One of the first things you will need to take into consideration when buying a new mattress is choosing from all the different mattress sizes available. Although you are partially limited by the size and shape of the room where you intend to use it, your primary consideration will most likely be who will be sleeping in the bed, and will there be more than one person sharing it. There are four standard sizes typically available to choose from as explained below.
The smallest standard mattress, commonly known as a Single or a twin, is 39 inches wide and 75 inches long. This size would be suitable and appropriate for young children and most teenagers, as well as an occasional single adult guest. Although not the most suitable alternative, this size will handle an adult up to six feet tall. A variation of this mattress, called an extra long twin, adds 5 inches to the length at 80 inches, and should accommodate almost anyone who’s not an aspiring front court basketball player.
The next largest size mattress, referred to as a full size or double mattress, is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. Despite the added 15 inch width, this size would be only marginally comfortable for two persons and still retains the length limitation of 75 inches for taller sleepers. This size bed would be entirely suitable for two young children or perhaps a single teenager or adult, but a bit too small to use as a guest bed for two adults. For someone seeking a cheap alternative to a larger and more expensive mattress, this size would be adequate, but just barely.
The third size commonly available is the Queen size mattress. This size is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. The additional width allows it to more comfortably adapt to two adults, and the length allows for plenty of head-room for all but the tallest individuals. For many people, the Queen size is a cheap mattress alternative that is adequate in almost all situations.
The last and largest size commonly available is the king size mattress. Curiously, this size comes in two varieties; the eastern king measures 76″ x 80″ and the western king, also referred to as a “california king”, is slightly thinner and longer at 72″ x 84″. Either of these king size mattresses is suitable for almost all sleepers and is the size commonly found in a master bedroom, providing luxury and comfort to a married couple. The 76 x 80 inch eastern, or standard king size, will almost always be the cheaper alternative, and more than adequate unless you are indeed married to a basketball player.
As you can see, there are a wide variety of mattress sizes available with one suitable for almost every need. After taking into consideration the size of your bedroom and the comfort of the sleepers, you should be able to decide on a cheap mattress set that meets your budget requirements.
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