Choosing a new mattress, especially a California king, is a daunting process, not only because it’s a large investment but also because of the huge impact sleep has on your quality of life and overall health. Sleep is a precious resource, and finding the perfect mattress can help you make the most of your time in bed, increasing sleep quality and comfort and warding off joint and back pain. (1) And if you move around a lot or like to spread out during the night, a larger bed is likely the best way to avoid upsetting your partner or finding your limbs hanging over the edges, especially if you’re on the tall side.
California king beds are some of the largest you can find, according to our mattress size guide—four inches narrower but four inches longer than a standard king-size mattress. However, size is only one factor to consider. Using their expertise and thorough testing methods, our team of seasoned mattress experts has explored the top brands to identify the best California king mattresses available today. In this guide, we’ve curated our best mattress picks based on factors like value, comfort, cooling abilities, and sleep styles so you can find your ideal match.
Best California king mattress overall
Our pick for the best California king mattress overall is the DreamCloud Hybrid. This mattress features a luxuriously soft cashmere-blend cover and cooling gel memory foam, topping multiple supportive foam layers and individually wrapped steel coils. A double row of coils around the perimeter provides sturdy edge support and boosts durability. We believe the DreamCloud Hybrid California king is a top-quality, elite mattress with a very reasonable price tag for its features.
Our picks for the best California king mattresses
- Best overall: DreamCloud Hybrid
- Best for side sleepers: Nolah Evolution
- Best for back pain: Saatva Classic
- Best memory foam: Nectar Classic
- Best for heavy people: Titan Plus
- Best budget: Emma Hybrid Comfort
- Best for couples: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Compare California king mattresses
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| DreamCloud Hybrid | Nolah Evolution | Saatva Classic | Nectar Classic | Titan Plus | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Best for | Overall | Side sleepers | Back pain | Memory foam | Heavy people | Budget | Couples |
| Price | $1,785 | $2,699 | $2,595 | $1,820 | $1,499 | $1,649 | $1,599 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Memory foam | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights |
Best overall California king mattress: DreamCloud Hybrid
Key product features
What you should know
The DreamCloud Hybrid is a comfortable yet affordable luxury mattress. Its pocketed coils and memory foam support your body and help relieve pressure. The mattress also has a breathable, soft cashmere cover and several cooling, responsive, and sturdy foam layers for a high-quality, durable feel.
- This mattress offers a luxurious feel at an affordable price of $1,785 without compromises.
- The combination of memory foam and pocketed coils provides balanced support and helps to relieve pressure. It is ideal for back and side sleepers and those who appreciate a mix of cushioning and firmness.
- This mattress is responsive but still has sound motion isolation, which is ideal for couples and pet owners.
- The DreamCloud Hybrid is only available in a Medium-firm option, which should suit most people.
Why we like DreamCloud as best overall
While it is budget friendly, The DreamCloud is full of extra features and quality materials. A California king mattress is more expensive than smaller sizes, so finding a durable option that’s easy on the wallet is a great perk. Its cashmere cover is breathable and soft, and gel foam serves as a multipurpose powerhouse. Gel foam has been shown to cushion and contour while serving double duty as a cooling layer. (3) Pocketed coils doubled up along the perimeter are supportive and create sturdy edge support that adds to the mattress’s durability.
Additional layers of quilted and gel-infused memory foam add cushioning to help relieve pressure with body contouring around the shoulders and hips while still being supportive enough—with help from up to 960 pocketed steel coils—to prevent the kind of sinkage that can cause back pain. (4) These same coils make DreamCloud great for people who share a bed with a partner or pet since they provide excellent motion isolation compared to non-pocketed coil mattresses.
The DreamCloud mattress only comes in a Medium-firm option. Still, this level of support is generally considered the best choice for preventing and helping to alleviate back pain for most people. (4) The foams in the mattress are CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning they’re free from toxic chemicals and meet high health and safety standards. (5)
Another reason this mattress made our best overall pick is its versatility. Its balanced cushioning serves back, side, and combination sleepers well, though it’s likely best for back sleepers. Lightweight stomach sleepers may also be comfortable, though heavier people might find the mattress too soft.
The DreamCloud comes with DreamCloud’s Forever Warranty™ and a generous 365-night sleep trial for a reasonable $1,785. Frequent deep discounts make the mattress an excellent value.
To learn more about this brand, see our full DreamCloud mattress review.
Specs
| Price | $1,785 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best California king mattress for side sleepers: Nolah Evolution
Key product features
What you should know
The Nolah Evolution is a dreamy pick for side sleepers. It offers a mix of supportive individually wrapped coils and a plush top that cradles joints while maintaining ideal spinal alignment. Advanced cooling tech and three different firmness options further sweeten the pot.
- Our testers describe the Nolah Evolution as having a hotel mattress feel with a plush top layer and full body support.
- Independently moving pocketed coils and a cushioned top create great alignment for all sleep positions but are especially ideal for side sleepers.
- Strong, high-gauge steel coils around the perimeter provide excellent edge support.
- The Nolah Evolution is a premium mattress priced at $2,699 for a California king size (though frequently discounted). It is expensive but competitive in its quality.
Why we like Nolah Evolution as best for side sleepers
The Nolah Evolution 15-inch hybrid mattress is versatile, durable, and comfortable with eight layers of quality, durable materials. It independently moves pocketed coils and cushioned tops to provide great spinal alignment for all sleep positions, especially for side sleepers who need a bit more cushioning around the shoulders and hips. (6)
Unique materials in the mattress include HDMax™ coils and AirFoam™, which deliver targeted lumbar support and evenly distribute body weight, helping to relieve pressure around your joints without sacrificing lumbar support. Our testers also found the individually wrapped coils reduce motion transfer, so sleeping with a restless partner or pet won’t be as likely to disturb your sleep. However, there was still some movement and good responsiveness, so you can switch sleep positions without feeling “stuck” in place.
The Nolah Evolution has a handful of special cooling features, including innerspring coils, which increase airflow and breathability more than all-foam mattresses. It also has a breathable organic cotton cover and a high thermal conductivity topper that whisks heat away from your body. Lastly, special border gussets promote air circulation by circulating warm air as fresh, cooler air enters. These features came through for our testers, who gave the mattress a 5 out of 5 for cooling, as they experienced body temperatures cooling down after about two minutes of lying down.
The Evolution is a luxury mattress and, as such, is the most expensive on our list at its full price of $2,699 for a California king size, though you can often find promotions reducing the cost. It does have a shorter trial period than some competitors, at 120 nights, but comes with a lifetime warranty. Overall, its high-end features and durable materials may make the cost worth it if you have the budget.
Check out the best mattresses for side sleepers to see more options for you.
Specs
| Price | $2,699 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Plush, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best California king mattress for back pain: Saatva Classic
Key product features
What you should know
The Saatva Classic is a high-quality, eco-friendly mattress with patented Lumbar Zone® Technology to align the spine and a plush Euro pillow top for comfort. It comes in multiple firmness options, making it ideal for any sleep position, especially for those with lower back pain.
- Available firmness options include Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm to accommodate various sleep preferences.
- The Saatva Classic is bouncy and responsive, which makes it ideal for people with joint pain or mobility issues.
- A Euro pillow top adds a cushioning layer to ease pressure and provide comfort.
- The mattress has a naturally breathable and hypoallergenic cotton cover to help regulate body temperature.
- Saatva provides White Glove Delivery, including free in-room delivery, setup, and old mattress removal, all included in the mattress’s price of $2,595.
Why we like Saatva Classic as best for back pain
If you have back pain, you likely don’t need to be told that it can interfere with getting quality, restful sleep. But research does confirm that insomnia and wake events are more likely—and the real kicker—a lack of sleep can make pain worse, leading to a vicious cycle interfering with your quality of life and health. (7, 8)
Fortunately, researchers have also studied how mattress types impact lower back pain and have found that mattresses with built-in extra lumbar support may lead to better sleep and lower back pain. (9) While the Saatva Classic was not explicitly used in the study, it does include zoned support for a firmer, spine-aligning surface under your lower back. Our mattress testers agreed that lower back pressure and pain were reduced, especially when sleeping on their backs, on the Luxury Firm model.
The mattress is available in Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm, and if you’re wondering which will work best for you, it’s worth noting that the Luxury Firm is an excellent fit for most body types and sleep positions. Science points to a medium-firm level of support as best for preventing and easing pain. (4) However, our testers reported that the Plush may be better for lightweight sleepers who can find mattresses firmer than advertised.
Our testers scored the Saatva Classic at 5 out of 5 on bounce and responsiveness, which is ideal if you change positions frequently through the night (or during sex), though it can also lead to some motion transfer that can wake light sleepers. Responsiveness is helpful if you have back pain since it can make moving around easier, and the mattress’s excellent edge support (scoring perfect marks) is a huge plus for people with limited mobility who need added stability when getting in and out of bed.
People with back pain who need extra support may find the higher-end price point very reasonable, especially considering the quality, eco-friendly, and durable materials. The Saatva Classic has even earned a Seal of Approval from the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations.
White glove delivery is free, so you won’t have to lug the mattress into your room or set it up. Your old mattress can be removed at the same time if you choose. A year-long sleep trial and lifetime warranty add to Saatva’s excellent customer-centered business model.
If this mattress isn’t the right pick for you, see our complete guide on the best mattresses for back pain for more great options. Or, visit our full Saatva mattress review for more insights.
Specs
| Price | $2,595 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best memory foam California king mattress: Nectar Classic
Key product features
What you should know
The Nectar Classic Memory Foam is a supportive all-foam mattress ideal for average-weight back and side sleepers. With its transition layer and thick support base, you can expect superior motion isolation and a medium firmness that suits most people.
- Our tests showed that the Nectar mattress has three foam layers that provide stability and a comfortable sinking feeling.
- At $1,820 for a California king, The Nectar is a very budget-friendly pick that surprisingly still comes with a year-long sleep trial and lifetime warranty.
- Therapeutic foam cushions the shoulders, hips, and back, and a responsive layer encourages spinal alignment, which is ideal for back and side sleepers.
- This affordable mattress also comes as a hybrid if you prefer memory foam cushioning with more support from innerspring coils.
Why we like Nectar Classic as best memory foam
The Nectar is a budget-friendly CertiPUR US® certified mattress with three layers of specialized foams. You can expect a cushioned, plush feel that reduces pressure points and absorbs movement for minimal motion transfer. While not significantly cooling, a breathable cover and gel foams prevent overheating, which is important for all-foam mattresses since they lack air-flow-promoting coils. (10) More research is needed, but promising results have shown that memory foam mattresses can promote better sleep quality and fewer middle-of-the-night wake-ups. (2)
Although memory foam is known for trapping heat during sleep, Nectar’s foam is infused with gel, which helps to reduce heat buildup by breaking up the foam’s density. (3) Our testers found that while the mattress didn’t feel cool to the touch, it could regulate body temperature well and did a decent job of staying comfortably cool.
The gel foam also gives the mattress a plush, contouring feel, so you sink into it just right while still being supported as a back and side sleeper needing more pressure relief around the hips and shoulders. It’s not a great choice for stomach sleepers since it’s not firm enough to prevent low back pain in this position.
People who prefer a cushiony, cradling feeling will likely enjoy the sinking-in sensation of this mattress, but our testing showed this benefit comes with the price of poor edge support. If you sleep near the outer edge of your bed, a lack of stability means you’ll need to scooch in, causing the bed to feel a bit less king-sized than you’d like. This same mattress comes in a hybrid version, so if you’d prefer more support in general and along the edges, this option might serve you better.
Even though The Nectar Classic is affordable at full price, promotions often lower the cost even further. A Forever Warranty™and a 365-night sleep trial also boost the value; shipping and returns are free.
To learn more, see our full Nectar mattress review or our guide on the best memory foam mattresses.
What customers are saying
The Nectar has an average rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 for all mattress sizes from 7,482 reviews on Amazon. One verified reviewer, Tim, who purchased the California king size, described it as “Probably the best purchase of my life!” and added, “Back feels better, brain feels sharper, a comfortable night’s sleep does wonders, and this does it for me.”
Another reviewer, curryspatzel, was hesitant about buying a mattress online without first testing it but would buy the Nectar again, saying, “LOVE IT! It showed up in the box, plumped up in just a few hours, and it was ready that night. My back pain has gotten so much better. I sleep more soundly, and in the last week, the extra rest made my life better. The only issue is that it’s a little soft. A firm box spring corrected this, and now it’s perfect.”
Many reviewers note the lack of edge support. Reviewer Kim Smith says, “I can also concur that the boxy style edge is not very supportive, and you have an easier time ‘rolling out of bed’ in the morning. But I haven’t felt like I’ll roll off the bed while sleeping. If you sit on the side of your bed and need a sturdy place to put on socks or support to get up, this isn’t the bed for you.”
Specs
| Price | $1,820 |
| Material | Memory foam |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best California king mattress for heavy people: Titan Plus
Key product features
What you should know
Constructed with high-density foam and heavy-duty coils, the Titan Plus provides sturdy support and comfort uniquely aimed at sleepers on the larger side. It can support up to 1,000 pounds and is engineered to resist sagging.
- Our testers noted an incredibly supported, on-top-of-the-mattress feel with zero sinkage.
- Since it’s built to last and can withstand the additional stress of more weight, the Titan Plus is very durable but priced competitively at $1,499.
- Firm, supportive layers in this mattress are specifically designed for the comfort of larger individuals, who should feel comfortable in any sleep position.
- The firm sleep surface offers durability that maintains support and resists sagging.
- Average-weight sleepers who sleep on their backs or stomachs and prefer a firm mattress should feel comfortable, but lighter sleepers and side sleepers under 250 lbs will likely not.
Why we like Titan Plus as best for heavy people
Our testing and research have found the Titan Plus by Brooklyn Bedding the best California king mattress for larger bodies because of its rugged design, which supports up to 1,000 pounds. It’s pretty firm and ideal for people over 250 pounds because it provides the strength and durability needed for support.
The Titan Plus is built with a durable high-density foam support core, reinforced by heavy-duty steel coils, that translates to long-term support and structural integrity. This combination helps reduce common mattress issues for heavier people, including pressure points and general discomfort from lack of support. The result is less likelihood of experiencing back pain and a better night’s sleep. (11)
Our tester gave high marks for edge support, noting minimal sinkage and an incredibly comfortable feel. They said it was easy to get in and out of, and the sag resistance along the perimeter would benefit people with mobility issues. However, motion isolation didn’t fare as well during our tests, which might be an issue if you or your bedmate are restless sleepers. This means that the bed is more responsive and bouncier, which can make sleep (and sex) position changes easier to manage.
Aside from their durable support, steel coils facilitate airflow, so the mattress doesn’t trap heat as readily. Two layers of gel-infused foam add additional cooling and supportive effects. If you sleep particularly hot, you can add a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover for $200. The mattress has a 10-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial, which are a bit shorter than some competitors.
For additional options, check out the best mattresses for heavy people. Or, see our comprehensive Titan mattress review to learn more.
What customers are saying
The Titan Plus has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 106 reviews on Amazon—though this number includes all mattress sizes, not just the California king. Customers particularly appreciate the Titan Plus mattress for the level of support and comfort it provides, as well as its value. One verified reviewer going by the handle “Amazon Customer” says, “I’ve been sleeping on it for a month now. I was waking up every day with a sore back and bad attitude, but not once since I opened the Titan box. I’m waking up comfortably and rolling out of bed instead of climbing out.”
Some reviewers have noted that the Titan Plus is a very heavy mattress and could be difficult to move, as verified California king reviewer ‘privately10 M’ notes: “It’s really heavy. This is not a one-person job. Have a buddy handy.”
Specs
| Price | $1,499 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best budget California king mattress: Emma Hybrid Comfort
Key product features
What you should know
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress provides firm support and a bouncy feel. It’s an excellent option for back and stomach sleepers, offering cooling foam layers and edge-to-edge ergonomic pocketed springs for a comfortable night’s sleep at an affordable price.
- Emma’s pressure support and spinal alignment abilities stood out the most during our tests.
- For a budget pick at $1,649, the Emma offers all the basics and some nice extras, like zoned pressure relief, cooling gel foam, and a 365-night sleep trial.
- The five ergonomic zones encourage spinal alignment and support with a firmness level ideal for back and stomach sleepers.
- The Emma Hybrid Comfort’s memory foams and pocketed coils offer support, motion isolation, and durability.
- Stay cool and comfortable with Emma Hybrid Comfort’s breezy Airgocell™ foam and supportive coils.
Why we like Emma Hybrid Comfort as best budget
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is our pick for the best cheap mattress because it’s supportive and durable and still comes with some features you’d only expect with higher-priced mattresses. Its hybrid design combines supportive and breezy foam layers with edge-to-edge pocketed coils to provide a firm, on-top-of-the-bed feel.
The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress offers cooling features, including a soft, breathable, moisture-wicking cover, a layer of airy foam, and a cooling gel-foam layer that helps break up more dense foam that can trap body heat.
Seven pressure zones help add more support, such as in the lumbar area, and less in places like the shoulders so that you can feel more contoured around sensitive joints. This feature also helps your spine stay in its naturally healthiest position for sleep—earning the mattress top marks for spinal alignment from our testers. (11) The Emma Hybrid Comfort is still a bit too firm for side sleepers unless they are over 250 lbs, according to our testing, because they need more cushion around the hips and shoulders.
While the open-celled foam and pocketed coils help minimize motion transfer, you’re still likely to feel bigger movements, which is common with hybrids due to their springs. But this does mean the mattress is responsive and bouncy despite its firmness (rated 7/10 by our testers), which helps with mobility when you want to change positions or get out of bed.
The foams used are CertiPUR-US® Certified, so they’re free from harmful chemicals like VOCs, formaldehyde, and phthalates and meet high safety and durability standards. (5) The Emma Comfort Hybrid also has a year-long sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. For a $125 add-on fee, you can have your old mattress removed. With all these considerations factored in, the Emma is well worth its $1,649 price tag, especially considering the frequent discounts that drive the price down further.
See our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review to learn more. Or, visit our list of the best affordable mattresses to discover more budget-friendly options, or see this pick on our roundup of the best mattresses in Canada.
Specs
| Price | $1,649 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best California king mattress for couples: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Key product features
What you should know
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress made of memory foam and latex foam. It’s responsive with enough bounce for combination sleepers to change positions–also making it ideal for sex easily. The mattress is also decent at cooling and has excellent edge support.
- The mattress feels soft and plush and provides a lifted supported feel. The medium firm option best suits back and stomach sleepers.
- At $1,599 for a California king, the Signature hybrid is more affordable than many competitors.
- The mattress’s supportive coils and cushioned foam are available in Soft, Medium, or Firm for an ideal fit, depending on your sleep preferences.
- Hot sleepers can add a GlacioTex ™ Cooling Pillow Top for better body temperature regulation.
Why we like Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid as best for couples
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an excellent choice for couples seeking comfort, support, and value. It comes in three firmness options, but the medium-firm is a versatile middle ground that suits most people so that couples can sleep comfortably despite different sleep preferences. It has individually encased coils that offer targeted support and reduce motion transfer so that movement on one side of the bed doesn’t disturb the other—a crucial feature for light sleepers.
High-quality materials like supreme response comfort foam and Variflex™ compression add support, durability, and comfort. The mattress also performed well in edge support, with minimal sinkage when lying or sitting on the edges during our tests. While it may not be the top pick for hot sleepers, the mattress does include cooling features like breathable coils and a moisture-wicking top layer to help regulate temperature. You can add a GlacioTex™ Cooling Pillow Top for an additional cost.
With a price tag of $1,599 and frequent discounts available, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an excellent value for its quality. It uses CertiPUR-US® Certified foams free from harmful chemicals and has a 120-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty.
Visit our complete Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid review for more insights. Or, check out our best mattresses for couples for more options you and your partner will love.
What customers are saying
Amazon reviewers give the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid an average rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 across all mattress sizes. Customers are particularly impressed by the quality of mattresses they get for the price and the ability to choose a preferred firmness option.
Other reviewers appreciate the motion isolation qualities, including verified California king reviewer Cynthia Vasquez, who writes, “It made no noise when we were moving around on it while our baby was jumping on the bed. This seems like such a well-made mattress.” She also praised the mattress’s comfort and softness.
Some reviewers note that the soft option is prone to sinking in the middle and that the mattress construction doesn’t provide enough cooling. Verified reviewer Kevin Doherty experienced both of these drawbacks, saying, “It was considerably softer in the middle, pushing you away from the edge. Not too good with two people. And to top it off, it is an extremely hot mattress to sleep on.” Couples looking to purchase this mattress might be better off with the medium or firm option.
Specs
| Price | $1,599 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Soft, Medium, Firm |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
How we test mattresses
Our mattress evaluation process is rooted in a combination of thorough research and hands-on experience. Our expert team, which includes certified sleep science coaches, seasoned industry professionals, and real-world consumers, tests each mattress, assessing across various categories, including performance, comfort and support, value, customer experience, and health and safety. We then use this information to narrow down our top picks.
For more details on how we conduct our reviews, you can explore our full mattress testing methodology.
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
A mattress is only as good as the sleep it delivers. Factors like motion isolation and temperature control can make the difference between a great night’s sleep and a terrible one.
- Temperature regulation
- Motion isolation
- Edge support
- Technology
Comfort and support—30%
Especially when considering mattress-related ailments like joint pain and soreness, how a mattress performs in the comfort department is essential. We evaluate each mattress on these factors:
- Firmness
- Pressure relief
- Spinal alignment support
- Customization
Value—20%
Value isn’t just a low price point, but also considers innovative materials, a generous warranty, and discount frequency to arrive at a full picture of worth.
Customer experience—10%
We put ourselves in the customer’s shoes to experience the customer’s purchasing process firsthand. From the checkout to the delivery to returning a mattress, we evaluate every step.
- Shipping
- Warranty
- Customer service
- Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%
When you spend so much of your life sleeping, you should feel comfortable knowing you’re resting on a surface that’s beneficial for your health, not harmful.
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure
- Safety certifications
How to choose the best California king mattress
Choosing the right California king mattress will give you the best chance of enjoying luxury while getting quality sleep. There are several important factors to consider when mattress shopping:
Sleeping position
- Back sleepers will benefit most from a medium-firm mattress, which should offer enough support to prevent sinking hips and thus maintain good spinal alignment.
- Similarly to back sleepers, stomach sleepers typically need a firmer mattress. A firmer surface helps to support the hips and prevent misalignment of the spine.
- Side sleepers should opt for a more balanced mattress, combining sufficient support with a plush top to cushion the hips and shoulders effectively. This combination can be seen in the Nolah Evolution, our pick for the best California king mattress for side sleepers.
Materials
- Memory foam is adept at contouring to the body, providing comfort and pressure relief to the joints. However, it tends to retain more heat than other types of mattresses, which can affect the comfort of hot sleepers.
- Innerspring mattresses provide plenty of support and tend to sleep cooler than their foam counterparts, as their design allows increased airflow through the mattress.
- Hybrid mattresses combine memory foam’s comfort with innerspring options’ supportiveness. Many hybrid mattresses incorporate additional cooling features for enhanced comfort.
Other features
- Cooling technologies come in a variety of options, including breathable covers, phase-change materials, and gel-infused foams. Some mattresses come with these features as standard in the design, while others may offer them as an add-on for an additional cost.
- Motion isolation matters if you share your bed with a partner, children, or pets. The more effective a mattress is at motion isolation, the less likely you are to be disturbed by someone getting into or out of bed or moving around in their sleep.
- Edge support gives you more comfortable sleep across the entire surface area of the mattress. Better edge support also makes it easier to get into and out of bed by reducing the amount of sinkage.
Trial periods and warranties
Mattress manufacturers understand that everyone has different sleep needs and offer sleep trial periods so you can invest in the mattress that’s right for you. Most manufacturers also offer generous warranties, including the mattress’s lifetime, so you can sleep more easily, knowing that you’ll be looked after if something happens to your mattress.
Customer reviews
Brand websites provide product details and plenty of superlatives. However, reading customer reviews can give you real human insight into the performance and value of any mattress you might be interested in buying. Doing your homework in this way can help you make the most informed investment possible.
King vs. California king mattresses
King mattresses measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, whereas California king mattresses measure 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. This gives a king mattress a slightly larger surface area than a California king (6080 vs 6048 square inches) but this shouldn’t be considered a deal breaker when deciding which size to invest in, as the difference is minimal. Both sizes are also available in split options, which accommodate couples who have different firmness preferences or if you have an adjustable bed frame.
Taller people who dislike their feet close to or hanging over the end of a king mattress may benefit from the extra length of a California king. Conversely, if you share your bed with a partner, children, or pets, you may appreciate the additional width of a standard king. The dimensions of your sleeping space are also important, as a California king will fit and look better in a narrower bedroom than a king mattress.
As both sizes of mattresses are often found at the same price point, the right size for you will ultimately be determined by your living situation and your personal sleep needs.
Pros and cons of California king mattresses
Like any mattress size, the California king has its advantages and drawbacks:
Pros
- Great for taller people: At 84 inches long, a California king can comfortably accommodate most people over six feet tall without their feet hanging over the end of the bed.
- Fits in narrower spaces: If you have a narrower bedroom, a California king may fit the space better than a regular king. In addition to the visual aspect of the California king not completely dominating the space, it also offers more space around the sides to get in and out of bed.
- Perfect for cuddly sleepers: The California king’s narrower size will also appeal to couples who enjoy sleeping close together or touching.
Cons
- Rarer size: California king mattresses are much less common than the standard king size, so accessories like box springs, sheets, and mattress protectors may be easier to find but more expensive.
- Less space to spread out: If you tend to be a restless sleeper and share your bed with a partner, children, or pets, a California king mattress may need to be wider to give everyone their own space.
FAQs
What is the best California king-size bed?
This is a subjective question, as California king-size mattresses are available at different price points in various firmness and construction options to cater to individual needs, so the best option for you may not be the best for someone else. The DreamCloud Hybrid wins our pick for the best overall California king mattress as the best balance between comfort, quality, and value. Still, it may need to be firm enough for heavier people, which is why the Titan Plus could be optimal. All the mattresses reviewed above include a trial period, so you can test several options and pick your favorite.
What is the point of a California king bed?
A California king bed offers a compromise for those who desire a mattress that is wider than a queen but has a sleeping space that would appear overwhelmed by the width of a standard king. The extra length of a California king also appeals to taller people who might want more room to stretch out fully in bed.
Who should get a California king bed?
A California king bed may be right for you if you have a narrower bedroom but still want to experience the space and luxury of sleeping on a standard king mattress, as the two have almost identical surface areas. The extra length vs a king is beneficial not only for taller people but also for people of average height who share their bed with pets, who can curl up at the foot of your bed without getting in the way of your feet. If you enjoy cuddling in bed with a partner or co-sleeping with your children, then the narrower California king can help foster a sense of closeness and security with your loved ones.
Our experts
Dr. Swathi Varanasi
Dr. Swathi Varanasi, or Dr. Swathi for short, is a pharmacist passionate about the intersection of personalized medicine and innovation. With experience spanning patient care, biotech, CRO, academia, and CPG, Dr. Swathi Varanasi has paved the way for healthcare professionals to pursue non-traditional career paths through creating postdoctoral training programs, industry internships, and online educational programs. She co-founded and serves as Chief Scientific Officer of the Life Sciences Division at botanical biotech, Element Apothec, and serves as a Principal Investigator at contract research organization, Citruslabs.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Rachel MacPherson, CPT, CSCS, CENS
Fortune Recommends Writer