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Both sizes can sleep a couple of adults very comfortably but there’s more than a couple of things to consider before you commit yourself to an oversized mattress. We’re here to help you make the right choice between an Alaskan King vs. King-sized mattress.
Size comparison: Alaskan King vs King
An Alaskan King mattress measures 108″ x 108″ whereas a standard King bed measures 76″ x 80″. Depending on how many people will be sleeping on the bed, there’s a lot of personal space to be had on both King-size mattresses.
In terms of overall length and width, Alaskan King mattresses are the biggest oversized mattress there is although the Family XL bed is wider than the Alaskan King mattress with a width measurement of 144″ although it’s only (we use the term very loosely here) 84″ long.
The standard King mattress, although still a large bed, pales in comparison to other King size beds such as the California King bed (72″x 84″), the Wyoming King bed(84″x 84″), the Texas King bed (80″x 98″) and of course, the Alaskan King (notice how they’re all named after some of the largest states in the US). California King mattresses are the next largest mattress size (and the most popular) after the King-size bed. See our Alaskan King vs. California King size comparison for more details.
King or Alaskan King bed: Which is better?
Both the standard King bed and the Alaskan King-size bed can accommodate a family that likes to co-sleep comfortably but obviously, the Alaskan King trumps the standard King in terms of how many people can actually fit.
But oversized beds are not just for those who have large families that like to co-sleep. Maybe you just really want a sleeping space that’s the size of a small island or maybe you have a ton of extra space in your bedroom that would benefit (both functionally and aesthetically) from an oversized bed – or maybe you just really want a larger than life King-sized bed.
Whatever the case may be, we’ve listed down all the pros and cons to help you an informed decision on which King-size bed would suit you best.
Alaskan King pros
- Can fit very tall sleepers, perfect for those who needs the extra length
- Great for co-sleeping families with more than two children
- Readily available at select online mattress brands
- Biggest King size mattress
The Alaskan King-size mattress can fit even the tallest of sleepers with a lot of room to spare as it measures up to 9 feet in length.
To give you an idea of just how big an Alaskan King bed size is, it can fit up to 4 averaged sized adults with still plenty of sleeping space to share.
A whole family that likes to practice co-sleeping habits with their children will be far more comfortable sleeping on an Alaskan King rather than on a regular King-sized bed.
Alaskan King cons
- An Alaskan King bed frame can be difficult to come by in most mattress stores, most are usually custom order
- Room size needs to be taken into consideration, an oversized mattress like the Alaskan King bed would take a lot of room space
- Compatible bedding can be difficult to find
Standard King pros
- Substantially smaller than Alaskan King bed dimensions, the regular King bed size can fit most master bedrooms and can even give lots of extra space for other furniture such as a desk and a chair should you need them
- Compatible bed frames and bedding are easier to find
- Can still fit taller sleepers
- Comes in adjustable mattress types as with most standard sized mattresses and the California King mattress
Standard King cons
- Might not have enough sleeping space for a large family that would like to practice co-sleeping, especially if the adults weigh heavier than average
- Exceptionally tall individuals may need more leg space on a western King
- Would not fit into smaller bedrooms
How to decide between an Alaskan King and a King mattress
Both the Alaskan King mattress and the King mattress are larger mattresses that need a few things to take into consideration before you do decide to get one.
Size of your bedroom
Even though standard King beds are far smaller than the Alaskan King mattress, they still take up a considerable amount of space. The minimum room size that can accommodate a regular King-size bed is 12 feet x 9.10 feet and the Alaskan King bed needs double that so you have to be absolutely sure that your bedroom size can accommodate the King mattress that you choose.
If in doubt, take the proper measurements. Do not forget to take into account other furniture you might have in your bedroom such as night stands and chairs, etc.
Budget
Of course the Alaskan bed will cost considerably more than the King-size mattress but you also have to know that most King beds also cost a lot more than standard mattress sizes such as the standard Queen-size bed.
If you want and need a King bed but would like to spend less, go for a regular King but if your budget allows you to spring for an Alaskan King bed, then by all means. Just make sure to know that both beds will still cost you a significant amount of money.
Who is going to sleep on the mattress?
The number of people who will be sleeping on the mattress is definitely up to you but as we’ve mentioned previously, the Alaskan King bed can accommodate up to 4 average sized adults or two adults and 3 small children (give or take a pet or two) whereas the regular King mattress can accommodate 2 average sized adults and 2 small children.
Then again, if it’s just you and a partner and you still want an oversized bed, then who are we to stop you.
FAQs
People who need an Alaskan King bed are usually families who like to practice co-sleeping since the Alaskan King mattress can fit up to 2 adults and 3 small children.
The Alaskan King bed is 32 inches wider and 28 inches longer than a normal King mattress.
Conclusion
Both the regular King bed and the Alaskan King bed are large mattresses that can fit a family that likes to share sleeping spaces.
Choosing between the two means taking a few factors into consideration such as bedroom size, budget and the number of sleepers.
Alaskan King mattresses can fit up to 4 average sized adults or 2 adults and 3 small children while the normal King mattress can comfortably fit 2 adults and 2 small children.
Next step: Read our guide to the best mattresses for a 300 pound person. If you weight heavier than average, then you need a mattress that can support your weight. We tested each brand on this list to make sure that they’re compatible with the needs of overweight people.
Michelline loves nothing more than a cozy bed, with a stack of books at her side. She loves getting lost when she travels, can bake an entire British afternoon tea from scratch, is obsessed with all things analogue and does calligraphy on the side. She currently suffers from mild insomnia and is more than happy to be your guinea pig, so you won’t have to go through all the trouble of finding out what works best for you.
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