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Last Updated December 30, 2023
Twin xl mattresses provide plenty of legroom for adults and teens. Split king mattresses, on the other hand, are ideal for couples who have different sleep preferences (say, in terms of firmness), and they are made by placing two separate twin xl mattresses side by side. This is all you need to know about split king vs. twin xl mattresses in a nutshell.
Key Takeaways:
But if you need to know more about each of these mattress sizes to figure out which one is perfect for you, read on.
| SPECIFICS | TWIN XL MATTRESS | SPLIT KING MATTRESS |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 80 inches | 80 inches |
| Width | 38 inches | 76 inches |
| Surface Area | 3040 sq inches | 6080 sq inches |
| Room SIze | 8 feet x 10 feet | 12 feet x 12 feet |
| Ideal number of sleepers | One adult or teenager | 2 adults |
| Sleeper Height | 6 feet 5 inches - 6 feet 7 inches | 6 feet 5 inches - 6 feet 7 inches |
The twin xl size mattress has a standard width of 38 inches and a length of 80 inches, giving it 3040 square inches of surface area. It gives taller people more leg space to sleep, so they do not need to sleep curled.
Twin xl beds work well as bunk beds in kids' bedrooms, student housing, college dorm rooms, guest houses, and studio apartments.
When you decide which mattress you'll buy, one of the most important factors to consider is the size of your bedroom. For example, the twin xl mattress should fit in rooms sized 8 feet x 10 feet.
The highlighting difference between twin vs. twin XL mattress is their length since both of them measure 38 inches wide. A twin mattress measures 75 inches long, while a twin xl mattress measures 80 inches. Even though the 5-inch difference might not feel drastic, the extra legroom is a life-saver for taller sleepers.
Twin mattresses make great beds for kids, small rooms, and guest rooms. Since they accommodate a 6 feet tall person reasonably well, if you don't have people taller than that in your family, then a twin mattress is a better choice than a twin XL.
Split king beds form when standard king size mattresses are split in half, meaning each sleeper gets 38 x 80 inches of sleeping space.
The mattress comprises two twin XL mattresses placed side by side. A king bed frame or an adjustable split bed frame, can be used to install a split king arrangement.
Split-king mattress allows couples with different sleeping styles to tailor their sides of the bed. Typically, split king beds are made for sleepers who prefer different mattress firmness - say, one prefers softer mattresses while the other prefers firm ones.
In addition, split king beds are popular among people who use adjustable bed bases as it gives couples flexibility in their sitting and sleeping positions for each side of each bed.
There are several types of king-sized mattresses, including:
This mattress measures 76 inches in width and 80 inches in length, just like the split king. It's a uniform mattress that is perfect for large-sized families or couples who don't mind adjusting their sleep preferences.
Traditional King size bed dimensions
The Cal King is another variation of king-size bed with unique dimensions; it's 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. So, you can see that the California king mattress prioritizes length to accommodate tall people. It's not much concerned about the width.
It's pretty difficult to get California king mattress in regular retail stores; you may have to search for them a bit. The California king mattress has a split variant called the split California king.
California king bed dimensions
This square mattress measures 84 inches by 84 inches, and it's not a standard mattress. Instead, you have to custom-make it by contacting mattress manufacturers who cater to custom orders.
Again, we introduce you to a square mattress that is one of the biggest mattress sizes money can buy. Named after Alaska because of its size, the Alaskan King is 108 inches by 108 inches.
It has to be custom-made and housed in a jumbo-sized bedroom much bigger than a king-size one.
Were it a uniform mattress, like the king, a split king would have been a single sheet of latex, memory foam, or any mattress type you prefer.
But due to the split, the uniform mattress is divided into two small mattresses, each measuring 38 inches by 80 inches. Does that ring a bell?
Yes! Two twin XL mattresses make up the split king mattress. They are placed next to each other side by side on a king-size bed frame
Choosing split beds or twin XL beds often depend on personal preferences. So what factors influence your choice of beds, and how can you make your choice better? We'll look at the details below.
The twin xl is a small mattress, and it can be installed in a small room if you don't care much about leaving some space to move around. A bedroom of 8 feet by 10 feet is ideal for installing twin XL beds.
Since a split king size mattress is as big as a standard king mattress, you need to have a room of 12 feet x 12 feet at least to furnish split king mattresses. The bigger the room, you'll have greater space to move about as well as furnish the surplus space with furniture, bookcases, lampshades, etc.
The twin XL and split king can accommodate tall people; sleepers up to 6 feet 5 inches in height can be pretty comfortable in both twin XL and split kings. These individuals can sleep straight on their backs with their full length stretched out.
Twin XL is a reasonably lightweight bed. However, even if you use the latex or memory foam mattress variant to make the bed, it's best to keep heavy people from getting accustomed to this mattress. After a while, it will squeeze and sag, making the mattress uneven and putting undue pressure on the sleeper's joints. On the other hand, the split king size mattress is large and okay for heavy sleepers.
Only a single sleeper can sleep comfortably on a twin XL bed. You can try to fit in a body pillow or a small pet if you feel lonely sleeping alone. A parent can also snuggle with a child sometimes, but it can't be a sleep routine.
A couple can sleep together on a split king bed while inhabiting each twin XL mattress.
As the twin xl is suitable for a single sleeper, one can sleep in whatever way one desires - either on their stomach, their back, or as a combination, taking turns for each posture.
The same thing happens in a split king-size mattress too. Since the mattresses are separated, there is motion isolation. So, every sleeper has the liberty to sleep just as they like to; they are not going to disrupt their partner's sleep in any ways.
The twin xl is much smaller than the split king; two twin xl mattresses pack so much more space than a single twin xl. Thus, it costs much less to buy a single twin xl mattress than a split king or two twin xl.
Twin XL size mattresses are perfect for single sleepers, while split kings are appropriate for couples (especially those with different sleep preferences). Choosing an optimal mattress can be challenging. It would be best to look at a few different aspects, including who uses this mattress, how big your bedroom is, how tall you are, and so on.
Two twin XL mattresses make a split king bed, practically speaking.
When the two twin XL mattresses are set beside each other, they make a split line; this is the identifier of the split king size mattress.
Either two twin XL sheets or a fitted split king sheet set is good to go with split king size mattresses.
Split California beds are not made from standard-size mattresses. When you split a cal king bed evenly, each resulting pair measures 36 inches by 84 inches.
So, a split California king bed is challenging to come by as very few vendors and manufacturers have the provisions to custom-make this mattress.
You don't need separate bedding for a split king bed, but it's easy to sleep under a layer when both partners are sleeping close together and not afar.
As each partner has the space to move around on their bed, their motion during the night snake away the blankets, duvet, or comforter slips from the other partner. You wouldn't like to be caught unaware in such a situation on a chilly night.
So, it's practical to get a separate comforter; but ultimately, the decision is yours.
Related blog posts:
1. Mattress Sizes Chart and Bed Dimensions Guide
2. Full Bed vs Double Bed - Is there a difference
3. Twin Vs Twin XL Mattress Size Comparison
5. Twin vs. Full vs. Queen Mattress Size Comparison
Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
