Buying a mattress set is an important step. Buying the right mattress set requires some effort and preparation. The process of buying a mattress set is the same, whether you need a standard length or a tall mattress. As consumers, we have lots of choices today, making choosing the right tall or extra-long mattress confusing.
Once thought of as something that only a tall person would buy, tall or extra-long mattresses have advantages for anyone who wants or needs a little extra room to stretch out. Many college dorm room beds are tall twin size, 39 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Let’s look at some basic rules of the road that will help you navigate the twists and turns of mattress shopping.
Which type of tall mattress is best?
There are two basic types of tall mattresses on the market today, and each design has its advantages. The traditional innerspring mattress is still the most popular choice among mattress buyers. Another popular option is the foam rubber mattresses designed with different foam types, including elastic memory foam. The third type of tall bed is a hybrid design, combining an innerspring core and foam rubber layers.
Choosing a tall mattress is a lot like trying to select a suit of clothes. A particular suit may look stylish and have a great brand name. Those qualities are not worth very much if the suit does not fit right or is not very comfortable. The same is true when it comes to a tall or extra-long mattress set. The fabric may look great, and the brand name may be well known, but you should not make a purchase decision based on those facts alone. Just like a suit of clothes, that mattress should be comfortable and have the right fit.
We all have different sleep preferences, and the only way to know which type of tall mattress is right for you is to try it on. By that, I mean getting on the bed to make sure it fits you. Get on the mattress and spend time finding the position you sleep in than imagine spending 7 to 9 hours a day on that mattress.
Many mattress buyers make a mistake by assuming that the more a tall mattress costs, the better the mattress must be. This is a common misconception so remember that a higher price does not always guarantee high quality or a better night’s sleep. Since you will rarely see the mattress, so avoid getting caught up in fancy fabric patterns. Concentrate on the type of material used for the mattress covering and its durability. All mattresses look the same in the dark so remember that it’s not about how the mattress looks. It is all about how the mattress feels.
Where can I buy a tall mattress?
Whether you buy your tall mattress from a traditional brick and mortar mattress store or an online retailer, you can find the right tall mattress for you. Buying from an online retailer may require a little more research, but you may get a better deal buying online. Be mindful that shipping can add to the overall purchase price, but you can get a good deal when purchasing online in general.
Not all mattress retailers carry tall mattress sets and depending on where you shop, it may require a special order. Special orders may take days or sometimes weeks to fill. Other mattress retailers make it a point to have tall mattresses in stock, and this is true whether you buy from a brick and mortar store or an online retailer.
Tall Man and Extra Long Mattresses Give You More Room
The average mattress gives most people ample room to stretch out and relax. For folks on the tall side or just want a little extra space, a tall or extra-long mattress makes a great choice. At a full seven feet long, tall man mattresses are affordable, available and practical. Today, many mattress stores do not even carry tall and extra-long mattresses. Failing to sell these sizes ignores an essential need among many consumers.
I saw the first tall mattress while working for a furniture project, and a local hotel would occasionally donate used furniture. While being lead through a huge warehouse, I came across some bedsprings that were longer than a regular beds. Walking a little farther, I saw several twin size mattresses that were longer than a standard size. Curious about why the company would have such long mattresses in its possession. I was given an obvious answer. Some of the hotel’s guests were professional basketball and football teams. They requested longer beds.
Even then, it did not occur to me that anybody other than tall people would want or need tall or extra-long mattresses. It did not take long before realizing that anyone could benefit from owning a tall or extra-long bed. Whether you are tall, short, or somewhere in between, a extra-long or tall mattress could give you just the ideal amount of extra room.
An Extra Long is Not a Tall Size
The length of a standard twin or full-size mattress is seventy-five inches. For many folks, that is long enough. An extra-long twin or full-size mattress will measure eighty inches. Now the extra five inches may not sound like much, but those extra inches can be very beneficial for someone who is six feet tall or taller.
In contrast to an extra-long twin or full-size mattress, a tall or tall man twin or full size is eighty-four inches long. That is a full nine inches longer than a standard mattress and offers the maximum space and comfort.
The same is true when it comes to queen and king size mattresses. The length of the standard queen or king size mattress is eighty inches. Often referred to as a California size mattress, a tall size queen or king mattresses measures eighty-four inches in length.
Shopping for a Tall Mattress
Many mattress retailers do not sell tall or tall mattress sets. If they do, you have to place a special order. Retailers that do offer tall mattresses understand that there is no such thing as a one size fits all mattress. Only a small percentage of retailers will have tall mattresses in stock, while others will have them custom made to your order. Even if you are an average height person, having extra leg and headroom can help get restful sleep. Whether you are considering purchasing a tall mattress, extra-long, or a standard size mattress, it pays to do some research before you buy.
We spend about a third of our lives in bed, so take the time to buy a mattress that is right for you. It is best to give the mattresses a test drive before you buy, much like you would when buying a car. Take as much time as you want to test the mattress, paying special attention to finding the position you normally sleep in. Just sitting on top of the mattress is not enough to test a mattress.
Tall Mattresses and Mattress Height
Some folks may get confused whenever they hear the term tall mattress. A common misconception is that the term tall refers to the height of the mattress. The term tall mattress refers to the length. Many modern mattress designs have indeed increased the height of the mattress. Mattresses with plush tops, Euro tops, and pillow tops can measure more 17 inches high. Tall and extra-long mattress sets provide folks with the extra room they need to stretch out and relax.
Anyone who has recently purchased a deep pillow top or plush Euro top mattress knows all too well about mattress height. Standard bed sheets have relatively shallow corner pockets. The height of a traditional mattress may range from seven to nine inches. If you have owned a standard height mattress for any length of time, you undoubtedly have accumulated many fitted sheets. Switching from a standard height mattress to a thicker plush top mattress also means buying new bedsheets. Deep pocket sheets can be more expensive, and you should factor the cost of new sheets into your purchase decision.
Let’s get back to tall and extra-long mattresses. The length of a standard twin or full-size mattress set is 75 inches. For those folks who are six feet tall or taller, 75 inches may not be long enough. At a full 80 inches in length, a tall twin or full-size mattress will provide the extra room taller folks need. Again, the height of the mattress can vary, but the length can make all the difference. At 72 inches, someone who is six feet tall has barely enough room to fully stretch out. Without a tall twin or full size, the next size up – a queen size – can add significantly to the purchase price and takes up more space.
A tall mattress, whether twin size or full size, measures up to 80 inches without adding more to the width or the height of the mattress. While it’s true that a tall or extra-long mattress set can cost more, the investment in comfort can continue to pay off for many years to come.
So remember, when thinking about a tall mattress, consider the length of the mattress, not the height.
Mattress Sizes
Standard Mattress Sizes (width x length
Twin (Single) 39″ x 75″
Full (Double) 54″ x 75″
Queen 60″ x 80″
King* 78″ x 80″
Specialty Mattress Sizes (width x length)
Twin Extra Long 39″: x 80″
Full Extra Long 54″ x 80″
California Queen 60″ x 84″
California/Western King 72″ x 84″
3/4 Special Size 48″ x 75″
Antique Size 48″ x 72″
Mattress Sizes (width x length, inches)
Twin (Single) 39″ x 84″
Full (Double) 54″ x 84″
Queen 60″ x 84″
King 72″ x 84″
Split Box Spring Sizes (width x length) x 2 PIECES
Full split box spring 27″ x 75″ each piece
Queen split box spring 30″ x 80″ each piece
King split box spring*** 39″ x 80″ each piece
*King Mattress sets come standard with two split box springs that measure 39″ x 80″ each
**Innerspring waterbed replacement mattresses for hard side waterbeds only
Buying the Right Bedding for Tall or Extra Long Mattresses
The purchase of a new mattress and foundation brings with it some significant advantages. If you have done your homework and spent enough time shopping, then chances are you have picked the right mattress. Now you can look forward to many nights of comfort, support, and rest. If you have chosen a tall or extra-long mattress, the extra length may mean that you need to purchase some new bedding. Choosing the right bedding for your tall or extra-long mattress is easy if you know what to look for.
In recent years, the design of bed sheets has changed, or I should say evolved. When the fitted bottom sheet was first introduced, elastic banding would be sewn into the edge seam at the corners. The thin elastic band was enough to keep the sheet in place. Mattresses were thinner and did not have the height of today’s pillow top and plush top mattresses.
Will your old sheets fit your tall mattress?
Today, most high-quality fitted bed sheets have elastic banding sewn into the edge seam around the sheet’s entire perimeter. This added elastic helps to hold the bottom sheet in place regardless of the height of the mattress.
If you have previously owned a standard length mattress, you no doubt collected some sheet sets. If your old sheets have elastic banding sewn around the perimeter of the sheet, you may be in luck. You may be surprised to find that your old bedsheets will fit your new tall mattress. Having the elastic sewn into the edge seam may provide you with just enough extra room for your tall mattress.
Buying New Tall Mattress Bed Sheets
If you have a batch of older fitted sheets, with the elastic sewn only in the corners, buying some new bedsheets may be the only solution. Still, that is a small price to pay for the comfort you will get from your new tall mattress. Finding the right bed sheets for your new tall mattress may take a bit of work, but the effort will be well worth it. Combining the proper bed sheets with the right mattress is a formula for a great night’s sleep.
A popular choice of fabric for new bed sheets is 100 percent cotton. Cotton is soft, durable, easily cleaned, and comes in a wide variety of colors. When buying new bedsheets, it is essential to remember that not all cotton sheets are equal.
The thread count is very important when it comes to buying new bedsheets. The number of threads per square inch is the measure of the thread count of a woven fabric. The higher the thread count, the softer and more luxurious the fabric will feel. Avoid sheets that have a thread count of less than 200. A blend of cotton and polyester makes for a very durable set of bed sheets. Other great fabric blends include cotton/bamboo and cotton/hemp. Bamboo fiber has a long-lasting antimicrobial property that will survive through many washings. Bamboo fabrics have a texture and feel that is very close to that of silk and satin.
Bedsheets, whether for a standard length or tall mattress, should have an elastic band sewn around the edge seam. The elastic will hold the sheet securely in place without the shifting and bunching that may occur with other sheets.
Can a mattress damage your back?
You know that uncomfortable stiffness you are feeling when you first wake up? It’s possibly the result of long periods of reduced blood flow from sleeping. It might take a few minutes of stretching and moving about to get rid of the stiffness. But if you are experiencing acute back pain when you first wake up that might be a sign your mattress is doing more harm than good.
Morning back pain may be a sign that your mattress isn’t supporting you.
Pain Due To Firm Mattress
A firm mattress can help people with low back pain. It is possible that your mattress is too hard, and it is causing you back pain. You can usually tell if a mattress is too hard. If you feel like you are sleeping on the floor, your mattress is definitely too hard for you. According to a 2003 study, a medium-firm mattress may improve lower back pain more than a very firm mattress. Unfortunately, a mattress that is too hard can push on pressure points and cause misalignment.
Pain Due To Soft Mattress
A mattress that is too soft can cause pain because it is lacking comfort and support. If your mattress sags, it is even worse for your back. A bed that is too soft allows your body to sink. The resulting bad posture can ultimately cause back problems. You may want to buy a new mattress is you get a sinking feeling in bed.
Why does my bed hurt my lower back?
In addition to a mattress that is either too soft or too hard, the age of the mattress could also hurt your lower back. They say that you should replace your mattress every seven years. An old mattress won’t provide the support your back needs. Older mattresses reduce sleep quality and increase back discomfort.
What kind of mattress is best for back pain?
The best mattress for back pain are those that are neither too hard nor too soft. To find the best mattress for back pain, you need to search for the ideal fit. You should check the firmness of the mattress to make sure it is just right for you.
Can a mattress cause hip pain?
If you experience pain in bed, your mattress could be to blame. A mattress can be either too hard or too soft and it can make you feel uncomfortable. An uncomfortable mattress can trigger pain points on your body which could result in hip pain.
Incorrect sleep postures can also cause hip pain. If you are a side sleeper, sleep on the side that doesn’t hurt. You can also try sleeping on our back and put a pillow between your knees to align your knees.
In our lives, we all spend many hours in bed trying to get the proper amount of rest. A quality mattress and a good set of be sheets can go a long way towards getting a good night’s sleep.
