Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 300 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories. Learn more
Just Updated
We’ve recently re-reviewed all of our top king-size mattress picks and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.
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 sleep with a partner or pet and want additional room to spread out. Maybe you have a larger body type and simply require a wider sleeping surface. Or maybe your reasons for wanting the best king-size mattress are more aesthetically minded; for instance, you might have a large master bedroom that needs bigger furniture for a nice visual balance.
Below, we’ve put together an informed list of the best king-size mattresses for a variety of body types, budgets, and sleeping positions. Not only do we put each bed through an extensive battery of tests that measure performance factors such as cooling, motion isolation, and pressure relief — we also vet every product’s trial period, shipping policy, and warranty.
Our Top Pick for King Mattresses
A king mattress is often favored by heavy people, combination sleepers, and couples, all of whom benefit from strong edge support. The Helix Midnight Luxe gives them just that, thanks to its sturdy hybrid construction. The layer of springs provides support and cooling, while the foam top layer makes the bed comfortable and pressure relieving.
The support of your mattress is important to you, and we know this, so we were sure to test each of the mattresses in this list ourselves so you can be sure you are getting a comfortable king-sized mattress that is still supportive. We tested the supportiveness of each mattress for various sleeping positions using a pressure map, which uses thermal technology to show us where pressure is relieved on the body when laying on the mattress.
Edge Support
We’ve found that one of the benefits of a king mattress is that the additional size allows you to fully spread out and use the whole surface of the bed. However, if a mattress has weak edges, you lose some of that valuable space to spread out and stay comfortable. Your mattress may also deteriorate faster if it has weak edges. Because of this, we personally tested the strength and support of all of the edges on these mattresses to help you stay comfortable and keep your mattress intact for longer.
Trial Period and Warranty
We know that king-sized mattresses can be pricey investments, but if your bed has a generous trial period and/or warranty, you get the assurance of longevity. We know this is important for you when investing in something like a king-size mattress, so we looked into the trial period and warranty for all of the mattresses in this list to help you find the one best suited to your budget and needs.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Hybrid, combining foam and zoned support coils for a supportive feel.
Firmness
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a medium-soft to medium-firm bed in the brand’s luxury line of hybrids, coming in at a 6 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale (1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest).
Price
$1,373–$2,873 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full. queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
The springs in the Helix Midnight Luxe should help back sleepers maintain a neutral posture.
Side Sleepers
The pillow top and layer of memory foam should give these folks plenty of softness and contouring.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Luxe
The luxury version of the standard Helix Midnight comes with a pillow top and Tencel cover.
The Midnight Luxe should sleep fairly cool, thanks to its airflow-promoting coils and breathable Tencel cover.
The springs give the Helix Midnight Luxe a good deal of bounce and responsiveness that should make it easy for combination sleepers to change. positions
Cons of the Helix Midnight Luxe
The softness of this mattress isn’t going to be an ideal fit for stomach sleepers. They’ll need something more supportive to keep their hips elevated and in line with their shoulders. See our best mattresses for stomach sleepers for more options.
Likewise, heavy sleepers over 250 pounds will likely need a firmer and more supportive mattress. They should look at our best mattresses for heavy people.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free refunds after 30 days, as long as it’s still within the 100-night trial period.
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 Midnight Luxe Mattress Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Value
4.5
Cooling
4.5
Responsiveness
5
Pressure Relief
4
Edge Support
3.5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Expert Opinion
Helix is known for its line of customizable mattresses, and we’re especially drawn to the hybrid Midnight Luxe, which earns the best overall spot. This king-size bed starts with a breathable Tencel cover and includes two more inches of comfort foam than the standard Helix Midnight, as well as a plush pillow top layer. We felt lots of pressure relief when lying down on the Midnight Luxe, but decided it has an overall medium-firm feel. For those with back pain, the Midnight Luxe has zoned support. It should be extra-soft around the shoulders to prevent stiffness while providing more support for the hips, helping to alleviate and prevent back pain.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress, meaning that it has one layer of cushioning, comfortable, and luxurious foam, and one layer of individually wrapped coils. These coils help to keep the mattress breathable yet supportive, and the foam makes the bed comfortable and continuing. This is an excellent pick for most sleepers, especially back and side sleepers, who will like the support and contouring of this bed.
What our tester says: “[The Midnight Luxe’s] coils have zoned support, which means that they’re softer at the shoulders for added pressure relief and firmer at the hips to help promote a neutral spinal alignment. This is a wonderful pick for back and side sleepers, and anyone who likes a contouring feel without missing out on support.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Customer Reviews
On Helix’s website, there are almost 6,000 reviews for the Midnight Luxe, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Reviewers rave about the comfort and support of this mattress, and agree that the bed is cooling, comfortable, and supportive.
Highlights of the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Many shoppers looking for a king-size bed sleep with a partner. These folks should sleep comfortably on the Midnight Luxe, as it has good edge support, low motion transfer, and cooling capabilities.
The balanced feel of the Midnight Luxe works well for back sleepers and side, as it helps them maintain a healthy spinal alignment while still feeling comfortable.
The coils in the mattress help to keep it cool and breathable, which is great for sleepers who like to stay cool throughout the night.
What to Keep in Mind about the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress
Many stomach sleepers will likely find the Midnight Luxe too soft. They’ll likely benefit from a firmer mattress to keep their hips from sinking into the bed.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Nectar
Nectar Mattress
Medium-firm
Cooling
CertiPUR-US Certified
Memory Foam
365-night trial and lifetime warranty
Free shipping
Prime Time Sale
Save up to 50% + an EXTRA $100 when you spend $1000 See Details
We rated the Nectar as a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it is right at the industry standard of medium-firm.
Price
$934–$2,121 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Nectar will provide a nice mix of cushioning and support.
Budget Shoppers
This affordable mattress is a great pick for those looking to save.
Pros of the Nectar
The Nectar offers a memory foam feel while still being responsive, making it perfect for combination sleepers.
Back sleepers should feel supported, but pleasantly cushioned on the Nectar.
This is a great memory foam bed for sex, as it is surprisingly responsive.
Cons of the Nectar
Heavier Stomach sleepers likely won’t get enough support for spinal alignment from the Nectar.
It incorporates some cooling materials but it’s not by any means the best cooling mattress.
The Nectar isn’t supportive enough to be one of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers, which accommodate folks weighing 250 pounds or more.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund and free returns within the 365-night trial period
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
Nectar Mattress Performance Score
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
4
Value
Expert Opinion
We think that those wanting an all-foam bed that’s supportive enough to help relieve back pain will love the Nectar Classic. Its therapeutic memory foam helps with pressure relief around the lower lumbar spine. Unlike other all-foam mattresses, the Nectar provides sufficient support so you don’t sink too far in of the material and throw your spine out of alignment. Also, we were impressed with the edge support the Nectar has, which is an indication you’ll be able to make full use of your king bed’s surface.
Memory foam is known for its pressure relief, and during our pressure map test, the graphic showed minimal pressure buildup while we were lying on our backs. This tells us that the Nectar should be a good mattress for individuals who suffer from back pain. Side sleeping, we found moderate pressure, or lots of green, at the shoulders. We found a little yellow at the hip. This means that folks with severe hip pain might want a more pressure-relieving, but those with shoulder pain should be alright.
What our tester says: “I think memory foam lovers should be happy on the Nectar. This bed has a classic memory foam feel, so there’s lots of sinkage, contouring, and pressure relief. This can be great for anyone with shoulder pain or hip pain since it gives them cushioning at sensitive pressure points.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Customer Reviews
There are almost 51,000 customer reviews on the Nectar website, which is a testament to the mattress’s popularity. Over 2,200 of these users state that they bought a king. One verified buyer wrote, “My husband and I bought a queen for the spare bedroom, but after trying it out, we kept sneaking naps on it because it was so comfortable. Six months later, we bought a king for ourselves.”
Several folks also point to Nectar’s generous lifetime warranty and 365-night trial period. This kind of promise of longevity is important for memory foam mattresses, as they tend to not be as durable as hybrids and innersprings.
Highlights of the Nectar Mattress
For back sleepers who love a softer feel, the Nectar provides cozy cushioning without causing the sleeper to feel enveloped.
The soft foams of the Nectar should provide side sleepers with plenty of pressure relief around the shoulder and hip.
Available for an affordable price, the Nectar is a good option for budget shoppers.
What to Keep in Mind about the Nectar Mattress
Most stomach sleepers won’t get enough support from the Nectar to keep their hips lifted up and maintain their spinal alignment.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.7
WinkBeds
WinkBed Mattress
Firm, Supportive Feel
Euro Pillow Top
Sturdy Coils
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
Fall Sale
Get $300 off all our award winning mattresses See Details
Hybrid, combining a plush pillow top with coils and foams for a luxury feel.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We tested the Luxury Firm and scored it a 7 out of 10, meaning it’s on the firmer side of medium-firm.
Price
$1,149–$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
A great option for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the WinkBed
Back sleepers should get the support they need
It has a traditional, supportive feel
The WinkBed has cooling capabilities to help people who sleep hot
Sturdy edge support and good motion isolation make this a good choice 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
WinkBed Mattress Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
4
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4
Value
4.5
Cooling
4
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
4
Edge Support
4
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Expert Opinion
We think this pillow top hybrid mattress by WinkBeds is a match made in heaven for couples. It has strong edge support, so you can use the entire surface without feeling like its sides might collapse. The WinkBed was also bouncy and supportive when we laid down on it, which is a nice perk for sex, and the bed’s comfort foams are infused with cooling gels that work to prevent the trapping of body heat. A versatile option, the WinkBed is available in Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus versions.
One of the most important factors in a mattress for couples is motion transfer, which we test in our lab by dropping a 10-pound steel ball from three different heights. From there, we measure the level of disturbance caused by the drops. Low levels of disturbance indicate low motion transfer, while high levels of disturbance indicate high motion transfer. In a mattress for couples, we recommend looking for a bed with low motion transfer. That way, the bed will trap movement and prevent you or your partner from feeling each other tossing and turning at night. While testing the WinkBed’s Luxury Firm model, we didn’t see the vibrations spiking too much, thus indicating overall low motion transfer.
What our tester says: “I’m confident that couples should find everything they need in the WinkBed, including cooling, responsiveness for sex, exceptional motion isolation, and plenty of edge support.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Customer Reviews
On the brand’s website, the WinkBed has an average customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, averaged from over 8,000 customer reviews. One verified shopper commented, “My wife and I love this mattress. It’s the perfect blend between the things we like about a spring mattress and the things we like about a memory foam mattress.”
Highlights of the WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed’s bouncy nature makes it a great choice for combination sleepers, as they can easily switch between sleeping positions. This also makes it a choice for sex, which may be a factor if you are shopping with your partner.
The sturdy support the WinkBed provides, along with cushioning from the Euro pillow top, make it an ideal choice for relieving lower back pain for most sleepers.
Tall pocketed coils allow for lots of airflow in the WinkBed, plus gel infusions and a Tencel cover promote cooling, making it a good choice for hot sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind about the WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a high-quality, well-constructed mattress, and the price reflects that. It may not be the best option for budget shoppers.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Hybrid, combining a plush pillow top with coils and foams for a luxury feel.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We tested the Luxury Firm and scored it a 7 out of 10, meaning it’s on the firmer side of medium-firm.
Price
$1,013–$2,326 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, Split king
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
A great option for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the Dreamcloud
Back sleepers should get the support they need
It has a luxurious, contouring feel
The DreamCloud has cooling capabilities to help people who sleep hot
Sturdy edge support and good motion isolation make this a good choice for couples and older sleepers
Cons of the WinkBed
The DreamCloud may be too firm for side sleepers, and not firm enough for strict stomach sleepers
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
DreamCloud Mattress Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Value
4
Cooling
4.5
Pressure Relief
5
Responsiveness
4.5
Edge Support
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Expert Opinion
The DreamCloud Original mattress is a hybrid bed, meaning that it is made with one layer of memory foam and one layer of coils. The coils on the bottom of the mattress provide the necessary amount of support through the back and hips to promote spinal alignment. Above the coils, the construction consists of a cashmere blend cover, memory foam, a foam transition layer, and a base layer, all of which help keep create a luxurious sleeping experience.
The coils on the DreamCloud also help keep the bed durable and give it good edge support, which is important for a king-size mattress, as you want to be able to spread out and use the entire bed. The foam on the top prevents the mattress from being overly firm, while still keeping it supportive. We rated the DreamCloud a 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest.
What our tester says: “The DreamCloud is made with high-quality materials and has gel infusions and coils, which help the bed sleep super-cool, while still being both supportive and contouring. It has a very luxurious feel because of its construction .” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Customer Reviews
Over 8,000 reviewing customers agree that the DreamCloud is an extremely comfortable and cooling mattress. Many reviews agree that the bed gave them some of the best sleep they have ever had, with one reviewer saying they have never slept better.
Highlights of the DreamCloud Original Mattress
The coils in the DreamCloud’s bottom layer leave plenty of room for airflow, making it a good option for people who sleep hot or like to stay cool throughout the night.
This is a responsive mattress, so combination sleepers should be able to easily change sleeping positions.
The DreamCloud Original is rated as just above medium firm, making it an excellent choice for back sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind about the DreamCloud Original Mattress
The DreamCloud Original mattress is likely too firm for strict side sleepers, who may need more contouring around their shoulders and hips.
DreamCloud Mattress Specs
Material
Hybrid
Price (King)
$1,785 (before discounts)
Firmness
Medium-firm
Shipping
Free Shipping
Sleep Trials
365 nights
Warranty
LifetimeWarranty
Height
12″
Adjustable Base Compatible?
Yes
A king-size DreamCloud Original mattress currently costs $1,785 before discounts. Read more about this bed in our fullDreamCloud Original mattress review. You can also click here to get the best deal, or check out our other picks for the best hybrid mattresses.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Nolah
Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress
Multiple Firmnesses
ArcticTex Cover
HDMax Support Coils
Hybrid Mattress
120-night Trial and Lifetime Warranty
Free shipping
Fall Sale
35% off + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
Hybrid, meaning this bed combines foam and coils in its construction.
Firmness
Multiple Firmness Options: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We tested the Luxury Firm and rated it as 6.5 out of 10, meaning it is a medium-firm mattress.
Price
$1,499–$3,198 (before any discounts)
Sizes
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Hot Sleepers
If you overheat while you sleep, this mattress may help you stay cool.
Side Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the Nolah Evolution
Great for couples due to its good edge support and low motion transfer
Works for back sleepers who need good lumbar support
Side sleepers should appreciate the pressure relief
Full refund after 30 days and within the 120-night trial period
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
Available in three different firmness levels (Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm) the Nolah Evolution provides lots of contouring and pressure relief, no matter which model you choose. The plushness comes from the brand’s proprietary AirFoamICE, which let us comfortably sink into the mattress when we tested it. The soft comfort foams in the upper layers provide the coziness, while the coil base layer provides support for an overall balanced feel. We felt lots of cushioning and sinkage lying on the Nolah Evolution. Naturally, we’d recommend the Plush version for shoppers seeking a soft mattress, but even the Luxury Firm model we tested provided lots of cushioning.
While testing, we put the Nolah Evolution’s Luxury Firm version through our pressure map test. We saw low pressure (blue) while we were back sleeping, and we saw green at the shoulder and a tad yellow at the hip while we were side sleeping. These results tell us that, overall, the Luxury Firm model of the Nolah Evolution is an effective mattress for joint pain. The softer Plush model will likely provide even more pressure relief for those with lots of sensitivity in these areas.
What our tester says: “One of my favorite features is the soft pillow top. It’s a great touch for anyone [living with] shoulder or hip pain, as it allows you to sink into bed for a plusher feel.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Customer Reviews
On Nolah’s website, the Evolution has an average customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. One five-star review from a verified customer praised the pressure-relieving abilities of the bed’s soft foams, especially for elderly people. “It has eliminated hip discomfort for my wife,” they wrote. “It is softer than we are used to, but as we’ve gotten older, it is much more comfortable than the firm mattresses we used to have.”
Highlights of the Nolah Evolution Mattress
With breathable foam and airflow-promoting coils at the bottom, the Nolah Evolution is great for hot sleepers.
The Nolah Evolution is also adept at relieving hip and shoulder pain, making it an excellent fit for side sleepers.
Back sleepers preferring a softer mattress should love the 8-inch layer of support coils.
What to Keep in Mind about the Nolah Evolution Mattress
The Nolah Evolution is a higher-end mattress; it may not be a great pick for budget shoppers.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Innerspring, for a bouncy mattress that’s easy to move around.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options. We tested the Luxury Firm model and scored it a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm.
Price
$935–$2,450 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
This mattress is ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
Stomach Sleeping
It’s also a nice option for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Saatva
With three firmness options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that works for them
The Saatva uses high-quality materials that will last you a long time
Its bouncy and responsive feel means it’s great for combination sleepers
The Saatva’s reinforced edges give it some of the best edge support we’ve ever seen
Cons of the Saatva
If you’re looking for lots of sinkage or amazing motion isolation, you’re better off with one of the best memory foam mattresses.
None of the Saatva Classic models will likely be supportive enough for heavy stomach sleepers. For these folks, we recommend the Saatva HD.
Shipping
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 365-night trial period. Saatva charges a $99 pick-up fee
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
Saatva Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
5
Materials
3
Motion Isolation
5
Support
5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
5
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
5
Value
Expert Opinion
We found that the Saatva’s bouncy innerspring construction offers firm support, keeping our spine aligned when we laid down on it. Built with a coil-on-coil construction, this mattress offers a traditional innerspring feel that is still comfortable thanks to a Euro top layer. Its durable steel coils in the support layer prevent sagging and provide lots of back support and spinal alignment, which is important for sleepers with back pain. We also love how the Saatva offers three firmness levels (Plush Soft, Firm, and Luxury Firm), so it should work for most body types and sleeping positions.
A really important factor for king size beds is edge support. After all, there’s typically more than one person sleeping on a king. Edge support, or the strength of a mattress’s perimeter, tells us whether or not folks will be able to lay on its edges and make full use of the surface. When testing the Saatva, we found some outstanding edge support results. While lying on or just sitting on the mattress, we felt lifted and didn’t feel the mattress collapsing at all under our weight.
What our tester says: “I found the Saatva Classic to be a bouncy, high-quality mattress with durability and great edge support. The coil on coil construction help with support and spinal alignment, making this a good option for sleepers with back pain” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Customer Reviews
Of the nearly 3,500 reviews on Saatva’s website, 423 of the users purchased a king, with many of them remarking how the larger size only added to the sense of luxury. “It feels exactly like you’re sleeping on a Hyatt bed,” wrote one reviewer. Reviewers also agree that they felt comfortable but still supported on the Saatva bed.
Highlights of the Saatva Mattress
The Saatva provides lots of support for back sleepers, but still gives them lots of cushioning around the lumbar region. We especially recommend the Luxury Firm model for these sleepers.
The coils inside the Saatva Classic mattress make it especially bouncy, making it easy to switch between sleeping positions. This is great news for combination sleepers who need to switch positions at night.
The Saatva’s innerspring construction make it supportive enough for sleepers with back pain to have proper spinal alignment, but the Euro top later helps to keep the bed contouring, which is important for sleepers with pain.
What to Keep in Mind about the Saatva Mattress
The high number of coils utilized in the Saatva contribute to higher motion transfer, so if you sleep with a partner and are easily disturbed by their movements at night, the Saatva may not be an ideal choice.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Bear
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Designed for Athletes
Soft Feel
Luxurious Foams
Hybrid mattress
120 nights
Free shipping
Fall Sale
30% off + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase using code FALL30 See Details
As a luxury mattress with many special features, the Bear Elite Hybrid is priced higher. Budget shoppers may want to check out the best cheap mattresses
Shipping
Free Shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
If you return within the 120-night trial period, you can get a full refund.
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
Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress Sleepopolis Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
5
Materials
4.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
4
Trial Period
5
Warranty
4.5
Value
Expert Opinion
Bear mattresses stand out from other beds because an extra fee can add a material called Celliant, which they’ll add to the cover of the Elite Hybrid. Celliant is soft, breathable, and reportedly promotes muscle recovery and blood flow, making the Bear a popular choice among athletes and anyone looking to recover after an active day. While we haven’t verified the healing properties of Celliant ourselves, there are many clinical trials that have, and we can attest that the Elite Hybrid’s cover helps us stay cool (also an important trait of a mattress for athletes).
Further cooling comes from the Bear Elite Hybrid’s bottom layer of coils, which leave plenty of room for airflow and gave us some bounce. The bed comes in three different firmness levels, and we tested out the Medium. On our mattress firmness scale, it came in at a 6 out of 10, so it’s definitely on the softer end.
What our tester says: “Bear claims that Celliant absorbs your body’s energy, then reflects it back to you to assist with blood flow and muscle recovery. Full disclosure: we haven’t tested this ourselves at Sleepopolis, but the material has undergone several clinical trials that you can read about here. I can say that, like phase change material, Celliant sleeps nice and cool.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Customer Reviews
With a little over 3,700 user reviews on the Bear website, the Elite Hybrid has an average customer rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Since we haven’t verified the recovery properties of Celliant ourselves, we wanted to see what verified buyers had to say. In a five-star review, one of them wrote, “I love the Celliant cover, it’s crazy how effective it is. You won’t really feel it working, but you will definitely feel recovered after a good sleep.”
While this shouldn’t be viewed as a concrete medical testimonial, it appears that lots of sleepers really do enjoy Celliant as a material.
Highlights of the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Thanks to the three different firmness options of the Bear Elite Hybrid (Soft, Medium, and Firm), back, side, and stomach sleepers of most body types should be able to find a suitable option.
With good motion isolation results, a fairly responsive surface (good for sex), and cooling capabilities, the Bear is a good pick for couples to share.
Those with back pain should find the mix of pressure relief and support from the Bear Elite Hybrid beneficial.
What to Keep in Mind about the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Elite Hybrid is a luxury mattress with a number of special features, so it’s a pricier option.
The Celliant cover that helps with cooling must be purchased separately for around $130.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Medium mattress is too firm for side sleepers
and too soft for stomach sleepers
(though the Soft or Firm model may work, respectively)
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick up fee
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
Signature Hybrid Mattress Performance Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
5
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
4
Trial Period
3.5
Warranty
4.5
Value
Expert Opinion
We recommend that back sleepers opt for a medium-firm mattress that can give them pressure relief at the lumbar region, while still being supportive enough to keep their spine in a neutral alignment. We think they may find what they’re looking for in the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid. It’s constructed with both individually encased coils (which give the bed its support) and soft memory foam (which gives the bed its pressure relief), and is available as a Soft, Medium, or Firm model. We tested out the Medium.
When we laid down on the Signature Hybrid, we felt pressure relief at the lower back. This was confirmed by our pressure map test, during which the back area lit up almost entirely blue. After resting for a few minutes, we still got a slight lift from the springs, telling us that the mattress also has enough support to keep us neutrally aligned.
What our tester says: “While I did experience increased pressure around my hips and shoulders when laying on my side, the Signature Hybrid remains an excellent option for back sleepers and anyone seeking a true medium-firm mattress.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Customer Reviews
As one of the brand’s most popular beds, the Signature Hybrid has nearly 11,000 customer reviews on the Brooklyn Bedding website, and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Almost 4,000 of those reviews come from back sleepers, most of whom say the Signature Hybrid is comfortable for that sleeping position. “My back and neck problems are definitely recovering after sleeping on this bed,” wrote one verified buyer.
Highlights of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Shoppers with a bedmate should appreciate the good motion isolation and firm edge support the Signature Hybrid offers.
For those who rotate between sleeping positions, the Signature Hybrid is responsive and easy to move around on.
The Signature Hybrid is more affordable than most other king-size mattresses on this list.
What to Keep in Mind about the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
The Signature Hybrid is a no-frills mattress without many special features. If you’re looking for something with more bells and whistles, this won’t be the best choice for you.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Leesa
Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid
Soft Comfort
Gel-Infused Foam
Zoned Support
Hybrid
100 nights
Free shipping
Fall Into Savings Event
20% off mattresses + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
Leesa doesn’t have the lengthiest trial period or warranty.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free returns within 100-night trial period
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
Leesa Sapira Chill Mattress Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
4
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
5
Responsiveness
5
Pressure Relief
3.5
Trial Period
3.5
Warranty
4.5
Value
Expert Opinion
The name doesn’t lie; if you’re searching for the best cooling king-size mattress, you should consider the Leesa Sapira Chill. It’s a hybrid mattress that was built with cooling in every layer of its construction, from the gel memory foam in the comfort layer to a support layer of coils that leave plenty of room for airflow. Even the cover was made with cooling fibers designed to keep the skin at an optimal temperature of 88 degrees.
To test out a mattress’s cooling ability, we start by tracking how we feel when we lie down on it. But for some more tangible data, we use a thermal imaging gun to measure how much the surface temperature rises after we rest on it for five minutes. Any mattress that heats up 15 degrees Fahrenheit or more has 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. The Leesa Sapira Chill only rose 6.3 degrees after we laid on it, which further drives home that this is a good cooling mattress. In terms of feel, we found it to be soft yet responsive.
What our tester says: “I thought the cover was cool to the touch. It’s made with cooling fibers (polyester, polyethylene, and Spandex) designed to keep your skin at a comfy 88 degrees.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Customer Reviews
The Sapira Chill is one of the newest models from Leesa, so it currently only has 32 customer reviews on the Leesa website, with an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars (for context, the older Leesa models have a collective total of more than 25,000 customer reviews). None of the reviews specifically mention the bed’s cooling abilities yet, but we’ll continue to update this section as more comments come in.
Highlights of the Leesa Sapira Chill Mattress
The Leesa Sapira Chill comes in three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium-Firm, and Firm. That means there’s something for every body type and sleeping position. We tested the Medium-Firm and found it to be a good fit for back sleepers and side sleepers alike.
Combination sleepers should find the Leesa Sapira Chill responsive enough to easily switch positions.
That same responsiveness also makes the Leesa Sapira Chill good for sex, which should appeal to couples.
What to Keep in Mind about the Leesa Sapira Chill Mattress
This is pricier mattress, especially if you’re opting for a king, which is currently $2,399 before discounts.
Best King-Size Mattress for Heavy Sleepers – Big Fig
Best King-Size Mattress for Heavy Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
Big Fig offers returns and exchanges after 14 days of the 120-night sleep trial
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
A Note On Weight and Body Type
We recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call “average” (130 to 250 pounds). We consider heavy sleepers to be anyone over 250 pounds, and they tend to need more support to prevent them from sinking too far into the layers.
Expert Opinion
We’ve found that a king-size mattress is a great option for sleepers who have larger bodies, as it gives them plenty of room to spread out. But heavy sleepers will also want to make sure they have adequate support, which they’re bound to get in the Big Fig. Designed specifically with heavier sleepers in mind, the Big Fig (which is short for “bigger figure”) is built with extremely durable materials. The comfort layer contains a latex foam that’s bouncy, responsive, and supportive, while also giving heavy people a bit of pressure relief. Toward the bottom of the mattress, a support layer of individually wrapped coils should keep these folks lifted, preventing them from sinking too far into the mattress.
During testing, we experienced the right amount of pressure relief and support while back sleeping and stomach sleeping, even for average weight sleepers under 250 pounds. And of course, heavy sleepers in all three sleeping positions should be very comfortable.
What our tester says: “Specifically designed for the plus size sleeper, I think the Big Fig should offer a great mix of support and comfort to heavy stomach sleepers and heavy back sleepers alike.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Customer Reviews
There are nearly 8,200 customer reviews on the Big Fig website, with an average satisfaction score of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Unsurprisingly, most of the reviews are from plus-size sleepers, but some of them sleep with a partner of light or average weight, and they also found it comfortable.
Highlights of the Big Fig Mattress
We didn’t detect a lot of motion transfer when testing the Big Fig, making it a solid choice for couples.
We found the Big Fig to be a cooling mattress, thanks to gel infusions in the foam and the airflow being promoted by the coils.
The coils also make the mattress responsive, so combination sleepers should find it easy to switch sleeping positions.
What to Keep in Mind about theBig Fig Mattress
Lighter and average weight side sleepers may not get the contouring they need from the Big Fig. Also, sleepers who struggle with hip pain (regardless of their weight) will likely need something softer. See our best mattresses for hip pain for more options.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Birch
Birch Natural Mattress
Firm Mattress
Organic
Cooling
Latex Hybrid
100-night Trial and 10-year Warranty
Free Shipping
Fall Into Bed Sale
20% off + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase using code FALLSALE20 See Details
The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
Birch Natural Mattress Scores
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4
Value
4
Cooling
4
Pressure Relief
5
Responsiveness
3.5
Edge Support
3.5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Expert Opinion
If you’re an eco-conscious sleeper searching for a king bed, we think you should check out the Birch Natural mattress, created by Helix and made top to bottom from environmentally friendly materials. The cover contains organic cotton and organic wool, making it breathable and plush. Below that, the comfort layer has organic wool that assists with cooling due to its moisture-wicking properties, in addition to acting as a natural fire barrier. Beneath that lies a responsive transition layer of Talalay latex, which is all-natural and cooling while creating a buoyant and responsive feel.
When we laid down on the Birch, we found it to be quite bouncy due to the naturally responsive latex. There’s also a support layer of coils that further assists with responsiveness, so we think the Birch could be a good fit for combination sleepers. We had no problem rolling around and changing sleeping positions.
What our tester says: “The Birch Natural mattress from Helix Sleep is an all-natural bed that uses organic cotton and wool fibers to create a structure that I found to be as eco-friendly as it is comfortable.” — Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester
Customer Reviews
The 4,000+ customer reviews published on the Birch website come out to an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars. When searching for the word “organic,” 155 reviews come up in praise of the mattress’s materials. “We purchased this mattress for our teenage son to replace and upgrade his worn-out conventional mattress to something healthier,” wrote one verified buyer.” We have had the mattress for two months now, and my son is loving it! It is very comfortable and supportive and he has been sleeping well on it. I feel much better knowing that he is sleeping on a natural mattress made without harmful chemicals.”
Highlights of the Birch Natural Mattress
The naturally breathable and cooling materials in the Birch make it a great choice for hot sleepers to stay cool throughout the night.
The firmer feel of the Birch, with some cushioning from the wool layer, makes a good pick for back sleepers.
The Birch’s firm and elevating feel also works well for stomach sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind about the Birch Natural Mattress
The bounciness and responsiveness — while good for mobility — can lead to a lot of motion transfer. If you’re easily disturbed by a restless bedmate, the Birch may not be ideal for you.
At Sleepopolis we have tested over 300 mattresses to help you find the exact mattress you are looking for. We consider factors like firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, and sinkage to help you find the right king-size mattress for you. Testing these elements in our very own lab helps us become mattress experts, and gives us the tools to help you find the perfect mattress for each customer.
Couples and those with pets: King mattresses offer more sleeping space, which is especially nice for couples. It can also be great for those who need enough room to sleep with pets.
Restless sleepers: If you’re a restless sleeper, you’ll have room to toss and turn without disturbing a partner or falling off the bed.
Tall or heavy sleepers: Taller or heavier sleepers should appreciate the extra space offered.
Families: King-sized mattresses are perfect for co-sleeping or watching family shows and movies.
Who Won’t Love a King Bed
Budget shoppers: King-size mattresses are more expensive than other mattress sizes. Sheets, bed frames, and other accessories will also be pricier. That said, you can find some value options on our best cheap mattress page, as well as our lists of the best mattresses under $1,000.
Those with a small bedroom: A king mattress could be too large for a smaller bedroom. For smaller beds, see our top picks for the best queen mattresses.
Those wanting a lighter mattress: King mattresses are heavier than other sizes, so it may be harder to move around or set up.
What to Consider in the Best King-Size Mattress
While you can’t go wrong with any of the king mattresses on this list, we’ve included a few tips and things that we look out for that could help you choose the best type of mattress for your body type and sleep needs. You can check out ourmattress buying guide for more in-depth information.
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 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, because mattresses can cost various amounts and you don’t want to be caught off guard. 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).
One of the best times to buy a king-size mattress (or any new mattress) is around certain holidays. President’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and Cyber 5 (the five-day period between Thanksgiving and Cyber Monday) all see mattress brands offering significant discounts and promotions.
Firmness and Feel
A bed’s feel is one of the most important buying considerations. Beds can range from firm to soft, but depending on your sleeping position and body type you’ll have different firmness needs.
Firmness can also affect how supportive and contouring a bed is, so if you’re looking for something more hugging and contouring, softer is going to be better. However, a firmer mattress could be right for you if you’re looking for extra support.
Sleepopolis Firmness Scale
We place each mattress on our firmness scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest mattress and 10 being the firmest. Keep in mind that we consider a 6.5 a true medium-firm mattress. Read the below section to learn which is best for you, and see our mattress firmness guide for more in-depth information.
Sleeping Position
Our Sleepopolis team testing mattresses in every sleeping position.
How you sleep affects the firmness, pressure relief, and specific support you’ll need in a mattress. It will also likely affect how 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, as well as an example of how we test each bed.
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 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.
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 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.
Pressure Relief
The results of our pressure map test.
Pressure relief refers to the amount of pressure alleviated on various parts of the body when lying on a mattress. This can be important for pain management and prevention. Pressure relief matters for every sleeper, but the places where it matters most depends on your sleeping position. Stomach sleepers generally need pressure relief across their hips, side sleepers need relief on their hips and shoulders, and back sleepers need pressure relief across their back and lumbar region.
We test for pressure relief by rolling a specialized mat across a bed and lying on it in various 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.
Body Type
How Body Weight Factors Into Choosing A Mattress
How much you weigh can affect how a mattress will feel to you, as well as how much support you need. At Sleepopolis, we categorize sleepers as lightweight (130 pounds or less), average-weight (130 to 250 pounds), and heavyweight (250 pounds or more). We use these categories to help you pick a mattress that will fit your needs.
Your body type can be crucial in determining what type of king-size mattress you need. If you’re a lightweight sleeper (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. You’ll probably want something softer.
If you’re an average weight sleeper weighing 130 to 250 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’re a heavy sleeper weighing over 250 pounds, your search for the right mattress might be a little bit more challenging, just as it is for lightweight sleepers. We recommend choosing an innerspring or hybrid mattress with strong coils to make sure you have the proper amount of support. Since you might sink more deeply into a bed than other sleepers, you should look for mattresses with thick comfort layers (at least four inches) so you can get a soft feel. You can also check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavier people.
A heavy sleeper testing out one of our mattresses.
Motion Isolation
A look at our red wine test.
A look at the results from our seismograph machine.
A bed that isolates motion well is fit to be on our roundup for the best mattresses for couples. With good motion isolation, partners won’t feel each other’s movements while tossing and turning at night.
If you’re looking for effective motion isolation, keep an eye out for all-foam constructions or mattresses with thicker comfort layers. The soft material can better trap movement.
When testing for motion isolation, we use a red wine test and ball drop test. In the ball drop test, we drop a steel ball onto the mattress’s surface from various heights, then use a seismograph machine to read the vibrations. This helps us determine how much movement would be felt if a partner, kids, or a pet were rolling around and potentially disrupting your sleep. The red wine test involves placing a glass of red wine on the bed and seeing how much movement is required to slosh around the liquid.
Temperature Regulation
If you’re a hot sleeper looking for the best king-sized bed, you may want to consider a cooling mattress. As a rule of thumb, memory foam mattresses tend to sleep the hottest because of all the densely packed foam. Hybrid mattresses tend to sleep cooler because of the springs in the construction — which leave more space — and innerspring mattresses sleep exceptionally cool. Organic mattresses that contain latex foam also sleep cool, as latex is a naturally cooling material.
In the Sleepopolis lab, we also like to formally test a mattress’s cooling ability by using a thermal gun. This device measures a bed’s temperature when no one is lying on it, then how much it heats up after our mattress tester lies on it for five minutes. If it 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 come up with our final cooling score based on these results, the mattress’s construction, and how we feel temperature-wise when lying on it. Take a look at the results below for the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress.
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 utilize the entire sleeping surface, rather than just the middle. Edge support is also an indicator of 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. First, we just sit on the end of the bed and see how much the mattress’s layers collapse under our 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 you probably can’t sleep too close to the edge of the bed. Next, we bend over to tie our shoes while still sitting in the same spot. If we’re able to do so with ease without the mattress buckling, then this is a further indicator of strong edge support.
Nichole conducting the yardstick test.
In general, innerspring mattresses and hybrid mattresses tend to have stronger edge support than foam beds. However, there are exceptions.
What Gives a Mattress Good Edge Support?
Good edge support usually comes from a solid construction of a mattress. This generally includes durable foams, springs and coils, and other reinforcing materials. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses generally have better edge support than foam or latex beds because they have pocketed coils that give the edges strength and reinforcement.
King-Size Mattress Materials
Taking a closer look at the different mattress materials found in our beds.
Memory Foam
Foam mattresses can incorporate a variety of foam materials, including memory foam and poly foam. They include a support layer of dense foam, rather than a layer of coils found in hybrid mattresses. Foam beds can vary in feel, so most sleepers can find a foam mattress that works for them. In general, we’d steer heavier sleepers or those wanting a firmer feel toward hybrid or innerspring beds over foam.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine foam comfort layers and coil support layers. These mattresses often feel bouncy and responsive. Many different sleepers should find a suitable hybrid mattress, as these beds differ in feel.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are made with latex foams. They’re bouncy, naturally cooling, and very durable. Latex is often used in organic mattresses, like the Avocado Green mattress.
Innerspring Mattresses
This traditional mattress type, often found in brick-and-mortar stores, relies on a steel coil support system. Innerspring beds feel bouncy and supportive and are great for heavy people, combination sleepers, and seniors.
What is the Best Material for a Durable King-Size Mattress?
Innerspring and hybrid mattresses tend to be more durable than their foam alternatives because their coils are usually stronger and longer lasting than foams. However, foam and latex beds made with quality materials and construction can also be very durable and lasting. We generally recommend replacing your mattress every 8 to 10 years, and looking for a mattress with a 10-year or longer warranty may be a good indicator of the quality of the bed.
Durability
Mattresses aren’t cheap, and if you can afford it, it’s best to spend more money on a longer-lasting option. Two things that can determine durability are the construction of a mattress and the quality of materials. Latex, hybrid, and innerspring constructions tend to be more durable than all-foam mattresses. However, if you have a high-quality all-foam mattress with a thick base foundation, you should expect it to last a while.
See our best mattresses that won’t sag for some durable options. It’s important to look for a mattress that’s made with high-quality, long-lasting materials, such as sturdy coils, durable latex and/or high-density foams.
How to Extend the Lifespan of your Mattress
Rotate the mattress every six months
Deep-clean it once a year and spot-clean regularly
Invest in a mattress pad or protector to create a bacteria barrier
Wash your sheets every week or bi-weekly
Replace your mattress every 6–8 years
Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Mattress
You start feeling any extreme pain
Your mattress starts to visibly sag
You see any lumps in the mattress
You sleep super-hot even in a cool room
It’s had over eight years of regular sleep
Warranty, Shipping, and Sleep Trial
Warranty and Sleep Trial
Warranty and trial-period length weigh into a buying decision. Opt for a mattress with at least a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial. Some companies include lifetime warranties and year-long sleep trials, so take a look at company policies before deciding on a new bed. To make sure you’ve got the best deal possible, see our picks for the best mattresses for the money.
Delivery and Setup
How your bed will be delivered and how it’s set up can affect the cost of the mattress and the convenience of the sale. Many online mattress brands provide free shipping and often ship their products compressed in a box. Other brands, like Saatva, may offer free white glove delivery, transporting the mattress to your room of choice and setting it up. These considerations are important depending on what you’re looking for. If you live alone, are pregnant, or otherwise unable to move a king mattress by yourself, it can be very helpful to have the company help you set up the mattress.
Customer Service
We like to look into customer service in all of the mattresses we test, and to do this, we consider the reviews of actual people who have purchased these mattresses and see what they say. We include these customer reviews in each of our mattress reviews so you can get a sense of the customer service of each brand. We also include information on company policy in each review so you know what to expect from each brand.
What Are Different Types of King Mattresses?
Believe it or not, king-size options span far past a standard king mattress. Considering the size of your room and the space where the mattress will go can help you find the best mattress size for you. See all of their various sizes below, and read more about them in our rundown of mattress sizes and bed dimensions.
Best King-Size Mattress Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a king-size mattress?
King mattresses are rectangular and measure 76 inches by 80 inches. This means they’re larger than a queen and shorter yet wider than a California king.
Are king mattresses better for couples?
It depends on your preferences. King mattresses are larger, so heavier couples or couples who like to spread out may prefer the additional space.
What is the best king mattress?
This truly does depend on the person, but if we had to choose one, we’d say the Helix Midnight Luxe. It suits sleepers of many sleeping positions and body types, and it has many features that make it a good mattress for couples (motion isolation, cooling, edge support).
Is there a bed size bigger than a king?
Yes, there are a few larger bed sizes. Alaskan King mattresses and Texan king mattresses are eight inches to 32 inches wider than a standard, or Eastern, king mattress. And Emperor size mattresses are 80 inches by 80 inches, making them the mattresses with the largest surface area on the market today.
How much does a king mattress cost?
The average king-size bed costs roughly $1,500–$1,700. Of course, there are budget and luxury options out there. But paying too far little might result in a mattress with poor-quality materials, and paying too much may not get you your money’s worth. We believe all options in this roundup to be great king-size mattresses for the money.
How much does a king mattress weigh?
A king-size mattress weighs roughly 150 pounds. Luckily, there are some companies that will help not only deliver, but also set up your mattress. Saatva is a great example of this; the company offers free white glove delivery.
Do all king mattresses have a ridge in the middle?
A ridge, or hump, commonly develops in the middle of king mattresses because it’s uncommon for solo sleepers or couples to sleep in the center of these large beds. To avoid a “king’s ridge,” you can make it a point to spend time in the center of your mattress while awake, add a topper, or choose a solid foundation or box spring with a center support beam.
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.
Since mattress size isn’t one of our categories, we looked at how much each of these beds costs for a king, then weighed that against its overall score. In an effort to recommend the highest-quality mattresses, we chose products with a score of 4 out of 5 or higher. Click here to learn more about our methodology.
Gordan, Ian L. Effect of shirts with 42 percent Celliant fiber on tcPO2 levels and grip strength in healthy Subjects: A placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Textile Science and Engineering. 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8351537/
Bridget Chapman
Former Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
