cooler longer. Bear also states that this material promotes blood flow throughout the body, helping with athletic recovery. While Sleepopolis cannot confirm or deny this, I can confidently say that this cover is helpful for hot sleepers. However, this cover will add an additional $130 to your total purchase, so keep that in mind before clicking “buy.”
- The Bear received great motion transfer results, so couples shouldn’t be able to feel the movements of their partner throughout the night. This is due to the top layer of memory foam, which keeps movement from traveling across the top of the mattress.
Cons of the Bear Mattress
- Heavier sleepers may find that the Bear doesn’t give them the support that they need. These sleepers might want to opt for an innerspring mattress instead, which should give them added stability and durability. If this sounds like a better fit, check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers.
Think the Bear is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Bear mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best memory foam mattresses.
Saatva – Best Innerspring California King Mattress
The Saatva’s coil-on-coil construction provides a classic innerspring feel. It’s a good option for combo sleepers, who will want to feel free to switch positions and avoid feeling “stuck” in the mattress. It comes in three firmness levels, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs. The white glove delivery Saatva provides is an added perk and will save you the headache of getting rid of your old mattress (they take it away for free!). For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Saatva is a great option for back sleepers, as the Luxury Firm model provides enough cushioning for their lumbar region, but also lots of support to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for a California king mattress with a firm and responsive feel, look no further than the Saatva. This luxury innerspring bed was made with two layers of coils toward the bottom, resulting in a ton of support and responsiveness. It’s similar to what you might experience on a more traditional mattress — lots of bounce and a more on-top-of-the-bed feel. However, I should note that there are three models, each with a different level of firmness: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. I tested out the Luxury Firm.
One of the biggest hallmarks of an innerspring mattress is that the coils make it easy to move back and forth. When I laid down on the Saatva, I very much found this to be the case. It was easy to roll around and change positions, which makes it one of the best mattresses for sex and combination sleepers.
What our tester says: “When I say that the Saatva has a coil-on-coil construction, I mean that it has two layers of springs, and that’s what makes up most of the mattress. Unlike a memory foam mattress or a hybrid mattress (which uses substantial amounts of springs and foam), it has a traditional innerspring feel — high on both firmness and support.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
One of the most unique features about Saatva — and one that customers constantly talk about in their reviews — is free white glove delivery. The company will actually send someone to your house to set up your mattress and remove your old one, free of charge. This is especially convenient if you’re ordering a bigger size such as a California King.
Pros of the Saatva Mattress
- Because it’s offered in three different firmness levels, there’s a Saatva for every sleeping position. I recommend the Luxury Firm for back sleepers, Plush Soft for side sleepers, and Firm for stomach sleepers.
- Hot sleepers should stay cool on the Saatva, thanks to all of the coils in its construction, which leave plenty of room for airflow.
- Seniors with mobility issues should also appreciate the Saatva, as its responsiveness makes it easy to get in and out of bed.
Cons of the Saatva Mattress
- As a luxury mattress, the Saatva certainly isn’t the cheapest bed in the world. Anyone who’s on a budget may want to check out our roundup of most affordable mattresses instead.
Think the Saatva is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Saatva mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look our roundup of the best innerspring mattresses.
Plank Firm – Best Firm California King Mattress
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Per its name, the Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding is one of the firmer California King mattresses available today, even though it’s made entirely of foam. With a flippable design, it offers multiple firmness options on the same bed. I scored the Firm side a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress scale and the Ultra-Firm side an 8.5 out of 10.
On both sides, I found exceptional orthopedic support, particularly for stomach, back, heavier, and senior sleepers. Couples should also have the Plank Firm on their radar. The all-foam construction made for great motion isolation, and its high-density foam layers created strong edge support, which should allow both partners to use the entire bed’s surface. This is even more true of the larger sleeping surface of a California King.
What our tester says: “I think the Plank Firm has strong edge support for a foam mattress. This bed is a great option for combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night and those with mobility issues.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
The Plank Firm by Brooklyn Bedding has nearly 4,000 reviews, averaging a score of 4.7 out of 5. Many verified buyers agreed that the Plank Firm lives up to its firmer feeling and support claims while offering an all-foam, comfortable construction.
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
- The Plank Firm is made in the USA (Arizona) by Brooklyn Bedding inside their regulated factory.
- The strong edge support should appeal to seniors or sleepers who struggle to get in and out of bed. It makes for easier mobility.
- The American Chiropractic Association endorses the Plank Firm.
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress
- While still a great cooling mattress, the additional cooling cover for the Plank Firm comes at an extra fee.
- Despite its all-foam construction, this is a hyper-firm mattress, so fans of the “sinking” feeling associated with memory foam may want to look elsewhere.
Think the Plank Firm is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Plank Firm mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at our roundup of the best firm mattresses.
Titan Plus – Best California King Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Heavy sleepers, or even big and tall sleepers, should love the extra leg room and space of a California king. And they can get even more support on the Titan Plus, a durable hybrid mattress from Brooklyn Bedding designed with larger sleepers in mind (those over 250 pounds). Its support layer includes six inches of 961 TitanCaliber encased coils, followed by a thick layer of high-density base foam, which helps this mattress maintain its durability and keep it shape for longer.
In order to test the firmness of this mattress, I asked a colleague with a larger body type to try out some different sleeping positions on top of the Titan Plus. He found that the heavy-duty materials included in this mattress offered some body contouring without causing him to sink too far into the comfort layers. He gave the Titan Plus a 6.5 on our firmness scale, but if you have a smaller or average body type, keep in mind that this score will be higher for you — probably around a 7.5.
What our tester says: “The materials under the Titan Plus’ hood are sturdy and durable. You get just the right amount of cozy mobility on top, but the theme here is support. Heavier people with back problems will likely enjoy the lower body alignment the Titan Plus provides.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Customers on the Brooklyn Bedding website love how durable and long-lasting the Titan Plus is. Some users even stated that they’ve had their Titan Plus for over three years, and it’s still just as comfortable as it was on the first day they got it.
Pros of the Titan Plus Mattress
- The firmness of this mattress makes it a great fit for combination sleepers. These sleepers should love the “on top” feel of the Titan Plus, which allows them to switch positions freely without getting stuck in their mattress’s layers.
- Sleepers who suffer with back pain should enjoy the Titan Plus because of how well it can evenly distribute their weight across the its surface. The firmness of this mattress helps to support the spine, while the top layer of foam fills in the space around the lumbar region.
- The flexible top layer included in the construction of the Titan Plus helps with motion isolation by stopping movement before it gets to the other side of the mattress. This is great for couples who don’t want to be disturbed during the night by their partner’s restlessness.
Cons of the Titan Plus Mattress
- As a bed made for heavier sleepers, it makes since that strict side sleepers will most likely not receive the pressure relief they need from the Titan Plus, especially around their hips and shoulders. These sleepers need the cushiony, sinking feel that comes from softer mattresses. If this sounds like you, I recommend taking a look at our roundup of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Think the Titan Plus is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal, or check out our full Titan Plus mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy people.
What Is a California King Mattress?
| Mattress | Size | Average Price | Who It’s Good For |
| Standard King | 76” x 80” | $1,700 | Couples, those who want more width |
| California King | 72” x 84” | $1,700 | Tall sleepers, those wanting a narrower bed |
| Wyoming King | 84” x 84” | $3,000 | Couples, tall sleepers, families, those looking to fill up a large room |
| Texas King | 80” x 98” | $4,000 | Couples, families, those wanting lots of width, those looking to fill up a large room |
| Alaskan King | 108” x 108” | $5,000 | Couples, tall sleepers, families, those looking to fill up a large room |
What’s the Difference Between a King vs. California King Mattress
California king mattresses are longer than king size mattresses, not wider. While standard king mattresses are 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, California king beds are 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.
Read: California King vs King Bed
Who Should and Should Not Buy a California King Mattress?
What Qualifies as a “Cheap Mattress?”
We typically consider a cheap mattress to be around $1,000 or less for a queen size. Although a lower price tag can sometimes equate to lower quality, some of our favorite mattresses fall into the “cheap” category and are great, quality options.
What to Look for in a California King Mattress
To help you find the exact right mattress for you, I created a guide of the most important considerations when shopping for a new bed.
Mattress Materials
Memory Foam
Memory foam is known for its slow-moving feel and pressure-relieving abilities. The foam provides unmatched comfort and cushioning. While it may not be the most cooling material, manufacturers often include gel infusions or ventilation within the foam to combat this. Foam is also more prone to sagging, so look for a model with a high-density base.
Who Foam is Best For:
- Side sleepers
- Those with joint pain
- Those wanting a hugging, contouring feel
Innerspring
What memory foam lacks, the innerspring mattress makes up for in its sturdy construction. It has a thinner comfort layer, so those looking for extreme pressure relief should opt for memory foam or hybrid models. However, the innerspring’s coils provide durability and breathability like no other. This is a great option for those searching for incredible support.
Who Innerspring is Best For:
- Heavy sleepers
- Stomach sleepers
- Hot sleepers
Hybrid
Known as the best of both worlds, hybrid beds provide the plush comfort of a memory foam mattress, as well as the durable support of an innerspring. They are often good options for cooling. Many of them tend to give a balanced feel, but you can find hybrids on the softer and firmer sides of the scale as well.
Who Hybrids are Best For:
- Back sleepers
- Those with back pain
- Seniors
Latex
Latex beds are eco-friendly options. While they tend to have higher price tags, the material quality is outstanding. Latex is naturally cooling, so if you sleep especially hot, this construction is for you. This material provides a responsive and bouncy feel.
Who It’s Best For:
- Hot sleepers
- Eco-conscious shoppers
- Combination sleepers
Firmness
When testing mattresses, we use a mattress firmness scale of 1–10, with 1 being the softest option, and 10 being the firmest option. The best firmness for you depends on your sleeping position and body type.
A true medium-firm mattress is considered a 6.5 on our firmness scale. If your mattress is scored higher than a 6.5, that means it’s going to feel slightly firmer than average, while a score under 6.5 is going to feel slightly softer.
Typically, I recommend that side sleepers go for a softer mattress, while back and stomach sleepers go for a firmer mattress, with stomach sleepers especially needing this firmness to keep their hips in line with their shoulders throughout the night, promoting a healthy spinal alignment.
However, every sleeper has their own preferences when it comes to the feel of their mattress, so make sure you take a look at what your mattress scores before buying.
Sleeping Position
Side sleeping: These folks often require a softer mattress built for lots of pressure relief. That way, pressure points at the shoulders and hips are cradled and you won’t wake up with joint pain in the morning.
Stomach sleeping: It’s crucial for stomach sleepers to have a bed that keeps the body elevated and the spine in proper alignment. If the hips bow, the back gets thrown out of alignment. That’s why it’s best to go for a firmer, supportive mattress that won’t let the body sink. It’s also not a bad idea to get evaluated for breathing issues at some point if you’re a stomach sleeper.
Back sleeping: Because a balance of comfort and support is paramount for back sleepers, many look for a mattress that lies in the middle of the firmness scale. It’s important to have the hips lifted, but also cushioned for maximum comfort and proper alignment.
Combination sleeping: If you switch sleeping positions throughout the night, you’ll find it easiest to move on a responsive, or bouncy, mattress. Most innerspring, latex, and hybrid mattresses are great for combination sleepers since they tend to be bouncy and easy to move around on. Some memory foam mattresses include poly foam or supportive transition layers that prevent you from getting stuck in the softer foam comfort layers.
Body Type
A Note From Sleepopolis: Remember that your body type should be considered along with your sleeping position. A lightweight stomach sleeper won’t need as firm of a mattress as a heavyweight stomach sleeper, who requires lots of support.
| Lightweight Sleepers | Average-Weight Sleepers | Heavyweight Sleepers |
| < 160 pounds | 160 – 230 pounds | > 230 pounds |
Lightweight sleepers: Folks under 130 pounds tend to do best on softer mattresses. Since they don’t compress through the layers easily, a softer construction tends to provide enough sturdiness and support.
Average weight sleepers: Those between 130 and 230 pounds should fare well on a medium-firm mattress that provides a balance of comfort and support.
Heavyweight sleepers: People over 230 pounds should opt for a firmer, more supportive mattress. They are more apt to press through the mattress layers, so a more durable option will make for a more comfortable sleeping experience. So, they’ll need a more durable option.
Are California King Beds Better for Bigger Sleepers?
They can be, but they can be a good choice for sleepers of other body types as well. The appeal of a California king is that it’s longer than a regular king. However, it’s narrower than a regular king mattress. For this reason, taller sleepers may enjoy a California king, but sleepers looking for a wider bed may prefer a Texas, Alaskan, or Wyoming king bed. Learn more about these options in our king-size mattress and bed-frame dimensions guide.
Motion Isolation
A mattress specializing in motion isolation, or a mattress with lower motion transfer, is one that traps movement. This is important for couples or those who sleep with a pet. On a bed with poor motion isolation or high motion transfer, light sleepers may be disturbed by their partner’s tossing and turning at night. Foam mattresses or beds with thick comfort layers particularly excel at motion isolation.
When testing for motion isolation, I use a drop ball test from various heights and a seismograph machine to determine how much movement is felt across the mattress. If the seismograph shows large waves, like the graph to the right, then it has poor motion isolation. I also use a red wine test which involves placing a full glass of wine on the mattress and seeing if moving around the mattress knocks it over. Typically, softer mattresses tend to have better motion isolation.
Are California King Mattresses Good for Couples?
They can be! The extra length on the bed may be a good option for some couples who don’t spread out as much but want more leg room. They may also be good for people who have pets that sleep at the foot of the bed. However, couples who prefer to spread out more or are looking for more space across a mattress may like some other options for king beds.
Cooling
Hot sleepers will want to consider investing in a cooling mattress, especially if cooling accessories (toppers, pillows, sheets) aren’t doing the job. Hybrid, innerspring, and latex mattresses tend to have impressive cooling properties. Foam mattresses are known for trapping heat, but gel infusions or ventilated foams can solve this problem.
When testing the cooling capabilities of a mattress, I first look at its construction. I make sure to look out for cooling materials like breathable coils, cooling foams and gels, and cooling covers. I then perform a temperature heat gun test where I see the change in temperature of a bed at its normal temperature to after someone has laid on it for a few minutes. I consider a change of 8 degrees or under to be good cooling, and a change of 5 degrees and under to be great cooling.
Durability
Innerspring, hybrid, and latex mattresses are known for their durable constructions. However, high-quality foam mattresses can last quite a long time, especially if they have sturdy materials or dense foam foundations. Remember that in many cases, you get what you pay for. Check out our roundup for the best mattresses that won’t sag for our favorite durable options.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to the strength of the perimeter of the mattress. Ideally, the edges of the mattress will be just as strong and sturdy as the center of the bed, allowing you to fully spread out while still being supported. Strong edges can help a mattress feel larger, which can appeal to couples or single sleepers who like to spread out. People with mobility issues who use the edges to get into bed could also benefit from a mattress with strong edge support. The strength of the edges can also speak to the mattress’s durability, as weak edges can lead to premature sagging.
Remember, California king beds are four inches longer than standard kings, but their width is actually four inches shorter. If you purchase a California king, look for a bed with strong edges, as this can make the mattress feel wider. I test edge support by sitting and laying directly on the edge of the mattress and measuring the sinkage using a yardstick. I also observe how stable I feel when lying near the edge — do I feel like I’m about to slip off the bed? If the layers don’t collapse significantly under my weight and I feel secure, then the mattress has good edge support.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to the amount of pressure that’s alleviated in the heavier parts of the body when sleeping. The areas where pressure is relieved vary depending on your sleep, so I test each sleeping position using something called the pressure map test.
First, I roll the mat across the mattress and lie on it in all positions. The mat then uses thermal imaging to create a color-coded graphic so we can see where pressure is relived. Green and blue on the map represent good pressure relief, where red and orange show poor pressure relief. When buying a California king size mattress, you want to make sure all your pressure points are comfortable throughout the night.
Company Policies
Warranty
A warranty protects the customer and allows them to return a defective mattress or a damaged mattress upon delivery. You’ll want a mattress warranty of at least 10 years, since a mattress warranty reflects a company’s certainty of a quality product. Pay attention to the fine print on warranties, as each company is different.
Sleep Trials
Sleep trials, with most lasting at least 100 nights, provide time for you to test out a mattress. Use this sleep trial wisely, making sure that your new purchase suits your sleeping position, body type, and overall sleep preferences.
Shipping
All of the brands that we have selected here offer free shipping, so rest assured that you won’t be paying extra for it. Some companies offer white glove delivery which involves a mattress being delivered to your home and set up on your bed frame for you. Delivery people might also remove your old mattress, though that may require an extra fee.
Coupons
While you can find huge sales around the holidays like Cyber 5, Labor Day and Memorial Day, there is a place for exclusive deals year-round: the Sleepopolis coupon page.
How Much Should You Spend on a California King Mattress?
A good-quality California king mattress might range from around $1,500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the quality of materials, pressure relief capabilities, motion isolation and other factors. We recommend you read our mattress reviews and consider trial periods and warranties when making your decision, as they will long-term affect your purchase. It is important to note that because the dimensions of a California king are different than a regular king, you’ll have to buy a new mattress base, new sheets, and possibly other bedding items.
How to Make Your California King Bed Extra-Comfortable
Adjustable Frame
Consider purchasing an adjustable frame to take the royalty of a California king to another level. These frames often come with lots of luxurious features, such as massage settings. Adjustable beds are also great for pinpointing the perfect elevation for you and your sleep needs.
Sheets
When you crawl into bed after a full day, the last thing you want is to feel scratchy sheets or poke through a hole in the fabric. The best sheets go a long way, and it’s important to invest in a set that matches your needs and preferences. Some sheets are cooling, others insulating; some are silky while others offer a crisp feel. Changing to a California King mattress is an opportunity to overhaul your bedding, as it will require a different set of sheet dimensions.
Pillows
The wrong pillow can cause extreme discomfort and throw off your head and neck alignment. It’s important to find the best pillow for your sleep position and comfort needs. They come in a variety of shapes and materials. Some specialize in cooling, others are adjustable, and there are some designed to assist with neck and shoulder pain.
Mattress Topper or Pad
Mattress toppers and mattress pads are fantastic and cost-effective ways to increase the comfort of your mattress. Luckily, you can find many of these products in the California king size.
A mattress topper is meant to adjust the firmness of your mattress. Depending on the product, it can make your bed softer or firmer. They come in a range of thicknesses and constructions, so you can decide what’s best for your needs.
A mattress pad is typically thicker than a mattress topper and is only used for smaller firmness adjustments. However, they can share some similarities with a mattress protector, such as waterproofing a bed.
California King Beds Frequently Asked Questions
Which bed is better: king or California king?
It depends what you value most: length or width. The California king is four inches longer than the standard king, whereas the standard king is four inches wider. For tall sleepers, we recommend the California king, and for couples, we recommend the standard king.
How much should I pay for a California king mattress?
You should expect to pay around $1,700 for a quality California king mattress. A super-cheap mattress may not provide you with a durable construction. A super-expensive mattress may not offer you any more than a luxury mattress that’s a few hundred dollars less.
Can I put a king mattress on a California king frame?
If you’re able to replace the standard king rails with California king rails, then this is perfectly acceptable. Standard kings and California kings are different sizes, so if you don’t have the right rails, it won’t fit the mattress properly.
Are there mattresses that are bigger than a California king?
Yes! A California king is longer than a traditional king mattress, but is more narrow. Wyoming, Alaskan, and Texas king beds are all bigger than California king beds.
Do king-size bedsheets fit a California king mattress?
No, California kings are longer and narrower than regular king mattresses, so a regular king set of sheets will not fit a California king mattress.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
When determining the best California king mattresses, we focused primarily on cooling and value. Since California king beds are used frequently by couples, we wanted to make sure our selections could prevent the buildup of body heat. On top of that, we wanted options that won’t empty out your wallet. All of the beds here scored at least a 4 out of 5 on cooling and value. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
Best California King Mattresses 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (California King Size) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DreamCloud | Overall | $1,669 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Review |
| Nectar | Joint Pain | $1,349 | Nectar Coupon | Read Review |
| Helix Midnight | Hybrid | $1,748 | Helix Coupon | Read Review |
| WinkBed | Back Pain | $2,049 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Couples | $1,599 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Side Sleepers | $2,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Review |
| Bear | Foam | $1,248 | Bear Coupon | Read Review |
| Saatva | Innerspring | $2,495 | Saatva Coupon | Read Review |
| Plank Firm | Firm | $1,532 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Review |
| Titan Plus | Heavy Sleepers | $1,499 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Review |
Logan Block
Former Content Director
About Author
Logan is the former content director of Sleepopolis. As content director, he reviewed new mattresses every week and curated the comparisons, best of pages, and video guides on the site. Logan perfected his method by personally testing over 200 different mattresses, so he’s not only able to discern the overall vibe of a specific bed, but to contextualize its feel within the bed-in-a-box market as a whole.
Back Sleeper