Full vs. Double Mattress: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to beds, two popular sizes are full and double mattresses. However, they’re actually the exact same size, both measuring 54 by 75 inches.

Double mattresses were one of the first standardized mattress sizes along with single beds, meaning they’re a universal bed size amongst mattress manufacturers. As mattress manufacturers began adding more standard mattress sizes—like queen and king beds—they started calling single and double beds twin and full beds instead.

SEE ALSO: Best Adjustable Bed for Back Pain

What is a Full Mattress?

Full size mattresses measure 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. Compared to other standard mattress sizes, full beds are a median size, not being too big or too small.

If you want a new mattress, we suggest making sure your room is no smaller than 10 by 10 feet to accommodate the dimensions of a full size bed. This way, you have enough room for the mattress, its foundation or bed frame, and any other furniture in the room, all while still having space to walk around.

SEE ALSO: Best King Size Mattress

What is a Double Mattress?

The double bed size measures 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, so it has the same dimensions as a full mattress.

In the early 1900s, mattress manufacturers started standardizing mattress sizes and, at the time, only offered two sizes: single and double. The term double seemingly suggests that it’s twice the size of a single bed. However, this isn’t true. While double and single mattresses are both 75 inches long, double size beds are only about a foot wider than single beds.

Single (also called twin) mattresses were designed for single sleepers, while double mattresses were designed for couples. Between the 1940s and 1950s, manufacturers realized double mattresses were getting a bit too small for two people—the average adult was taller and weighed more than those in the 1800s—and instead started offering king mattresses and queen mattresses for couples since they offered extra length.

Today, the term “double” mattress is uncommon, especially for mattresses made in the United States. However, mattress companies throughout Europe still occasionally refer to 54 by 75 inch mattresses as “doubles.”

Weighing the Advantages and Drawbacks of a Full-Size Mattress

Advantages 

• Versatile for single sleepers and couples.
• More affordable than larger mattresses.
• Space-efficient for smaller bedrooms or apartments.
• Easier to move and handle.
• Wide variety of bedding options available.

Drawbacks

• Limited space for couples.
• May feel cramped for taller individuals.
• Less room for children or pets.
• Can look small in larger bedrooms.

SEE ALSO: Softest Mattress in a Box

Many shoppers invest in a full size mattress because they want plenty of comfort at an affordable price. When it comes to delivering on promises of our comfort without breaking the bank, our top recommendation is the Vaya Mattress.

Two simple layers of high-quality foam make up the Vaya Mattress. The top layer is Vaya Comfort Foam, a material designed to feel more breathable and cool than traditional memory foam. The foam also quickly responds to movements, ensuring sleepers don’t get stuck as they shift position or move out of bed.

The base foam provides spine support and structures the mattress. The durable structure of the mattress ensures sleepers can get around a decade of use out of the bed, saving shoppers quite a tidy sum in the long run.

Another affordable option for budget shoppers to consider is Vaya’s other mattress, the Vaya Hybrid. This hybrid keeps costs down with a similarly minimal structure, pairing Vaya’s excellent comfort foam with a base of pocketed coils and a firm foam base. Even a full size hybrid mattress can cost a hefty amount due to production costs, so it’s wise to shop smart and save with the Vaya Hybrid.

The Vaya Mattress includes free shipping and returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

Back sleepers may find themselves waking up sore and stiff if they don’t sleep on a full mattress with the right firmness. For people who want to avoid a morning case of a bad back, we recommend a medium-firm mattress like the Amerisleep AS2.

The AS2 contains three layers, all encased in a soft and breathable mattress cover. The first layer is Bio-Pur® foam, a memory foam with a unique production process. While most manufacturers make memory foam entirely with petrochemicals, Amerisleep produces theirs by substituting key ingredients with plant oils for a more responsive and breathable foam.

The transition layer is Affinity foam with HIVE® technology. This layer does more than keep sleepers from uncomfortably bottoming out on the mattress’s coils. Amerisleep carefully cut hexagons into the foam to create five areas of responsive support.

In the mattress’s head, back, and feet the bed has less give for more support. While conversely, the mattress’s shoulders and hips are quick to flex for more cushion.

The support for the sleeper comes from the third layer of sturdy foam provides excellent spine support

There are also the four other mattress firmnesses Amerisleep offers with their other numbered mattresses,. Their softer feels are more suited for side sleepers, plus they have a firm mattress that is good for stomach sleepers.

The AS2 is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty

Who Should Use a Full or Double Mattress?

While commonly available, full and double mattresses aren’t always the popular choice for everyone. The groups of people we recommend to get a full or double mattress include children and teenagers, young adults, and people with smaller bedrooms.

Children and Teens

Full and double mattresses are a good fit for older children and teens. Unlike a toddler bed or twin size mattress, full and double beds are big enough for a child to grow into comfortably so it’ll last them well into their teen years.

At the same time, most teenagers aren’t large enough to need a bed bigger than a queen, especially if they’re less than 6 feet tall. Plus, if you need to accommodate a couple of children, bunk bed mattresses and frames do come in full sizes. not just smaller twins.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Kids (2021): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Single Adults

If you’re a single person shorter than 6 feet tall, double and full size beds might be the best mattress for you. They’re bigger than twin mattresses—so you’ll have plenty of room to stretch out—but are more affordable than queen size beds—so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank.

People With Smaller Rooms

If you only have a small room to work with but still want to maximize your sleeping space, a full or double mattress might be a good choice for you. Whether you need a mattress for a guest room or children’s room, be sure the room is at least 10 by 10 feet so there’s enough space for the bed and any other furniture.

Especially as an adult, it’s normal not to want a small bed like a twin or twin XL size mattress. However, a queen bed may be too large for small bedrooms. When you’re working with limited space, a full or double mattress may work best.

Similar Mattress Size Options

While full and double mattresses have a lot to offer, there are other standard sizes available for mattresses that may work better. Some other options worth considering include full and double XL, queen, king, and California king mattresses.

Full XL and Double XL

Similar to a twin XL mattress, full XL and double XL mattresses are just like they sound—larger versions of full and double mattresses. Double and full XL mattresses are the same width as traditional double and full beds but are 5 inches longer, so they measure 54 by 80 inches.

You may prefer a full or double XL mattress if you’re a tall sleeper, but either don’t have the budget or space to accommodate a queen or king size bed. Despite the extra height, full XL and double XL beds still aren’t large enough to accommodate two sleepers.

The drawback of a full XL mattress is that it’s not a common size. You may need to browse online mattresses if you’re interested.

Queen

The dimensions of queen mattresses measure 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. They’re the smallest mattress size we recommend for couples, but are also a great option for single sleepers.

Sleepers who want a spacious mattress that can be used with an adjustable bed may also want to consider a queen. Full size adjustable beds do exist, but queen size adjustable beds are far more commonplace.

While queen size mattresses are a standard size, some lesser-known variations of queen beds include the short queen, Olympic queen, and split queen.

SEE ALSO: Full vs. Queen Mattress: What’s the Difference?

King

King size mattresses are the largest standard mattress size and one of the best for couples. They’re 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, which provides lots of surface area for two people to stretch out and sleep comfortably.

A common variation of the standard king mattress is the split king size mattress. They’re designed for couples who either want a split adjustable bed base or have different firmness preferences. Each mattress on a split king is equivalent to a twin XL size mattress.

Rarer variations of king mattresses include the Wyoming king, Texas king, and Alaskan king beds.

SEE ALSO: King vs. Full: What’s the Difference?

California King

While many people assume California king size mattresses are larger than king mattresses, they’re actually slightly smaller. A California king mattress is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, making it 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than a king size mattress. They’re intended for taller people or couples who aren’t comfortable on shorter beds.

A California king mattress may also be referred to as a Western king, similar to how full and double are different names for the same bed. Similarly, a regular king mattress may also be called an Eastern king bed.

SEE ALSO: King vs. California King: What’s the Difference?

Tips for Selecting the Right Mattress Size

Choosing the right mattress size involves more than just personal preference; several vital factors should guide your decision to ensure maximum comfort and practicality.

Number of Sleepers: The number of people sharing the bed is a primary consideration. If you’re sleeping alone, a twin or full-size mattress might suffice. However, couples usually prefer a queen or king-size mattress for adequate space. 

A king or California king might be the best choice for families with children or pets that often share the bed.

Mattress Height: Consider the mattress’s height in relation to the bed frame and your own height. A taller mattress may offer more comfort but could also make getting in and out of bed more challenging, especially if paired with a high bed frame. 

Sleep Position: Your preferred sleep position can also influence the mattress size you should choose. Side sleepers often benefit from a wider mattress, like a queen or king, to allow for extra space when shifting positions. 

Back and stomach sleepers may prioritize length, making a queen or king-size ideal.

Budget: Larger mattresses generally come with a higher price tag, not only for the mattress itself but also for bedding and accessories. It’s crucial to balance your desire for space with your budget. 

Personal Preferences: Consider your comfort needs. If you prefer extra space, a larger mattress like a queen or king might be ideal. 

Additionally, consider your height—a taller individual might need the extra length provided by a queen, king, or California king mattress.

Future Considerations: If you plan to move to a larger home or anticipate changes in your living arrangements, it might be wise to choose a mattress size that will suit future needs, not just your current situation.

Consider future costs, such as sheets, mattress protectors, and bed frames, which can vary significantly depending on the mattress size.

FAQs

Do full and double mattresses have the same dimensions?

Yes! Both full and double mattresses are 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. The primary difference between the two mattresses is their name, thus why they share the same dimensions. If you have a double mattress, full size accessories are compatible with it and vice versa.

Is a double bed the same as a twin bed?

No, double beds are 16 inches wider than twin beds, which makes a massive difference in terms of your sleep surface and overall comfort.

Twin beds are 38 inches wide and 75 inches long, making them a good option for toddlers, children, teens, and single adults. A regular twin bed fits inside trundle beds, bunk beds, daybeds, and other space-saving frames if you’re looking to maximize your living room.

Can two adults sleep on a full mattress?

Adults should avoid sharing a full mattress since each person would only get 27 inches of width to themselves, which is thinner than an infant’s crib mattress! Such a narrow bed would be uncomfortable for two people long-term.

It’s best to get a queen size mattress or larger if you share a bed so both people have extra width to themselves. Plus, queen mattresses even suit smaller master bedrooms, so you won’t have to worry about room size as much with this bed size.

Are double beds too short for adults?

Double beds can be great for adults depending on their body type and how tall they are. If you’re shorter than 6 feet tall, then a double bed should be comfortable for you. However, if you’re over 6 feet tall, then your feet will likely stick out over the edges of your bed or bump the footboard.

What mattress sizes provide the best comfort for couples?

For couples, queen and king size mattresses are generally the most comfortable options.

Queen size mattresses offer 60 inches of width and 80 inches of length, providing ample space for two people without overwhelming the bedroom.

King size mattresses are even larger, measuring 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, giving each person more room to stretch out and sleep comfortably.

For those who prefer extra legroom, a California king mattress, which is slightly narrower but longer (72 inches wide and 84 inches long), might also be a great choice. These sizes ensure that both individuals have enough space to sleep without feeling cramped.

How do you know if you need a bigger bed?

Choosing a mattress size may come to personal preference and budget, but a very clear sign that you need a larger mattress is that you’re uncomfortable in it. Whether you share a bed or not, smaller sizes could mean you don’t have the space to stretch out, your feet hang over the end of the bed, or you can’t switch positions easily.

Do you share a bed? You may notice you and your partner bumping into each other constantly, struggling to share the blankets, and unable to get into a comfortable position due to the lack of space. If you’re over 6 feet tall, consider standard twin XL, full XL, king, split king, or California king beds because they are all over 80 inches long.

Is it easy to find bedding accessories for full-size mattresses?

Yes, bedding accessories for full-size mattresses are generally easy to find. Full-size mattresses are a standard size, so sheets, mattress protectors, comforters, and other accessories are widely available in most stores and online. This availability makes it convenient for full-size mattress owners to find a variety of styles and materials to suit their preferences.

Conclusion

Since full and double beds are the same size, it’s perfectly fine to use the terms interchangeably.

Most mattress salespeople—regardless of if you’re speaking in-person or over an online chat box—will know what you’re referring to whether you call the beds a full or a double. Similarly, accessories such as bedding sets for full and double mattresses are the same, so there’s no need to worry about whether a double mattress sheet set will fit on your full size mattress.