Picking out the perfect mattress is one of the most essential tasks of getting the perfect bedroom setup. The right mattress can determine whether or not you’ll get a good night’s rest, which can be the key to getting through a tough day. With all the many choices available, it can be difficult to even start looking for one.
If you the considering the possibilities, we hope this article will make that selection process a little bit less daunting. Today we are looking at one of the most oversized mattresses you can get your hands on — the California king.
First, we will discuss what a California king bed is, and then we will look at eight of the best choices for this super-sized mattress in order to help you achieve the best sleep possible.
What Is a California King Bed?
Many people have heard about standard size beds such as the twin, twin XL, full, queen, and king; however, not everyone has heard of the California King size bed. It is similar to the standard king size bed, but longer and narrower.
A normal king size bed is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. A California king size mattress is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. Experts at DreamCloudSleep recommend a normal, king size mattress for couples, while California King beds work better for taller individuals. The extra four inches in length that the California king bed offers provides extra leg room that tall people may not get with a standard king size bed.
Different Types of California King Bed Mattresses
The material a mattress is made of determines its type. There are four main types of mattresses which we discuss in more detail below.
Foam Mattresses
Foam mattresses are made from petroleum and other materials, which give the foam its bouncy, porous, and lightweight properties. The term ‘foam mattress’ is a general term used to describe three different types of foam mattresses made from a combination of petroleum and other substances. Those three types:
- Normal foam: The normal foam type is the standard type of foam used to make mattresses. Normal foam mattresses can be supportive while also feeling comfortable and soft, which is why many people like them.
- Memory foam: A memory foam mattress is made mainly from polyurethane. It is called memory foam because the polyurethane uses your body’s natural heat to mold itself to your many positions while you sleep, allowing for a more natural and comfortable rest.
- Gel memory foam: Gel memory foam mattresses are similar to memory foam mattresses with a few extra little things. During the fabrication process, gel beads or liquid gel, is mixed into the polyurethane memory foam layer. Some models even have gel added to the top of the mattress. Many people like gel memory foam mattresses because the gel and polyurethane interact to provide a cooling effect which, of course, promotes a cool, relaxed sleep.
Innerspring Mattresses
You may not have realized it, but when you think of the generic mattress, you are actually thinking of the innerspring, the oldest and most widely used mattress in history. Innerspring mattresses use a metal coil support system that is wrapped in thick fabric in order to provide structure and support for the person sleeping.
Innerspring mattresses offer lots of variation for different types of sleeping habits, such as more or less support, and different levels of firmness. Generally speaking, the more coils in your innerspring mattress, the firmer and more supportive it is.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are made mainly from latex with the addition of other materials to make them supportive and durable to sleep on. Other materials that you may find in a latex mattress include springs or different types of reflex foam. In fact, many mattress pad options are made from latex because it is a bendable material that is easy to mold to many bed surfaces.
This mattress type is also eco-friendly because the trees that provide the rubber for the latex can be regrown and convert mountains of carbon dioxide into oxygen.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses contain both foam and springs. Springs are placed at the bottom of the mattress while the foam sits on top of the springs. Many people have switched to a hybrid mattress because it offers the support and sturdiness of an innerspring mattress and the softness and molding features of foam.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a California King Bed Mattress
Certified Sleep Coach Daniel Noyed of the Sleep Foundation said a good sleep “is one of the single best ways to maintain and improve our health. A mattress is a huge factor in our ability to sleep well, yet many people overlook its importance.”
Noyed said choosing a mattress that fits our body type and preferred sleeping style can significantly contribute to the quality of sleep we get at night.
Let’s look at some of the factors to consider when choosing the Cal king mattress that’s right for your body type.
Type of Mattress
The type of mattress is likely the first factor in your selection process. If you know whether you prefer a more supportive or less supportive mattress type, you can narrow your options at the beginning of your search. Refer to the section above to refresh your memory on this point.
Mattress Firmness
There are a few primary firmness levels for mattresses — soft mattress, medium mattress, medium-firm mattress, or a firm mattress. The firmness you desire in a mattress is determined by a personal preference and influenced by your sleep position.
People who sleep on their sides may benefit the most from soft to medium mattresses because they keep the spine aligned properly while offering the most comfort.
Firm mattresses are more beneficial for the stomach sleepers because they won’t sink too far into the bed and also provide good support.
For the back sleeper the best choice is the medium-firm mattress. This type keeps the spine correctly aligned without allowing you to sink into the bed, thus promoting optimal comfort.
Your Health Conditions
Any health conditions or varying body types will also be a determining factor in with California king size mattress you choose. This is especially true if you have chronic pain and find it challenging to stay comfortable at night. Taking stock of whether you are overweight, have insomnia, fibromyalgia, or other health conditions that affect your ability to stay rested and comfortable will also help narrow your search.
Many mattress stores and manufacturers will be able to steer you in the right direction if you can provide them with that kind of information. If you are not comfortable talking to someone about your personal health issues, you can search the internet to get a better idea of the best mattress for you.
Thickness of the Mattress
The thickness of the mattress is another factor to consider during the purchasing process. Most mattresses are between 8 to 14 inches thick and can be broken up into sections. The base of the mattress should be at least 6-8 inches, while the comfort layer (the layer with the most padding) can be anywhere from two inches to four inches thick.
As a general rule of thumb, the thicker the mattress, the more expensive it will be because of the extra materials used to create it.
Price of the Mattress
Because of the different type, firmness, and thickness options of the California king size mattresses, there is a wide range of prices. While most mattresses can be found between $200 to $1,500, they can cost into the many thousands of dollars — or higher.
It is safe to say that the consumer can expect to find a good mattress that will last for a long time for around $1,000. 
Best California King Bed Mattresses You Can Buy
Now that you have the information needed to determine your preference and all there is to know about California King Bed mattresses, let’s look at some of the best California king beds and why they are so highly rated.
1. Zinus 12-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
The Zinus 12-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is our first Cal king mattress option. It offers 7-inches of high-density base support, 2-inches of pressure relief foam, and a 3-inch top layer that’s pure memory foam which supports you in all the right places. On the firmness scale, it is on the softer side.
Zinus recommends that you leave it out for at least 24 hours before you use it so it can expand and gain its finished shape. This mattress is certified by CertiPUR US for durability and performance. Combine this with the 10-year warranty, and you know you’ll get the best sleep of your life for years to come with this mattress option.
The mattress supports up to 500 pounds, which is strong enough to support most individuals and couples.
You can get this Cal king mattress for the affordable price of $459.99 on Amazon here.
2. Signature Design by Ashley Chime 12-Inch Medium-Firm
This gel memory foam mattress by Ashely Chime is another excellent California king size option. It is 12-inches thick and is a medium-firm mattress, making it the best for many different sleep styles. It arrives in an easy-to-handle box, so you won’t have to struggle to get it in the door. It is recommended that you let the mattress sit in an open room for up to 72-hours so that it can expand to its proper shape.
The 2-inch gel-infused memory foam top layer allows for breathability and cooling capabilities that normal memory foam mattresses can’t offer. The other 10-inches are dedicated to your support and the durability of the mattress.
This excellent mattress choice is compatible with many different California King bed frames, so you won’t have to struggle to match it up to your room’s theme and aesthetic.
One last positive factor about this mattress is its price, ringing up at $424.99. You can find it here on Amazon.
3. Linenspa 8-Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress
This Linenspa Hybrid Mattress is a little smaller than some of the other options in our review, but the quality is just as good. It is 8-inches thick and is a medium-firm mattress, which makes it suitable for a wide variety of sleep positions.
The bottom portion of this mattress is made out of supportive innerspring coils and the top layer is made from plush memory foam that molds to all your unique spots.
This mattress comes in an easy-to-handle box, allowing you to easily carry it to whichever room it needs to be. To use the mattress, you need only open the box, carefully cut the plastic casing, and you’re good to go! This mattress is so comfortable that you don’t even need a bed frame to use it.
If you’re looking for a highly affordable California King mattress, the Linenspa 8-inch Hybrid is perfect for you. You can find this mattress for $269.99 on Amazon here.
4. Vibe 12-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
The Vibe 12-Inch mattress is another one of our top gel memory foam Cal king mattress options. This best mattress is made with 7-inches of base foam, 3-inches of thick memory foam for the best support, and 2 inches of cooling gel memory foam on the top. You’ll be able to reap the benefits of the perfect gel memory foam mattress with this top option, as it is certified for durability by CertiPUR US.
This mattress is right in the middle, sitting at a medium firmness level, making it a perfect universal choice for many different people.
Setup is simple. The small box will be delivered right to your door so that you can unpack it and lay on your new bed right away.
This luxurious knit quilted fiber cover will leave you feeling like you’re sleeping on a cloud. Experience the luxury of this mattress for $500.99, and find it here on Amazon.
5. Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress
This gel memory foam mattress is one of the largest and best California king options on our list. Coming in at 14-inches thick, this mattress can accommodate a variety of sleeping positions, sleeping habits, and people.
The ventilated top gel layer is what allows you to remain cool and comfortable all night long while receiving proper support in all the places you didn’t know you needed. This mattress is medium-soft firmness, which makes it ideal for those looking for support on the softer side. You’ll even get two free memory foam pillows and 10 years of warranty when you purchase this mattress.
The excellent quality materials of this mattress allow it to resist mold, allergens, bacteria, and dust mites so you won’t have to ever worry about your sleep being disturbed again.
If you’re in the market for your new favorite mattress, you can find this option on Amazon for $510.69 here.
6. Olee Sleep 10-Inch Gel Infused Layer Memory Foam Mattress
The Olee Sleep 10-inch gel memory foam mattress is a thinner option that provides just as much support and durability as the other options we’ve looked at. It is rated medium-firm, making it a universal mattress that almost anyone will find comfortable.
In addition to its comfort levels, it is certified by CertiPUR US, Oeko Text, and SGS, making it one of the safest mattresses out there. It is durable, flame-resistant, and resistant to over 100 types of bacteria and other test items.
This mattress is an excellent option for those who have sensitive skin or other health conditions. Its gel-infused top layer allows for maximum coolness and breathability.
Olee Sleep recommends that you let this mattress rest for 72 hours for best results, although you can use it the night you get it. You can find this Cal king mattress for $279.99 on Amazon here.
7. Best Price Mattress 12″ Signature Green Tea Memory Foam
The Best Price 12-inch memory foam mattress is made from high-quality materials to promote comfortable, quality sleep. It is made from 6.5-inches of high-density base foam, 3-inches of pressure-relief foam, and 2.5-inches of green tea-infused gel memory foam. The green tea-infused gel foam will allow you to not only stay cool throughout the night, but also properly support your body with excellent circulation.
Not only is this mattress CertiPUR US certified, but it comes with a warranty of 10-years, ensuring you’ll get quality sleep for some time to come. It is rated as medium on the firmness scale, making it an excellent option for most sleepers.
If you’re interested in this option, you can purchase it here on Amazon for $412.32.
8. Signature Design by Ashley Chime 12-Inch Plush Hybrid Mattress
This Signature Design mattress by Ashley Chime is the best hybrid firm mattress that money can buy. It offers a base of innerspring coils topped with the highest quality gel memory foam, offering you both support as well as cooling comfort. Unpacking this mattress is almost as easy as ordering it. Simply carry the box to where you will place your mattress, cut the protective plastic away, and watch the mattress unroll and expand before your eyes. You can sleep on this mattress the night you get it.
Another excellent factor of this mattress is its affordable price of $459.99.
If you’re interested in this top-rated hybrid mattress, you can buy it on Amazon here.
Concluding Thoughts
Purchasing the right mattress can be a daunting task, that you have to really think about what option is best for you. You want to find a top quality mattress for the best price, with all the options the mattress market offers.
We want to help you with that problem and we hope this guide on the best California king mattresses has provided you the information you need to get that perfect mattress for a good value that suits all your sleeping needs.
