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Best California King mattresses – hands-on performance tests

California king mattress on bed frame

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Born in the ‘60s in LA (hence the moniker), the California King mattress was designed specifically for taller people. Naturally, it immediately became a fast favorite among pro basketball players. If you’re reading this then it means that you’re on the lookout for a good Cal King mattress…and you’ve definitely come to the right place. We tested out tons of different brands (so many that I actually lost count) and finally settled on the ones you see here. These are the best. Trust me. Our Editor’s Choice is the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
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Top ten California King-sized mattress brands and performance test results

brooklyn bedding logo

#1. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Overall Best

  • Comes in 3 different firmness options
  • Very cooling
  • Offers responsive support
Saatva mattress logo

#2. Saatva Classic

Best Luxury Option

  • Suitable for all sleeper types
  • Comes in multiple firmness options
  • Great for couples
Happsy mattress logo

#3. Happsy Organic Mattress

Best Organic California King Mattress

  • Cooling
  • Certified organic
  • Fiberglass-free
helix mattress logo

#4. Helix Midnight

Best California King for Couples

  • Great for all sleeper types
  • Perfect for couples
  • Offers responsive support
Plank logo

#5. Plank Firm Luxe

Best Firm California King

  • Suitable for heavier-set individuals
  • Flippable design
  • Fantastic edge support
winkbed logo

#6. The WinkBed

Best Plush California King

  • Hotel quality sleeping experience
  • Comes in 4 different firmness levels
  • Plush and pressure relieving
Birch mattress logo

#7. Birch Natural

Best Latex California King

  • Suitable for all sleeper types
  • Actively cooling
  • All natural and organic
egohome mattress logo

#8. Egohome Black

Best California King for Side Sleepers

  • Great motion isolation
  • Best for side sleepers
  • Good for those who suffer from chronic pain
sweet night logo

#9. SweetNight CoolNest

Best Affordable California King

  • Affordable
  • Good for back and stomach sleepers
  • Good motion isolation
avenco sleep logo

#10. Avenco Original Hybrid Plus

Best California King for Stomach Sleepers

  • Great edge support
  • Suitable for back and stomach sleepers
  • Budget friendly

#1. Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Testing out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

Pros

  • Comes in 3 different firmness options
  • Very cooling
  • Offers responsive support
  • Features a soft, plush pillow top

Cons

  • Motion isolation could be better
  • Poor edge support

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Why it’s the overall best

Just like with any mattress, comfort is key when it comes to California King mattresses and the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is as comfortable as they come

Featuring a blend of copper-infused hyperelastic foam and individually wrapped coils plus a plush pillow top, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe can rival any of those high-end hotel mattresses any day.

The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe features actively cooling materials such as copper-infused memory foam and a GlacioTex cooling cover. I honestly think the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is one of the best cooling mattresses I’ve tried.

Aise from the California King, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe not just comes in standard mattress sizes but in RV sizes as well.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 13.5 inches
Firmness levels Soft, Medium, Firm
Materials GlacioTex cooling cover, plush pillow top, copper-infused foam, VariFlex transition foam, pocketed zoned coils, high density foam base
Free trial period 120 nights
Warranty length 10 year warranty
Shipping Free
Certification CertiPUR-US

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Performance

The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress comes in three different firmness options: soft, medium and firm.

The soft option is best for strict side sleepers while the medium option is suitable for most other sleeper types. Back and stomach sleepers will benefit the most from the firm option.

Since it’s a hybrid mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is also good for heavier-set individuals since it helps provide them with the extra support that they need.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe a 10 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief.

True, almost every contemporary mattress on the planet now features a plush pillow top but there’s just something about the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe that makes it one of the most comfortable mattresses I’ve ever tried. Full marks for this one.     

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress features two actively cooling materials: a copper-infused memory foam alternative that helps with heat retention and a GlacioTex cooling cover that’s breathable and cool to the touch. Of course, the mattress’ coil unit allows for continuous air flow making it a good choice for those that tend to sleep hot.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe a 6.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

I won’t beat around the bush here – I did experience quite a bit of motion transfer when I tried the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe out with a partner. So if you share a bed (especially if your partner is significantly heavier than you are) then you will feel a good amount of movement.

We rate the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe a 6 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

If you’re looking for great edge support in a mattress, I have to tell you now that sadly, the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is not where you’ll find it. Even with its reinforced edges, I still found myself rolling off the edge of the bed when I sat on it.

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Alternate pick: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Testing out the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

If you share a bed with a partner, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid features the same plush pillow top as the Aurora Luxe.

You get similar performance when it comes to pressure relief and responsive support, but the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid fares much better when it comes to motion isolation.

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#2. Saatva Classic

Testing out the Saatva Classic mattress
Saatva Classic

Pros

  • Suitable for all sleeper types
  • Comes in multiple firmness options
  • Great for couples
  • Fiberglass-free

Cons

  • Can be too expensive for some
  • Edge support is too firm

Why it’s one of the best

If you’re looking for a more luxurious Cal King sleeping experience, nothing beats the Saatva Classic

The only mattress on this list that features an botanical-based antimicrobial treatment (fancy) and white glove delivery (even fancier), but those aren’t the only reasons why it’s a great mattress.

Made from a blend of gel-infused memory foam and recycled steel high-gauge innerspring coils, the Saatva Classic combines the best parts of an innerspring mattress and a traditional memory foam mattress.

I like it because it gives you just the right amount of contouring along with plenty of responsive support.

Here’s the thing though: ever heard of a mattress that went a bit overboard on the edge support?

Yep, the Saatva Classic’s foam rails are raised a little too high for comfort making the edges of the entire mattress a little too firm.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 11.5 inches, 14.5 inches
Firmness levels Medium Soft, Medium, Medium Firm
Materials GOTS certified organic cotton cover treated with Guardin, Euro pillow top, gel-infused memory foam, 14.5 gauge recycled steel coils, high density foam rails, 13 guage dual coil design base
Free trial period 365 nights
Warranty length Lifetime warranty
Shipping Free
Certification GOTS, CertiPUR-US

Saatva Classic Performance

The Saatva Classic mattress comes in 3 different firmness options: a medium-soft, a medium and a medium-firm.

Side sleepers and combination sleepers will very much appreciate the softness of the medium-soft option while the medium option is a jack of all trades that’s good for sleeping positions. Back and stomach sleepers will benefit the most from the medium-firm option.

Being a hybrid mattress, the Saatva Classic can accommodate those that weigh well over 250 lbs. thanks to its very robust coil system.

We rate the Saatva Classic a 9.5 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief.

Like I’ve mentioned previously, you get the best parts of a memory foam mattress and an innerspring mattress with the Saatva Classic. Contouring and compression – without any of the sinkage – while getting just the right amount of responsive support – everything you want and need from a mattress.

We rate the Saatva Classic a 9.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

The Saatva Classic does not really contain any actively cooling materials but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the most cooling mattresses I’ve ever tried.  There’s just something about the way it’s constructed that draws heat away from the mattress which helps you sleep cool and dry.

We rate the Saatva Classic an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

While the Saatva Classic’s motion isolation game is actually pretty good, you might feel the slightest movement if you share a bed with a partner who is significantly heavier than you are. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

We rate the Saatva Classic a 7.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

This is a bit of a funny one.

The Saatva Classic features not only reinforced edge coils but also high density foam rails all along the perimeter of the entire mattress. In theory this makes the Saatva Classic’s edge support really sturdy. In reality, I think they’ve overdone it just a tad because the edges are raised and a little hard to sleep on (if you’re the type who likes to sleep close to the edge).

Alternate pick: Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

Saatva memory foam hybrid mattress on upholstered frame
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

If you want something a bit more contouring, check out the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid.

Similar in construction to the Saatva Classic with its blend of foam and coils, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid contains a thicker layer of memory foam which gives you more contouring and compression – perfect for those who want a memory foam mattress that doesn’t leave them feeling stuck.


#3. Happsy Organic Mattress

Happsy performance testing
Happsy Organic Mattress

Pros

  • Cooling
  • Certified organic
  • Fiberglass-free
  • Offers responsive support

Cons

  • Slight motion transfer
  • Poor edge support

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Why it’s one of the best

If you’re looking for an all-organic latex California King mattress that won’t break the bank, the Happsy is your best bet.

We all know that latex mattresses can cost an arm and a leg, so we’ve come to associate expensive latex mattress brands with quality but here’s the thing – you don’t need to pay a premium to get premium quality.

Made from high-end materials including GOLS-certified organic latex, organic wool and organic cotton, the Happsy is an affordable latex mattress that offers the same benefits (if not better) than most higher end organic mattresses out there.

Happsy is also fiberglass-free which is crucial especially if you’re particular about sleeping on clean, green and safe mattresses.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 10 inches
Firmness levels Medium Soft, Medium Firm
Materials Cotton cover, wool batting, latex foam, pocketed coils, cotton fill batting
Free trial period 120 nights
Warranty length 20 years
Shipping Free
Certification GOLS, GOTS

Happsy Organic Mattress Performance

The Happsy Organic mattress comes in two different firmness options –  a medium-soft and a medium-firm.

A 4.5 on the mattress firmness scale, the medium-soft option of the Happsy mattress is best for strict side sleepers while the medium-firm option (which is a 6.5 on the scale) can accommodate all other sleeper types including back and stomach sleepers.

Since the Happsy is a hybrid, it can definitely accommodate heavier-set people.

We rate the Happsy Organic mattress an 8 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief.

While it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t expect any deep compression like you would get from a memory foam mattress, you still get enough pressure point relief so you won’t feel anything eating into your main pressure points (no matter your preferred sleeping position).

We rate the Happsy Organic mattress a 9 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

You probably already know this, but pure latex is naturally cooling and does not retain heat the way memory foam does. This is great if you’re a hot sleeper.

We rate the Happsy Organic mattress a 7.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

I have to be honest, although the Happsy does a fairly good job of keeping motion transfer at bay, you may experience a tiny amount of movement, especially if you share a bed with someone who’s a restless sleeper.

We rate the Happsy Organic mattress a 6 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

This is where the Happsy disappoints me a little bit.

For a generally responsive mattress that contains edge coils, the edge support on the Happsy is somewhat lacking. You might find yourself rolling off the mattress if you’re the type of sleeper who likes to sleep close to the edge.

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#4. Helix Midnight

Helix Midnight performance tests
Helix Midnight Mattress

Pros

  • Great for all sleeper types
  • Perfect for couples
  • Offers responsive support
  • Pressure relieving

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavier-set back sleepers
  • Slight off-gassing

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Why it’s one of the best

The Helix Midnight has all the inner workings of what makes a great mattress great, and it does not disappoint, especially if you’re looking for a Cal King mattress to share with a partner.

The Helix Midnight falls on the medium-to-medium-firm level on the firmness scale which means it can provide enough pressure relief for all sleeper types, including those who sleep predominantly on their stomachs or backs.

Another thing I liked the most about the Helix Midnight is its motion isolating capabilities – for a hybrid mattress that contains a pretty robust coil unit, the Midnight did a stellar job at keeping motion transfer at bay, which makes it an excellent mattress for couples.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 11.5 inches
Firmness levels Medium Firm
Materials Cotton knit mattress cover, Helix memory foam, Helix responsive foam, individually wrapped steel coils, high density base foam layer
Free trial period 100 nights
Warranty length Lifetime warranty
Shipping Free
Certification CertiPUR-US

Helix Midnight Performance

The Helix Midnight sits on a 6 on the mattress firmness scale, giving it a medium-firm feel.

On Helix’s website, they actually call the Midnight a medium, but I found that not to be the case. It felt more like a true medium-firm to me. 

Although medium-firm mattresses are still suitable for most sleeper types, heavier-set back sleepers might find that the Helix Midnight throws their spinal alignment out of whack. So if this sounds like you, I would steer clear.

We rate the Helix Midnight a 9.5 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief and comfort.

There are four different types of proprietary memory foam layers within the Helix Midnight which means you get four times the amount of pressure relief. It really is a great mattress for just about any sleeper type, especially those who suffer from chronic pain such as fibromyalgia.

We rate the Helix Midnight a 6.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

See, here’s the thing. If you tend to sleep extremely hot, you may find the Helix Midnight to be a little uncomfortable. To counteract that, Helix does offer an option to add a GlacioTex cooling cover to the mattress, but this comes at a cost.

We rate the Helix Midnight an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

As I’ve mentioned earlier, the Helix Midnight performs brilliantly well when it comes to motion isolation even though, surprisingly, it is a hybrid mattress (which is known to have a bit of bounce). I believe it’s due to all the foam layers within the mattress which helps absorb any cross mattress movement.

We rate the Helix Midnight a 7 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

Although not that bad, the edge support on the Helix Midnight is not the best either. I’d say it’s pretty average. You don’t have to worry too much about rolling off the bed.

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Alternate pick: Helix Midnight Elite

helix midnight elite mattress on bed frame
Helix Midnight Elite

If you want the Helix Midnight on steroids, check out its souped-up counterpart the Helix Midnight Elite.

With a blend of proprietary foam and multiple coil units, the Midnight Elite offers the same benefits as the base model Midnight (and a whole lot more).

You get the same pressure relief as well as motion isolation, and as a bonus for you hot sleepers out there, the Helix Midnight Elite already comes with a GlacioTex cooling cover.

If the Elite version is a bit too expensive for you, check out the less-souped-up (but still great) Midnight Luxe model.

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#5. Plank Firm Luxe

Testing out the Plank Firm Lujxe
Plank Firm Luxe

Pros

  • Suitable for heavier-set individuals
  • Flippable design
  • Cooling
  • Fantastic edge support

Cons

  • Not suitable for strict side sleepers
  • Slight motion transfer

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Why it’s one of the best

Firm mattresses don’t seem to get a lot of love, but a whole lot of people are actually looking for a good, firm California King that offers both comfort and support – not just a rock-like slab of foam.

Enter the Plank Firm Luxe.

Featuring a flippable design wherein you get two different firmness levels within one mattress (firm and extra-firm, in case you were wondering), the Plank Firm Luxe is best for strict back and stomach sleepers who need extra-firm support to get the proper spinal alignment that all back and stomach sleepers need.

Another thing I liked the most about the Plank Firm Luxe mattress is its edge support.

I have tried a lot (and I mean A LOT) of mattresses by now, but so far, none have come close to the edge support that I experienced with the Plank Firm Luxe.

Having good edge support means that you get to utilize the entire mattress surface, which is super important if you share a bed.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 13 inches
Firmness levels Firm, Extra Firm
Materials Quilted layer, high density foam, supreme response comfort foam, individually wrapped steel Ascension coils
Free trial period 120 night trial
Warranty length Lifetime warranty
Shipping Free
Certification N/A

Plank Firm Luxe Performance

The Plank Firm Luxe mattress features a flippable design wherein you get two different firmness levels, one on each side.

On one side you get a firm while on the other you get an extra-firm. Both firmness levels are best for strict back or stomach sleepers only.

If you are a strict side sleeper, sleeping on a firm mattress will eat into your main pressure points and leave you waking up in pain.

Since the Plank Firm Luxe is a hybrid mattress, it can accommodate heavier-set sleepers and provide them with the extra support that they need.

We rate the Plank Firm Luxe an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief and comfort.

Honestly, this would have been higher if the Plank Firm Luxe could accommodate side sleepers, but we ARE looking at a firm mattress here. Firm mattresses are best for those who sleep only on their backs or stomachs. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, you get more than enough pressure relief with the Plank Firm Luxe due to its combo of responsive foam and pocketed coils.

We rate the Plank Firm Luxe a 9 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Even though the Plank Firm Luxe does not contain any fancy actively cooling materials, it still did a stellar job at keeping heat retention at bay. This makes it a great choice for those who tend to sleep hot.

We rate the Plank Firm Luxe a 7 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

Because there aren’t a lot of foam layers in the Plank Firm Luxe, you do get to feel more of the bounce coming from the mattress’ coil unit. It isn’t bad, but if you are a light sleeper and you share a bed with someone who moves around a lot, you might experience a bit of motion transfer.

We rate the Plank Firm Luxe a 10 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

For some reason, reinforced edge coils are not really a main selling point on the Plank website, but the Firm Luxe’s edge support is unmatched (based on my experience). It’s safe to say that there are definitely some sort of reinforced edges in the mattress design that helps contribute to how good the edge support on this mattress really is. 10 out of 10 (and I don’t say that lightly).

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Alternate pick: Plank Firm

man sleeping on his side on plank firm mattress
Plank Firm Mattress

If you’re looking for an all-foam mattress with a firm feel, check out the base model Plank Firm.

Similar in construction to the Plank Firm Luxe but without the addition of a coil unit, the Plank Firm is also flippable, so you still get two different firmness levels in one mattress.

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#6. The WinkBed

Winkbed performance tests
The WinkBed

Pros

  • Hotel-quality sleeping experience
  • Comes in four different firmness levels
  • Suitable for all sleeper types
  • Plush and pressure relieving

Cons

  • Can be too pricey for some
  • Slight off-gassing

Why it’s one of the best

Featuring a plush Euro pillow top, the WinkBed mattress is super plush and pressure relieving.

Its construction is pretty simple – aside from the Euro pillow top, there’s only a gel-infused comfort layer and a pocketed coil unit.

No fuss, no frills, and yet, extremely comfortable.

The WinkBed comes in four different firmness options (including a Plus option). This option is made specifically for heavier-set individuals who need extra support but still want a plush, hotel bed feel.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 13.5 inches
Firmness levels Soft, Luxury Firm, Firm, Plus
Materials Euro pillow top, gel-infused comfort foam, pocketed zoned coil layer, Tencel cover
Free trial period 120 nights
Warranty length Lifetime warranty
Shipping Free
Certification CertiPUR-US

The WinkBed Performance

The WinkBed mattress comes in four different firmness options: soft, luxury firm, firm and plus.

A 3 on the mattress firmness scale, the soft option is best for strict side sleepers as well as those who suffer from chronic body pain. 

The luxury firm option is on a 5 on the scale giving it a true medium feel. This is good for most sleeper types including combination sleepers.

The firm version sits on a 7.5 on the mattress scale. Firm with less give, this option is best for back sleepers and stomach sleepers.

The plus version is around an 8 on the mattress firmness scale and is best for heavier-set people who prefer to sleep on their backs or stomachs.

We rate the WinkBed mattress an 8 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief and comfort.

You get a plush hotel bed-like feel thanks to the combo of a Euro pillow top and gel-infused comfort layer (a proprietary memory foam alternative). You get ample pressure relief no matter your preferred sleeping position.

We rate the WinkBed mattress a 7 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Sure, the WinkBed’s Tencel cover and gel-infused memory foam contribute to the overall cooling capabilities of the mattress, but the individually wrapped coils are doing most of the heavy lifting here by allowing air to flow freely throughout the mattress. The cooling capabilities aren’t bad, but not the best either.

We rate the WinkBed mattress a 7 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

You will feel a tiny amount of motion transfer if you share the mattress with a partner, especially one who is heavier than you are. 

We rate the WinkBed mattress an 8 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

Reinforced edge coils surround the perimeter of the mattress. I didn’t feel as though I was in any danger of rolling off the bed when I tried it out.

Alternate pick: WinkBeds GravityLux 

winkbeds gravity lux mattress bare
WinkBeds Gravity Lux

If you prefer a mattress that’s very cooling, check out the WinkBeds GravityLux.

Differing slightly in construction to the OG WinkBed, the WinkBeds GravityLux mattress contains several different types of proprietary memory foam layers that somehow still feel cool and not heat retentive at all, making it a good choice for those who tend to sleep hot.


#7. Birch Natural

Birch Natural testing process
Birch Natural

Pros

  • Suitable for all sleeper types
  • Actively cooling
  • All natural and organic
  • Offers great edge support

Cons

  • Can be a bit expensive
  • Not suitable for couples

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Why it’s one of the best

If you’re on the lookout for a natural and eco-conscious California King mattress, the Birch Natural should be at the top of your list.

Certified by not one, not two but five environmental and fair trade regulatory bodies, the Birch Natural’s eco-friendly credentials are as good as they get.

Made up of GOLS-certified organic latex, organic wool and recycled steel coils as well as plant-based fiber, the Birch Natural is as natural as a mattress can get.

But what about the actual sleeping experience (i.e. comfort)?

If you’re looking for deep compression, you can opt out now.

BUT, if you’re looking for responsive support and pressure relief then that’s what you’ll get with the Birch Natural mattress.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 11 inches
Firmness levels Medium Firm
Materials Organic cotton cover, plant-based fire retardant, organic wool, GOLS certified organic latex foam, pocketed coils, plant-based bottom layer
Free trial period 100 nights
Warranty length Lifetime warranty
Shipping Free
Certification GOLS, GOTS, Greenguard Gold, edo-INSTITUT, Fair Trade

Birch Natural Performance

The Birch Natural mattress sits on a 6.5 on the mattress firmness scale giving it a medium-firm feel. This firmness level is suitable for all sleeper types including strict back and stomach sleepers.

Since the Birch Natural is a hybrid mattress, it can definitely give heavier-set sleepers the extra support that they would need.

We rate the Birch Natural mattress a 7 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief and comfort.

Don’t get me wrong, the Birch Natural mattress is pressure-relieving, but it can be a little too firm for strict side sleepers (hence the slightly lower rating).

We rate the Birch Natural mattress a 9.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

I probably sound like a broken record by now but you and I both know that pure latex is naturally cooling. Coupled with the organic wool layer plus the pocketed coil unit makes for a sublimely cool sleeping experience. Perfect for all you hot sleepers out there.

We rate the Birch Natural mattress a 6 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

That’s right – you will experience a good amount of motion transfer with Birch Natural. It’s the combination of springier latex foam and coils, which is pretty common which shouldn’t be a problem if you’re a solo sleeper but if you share a bed with a partner, then this could be an issue.

We rate the Birch Natural mattress an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The coil unit does not feature any reinforced edge coils, but it’s robust enough to be able to provide enough edge support so you won’t be rolling off the bed.

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Alternate pick: Birch Luxe Natural

man sleeping on his side on birch luxe natural
Birch Luxe Natural

If you need something a bit more plush, check out the Birch Luxe Natural.

Similar in construction and materials to the base model Birch Natural, the Birch Luxe Natural also features a Euro pillow top surface for a softer and plusher sleeping experience.

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#8. Egohome Black

Egohome Black mattress hands-on test
Egohome Black Mattress

Pros

  • Great motion isolation
  • Best for side sleepers
  • Good for those who suffer from chronic pain
  • Contouring and compressing

Cons

  • Not suitable for heavier-set stomach sleepers
  • Poor edge support

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Why it’s one of the best

California King mattresses need not be expensive.

The Egohome Black mattress is affordable yet able to hold its own amongst the more higher end all-foam mattress brands.

First of all, the motion isolation on the Egohome Black is one of the best I’ve tried, especially for a more budget-friendly brand

You also get layers upon layers of proprietary memory foam alternatives with the Egohome Black mattress.

Each one with its own purpose, yet working together to provide a contouring and deep compression that you would usually associate with more expensive memory foam mattresses.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 14 inches, 12 inches
Firmness levels Medium Soft, Medium Firm
Materials Anti-heat Graphene cooling cover, copper gelAerofucion foam, Adaptifoam, CoolFlex foam, BraceSleeper support foam, fiberglass-free fire retardant
Free trial period 100 nights
Warranty length 10 years
Shipping Free
Certification CertiPUR-US

Egohome Black Performance

You get to choose between two different firmness levels with the Egohome Black mattress – a medium-soft and a medium-firm.

The medium-soft version is great for those who sleep predominantly on their sides as well as those who suffer from chronic body pain. The medium-firm version can accommodate most sleeper types including strict back and stomach sleepers.

Since the Egohome Black is an all-foam mattress, it’s not able to accommodate heavier-set people since they need the extra support that only a coil unit can give.

We rate the Egohome Black mattress an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief and comfort.

You get the same deep contouring and compression as a classic memory foam mattress with the Egohome Black, so there’s absolutely no question that your pressure points are getting all the relief that they need.

We rate the Egohome Black a 6.5 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Sadly, eventhough with its proprietary foam that features copper gel and cooling gel, the Egohome Black does retain a small amount of heat, which can be noticeable for those who tend to sleep extremely hot.

We rate the Egohome Black a 10 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

Here’s where the Egohome Black really shines. Like most all-foam mattresses, the Egohome Black absorbs any motion transfer, making it a good choice for those who share a bed with a partner or a pet.

We rate the Egohome Black a 6 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

The lack of reinforced edges is really the culprit here – I found the edge support of the Egohome Black to be severely lacking. You will roll off the edge of the bed.

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#9. SweetNight CoolNest

SweetNight CoolNext hands-on performance test
SweetNight CoolNest Mattress

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Good for back and stomach sleepers
  • Good motion isolation
  • Cooling

Cons

  • Not suitable for side sleepers
  • Poor edge support

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Why it’s one of the best

Here’s another budget friendly California King option – the SweetNight CoolNest.

The CoolNext is an all-foam mattress that provides targeted support for those who sleep mostly on their backs or stomachs.

Although not technically a hybrid, the mattress does feature a base layer that’s made of foam bars that mimic the support of a coil unit.

Another thing I liked about the SweetNight CoolNest is that for an all-foam mattress, it is very cooling thanks to its combination of gel-infused memory foam as well as a proprietary cover that features 3D weaving and microvents that help hot air escape.

And what do I always say about all-foam mattresses?

Motion isolation in all-foam mattresses is second to none, and with the SweetNight CoolNest, it’s exactly the same story.

There’s literally no motion transfer with this mattress.

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 12 inches, 14 inches, 16 inches
Firmness levels Medium Firm
Materials 3D weaved mattress cover, high resilience foam, cooling gel-infused memory foam, proprietary memory foam, high density foam, foam support bars
Free trial period 100 nights
Warranty length 10 years
Shipping Freee
Certification CertiPUR-US

SweetNight CoolNest Performance

The SweetNight CoolNest sits at a 6.5 on the mattress firmness scale, giving it a medium-firm feel. This firmness level is suitable for all sleeper types, but especially those who sleep on their backs and stomachs.

I have to say though that the SweetNight CoolNest can be a little too firm for lightweight side sleepers (so beware).

We rate the SweetNight CoolNest a 6.5 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief.

Don’t be fooled by the rating, it only gets this rating because it won’t really provide enough pressure relief for strict side sleepers, but if you are a stomach or back sleeper then it will provide more than enough pressure point relief as well as help with proper spinal alignment.

We rate the SweetNight CoolNest an 8 out of 10 when it comes to cooling.

Like I said earlier, for an all-foam mattress, the SweetNight CoolNest performs surprisingly well when it comes to cooling. If you’re a hot sleeper and prefer an all-foam mattress, then this is your best bet.

We rate the SweetNight CoolNest a 10 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

All-foam mattresses are great at isolating any cross mattress movement, and the SweetNight CoolNest is no different. I barely felt any motion transfer when I tried the mattress out with a partner.

We rate the SweetNight CoolNest a 6 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

Due to its lack of a coil unit, it’s safe to say that the SweetNight CoolNest’s edge support is pretty much nonexistent. You will roll off the edge of the bed if you’re the type of sleeper who likes sleeping close to or on the edge of the bed.

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Alternate pick: SweetNight Prime

Sweet Night mattress Prime deals
Sweet Night Prime Mattress

If you prefer an all-foam mattress with different firmness options, check out the SweetNight Prime mattress.

Like the SweetNight CoolNest, the SweetNight Prime is also affordably priced, but you get four different firmness levels all within one mattress – all you need to do is to flip it.

5% off coupon code: SLEEPLINE


#10. Avenco Original Hybrid Plus

Avenco Hybrid performance test
Avenco Original Hybrid Plus

Pros

  • Great edge support
  • Suitable for back and stomach sleepers
  • Pressure relieving
  • Budget friendly

Cons

  • Not suitable for side sleepers
  • Poor motion isolation

6% off coupon code: Sleepline

Why it’s one of the best

Here’s another firm California King option – the Avenco Original Hybrid Plus.

This mattress has a true firm feel that’s perfect for back and stomach sleepers, since it helps them achieve proper spinal alignment while still providing pressure relief.

Good edge support is another benefit to the Avenco Original Hybrid Plus. This allows you to utilize the entire surface area of the mattress (which also means you get more bang for your buck). 

The Avenco Original Hybrid Plus is also pretty affordable (we all know California King mattresses can cost a pretty penny).

Specs at a glance

Thickness levels 10 inches, 12 inches
Firmness levels Firm
Materials Cotton cover, comfort foam, gel-infused memory foam, pocketed coils
Free trial period 100 nights
Warranty length 10 years
Shipping Free
Certification CertiPUR-US
  • 10 inches, 12 inches
  • Firm
  • Cotton cover, comfort foam, gel-infused memory foam, pocketed coils
  • 100 nights
  • 10 years
  • CertiPUR-US

Avenco Original Hybrid Plus Performance

The Avenco Original Hybrid Plus sits at a 7 on the mattress firmness scale, giving it a true firm feel.

Firmer mattresses are best for strict back and stomach sleepers, since they help with proper spinal alignment and also provide targeted support.

We rate the Avenco Original Hybrid Plus a 7 out of 10 when it comes to pressure relief.

As I’ve said, the Avenco Original Hybrid Plus is best for those who sleep on their backs or stomachs due to its firmer surface (hence the slightly low rating).

We rate the Avenco Original Hybrid Plus an 8 out 10 when it comes to cooling.

The cooling gel-infused foam and coil unit work together to do away with any heat retention, making the Avenco Original Hybrid Plus an excellent choice for those who sleep hot.

We rate the Avenco Original Hybrid Plus a 6 out of 10 when it comes to motion isolation.

I did experience quite a good amount of motion transfer when I tried the mattress out with a partner due to its thicker coil unit which gives a lot of spring and bounce.

We rate the Avenco Original Hybrid Plus an 8.5 out of 10 when it comes to edge support.

Reinforced edge coils surround the perimeter of the entire mattress. This provides good edge support and allows you to actually sleep on the entire mattress surface.

6% off coupon code: Sleepline


How we chose these mattresses

We picked these mattresses based on a complete list of factors that we believe make up a great California King mattress. We base them off the following criteria:

  • Pressure relief – Everyone has pressure points, so this is important when it comes to choosing the right mattress. We chose mattresses that offer maximum pressure relief.
  • Cooling – Sleeping hot is the number one cause of sleeplessness. Choosing mattresses that offer superb cooling capabilities is crucial to getting a good night’s sleep.
  • Firmness – Mattress firmness correlates to one’s preferred sleeping position, so we chose mattresses that suit most, if not all, sleeping positions from back sleeping to stomach sleeping and side sleeping.
  • Motion isolation – Picking a mattress that offers good motion isolation is important if you share a bed with a partner. We chose mattresses that are suitable for couples.
  • Edge support – Not only does edge support help (and protect) those who prefer sleeping close to the edge of the bed, having a mattress with good edge support also provides you with a wider mattress surface.
  • Durability – We chose mattresses that we know will last long and ones that come with reasonable return policies.

Conclusion

The California King is tied with the traditional King as being the largest commonly available mattress size. So most brands have a Cal King option, which counterintuitively makes it harder to sort the wheat from the chaff.

We did the hard work of physically testing out the mattresses. Trust me, during this testing process I tried out so many mattresses that I actually lost count.

Most didn’t make the cut.

The ones on this list are the very best California King-size mattress brands you can find on the market today. That’s just a simple fact.

If you have any questions about these mattresses, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on their respective reviews on our YouTube channel.


How we rate mattresses

We personally test and rate mattresses using the following strict quantitative criteria:

  1. Comfort
  2. Structural integrity and durability
  3. Firmness and support
  4. Cooling capabilities
  5. Pressure relief
  6. Edge support
  7. Motion isolation

Learn more about our mattress rating process and methodology here.


Michelline Norton

Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?