Is There a Difference Between an Eastern King Bed and a King Size Mattress?

An Eastern king bed and a king size mattress are one and the same. Both beds have the same measurements, 76 inches by 80 inches.

In other words, Eastern king is just one of many names used to describe a king size mattress.

The mattress size you buy impacts your sleep quality and ability to co-sleep with others. When selecting a mattress size, you need to know your bedroom or guest room measurements. Per the 2-foot rule, you need to have at least 2-feet of open space around the outside of your bed. This open space increases bedroom mobility and decreases your fall risk.

In this article, we explore the available mattress sizes and the kinds of sleepers they suit. We also touch on room size recommendations, so you can see which mattress size makes the most sense for your space. We conclude by answering some common mattress shopping questions.

King Size Mattress/Eastern King Bed

As mentioned above, a king size mattress and an Eastern king bed measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. While the extra room that this size bed offers is beneficial for some, it requires additional space. You’ll want to place your king size mattress or European king bed in a room that measures at least 12 feet by 12 feet.

Benefits of a King

Larger beds like regular king size mattresses are more comfortable for taller and larger framed sleepers. The extra legroom that these mattresses feature helps sleepers to avoid feeling cramped in bed.

King beds are also one of the best mattresses for couples. Partners find that they have more than enough room to comfortably share their bed with a partner and several small children. Because standard king beds are so popular, you can purchase them at almost any local mattress retailer.

Drawbacks of a King

Despite their benefits, there are some noticeable drawbacks to eastern king size beds. One major drawback is their price. King size beds can be rather expensive, especially if you choose to purchase a natural latex or memory foam mattress.

The large size of a king mattress can also lead to issues if you have a compact bedroom. Most people will have trouble lifting and moving a mattress of this size by themselves.

One of the best mattress firmnesses for couples is medium. It’s not too soft or too firm, which is a great compromise for couples with slightly differing needs. For instance, if you prefer a medium-firm mattress and your partner prefers a medium-soft one, a medium mattress is a good choice. That’s why we love the Amerisleep AS3, a mattress with a balanced medium feel.

The AS3 is a memory foam mattress great for side sleepers, combination sleepers, and hot sleepers. Plus, it’s a primarily plant-based bed as well, which is great when you’re trying to reduce your carbon footprint!

The Amerisleep AS3 is CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning it’s free of heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates, and is low in VOCs. With that, all Amerisleep mattresses are made in the USA.

You receive free shipping, free returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 20-year warranty with your AS3 mattress. 

How Lying Down Feels

The Amerisleep AS3 won’t feel too firm or too soft beneath you due to its medium firmness. Its targeted support promotes a healthy spine to prevent you from waking up stiff, sore, or achy. And with the AS3’s moisture-wicking cover and cooling foams, you’re unlikely to overheat while sleeping on this bed.  

When sharing a bed, the AS3’s motion-isolating capabilities prevent you from disrupting your partner if you shift positions or get in and out of bed. That way, late-night bathroom trips won’t wake both you and your partner. 

Inside the Mattress

Under the AS3’s polyester knit cover is Amerisleep’s proprietary memory foam called Bio-Pur®. Made partially from castor oil, Bio-Pur® is built to isolate motion and relieve pressure all while being breathable and responsive.

AS3 mattresses all feature Affinity transition foam with HIVE®, a zoned support technology. HIVE® is divided into five ergonomic zones distinguished by the hexagonal cutouts in the Affinity foam. The size and spacing of each cutout affect how much support or cushioning it offers for optimal comfort. 

The Amerisleep AS3 comes in two models: the standard all-foam AS3 and the AS3 Hybrid. All components of the mattresses are the same except for the foundations. 

The standard model which we’re covering today features a Bio-Core® base. Bio-Core® is a sturdy and solid foam base built to last. Alternatively, the AS3 Hybrid features a pocketed coil and foam base, which enhances breathability and bounce for a more “traditional feel.”

From just feeling sweaty to being completely unable to sleep, sleeping hot is dreadful. And it only gets worse if you share a bed! That’s why we love the Zoma Mattress, a cooling sports mattress perfect for all types of sleepers. 

The Zoma Mattress has a medium feel and is uniquely built to enhance muscle recovery while promoting deep, restorative sleep. Its firmness works well for couples but is a popular choice amongst athletes and people with chronic pain.

Zoma mattresses are made in the USA and CertiPUR-US® certified. They come with free shipping and returns, a 100-night risk-free trial, and a 10-year limited warranty. 

How Lying Down Feels

The Zoma Mattress is built to stay cool all night long. Its mesh cover dissipates heat and moisture, so even if you do sweat, you don’t wake up feeling uncomfortably damp. The gel foam inside the bed cushions achy muscles without leaving you feeling “trapped” or hot. 

It’s easy to switch positions and get in and out of bed without disrupting your sleep partner. The foam springs back into shape near-instantly to help keep your body aligned. 

Inside the Mattress

The Zoma Mattress has a top-down construction, featuring three layers of foam. Encasing the bed is an AirCloth cover. This mesh fabric is built to absorb moisture and heat to prevent mold, mildew, and heat retention. 

Under the cover is a layer of gel foam with Triangulex™ support technology. Triangular cutouts throughout the foam layer is split into three zones, maximizing support. The cutouts coupled with the gel maximize air circulation and prevent heat retention, as well.

Zoma prevents sinkage by adding Reactiv™ transition foam to the bed. It’s springy and responsive, ensuring the bed doesn’t sag or cause sinkage. 

The Zoma Mattress is another bed available in both all-foam and hybrid models. The all-foam model contains a Support+ base, which is built to withstand sags, lumps, and soft spots while supporting the spine. The hybrid model, the Zoma Hybrid, contains pocketed coils for optimal bounce and breathability.

Other Mattress Sizes to Consider

Twin

Twin size mattresses are ideal for single sleepers of all ages. Short framed kids, teens, or adults can sleep comfortably on a twin bed. This mattress measures 38 inches by 75 inches. Place your twin size bed in a room measuring at least 7 feet by 10 feet. These mattresses have a low price.

Twin XL

Twin XL mattresses offer taller sleepers extra legroom. Larger framed teenagers and young adults can rest on a twin XL bed. These mattresses are commonly found in college dorm rooms.

Your twin XL size mattress should measure 38 inches by 80 inches. For better bedroom mobility, set up your twin XL size bed in a room that measures 9 feet 6 inches by 10 feet 6 inches.

Two twin XL mattresses can also be pushed together to establish a split king mattress. Often, each side possesses a different firmness to suit two partners with different sleep styles.

Full

Full beds are ideal for sleeping one teenage or adult sleeper. A full size mattress can accommodate two small children. Your full size bed will measure 54 inches by 75 inches. Set up this bed in a room at least 9 feet 6 inches by 10 feet 6 inches.

Queen

Queen mattresses are popular amongst couples. Two average-size adults can share a queen size bed without any trouble. Plus, a queen bed won’t overtake your room the same way that a king bed would. Queen size mattresses measure 60 inches by 80 inches. You should put your queen size bed in a room that measures 10 feet by 10 feet.

California King

California king mattresses are perfect for tall people over 6-feet tall. Taller or larger couples can share a California king size bed and still have room to co-sleep with their children. A California king bed is 4-inches longer and 4-inches narrower compared to a king bed. For best results, set up California king beds in a room measuring 12 feet by 12 feet.

What Size Mattress Do I Need?

Choosing the right size mattress is essential for sleep quality and bedroom mobility. Here are the top factors to consider when selecting bed size for your bedroom or guestroom:

• Body size: Shorter or smaller framed single sleepers will be able to get by with a twin, twin XL, or full size mattress. Taller or heavier sleepers may need a queen, king, or California king mattress.

• Room size: The size of your room matters when choosing a mattress size. You cannot squeeze a mattress that is too small into your bedroom. Compact rooms or studio apartments may need to opt for twin, twin XL, or queen size mattresses instead of a king or California king size beds.

• Budget: In most cases, the larger your mattress is, the more expensive it will be. If you can get by with a smaller mattress, you’ll be able to save money and better stick to your mattress shopping budget. However, there are budget mattresses that come in larger sizes while still remaining highly affordable.

• Co-sleeping vs. sleeping alone: Single sleepers usually won’t need to get a bed that is larger than a twin XL or full size mattress. Couples sleep best on a bed that is queen size or larger.

• Space needs to sleep comfortably: You do not want to feel cramped or trapped in your bed. To sleep comfortably, you need space to stretch out, roll over, and alternate sleep positions. Choose a mattress that allows you and your partner to sleep without bumping into one another.

FAQs

What is a split king?

A split king features two separate bed halves for each sleeper. Each half of the split king bed is the same size as a twin XL mattress, measuring 38 inches by 80 inches. Split king beds allow for more personalization which each half of the bed.

Both sleepers can choose a mattress that meets their unique comfort and support needs. You can pair your split king mattress with an adjustable bed frame. Adjustable bed frames allow you to elevate the head, foot, or both portions of your bed to find your ideal sleep position more quickly.

What’s the difference between a California king size mattress and an Eastern king bed?

A California king size mattress is narrower and longer than an Eastern king bed:

• California king mattresses measure 72 inches by 84 inches.
• Eastern king mattresses measure 76 inches by 80 inches.

It would be best to put your king size bed in a room that measures 12 feet by 12 feet.

What size sheets fit an Eastern king bed?

An Eastern king bed is the same size as a king bed. Therefore, you will need to purchase king size sheets and bedding for the bed. To prevent sheet slipping, consider buying fitted sheets with deep or extra-deep pockets.

What is a Western king bed?

A Western king bed is the same thing as a California king size mattress. This mattress size got the nickname ‘Western king bed’ because it was invented in Los Angeles, CA. Western king beds are perfect for larger sleepers who plan to share the bed with their children.

Do two twin size mattresses equal a king size mattress?

Two twin size mattresses do not equal a king size mattress or any other size mattress. The only mattresses that you can put together to equal a king bed are twin XL mattresses. Putting two of these mattresses together results in a split king bed. Each half of the bed will need twin XL size sheets.

Conclusion

Eastern king size beds and standard king beds are the same size, both beds measuring 76 inches by 80 inches. These mattresses can accommodate two tall adults plus one or two small children. To allow for proper bedroom mobility, a bed of this size needs to be in a bedroom that measures at least 12 feet by 12 feet.

Other mattress sizes for couples include queen and Cal king size mattresses. The dimensions of queen mattresses pair well with bedrooms 10 feet by 10 feet and smaller budgets. California king mattresses are great for tall sleepers over 6 feet.

Beds this larger aren’t ideal for everyone or every room size. Smaller beds such as twin, twin XL or full size beds work well in smaller spaces.