Split King vs King Size Mattress: What Is the Difference?
Written by Nectarsleep editorial team
Last Updated on Mar 29, 2023
If you are looking for a big mattress, a king or a split king is the best choice. So, what exactly is the difference between a split king vs king? This article will walk you through the differences between a king vs split king to know which one matches your needs! Read ahead.
What Is The Difference Between King Vs Split king?
There is no difference in dimensions between King size and Split king size mattress. The split king mattress just has split down from the middle to make 2 beds.
Both the King and split king mattress measure 76 inches in width and 80 inches in length.
This size chart will give you a gist of the difference between a split king vs king.
King Vs Split King Comparison Chart
| Parameters | King Mattress | Split King Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 80 inches | 80 inches (per mattress) |
| Width | 76 inches | 38 inches (per mattress) |
| Surface area | 6080 sq. inches | 6080 sq. inches combinely |
| Recommended Room size | 12 X 12 feet | 12 X 12 feet |
| Ideal For | Couples with a child or a pet | Couples with different sleeping preferences |
| Price | $1349- $2549 | $1698- $3898 |
What Is a Split King Bed?
A split king mattress is nothing but a king-size mattress that is split in the middle. It measures 38 inches by 80 inches on each side, the same as a Twin XL.
When you put together two split king mattresses, it allows couples to personalize their side of the bed as per their needs to avoid any disturbance as they fall into a deep slumber.
Pros
Perfect For Couples With Different Sleep Needs
One of the benefits of a split king is that it is perfect for couples with different sleep needs. Maybe your partner feels excessively hot during their sleep and you are someone who cannot achieve deep slumber without a blanket.
While a cooling mattress will suit your partner, memory foam can be more suitable for you. With the help of a split king, you can each enjoy the right mattress that caters to your specific needs.
No motion transfer
While you enjoy a deep sleep but your partner is waking up with raccoon eyes, it can mean that they are experiencing disturbed sleep. It can be because of your unique gymnastic poses all night long or maybe it’s because of your tossing and turning. Here, a split mattress can help you both sleep better because it stops motion transfer.
Exclusive Personal Space For Each Sleeper
Your side is your own in a split bed, you can customize it according to your requirements, right from a few or several fluffy pillows on your side to a cooling gel pad.
Adjustable Base
To advance your comfort levels, you can always opt for an adjustable bed frame where you can change the elevation as per your preference. Whether you want to stay up watching a movie, adjust your bed base, or keep the base titled as you sleep, you can do so without disturbing your partner with an adjustable split king mattress.
Cons
Expensive than a standard king mattress
A difference between a king and a split king is also the cost. A split king can be slightly expensive when compared to a standard king mattress because of all the unique features attached to it.
One Cannot Utilize The Whole Bed
Even if your partner is not using the mattress, you will still have to sleep on your side only because of the gap in the middle, which can be uncomfortable.
What Is a King Bed?
Also known as the eastern king bed, a standard king-size mattress is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. A king-size bed is the same dimensions as two twin XL mattresses placed side by side. Among all the mattress sizes, the king size is the most popular size on the market for large families and big rooms.
It fits well in a master bedroom or rooms bigger than 12 by 12 feet. A king-size bed is a perfect size for couples who share their bed with kids or pets.
Pros
Perfect For Families And Couples
Since a king mattress size is the largest on the market, it is perfect for couples who enjoy more space or for those who sleep with their children or pets.
Best For Master Bedrooms
A king bed looks perfect in a master bedroom and seamlessly fits any room that measures 12 by 12 feet or bigger.
Easily Available
A king-size bed is easily available in the market and you don’t have to custom order it.
Cons
Big For Restricted Spaces
While a king bed offers a large space, it is not suitable for smaller rooms as it can feel congested.
Hard To Move Because Of Weight
Moving a split is easier because it is as easy as moving a twin XL mattress, but that’s not the case with a king. Due to its weight and size, you may find it difficult to move.
Split King vs California King
A split king is great for you if you are looking for individualized sleep space and the width of the mattress matters more than the length. If you are over 6-feet or looking for a mattress that offers more length, Cal King is your best choice. A California King Mattress measures 72 X 84 inches. Again, just like a king mattress, it is suitable for large bedrooms that are at least 12 X 12 feet. If you want the length of a California King Bed and the concept of a split king, you can always choose a Split California King Bed. Just like a split king, California Split also comes with a gap in between giving each sleeper a customized space.
While the king and split king both are exceptional, it all depends on your personal preference. So, now that you know all the advantages and drawbacks of them both, it will surely be easier to make a decision.
