Do You Get a Better Night's Sleep on a Queen Mattress?

A good night’s sleep is, well, the dream, and the size of your bed really could make or break the experience. A bed that’s too small or too short, without enough room for you to adequately stretch out, is a key part of a comfortable sleep environment. 

If you’re ready to upgrade your bed situation, you may be wondering which mattress size will help you enjoy the most peaceful snooze. Here’s what to know about sleeping on a queen-size mattress.

Queen-Size Mattress Dimensions

A queen-size mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. That makes it 7 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a full-size mattress. This extra square footage is why queen-size mattresses are often recommended for couples, larger adults, and master bedrooms.

Generally, queen mattresses work well in rooms that are no smaller than 106 square feet. That allows for 30 inches of clearance around the bed, which is the minimum space you’d need for moving around comfortably.

Who Might Prefer Sleeping on a Queen-Size Mattress

• Couples. The extra space on a queen mattress makes it a good option for couples. The extra few inches in width gives both partners room to sleep largely undisturbed.
• Bigger adults. Bigger bodies need more room to stretch out. Taller or larger adults will find they benefit from the extra length and width of a queen-size mattress.
• Active sleepers. Combination sleepers who move from one position to another need a mattress that’s big enough to accommodate this activity. It helps minimize the chance of falling out of bed.
• People with a smaller master bedroom. Adults or couples with smaller master bedrooms may not have the space for a king-size mattress. A queen can be a good compromise.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Mattress

You spend a big chunk of your lifetime in bed, so it’s important for you to be comfortable. Keep in mind that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all mattress, and you’ll need to consider what matters to you to zero in on the best option.

Mattress Size

Having more room is better than not having enough, so think carefully about which mattress size will suit you now and in the future. Twin and twin XL mattresses are good options for children, but a full is a better choice for teenagers. They also work well in guest rooms and college dorm rooms.

Queen mattresses are a better choice for couples, and you won’t want to go any smaller for most master bedrooms. Factoring for room size will ensure your bed doesn’t take up too much space in a bedroom.

Mattress Type

Mattresses come in a variety of materials and constructions, from all-foam to hybrid models. Different materials have their own benefits and drawbacks. Memory foam is known for its pressure relief, but it can retain heat, making it less than ideal for hot sleepers. Latex is temperature neutral with a buoyant feel, but it can make for an excessively heavy mattress.

Think about what matters to you in terms of mattress comfort and support, including your preferred sleep position, and start researching options from there.

Single Sleepers vs Couples 

Whether or not you share your bed with a partner is another key consideration. Motion isolation is an important feature for couples since no one wants to be disturbed when their partner rolls over in the middle of the night. Edge support will matter too since you’ll likely want to maximize your sleep surface.

If you sleep alone, edge support and motion isolation may not be your biggest priorities in a mattress.

Price Point

Everyone has a budget, and it’s important to be clear about what you can afford to spend. Premium materials and constructions can push price tags sky-high. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a great mattress for a reasonable price. Many mattress companies, including most of the bed-in-a-box options, offer great sales throughout the year. Make a point of looking for deals to get the very best price.

Mattress Trials

The general rule of thumb is that people need 30 days to adjust and really assess a new mattress. That’s where mattress trials come in. No matter what mattress you choose, make sure it has a reasonable sleep trial so you can have all the time you need to decide whether it’s a good fit.

Double-check the return policy during the trial window so you’re clear on what happens if you end up returning or exchanging a mattress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bigger bed improve sleep?

It might. A mattress that’s large enough to accommodate your body comfortably gives you room to spread out. Sleeping on a mattress that’s too small can leave you feeling cramped, force you into contorted body positions, and even increase the risk of falling out of bed altogether – not exactly the recipe for a great night’s sleep.

Couples in particular benefit from a bigger bed to avoid bumping into one another or taking up more than their fair share of the mattress.

What bed gives you the best sleep?

There’s no single best bed for everyone. Comfort is subjective, so what suits one person may not work for someone else. Preferred sleep position, as well as any preexisting conditions (like back pain), are also important considerations when someone is searching for the perfect mattress. In general, however, a mattress with enough support to maintain spinal alignment, enough cushion for pressure points, and enough room for someone to adequately stretch out should be sufficient for a restful night.

Should I get a full or a queen bed?

The best mattress size for you will come down to considerations like your height and weight, the size of your bedroom, how often you rearrange your bedroom furniture, and whether you sleep alone or share your bed with a partner.

Takeaway

Sleeping comfortably is about more than a mattress’s materials and construction, and it’s not limited to support and comfort. While all of these will factor into a good night’s sleep, so will mattress size. For couples in particular, as well as bigger adults, a queen-size mattress offers extra length and width for better sleep.