How to Select Mattress Size

Choosing the right mattress size is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when shopping for a new bed. After all, a mattress that’s too small can leave you feeling cramped and uncomfortable, while one that’s too large might overwhelm your bedroom space. With so many factors to consider, you may be wondering, “What should be my mattress size?”

The answer depends on several factors including: 

• Your height
• Whether you sleep alone or with a partner
• If you have children or pets who join you in bed
• The dimensions of your bedroom

Remember, selecting the right mattress size isn’t just about fitting in your room — it’s about supporting your ideal sleep environment. If you’re still unsure about which mattress size is right for you, our mattress experts at Texas Mattress Makers are here to help. We can guide you through all the options, taking into account your specific needs, preferences, and space constraints.

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How to select the best mattress size

How do I choose the right size mattress? When selecting the perfect mattress size, there are several key factors to consider that go beyond just the square footage of your bedroom. The right mattress should accommodate your body, sleep habits, and lifestyle to ensure you get the most restful sleep possible. 

Here are the main variables to consider when determining which mattress size will work best for you.

Your height

Your mattress should be at least 6 inches longer than your height to ensure proper comfort. Taller sleepers (over 6 feet) may find that a twin or full mattress size is too short, making a queen, king, or California king a better option to avoid hanging your feet off the edge of the bed.

Whether you sleep alone or with a partner

Adult single sleepers can often be comfortable on smaller mattresses like a twin XL or full, but couples generally need at least a queen size to sleep comfortably. If either of you is a restless sleeper or prefers extra personal space, upgrading to a king, split king or California king can make a significant difference in your sleep quality.

If you have children or pets who join you in bed

If your kids or furry friends regularly climb into bed with you, you’ll want to account for this extra space requirement. A king mattress offers the width of a twin XL for each person, making it ideal for families who co-sleep or have pets that like to cuddle up with them throughout the night.

The dimensions of your bedroom

Your mattress should fit comfortably in your room with enough space to walk around and open drawers or doors. As a rule of thumb, you should have at least 2 feet of space on all three sides of the bed (excluding the side against the wall). Measure your room carefully before making a purchase to ensure your new mattress won’t make your bedroom feel cramped. This is especially important if you’re purchasing a bed for a smaller room, a dorm room, or other confined areas.

When it comes to selecting a mattress size, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Just as your comfort needs and sleep preferences are unique to you, the ideal mattress size should be customized to your specific situation. While some retailers might try to push you toward whatever size they have on sale, at Texas Mattress Makers, we believe in helping you find the mattress size that truly meets your needs.

What sizes of mattresses are there?

When shopping for a new mattress, knowing standard mattress dimensions is key to making the right choice for you. Each mattress size serves different needs, from single sleepers to families. 

Here’s a breakdown of the standard mattress dimensions in inches you’ll find at Texas Mattress Makers:

Twin mattress size (38” x 75”)

The twin is perfect for children’s rooms, bunk beds, or small guest rooms. If you’re looking for a good twin mattress, focus on one with quality components that will support proper growth and development for younger sleepers, or provide comfortable rest for occasional adult guests in smaller spaces. Due to the smaller size, however, it may be too short for some adults. We recommend a max height of 5’5” for individuals to sleep on a twin size bed.

Twin XL mattress size (38” x 80”)

The twin XL offers the same width as a standard twin but with 5 extra inches in length so you can stretch out more comfortably. This makes it the ideal size for taller teenagers or adults in smaller spaces, such as college dorm rooms or studio apartments.

Full mattress size (53” x 75”)

Also known as a Double, the full mattress is 15 inches wider than a twin but is still designed primarily for single sleepers. Understanding the difference between full and queen mattresses is important: while a full can accommodate a couple in a pinch, it only provides 27 inches of personal space for each person which is less than the width of a twin.

A full is also the same length as a twin, so it may not work for taller teens and adults. Full size beds are increasing in popularity among parents for teenage bedrooms since they offer more space for comfortable sleep. The extra space may be helpful for younger children and their parents when reading together before bed.

Queen mattress size (60” x 80”)

The queen is the most popular mattress size in America, offering a good balance of personal space and room efficiency. The wide range of advantages makes the queen size a good choice for guestrooms, smaller master bedrooms, couples who prefer close quarters, or those seeking a more budget-friendly alternative to the king-size bed. However, when shared by two people, each person has 9 inches less width than if they slept alone in a twin bed, highlighting the difference in twin vs queen size options.

If you’re looking for a Queen mattress Houston residents recommend, you’ll find plenty of options at our showrooms that combine comfort, support, and value for both singles who like extra space and couples.

King mattress size (76” x 80”)

A king mattress is about 18 inches wider than a queen, making this size a good option for couples who want maximum personal sleeping space, especially if they have children or pets who like to pop into bed with them occasionally. 

However, the size of a king is something to consider as it may be too big for some bedrooms or too bulky to navigate through some corridors, doors, and stairwells. We recommend measuring the space and pathways leading to the space to ensure that it can accommodate the size of a king prior to purchase.

Split King mattress size (76” x 80”)

What is a Split King mattress? A Split King mattress consists of two Twin XL mattresses placed side by side in one bed frame When considering split king vs king options, a split king mattress serves two primary purposes for sleepers: it provides a solution for different sleeping needs and is compatible with adjustable bases that allow each person to adjust their side independently of the other. This mattress size is a great solution for many sleep troubles couples face.

California King size mattress (72” x 84”)

The California King is 4 inches longer but 4 inches narrower than a standard king. This size is ideal for taller individuals who need the extra length or for narrower master bedrooms where a standard king might feel too wide. If you go with this size, remember that bedding is not as easy to find for a California king compared to the more common sizes.

Expert Tip: If you want something larger than a California king size (like an Alaskan king or a Texas-size mattress), speak to an expert about a custom mattress! We can create whatever size and shape you need.

Each mattress size has its advantages, and the right choice depends on your individual needs, sleeping habits, and bedroom dimensions. At Texas Mattress Makers, we can help you navigate these options to find the perfect size for your best night’s sleep.

Shop Quality Mattresses in Every Size at Factory-Direct Prices!

The right mattress size is more than just a measurement — it’s a key ingredient in your recipe for quality sleep. At Texas Mattress Makers, we understand that everyone’s sleep needs are different, and finding the perfect mattress means considering both your comfort requirements and the space you have available.

Whether you’re looking for a space-saving twin, a versatile queen, or a spacious king, our handcrafted mattresses are designed with quality components that ensure proper support and alignment, regardless of the mattress size you choose. And because we make our mattresses right here in Texas, we can offer factory-direct prices on every size without compromising on quality.

Visit any of our mattress stores in Houston and surrounding areas to experience the difference that a properly sized, expertly crafted mattress can make in your sleep quality.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Where to Find an Affordable Queen Mattress
• Best Mattresses for Bed-Bound Patients
• Mattress Testing: How Our Mattresses Surpassed Industry Standards
• 5 Unexpected Benefits of Sleep
• Mattress Shopping Tips for 2025