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At 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, a king-size mattress can be a sensible choice for anyone who needs more space than what’s offered by a full, twin, or queen bed. Maybe you have a partner or pet, a tendency to sleep sprawled out like a snow angel, or simply a spacious bedroom that looks too empty with a smaller mattress. No matter the reason, you’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for a comfy and expansive new bed.
When searching for any online mattress, not just a king-sized one, it’s important to find a bed that provides soothing pressure relief while still being supportive enough to prop the spine into proper alignment. Sleepopolis’s Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, said, “To find a bed with the ideal balance of support and pressure relief you’ll want to look for something that combines “medium firmness, contouring materials like memory foam or latex, zoned support, responsive materials, pocketed coils, layered construction, strong edge support, and proper alignment for the spine.”
With all that in mind, I’ve put together a list of the best king-size mattresses for a variety of body types, budgets, and sleeping positions. To make these recommendations, not only do I put each bed through an extensive battery of tests that measure performance factors such as cooling, motion isolation, and pressure relief — I also vet every product’s trial period, shipping policy, and warranty.
Additionally, our team worked closely with Dr. Raj to develop a medically approved testing methodology. Our recommendations are based on concrete testing data, as well as real-world sleep experience and subjective data from our certified sleep science coaches and mattress experts. We’ve helped more than 17,932 people find a mattress in 2025 alone (and 132,017 since we started in 2014), and hopefully we can help you find the best king-size mattress right now.
What We Looked for in the Best King-Size Mattress
Our team of certified sleep science coaches has tested more than 375 mattresses to assess important factors like support, pressure relief, cooling, motion isolation, durability, and more. When rounding up the best king-size mattresses of 2025, I paid special attention to a few select elements.
- Motion Isolation: King beds are popular for couples, as they provide room for two people to spread out. However, if you share your bed with another person, you’ll want to ensure your bed has excellent motion isolation. This feature dampens the movements created by a bedmate’s tossing, turning, and repositioning so it doesn’t awaken the other sleeper.
- Responsiveness: Sexually active couples who share a king bed will likely want it to be responsive and bouncy. Responsive beds, typically those constructed with coils, make it easier to reposition during acts of intimacy.
- Firmness and Feel: Firmness and feel are personal preferences, but how a bed feels is primarily based on your body type and preferred sleep position. We included a selection of beds with different firmness levels so that you can find one that meets your needs. If you are sharing your king bed with a partner who doesn’t like the same firmness as you, I suggest looking for a bed with a more universally appealing medium-firmness.
- Space: King beds, at 76” x 80”, are the largest standard bed available. While this is wonderful for sprawling out or sharing your bed, it can take up a lot of real estate in your bedroom. Before you invest in a new king-size mattress, make sure that your room can accommodate it.
Best King-Size Mattresses
- Nectar Mattress – Best Memory Foam King-Size Mattress
- Saatva Classic – Best King-Size Mattress for Back Pain
- Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress – Best Luxury King-Size Mattress
- DreamCloud Original Mattress – Best Hybrid King-Size Mattress
- WinkBed Mattress – Best King-Size Mattress for Couples
- Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – Best Cooling King-Size Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best King-Size Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress – Best King-Size Mattress for Muscle Recovery
- Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress – Best Soft King-Size Mattress
- Big Fig Mattress – Best King-Size Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
Current Top Deals
- DreamCloud Original Mattress – Up to 60% off mattresses + $599 of accessories included
- Nectar Mattress – Save up to 50% on mattresses + 66% on bundles
- Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid – 20% Off Select Mattresses
- Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress – Use code FALLSALE20 and save 20% off sitewide
- Saatva Classic – Take $300 off your order of $1,000 or more
Need help finding the right mattress?
Compare the Best King-Size Mattresses
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| Nectar Mattress | Saatva Classic | Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Big Fig Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 8/10 |
| Material | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Best For |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Couples |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Couples |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Couples |
Best King-Size Mattress 2025 Video Review
Nectar – Best Memory Foam King-Size Mattress
The Nectar Classic is a memory foam mattress that provides solid support for most light to average weight sleepers. The cushioning memory foam allows for plenty of pain relief around the lower lumbar spine. Most back sleepers and side sleepers should enjoy the pressure relief. 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 the Nectar Classic does a great job of relieving back pain. The pressure map test results show a lot of blue and green on our backs, meaning back sleepers should experience good pressure relief from the Nectar.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Memory foam is one of the most popular materials used in mattresses due to its slow-moving, hugging sensation. If you’re looking for that type of feel in your new king-size mattress, look no further than the Nectar mattress, an all-foam, medium-firm bed that comes with free shipping, a lifetime warranty, and a 365-night sleep trial. Due to its all-foam construction, we weren’t surprised to find 4.5-star pressure relief on the Nectar. We also found an incredible amount of support from this bed, which led us to give it the full 5 stars for that category in our testing.
The Nectar mattress is made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, meaning they’re free from harmful chemicals, ozone depleters, and heavy metals. The comfort layer and transition layer add a nice amount of cushioning, yet are balanced by the denser support foam below. This gives the bed an overall medium-firm feel that our testers rated 6.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
When it comes to pressure relief, the memory foam Nectar mattress excels, which we discovered when we tested it using our pressure-sensing mat. As you can see below, the thermal map is mostly blue with just a touch of green when we lay on it on our backs, indicating low pressure. Our tester Nichole Mondshein said, “I think the Nectar does a great job relieving back pain, especially for back sleepers.” We do see a bit more green and yellow when side sleeping, indicating a rise in pressure. While this may not be concerning for most side sleepers, those with sensitive shoulders may want a bed that’s slightly softer.
Although memory foam has a reputation for trapping heat, we think the Nectar is one of the best beds on the market for cooling. The mattress cover is breathable, and the gel-infused memory foam helps draw heat away from the body. To test this, we used a thermal gun. First, we recorded the initial temperature of the mattress. Then, we recorded the temperature after someone had rested on it for 5 minutes. The Nectar only heated up 5.9 degrees, which we consider good temperature regulation, so we gave it a cooling score of 4.5 stars.
One thing to keep in mind is the Nectar’s motion isolation score, which we gave 3.5 out of 5 stars. While this score isn’t terrible, it does leave some room for improvement. If you sleep with another person, you’re likely to feel their movement at night — even from the other side of a king-sized bed. This may be an issue if you’re a light sleeper.
To learn more about the Nectar, read our full Nectar mattress review. For a bed with less motion transfer, try the Nolah Signature or check out our best memory foam mattress roundup.
Saatva – Best King-Size Mattress for Back Pain
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
If you’re a sleeper who struggles with back pain, you should try a king-size mattress that offers plenty of support. Our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, says, “A bed can help with back pain by providing enough support to keep the spine aligned, which reduces muscle strain. It also helps with weight distribution to relieve pressure on the back.” With not one, but two layers of supportive coils, the Saatva Classic is a great choice. Our expert testers gave this mattress 5 stars in both the support and edge support categories, meaning it supports the spine at every turn. The Saatva also earned 4.5 stars for pressure relief, so you should find some cushioning relief at the back as well.
We were also impressed by this bed’s double-coil construction, which led us to give it 5 stars for materials. One coil layer helps with spinal support, but two coil layers make for a super-supportive bed that props the hips in line with the shoulders. Our tester Nichole Mondshein said, “I found the Saatva Classic to be a bouncy, high-quality mattress with durability and great edge support. The coil-on-coil construction helps with support and spinal alignment, making this a good option for sleepers with back pain.”
While support is a crucial factor to pay attention to, pressure relief is equally important when it comes to back pain. The Saatva comes in multiple firmness options; we tested pressure relief on the Luxury Firm model, which falls at a 6.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. Taking a look at the pressure map, we see mostly all blue when back sleeping, indicating zero pressure buildup. For side sleeping, there’s only a bit of green at the hips and shoulders. Most side sleepers should be comfortable on the Luxury Firm model, but those with hip and shoulder pain may want to try the softer Plush model.
Two layers of coils make for 5-star responsiveness, or how fast a mattress responds to your movements, which means it’s easy to move around on this bed. However, this level of bounce brings down its motion isolation score, which is only a 3 out of 5. As an innerspring bed, this mattress doesn’t have many layers of foam to absorb motion on impact and prevent it from affecting the sleeper on the other side of the mattress. This could be an issue if you sleep with a restless partner.
For more about the Saatva, read our full Saatva Classic mattress review. For a bed with a bit more foam, try the Saatva Rx or check out our best mattress for back pain roundup.
Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Luxury King-Size Mattress
Helix has a line of six hybrid mattresses, each with a different level of firmness. The Midnight is one of their medium models. It has enough contouring for side sleepers, but should still be supportive enough for back sleepers, as long as they don’t mind a softer bed. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I like the Helix Midnight Luxe for back sleepers and side sleepers. The medium-soft to medium-firm feel should give these folks the right balance of comfort and support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Helix offers a line of six hybrid mattresses that vary in firmness level and feel. Each of these beds are sold in both a standard and luxury model. If you’re looking for a luxury king mattress, we recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe. Like the standard Helix Midnight, the Midnight Luxe has a medium feel that offers both pressure relief and support. We gave the Helix Midnight Luxe 4.1 stars for pressure relief and 4.5 stars for support and edge support, giving it a balanced feel that prioritizes comfort and spinal alignment. However, the Luxe offers some unique features that you won’t find in the standard model.
Unlike the standard model, the Helix Midnight Luxe includes a premium cooling pillow-top layer quilted with gel foam, which provides some added pressure relief and temperature regulation. There’s also an extra layer of foam under the comfort layer made from copper gel memory foam. Copper and gel are two great cooling infusions that help prevent overheating. Beneath those layers, the Luxe packs in more than 1,000 individually wrapped support coils. These innerspring coils are zoned to be softer or firmer depending on which part of the body they’re supporting.
Taking a look at the Helix Midnight Luxe’s pressure map, we found stellar results. The body is primarily blue in both the side- and back-sleeping positions, revealing little to no pressure, so we think this bed could be a good fit for both back and side sleepers. Our mattress tester Sosha Lewis enjoyed the Midnight Luxe in both positions, saying, “I am a fan of this mattress. As a side sleeper, I would definitely like this bed at home. I didn’t feel any pressure and enjoyed the contouring around my hips.” We think the Luxe’s pressure relief could help reduce pain in the back, hips, and shoulders, which led us to give it 4.1 stars in this category.
While back and side sleepers can find a lot to love from this bed, we don’t recommend it to stomach sleepers. The Luxe is a bit too soft to properly support and lift the hips in this position. If the hips aren’t lifted in line with the shoulders, the spine can bend unnaturally, leading to pain. We’d steer stomach sleepers towards a firmer mattress.
We would also have liked a more extended sleep trial from Helix. While a 100-night trial is mostly standard across many mattress brands, it would have been nice to see a mattress of this caliber with a generous 365-night trial to help customers decide if the Midnight Luxe is for them.
Interested in the Midnight Luxe? Read our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review. For a better option for stomach sleepers, try the Helix Dawn Luxe or head over to our best luxury mattress roundup.
DreamCloud Original – Best Hybrid King-Size Mattress
The DreamCloud Original is a hybrid mattress with a luxurious feel that back sleepers in particular will love. The coil layer keeps the bed breathable and cool while still being supportive. The memory foam top layer helps make the mattress comfortable, and gives it that luxurious and contouring feel without being too soft, ranking as a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale.
What our tester says:
“The DreamCloud got a 7 from me because it strikes a nice balance between pressure relief and support. There’s some gentle cushioning up top, as well as some firm bounce in the bed’s core. I think this feel could work well for anyone who likes to feel more lifted up by their bed rather than stuck in it..” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
If you can’t decide between a supportive innerspring mattress and a cushiony foam one, you may enjoy a hybrid mattress. These beds combine the strong, supportive coils from innerspring beds with the plush cushioning of memory foam. We think the DreamCloud Original mattress is the best hybrid king-size mattress because it earned 4.5 stars in both support and pressure relief. We also appreciate the 5-star warranty and generous sleep trial period, which allows you to try the bed for a full year before you commit to its lifetime guarantee.
When we tested the DreamCloud for pressure relief, we found impressive results due to the top layers of cushioning foams. In the back-sleeping position, the map displayed primarily blue along the entire body, indicating minimal pressure buildup. When our tester Bridget Chapman tried this mattress, she found a lot of tension relieved at her lower back.
“As I sank into this bed, I could feel its top layers of foam filling in the space at my lumbar region for some pleasant pressure relief,” she said. We see more green forming when side sleeping and just a touch of yellow at the hips. Because of this, we wouldn’t recommend this bed to side sleepers with hip pain. However, if you’re a side sleeper who prefers a firmer feel, then the DreamCloud could be a good fit.
The DreamCloud’s main support system is a base layer of tall, individually wrapped coils that provide firmness and a bit of bounce. These coils provide a feel that’s slightly firmer than medium firm, falling at a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale. When our experts tested this bed, they found a lot of lift, which had them feeling more “on” the bed than “in” the bed. They found enough support to keep their hips in line with their shoulders, thus achieving proper spinal alignment.
Although this bed is firmer than average, we still don’t think it’s firm enough for stomach sleepers, who need even more support at their hips. Lightweight stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds may feel supported, but average-weight and heavy stomach and combination sleepers will likely find too much sinkage at their hips.
For more on the DreamCloud, read our full DreamCloud Original mattress review. For a better option for stomach sleepers, try the Titan Plus or see some more hybrid options on our best hybrid mattress roundup.
WinkBed – Best King-Size Mattress for Couples
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
Research has found that sleeping with a partner is better than sleeping alone; however, that can be hard to do if your bed doesn’t have ample wiggle room. If you sleep with a partner, a king-size mattress can give you both the extra space you need. When it comes to finding a specific bed, we think the WinkBed is a great king-size bed for couples because it earned a 4 stars or higher in most of the key categories for couples including motion isolation, edge support, and responsiveness. Motion isolation is key to help you avoid the effects of your partner tossing and turning at night. And good edge support and responsiveness allows both partners to fully spread out while also making it easier to move around and reposition during sex.
We measure motion isolation using three tests, which you can read more about in our buyer’s guide at the end of this article. When we tested the WinkBed’s motion isolation, our testers found better results than expected for a bouncy hybrid mattress and awarded it a 4.3 out of 5 in this category. The disturbance shown on our seismograph isn’t too concerning — we think you’re unlikely to feel a partner tossing and turning beside you.
We found strong edges on the WinkBed, so you and your partner should be able to fully spread out and use the entire surface of the bed. We also appreciated the bounce and responsiveness, which makes it easy for combination sleepers and sexually active couples to move around. While these factors are ideal for couples, we do want to note that this bed may not provide enough sinkage and contouring for strict side sleepers.
The WinkBed also retained more heat than we expected, earning it a 3.5 out of 5 for cooling. The tall layer of coils adds plenty of space inside the mattress for hot air to flow without getting trapped. We also appreciated the Tencel cooling cover and gel-infused foam that draws heat away from the body. But when we measured the bed’s temperature with a thermal gun before and after a tester lay on it for 5 minutes, we found a 9.5-degree increase.
I personally thought the WinkBed felt pretty cool when I first laid down on it. After 5 minutes, I didn’t notice any significant heating up, despite what the thermal gun said. With some beds, you can really feel that 9 degree increase, but I didn’t notice it on the WinkBed. It didn’t necessarily feel cool, but I didn’t feel like the foams were noticeably hot.
Based on my own feedback and the thermal gun test results, I think most couples should be fine on the WinkBed mattress. However, if you or your partner tends to sleep extra hot, I’d recommend one of our best cooling mattresses instead.
For a closer look at this bed, read our full WinkBed mattress review. For a better option for side sleepers, try the Nolah Original 10” mattress or check out our best mattress for couples roundup.
Leesa Sapira Chill – Best Cooling King-Size Mattress
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress, available in three firmness levels. We tested the Medium-Firm model and felt it was just softer than average, but could still work for all three sleeping positions — a rare find among mattresses. It also has some effective cooling technology built into it, which helps to keep sleepers cool throughout the night. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I really think the medium-firm model is a great fit for all sleeping positions. Yep, the Leesa Sapira Chill is one of those unicorn mattresses that provides a great balance of comfort and support for a wide range of sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor
According to a Casper-Gallup study, 14 percent of American adults report always feeling hot at night. For the many hot sleepers out there, we recommend the king-size Leesa Sapira Chill. As its name suggests, this mattress was designed with cooling materials to prevent overheating in hot sleepers and a construction that promotes airflow. We gave it 4.5 stars for cooling because we were extremely impressed with its performance on our cooling test. We also think this medium-soft bed provides a nice blend of spinal support and cushioning, so we gave it 4.5 for support and pressure relief.
When we consider cooling, we first look at a mattress’s materials and construction. Upon lying down, I noticed an immediate cool-to-the-touch sensation from the Sapira Chill’s cover, which Leesa says was designed to keep the skin at a comfortable 88 degrees. I found additional cooling from the thick layer of gel-infused foam. This bed also contains a layer of coils, which adds space inside the bed for air to flow without becoming trapped.
When I tested this bed with my thermal gun, I found great results. I first recorded the initial temperature of the mattress at rest, which was 68.1 degrees. Then, I lay on it for 5 minutes and recorded the bed’s temperature again, which was 73.1 degrees. The temperature only increased by 5 degrees, which we consider excellent cooling.
When we tested this bed for pressure relief in the side- and back-sleeping positions, I personally felt a lot of cushioning from the pillow-top layer, which filled in any gaps along my body. As you can see on the pressure map, the body is blue with just a touch of green in both positions. This indicates very minimal pressure buildup, which suggests this bed would be a good one for both side and back sleepers.
I didn’t find quite as much support in the stomach-sleeping position. I tested the Medium-Firm model, so I’d recommend the Firm model to stomach sleepers, as this will provide more lift at the hips and help with spinal alignment.
I also wouldn’t recommend this mattress to combination sleepers who frequently change positions at night. I gave the Leesa Sapira Chill a 2 out of 5 for responsiveness because I felt trapped in the mattress’s soft cover layer. This made it more challenging to maneuver and change positions on the bed.
For more on this bed, read our full Leesa Sapira Chill mattress review. For a cooling option for stomach sleepers, try the WinkBed Plus or head to our best cooling mattress roundup.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best King-Size Mattress for Back Sleepers
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
If you sleep on your back, we recommend a medium-firm bed that offers pressure relief at the lumbar region while also being supportive enough to keep your spine in neutral alignment. Based off of our testing, we think back sleepers will be happy on the king-size Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. With individually wrapped coils and soft memory foam, the construction of this bed helped it earn 4.5 stars in both the support and pressure relief categories. When it comes to back sleeping, Dr. Shelby Harris, one of our medical advisors, recommends hybrid beds like this one that fall somewhere between the 5.5 to 7 out of 10 range on our firmness scale. When we tested this bed in the back sleeping position, we thought it was stellar.
The Signature Hybrid comes in multiple firmness options. We tested pressure relief on the Medium model, but it’s also offered in Soft and Firm models. We found the best results when sleeping on our backs. Taking a look at the pressure map below, we saw all blue across the body in this position, indicating no pressure building. We weren’t as impressed with the side-sleeping pressure map, which shows pressure beginning to form at the shoulders and a large hotspot at the hips. Tester Nichole Mondshein said, “While I did experience increased pressure around my hips and shoulders when lying on my side, the Signature Hybrid remains an excellent option for back sleepers and anyone seeking a true medium-firm mattress.
Back sleepers also need lots of support at the hips to ensure they are aligned with the shoulders. When we first lay down on the Signature Hybrid, we felt some comfortable sinkage from the top layers of foam. After a few minutes, we felt lift from the coil layer and found our spine being propped into the correct position. There’s also enough foam to fill in the space at the lumbar region, which helps prevent pain.
As I mentioned earlier, our testers don’t recommend this bed to strict side sleepers, especially those with hip or shoulder pain. We’d steer these sleepers towards the Soft model. Similarly, stomach sleepers should opt for the Firm model for additional support.
If you want to learn more about this bed, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. For an all-foam option, check out the Nectar Classic or head to our best mattress for back sleepers roundup.
Bear Elite Hybrid – Best King-Size Mattress for Muscle Recovery
The Bear Elite Hybrid uses foam and coils for a mix of support, cushioning, and cooling. While designed for athletes prioritizing wellness and recovery, sleepers of all activity levels can enjoy the many luxurious features. Enjoy zoned support for targeted relief, an “on top of” feel allowing for ease of movement, and cooling features throughout. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“I’d recommend the Bear Elite Hybrid for most back and stomach sleepers.I think these sleepers will get the needed pressure relief and contouring around the lower back and hips. This mattress does a wonderful job at offering body contouring while still helping the sleeper stay elevated and lifted as well. The layers of foam should provide comfort while the coil system should offer lots of support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
If you’re an athlete, you may be interested in Bear, a mattress company that markets their beds specifically for active folks. That means sturdy materials that can support musculature, advanced cooling features to help you relax after a long workout, and more.
The brand’s luxurious Elite Hybrid model is offered in Soft, Medium, and Firm firmness options, so you can choose the feel you prefer while still reaping all the benefits. We were especially impressed with this bed’s pressure relief, support, motion isolation, cooling, and edge support — the Bear Elite Hybrid earned 4.5 stars in all these categories.
At checkout, Bear offers a unique cooling cover made of Celliant for an extra charge. According to Bear, Celliant helps with muscle recovery by promoting blood flow, which it has verified in 10 peer-reviewed and published clinical trials. Bear claims that this material absorbs your body’s energy and then reflects it back to you to assist with muscle recovery. Although we can’t personally verify these results, our testers thought the Celliant cover felt cool-to-the-touch and helped prevent overheating.
When it comes to pressure relief, athletes can appreciate the cushioning foams that contour around the body’s natural curves. We tested pressure relief on the Medium model. As you can see on the pressure map below, there’s an overwhelming amount of blue along the body when back sleeping, indicating no pressure buildup. In the side-sleeping position, we see some small spots of green on the hips and shoulders.
Our tester Nichole Mondshein said, “I think the Bear Elite Hybrid is an excellent pick for most average-weight back sleepers. I felt really well-supported on this bed. My hips remained lifted the entire time and my body didn’t feel like it was sinking.” Most side sleepers should be comfortable on the Medium model of the Bear Elite Hybrid, but side sleepers with especially sensitive joints may be happier on the Soft model, which provides even more sinkage and contouring.
If you’re a shopper on a budget, this mattress may not be the best choice, as it does run a bit pricey. However, you’re likely to get this bed for cheaper since Bear runs frequent sales and often offers discounts on their mattresses.
For more on the Bear Elite Hybrid, read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review. For a more affordable option, try the Bear Original or read our best mattress for athletes roundup.
Nolah Evolution – Best Soft King-Size Mattress
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
Looking for a soft, cushiony king-size mattress that contours around your joints? Try the Nolah Evolution in the Plush model. This bed provides plenty of plushness and sinkage, which secured it the full 5 stars for pressure relief. Despite its soft feel, this mattress is plenty supportive, earning 4.5 stars in both the support and edge support categories. We also found lots of cushioning and support from the Luxury Firm model, which we tested here in the Sleepopolis studio.
When we tested the Luxury Firm Nolah Evolution for pressure relief, we found outstanding results. Taking a quick look at the pressure map, we see all blue when back sleeping, which indicates no pressure building. The side-sleeping position also looks good, with some green forming along the sides. Remember, green still indicates low pressure, so we think side sleepers will enjoy this bed. However, those with more sensitive joints may find even more pressure relief from the Plush model, which you can select at checkout.
This bed’s soft feel comes from Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam, which has the same feel and sinkage as memory foam, but was designed to be more breathable. This mattress has two comfort layers of this material, which work together to provide lots of cushioning around the body’s sensitive pressure points. These layers also contain cooling properties, such as a graphite infusion that draws heat away from the body. The layer of supportive coils also contributes to the soft feel and cooling, as the coils respond well to pressure and allow air to flow without getting trapped.
One thing to keep in mind is the Nolah Evolution’s price, which is a bit steeper than your average mattress. This bed might not appeal to shoppers on a strict budget, but Nolah often runs great sales, so you’re very likely to get this bed for cheaper.
Interested in the Nolah Evolution? Read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review. For a budget option, try the Helix Sunset or check out our best soft mattress roundup.
Big Fig – Best King-Size Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
Designed specifically for heavier sleepers, the Big Fig mattress is exceptionally durable and supportive. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be comfortable on this bed, given its score of 8 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. For more information on the Big Fig, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Big Fig is a home run for heavy sleepers, and as I’ve mentioned, it’s made to hold up to 1,100 pounds. This includes singles and couples alike. This mattress sleeps cool, and in a couple’s case, helps dissipate double the body heat. Finally, this bed is made with high-quality, durable materials, which makes it a valuable long-term investment.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
If you’re a sleeper who weighs more than 230 pounds, a king-size mattress can be a great way to get some additional space. But you’ll want to make sure it’s ultra-supportive with plenty of lift to combat sagging. Dr. Raj Dasgupta said, “When it comes to larger-body sleepers, I recommend a mattress with thick, durable materials that has a medium to firm feel with reinforced edges.” The Big Fig, which stands for “bigger figure,” is just that, as it was designed specifically for sleepers with bigger bodies. When we tested this bed in our studio, we found 5-star support that’s perfect for heavier sleepers, as well as 4.5-star pressure relief for added comfort.
The Big Fig is incredibly supportive and was designed to support up to 1,100 pounds, or 550 pounds per side. This bed is very firm, falling at an 8 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. The outstanding support comes from a layer of individually wrapped coils. We also found a lot of support from the gel-infused latex foam comfort layer and three one-inch layers of high-density polyfoam. Our tester Bridget Chapman said, “When I added more weight and pressed further into the mattress, I began to feel the strong support and bounce of the Big Fig. I would definitely recommend this bed for people with larger bodies, as its firmness offers optimal support for these individuals.”
As I mentioned above, durability is an important factor for sleepers in the heavyweight category. We create our durability score by averaging together our materials, support, edge support, and warranty scores. The 4-star materials, 5-star support, 5-star edge support, and 4.5-star warranty create a durability score of 4.6, making this an extremely durable mattress. We don’t think this mattress is prone to premature sagging, and it should be sturdy enough for these sleepers to use for many years to come.
Since this bed was designed for heavier folks, we don’t recommend it to lightweight and average-weight sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds. It’s likely too firm for these sleepers, and they may not find enough sinkage and contouring. Similarly, we think this mattress is too firm for side sleepers. The Big Fig would likely cause pressure to build up around these sleepers’ hips and shoulders.
To learn more about the Big Fig, read our full Big Fig Mattress review. For another pick for larger-bodied sleepers, try the Titan Plus Luxe or head to our full best mattress for heavy people roundup.
Other King-Size Mattresses We Researched
There are hundreds of great king-size beds on the market, and I couldn’t include all of them in this roundup. If the beds I picked aren’t piquing your interest, try one of these top beds that didn’t quite crack my top 11.
Nectar Premier
Some of the beds on this list aren’t great for side sleepers with sensitive shoulder and hip joints. If this sounds like you, you may find better pressure relief on the Nectar Premier, which falls at a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, making it a medium-soft mattress. Like the Nectar Classic, the Nectar Premier sports an all-foam construction but provides a bit more sinkage. However, the Nectar Classic is more responsive, which is better for couples and combination sleepers who switch between multiple sleeping positions.
Birch Natural
If you’re looking for an organic mattress, you might like the Birch Natural. This bed includes high-quality materials, including organic cotton, organic wool, natural Talalay latex, and recycled steel coils. This mattress is also GREENGUARD Gold certified, so it doesn’t release high levels of chemical emissions or volatile organic compounds. However, the latex in this bed makes it extremely bouncy, which can be a hindrance to motion isolation. You’re likely to feel a partner’s every movement on this bed.
How We Picked and Tested
Why should you trust Sleepopolis? Because our team of expert testers and certified sleep science coaches has tested more than 375 beds in our mattress studio to determine which ones are worth it and which ones you should skip.
We base our recommendations on a rigorous testing methodology that’s been medically reviewed to ensure accuracy. We bring in testers of all body types and sleep preferences to try out these beds and provide a holistic scope of how the bed might perform. We jump on these beds, cut them open, and use high-end technology to find out everything there is to know about them.
Our team of testers also works closely with a network of medical experts, which includes board-certified sleep medicine doctors, physical therapists, registered nurses, and other professionals who verify our findings and recommendations. Our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta helped develop our testing methodology based on their knowledge of sleep health and their years of experience in the field.
Pressure Relief
We test pressure relief in mattresses using a specialized mat that senses pressure. We roll this mat onto each bed and then have sleepers from all weight categories lie on it in different sleeping positions. The mat then gives us a digital reading of pressure relief which shows us where pressure is being relieved and where pressure is building up. As you can see on this graphic (we call it a “pressure map”), green and blue indicate good pressure relief, and red and orange show poor pressure relief.
Support
In any bed, support is important to maintain proper spinal alignment. The spine is considered properly aligned when the hips are propped in line with the shoulders and the spine rests in a neutral, straight line. If the spine bends unnaturally for too long, pain can occur or preexisting pain can worsen. We look for beds with sturdy, supportive base layers that provide plenty of lift and prevent the sleeper from sinking too far into the mattress. We evaluate the support layers and look for strong coils or high-density foam bases. We also have our testers lie in multiple sleeping positions and observe whether their spine is aligned.
Firmness and Feel
Firmness and feel are subjective factors. Based on your body weight, body type, and preferred sleeping position, a mattress can feel very different to you than it does to someone else. We looked for beds that are compatible with different sleeping positions and body types.
We assess firmness by having multiple testers test the mattress and then give it a rating from 1 to 10, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. A true medium-firm bed falls at a 6.5 out of 10. As a general rule of thumb, medium-firm beds are best for back sleepers, soft beds are best for side sleepers, and firm beds are best for stomach sleepers.
What to Look for In the Best King-Size Mattress
In addition to pressure relief, support, firmness, and feel, there are a variety of elements to pay attention to before confirming your purchase. Below, I’ll give some insight into what you should look for in a king-size bed.
Cooling
In our studio, we cut each mattress open and evaluate their materials and construction for cooling. We look for breathable materials that wick-away moisture, promote airflow, and prevent heat trapping. Some of our favorite cooling materials are gel infusions, organic cotton covers, and breathable coil layers.
We also collect cooling data via a thermal gun. This device measures a bed’s temperature when no one is lying on it, and then again after our mattress tester lies on it for 5 minutes. If the mattress heats up more than 15 degrees Fahrenheit, we consider it to have poor cooling capabilities. 10 to 15 degrees indicates decent cooling, 5 to 10 degrees indicates good cooling, and less than 5 degrees indicates excellent cooling. We assign our final cooling scores based on these results, the mattress’s construction, and how we felt temperature-wise when lying on it.
Edge Support
If you’re purchasing a king-size mattress, chances are that you (and possibly a partner) want a lot of room to spread out. A bed with strong edge support makes this easier, allowing you to use the entire sleeping surface and not just the middle. Edge support can also be an indicator of overall durability. You can check out some beds with exceptional edge support in our list of the best mattresses that won’t sag.
The way we test a mattress’s edge support is fairly simple. We sit on the end of the bed and see how much the mattress’s layers collapse under our body weight. If they remain sturdy and we still feel propped up, then the mattress has strong edge support. If the layers crumple up and we feel ourselves sinking, then the mattress has weak edge support, and we wouldn’t recommend you sleep too close to the edge of the bed. We also measure the sinkage with a tape measure.
Motion Isolation
Motion isolation refers to how well the bed absorbs motion at its source and prevents it from reaching the sleeper on the other side of the bed. This is an important factor for couples to pay attention to, especially if one partner tosses and turns or is a light sleeper.
We measure motion isolation using three different tests: a human test, a water test, and a seismometer test. For the human test, we have one tester lay on the bed with a blindfold while another tester rolls around on the other side. The blindfolded tester then reports how much motion they can feel. We then perform a water test, which is similar to the human test. But instead of a blindfolded tester, we place a glass of water on the bed and observe how much the liquid moves when someone moves on the other side of the bed.
Finally, we have our seismometer test. We drop a 10-pound steel ball onto the mattress from three gradually increasing heights, which represent tossing and turning, getting in and out of bed, and jumping on the bed. The seismometer senses disturbance and translates the results into a graph. The larger the lines, the worse the motion isolation.
Body Type
Your body type can be crucial in determining what type of king-size mattress you need. If you’re someone who weighs less than 130 pounds, you’re not as likely as other sleepers to sink through the mattress, which means a firmer bed might feel too firm to you. If you weigh 130 to 230 pounds, you have it a bit easier. Most mattresses on the market are designed for your weight category, so it’s easier to rely on typical firmness ratings and reviews.
If you weigh over 230 pounds, we recommend choosing an innerspring or hybrid mattress with strong coils to make sure you have the proper amount of support. You can also check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavier people.
Sleeping Position
How you sleep affects the firmness, pressure relief, and specific support you’ll need in a mattress. It will also likely affect whether you feel comfortable on a certain bed. We test every mattress we review by lying on it in each sleeping position and seeing how supportive, pressure-relieving, and comfortable the bed feels. Below, you can see what firmness levels we recommend for each sleeper.
| Sleeping Position | Ideal Mattress Firmness | Firmness Scale Level | Why This Firmness? |
| Back sleepers | Medium firm to firm | 6.5–7/10 | These sleepers do best on medium-firm to firm mattresses. They need enough support to keep their hips neutrally aligned with their shoulders, but also benefit from body contouring around the lower back. |
| Side sleepers | Soft to medium soft | 5–6.5/10 | Side sleepers often prefer a soft mattress with plenty of pressure relief at pain points like the shoulders and hips. Because of this, side sleepers should check out pillow-top and memory foam mattresses. |
| Stomach sleepers | Firm to ultra firm | 7–8/10 | These sleepers need a firm to extra-firm mattress that prevents their hips from sinking into the bed. Bowing at the back can lead to pain over time, so stomach sleepers should find firm support from innerspring and latex mattresses. |
| Combination sleepers (those who change positions at night) | Medium firm | 6.5/10 | Combination sleepers do best on medium-firm mattresses offering appropriate support in multiple sleeping positions. These sleepers should consider a responsive mattress to easily change positions throughout the night. |
Price
Keep in mind that purchasing a budget option may not give you the mattress quality or lifespan you’re hoping for. Similarly, paying thousands of dollars for a luxurious mattress may not offer anything different than a mattress that costs hundreds of dollars less. King-size mattresses can range from $1,200 to $3,000, so we recommend planning out your budget, doing your research, and watching out for deals. Sleepopolis offers coupons for many of your favorite mattress brands. If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable king-size mattress, we recommend looking in the $1,600–$2,200 price range.
You can also check out several of our mattress roundups that are designed for value shoppers. Many of the beds featured in these articles tend to run a little cheaper (even the king-size ones).
Warranty, Shipping, and Sleep Trial
Paying attention to company policies ensures you’re well informed about every aspect of your mattress. These policies are crucial to ensuring you not only love your new mattress, but are able to use it for a long time.
Warranties: A warranty can indicate how long a company expects its mattress to last and can also indicate its durability. Within this time period, the company will replace your mattress if it falls victim to manufacturing errors or sags prematurely. We recommend looking for warranties that range from a standard 10-year warranty to a lifetime. Cheaper mattresses typically have shorter warranties, which is something to keep in mind.
Shipping: When you buy online, you get the perk of having your bed delivered right to your door. Often, these beds arrive compressed in a box ready to unwrap. For your convenience, we’ve only included beds that offer free shipping on this roundup. Some companies, such as Saatva, even offer free white glove delivery, meaning they’ll send a team to deliver your mattress , set it up in your bedroom, and haul off your old one.
Sleep Trial: Sleep trials are another benefit of buying a mattress online because they allow you to try the bed at home before committing to it. These night trials typically range anywhere from 30 days to 365 days, so you have enough time to adjust to the feel of a new mattress and determine if it’s compatible with your sleep needs.
King Mattress Variations
Believe it or not, king-size options span far past a standard king mattress. Consider the size of your room and the space where the mattress will go to find the best mattress size for you. See all of the available sizes below, and read more about them in my rundown of mattress sizes and bed dimensions.
| MATTRESS TYPE | DIMENSIONS |
| Standard King | 76″ W x 80″ L |
| California King | 72″ W x 84″ L |
| Split King | 38″ W x 80″ L (x2) |
| Wyoming King | 84″ W x 84″ L |
| Texas King | 80″ W x 98″ L |
| Alaskan King | 108″ W x 108″ L |
Other Mattress Sizes to Consider
If you’ve read this roundup and decided maybe a king bed isn’t right for you, there are several other mattress sizes you can consider.
Sources
Richter, Kneginja, et al. “Two in a Bed: The Influence of Couple Sleeping and Chronotypes on Relationship and Sleep. An Overview.” Chronobiology International, vol. 33, no. 10, 13 Sept. 2016, pp. 1464–1472, https://doi.org/10.1080/07420528.2016.1220388. Accessed 6 Oct. 2020.
The State of Sleep in America 2022 Report. (n.d.). https://www.gallup.com/file/analytics/390611/Casper-Gallup%202022%20State%20of%20Sleep%20in%20America%20Report.pdf