Contouring, support & temperature control
Choosing a mattress is an important decision that affects not only your sleep, but also your health, your mood, and even your relationship. When it comes to choosing a good quality mattress, size is among the most defining factors.
First, consider whether it’s time to upgrade to a larger mattress size. Sleeping in too small a bed may lead to unhealthy sleep habits, like curling up into uncomfortable positions or not having enough sleep surface to support your body.
A king size mattress or a super king mattress could be the solution to your bedtime woes. But which of these two UK mattress sizes is best for you? And what about a Euro king size mattress? With so many options, choosing the right king mattress can be challenging, so we’ve put together this article to help you through it. It will provide you with the tools and information required to choose the best king size mattress for your needs.
Recommended king size mattresses
These are some of the most recommended king size mattress brands available:
Why buy a king mattress?
King mattresses are spacious and luxurious, a simple way to get hotel-level comfort in your home. Plus, they offer much more than a wide surface to roll around on.
Here are a few reasons you might want to consider purchasing a king or super king mattress:
You are very tall
Super king mattresses and king size mattresses are both six and a half feet long, making them the best options for tall sleepers.
Our top picks for December 2024
9.9
9.9
Hybrid
You share a bed with a restless sleeper
If your partner tosses and turns in the night, the extra space afforded by a king size mattress will make night time more peaceful. A wider sleep surface allows for better motion isolation so you and your partner can sleep soundly.
May be better for your circulation
Having more space also means you can spread out, rather than curl up. This allows for healthier blood flow that can prevent nerve damage and waking up with a tingly pins and needles sensation.
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CertiPUR certified means the foam is free of harmful chemicals
Made from 100% recycled materials
Removable & washable hypoallergenic cover
360-degree high-density foam border for edge support
200 night trial period & 10-Year guarantee
No 24/7 support
Not 100% organic materials
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Hybrid & memory foam models available
Suitable for all types of sleepers
Top-rated by reputable online publications
Zero motion transfer
Temperature control could be improved
Not the greatest edge support
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CertiPUR Certified foam
Supports all sleep positions
365-day sleep trial & forever warranty
Free named day delivery
Limited customer support availability
Not organic
Space for kids and pets
Whether you’re a parent to a child or a fur baby, king and super king mattresses provide space for the inevitable visitor. These large mattresses are big enough to hold two adults plus a child or a pet.
To fill a large bedroom
Sometimes, mattress size isn’t only a matter of comfort, it’s also a matter of aesthetics. Too small of a mattress in a large room can look awkward and out of place. King mattresses are a good option for master bedrooms and bedrooms 20 sq. ft. or larger.
UK vs EU king mattresses
In the UK, there are three sizes of king mattress: King, Super King, and EU King.
UK king size mattress
Dimensions: 50 cm x 200 cm (5’ x 6’6”)
The king size mattress is a widely available standard UK mattress size. It is good for couples who prefer to have their own space when they sleep. Partners will be able to rest undisturbed on a king mattress, regardless of sleep position.
EU king size mattress
Dimensions: 160 cm x 200 cm (5’3” x 6’6”)
The EU king is slightly larger than the UK king mattress. These ten extra centimetres provide just enough space for couples to sleep comfortably, even if one person tends to toss and turn throughout the night. The EU king is not as widely available as UK mattresses sizes; not all brands will carry an EU king mattress.
UK super king size mattress
Dimensions: 180 cm x 200 cm (6’ x 6’6”)
The super king mattress is the largest standard UK mattress size. It takes up the same space as two single mattresses pushed together. This mattress is a good option for couples who like to spread out like a starfish in their sleep or for two people who both toss and turn in the night. It is also the ideal option for families with small children who might sneak into the bed in the middle of the night or couples who share their bed with a pet.
Sizing tips for large mattresses
Don’t get ahead of yourself with the excitement of such a vast sleep surface. A mattress as large as a king or super king needs a bedroom large enough to welcome it. Otherwise, your bedroom will end up feeling cramped.
Before purchasing a king or super king size mattress, measure your room to make sure it is large enough to welcome your mattress. A good rule of thumb is to make sure it corresponds to the 3:1 bedroom ratio. Your bed shouldn’t take up more than one-third of your room.
If you’re having a hard time visualizing the size of a new, larger mattress in your bedroom, use the tape trick. Mark off the dimensions of a king or super king mattress with tape on the floor to get a first-hand idea of its size.
9 Things to consider when buying a king size mattress
1. Mattress type and material
Innerspring, memory foam, hybrid, latex—there are so many options to choose from! Nectar has some of the best king size mattresses for memory foam lovers, while Simba offers some of the top king size mattresses for those who prefer hybrid comfort.
2. Firmness
Do you prefer a firm mattress or a plush mattress? You can find the top king mattresses in a full range of firmness levels from the brands featured on our website.
3. Sleep position
King mattresses are a good option for back and stomach sleepers who like to spread out or combination sleepers who move I their sleep. Side sleepers tend to take up less space and may not need the larger sleep surface.
4. Heat regulation
More space on the bed means more room for heat to escape. Plus, since partners don’t have to sidle up to each other, less body heat becomes trapped in the bed.
5. Trial period
A generous trial period is a crucial factor when ordering a mattress online. Choosing a mattress with a long trial period allows you to get a good feel for the mattress before making a commitment. If it is uncomfortable, too large, or you change your mind about it, you can send it back free of charge. In addition to offering some of the top king mattresses, Dreamcloud offers one of the lengthiest trial periods, allowing customers a full year to try before they buy.
6. Guarantee
The best king mattresses are sure to put you back a pretty penny, which is just one reason why you’ll want to make sure it lasts a long time. To make sure the investment is worth it, look for a mattress brand that offers a long guarantee.
7. Delivery options
Most mattress brands ship for free to the majority of the UK. Some brands may charge extra for delivery to certain areas, including the Channel Islands, the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Man, some parts of Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Other brands may not ship to these areas at all.
8. Bedding
Changing bed sizes means changing bedding as well. Keep in mind that purchasing a larger bed comes with the added cost of buying a new duvet and sheets.
9. Budget
Larger beds, of course, mean a higher price tag. Your budget may end up being the deciding factor when choosing between a king and a super king mattress. That said, not all brands will break the bank. Nectar is one example of a brand that offers some of the best king mattresses for budget-friendly prices. Both of their largest sizes, king and super king are available for under £800.
Conclusion
Shopping for a new mattress, especially a large mattress like a king or super king, requires a fair amount of consideration. Use this guide to help you decide if it’s time for you to upgrade to a king mattress and if so, how to choose. To get you started, check out the UK’s top king size mattresses by reading the reviews available on our site.
