King Size Mattresses

What size is a king size mattress?

A standard UK king size mattress measures 5ft (150cm) wide and 6ft6 (200cm) long. Be careful when buying a European king size bed from places such as IKEA, as these mattresses measure the same 200cm length, but are slightly wider at 160cm.

How deep is a king size mattress?

There is no standard depth for king size mattresses as each supplier’s mattresses differs depending on their make-up. Depths can range from a shallow 14cm to an extra deep 40cm. Foam king size tend to be a lot shallower as they don’t require the extra cushioning, whereas spring interior mattresses require additional padding to provide a comfortable surface.

How much do king size mattresses cost?

The price of mattresses varies greatly, but it’s important that you stick to a budget that you are comfortable with when you want to purchase a new king size bed. All mattresses serve the same purpose, but a cheap king size mattress will not offer the great support and comfort that a mid to high-end mattress will provide. Choosing the best king size mattress for your needs depends on your budget. At the end of the day, the more you spend, the better the quality you will receive.

Can I buy a cheap king size mattress?

If you are working to a budget, you can buy a cheap king size mattress, but they won’t offer the same benefits and quality that mid to high end mattresses will provide.

Why buy a king size mattress?

At 5ft wide and 6ft6 long, the main benefits of buying king size mattresses is the extra space they offer, compared to double mattresses at 4ft6 wide and 6ft3 long. If two people are sharing a double bed they only have 2ft3 sleeping space each, if they’re lucky. Compare that to a baby’s cot at 2ft wide, it’s not much more. At 6ft6 in length, king size mattresses are 3” longer than a double bed and perfect for taller than average people that normally have to curl up to keep their feet warm.

What’s the best size of mattress for couples?

You should always buy as big a mattress that your bedroom can take. The difference between a double and king size is the extra space that each sleeper gets. Alternatively, if your bedroom is big enough, a super king size is the perfect mattress size as it provides each sleeper with plenty of space to spread out and relax. The largest mattresses provide plenty of space for each sleeper to enjoy their preferred sleeping position, without disturbing their partner.

What king size bed mattress brands do you sell?

As bed and mattress specialists, we work in partnership with some of the biggest names in mattress manufacturing in the UK to offer a fantastic range of quality products at a price to suit everyone’s budget, such as 

Silentnight – One of the leading brands in the UK for manufacturing their patented Miracoil, Mirapocket and pocket sprung systems for the best night’s sleep. 

Tempur – Boasting NASA approved technologies, Tempur memory foam mattresses are designed to instantly offer pressure relief and body-moulding support.

Kaymed – A leading bed innovator of pocket sprung mattresses that feature body-moulding memory foam and temperature regulating gel for a cool night’s sleep.

Alexander & Cole – Designed exclusively for Archers, their mattresses feature high count pocket sprung interiors to contour your natural position perfectly while you sleep.

SleepSoul – Designed to help you drift into a deep, restful sleep, SleepSoul mattresses are packed with high-quality materials and all the latest features.

How long do king size mattresses last?

It’s recommended that you replace your mattress every 8-10 years, however, there are many variables that can influence the life of your mattress. The mattress fillings construction, the materials used and even the weight and sleeping position of each person can influence the support, comfort and the longevity of a bed. Keeping your king size mattress clean and well aired will prolong the life of your bed, but the biggest thing that can help is to ensure it's rotated or flipped regularly. On average, we spend 8 hours a night in bed; multiply that by 365 days x 10 years and that amounts to 29200 hours of wear and tear your mattress will receive.

Are king and queen mattresses the same size?

In a word, no. Queen size is not a standard UK bed size. It’s a term used by some customers when they are actually looking for a king size bed or mattress. At 152cm x 203cm, a queen size is an American term for a mattress that is slightly bigger than a UK 150cm x 200cm king size bed.

Is a king size the same size as two singles?

No. King size mattresses measure 150cm x 200cm, whereas two single mattresses put together would measure 180cm x 190cm; just slightly shorter than a super king size.

Why are bigger beds better?

According to the Sleep Council, the size of a person's bed can have a significant effect on the quality of their sleep and their ability to go about their daily tasks and routine. It’s a fact, couples sleep better in a bigger bed. If fidgeting and fighting for space is a constant battle in the bedroom, perhaps it's high time you made more room. With a larger bed and the largest mattress you can fit in your room you can still spend time snuggling, but also have the space to stretch out too.

Can I put a king size mattress on a double bed?

No. A king mattress dimensions are longer and wider than a double bed and would overhang your base. Used in this way would cause the spring unit to distort.

Why is mattress tension so important?

Not everybody likes to sleep on the same type of mattress. The mattress firmness primarily relates to comfort, but it can have health benefits too. For example, orthopaedic mattresses can offer a greater spine support to sleepers who suffer from back pain during the day to provide a good night’s sleep. We offer various types from a Soft to firm mattress and even an extra firm. 

What types of king size mattresses are available?

We stock a wide selection of king size mattresses from price friendly foam mattresses to premium pocket sprung mattresses with a fantastic range of interiors.

Reflex Foam – Non-sprung, reflex foam is a very supportive, hypo-allergenic material that is extremely long lasting and comfortable.

Open Coil – traditional open coil spring systems are robust, durable and made up of rows of hourglass shaped springs connected at the top and bottom by a series of spiral wires.

Hybrid - Hybrid mattresses are a multi-layer bed that combines memory foam, latex, or gel along with an innerspring system. 

Continuous Coil – Silentnight king size mattresses feature their unique patented spring system that’s made up of intertwining coils that run the length of the mattress. This reduces roll-together and partner disturbance.

Posturepedic – All Sealy king size mattresses embody the unique, patented technologies that set them apart. Cleverly designed and carefully developed through generations past and present, decades of knowhow, and love for crafting a wonderful night’s sleep. 

Pocket Spring – Free of any surrounding springs, each one is housed in their own cloth sleeves to contour to your body shape perfectly, minimise partner disturbance and provide a great support.

What fillings are used in king size mattresses?

Polyester – A synthetic and budget material that is renowned for its durability, breathability and hypoallergenic properties.

Eco Fibres - Created from 100% recyclable plastic bottles, Eco fibres are extra-breathable to offer an incredibly cosy and comfortable feel.

Natural Fillings – Natural king size mattresses boasts quality layers such as wool, cotton, cashmere and silk help to regulate body temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Memory foam – Designed to react to body temperature, memory foam is a body moulding and pressure relieving material that reduces tossing and turning for a more restful night's sleep.

Gel foam – A breathable and instantly responsive pressure relieving material that disperses excess body heat away from the mattress surface.

Latex - Hypo-allergenic and boasting natural elasticity, latex offers excellent temperature and moisture regulation and exceptional comfort and support for the sleeper.

What fabrics are used on a king size mattress?

Stitchbond Cover– This is the lowest grade of fabric covering used to upholster mattresses. It’s mostly used on budget and cheap king size mattresses.

Damask Fabric – Hard wearing and durable in a timeless woven design, damask fabric is soft to touch, breathable and flexible for the sleeper.

Stretch Knit Fabric- A soft pliable stretch knit cover allows the fillings to contour your body shape for optimal comfort and support.

Viscose Cover - A premium fabric that is soft to the touch, breathable and renowned for its attractive silk-like lustre.

Cotton Covers - A strong and durable fabric, cotton is ideal for all seasons as it will keep you cool on a warm summers day and provide insulation on a cold winter’s day.

Teddy Bear Fabric - A soft to touch teddy bear fleece fabric that’s immensely comfortable and gives the mattress a luxury soft top panel.

Coolmax Fabric - Coolmax airflow technology is designed to reduce overheating by wicking away moisture and excess body heat while you sleep.

Purotex Fabric - Purotex treated fibres reduce moisture and dust-mite allergens to ensure a drier, fresher and healthier sleeping environment.

Tencel Fabric - Eucalyptus treated fibres improve heat flow and moisture dissipation, creating the perfect sleeping microclimate.

What finishes are applied to king size mattresses?

Quilted Finish – Stitching the outer fabric to the surface layers of fillings ensures a comfortable and flat sleeping surface.

Hand Tufted - Especially important for extra deep mattresses, tufting ensures the fillings are held securely in place, thus increasing the life of the mattress.

Pillow Top - Additional layers of upholstered fillings are added to the pillow top to create a more sumptuous and luxury feel.

Zipped Covers - Cover can be removed and machine washed for better hygiene.

What king size mattress is best?

When it comes to the best king size mattress, it’s hard to beat luxury pocket sprung mattresses for their body-contouring support and comfort. Small in diameter and free of any surrounding springs, their spring counts range from 800 to 12800, compared to open coil king size mattresses with 325 springs. Pocket spring interiors provide piston-like support to each part of the sleeper’s body as each spring is housed in its own cloth sleeve. >The result is a spring system that offers support at the point of contact and is not affected by varying weight and body shapes.

Choosing the right king size mattress for you

If you’re buying your first king size bed or replacing one you’ve had for more years than you can remember, it’s important to consider your favoured sleeping position as this can affect the amount of support you need. Whether you’re a front sleeper or curl up on your side or prefer to lie on your back, we’re bound to have a king mattress in our collection that will suit your needs and help you to decide on the perfect mattress for you.

Which king size mattress firmness do I need?

When choosing a new bed, the mattress tension is one of the main considerations that sleepers have to make, as it determines the level of support and comfort you receive. If you are side sleeper, you are more likely to need a medium soft support that responds to your pressure points, such as a pocket sprung or pillow top mattress. For those who change their sleeping position throughout the night, medium support beds would be the best king size for you. Medium firm is renowned for providing the extra support that your spine, neck and lower back require. Sleeping in a natural position helps to keep your spine aligned, resulting in a great night’s sleep. For those who sleep on their front or back, we recommend you opt for a firm or an orthopaedic king size mattresses with extra support. Firmer mattresses are also the best king size mattress option for heavier people who require an extra firm level of support.

What king size mattress is best – Foam or springs?

When it comes to comparing the difference between a reflex foam mattress and spring interiors, there is no clear winner as it’s up to the personal preference and sleeping style of each individual. Each mattress type tends to perform better in certain ways, making them generally better suited to the individual needs and sleeping positions of different kinds of sleepers.

What are the benefits of roll-up king size mattresses?

The beauty of rolled-up mattresses is that they're easier to transport, deliver and navigate through narrow spaces and awkward staircases. They’re the perfect mattress solution if you need a new bed in a hurry, as they’re vacuum packed, they can be fitted into your car and taken away the same day. Once unrolled, they fill out to their full and permanent size within a couple of hours and are just as good as any regular mattress. If you are looking for a premium vacuum-packed mattress, take a look at the SleepSoul king size mattresses with a range of pocket spring interior and support levels.

Is a pillow top mattress good?

The best mattress for side sleepers is a pillow top as they offer additional cushioning in the hip and shoulder area; ideal for those who suffer aches and joint pains. They’re also a great option for those who struggle to flip heavy mattresses over, as their one-sided design only requires them to be rotated from head to toe.

How often do I need to turn my king size mattress?

It’s recommended that you rotate new king size mattress and flip them over every two weeks for the first couple of months, then every 4-6 weeks thereafter. This helps to even out any wear and tear that the mattress will receive. Alternatively, if flipping a king size mattress is a problem, you can opt for a one-sided mattress that only requires rotating. Our mattress care instructions explain how to look after your new mattress.

Can you clean a king size mattress?

We spend a third of our lives in bed and unfortunately, no matter how careful we are, accidental spillages happen and can ruin the look of your mattress. If an accident does happen, you should always try to clean the stain from the mattress as soon as it occurs, but doing this right away isn’t always possible. So, the best way to tackle any unsightly stains is to use a gentle laundry detergent or warm soapy water, baking soda and a clean cloth. Rinse the cloth in cold water, then dab the stain with the cloth. Sprinkle the baking soda over the stain and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse the cloth with cold water again and dab the stain until it lifts. Repeat this process as many times as necessary, then leave to dry.

Can a king size mattress fit in a car?

Unfortunately, king size mattresses are 5ft x 6ft6 (150cm x 200cm) and their rigidity would not allow them to be fitted into a car. They should not be folded to fit and the reason for this is sprung mattresses feature a thick rod-edge wire around the perimeter. Should the mattress be folded, the rod-edge wire would buckle, leaving the mattress interior damaged and unfit for sleeping on. If you are in a hurry and want the convenience of taking it away on the same day, the best mattress would be a vacuum packed one.

Why purchase from Archers?

As mattress specialists, we aim to offer a fantastic range of king size mattresses with easy to navigate filters that allow you to narrow down your perfect choice. We also offer FREE delivery on all of our king mattresses with many available to be delivered the very next day, so you can have your perfect mattress right away. Disposing an old mattress is not the easiest task for many people, but don’t worry, if you are unable to do it, we can arrange for it to be collected for recycling.

Can I buy a king size mattress on Finance?

To spread the cost when you’re looking to purchase a new mattress, we can offer finance options, such as interest free credit ranging from 12 to 48 months and ‘Shop now, Pay later’ from Klarna and Clearpay.

Archers Sleepcentre Hillington Ltd. is a credit broker, not a lender, and is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.