Queen vs. King Mattress: Which One is Better?

June 24, 2022

The size of your mattress plays a big part in ensuring your comfort during sleep. Choosing the right mattress size can be pretty straightforward if your current mattress size is what you exactly need in a new bed. However, many things changed during the years you used your old mattress. Your needs and sleeping situation can also change overtime.

When sharing a mattress, your main choices will most likely be the queen and king size beds. Although a queen size mattress is the most popular in Singapore, many are looking for other options that can improve their sleep quality. Here enters another excellent mattress option-the king size mattress.

Which of the two mattress dimensions best fits your needs? Read through this guide to help you identify the best mattress size for your bedroom.

Queen vs. King Size Mattress: General Comparison

What is a Queen Size Mattress?

The queen bed dimensions are 152 cm x 190 cm, enough to fit in at least 10 feet x 10 feet of space. This mattress size is popular because of its versatility, the ample sleeping space it provides to many sleepers, and the ample legroom it offers in a smaller space.

Pros

• A queen bed provides extra space for a single sleeper who tosses and turns often. If you love to stretch more during sleep, a queen size bed is a great option.

• A queen bed is spacious enough to accommodate a couple.

• A queen bed can fit into a smaller bedroom size while catering to more people.

• A queen bed is more affordable than a king mattress. So, if you are on a tighter budget but need a bed that can fit more people, a queen mattress is a good solution.

• Bedding accessories for a queen bed are also cheaper and easier to find.

• A queen bed is easier to move than a king bed.

Cons

• A queen bed can only provide 76 cm per person, which is smaller than what a single size mattress offers. This might be too small for couples with different body types.

• A queen bed can be inadequate for combination sleepers.

What is a King Size Mattress?

A standard king bed is one of the most preferred sizes for sharing because it provides ample room for couples to freely toss and turn. It measures 183 cm x 190 cm, enough for two adults to share the space with ease. This largest standard mattress can cosily fit a bedroom size of 12 feet by 12 feet. However, using a king mattress in a smaller room might make it cramped.

Pros

• A king size bed provides enough shared space for adults and family use.

• A king size bed is considered the best mattress size for couples.

• A king size bed works perfectly as a furniture centrepiece in a large room.

• A king size bed can offer better motion isolation for couples with varying sleeping positions.

• A king size bed is ideal for combination and heavier sleepers.

Cons

• A king size bed is pricier than a queen mattress.

• King mattress bedding will also cost more and can be limited in terms of designs and variations compared to queen bedding.

• A king size bed can be too big for many small rooms.

Queen vs. King Size Mattress: Considerations

Should you buy a king mattress or a queen bed? Let's talk about the different buying considerations to help you decide on the right bed dimensions for your sleeping needs.

Size of Your Bedroom

How big is your bedroom? Ultimately, the right mattress size will allow you to leave at least 24 inches between your bed and the wall, or surrounding furniture pieces, to walk comfortably. If you have a large master bedroom, a king mattress can help create a balance between your sizable area and other smaller bedroom furniture pieces. Although a king size mattress is great for sharing, it's still good to assess whether it will fit into your room size or not. King size mattresses can make smaller bedrooms crowded and uncomfortable.

For smaller spaces, a queen bed can be more beneficial since they are more capable of providing enough traffic allowance for the area.

People Sharing Your Mattress

Aside from your room size, an important deciding factor is whether to choose a queen size bed or a king mattress depending on the number of people sharing the space. Are you a single sleeper who's looking for more space to sleep in? A queen mattress can provide you with enough sleeping space for tossing and turning. However, a king size bed might not be the most practical choice if you're sleeping alone.

If you're sharing a mattress with your partner, it's vital to consider both of your needs. Ideally, a single mattress with a dimension of 90 cm x 190 cm will comfortably accommodate a single sleeper. A queen size mattress has a width of 152 cm. If divided for two people, the queen bed will give both sleepers 76 cm each, smaller than what a single bed size offers. A king mattress, in this case, can provide you with approximately 90 cm of comfort, which is comfortable enough to cater to your varying sleeping needs.

A king mattress can also provide enough sleeping space for two adults and a child. If two kids are sharing the mattress, a queen bed can be enough for their needs and the room size.

Size and Body Type of the Sleeper/s

When the mattress is shared, the sleeping positions and body sizes of both sleepers should be carefully considered.

There are four major sleeping positions: back sleeping, side sleeping, stomach sleeping, and combination sleeping. Side sleepers will require less space than back and stomach sleepers. Combination sleepers, on the other hand, need more space to move and change positions.

How to Identify Your Sleeping Position:

We are bound to move and change positions when sleeping, but we always feel more comfortable when sleeping in a specific position, except for combination sleepers who switch positions more often.

To find your dominant sleeping position, take note of your position before sleeping and when you wake up. If you find it most comfortable when sleeping on your back, you are a back sleeper. If you're on the side, you're a side sleeper, and so on.

After identifying your most comfortable sleeping style, the next thing you need to assess is the difference between your body weights. Heavy sleepers tend to put more pressure on the mattress when they lie down, toss, and turn, while light sleepers add less. In this case, you will need a wider bed that can help isolate the different levels of pressure you exert on the mattress.

Height

A standard king and queen size mattress have the same length of 190 cm, which is already adequate for tall sleepers. If you are looking for something that is taller, you may opt for bigger American mattress sizes like a California king bed, which is 213 cm long. If  looking for a longer mattress, don't forget to consider your room size to prevent your bedroom from being too crowded.

Movability

A king size mattress can be more challenging to move around your room because of its bulkier size. Although there are many mattresses in a box today, other varieties are still harder to transport, assemble, and flip. If you rearrange your bed or flip your mattress often, this is something that you should take note of.

Budget

One of the biggest purchasing factors you must consider is your budget. How much are you willing to pay for a mattress? A king sized bed can significantly cost $100-$300 more than a queen mattress. Additionally, the bed frame, linen, and other accessories for a king size mattress are more expensive. Other costs might also include delivery and warranty.

Investing in a bigger mattress is worthwhile when considering the best comfort you will get from your expenses, but if you're on a tight budget, a queen size bed is still a comfortable option.

Your Future Sleeping Needs

Your mattress will stay with you for years. This means the mattress you will buy must support your future needs. Do you have plans to move someday? How about pregnancy or welcoming a baby? Or a fur baby? Simple future decisions might affect your sleeping needs, so it's vital to take them into account when choosing a mattress.

Other Mattress Dimensions

If you are looking for more specific options for your varying sleeping needs, here are the other bed sizes offered by the mattress market:

Single Size Mattress

A single size bed measures 90 cm x 190 cm. This size is ideal for kids or single adult use. If your kid is transitioning from a crib, a standard single mattress size in Singapore is an ideal choice. A single mattress is also a good solution if you are an individual sleeper who does not twist and turn that often.

Pros

• A single bed size can help you maximise your small room more efficiently than larger mattress sizes.

• A single bed is also ideal for a small guest bed or home office.

Cons

• If you are a combination sleeper, a single mattress might be too small to keep you comfortable.

• Single beds are not comfortable for shared use.

Super Single Size Mattress

Measuring 107 cm x 190 cm, a super single bed offers more sleep surface to a single adult sleeper than a single bed.

Pros

• With the additional width it provide, a super single mattress offers single sleepers more space to move during slumber.

• Like a single bed, a super single mattress does not take up too much space, making it ideal for compact rooms.

• Super single beds are also great for guest rooms.

Cons

• Although more spacious than single beds, super single mattresses are not spacious enough for sharing.

Twin Mattress

A twin mattress measures 96.5 cm x 188.0 cm and is smaller than a super single bed. This bed size is ideal for children who toss and turn a lot, or for adults who want a wider mattress. This is the smallest American standard mattress size for adults.

Pros

• Twin beds are ideal for kids who have already outgrown their crib mattress.

• Twin beds are also suitable for single adult use.

• A twin mattress is small enough to fit into a compact room.

• Twin beds are easy to move.

Cons

• A twin mattress is shorter than a standard single mattress in Singapore. This may not be a comfortable sleeping area if you are tall.

• Twin beds are not good for sharing.

Twin XL Mattress

Twin XL size mattresses are longer than a standard twin bed size. Measuring 96.5 cm x 203.5 cm, this mattress is long enough to accommodate a taller sleeper.

Pros

• Twin XL beds are ideal for tall sleepers.

• Because of their relatively narrow size, Twin XL mattresses can still fit into smaller rooms.

Cons

• Like other narrow mattress sizes, a twin XL bed is not suitable for shared use.

• Because of its halfway measurements, bed frames, bedding items for a twin XL bed are limited.

Full Mattress

A full mattress has a dimension of 134.5 cm x 190.5 cm. It is almost the same height as a standard Singaporean mattress but is notably more spacious than a super single bed. Since it is narrower than a queen mattress, a full size bed can still fit in your guest room and other compact spaces.

Pros

• A full size bed is conducive for single use without the need to waste space on a queen size bed.

• If you are not that tall but in need of extra space, a full mattress is a good choice.

Cons

• Full sized beds are still inconvenient for sharing.

• A full bed may provide some extra space for a taller sleeper than 6 feet.

Olympic Queen Mattress

Olympic queen size beds have a dimension of 167 cm x 203.5 cm. These are taller and wider than a standard queen size mattress, but slimmer than a standard king size mattress in Singapore. This is ideal for sharers who want extra space but do not want to invest in a significantly pricier king bed.

Pros

• Olympic queen beds are excellent for couples who want more space but can't fit a king size bed into their room.

• Olympic queen beds provide a comfortable sleeping area for couples with different body types.

• They are not as pricey as king mattresses.

Cons

• Bed frames and accessories that fit this mattress type are more limited compared to standard queen or king beds.

• The mattress market also offers more limited material and construction options for this rare mattress type.

California King Mattress

A California king bed, or Western king mattress, measures 183 x 213.5cm, taller and wider than a standard king size mattress in Singapore. On the other hand, a standard California king bed is narrower than American size king beds. This is ideal for tall sleepers who require additional mattress height but lack the space to accommodate larger American king beds. This mattress is already spacious for family use.

Pros

• A California king size mattress is ideal for tall sleepers.

• A California king bed takes less floor space than a standard American king bed.

• A California king bed is good for sharing or single use.

Cons

• Since it is less common than standard king and queen size mattresses, a California king bed has limited bed frames and bedding choices.

• Due to its size, this bed can be bulky and be hard to move.

• A California king bed is pricey.

Split Mattress Types

One of the challenges of mattress sharing is the difference in the sleeping needs of both sharers. Although both queen and king mattresses are good for sharing, the sizes alone may not suffice for both needs. The good thing is that there are specialised varieties that can provide different features for various sleeping needs.

Split Queen Bed

A split queen bed is a dual bed with two different features that make up a whole queen mattress size when placed side by side on a queen size bed frame. Split queen mattresses are known for the varying levels of comfort they provide. Although some mattress sharers do not have this mattress type in their shopping choices, it's good to evaluate whether this mattress type can be beneficial.

Pros

• Split queen beds offer two varying firmness levels to sleepers with different sleeping styles while still sharing the same bed frame.

• Split queen beds allow both sleepers to adjust their side of the mattress in the most comfortable way for them without disturbing the other's sleeping space.

• Adjustable split queen beds can help sleepers with back issues or users who need specialised sleep bases for recovery.

• Split queen size beds are easier to move and transport than standard queen mattresses.

Cons

• Although sharing the same bed, split queen beds still leave a noticeable gap between the two mattresses. So if you're a cuddle bug, this bed type might not be the most comfortable.

• Like for other limited bed sizes, linen items for split queen mattresses are not as available as those designed for standard queen mattresses.

   

Split King Mattress

A split king mattress is basically two twin xl mattresses put together. Like a split queen mattress, a split king bed can be a mixture of various materials and firmness levels to address two sleeping needs.

Pros

• Split king mattresses offer better motion isolation than standard king beds.

• Like a split queen bed, a split king mattress is available in different firmness levels.

• While king size mattresses are bulky, split king beds are easier to transport.

Cons

• Like split queen beds, split king mattresses produce gaps that other sleepers may find uncomfortable.

• Shoppers may need to buy two twin xl beddings to fully cover the two split types parts of the king size bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a King Size Bed Better than a Queen Mattress?

This may not be as evident for single sleepers, but the extra width a king size bed offers matters, especially for bed sharers. This provides both sleepers enough room to stretch and can aid in improving blood circulation. This way, you can wake up without backaches, numbness, and stiff feelings. However, these benefits can be enjoyed if your room and budget permit. If you live in a compact space, a king size bed might just make your room cramped and uncomfortable to walk on. In this case, a queen bed or other mattress dimensions in between can provide you with an adequate sleeping area without sacrificing your bedroom space.

How Much Bigger is a King Mattress Compared to a Queen Bed?

A standard king size bed in Singapore measures 183 cm x 190 cm, providing 31 more cm than a 152 cm x 190 cm queen bed. The extra 12 inches this bed size provides makes a huge difference for mattress sharers, especially when they vary in body types.

What Bed Size Do Most Couples Prefer?

The general preference of couples is a king size bed. It provides each sleeper at least 91 cm, which is equivalent to having a single mattress space. However, many other mattress sharers stick to queen size beds due to space and budget constraints.

What Are the Most Popular Bed Dimensions?

Queen size beds are the most popular because of their advantages for both single sleepers and mattress sharers.

What is the Best Mattress for Motion Isolation?

If you wake up mad at your partner for tossing and turning too much, you need to find a mattress that can handle motion better. Split mattresses are designed to provide an upgraded level of motion isolation compared to their full counterparts. Memory foam mattresses are also reliable when it comes to ensuring an undisturbed sleep. Other great options are the pocketed spring unit and a hybrid mattress with a memory foam topper.

Takeaway

A Queen Mattress is the Best Choice If:

• You have a smaller room.

• You share a mattress but do not toss and turn as much.

• You prefer cuddling with your partner.

• You are on a tighter budget.

• If you move or redecorate your room often.

A King Bed is the Best Choice If:

• You have a bigger space to fill.

• You need extra sleeping space.

• You are a restless sleeper.

• You re willing to pay extra for additional comfort.

Making the Right Choice

The queen vs king size bed discussion will stay relevant due to various room factors and preferences. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for all sleepers, you will always find a mattress that will help you sleep comfortably. We hope that the factors listed above, and some of the inputs that we provided will help you make your best mattress for a quality sleep.

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