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Best California King Mattresses – 2022 Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Written by Tuck Staff

Quick Overview

With six standard mattress sizes available, shoppers may be wondering which size is right for them. A California king mattress offers more width than a queen mattress and more length than a king size. This is beneficial for couples who want room to spread out, and those who want extra space at the foot of the bed.

While California king mattresses all share similar dimensions (typically 72 inches by 84 inches), there is a wide variety of options available on the market. The sheer number of choices can be overwhelming for shoppers. We’ll highlight our top picks for the year, along with key considerations for shoppers to keep in mind before making a purchase.

We’ll break down price, firmness, and mattress type, in addition to how the varying attributes of each mattress might appeal to certain sleep styles or preferences. We’ll also cover frequently asked questions.

Best California King Mattresses

Best California King Mattresses - Reviewed

Best OverallBrooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Best Overall - Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Highlights

  • Competitive price-point
  • Strong motion isolation
  • Multiple firmness options
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Best OverallBrooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

brooklynbedding.com

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The Brooklyn Bedding Signature may appeal to value-minded shoppers, as it is competitively priced for a hybrid. It’s also suitable for couples, with above-average motion isolation that helps minimize sleep disturbances.

The quilted top of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature is designed to wick away heat and prevent deep impressions. The comfort system is made of two layers of foam. A 2-inch layer of proprietary TitanFlex polyfoam is engineered to contour to the shape of the body while providing bounce for ease of movement. A transition layer sits beneath the comfort layer, preventing sleepers from sinking in excessively.

Beneath the comfort system, the pocketed coils provide edge support and minimize motion transfer. Edge support results in more usable surface area for those who share the bed.

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature comes in three different firmness options, which correspond to medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8). The mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and 10-year limited warranty.

Best InnerspringLuxury Firm WinkBed

Best Innerspring - Luxury Firm WinkBed

Highlights

  • Medium firm (6)
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Euro-top hybrid design offers both contouring and support
  • Strong perimeter reinforcement for couples
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Best InnerspringLuxury Firm WinkBed

winkbeds.com

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The WinkBed is an innerspring mattress with a durable construction. It’s available in four different firmness options, and the Luxury Firm WinkBed – a medium firm (6) model – is one of the most popular options thanks to a balanced feel that appeals to  sleepers across different weight and position groups.

The Euro-top cover is quilted with adaptive polyfoam that gently contours to the shape of the body without restricting movement. An additional foam player provides extra cushioning but also prevents you from sinking too deeply.

In addition to the edge support and reduced motion transfer provided by its pocketed coil support core, the mattress includes a foam enhancement designed to provide greater back support. The pocketed coils also promote airflow to help dissipate heat.

The WinkBed comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty. Ground shipping is free of charge for all orders in the contiguous U.S.

Best HybridAwara Mattress

Best Hybrid - Awara Mattress

Highlights

  • Hybrid construction prevents overheating
  • Sturdy edge support
  • Accommodates all sleeping positions and body types
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Best HybridAwara Mattress

awarasleep.com

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The Awara features a hybrid construction with a latex comfort system and pocketed coil support core. This results in better ease of movement and above-average durability

The cover of the Awara is made with a wool and cotton blend, which adds softness and wicks away moisture. Additionally, latex tends to retain less heat than foam. Paired with a coil base, the Awara is highly breathable and suitable for hot sleepers.

The Awara is made with latex certified by the Rainforest Alliance. The company sources New Zealand wool and organic cotton for its cover.

The medium firm (6) feel of the Awara Mattress is designed to accommodate all sleeping positions and body types. Side and back sleepers benefit from the moderate contouring of the latex comfort system, which helps relieve pressure and promote spinal alignment. The buoyant latex comfort layer also prevents sleepers from sinking in too deeply, which is beneficial for stomach sleepers who need a firm, supportive surface.

The Awara Mattress comes with a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S.

Best LatexLatex for Less Mattress

Best Latex - Latex for Less Mattress

Highlights

  • Two height options to choose from
  • Flippable construction with two firmness levels
  • Latex helps regulate temperature
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Best LatexLatex for Less Mattress

latexforless.com

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The Latex for Less Mattress is constructed with natural materials for temperature regulation. The mattress is available in a 7-inch or 9-inch profile, both of which feature a reversible construction with a different firmness on each side. While the 7-inch model is constructed entirely with Dunlop latex, the 9-inch model includes both Dunlop and Talalay latex.

One side of the mattress has a medium (5) feel, while the other side is firm (7). The two sides and two height options accommodate different sleeping positions and preferences. Side sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds may find the medium side of the 9-inch model to be most suitable, while back and stomach sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds may prefer the firm side.

The Latex for Less Mattress features a 100% organic cotton cover and a natural wool fire barrier for softness and breathability.

The Latex for Less Mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and 20-year warranty. Shipping and returns are free within the contiguous U.S.

Best CoolingHelix Midnight Luxe

Best Cooling - Helix Midnight Luxe

Highlights

  • Designed with additional lumbar support
  • Memory foam comfort layers isolate motion
  • Quilted pillow-top cushions the body
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Best CoolingHelix Midnight Luxe

helixsleep.com

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The Helix Midnight Luxe is a hybrid mattress with memory foam comfort layers and a pocketed coil support core. Memory foam offers exceptional pressure relief and motion isolation, while the coils add airflow to help dissipate heat.

The Midnight Luxe is the upgraded version of the Helix Midnight. It adds a Tencel cover, quilted pillow-top, and zoned lumbar support. The additional support is designed to provide a greater degree of pressure relief for the lower back, which is ideal for those who experience back pain.

The quilted pillow-top adds softness and breathability. As a medium firm (6) mattress, the Helix Midnight Luxe is particularly suitable for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds.

The Helix Midnight Luxe comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 15-year limited warranty. Shipping is free within the contiguous United States.

Buying Guide - Shopping for the Best California King Mattress

A California king size is longer than the standard king size, but not as wide. A king size typically measures 76 inches by 80 inches, while a California king measures 72 inches by 84 inches. As a result, the California king has slightly less surface area overall.

The extra length of the California king makes it particularly suitable for those who are over 6 feet tall. Couples may prefer the standard king size for additional width.

What to Look For In A California King Mattress

With all the different options available, it can be overwhelming to find the right one for your specific needs.

To do so, it’s important to look past a company’s marketing techniques and pay attention to certain aspects of the mattress’ construction instead, including its firmness level. The firmness of a mattress often determines how suitable it is for your body weight and sleep position.

For side sleepers and those who struggle with aches and pains, a mattress that relieves pressure can be beneficial. Along with firmness and pressure relief, you’ll also want to pay attention to temperature regulation and edge support, among other factors.

  • Price: When shopping for a California king mattress, your first impulse may be to compare prices. While price is certainly an important factor when choosing a new mattress, it should be considered in addition to durability, performance, and firmness. A mattress that costs more isn’t necessarily of a higher quality. It also may not be the right mattress for your body type, sleep position, or comfort preferences.  California king mattresses tend to be the same price as the standard king, or slightly more expensive, depending on the brand.
  • Sleeping Position: Your preferred sleep position will affect which firmness level is most suitable. While side sleepers tend to need a slightly softer sleep surface that cushions the shoulders and hips, stomach sleepers often prefer a firmer mattress. Body weight and sleep position should both be considered when selecting a mattress.
  • Mattress Type: Mattresses typically fall into one of five categories: foam, latex, hybrid, innerspring, or airbed. Each of these mattress types has unique properties that will appeal to different types of sleepers. Those who prefer a conforming mattress may want to consider a foam model, while hot sleepers tend to prefer latex and hybrid models. Those who want adjustability may find an airbed to be the most suitable.
  • Firmness Level: Firmness levels range from extremely soft to extremely firm, or 1 to 10 on the mattress firmness scale. Most mattresses rate between medium soft (4) and firm (7), though shoppers can find options outside of this range.  The ideal firmness for each shopper will depend on their body weight, sleep position, and preferences. While side sleepers often benefit from a medium to medium firm mattress, stomach and back sleepers tend to prefer firmer options.
  • Pressure Relief: Pressure relief refers to how well a mattress cushions each part of the body. This helps prevent pressure points from developing. Those who maintain active lifestyles or have chronic pain should pay particularly close attention to how well a mattress conforms to the shape of the body. While latex and hybrid mattresses can provide moderate contouring and pressure relief, foam mattresses may offer a higher degree of contouring.
  • Edge Support: Edge support indicates how well the perimeter of the mattress holds up to pressure. This becomes relevant when sitting on the edge of the bed or when looking to maximize the amount of usable surface area.  Hybrid mattresses tend to have sturdy edge support, and a reinforced coil base helps prevent sagging. Foam is more likely to compress easily, which can result in the feeling of rolling off the edge of the bed.
  • Temperature Neutrality: A temperature neutral mattress can help prevent the discomfort of overheating by promoting airflow and wicking away moisture. How well a mattress dissipates body heat relies on a few different factors, including the materials used, the mattress type, and the sleeper’s body weight. Latex and hybrid models tend to be more breathable than all-foam mattresses.

What Else to Consider

Bed Frame: Due to the dimensions of a California king mattress, it’s important to find a compatible bed frame. A standard king size bed frame will not accommodate the additional length. As California king mattresses are not as popular as queen and king sizes, availability may be limited. California king bed frames may also be more expensive.

Sheets and Bedding: A California king mattress will require sheets that accommodate its dimensions. This is particularly important with fitted sheets. Depending on the thickness of the mattress, deep pocket fitted sheets may be required. It is important to double check product labels and dimensions before making a purchase.

Mattress Weight and Setup: California king mattresses tend to be heavy, which can make them difficult to move or adjust as needed. Many online mattress companies ship their mattresses compressed in a box, and the purchaser is responsible for setup. White Glove delivery, which includes in-home delivery and setup, may be worth considering for heavier mattresses.

Manufacturer Warranties and Return Policy: Mattress companies typically offer a sleep trial and warranty for each mattress model, which is the same for each size of the mattress.

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