Full extra-long (XL) mattresses are the narrowest option fit for a king. They’re as wide as a full — which could fit two people snugly or one tall person with a long wingspan — and as long as a king or queen. See our top picks.
Some of the challenges of getting the right mattress for you are finding the right size for your space and being realistic about your sleeping arrangements. A full XL might be the right choice if you’re tall and considering a full mattress for space limitations.
A full XL mattress is the same width as a full mattress but slightly longer. It’s only 6 inches (in) narrower than a queen, so it would probably fit you and a partner, if you were both on your sides, or you and a pet.
In choosing our top picks, we put each product through our rigorous vetting process. Before sending it through, here’s what we considered:
In-home trials: We prioritized brands that offer generous trial periods whenever possible since the best way to really test a mattress is to sleep on it.
Return policies: We checked for policies that make it easy to return a mattress if it’s just not a good fit.
Warranties: We looked for mattresses that come with reasonable warranties for peace of mind.
Company reputation and transparency: All the mattresses on our list come from companies with positive reputations and transparent business practices.
Customer reviews: We reviewed feedback from customers to see how these mattresses really perform. While opinions on mattress comfort will vary, it’s still helpful to see what others think.
Safety: All the mattresses on our list meet federal flammability requirements.
Full XL mattresses often fall into the bed-in-a-box category. Most of them are compressed and shipped in a compact box. You’ll need to give the mattress time to off-gass (release volatile organic compounds [VOCs]) and expand to its full XL size.
Still, you can find some full XL mattresses that don’t ship compressed. In this case, the company you buy from will typically deliver and set up your mattress, and they may also haul away your old one.
No matter which you choose, be sure to purchase from a company that allows a sleep trial. That way, you can make sure the mattress works for you before you commit to buying it.
Sleep accessories
Keep in mind that a full XL mattress is a nontraditional size and will need a special bed frame and sheets. You won’t be able to use traditional full sheets and frames. Instead, you’ll need a full XL bed frame and sheets designed for full XL mattresses.
Some brands offer full XL sheet sets. Here are just a few:
A full XL mattress is 54 in wide by 80 in long. That’s 5 in longer than a regular full mattress, which is 54 in by 75 in, but as long as king and queen mattresses (80-in long).
Full XL mattresses are good for tall sleepers who need a little extra room. They usually work well for single sleepers with long wingspans, a single person and a pet, or two people if they’re both sleeping on their sides.
While full XL beds aren’t the most commonly purchased mattress size, they may be a great fit for a smaller room or apartment where space is limited.
While more mattress companies are starting to make full XL mattresses, we found that Brooklyn Bedding, Dreamfoam by Brooklyn Bedding, and My Green Mattress sell some of the best on the market.
No, full sheets and mattress pads and king/queen sheets and mattress pads will not fit a full XL mattress. So if you opt for a full XL mattress, you’ll need to buy special sheets and mattress pads designed to accommodate the extra length.
Full XL mattresses are great space savers if you live in a small apartment and don’t need a wide bed but are tall (around 6 feet) and need the extra length.
No. A twin XL bed is narrower than a full XL bed. However, a twin XL and full XL are the same length. While a full XL mattress is 54 x 80 in, a twin XL bed is 38 x 80 in.
If you’re on the heavier side, weight capacity might be one of your top concerns when it comes to choosing a new mattress. In our guide to the best mattresses for heavy people, our choice for the best mattress overall was The Big Fig.
Depending on your specific sleep concerns, though, another mattress in our guide might be more suitable for you.
With so many sizes and options, finding the right mattress can be intimidating. However, there may be advantages to researching nontraditional mattress sizes like the full XL.
If extra length is particularly appealing and your cosleeper is a pet or someone who likes to spoon, a full XL may be right for you. Just remember that you’ll need a full XL bed frame and sheets to go with your new mattress. Standard full bed frames and sheets won’t fit.
It’s wise to purchase from a reputable manufacturer and check the warranty and return policy before you buy.
How we reviewed this article:
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