Best California King Mattress
7 Cal King Beds Our Experts Absolutely Love [2024]
In This Article
For many people, California King mattresses represent the final step into adulthood. You’ve gotten your home in order, you probably have a partner, and now your bed reflects your accomplishments.
Remember that although size matters, it’s not even close to the first thing you should be considering when selecting a mattress.
Finding yourself tossing and turning all night or waking up squished against your partner because of a saggy indentation is the last thing you want after such a large purchase (pun intended).
Our sleep squad breaks down Cal King recommendations by other important considerations like pain points, affordability, and sleep position.
Here’s what you’ll need to know
What Is The Best California King Mattress?
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
Editor’s Choice
The Puffy Lux is the perfect combination of comfort and support. If you can imagine Goldilocks fast asleep in a bed that’s “just right” this would be the mattress she’s sleeping on. It has a generous trial period and sits at the perfect price point for serious shoppers with ultimate comfort as an absolute must-have.
Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
Our Rating | 9.9 |
Cal King Price | $1,699 (with code) |
Dimensions | 72″W x 84″L x 12″H |
Number of Layers | 6 |
Firmness | Medium Plush |
Type | Hybrid |
Features | Cooling, Stain Resistant, Made in the USA, Motion Isolation |
Best For | Side Sleepers, Sex, Shoulder Pain, Under $2,000 |
Available Sizes | Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King |
Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress
The top foam layers of this mattress contribute to its luxurious softness and plush feel. It is an ideal choice for individuals who prefer a certain level of sinkage while still wanting to avoid feeling excessively enveloped by their bed. The mattress strikes a perfect balance, providing a comfortable sinking sensation without the sensation of being completely engulfed, making it a highly recommended option for those seeking a soft and cozy sleeping surface.
As someone who favors soft mattresses, especially for strict side sleepers, I can confidently say that this mattress is a fantastic choice. It excels in providing the necessary support and comfort for side sleepers, specifically targeting sensitive pressure points around the shoulders and hips. The Puffy Lux Hybrid effectively cushions these areas, allowing side sleepers to experience a more soothing and pain-free sleep, making it an excellent option for individuals who prioritize pressure relief and optimal comfort in their preferred sleeping position.
If you experience shoulder pain, this mattress is a commendable choice to consider. Its foam layers provide a sink-in sensation that helps alleviate pressure on your shoulders and hips, minimizing the potential for increased pain when lying down. By allowing you to gently sink into the mattress without exerting excessive pressure on these sensitive areas, it can contribute to a more comfortable and pain-free sleep experience, making it a favorable option for individuals seeking relief from shoulder discomfort.
Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
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DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress
Best for Couples
If size and luxury are what you’re after, the DreamCloud is a beautifully made, eight-layer bed that aims to take care of common sleep issues such as back and pressure point pain. It’s a hybrid style mattress, using both memory foam and coils.
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DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress
Our Rating | 9.5 |
Cal King Price | $1,299 (with code) |
Dimensions | 72″W x 84″L x 14″H |
Number of Layers | 6 |
Firmness | Medium Firm |
Type | Hybrid |
Features | Cooling, Stain Resistant, Made in the USA, Motion Isolation |
Best For | Back Sleepers, Sex, Shoulder Pain, Under $2,000, Pillow Top |
Available Sizes | Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King |
40% Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress
The DreamCloud Premier is an excellent option for individuals who prefer sleeping on their back. It offers adequate support while also allowing for a comfortable sinkage that helps alleviate pressure and enhances overall comfort. With its pocketed coils, this mattress ensures sufficient support to maintain proper spinal alignment and potentially reduce the risk of back pain.
For couples seeking a suitable mattress, the DreamCloud Premier is an ideal choice. The top layers of foam effectively minimize motion transfer, allowing you to sleep undisturbed even if your partner tends to move around during the night. Additionally, the mattress exudes a luxurious feel with its high-quality materials, such as the cashmere cover and Euro top, further enhancing its overall appeal.
40% Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
GhostBed Luxe Hybrid Mattress
Best for Side Sleepers
Getting the right amount of support is key to supporting your hips and shoulders during the night. GhostBed’s Luxe model combines 7 perfectly balanced layers that thrilled our resident side-sleeper in our overnight sleep trials.
50% Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
GhostBed Luxe Hybrid Mattress
Our Rating | 9 |
Cal King Price | $1,908 with 2 Free Pillows (During Sale) |
Dimensions | 72″W x 84″L x 13″H |
Number of Layers | 7 |
Firmness | Medium Plush |
Type | Hybrid |
Features | Cooling, Stain Resistant, Made in the USA, Motion Isolation |
Best For | Side Sleepers, Sex, Shoulder Pain, Under $2,000 |
Available Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King |
50% Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
GhostBed Luxe Hybrid Mattress
If you prefer sinking into a mattress and enjoying a plush foam feel, the GhostBed Luxe is a suitable choice.
Hot sleepers will find sheer bliss on this mattress, as it provides a cool-to-the-touch sensation and incorporates cooling features in six out of its seven layers. The bed is designed to offer a refreshing and temperature-regulating sleep environment, making it an ideal choice for those who tend to overheat during the night.
The mattress is well-suited for both back and side sleepers, making it an excellent choice for individuals who prefer these sleeping positions. Moreover, it offers ease of movement, ensuring that combination sleepers who switch between various positions can comfortably adapt to it. Whether you sleep on your back, side, or switch positions throughout the night, this mattress accommodates your needs with ease.
50% Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
WinkBeds Plus Mattress
Best for Heavy People
WinkBeds is one of the few mattresses on the market with a bed specially designed for heavier people. It will feel too firm for average weights, but for those who are on the heavier side, the denser foams help relieve back tension, provide more cooling relief, and will ease your body into the full support layer without feeling like you’ve lost all your contouring.
Select “PLUS – HEAVIER PEOPLE” under Firmness
WinkBeds Plus Mattress
Our Rating | 9 |
Cal King Price | $1,899 |
Dimensions | 72″W x 84″L x 13.5″H |
Number of Layers | 7 |
Firmness | Firm Plus |
Type | Hybrid |
Features | Cooling, Stain Resistant, Made in the USA, Motion Isolation |
Best For | Stomach Sleepers, Heavy People, Back Sleepers, Under $2,000, Pillow Top |
Available Sizes | Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King |
50% Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
WinkBeds Plus Mattress
Catering to sleepers weighing over 300 pounds, the WinkBed Plus is meticulously crafted with their specific needs in mind. The mattress incorporates resilient foam and exceptionally supportive pocketed coils to ensure durability and ample support. It serves as an excellent solution for individuals with a heavier build who may have been let down by other available options in the market.
For those seeking a mattress with impressive responsiveness, I highly recommend considering this option. The combination of latex foam and a coil system creates a synergy that adds significant bounce to the bed. This feature allows sleepers to effortlessly transition between positions during the night, enhancing overall comfort and ease of movement.
This mattress incorporates multiple elements to ensure a cool and comfortable sleep environment, particularly with the inclusion of latex and individually wrapped coils. These components work together to promote optimal airflow, effectively dissipating heat and preventing the sleeper from becoming too warm. By facilitating proper ventilation, the mattress helps maintain a cool and refreshing sleeping experience throughout the night.
50% Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
Saatva RX Memory Foam Mattress
Best for Back, Shoulder, and Joint Pain
The Saatva RX mattress is an excellent choice for individuals suffering from chronic back pain because of its unique design and features tailored for optimal support and comfort. Its innovative combination of individually wrapped coils and targeted lumbar support zones ensures proper spinal alignment, relieving pressure points and reducing strain on the back.
Save $450 During Sale
Saatva RX Memory Foam Mattress
Our Rating | 9.5 |
Cal King Price | $3,345 |
Dimensions | 72″W x 84″L x 15″H |
Number of Layers | 7 |
Firmness | Supportive Plush |
Type | Gel, Memory Foam |
Features | Breathable, Antimicrobial, Motion Isolation |
Best For | Side Sleepers, Shoulder Pain, Back Pain, Scoliosis, Arthritis |
Available Sizes | Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King |
50% Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
Saatva RX Memory Foam Mattress
The Saatva Rx mattress is expertly crafted to provide exceptional support and targeted pressure relief, specifically designed to alleviate discomfort associated with severe and chronic back and joint conditions such as sciatica, arthritis, herniated disc, and scoliosis. Its unique design and construction aim to offer maximum comfort and relief for individuals dealing with these conditions, ensuring a more restful and soothing sleep experience. With the Saatva Rx, you can enjoy the benefits of tailored support and pressure relief that specifically address the needs of those with serious back and joint issues.
The Therapeutic Support Core of this mattress possesses a distinctive feature as it automatically adapts to the natural curves and movements of your body. This adaptive design works to effectively eliminate pressure points, promoting improved circulation and facilitating a more restorative sleep experience. By contouring to your body’s unique shape and responding to your movements throughout the night, this mattress ensures enhanced comfort, reduced pressure, and better blood flow. Ultimately, it aims to provide a rejuvenating sleep environment that supports your body’s needs and contributes to a more revitalizing and restful sleep.
50% Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
Nectar Hybrid Mattress
Best Under $1,000
Many memory foam mattresses sleep hot in return for that “hug,” but Nectar has put a lot of effort into cooling the layers with two kinds of gel memory foam and a Tencel cover. These layers help prevent heat from building up in the core of the mattress.
Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
Nectar Mattress
Our Rating | 8 |
Cal King Price | $999 |
Dimensions | 72″W x 84″L x 12″H |
Number of Layers | 6 |
Firmness | Medium Firm |
Type | Hybrid |
Features | Cooling, Antimicrobial Protection, Motion Isolation |
Best For | Side Sleepers, Couples, Under $1,000 |
Available Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King |
Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
Nectar Mattress
The Nectar hybrid mattress offers an appealing combination of pressure relief and support, which is particularly beneficial for back sleepers. This mattress is designed to provide the right amount of cushioning to alleviate pressure points while also offering ample support to maintain proper spinal alignment. Back sleepers can find great satisfaction in the balanced comfort and support that the Nectar hybrid offers, contributing to a more enjoyable and restorative sleep experience.
Couples are likely to appreciate the Nectar Hybrid mattress for its impressive edge support, cooling features, and excellent motion isolation capabilities. The edge support ensures a stable and consistent sleeping surface, allowing both individuals to utilize the entire mattress comfortably. The cooling components incorporated in the mattress help dissipate heat, providing a cooler and more comfortable sleeping environment for couples. Additionally, the exceptional motion isolation minimizes disturbances caused by movement, ensuring an undisturbed sleep for both partners.
Discount Code : SLEEPREPORT
Zinus Memory Foam Mattress
Most Affordable (Cheap)
Zinus first started in a quest to relieve snoring sufferers and their partners of the conditions that produced blocked airways and allergies. They’ve expanded their mattresses into both a hybrid and memory foam types. They wanted to cover a spectrum of other issues, so they have beds that deal with cooling, contouring, and other sleep problems.
Available On Amazon
Zinus Memory Foam Mattress
Our Rating | 6 |
Cal King Price | $539 |
Dimensions | 72″W x 84″L x 12″H |
Number of Layers | 4 |
Firmness | Plush |
Type | Memory Foam |
Features | CertiPUR-US Memory Foam |
Best For | Under $500 |
Available Sizes | Twin, Full, Queen, King, Cal King |
Available On Amazon
Zinus Memory Foam Mattress
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress is worth considering. It offers a more affordable price point compared to many of its competitors in the market.
The soft profile of this mattress makes it particularly suitable for strict side sleepers. By allowing them to sink into the mattress, it helps alleviate pressure points that typically occur at the hips and shoulders.
Additionally, individuals seeking pain and pressure relief can benefit from the soft memory foam structure of the mattress. Its sinkage around pressure-filled joints helps provide relief and support, promoting a more comfortable sleep experience.
Available On Amazon
Why Choose a California King?
If you or your partner are tall, the extra length on the end may be a welcome change from having your feet hanging off the bed. You lose a few inches on either side, but you might not need them if you don’t have to curl up to keep your feet on the bed’s surface.
Another consideration is the size and shape of the room. You want to have at least two feet on all the exposed sides for safety and comfort moving around. Not all rooms are perfect squares, so a rectangular California King may fit the dimensions of the room more comfortably.
Benefits of owning a California King mattress
- Tall sleepers often have to shift their sleeping position to prevent their feet from falling off the bed or remain slightly hunched up, but not with a California king.
- California kings shave off inches from the sides, providing a more intuitive option for single sleepers.
- Choosing a California king leaves more space along the sides of the bed, allowing for easier movement within the bedroom.
Drawbacks of owning a California King mattress
- Accessories for California king mattresses are harder to find and usually more expensive.
- Local big box stores may have limited styles or no options for California king accessories.
- Replacement sheets, bed frames, box springs, and other accessories may be challenging to find.
- Couples of average heights may prefer the extra space from side to side rather than at the bottom.
King vs. California King Mattress Dimensions
Mattress Size | Mattress Width | Mattress Length |
---|---|---|
King | 76″ | 80″ |
California King | 72″ | 84″ |
The popular perception is that a California King is bigger than a king. How couldn’t it be, right? It’s not just a regular king, but California.
Sorry to burst your bubble but a King size mattress actually has more surface area than it’s California namesake. Cal kings are slightly longer but narrower at 72 by 84 inches. A king measures 76 inches by 80 inches. It’s closer to being square, so if the total surface area is what you need, a regular (or Eastern) king is your choice.
A Note About Size
Size isn’t the only thing responsible for quality sleep. Before you jump up a mattress size, consider why you’re choosing it in the first place.
If you find yourself rolling into each other in the middle of the night, think about the real reason. Your mattress might be too soft for you and creating a dip in the middle. It may be unsupported. It might be that your bed has poor motion isolation and you need something “deader” like memory foam.
If tossing and turning causes you to wake each other up, you may need a mattress that is better supportive, so you won’t toss so much. Some mattresses can help you get into a comfortable position and stay there.
Whatever the reason, size alone won’t give you a good night’s sleep. You have to consider other factors such as sleep position, back support, and motion isolation in addition to sheer size. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a bigger, but just as disappointing, mattress.
California King Mattress FAQ
What size is a California king mattress?
A standard California king mattress measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. It is the longest standard mattress size available. Depending on price and comfort Cal king mattresses can be as thin as 10″ tall with height advancing up to 15″ as support and additional layers are incorporated.
How does a California king mattress differ from a regular king-size mattress?
The main difference between a California king and a regular king-size mattress (also known as an Eastern king) is the dimensions. A California king is longer and narrower than a regular king mattress. While both offer ample space for couples, the California king is better suited for taller individuals due to the extra length.
Will a California king mattress fit in a regular king-size bed frame?
No, a California king mattress will not fit in a regular king-size bed frame. The dimensions are different, so you would need a bed frame specifically designed to accommodate a California king mattress. Additionally, you’ll need to purchase fitted sheets designed for the specific measurements of a Cal king bed.
How did the Cal King mattress come to be?
California king mattresses are relatively new in the mattress world. In the 1960s, a few companies began offering large mattresses for celebrity mansions, beds reminiscent of historically large beds made for kings and queens. The first of these was King sized mattresses, but manufacturers soon began adding length and shaving off width. The California King was born.
In the 1980s and 1990s, mass production of mattresses took off. The eighties was a time of increased luxury for the middle class, so big beds became a status symbol previously available only to those celebrities and upper-crust members of society. Larger beds became more popular, and the California King was finally a viable (albeit expensive) option for most households.
RECAP : Top-Rated California King Beds
Rating | Mattress | |
---|---|---|
Editor’s Choice | Puffy Lux Mattress | |
Best for Couples | DreamCloud Premier Mattress | |
Best for Side Sleepers | Ghostbed Luxe Mattress | |
Best for Pain Relief | Saatva RX Hybrid Mattress | |
Best for Overweight | Winkbeds Plus Mattress | |
Best Under $1,000 | Nectar Hybrid Mattress | |
Best Under $500 | Zinus Memory Foam Mattress |