California King vs Alaskan King Size Mattress: What is the Difference?
Last Updated on Mar 29, 2023
For most people, their bed is a private and sacred space where they laugh, cry, have fun, make memories, and do various other activities. The right-sized mattresses help enhance the comfort and safety of this sacred space for users. It is especially true for people who spend a lot of time in their beds, either alone or with family and friends.
Individuals seeking excessive space on their beds prefer king-size mattresses. Being aware of the difference between Alaskan king vs California king mattresses helps buyers make the right choice. This guide provides comprehensive details about the various aspects of both these types of mattresses.
Alaskan King vs California King Mattress Size comparison
The Alaskan king is 24 inches longer and 36 inches wider than the Cal king mattress. The California king mattresses are 84 inches long and 72 inches wide, whereas the Alaskan king mattresses are 108 inches long and 108 inches wide.
California mattresses fit comfortably in a bedroom of standard size, while an Alaska king mattress fits only in large bedrooms. It offers enough space to accommodate two adults and a small pet comfortably. The Alaskan king mattress is designed to easily accommodate two adults, two kids, and a couple of pets.
Both Alaskan king and California king mattresses are suitable for people seeking greater comfort and space than regular mattresses. Both the Alaskan and California king beds have their advantages and disadvantages. Learning about these pros and cons helps users to choose the mattress that best fulfills their needs.
California King vs Alaskan King Size Comparison Chart
| Parameter | California King | Alaskan King |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 84 inches | 108 inches |
| Width | 72 inches | 108 inches |
| Surface Area | 6,048 square inches | 11,664 square inches |
| Price Range (in USD) | $1349 - $2549 | $ 2,000 - $ 6,000 |
| Occupancy | 2 adults + 1 pet or child | 2 adults + 3 to 4 children, or 4 adults |
| Ideal for | Small families (and stomach or back sleepers) | Large families / Plus-sized couples (and side sleepers) |
| Minimum Room Size | 12ft X 10 ft | 16ft X 16ft |
| Other names | Western King | - |
What is an Alaskan King Bed?
As the name suggests, the Alaskan king bed is the largest commercially made mattress, just like the name of the largest state of America, Alaska. For people seeking a life of utmost luxury and comfort, the Alaskan king size bed is just the thing they need.
Pros
Mentioned below are the advantages of an Alaskan king bed:
Spacious
It offers adequate personal space while co-sleeping.
Family-Friendly
It accommodates families having more than two children.
Pets
It is spacious enough to sleep with pets.
Cons
Mentioned below are the disadvantages associated with an Alaskan king bed:
Size
They can fit only in large bedrooms.
Handling
They are challenging to move around and transport.
What is a California King bed?
Cal king size bed offers a sense of comfort while taking up much less space than the Alaskan king. It is considered the tallest mattress available in the market, giving miles of room to stretch across.
Pros
Mentioned below are the benefits of opting for a California king bed:
Family-Friendly
The mattresses easily accommodate a small family with two children.
Size
They are suitable for tall people who need lengthier beds.
Price
They are significantly cheaper than Alaskan king mattresses.
Cons
Mentioned below are the disadvantages associated with a California king bed:
Space
They are not suitable for large families or plus-sized couples.
Pets
They do not offer enough space to sleep with family and pets.
Conclusion
Buyers should also consider the points of difference between an Alaskan king bed and a California king before they choose one. California king and Alaska king mattresses both offer extra space and additional comfort than a regular mattress. Alaska kings are a better option for people for whom space is a priority and budget is not a concern. California king mattress is a good option for people seeking both space and affordable pricing.
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How to Choose Between a California King and an Alaskan King bed?
The choice between an Alsakan king and a California king is not an easy one to make. Hence, the buyers should consider the following pointers about the Alaskan king bed vs California king bed. The information would help the prospective buyers to choose the best mattress that matches their needs.
Size Of The Bedroom
The first and the most crucial factor to consider before choosing between Alaska and California king mattresses is the size of the bedroom. A California king mattress can easily fit in a standard size bedroom while leaving enough space to move around.
On the other hand, Alaskan King mattresses are suitable only for bedrooms that are at least 16 feet by 16 feet in size. Even though Alaskan king bed dimensions make it difficult to fit in a standard size bedroom, they will leave little room to move around. This would make the bedroom seem too crowded and less comfortable.
Budget
The cost of oversized mattresses is essential to be considered while purchasing one. Due to their bigger size, all extra-large mattresses cost more than regular ones. California king mattresses are still the least expensive of all king-size mattresses.
The average cost of a California king mattress is between $1349 - $2549. An Alaskan King mattress is the largest mattress available and is also the most expensive one. Its average price ranges between $2,000 and $6,000. In addition to the type of mattress and the materials used, the shipping cost, lack of supply, and higher demand can also cause a price variation.
Sleeping Partner
A California King mattress is spacious enough to accommodate two adults and one kid or a pet. It is also a good bedding choice for people whose sleeping partners have entirely different sleeping habits than their own. The extra space minimizes the chances of disturbance due to such patterns of their partners.
An Alaskan king mattress can accommodate families with more than two kids. It is an excellent choice for people who want to share a bed with their partner while also enjoying the luxury of their independent sleeping space. The mattress size is also a good choice for people who like to sleep with their one or two children and a pet on the same bed.
Your Size And Weight
The size and weight of the users are other essential things to consider while choosing between California king vs Alaskan king mattresses. The California king mattresses are best suited for tall people who need the extra legroom to prevent their feet from dangling. They are also suitable for plus-sized sleepers who like to spread out to maximize their comfort while sleeping.
Alaskan king mattresses are an excellent choice for plus-sized people who are also quite tall. They are preferred by professional NBA players with above-average body types. The mattresses are big enough to provide them enough comfort and adequate space to relax while supporting their weight and size.
Sleeping Position
The sleeping position of the users also plays an essential role in the choice of the mattress. Choosing a California King mattress is advisable for couples who like to sleep close together.
For couples who prefer to have some personal space while sleeping near their partners, buying an Alaskan king bed is better. Side sleepers are also better off buying a California king mattress, while Alaskan king mattresses are a more suitable option for stomach or back sleepers.