Help Center
Mattresses For Side Sleepers
What type of mattress is best for side sleepers?
Side sleepers usually do best on memory foam, a foam hybrid, or a plush pillow-top. These contour to the shoulder and hip so those joints sink in rather than push back against a hard surface. A mattress with a soft comfort layer over firmer support keeps...
Are hybrid mattresses a good choice for side sleepers?
Yes, hybrids are one of the best options for side sleepers. A thick foam or latex comfort layer cushions the shoulder and hip, while the pocket-coil base keeps the spine supported and adds airflow for cooler sleep. That combination delivers the pressure...
What firmness is best for side sleepers?
Most side sleepers are happiest around medium to medium-soft, roughly 4 to 6 on a 1 to 10 firmness scale. That range lets the shoulder and hip settle in enough to keep the spine straight while still supporting the waist. Lighter people often prefer the...
Why do side sleepers need a softer mattress than back sleepers?
On your side, your body weight concentrates on two narrow points, the shoulder and the hip, instead of spreading along your back. A surface that is too firm pushes back against those joints and pulls the spine out of line. A bit more give lets the shoulder...
How does mattress thickness affect comfort for side sleepers?
Thickness matters for side sleepers because the shoulder and hip need room to sink in before reaching the firm support. A thin comfort layer can bottom out, letting those joints press into the hard base. A deeper comfort layer, often found in thicker...
What should side sleepers avoid in a mattress?
Side sleepers should avoid very firm mattresses, around 8 or higher, since they push back against the shoulder and hip and create pressure. Also avoid a comfort layer too thin to let those joints sink in. The goal is enough cushioning at the contact ...
Do side sleepers need a pillow-top mattress?
A pillow-top is not required, but it suits many side sleepers because the extra plush layer cushions the shoulder and hip on top of firmer support. The same comfort can come from a memory foam or soft foam-hybrid comfort layer. What matters is soft contouring...
Is a soft mattress bad for side sleepers with shoulder pain?
A genuinely soft surface can actually help shoulder pain for side sleepers by letting the shoulder settle in instead of being pushed up. The risk is going too soft, where the hips sink and the spine bows. Aim for a mattress that cushions the shoulder...
What is the best mattress for combination sleepers who start on their side?
Combination sleepers who favour their side do well on a medium feel, around 5 to 6 out of 10, often a foam hybrid. It is soft enough to cushion the shoulder and hip when on your side, yet supportive and responsive enough to move on when you roll to your...
Can I test whether a mattress suits side sleeping before committing?
Yes. National Mattress offers a 365-Night Sleep Trial, and we suggest sleeping on the mattress at least 21 nights before deciding. Side sleepers especially benefit from this, since pressure relief at the shoulder and hip reveals itself over weeks, not...
Mattresses For Back Sleepers
What type of mattress is best for back sleepers?
Back sleepers do well on a medium-firm mattress, whether innerspring, hybrid, or firmer foam. The aim is steady, even support that holds the lower back so the natural curve of the spine is maintained without the hips sinking. A thin layer of cushioning...
What firmness is best for back sleepers?
Most back sleepers are best around medium-firm to firm, roughly 6 to 7.5 on a 1 to 10 scale. That gives enough support to stop the hips from dropping and the lower back from arching, while still cushioning the shoulders. Too soft and the midsection sags...
How do innerspring mattresses perform for back sleepers versus foam?
Both can work well for back sleepers. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses give firm, lifting support with bounce and cooler airflow, which many back sleepers like for steady spinal support. Foam offers closer contouring and quieter motion but can sleep...
Why do back sleepers need firmer support than side sleepers?
Lying on your back spreads your weight along a wide area, but the lower back sits over a natural gap that needs filling, not deep cushioning. Firmer support keeps the pelvis from rotating and the hips from sinking, holding the spine in its neutral curve...
Should a back sleeper worry about a gap under the lower back?
Yes, a noticeable gap under the lower back can mean the mattress is too firm and not contouring to your curve. The right surface fills that small hollow so the lumbar area stays supported rather than floating. A medium-firm mattress with a modest comfort...
What should back sleepers avoid in a mattress?
Back sleepers should avoid very soft mattresses that let the hips and midsection sink into a sag, which strains the lower back. They should also avoid a surface so hard the lumbar curve floats unsupported. The middle ground, firm enough to hold the pelvis...
Is a firm mattress always better for back sleepers?
Not always. Firm support helps back sleepers keep the spine aligned, but extra-firm can leave the lower back unsupported and create pressure at the shoulders and pelvis. Medium-firm is the sweet spot for most, balancing a level surface with enough give...
Do back sleepers need zoned or lumbar support?
Zoned or reinforced lumbar support can benefit back sleepers because it firms up the middle third of the mattress where the pelvis rests, keeping the hips from sinking. Softer zones at the shoulders let them settle slightly. This combination holds the...
What is the best mattress for someone who sleeps on their back and stomach?
Someone who mixes back and stomach sleeping should lean firmer, around 7 out of 10, often an innerspring or hybrid. Stomach sleeping needs a firm surface to stop the hips dropping, and that same firmness supports the back position well. A responsive, ...
How long should a back sleeper test a new mattress?
Give a new mattress real time before judging it. National Mattress offers a 365-Night Sleep Trial, and we recommend at least 21 nights. Back sleepers should notice over those weeks whether the lower back feels supported on waking and whether the hips...
Mattresses For Stomach Sleepers
What type of mattress is best for stomach sleepers?
Stomach sleepers do best on a firm innerspring, hybrid, or firm foam mattress. A firm surface keeps the hips from sinking deeper than the chest, which is what pulls the lower back into an arch when you sleep face-down. The flatter and more supportive...
What firmness is best for stomach sleepers?
Stomach sleepers should aim for firm, around 7 to 8.5 on a 1 to 10 scale. That firmness stops the midsection from dropping into the mattress and keeps the spine close to level. Anything soft lets the heavier hips sink, tilting the pelvis and overarching...
Is memory foam good for stomach sleepers?
Memory foam can work for stomach sleepers only if it is firm and supportive rather than plush. Soft memory foam lets the hips sink, which arches the lower back, so it is often a poor match. A firm foam or a foam-over-coil hybrid with a thin comfort layer...
Why is stomach sleeping hard on the lower back?
When you lie face-down, your hips and midsection are the heaviest part and tend to sink first. If the mattress lets them drop, the pelvis rotates and the lower back curves into an exaggerated arch, straining the muscles and joints over the night. A firm...
What should stomach sleepers avoid in a mattress?
Stomach sleepers should avoid soft and plush mattresses, deep pillow-tops, and thick memory foam comfort layers. Each lets the hips sink and the lower back arch. They should look instead for firm, even support with only a thin cushioning layer. The priority...
Do stomach sleepers need a thin pillow too?
Yes, pairing a firm mattress with a thin pillow helps stomach sleepers. A thick pillow cranes the neck upward and backward, adding strain on top of any lower-back arch. A flat or very low-loft pillow keeps the head closer to level with the spine. The...
Can a stomach sleeper use a foam mattress without back pain?
A stomach sleeper can be comfortable on foam if it is firm enough to hold the hips up. The trouble comes from soft foam that allows the midsection to sink and the lower back to arch. A firm all-foam or hybrid with a shallow comfort layer keeps the body...
Why should stomach sleepers choose firm over plush?
Firm beats plush for stomach sleepers because the goal is to stop the hips from sinking below the chest. Plush surfaces invite the heavier midsection to drop, which tilts the pelvis and overarches the lower back. A firm surface resists that sinking and...
What mattress works for a combination sleeper who spends time on their stomach?
A combination sleeper who includes stomach time should choose firmer overall, around 7 out of 10, often a hybrid. The firm core protects the lower back during stomach sleeping, and a responsive surface still makes it easy to roll to the back or side. ...
How can I tell if a firm mattress is fixing my stomach-sleeping back pain?
Give it time and pay attention to your lower back. National Mattress offers a 365-Night Sleep Trial, and we suggest at least 21 nights. Over those weeks, notice whether you wake with less lower-back tightness and whether your hips feel held up rather...
Twin Size
What are the exact dimensions of a twin size mattress?
A twin size mattress measures 38 by 75 inches, making it the smallest standard adult size sold in Canada. Canadian sizes match US sizes, so a twin here is identical to a twin in the United States. That 75-inch length suits most sleepers up to about 6...
How wide is a twin bed?
A twin bed is 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. The 38-inch width gives a single sleeper enough room to stretch out without crowding a small bedroom. It is the same width as a twin XL, which adds 5 inches of length but keeps the identical width, so ...
Is a twin bed the same as a single bed?
Yes, a twin bed and a single bed are the same thing at 38 by 75 inches. Single is the older British and Canadian term, while twin became the common North American name. There is no size difference between them. You may still see single used on some bed...
What is the difference between a twin and a twin XL?
A twin and a twin XL share the same 38-inch width, but a twin is 75 inches long while a twin XL is 80 inches long. That extra 5 inches matters for taller sleepers, since twin XL matches the 80-inch length of a queen and king. Choose a twin for younger...
Who is a twin size mattress best for?
A twin size mattress at 38 by 75 inches suits children, teenagers, single adults in compact spaces, and bunk or trundle beds. Its small footprint makes it ideal for kids rooms, guest rooms, and studio apartments where floor space is limited. Two twins...
How much does a twin mattress weigh?
A twin mattress typically weighs between 40 and 70 pounds, depending on its construction. Foam twins sit at the lighter end, around 40 to 50 pounds, while innerspring and hybrid models with coils and thicker comfort layers run heavier, often 50 to 70...
What size room do you need for a twin bed?
A twin bed fits comfortably in a room of about 7 by 10 feet, which leaves space to walk around the bed and add a dresser or nightstand. The mattress itself is 38 by 75 inches, so even a small 7 by 9 foot bedroom can hold one with room to spare. This ...
Do regular twin sheets fit a twin mattress?
Yes, standard twin sheets are made for the 38 by 75 inch twin mattress and fit it well. Be careful not to confuse them with twin XL sheets, which are cut 5 inches longer for the 80-inch twin XL. Twin sheets will be too short for a twin XL, and twin XL...
What should I look for when buying a twin mattress?
When buying a twin mattress, match the firmness and support to who will sleep on it, since a growing child and an adult guest have different needs. Check the mattress height if it is going on a bunk or trundle, as thick models may sit too high under ...
Twin XL Size
What are the exact dimensions of a twin XL mattress?
A twin XL mattress measures 38 by 80 inches, the same width as a regular twin but 5 inches longer. Canadian sizes match US sizes, so a twin XL here is identical to one in the United States. That 80-inch length is the same as a queen and a king, which...
How is a twin XL different from a regular twin?
A twin XL and a regular twin share the identical 38-inch width, but the twin XL is 80 inches long while the twin is only 75 inches. The extra 5 inches of length is the whole point of a twin XL, giving taller sleepers room for their feet. Both fit the...
Why is a twin XL good for dorm rooms?
A twin XL at 38 by 80 inches is the standard size for most university and college dorm beds because it keeps the narrow twin width while adding length for adult students. The 80-inch length matches a queen, so it supports tall sleepers who would hang...
Can two twin XL mattresses make a king bed?
Yes, two twin XL mattresses placed side by side measure 76 by 80 inches, which is exactly a standard king. This split king setup is popular on adjustable bases, since each sleeper can raise or lower their own half independently. Each person also gets...
Who should choose a twin XL mattress?
A twin XL at 38 by 80 inches suits tall teenagers, university students, and single adults who need extra length without extra width. It is also the building block for a split king on an adjustable base. If you are over about 6 feet and sleep alone, a...
How much does a twin XL mattress weigh?
A twin XL mattress usually weighs between 45 and 75 pounds, depending on its materials. Foam models sit around 45 to 55 pounds, while innerspring and hybrid builds with coils run heavier, often 55 to 75 pounds. It weighs slightly more than a regular ...
What size room does a twin XL bed need?
A twin XL bed fits well in a room of about 8 by 10 feet, leaving space to walk around and add bedside furniture. The mattress is 38 by 80 inches, so it needs the same width as a twin but a bit more length clearance. A small bedroom of 7 by 10 feet can...
Do twin sheets fit a twin XL mattress?
No, regular twin sheets do not properly fit a twin XL because the twin XL is 5 inches longer at 80 inches versus 75. A fitted twin sheet will be too short and pop off the corners. Always buy sheets labelled twin XL for a twin XL mattress. The width is...
What should I consider when buying a twin XL mattress?
When buying a twin XL, decide first whether it stands alone or pairs into a split king on an adjustable base, since that affects firmness choices for each side. Confirm your bed frame supports the 80-inch length, as some twin frames only fit 75 inches...
Full Size
What are the exact dimensions of a full size mattress?
A full size mattress measures 54 by 75 inches. Canadian sizes match US sizes, so a full here is identical to a full in the United States. It is 16 inches wider than a twin but the same 75-inch length. A full gives a single sleeper generous room to spread...
Is a full the same as a double?
Yes, a full and a double are the exact same mattress at 54 by 75 inches. Double is simply the older name, and full became the more common North American term over time. There is no size difference between them. You may see either word used on bedding...
What is the difference between a full and a queen?
A full is 54 by 75 inches while a queen is 60 by 80 inches, so a queen is 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer. That makes a queen the better choice for couples or taller sleepers who need more room. A full works well for a single adult or a smaller bedroom...
Who is a full size mattress best for?
A full size mattress at 54 by 75 inches suits single adults who want more room than a twin, teenagers, and guest rooms. It also fits couples in a pinch, though each person gets only about 27 inches of width, roughly the space of a crib. For a smaller...
How much does a full mattress weigh?
A full mattress typically weighs between 50 and 90 pounds, depending on its construction. Foam models sit at the lighter end, while innerspring and hybrid builds with coils and thick comfort layers run heavier. The wider 54-inch frame adds weight over...
What size room do you need for a full bed?
A full bed fits comfortably in a room of about 10 by 11 feet, leaving room to walk around the bed and place nightstands or a dresser. The mattress is 54 by 75 inches, so a bedroom of at least 10 by 10 feet works. Smaller rooms can hold a full, but you...
Do full and double sheets fit the same mattress?
Yes, full sheets and double sheets are made for the same 54 by 75 inch mattress and fit interchangeably. Because full and double are two names for one size, bedding sold under either label will fit your bed. Just make sure you are not picking up full...
Should I get a full or upgrade to a queen?
Choose a full if you sleep alone and want to save floor space, since 54 by 75 inches is plenty for one person. Upgrade to a queen at 60 by 80 inches if you share the bed, are taller than about 6 feet, or want room for a pet. The price gap is usually ...
What should I look for when buying a full mattress?
When buying a full mattress, think about whether one or two people will use it, since two adults get only about 27 inches each on a 54-inch width. Measure your room so the 54 by 75 inch footprint leaves space for furniture and walking. Match the firmness...
RV (Short Queen) Size
What are the dimensions of an RV short queen mattress?
An RV short queen mattress typically measures 60 by 75 inches. It keeps the full 60-inch width of a standard queen but is 5 inches shorter in length, since a standard queen is 60 by 80 inches. That shorter length lets the bed fit inside the tighter sleeping...
Why is an RV mattress shorter than a regular queen?
An RV short queen is shorter because recreational vehicles have limited interior space, and trimming 5 inches off the length helps the bed fit between walls, cabinets, and slide-outs. At 60 by 75 inches it keeps a queen width for sleeping comfort but...
How is an RV short queen different from a standard queen?
An RV short queen is 60 by 75 inches while a standard queen is 60 by 80 inches, so they share the same width but the RV version is 5 inches shorter. That length difference is what makes the RV size fit camper bunks and bedrooms. If you put a standard...
Will standard queen sheets fit an RV short queen mattress?
Standard queen sheets technically fit an RV short queen because the width matches, but the 5-inch shorter length means flat sheets and fitted sheets will be loose and may bunch. For a snug fit, look for sheets labelled RV queen or short queen, which ...
What types of RV beds use a short queen mattress?
A short queen at 60 by 75 inches is the most common bed size in travel trailers, fifth wheels, and motorhomes with a dedicated bedroom. It fits the rear bedroom or front bunk of many mid-size and larger rigs. Smaller campers and vans may use even narrower...
How do I measure for an RV mattress?
Measure the width and length of your RV sleeping platform from wall to wall, then check the height clearance above it for slide-outs, cabinets, and the ceiling. RV beds vary more than home beds, so do not assume yours is a short queen at 60 by 75 inches...
How much does an RV short queen mattress weigh?
An RV short queen mattress usually weighs between 45 and 80 pounds, depending on whether it is foam or innerspring. Foam models tend to be lighter, which helps when you are maneuvering a mattress through a narrow camper door and over the bed platform...
What should I look for when buying an RV mattress?
When buying an RV mattress, confirm your exact platform size first, since RV beds range from short queen at 60 by 75 inches to custom shapes. Watch the mattress height so it clears slide-outs and cabinets, as a thick model may not fit. A lighter foam...
Can I use a regular home mattress in an RV?
You can use a regular home mattress in an RV only if it matches your platform dimensions, but most home beds are too long or too tall for camper spaces. A standard queen at 60 by 80 inches is 5 inches longer than the typical RV short queen and often ...
Queen Size
What are the dimensions of a queen size mattress?
A queen size mattress measures 60 by 80 inches. Canadian sizes match US sizes, so a queen here is identical to a queen in the United States. That works out to 5 feet wide and 6 feet 8 inches long, making it the most popular size in Canada. It comfortably...
How wide is a queen bed?
A queen bed is 60 inches wide, which is exactly 5 feet. Paired with its 80-inch length, a queen gives each person in a couple about 30 inches of personal width, similar to a twin each. The 60-inch width is what makes a queen the standard choice for two...
How long is a queen bed?
A queen bed is 80 inches long, which is 6 feet 8 inches. That length comfortably fits sleepers up to about 6 feet 4 inches with room to spare. A queen shares the same 80-inch length as a king and a twin XL, so taller people who do not need king width...
How big is a queen size bed in feet?
A queen size bed is 5 feet wide by 6 feet 8 inches long, or 60 by 80 inches. It covers about 33 square feet of floor, more than a full but less than a king. This balance of sleeping room and footprint is why a queen is the best-selling mattress size ...
How much does a queen mattress weigh?
A queen mattress typically weighs between 80 and 150 pounds, depending on its construction. Foam models sit around 80 to 100 pounds, while innerspring and hybrid builds with coils and thick comfort layers can reach 120 to 150 pounds or more. Because ...
What is the difference between a queen and a king?
A queen is 60 by 80 inches while a king is 76 by 80 inches, so a king is 16 inches wider but the same length. That extra width gives each person in a king about 38 inches, the same as a twin, versus 30 inches in a queen. Choose a queen for most bedrooms...
What size room do you need for a queen bed?
A queen bed fits comfortably in a room of about 10 by 12 feet, leaving space to walk around the bed and place nightstands on both sides. The mattress is 60 by 80 inches, so a bedroom of at least 10 by 10 feet works, though it will feel tighter. This ...
Do standard queen sheets fit every queen mattress?
Standard queen sheets are made for the 60 by 80 inch queen and fit most queen mattresses, but very thick or pillow-top models may need deep-pocket sheets. Check the depth of your mattress against the pocket depth on the sheet package. Avoid mixing up...
Who is a queen size mattress best for?
A queen size mattress at 60 by 80 inches suits couples, single sleepers who like extra room, and guest bedrooms that need a flexible size. Its 80-inch length handles most heights, and its footprint fits typical bedrooms. A queen is the most popular size...
What should I look for when buying a queen mattress?
When buying a queen mattress, match the firmness and feel to how you and any partner sleep, since you each share 30 inches of width. Confirm your room can hold the 60 by 80 inch footprint with walking space around it. If you sleep with a partner, look...
King Size
What size is a king size mattress?
A standard king size mattress measures 76 by 80 inches. Canadian sizes match US sizes, so a king here is identical to a king in the United States. That is about 6 feet 4 inches wide and 6 feet 8 inches long, the widest standard size available. A king...
How much wider is a king than a queen?
A king is 16 inches wider than a queen, at 76 inches versus 60 inches. Both share the same 80-inch length, so only the width changes. That extra 16 inches gives each person in a king about 38 inches of space, the same width as a twin bed each, compared...
How much bigger is a king than a queen overall?
A king is 16 inches wider than a queen but the same length, so it covers about 42 square feet versus 33 for a queen. The dimensions are 76 by 80 inches for a king and 60 by 80 inches for a queen. You gain roughly 9 square feet of sleeping surface, almost...
What is the difference between a king and a California king?
A standard king is 76 by 80 inches, while a California king is 72 by 84 inches. The California king is 4 inches narrower but 4 inches longer, so it trades width for length. Choose a standard king for the most shoulder-to-shoulder width, and a California...
Who is a king size mattress best for?
A king size mattress at 76 by 80 inches suits couples who want maximum personal space, families who co-sleep with children, and anyone who shares the bed with pets. The generous 76-inch width means two adults rarely disturb each other. It works best ...
How much does a king mattress weigh?
A king mattress typically weighs between 130 and 180 pounds, and sometimes more for thick hybrid or pillow-top models. Foam kings sit at the lighter end, while innerspring and hybrid builds with steel coils run heaviest. Because of this weight and the...
What size room do you need for a king bed?
A king bed needs a room of at least 12 by 12 feet to leave walking space and room for nightstands on both sides. The mattress is 76 by 80 inches, so a smaller bedroom will feel crowded and may not fit other furniture. Before buying a king, measure your...
Do king beds use a special foundation or frame?
Yes, a king at 76 by 80 inches usually needs a king-specific frame plus a foundation or two twin XL box springs side by side, since two twin XLs together equal a king. Because of its width, a king bed benefits from a centre support bar and an extra leg...
Should I get a king or a California king?
Choose a standard king if you value width, since 76 inches gives more side-to-side room for two sleepers. Choose a California king at 72 by 84 inches if you are tall and want the extra 4 inches of length more than width. Also factor in your room shape...
What should I look for when buying a king mattress?
When buying a king mattress, confirm your bedroom can hold the 76 by 80 inch footprint with space to walk and place nightstands. Check that your frame and foundation are rated for a king, and consider motion isolation so a partner does not disturb you...
