Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Are you feeling cramped in your current bed? Maybe you’re taller than average, or you’ve welcomed a few furry friends to sleep at your feet. If you’re yearning for room to stretch out—especially lengthwise—a California King bed could meet your needs nicely.
But before you upgrade to a Cali King, you’ll need to ask yourself what your priorities are regarding sleep and comfort. Do you covet natural materials? Do you want springs over foam? The best California King mattress for you will also put those priorities first.
To help your search, we’ve compiled a list of our top California king-size beds, as well as a buyer’s guide that answers common questions about this particular mattress size.
10 Best California King Mattresses
- Helix Midnight – Editor’s Pick
- Nectar – Best Memory Foam California King Mattress
- Saatva Classic – Best California King Mattress for Back Pain
- DreamCloud Premier – Best California King Mattress for Side Sleepers
- WinkBed – Best Hybrid California King Mattress
- Nolah Evolution – Best Soft California King Mattress
- Bear Star Hybrid – Best California King Mattress for Couples
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling California King Mattress
- Titan Plus – Best California King Mattress for Heavy People
- Plank Firm – Best Firm California King Mattress
How We Chose the Best California King Beds
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that give us a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. We look at features valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation.
We also evaluate mattress performance for back, side, and stomach sleeping. Lying in different positions lets us know how supportive the bed is and whether it effectively relieves pressure.
We then take all the information we’ve gathered to rate the bed in specific categories. These results allow us to help our readers find the right mattress for their needs.
Read about our full product testing process here.
Our Video Review of the Best California King Mattresses
Compare California King Mattresses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Helix Midnight Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Saatva Mattress | DreamCloud Premier Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress | Titan Plus | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium: 5.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 8/10 | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Joint Pain, Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Pain, Side Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors | Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors |
What We Look for in a California King Mattress
Edge Support
Edge support is important to many people, including couples, who are more likely to get a California King bed. Stronger edges allow couples to comfortably spread out, and we look for this in California King beds in particular because they’re slightly more narrow than traditional King sizes.
We look for whether the bed has high-density foam or reinforced coils along the sides, and we also consider the feedback from our mattress testers, who evaluate how the sides hold up while sitting and lying down.
Durable Construction
A durable construction is important to us in a California King for two reasons. First, this size is more expensive because it’s so much bigger than, say, a Twin or Full. So, you want to know that your investment will last you a while. Second, good durability is important because two people will likely share the bed so you want something that will accommodate the extra weight of a second person without causing early sagging.
For durability, we look at whether it’s equipped with dense foams and/or strong coils, how supportive it is in testing, and the overall appearance of the mattress.
Value for the Price
A California King bed is the largest (standard) mattress size, so it’s expected to be the most expensive as well. However, you’re getting all that extra space, which in my opinion, is great value for money.
The price of Cali King beds varies depending on the brand, materials, and overall quality of performance. In most cases, it ranges between $1,399 and $2,666, with the average price being $1,982. We compare prices of our top California King mattresses in a table further below, so you can check the cost of each specific model.
Even though these beds cost more because of their size, we want to make sure the mattresses we choose for this list are worth that price through great performance in testing, quality features, a good trial and warranty, and longevity. The average price of all the beds you’ll see below is about $2,065.
10 Top-Rated California King Mattresses, Reviewed
Helix Midnight – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: The Midnight has one of the most impressive score spreads of all the mattresses we’ve reviewed. The best word to describe it is “balanced”: it’s got pressure relief, support, and cooling power in spades, plus a versatile medium-firm feel that tends to satisfy lots of sleepers.
Why the Helix Midnight Earned Best California King Mattress Overall
If you’re shopping for a California king bed and you value bounce, support, and affordability, the Helix Midnight is a wonderful choice.
My fellow Lead Product Tester, Loren, found that it also isolated motion surprisingly well, keeping partners from feeling each other’s movements across the mattress’s surface. “But it also has decent responsiveness,” she reported, “so it’s good for sound sleep and sex.”
It’s not for every kind of sleeper—stomach sleepers look elsewhere—but given its well-balanced construction and budget-friendly price, it’s hard not to put it at the front of the pack.
Testing Soundbite
“So bottom line, Helix seems to be pretty much a crowd pleaser. If she were in high school, she would be prom queen now.”
Loren Bullock, Former Lead Product Tester
What’s the Helix Midnight Made Of?
The Helix Midnight has six total layers if you include its top cover. It stands 11.5 inches tall.
Dig Into the Mattress Construction
- Layer 1 – Top Cover. A slightly stretchy and soft top cover comes standard with the Midnight. For an additional fee, you can swap it for a GlacioTex™ Cooling Cover.
- Layer 2 – Memory Plus Foam. Helix’s branded take on memory foam. It molds to the contours of your body and relieves pressure from taxed joints.
- Layer 3 – Helix Responsive Foam. A bouncy foam that reshapes quickly when you move around on top of it.
- Layer 4 – Helix Responsive Foam. A firmer version of the prior foam serves as the transition layer between the comfort foams above and the coils below.
- Layer 5 – Coil Unit. Individually wrapped coils make up the primary support layer of the bed. They’re reinforced on the long edges to help with edge support.
- Layer 6 – DuraDense Foam. A thick foam base for stability.
Customer Reviews of the Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight has over 6,500 reviews on Helix’s website, scoring at 4.5 out of 5. Users on Reddit’s r/Mattress page express worries over heating, with one redditor (u/BrandonR_24) saying, “I love the comfort of it but if I’m sweating in January I can’t imagine what it’d be like in June.” Otherwise, many say they had a “great experience with Helix and their customer service” (u/positmatt), but warn against making a decision until you’ve broken the bed in.
Need more info? Read our Helix Midnight mattress review or check out our best mattress picks for 2024 for more options.
Nectar – Best Memory Foam California King Mattress
The Advisor Says: We believe that Nectar offers a quality bed backed up by generous policies, and for under $1,000 for a queen (after discounts). If you’re looking for a firmer foam mattress on a budget, the Nectar Classic has you covered.
Why the Nectar Earned Best Memory Foam California King Mattress
The Nectar is well-rounded, well-priced, and a memory foam staple of the online mattress world. It’s rare to find such a reputable California King for less than $1,500 (or even less than that, with sales), and the Nectar comes with stellar policies as well.
Many people who need a California King mattress share the bed, and Nectar’s all-foam construction makes it a motion-isolation champion. Its medium-firm feel also balances pressure relief with base support, so you should feel cushioned but not swallowed by the bed.
Saatva Classic – Best California King Mattress for Back Pain
The Advisor Says: The Saatva Classic is the gold standard for lower-back support, strong edges, and customizable luxury. It’s not the softest or most motion-isolating bed out there, but it’s a dependable, bouncy hybrid that consistently impresses our testers with its two coil units.
Why the Saatva Classic Earned Best California King Mattress for Back Pain
When you’re getting a big bed, you want even, reliable support throughout—it’s the best safeguard against both a saggy mattress and back pain. The Saatva Classic, with its two innerspring units, takes support seriously. It has several features that concentrate lift under the lumbar spine, helping to give an extra boost to this sensitive area.
Furthermore, my own experience with this bed left me confident that it can work for just about anyone. You can customize its height as well as its firmness to suit your tastes.
Testing Soundbite
“If you deal with back pain, there’s extra lumbar support form in the class soft euro pillow top, plus two different layers of coils that distribute body weight from building around your lower back.”
Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What’s the Saatva Classic Made Of?
The Saatva Classic comes in a Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm feel. You can choose between two heights: 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches. (Note that only the shorter version works with an adjustable base.)
Check out the Mattress Construction
- Organic Cotton Cover. A breathable, soft cover protected by a plant-derived antimicrobial treatment. Its quilting firms up in the middle, just under the lumbar spine.
- Euro Pillow Top. A 3-inch layer of plush foam for pressure relief.
- Memory Foam Lumbar Crown. A strip of memory foam meant to both cushion and contour the lower back.
- First Innerspring Unit. Pocketed coils compress individually beneath you, with extra-strong coils located beneath the lumbar spine.
- Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire. Nestled within the dual spring units, this bracing wire provides even more support to the lumbar region.
- Second Innerspring Unit. The base innerspring unit features interconnected coils for enhanced durability and sag-prevention.
- Foam Rails. Lining the edges of the bed, these high-density foam rails reinforce the sides.
Customer Reviews of the Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic rates 4.8 stars out of 5 on Saatva’s website. On Reddit, people tend to love this bed or have trouble finding the most comfortable firmness level for them. One user (u/cyberwizkiddo123) said “[It’s] beautifully constructed and very comfortable. I don’t recommend it if you are a very light sleeper and easily disturbed, the motion isolation for me is an issue.”
Looking for more info? Check out our full Saatva Classic review or check out our best mattresses for back pain here.
DreamCloud Premier – Best California King Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Advisor Says: Its fancy quilted cover and generous foam layers make the DreamCloud Premier a slightly softer bed than the original DreamCloud. But, it still skews firm for a hybrid, so it’s best for back and side sleepers who like an initial bit of cushion followed by lots of lift.
Why the DreamCloud Premier Earned Best California King Mattress for Side Sleepers
Although the original DreamCloud is one of my favorite beds for stomach sleepers, side sleepers should feel much more at home on the DreamCloud Premier.
This model boasts a super-plush Euro top that dreamily cradles the hips and shoulders. It’s still a hybrid with plenty of support, and on a California King, you’ll have tons of room to reposition and sleep alongside a partner.
WinkBed – Best Hybrid California King Mattress
The Advisor Says: Our testers often compare the WinkBed to a luxury hotel mattress, which is no surprise given its handcrafted touches and elegant hybrid design. It’s also one of the most customizable beds out there, with a firmness level for every body type.
Why the WinkBed Earned Best Hybrid California King Mattress
The WinkBed has a handcrafted design that emphasizes support, durability, and lift for your lower back. We think it’s the best hybrid bed to order in a California King size due to these factors plus its versatility—you can order it one of four firmness levels, depending on your tastes.
Loren described the WinkBed as having a “hotel-like feel” during testing, and that’s exactly what most people want from this luxurious size. She also enjoyed its springy responsiveness and the fact that it can accommodate all body types.
Nolah Evolution – Best Soft California King Mattress
The Advisor Says: The Nolah Evolution is a team favorite with a highly competitive score spread—our testers gave it at least a 4 out of 5 in every single performance category. It’s definitely a luxury mattress, with the height (and price) to match.
Why the Nolah Evolution Earned Best Soft California King Mattress
As the name implies, the Nolah Evolution mattress is an elevated luxury bed that should provide exceptional comfort for shoppers seeking a royal upgrade to a California King. It comes in three firmness options for your choosing, but if you’re looking for a sumptuously soft bed, stick to the Plush model.
The Evolution excels in both support and pressure relief, ensuring that you stay comfortably lifted the entire night. We found it accommodated just about every sleeping position, too, and had enough bounce to easily switch between them. The solid edge support also means you should be able to spread out to your heart’s content on the expansive surface.
Bear Star Hybrid – Best California King Mattress for Couples
The Advisor Says: The Bear Star Hybrid touts an enviable medium-firm feel that should appeal to a swath of mattress shoppers, including couples with different preferences looking to “compromise.” We gave this hybrid perfect scores in pressure relief, support, and motion transfer.
Why the Bear Star Hybrid Earned Best California King Mattress for Couples
At a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, the Bear Star Hybrid fits right into the most versatile zone in terms of feel.
Couples with different firmness preferences may find it the ideal California King bed, as it can suit most sleeping positions and has some impressive extra features, too. One of these is its Celliant® cover, which purportedly helps with muscle recovery after a strenuous workout or active day.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best Cooling California King Mattress
The Advisor Says: Brooklyn Bedding’s Aurora Luxe features a swath of cooling features in its quality hybrid construction. We recommend this bed for anyone who wants a firmer, luxurious-feeling bed without the high price tag.
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Earned Best Cooling California King Mattress
If you’re a hot sleeper in need of a bigger bed, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is an exceptionally cool California King option. During testing, it took only a little more than five minutes to lower its temperature back to its original level—and then even a bit below it—after I lay down on its surface.
My fellow tester Emma was also stunned by its abilities: “It’s one of the coolest sleeping mattresses that we’ve ever received. Truly … it’s so cold to the touch.”
Titan Plus – Best California King Mattress for Heavy People
The Advisor Says: Brooklyn Bedding created the Titan Plus to cater to heavier shoppers looking for a bed that truly met their needs, and we believe they’ve delivered. Consider buying the Titan Plus if you’re looking for a comfortably supportive mattress with added benefits like cooling and bounce.
Why the Titan Plus Earned Best California King Mattress for Heavy People
The Titan Plus was made with heavier sleepers in mind—it can support up to 1,000 pounds—but anyone who enjoys a firmer mattress can benefit from this painstakingly constructed hybrid. Its foams and coils form a supportive, robust California King-sized bed that still doesn’t skimp on the comfort factor.
“Unlike many mattresses that I have tried, my weight is evenly distributed over this surface, and I feel extremely comfortable,” said Patrick, one of our plus-size testers.
Plank Firm – Best Firm California King Mattress
The Advisor Says: We’re constantly calling this mattress one of the firmest in the online market, and if you don’t believe us, try it for yourself! It offers both a classic firm and extra-firm feel in its flippable design, alongside posture-aligning support. Bonus points for good marks in performance for cooling, bounce, and couples.
Why the Plank Firm Earned Best Firm California King Mattress
Looking for a California King that’s built for firmness and support? Take a look at the Plank Firm—this all-foam mattress boasts two firmnesses in its flippable construction. You can pick between a traditional firm feel or an extra-firm feel if you’re looking for a truly unyielding surface.
Aside from its firm feel, the bed also boasts strong edges and some bounce. You should enjoy it if you prefer a firmer mattress, or if you’re a sleeper who needs extra support, like stomach sleepers and folks over 230 pounds.
Compare Scores for the Best California King Beds
| Mattress | Price (Queen Size) | Pressure Relief | Support | Motion Transfer | Cooling | Bounce | Edge Support | Couples |
| Helix Midnight | $1,332 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3.5 | 2 | 3 |
| Nectar | $1,099 | 4.5 | 4 | 5 | 2.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Saatva Classic | $2,095 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| DreamCloud Premier | $1,832 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3 |
| WinkBed | $1,799 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Nolah Evolution | $2,498 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Bear Star Hybrid | $1,998 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | $2,265 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Titan Plus | $1,249 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Plank Firm | $1,332 | 3.5 | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Average Score | $1,749 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4 |
What Is a California King Mattress?
A California King mattress is an alternate, longer version of a standard King-size mattress. California King beds are 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, whereas traditional King mattresses are 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. These mattresses are also called Cal Kings, Cali Kings, and Western Kings.
The average price of the California King beds we tested and listed above is $2,065.
Ultimately, a California King mattress is best for taller sleeper or those who want a large but more narrow bed.
Pros and Cons of a California King Mattress
California King vs Other King-Size Mattresses
California is perhaps the most common specialty type of king, but did you know that there are other specialty king-size beds? Their names are just as stately as their sizes, which can get pretty gargantuan. The Alaskan King is 9 feet by 9 feet! Don’t believe me? Read on to see the difference between every specialty king size.
| King Type | Length | Width |
|---|---|---|
| Standard King | 80″ | 76″ |
| RV (Short) King | 80″ | 72″ |
| California King | 82″ | 74″ |
| Texas King | 98″ | 80″ |
| Wyoming King | 84″ | 84″ |
| Vermont (Alberta) King | 96″ | 96″ |
| Alaskan King | 108″ | 108″ |
What to Consider in a California King Mattress
There are plenty of things that go into a good bed, let alone a California King. We’ve outlined below some things you’ll want to keep in mind as you search for your perfect bed.
Height of Sleepers
While a King mattress is wider, the California King mattress is longer. If you’re well over 6 feet tall, you probably know the struggle of your feet hanging off the edge of the bed. In this case, a California King mattress is perfect because it’s 84 inches tall. This means it can accommodate sleepers up to 7 feet tall.
For perspective, Kings can accommodate up to 6 feet and 6 inches (80 inches in length), so they still can comfortably fit taller folks. However, a Cali-King, even if you don’t use the full 84 inches, would give you even more legroom.
Bedroom Size and Transport
Like the state that they were named after, California Kings are long. They are often used in rooms that are long, but perhaps a little narrower than others. You will need to measure your room to ensure it can accommodate the bed’s size while leaving room for other furniture and walking paths.
You will also want to account for the unique size when it comes to transporting your bed through various doorways and up or down staircases if you have them.
Type of Mattress
California Kings come in many different mattress types. What works for you is going to depend on your specific needs and personal preferences.
Innerspring Mattresses
Traditional innerspring mattresses typically have interconnected coils and a thinner comfort layer on top. This type of coil system provides a lot of bounce, but the offset is that these mattresses don’t isolate motion very well. If you have an old California King bed, chances are, it’s an old innerspring.
However, many modern innerspring mattresses use pocketed coils that are individually wrapped in fabric. This allows the coils to move independently rather than as one solid unit, which reduces motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other.
Innerspring mattresses also allow for ample airflow, which often makes them a good choice for hot sleepers. The downside is that they don’t offer much pressure relief because of the thin top layer. That’s where hybrids come in.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine foam and coils. This design can provide the cooling and supportiveness of innerspring mattresses with the pressure-relieving and motion-isolating properties you typically get from foam.
In addition to the cooling provided by the coils, some hybrid mattresses will also offer gel-infused foams, breathable fabrics, and other cooling properties that can provide substantial cooling benefits. The combination of coils and foam often makes them more expensive than innerspring or memory foam beds.
Many online California king mattresses are hybrid beds, so you should have a swath to choose from.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses usually contain memory foam at the top, followed by denser poly foam layers toward the bottom. These types of beds offer motion isolation and pressure-relieving contouring.
However, foam can be slow-moving, which may cause combination sleepers or sexually active couples to feel stuck when repositioning. Additionally, foam’s density makes it ideal for heat retention. Fortunately, manufacturers have taken note of this issue and implemented many cooling properties into their all-foam mattresses. You should be able to find an all-foam California King that’s built for you and your partner.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are more responsive and naturally cooler than memory foam and poly foam. Their responsiveness makes them great for combination sleepers, people with limited mobility, and sexually active people, as this material helps them move freely.
Some latex mattresses are natural, organic, and sustainable, putting them at the forefront for eco-conscious shoppers. Latex is known to be durable but is also one of the more expensive types of beds on the market.
It may be difficult to find a latex California King bed simply because this is a rarer mattress type.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
A California King mattress will give tall sleepers plenty of room to move about. However, when considering the type of mattress that will work best for your weight and body type, the dimensions of the bed aren’t the only thing you need to consider.
- Lighter people need softer mattresses to keep pressure from building up.
- Average-weight sleepers can be well-served by a variety of materials, but for the most part, they will want a bed that is medium-firm.
- Finally, heavier people usually sleep better on firmer mattresses that prevent them from pushing through the upper comfort layers too quickly.
Sleeping Position
The position you sleep in will make a huge impact on which bed you should choose, specifically when it comes to firmness levels. Typically, side sleepers may find better pressure relief on a softer bed, while back sleepers and exclusive stomach sleepers should like a firmer surface for spine alignment.
Firmness
The level of firmness that will work best for you will depend on factors mentioned above, such as your preferred sleep position and weight, but also any personal preferences.
Most California King mattresses are available in various firmness levels. If you’re looking for the closest thing to a one-size-fits-most mattress (hint: there isn’t one), we recommend a medium bed. This is a tried and true preference for many sleepers, including those of average weight, combination sleepers, and those who prefer to sleep on their backs.
Edge Support
Good support around the perimeter of your mattress means that you won’t feel as if you’re falling off the bed if you sleep near the edge. Even in a larger bed such as a California King, good edge support benefits those who co-sleep because it allows you to utilize the entire surface area. Additionally, having a reinforced perimeter can help those with mobility issues get in and out of bed more easily.
Innerspring and hybrid beds generally have stronger edge support, whereas many memory foam and latex mattresses provide edge support through sturdier foams along the sides.
Motion Isolation
Co-sleepers should be concerned about their sleeping preferences as well as the movements of their partners. If the nighttime movements of your spouse, child, or pet are transferred from their sleeping area to yours, it can disturb your sleep.
California King-size beds should give you plenty of room to move around, but the size won’t matter as much if your bed doesn’t isolate motion well. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses with memory foam generally perform better at keeping motion isolated to one side of the bed, though we’d recommend a memory foam mattress containing only foam if you’re an especially light sleeper.
Sex
California King mattresses can give sexually active couples ample room to move around during their intimate moments. However, the type of material of the bed can help or hinder how easily couples can move about.
Latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses can offer more responsiveness and bounce to help prevent people from feeling stuck when they are engaged in sex. Memory foam offers gentle contouring, but its slow-moving nature may cause people to feel stuck when they are moving about during sex.
Pressure Relief
There are few pleasures better than slipping into a spacious California King bed and feeling the strain and stress of the day melt away, and that’s why pressure relief is a highly sought-after characteristic for mattresses.
Memory foam and latex beds can offer excellent pressure relief because these materials contour the body, which helps stave off pressure buildup. If you like the durability and bounce provided by innerspring mattresses, you may want to consider a hybrid instead. The upper foam layers provide you with more pressure relief than traditional innerspring mattresses, which typically only have a thin layer of cushioning between you and the metal coils.
Budget
If you’re looking for a cheaper bed, this bed size may not be the right choice. California King and King mattresses are much bigger, costing more than smaller mattress sizes. Many manufacturers sell Kings and California Kings for the same price, but it depends on the brand.
Company Policies
Researching the manufacturer you’re considering is an important step when shopping for any mattress, not just for a California King. Check out the company site and make sure they’re transparent about their products and what it’s in them. We also recommend reaching out to customer service when you have questions, too, as it can be key in judging how helpful they may be when problems with your mattress arise down the line.
(Check our mattress reviews for our customer service scores, too!)
Shipping, Trials, Returns, and Warranties
If it’s your first time trying out this model, you may want to have the option to return, especially if you’re purchasing your mattress online. Most will ship for free to the United States (with exceptions for Alaska and Hawaii). Nearly all online mattress retailers offer a sleep trial, during which you can try out a mattress to decide if it’s a fit for you. They can last anywhere from 30 days (usually how long it takes to break in a bed) to a full year.
After that, it’ll be up to the warranty, which you should make sure you understand before making a final purchase. Some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties, but even these can come with stipulations.
Accessories for Your California King Mattress
Bed Frames
Given the unique size of California King mattresses, you will want to ensure that your frame matches the dimensions of your bed. California Kings are approximately 4 inches longer than a standard King mattress and have a width of around 4 inches less.
Some universal frames can be adjusted to fit a variety of bed sizes, but if your frame is designated for a King-size bed, it likely won’t be compatible with your California King mattress.
Find our picks for the best bed frames.
Sheets and Bedding
When shopping for sheets and other bedding, such as comforters and duvets, for your California King-size bed, you will need to keep the unique dimensions of your bed in mind. Therefore, try to find bedding specifically made for California King mattresses. For instance, a standard King-size comforter may touch the floor on the sides and come up short at the foot of the bed.
Explore our picks for the best sheets.
Best California King Mattress FAQs
How big is a California King-size bed?
A California King-size mattress is 84 inches long and 72 inches wide. It’s the longest standard mattress size available.
Is a California King bigger than a King?
A California King and King have roughly the same surface area. However, Cali King is both longer and narrower than a traditional King-size mattress, so it does offer more space for tall people to stretch out lengthwise.
Do King-size sheets fit a California King mattress?
No, King-size sheets are made to fit a shorter, wider mattress. If you buy King-size sheets for your California King-size bed, you’ll probably find that they’re too short to fit over the long sides of the mattress.
Why is this size called a California King?
Although there are several stories circulating the internet about the California King’s origin, Karin Mahoney of the International Sleep Products Association states that mattresses were developed in the 1920s for Hollywood celebrities, and this is why they were given their West Coast name. California Kings were actually designed before standard Kings. The demand for bigger beds increased after World War II, and manufacturers designed the regular King-size beds to fit on two Twin XL box springs.
How much is a California King bed?
A California King-size mattress usually costs more than 1,000 dollars, and especially luxurious models will cost more than 2,000 dollars.
Some mattress brands price their California Kings the same as their King-size models, whereas others make them a tad more expensive due to their more specialized status. Accessories and bedding for California King-size beds are also pricier than corresponding King-size versions.
Is there a bed bigger than the California King?
Yes. Texas, Wyoming, and Alaskan King-size beds are all bigger than California Kings (and traditional King-size mattresses). However, these specialty sizes are tough to find and even harder to shop for in terms of accessories.
Their dimensions are as follows:
- Wyoming King: 84 inches long, 84 inches wide
- Texas King: 80 inches long, 98 inches wide
- Alaskan King: 108 inches long, 108 inches wide
Compare Prices of Our Top California King Mattresses
| Mattress | Best For | Price of a California King | Review |
| Helix Midnight | Editor’s Pick | $1,748 | Helix Midnight Mattress Review |
| Nectar | Memory Foam | $1,399 | Nectar Mattress Review |
| Saatva Classic | Back Pain | $2,595 | Saatva Classic Mattress Review |
| DreamCloud Premier | Side Sleepers | $2,169 | DreamCloud Premier Mattress Review |
| WinkBed | Hybrid | $2,049 | Winkbed Mattress Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Soft | $2,699 | Nolah Evolution Mattress Review |
| Bear Star Hybrid | Couples | $2,298 | Bear Star Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe | Cooling | $2,665 | Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Mattress Review |
| Titan Plus | Heavy People | $1,499 | Titan Plus Mattress Review |
| Plank Firm | Firm | $1,532 | Plank Firm Mattress Review |
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach