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Full-size mattresses, also called double mattresses, are a popular choice for guest rooms and smaller master bedrooms. Shorter and narrower than a queen mattress but with more sleeping space than a twin, a standard full-size mattress is about 75 inches long by 54 inches wide. However, size isn’t the only important factor when selecting the best full-size mattress.
Shoppers have several other features to consider in the large selection of products on the market, which can make finding the ideal full-size mattress for your specific needs and preferences a challenge. In this guide, learn more about the key features to consider and some of the top products on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Saatva Classic Luxury Firm Mattress
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Linenspa Hybrid Medium Feel-Full Mattress
- BEST MEMORY-FOAM: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
- BEST HYBRID: Avocado Green Mattress
- BEST PILLOW-TOP: Classic Brands Mercer Hybrid Pillow Top Mattress
- BEST COOLING: GhostBed Luxe Memory Foam Mattress
- BEST FIRM: Helix Dawn Luxe Mattress
- BEST FOR SIDE SLEEPERS: DreamCloud 14″ Full Mattress
- BEST FOR BACK PAIN: Sweet Night Full Size Mattress, Gel Memory Foam
- BEST IN A BOX: Lucid 10″ Memory Foam Full Size Mattress
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Full-Size Mattress
Taking time to determine preferences and priorities can help ensure satisfaction with the mattress you’ll purchase. Narrow down the best full-size mattress by considering the mattress type, its ability to provide pressure relief, contouring, density and firmness, temperature regulation, your preferred sleeping position, and edge support.
Type
One of the biggest decisions to make before purchasing a mattress is the type of mattress because some are better suited to different sleeping positions and needs. The five main types of mattresses to consider, each of which offers pros and cons, are:
- Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses feature a core designed with steel coils. The coils are covered with foam, such as memory foam or polyfoam, to provide cushioning and comfort. Innerspring mattresses are typically firmer, which is often preferred by many back and stomach sleepers. They are springier and more responsive, but they have less contouring than most other mattress types. Innerspring mattresses with individually wrapped coils can limit motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other, which is a nice benefit for sleepers sharing a bed.
- Foam: All-foam mattresses are designed with layers of memory foam or polyfoam. Additional layers made from a denser foam are typically included with these mattresses. A foam mattress contours to the body to offer relief from pressure for every sleeper but especially for those who sleep on their side. Foam mattresses also can limit motion transfer.
- Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses, which combine features from the various types, typically have a pocketed-coil support core along with other layers made from materials such as memory foam, polyfoam, and latex. A hybrid mattress is supportive but also offers pressure relief and body-conforming properties. The coil design allows for sufficient airflow to regulate body temperature. They can be a good option for those looking for a mattress to limit motion transfer.
- Latex: Made from rubber tree sap and chemical fillers, latex is responsive and offers some contouring properties. Unlike memory foam, which sinks in too much for some users, latex mattresses prevent sleepers from sinking too deeply into the mattress. Latex is also more breathable than memory foam and other foam types, so it provides a cooler sleeping space. A latex mattress is typically elastic enough to conform to an individual’s body and help reduce the transfer of motion from one side to the other.
- Pillow top: Pillow-top mattresses usually feature an innerspring base with an additional top layer of padding, which is typically between 2 and 4 inches thick and may be made from memory foam, latex, wool, gel, fiberfill, or other plush materials. Since their plush top can be very conforming and take pressure off the joints, pillow-top mattresses are popular with side sleepers. The design of the mattress beneath the pillow-top layer affects this mattress type’s effectiveness at limiting motion transfer.
Pressure Relief
Pressure points are the areas of the body on which sleepers feel the greatest amount of pressure when lying down. Sleeping position can affect which areas experience the greatest pressure. For example, side sleepers feel the greatest pressure on their hips and shoulders, while back sleepers experience the most pressure on their backs.
Look for mattresses that are designed to provide balanced support to the body, which can reduce the amount of pressure placed on any one area of the body. A hybrid mattress offers balanced pressure relief and is less likely to be too firm or too soft for individuals with different sleep preferences.
Contouring
Contouring refers to how well a mattress conforms to the body of the sleeper. Mattresses with a high degree of contouring properties create a “cradle” around the body while offering balanced support for the hips and torso. Latex, foam, and hybrid mattresses all have contouring abilities.
Conversely, a mattress that doesn’t have good contouring properties is stiffer and won’t create a cradlelike shape around the body. Innerspring mattresses don’t usually contour as well as other types.
Density and Firmness
Manufacturers typically indicate a mattress’s firmness by using a scale from 1 to 10, with “1” considered to be a very soft mattress while a “10” is a very firm mattress. Mattresses on the softer end of the range—with firmness levels between about 1 and 3—are plusher and allow the body to sink relatively deeply into the mattress for a more cradled or contoured support.
Mattresses on the firm end of the scale, with firmness levels between 7 and 10, are the opposite; they offer more support and less contouring around the body. Those looking for something in between these two levels or who share a bed with a partner with a different preferred firmness level may want to consider a mattress with a medium level of firmness, which is between 4 and 6. A medium-firm mattress also may be a good option for a guest bedroom since guests may have different firmness preferences.
Also consider the foam’s density. Mattresses with high-density foam may offer more support and contouring than low-density foam mattresses, making high-density mattresses a better option for back sleepers. Since high-density foam often has more of the cradling feel that many sleepers enjoy, sleepers who don’t enjoy sinking into the mattress may want to opt for a low-density foam mattress. High-density mattresses trap heat and may make some sleepers sleep too warm, but low-density mattresses allow more air to flow to help keep sleepers cooler.
Temperature Regulation
Some mattresses are constructed with materials better at regulating temperature and creating a cooler environment for sleep. Cooling mattresses often feature breathable materials that allow for more air circulation and prevent the mattress from retaining heat.
Those who prefer a cooling mattress may want to consider mattresses with coils that promote airflow or those with gel or graphite, which are infused into the mattress’s foam to regulate the temperature to deliver cooling benefits. Gel absorbs heat and keeps the mattress from getting too warm, and charcoal is a naturally cool substance that helps ensure the foam layer stays cool and comfortable.
Cooling materials such as Tencel, a breathable fabric that can wick away moisture, may be integrated into a mattress cover to make it more breathable. Some mattresses integrate a phase-change-molecule fabric into the cover, which absorbs heat and returns it if the body cools down too much.
Sleeping Position
A sleeper’s preferred sleeping position can greatly affect mattress selection. Some sleeping positions require greater support than others.
- Side sleepers. A softer mattress provides relief from pressure on the shoulders and hips. Side sleepers are often most comfortable on a mattress with a firmness rating between 3 to 5 out of 10, which offers enough give to let the hips and shoulders sink in and prevent pressure points. Memory foam or hybrid mattresses with a memory-foam layer distribute the sleeper’s weight more evenly.
- Back and stomach sleepers. A firmer mattress, which keeps the spine more aligned and offers support for the shoulders, hips, and head, is generally recommended for back and stomach sleepers. When a mattress is too soft, the heavier parts of the body may sink more deeply into the mattress, placing the spine out of alignment and causing pain the next day. Back sleepers often do well on a mattress with a firmness rating of around 6 or 7 out of 10, while stomach sleepers may be more comfortable on a mattress with a firmness rating between 8 to 10 out of 10.
Edge Support
The edge support on a mattress can affect the ease of getting in and out of bed. Mattresses with weaker edge support are softer around the edges and may sink when someone sits on the edge of the bed. A mattress with firmer edge support, on the other hand, won’t sink as much.
Edge support also can affect the usable sleeping space on the mattress. Sleepers can curl up to the edge of a mattress with firm edge support, but that’s not as easy on a mattress with weaker edge support. Since full-size beds are already on the smaller side for two sleepers, this may be an important item to consider.
Our Top Picks
The following mattresses from some of the top manufacturers feature many of the materials and designs mentioned.
Best Overall
Saatva Classic Luxury Firm Mattress
The Saatva Classic Luxury Full Mattress features a layered design to provide comfort and support for all types of sleepers. The top layer of the mattress is a 3-inch Euro pillow top covered with hypoallergenic organic cotton treated with an antimicrobial to help the mattress stay clean. The high-density foam rails that surround the mattress provide better edge support than standard pillow-top mattresses, but users can still enjoy the plush, comforting, and cradling feel of a pillow-top mattress.
Beneath the Euro pillow top, a layer of individually wrapped comfort coils formed from 14.5-gauge recycled steel allows the mattress to contour to the shape of the body and minimize motion transfer. The mattress also has a CertiPUR-US-certified high-density memory-foam layer and an active wire layer that help reduce pressure on the lower back by keeping the spine in alignment.
The base layer provides 13-gauge tempered-steel support coils to create a stable foundation, prevent sagging, and provide lasting durability. Choose from three firmness levels: plush soft (3), luxury firm (5 to 7), and firm (8).
Product Specs
- Type: Pillow top
- Comfort level: Plush soft, luxury firm, or firm
- Height: 11.5 or 14.5 inches
Pros
- Multiple height and comfort options
- Breathable cotton cover
- Chiropractor recommended
Cons
- Pricey
Get the Saatva full-size mattress at Saatva.
Best Bang for the Buck
Linenspa Hybrid Medium Feel-Full Mattress
This full-size hybrid mattress from Linenspa is an ideal choice for hot sleepers. A value for the money, it boasts numerous features designed to provide a cool night’s sleep, including a layer of gel-infused memory foam, which dissipates heat and prevents it from getting trapped in the foam. Additionally, the various layers are designed to be breathable and allow for airflow.
This relatively inexpensive mattress offers some additional features found in more expensive products, such as active-relief memory foam designed to cradle the body with a medium-firm feel for all-night comfort and support. It’s suitable for side, stomach, and back sleepers. It’s hypoallergenic and offers low motion transfer to minimize disturbances to another sleeper.
Product Specs
- Type: Innerspring and memory-foam hybrid
- Comfort level: Medium plush/firm
- Height: 10 inches
Pros
- Affordable
- Ideal for most sleep styles
- Cooling gel-infused memory foam
Cons
- Quite thin
Get the Linenspa full-size mattress at Amazon, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Target.
Best Memory-Foam
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
The full-size Nectar Memory Foam Mattress contains a layer of gel memory foam that evenly distributes the weight of each individual. The memory foam also offers relief from pressure points on the hips, shoulders, and legs to keep the spine in alignment. A cooling Tencel mattress cover sits atop the memory-foam layer. This quilted layer is plush and allows for airflow.
The third layer of the mattress is an adaptive response transition layer, which helps prevent sleepers from sinking too deeply into the mattress while still allowing them to enjoy the cradling benefits of memory foam. The base layer provides stability and durability, and the mattress cover has a textured finish to prevent the mattress from slipping around on the bed frame. This is a medium-firm mattress with a 6.5 out of 10 firmness rating.
Product Specs
- Type: Memory foam
- Comfort level: Medium firm
- Height: 12 inches
Pros
- Helps relieve pressure points
- Easy to set up
- Textured finish prevents slipping
Cons
- May be less comfortable for heavier individuals
Get the Nectar full-size mattress on Amazon or at Nectar.
Best Hybrid
Avocado Green Mattress
This hybrid mattress from Avocado is a medium-firm (7 out of 10) mattress topped with a 3-inch layer of organic-certified latex rubber foam. The design features individually wrapped tempered-steel coils in five ergonomic zones to provide optimal support, evenly distribute weight, contour the body, and alleviate pressure points.
No toxic fire retardants, polyurethane foams, or polyester are used in manufacturing. It features Global Organic Textile Standard organic-certified wool and cotton and Global Organic Latex Standard organic-certified latex, and it’s a vegan choice.
Organic latex foam is not only an eco-friendly material, it also provides optimal temperature control and durability to enhance each user’s experience. The organic wool creates a natural fire barrier around the mattress and wicks away moisture for cooling benefits. A comfortable, breathable, and cooling organic cotton material covers the mattress.
Product Specs
- Type: Hybrid
- Comfort level: Medium firm (without pillow top) or gentle firm (with pillow top)
- Height: 11 inches without a topper; 13 inches with a topper
Pros
- Made from organic materials
- Durable hand-tufted mattress
- Made in the U.S.
- Over 1,400 coils provide excellent support
Cons
- Pricey
- Heavy to move when needed
Get the Avocado full-size mattress at Avocado Green Mattress.
Best Pillow-Top
Classic Brands Mercer Hybrid Pillow Top Mattress
The Classic Brands Mercer is a hybrid mattress with a luxurious pillow top, which is crafted from gel-infused memory foam to relieve pressure on the hips, shoulders, and joints. The pillow-top design provides more edge support than a standard mattress, making it easier to get in or out of bed. The covering fabric is naturally antimicrobial and resistant to allergens, mold, and dust mites. It absorbs moisture and helps the mattress feel cool.
The base of the mattress has an innerspring layer, which can help reduce the sensation of movement, promote airflow and breathability, and provide support.
Product Specs
- Type: Pillow-top hybrid
- Comfort level: Medium
- Height: 12 inches
Pros
- Very soft and comfortable top layer
- Additional support from innerspring base
- Gel-infused memory foam keeps users cooler
Cons
- Pillow-top mattresses can be too soft for some users
Get the Classic Brands full-size mattress on Amazon.
Best Cooling
GhostBed Luxe Memory Foam Mattress
This full-size mattress from GhostBed offers multiple layers with special cooling technology to prevent sleepers from getting too hot. The top layer is covered with a special Ghost Ice fabric that’s plush and feels cool to the touch. Beneath this layer, a 1-inch layer offers an immediate burst of cool air. Next, a gel memory-foam layer allows the mattress to conform to each person’s body for pressure relief and comfort.
The fourth layer of the mattress, the Ghost Ice layer, is designed with a thermo-sensitivity technology that detects body heat and adjusts to keep the temperature cool. The Ghost memory-foam layer, the fifth layer, helps keep the spine in alignment to provide pain relief. A responsive Ghost Bounce layer comes next to provide contouring capabilities.
Finally, the base layer is made of 7.5 inches of high-density foam to provide optimal support and durability to ensure the mattress lasts for years. This mattress has a medium-firmness rating of 5 to 6 out of 10.
Product Specs
- Type: Memory foam
- Comfort level: Medium
- Height: 13 inches
Pros
- Ideal for hot sleepers
- Easy to unpack
- 7 layers for added support
Cons
- Pricey
- May not be comfortable for heavier sleepers
Get the GhostBed full-size mattress on Amazon.
Best Firm
Helix Dawn Luxe Mattress
Those looking for a firmer mattress may want to consider the Helix Dawn Luxe Mattress with an 8 to 9 out of 10 firmness rating. The mattress features a breathable pillow-top layer and gel Visco layer that are firmer than those on similar products.
The pillow top is designed with a breathable Tencel fabric to allow airflow to keep sleepers cool, and the gel Visco layer offers support and cushioning. The next layer on the mattress is a Helix dynamic-foam layer that contours and reacts to the body. A transition layer is next, which offers ergonomic support and ensures each sleeper’s weight is evenly distributed.
This firm innerspring mattress contains a layer of more than 1,000 individually wrapped coils, which provide zoning technology to provide the right amount of support under each section of the body. The coils make the mattress feel softer beneath the shoulders and firmer under the hips to keep the spine in alignment and alleviate pain and pressure. The final layer of this mattress, a DuraDense foam layer, helps ensure the sleeper is properly supported and makes it more durable.
Product Specs
- Type: Hybrid with pillow top
- Comfort level: Firm
- Height: 14 inches
Pros
- Ideal for back and stomach sleepers
- Made in the U.S.
- Includes a cooling pillow-top layer
Cons
- Lacks edge support
Get the Helix full-size mattress at Helix Sleep.
Best For Slide Sleepers
DreamCloud 14u0022 Full Mattress
The DreamCloud has a Tencel cover that adds breathability to its soft top by wicking away moisture. A top layer of memory foam offers the first hint of pressure relief, contouring to the body as the hips and shoulders sink into an adaptive response-foam transition layer.
Side sleepers get extra relief from a breathable layer of individually wrapped coils, which are arranged in zones for more flex through the shoulders and hips and less through the lower back. The zoned design allows side sleepers to get a good fit to the curves around their waist and hips.
The design and quality of this mattress create an excellent—and comfortable—mix of support and contouring. The innerspring layer allows air to circulate to reduce overheating.
Product Specs
- Type: Hybrid
- Comfort level: Luxury firm
- Height: 14 inches
Pros
- Contours around hips, waist, and shoulders
- Good air circulation
- High-quality fabric top
Cons
- May start to deform over time
Get the DreamCloud mattress on Amazon or at DreamCloud Sleep.
Best For Back Pain
Sweet Night Full Size Mattress, Gel Memory Foam
The combination of four layers of foam creates a supportive and comfortable mattress in this option from Sweet Night. This mattress has extra lumbar support that helps align the body into the proper position for comfort, relieving pressure and helping to alleviate back pain.
This mattress comes with two different comfort options: Flip it to swap from a soft pillow feel to a firmer option, depending on preference. The 10-inch mattress features cooling gel-infused memory foam to help keep sleepers at a comfortable temperature.
Product Specs
- Type: Foam
- Comfort level: Medium soft or slightly firm
- Height: 10 inches
Pros
- 4 layers of foam support
- Added lumbar support
- Multiple comfort options and sizes
- Cooling gel-infused memory foam
Cons
- May take some time to expand to its full shape
Get the Sweet Night full-size mattress on Amazon or Sweet Night.
Best In a Box
Lucid 10u0022 Memory Foam Full Size Mattress
The Lucid memory-foam mattress, which provides 10 inches of support, comes in a choice of three comfort levels. Choose from a firm, medium, or plush top, and enjoy the gel memory foam layers, which provide both comfort and support.
The top foam layer provides ventilation to allow adequate circulation, which helps prevent overheating. The foam layers are infused with bamboo charcoal to provide additional stabilizing support, which is hypoallergenic and can help keep the mattress smelling fresh.
This mattress is an ideal choice for those who prefer to sleep on their sides since the gel-infused memory foam gives enough pressure relief while still allowing sleepers to sink into a comfortable position. After the mattress is delivered, unpack it and allow the foam layers to regain their original mattress shape.
Product Specs
- Type: Memory foam
- Comfort level: Firm, medium, or plush
- Height: 10 inches
Pros
- Great for side sleepers
- Bamboo charcoal layer maintains freshness
- Well-ventilated top layer for cooling
- Affordable
Cons
- Some users report the plush option is quite firm
Get the Lucid full-size mattress on Amazon.
Our Verdict
Most users will be thrilled with any variation of the Saatva full-size mattress, available in either soft, medium, or firm options, which provides a durable and reliable mattress for years to come.
Shoppers looking to alleviate back pain may want to consider the Sweet Night full-size mattress, which boasts four foam layers of varying densities to provide comfort and support in the right areas to help relieve backaches. It flips from firm to a medium comfort level.
How We Chose the Best Full-Size Mattresses
With such a long list of mattress brands on the market and to appeal to shoppers with different budgets, we researched the top brands to find a range of options that suit different needs. Our most important considerations were firmness, type, and longevity.
- Firmness: Our list of recommendations provides a range of mattress options from a super-soft plush to a chiropractor-recommended firm mattress. Since most users feel comfortable between these two extremes, however, many of our top picks fall in the medium range. Many of these mattresses are also available in up to three comfort levels.
- Type: We made sure to include memory-foam, innerspring, and hybrid models to suit as many shoppers as possible. We even included some ultraplush pillow-top mattresses that provide an extra layer of luxury and comfort.
- Longevity: While we offered a range of options in terms of budget, we made sure that all manufacturers on our list use quality materials that stand up to sagging over time.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers appear below to offer additional information about selecting and using the best full-size mattress. Keep reading to learn more about full-size mattresses.
Q. How big is a full-size mattress?
A full-size mattress is 75 inches long by 54 inches wide.
Q. Is a full the same size as a double mattress?
Yes, a full-size mattress is the same size as a double mattress. Both are 75 inches long by 54 inches wide.
Q. How do I choose a mattress?
Consider a number of factors when choosing a mattress, including preferred sleeping position, firmness, edge support, and cooling properties.
Q. Can two adults sleep comfortably in a full-size bed?
Two adults can fit on a full-size bed, but some may find that a full-size mattress doesn’t provide enough space to sleep comfortably. Since a full-size bed is 54 inches wide, it means that each adult would have only 27 inches of space and must sleep close to their partner.
Q. Do you need a box spring with a mattress?
The type of bed frame affects whether the bed needs a box spring. Platform beds or beds with a solid foundation don’t require a box spring. Traditional bed frames may require a box spring, but confirm with the specific directions from the manufacturer.