Buying an Alaskan King Bed & Other Giant Mattress Sizes [ 2023 ]
Are you looking to buy an Alaskan King Size Bed? You know….those giant mattresses that make all your friends jealous? Maybe you’re a family who co-sleeps, or a sports player looking for beds for tall people. Perhaps you’re Joe Exotic and you sleep with a bunch of tigers (update….he’s in prison now).
Maybe you’re polyamorous or maybe you want epic family TV nights. Wait…you’re a swinger aren’t you? Admit it! Ooo that’s hot! 😉
Ok…ok…maybe you’re just looking for more space in your bed at night. No matter the reason, the Alaskan King Size Bed is perfect for all those use cases.
What is an Alaskan king bed?
Measuring 108″ x 108″, the Alaska king is a monster. Oh….And before you ask, the answer is yes. You can buy Alaskan King Bed Sheets, protectors, comforters, and Alaskan King bed frames specially designed to fit these mattresses.
FYI, Alaska king is one of several giant mattress sizes. There are others such as Texas King, Wyoming King, and Family bed size. All of them cost less than you might think.
What is the Best Alaskan King Bed Mattress?
Well…we’re a little biased, but MattressInsider.com is the market leader in Alaskan King Mattresses. It’s not even a comparison.
One thing that we do that NO ONE else does is ship your mattress in 3 pieces which zipper together to make one big bed. This makes it very easy to set up and relocate (when you move).
Quick and Easy Set UP
People ask us all the time. How do you compare to everyone else? Great question! Here’s a side by side comparison.
US vs Them
I mentioned at the top of this page that there are other giant mattress sizes besides Alaskan King. Let’s discuss!
Giant Mattress Options
Sometimes information is much easier to digest when it is organized in a chart. Here is one detailing the dimensions (in centimeters and inches) for the oversized mattresses.
| Specifications |
Alaskan King Bed
|
Wyoming King Bed
|
Texas King Bed
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Width (inches) | 108 inches | 84 inches | 80 inches |
| Length (inches) | 108 inches | 84 inches | 98 inches |
| Width (cm) | 273.32 cm | 213.36 cm | 203.20 cm |
| Length (cm) | 273.32 cm | 213.36 cm | 248.92 cm |
| Length (cm) | Length (cm) | Length (cm) | Length (cm) |
| Minimum Recommended Room Size (feet) | 16ft x 16ft | 12ft x 12ft | 12ft x 14ft |
Giant Bed Sizes vs. Regular Bed Sizes
This is important: There is no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to mattresses. You have many options to consider, including custom shapes and sizes. This means that you can find the perfect bed to suit you sleep needs, meet your physical requirements, AND fit your bedroom!
Everyone is familiar with traditional mattress sizes (twin, full, queen, king, cal king).
Did you know? Giant Mattresses come in standard sizes as well! Here they are:
Alaskan King Bed
What is the biggest bed in the world? The Alaskan King Mattress! Also known as the Alaska King Mattress, the dimensions of this super king mattress measure a staggering 9′ x 9′ (108″ x 108″). This is the equivalent of 2 full XL (54×80) size mattresses but with an extra 28″ added to the end for length. While you can find wider family beds (ex: 144″ x 84″ and 152″ x 80″), you’ll have a difficult time finding anything that rivals the Alaskan King length.
Where do you buy an Alaskan King bed? You won’t find these for sale at a mattress store. You can order Alaskan king beds, sheets, and mattress protectors at an online retailer like Mattress Insider (the site you’re on now!). The one thing you likely won’t find is a bed frame or a box spring. You’ll either need to put the mattress on your floor, or have a carpenter or handy man build you a bed frame with slats.
Alberta King Size: There is also a cousin to Alaska king called the Alberta King Bed which measures 8’x8′.
How much is an Alaskan King Bed?
Typical costs range from $4000 – $7000
Alaskan King Bed Frames
Where do you buy a frame for a mattress this large? Great news! You can also purchase an Alaskan King bed frame for your mattress! Buying a high quality bed frame is great way to extend the life of your mattress, and refine the look of your bedroom.
Texas King Bed
Not to be outdone, the Texas king bed is close behind the heels of the Alaskan King, measuring 80″ x 98″. For many individuals, the typical 80″ length on most mattresses is not enough. The Texas King is a perfect fit for those people, giving plenty of extra length for stretching out.
Typical costs range from $2000 – $3000
Wyoming King Bed
Similar to the Texas King, the Wyoming King Bed provides a slightly longer and wider sleeping surface than your typical King. The Wyoming King measures 84″ x 84″ (7’x7′), and is perfect for someone who needs a bit more room, but might be too restriced on space for something like the Alaskan King.
Typical costs range from $1500 – $3200
Family Bed Sizes
A standard Family Bed size is 10′ (120×80) which is the width of two standard queen beds (60×80)
Want something larger? Consider a Family Bed XL size which comes in at 12′ (144×84). That’s the same width as two california king beds (72×84)
One of the nice things about family mattress sizes is that you can use two traditional boxsprings/foundations and bedframes to support them. You can even buy adjustable beds for them. Example: If you’re buying a Family XL, you’ll purchase two Cal King foundations and 2 frames.
Keep in mind – these are standard giant mattress sizes. We haven’t listed them all (such as the Ace), but these are the most common sizes available.
Typical costs range from $2800 – $3500
Other Giant Bed Sizes
Alberta King Bed
Typical costs range from $3000 – $4000
Double King Bed
What is a double king size bed?
This article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the massive double king bed. At 152″ x 80″, the double king bed is the widest oversized mattress in our lineup!
Given the width of this mattress, the double king bed is perfect for fitting the entire family.
Make sure you have plenty of room if you decide to purchase this one – at over 12 feet wide, it will easily stretch across the full length of most rooms!
Custom Sizes Are Available, Too!
(no, this is not a Texas King mattress 🙂 )
Looking for something Unique?
Most of us don’t think about getting a custom mattress. …but what happens when the standard sizes do not meet your needs or space requirements?
No worries! Many companies can custom make mattresses in just about any size or shape!
That’s not all… They can also make beds using a variety of components, including memory foam, latex, and innerspring.
Purchasing an Giant Mattress - Things to Consider
There are many things to consider when purchasing a mattress. What size do I want? What type of mattress will I sleep best on? How do I know the bed is made without harmful chemicals?
These things are especially important to think about when shopping for an oversized mattress. Below you will find some things to consider during your search, and solutions to some issues you may encounter.
Have you measured your space?
As you consider a new, large bed, you will want to make sure an oversized mattress will fit in your bedroom! You will also need to decide what, if any, foundation you’ll need. If it hasn’t already been made obvious…oversized beds require a LOT of space!
(this is one of our first oversized mattresses!)
A typical Family Bed XL King is 12 feet wide (you read that right – 12 FEET!)
When measuring your room, be sure to calculate the space required for the bed itself. Leave a bit of room on the sides so you can get out!
Have you found a frame for your oversized mattress?
You have more frame and foundation options than you think for your oversized mattress!
Depending on size, some oversized mattresses can fit securely on two smaller-sized foundations put together. For example – a Family King mattress can be used on two Queen-sized foundations, or a Family LX King mattress can be used with two foundations sized for a California King.
Other sizes, such as an Alaskan King, will require a custom foundation. In this case, finding a local craftsperson to make a basic platform foundation may be your best option.
NOTE – you can also choose to use your oversized mattress without a foundation! Mattresses can be placed directly on the floor and will provide the same level of support and function as one placed on a foundation!
Have you decided on the type of mattress you want?
Decisions, decisions…
My definition of ‘firm’ or ‘soft’ will probably be very different from yours. With that said, what matters most is how the bed feels to YOU.
You’ll want to be sure that whoever you buy your mattress from know how to ask the right questions and get the perfect mattress for you.
With that said, I’ve put together some information on mattress basics to help equip you with the knowledge to make the right decision:
Types of Mattresses
Mattresses can be CONFUSING. There are so many different types of layers, how does one keep it all straight?
This should help simplify things: Here is a list of the most common mattresses on the market (regardless of the name or layers used):
- Memory foam mattresses: Contour to your body and relieve pressure points as you sleep
- Gel foam mattresses: Contour to your body and relieve pressure points like memory foam, and also are designed to have a slightly cooler sleeping surface
- Latex foam mattresses: These durable, eco-friendly mattresses aren’t temperature-sensitive. Latex, when properly made, has a uniquely supportive, buoyant feel
- Innerspring mattresses: These traditional mattresses support heavier weights per square inch and can also help to reduce motion transfer between partners
- Hybrid mattresses: This is a newer mattress design that takes the best in the mattresses listed above and combines them; more on Hybrid mattresses below…
Benefits of a Hybrid Mattress
First, let’s answer the obvious question: …what is a ‘hybrid mattress?’
Hybrid mattresses are a combination of different mattress types, giving you the unique benefits of each in one bed. Hybrid mattresses come in many configurations; companies can combine memory foam with latex, or gel foam layers with innerspring.
Latex foam, pocketed coils, and an organic cotton cover …neat, right? 🙂
Is an Oversized Mattress Right for Me?
This is a great question, and one worth considering before purchasing an oversized mattress. Here are some reasons why you might need an extra large mattress:
Do you need more space?
Who DOESN’T enjoy snuggling at bedtime? However, if you’re like me …when it is time to sleep, I need my space!
Enter the oversized mattress – it will give you and your partner plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable. Go ahead! Shift positions all you want, with no worries of accidentally bashing the other person (be honest, it has happened to all of us).
Family Co-Sleeping
This is becoming hugely popular; but what is it, exactly? Co-sleeping is when babies or young children sleeping in the same bed as the parents (vs in separate rooms). There are several benefits to co-sleeping:
- It builds helps to build bonds between parents and children
- It allows new moms to nurse more conveniently
- It makes it easier for parents to soothe and attend to children during the night
An oversized mattress is perfect for co-sleeping – it provides everyone the room they need for great sleep (even if your kids include a few fur babies!).
There are still many misconceptions about co-sleeping and family beds. Learn more by reading this co-sleeping guide.
Extra Tall Individuals, and Anyone Looking for More Room
Some of us are tall. REALLY tall. For example, the average height of a basketball player in the NBA is 6′ 7″! Your standard mattress length will not cut it for these folks, and most of us don’t enjoy our feet hanging off the end of the mattress.
Conclusion
Honestly …who DOESN’T want more sleeping space?
Whether you’re sharing your bed with a partner, kids, pets, or even if you sleep alone – a bigger bed can be a GREAT investment for anyone who wants more space.