California King vs. Alaskan King: Which One Is Right for You? -

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When it comes to luxury and comfort, choosing the right bed size is crucial. The California King and Alaskan King are two of the largest mattress options available, offering extra space for couples, families, and tall sleepers. But which one is right for you?

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Quick Answer:

The California King is a long, narrow bed measuring 72” x 84”, making it ideal for tall individuals and smaller bedrooms. In contrast, the Alaskan King is a massive square-shaped mattress at 108” x 108”, perfect for large families or those who want the ultimate sleeping space. Your choice depends on your available room size, budget, and sleeping preferences.

Our Top Picks for the Best Oversized Beds

Big Mattress Co. Alaskan King Bed

Built with premium materials and exceptional durability, this bed is perfect for families or individuals who want maximum sleeping space.

Saatva Classic California King

A luxury hybrid mattress that offers superior support, comfort, and longevity, making it ideal for tall individuals.

Wyoming King by Mattress Insider

A slightly smaller alternative to the Alaskan King, offering more space than a California King but fitting better in standard bedrooms.

California King vs. Alaskan King: Key Differences

When choosing between a California King and an Alaskan King, it’s essential to understand their fundamental differences. These beds vary in size, price, comfort, and practicality, making them suitable for different needs.

Size Comparison

The biggest distinction between these two beds is their dimensions:

California King: 72 inches wide x 84 inches long

Alaskan King: 108 inches wide x 108 inches long

A California King is narrower and longer, designed for tall individuals who need extra legroom but have limited bedroom space. On the other hand, an Alaskan King is much wider and square-shaped, ideal for families, co-sleepers, or those who love extra sleeping space.

Room Size Requirements

Since an Alaskan King is significantly larger, it requires at least a 16’ x 16’ room to fit comfortably. A California King fits well in a 12’ x 14’ room, making it a better choice for most master bedrooms.

Price and Availability

California King beds and mattresses are more affordable and readily available in most furniture stores.
Alaskan King beds are custom-made, making them more expensive and harder to find.

Comfort and Sleeping Experience

California King: Best for tall sleepers, couples, or single users who want extra legroom.

Alaskan King: Ideal for large families, couples with pets, or anyone who enjoys a luxurious amount of space.

Who Should Choose a California King?

The California King is a popular mattress choice for those who need extra length but don’t necessarily require a massive sleeping surface. Here’s a breakdown of who would benefit most from this bed size.

Tall Sleepers

At 84 inches (7 feet) long, the California King is the best option for individuals who are over 6 feet tall and need extra legroom. Unlike a standard King mattress (which is 80 inches long), a California King ensures that your feet won’t dangle off the edge.

Couples Who Need Space but Have Limited Room

While a California King is slightly narrower than a standard King (by 4 inches), it still provides enough room for couples to sleep comfortably. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a spacious bed but don’t have a bedroom large enough for an oversized mattress like the Alaskan King.

People with Narrow Bedrooms

If your bedroom is long and narrow, a California King fits much better than a wider bed like the Alaskan King. This size leaves extra space for furniture, walking areas, and decor without making the room feel cramped.

Budget-Conscious Buyers

Compared to an Alaskan King, a California King is much more affordable and widely available. You won’t have to worry about custom orders or limited mattress options, as most major mattress brands offer this size.

Who Should Choose an Alaskan King?

The Alaskan King is one of the largest mattresses available, offering unparalleled space and luxury. It’s not for everyone, but certain sleepers will find it the perfect fit for their needs.

Large Families & Co-Sleepers

If you co-sleep with children or pets, the Alaskan King provides ample space for everyone. Unlike a California King, which can feel cramped with multiple sleepers, this 108-inch-wide bed ensures no one feels crowded.

Couples Who Want Maximum Space

Some couples prefer extra room to move freely while sleeping. With an Alaskan King, you get the luxury of distance, preventing sleep disturbances from a partner’s movements.

Homeowners with Extra-Large Bedrooms

Since an Alaskan King requires a room size of at least 16′ x 16′, it’s best for homeowners with spacious master suites. If you have a luxury bedroom or a custom-built home, this mattress can serve as a statement piece while offering unmatched comfort.

People Who Love an Ultra-Luxurious Sleep Experience

The Alaskan King is all about luxury and comfort. Whether you love sprawling out, having room for extra pillows, or just indulging in the biggest bed possible, this mattress ensures an extravagant sleeping experience.

Pros and Cons of California King vs. Alaskan King

Before making a final decision, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each bed. While both offer extra space, they cater to different needs and lifestyles.

California King: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

Ideal for Tall Sleepers – The 84-inch length accommodates individuals over 6 feet tall.
Fits in Most Bedrooms – Requires less space than an Alaskan King, making it more practical.

More Affordable – Widely available and cheaper than oversized mattresses.
Easier to Find Accessories – Sheets, bed frames, and mattresses are readily available.

❌ Cons:

Narrower Than a Standard King – Slightly less width (72 inches vs. 76 inches) can feel restrictive for couples who like extra space.
Not Ideal for Families – Limited width makes it unsuitable for co-sleeping with multiple children or pets.

Alaskan King: Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

Massive Sleeping Space – Perfect for large families, co-sleepers, or those who love extra room.
Luxurious & Unique – Creates a stunning focal point in large bedrooms.
Prevents Sleep Disturbances – Plenty of space ensures partners or pets don’t disrupt sleep.

❌ Cons:

Requires a Huge Bedroom – Needs at least 16’ x 16’ of space to fit comfortably.
Expensive – Custom orders and specialized mattresses make it significantly pricier.

Difficult to Find Accessories – Sheets, bed frames, and mattress toppers are not as widely available.

Conclusion

Choosing between a California King and an Alaskan King comes down to your space, budget, and sleeping preferences.

If you’re a tall sleeper, a couple with limited space, or looking for an affordable yet spacious bed, the California King is the best choice. It fits in most master bedrooms and offers excellent comfort without taking up too much room.

If you co-sleep with kids or pets, have an oversized bedroom, or want the ultimate luxury experience, the Alaskan King is the way to go. With its massive 108” x 108” dimensions, it provides unmatched space and comfort.

Ready to Buy? Here Is a Budget-Friendly Recommendation for You!

If you’ve decided on the perfect bed size, it’s time to find the best mattress. Here are three budget-friendly options that offer excellent quality without breaking the bank:

Nectar Premier California King

A memory foam mattress with excellent pressure relief, cooling technology, and a competitive price. Great for couples and tall sleepers.

Big Mattress Co. Alaskan King Hybrid

An affordable yet luxurious option for oversized beds, offering a combination of support, comfort, and durability.

Helix Midnight Luxe King

While slightly smaller than an Alaskan King, this mattress provides exceptional comfort, making it a fantastic alternative at a lower price point.

FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions about California King vs. Alaskan King beds to help you make an informed decision.

Is an Alaskan King bigger than a California King?

Yes, an Alaskan King is significantly larger than a California King. While a California King measures 72” x 84”, an Alaskan King is 108” x 108”, making it much wider and better suited for families or co-sleepers.

How much space do I need for an Alaskan King bed?

To accommodate an Alaskan King, you need a minimum bedroom size of 16’ x 16’. This ensures enough space for walking areas, furniture, and a comfortable layout. A California King fits well in a 12’ x 14’ room, making it more practical for standard master bedrooms.

Is it hard to find bedding for an Alaskan King?

Yes, Alaskan King bedding is harder to find compared to a California King. Since it’s a specialty size, you may need to order custom sheets, bed frames, and mattress toppers. California King accessories, on the other hand, are widely available in most mattress and home goods stores.

Which mattress size is better for couples?

It depends on personal preference:

A California King is great for couples who want extra legroom but don’t require excessive width.
An Alaskan King is better for couples who prefer more space to move freely without disturbing each other.

Why is an Alaskan King more expensive?

An Alaskan King is a custom-made mattress, which means higher production costs. Additionally, shipping, frames, and bedding for oversized mattresses tend to be more expensive than standard sizes like a California King.