Mattresses
Thoughtfully designed for comfort, support, and a restful night’s sleep.
Mattress Guide
Choosing a mattress comes down to three things: the right size for your room and the people in it, the right firmness for how you sleep, and knowing how to care for it once it's yours. This guide covers all three, along with the answers to the questions we're asked most.
Mattress sizes
Six standard sizes are used in the United States. Dimensions are width by length:
Twin — 38" x 75"
The smallest standard adult size. Suits children, teenagers, single sleepers under six feet, bunk beds, and guest rooms where floor space is limited.
Twin XL — 38" x 80"
The same width as a twin with five extra inches of length, which makes it the better choice for taller single sleepers. Two Twin XL mattresses side by side equal the footprint of a king — the basis of a split-king setup, where each side can have its own firmness.
Full — 54" x 75"
Generous for a single sleeper who wants room to move. Workable for couples, but tight: a full gives each person just 27 inches of width, less than a twin each.
Queen — 60" x 80"
The most popular size in the country, and the practical starting point for couples at 30 inches of width per person. Its 80-inch length suits sleepers up to roughly 6'2".
King — 76" x 80"
The widest standard size. Each sleeper gets 38 inches — the width of a twin each — which is why it suits couples who move at night, families who co-sleep, and households with pets on the bed.
California king — 72" x 84"
Four inches narrower than a standard king but four inches longer, and the longest standard size. The right choice for sleepers over 6'2". Note that king and California king are not interchangeable: each requires its own frame and its own sheets.
Sizing to the room
Leave at least 24 inches of clear walking space on each side of the bed and at the foot. As a quick check, subtract six to seven feet from your room's dimensions — what remains is roughly the largest mattress width the room will carry comfortably. A king generally wants a room of about 12 by 12 feet to sit properly alongside nightstands.
Measure your delivery path as well. A king is the hardest standard size to move through narrow stairs and doorways; a split king in two Twin XL pieces solves that problem outright.
Choosing firmness
Sleeping position is the most reliable starting point, because each position needs support in a different place.
- Side sleepers: medium soft to medium. A softer surface lets the shoulder and hip sink enough to keep the spine straight.
- Back sleepers: medium to medium firm. Enough give to support the lower back's natural curve, enough support to stop the hips sinking.
- Stomach sleepers: medium firm to firm. The midsection is the heaviest part of the body, and a soft surface lets the hips sag into an exaggerated arch.
- Combination sleepers: medium firm is the usual compromise, and a responsive surface makes changing position easier.
Body weight is the second variable, and the one most people overlook. If you weigh under about 130 pounds, go one step softer than your position suggests — you won't compress the comfort layers as much. Over about 230 pounds, go one step firmer for the same reason in reverse.
Couples who sleep in different positions usually land on medium firm, or choose a split configuration so each side can differ.
Expect an adjustment period. Studies have shown that it can take the body around three weeks to adapt to a new mattress, so early impressions are not a reliable guide to how it will feel long term.
Caring for your mattress
How long a mattress lasts
On average, most mattresses last between seven and ten years. Rotating it head to foot every few months helps it wear evenly and extends that lifespan.
Routine cleaning
A deep clean two or three times a year keeps a mattress fresh. The full process:
- Remove all bedding and vacuum the top of the mattress. Most household vacuums have a smaller upholstery attachment suited to this, though a handheld vacuum is more convenient. This lifts dust, pet dander, and other particles from the surface.
- Scatter baking soda evenly across the mattress, working extra into any visible stains with a toothbrush. Baking soda draws out odors and moisture. Leave it at least 10 minutes, and longer if you can.
- Vacuum the mattress thoroughly again until all the baking soda is gone.
- Fill a spray bottle with one part water to one part hydrogen peroxide, add two spritzes of clear dish soap, and shake well. Spray across the surface, then cover with baking soda again and scrub.
- Let the mattress sit at least 8 hours — overnight is better.
- Scrub thoroughly to loosen the residue.
- Vacuum thoroughly to collect the remaining baking soda. Several passes may be needed to remove it all.
Two cautions. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleach and can lighten colored fabric, so test the solution on a hidden area first. And never soak a mattress — moisture trapped inside the layers is far harder to remove than a surface stain, so work with a light spray and allow full drying time before putting bedding back on.
Removing urine stains
Mix 8 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and 4 drops of dish soap or liquid laundry detergent. Apply generously to the affected area with a spray bottle, then let the mixture soak and dry for 8 hours. Once dry, vacuum away the residue. Repeat as needed.
Protecting it from the start
A washable mattress protector is the single most effective step you can take. It prevents most of the staining that cleaning is meant to address — and, since stained mattresses cannot be returned, it protects your trial period too.
Sleep trial and returns
The best sleep you've ever had. Studies have shown that it can take the body around 3 weeks to adjust to a new mattress. That's why we offer a 30-night sleep trial. Your trial begins when your mattress is delivered. If after 30 days of sleeping on your new mattress you're not happy with your purchase, just let us know within 15 days after the sleep trial period and we'll be happy to arrange a return for you.
- Please note that all mattress returns are subjected to a $100 pickup fee + 10% restocking fee.
- Mattresses that are still in the original packaging do not have a restocking fee. Additionally, due to the limited shelf-life of packaged mattresses, returns must be picked up within 7 business days of initiating the return to qualify for a refund.
- Jennifer Taylor Home does not offer any returns or refunds on stained, unsanitary, or damaged (cut, sliced, ripped, or torn) mattresses.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a king mattress?
A standard king mattress is 76" x 80". A California king is 72" x 84" — narrower but longer, and it requires its own frame and sheets.
What's the difference between a king and a California king?
A California king is 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than a standard king. Choose a standard king for width, and a California king for length if anyone sleeping on it is over 6'2".
What size mattress do couples need?
A queen is the practical minimum, giving each person 30 inches of width. A king gives each person 38 inches — the width of a twin — which is worth it if one of you moves a lot at night or if children or pets join you.
How firm should my mattress be?
Match it to your sleeping position first: medium soft to medium for side sleepers, medium to medium firm for back sleepers, medium firm to firm for stomach sleepers. Then adjust for body weight — softer if you're under about 130 pounds, firmer if you're over about 230.
How long does a mattress last?
Most mattresses last between seven and ten years. Rotating it head to foot every few months helps it get there.
How do I clean a mattress?
Vacuum, treat with baking soda, vacuum again, then spot-treat with a peroxide and dish soap solution before a final vacuum. The full step-by-step process is above. Test any solution on a hidden area first, and don't soak the mattress.
How long is the sleep trial?
Thirty nights, beginning the day your mattress is delivered. If it isn't right, let us know within 15 days after the trial period ends. Return terms are listed above.