Twin XL vs. Split King 

Choosing a bed can be a very difficult task, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking to buy. There are several types of mattresses on the market to accommodate couples, single sleepers, and even individuals with different body types. Twin mattresses and split kings are not the most popular beds, but they have a lot to offer.

Next, we’ll look at twin xl and split king beds to see which one matches your sleep needs. Later, we’ll offer some advice on what to look for while shopping.

What’s a Split King Mattress?

Essentially, a split king size mattress is two twin XL mattresses placed side-by-side. Twin XL beds measure 38 inches wide by 80 inches, and when you put them together, you get the exact dimensions of conventional king beds.

Split kings are becoming a popular choice for couples with different sleeping styles. One of its most attractive features is that each person can choose a mattress that accommodates their sleep needs without impacting their partner. So, for instance, if one person prefers a firm bed and another prefers a softer surface, both individuals can choose twin XLs beds and place them on a split foundation.

King beds are also a lot larger than queen beds. Queen beds are usually go-to for couples, but a split king offers more personal space for each person. See our king vs split king guide for more information.

Benefits of Split King

As mentioned above, split king beds offer more personal space for each individual. Also, split mattresses eliminate all motion transfer for couples, providing them with more restorative rest.

You can even go the extra mile with these beds and pair them with adjustable beds. This further enhances individual sleeping comfort and helps ease the tension of pressure points.

Another great thing about split king beds is they come with two separate mattresses, making them easier to transport than traditional king beds.

Drawbacks to Split King

There are a few disadvantages to purchasing a split king bed. One is that they are not within most sleepers’ budgets. Additionally, they do not accommodate smaller bedrooms, so it’s best to steer clear of them if you have limited space. It can also be pretty tricky to find split king beds since not all mattress retailers carry their mattress foundations.

What’s a Twin XL Bed?

Twin XL size mattresses are a longer version of a standard twin and measure 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. They offer 6-extra inches in length compared to traditional twin beds and are an excellent investment for 6 feet or taller sleepers.

Twin XL beds are one of the most affordable mattresses on the market, and it’s common to find them in homes where children share a room since they don’t take up much space. Parents will often use twin XLs as bunk beds or even buy them for college students headed to campus.

Benefits of a Twin XL

Twin XL beds offer extra legroom, providing taller sleepers with a more comfortable mattress than a twin. They are the same length as queen beds but are a little more affordable, and you can purchase them for around $300. Plus, since they don’t take up too much space, you’ll have plenty of room for another bedroom decor.

See our twin vs twin XL mattress guide for a full comparison.

Drawbacks to Twin XL

Twin XL beds are not as widely available as standard twin beds, so you may have trouble finding them. Also, purchasing bedroom accessories like bed sheets, bed frames, and headboards may be a struggle.

Also, twin XL beds will only accommodate single sleepers. Couples and families should look to larger options to accommodate more than one sleeper.

Twin XL vs. Split King: Which is Better?

In the next section, we’ll take a look at some of the highlights on twin XL and Split King beds so you can decide what’s best.

Single Sleepers and Couples

Single sleepers will probably not need a king bed. If you are a single sleeper who wants more sleeping space, there are plenty of options that you can choose from that are more affordable than a split king. Twin XLs are designed for single sleepers and will provide enough space o sleep comfortably.

Split kings are an excellent mattress for couples. These beds provide equal sleeping space and allow each sleep to pick a mattress firmness to their liking.

Price

Split kings and regular kings are usually about the same prices, but some brands charge an extra fee ranging from $100 to $200 for a split king bed. King mattresses typically cost more than $500, though some king beds qualify as one of the best mattresses under $1000.

You will also have to purchase a split foundation, which comes with a hefty price tag. See our mattress foundation size and dimensions guide.

So looking for a twin XL bed might be a more realistic option. Twin XL beds are incredibly affordable, and you can purchase one for around $300, and most qualify as one of the best mattresses under $500.

Bedroom Size

If you have a smaller bedroom, less than 12 feet by 12 feet, a king bed will likely not fit. You should probably consider a smaller mattress like a twin XL to avoid having a cluttered bedroom. Twin XL beds only require 9 feet by 10 feet of space.

Other Mattress Options

Twin Size Mattresses

Regular twin beds are the smallest standard size, measuring 38 by 74 inches. They are an excellent choice for children and growing teens and make great beds for single sleepers.

Typically, twin size mattresses will fit into rooms at least 7 feet by 10 feet and still leave plenty of room to move around comfortably. They do not take much space, so you can place them in a small bedroom or studio apartment without worrying about crowding.

Full Size Mattresses

Full size mattresses are the perfect mattress for single sleepers. They are a lot wider than twin sizes a give you much more room to sprawl out and get comfortable. Full beds measure 54 inches by 75 inches and are best suited for 9 feet by 10 feet rooms.

We should mention that though full beds are larger than twins, they will not accommodate two sleepers. Those who sleep with a partner should consider king and queen sizes.

Queen Size Mattresses

Queen size mattresses are the most popular standard sizes since they accommodate both couples and single sleepers. They measure 60 inches by 80 inches and provide 30 inches by 80 inches of space to each sleeper. You can usually find queen sizes at a pretty affordable price, which is another reason sleepers gravitate towards queen beds.

King Size Mattresses

King size mattresses are the widest standard size and measure 76 inches by 80 inches. King sizes are not as common among couples since you usually need a larger bedroom, at least 12 by 12 feet, to accommodate them.

With that being said, many families may look to king beds since they accommodate more than two sleepers. They can also give your furry friends a place to sleep if they like to hop into bed with you.

California King Mattress

California king size mattresses are not as popular as the other mattress sizes since most mattress retailers do not carry this size. It’s also pretty hard to find accessories to pair with California king beds for the same reason.

These mattresses should be placed in a larger bedroom, like standard king beds, at least 12 feet by 12 feet. However, there may be slight variations in the mattress dimensions, depending on the mattress manufacturer. Cal king beds usually measure 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.

What to Consider Before Buying a Bed

There are plenty of other factors you should consider before purchasing your bed. Of course, you’ll want to think about which mattress size is compatible with your sleep needs, but you’ll also want to think about your room size, sleeping position, and body type.

Another thing you should consider is your mattress budget. Sometimes, investing in a mattress can be pretty pricy, depending on what you’re looking to buy. This next section will outline what you should keep in mind while mattress shopping.

Room Size

Making sure your bedroom is large enough for your room is crucial. Remember, your room will not just be a place for your mattress. You’ll probably keep accessories like dressers and mirrors in your bedroom.

Plus, if you are looking to invest in headboards and footboards in addition to your mattress, you’ll need more space. Getting bulky bedroom decor that is too large for your room will probably make your room feel crowded. So make sure your bedroom has enough space for you to walk around freely.

Steer Clear of Cheap Mattresses

If you have been in the market for a budget mattress, you’ve probably noticed some meager prices for a bed. It’s best to err on the side of caution with these types of deals. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is, and you should avoid purchasing.

A cheap mattress tends to lose its quality quicker over time. This is true for beds and applies to sheets, foundations, and other types of bedroom decor. We want to encourage you to invest in items made with integrity so you get the most out of your purchase.

See our guide to mattress store myths to avoid more shopping pitfalls.

Sleeping Preferences

Firmness is another crucial determining factor for picking the best mattress. The firmness level of your mattress refers to how soft or hard the bed feels. Some sleepers will prefer firm mattresses that promote proper spinal alignment, while others may like something a bit softer.

Whichever firmness level you choose, be sure it aligns with your body type and sleeping position. We’ll elaborate in the following sections.

Body Type

Certain body types require specific firmness levels. For example, smaller individuals weighing 125 pounds or less usually need softer mattresses. A soft bed with super plush layers helps contour their curves and provides better pressure point relief than a firm bed.

Average sleepers weighing between (125 and 230 pounds) may need a bed with a bit more give. However, this varies from person to person. We recommend these sleepers choose medium-firm beds to avoid sinking too far in their beds.

Thicker comfort layers with sufficient give can prevent mattress sinkage. Heavier sleepers will need a firm bed to support their body weight. These sleepers can even invest in firm memory foam beds for better pressure point relief.

Sleeping Position

You may need a specific mattress type and firmness, like your body type, for your sleeping position. Below, we outline the best mattresses for your preferred position.

Back Sleepers

We recommend medium-firm mattresses for back sleepers. Back sleepers need a sturdy surface to keep their hips and back sinking too far into the mattress.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers will require a mattress with soft comfort layers to relieve tension on their shoulders and neck. Mattresses for side sleeping should have a medium to soft feel.

Stomach Sleepers

We do not recommend that individuals sleep on their stomachs. Sleeping in this position can put immense pressure on your back and neck, so it’s best to transition to a healthier position like side or back sleep. If you cannot sleep in another position, you will need a firm bed.

A firm mattress will help keep your chest and hips from sinking while you sleep. A mattress for stomach sleeping might also take some strain off of your back.

Combination Sleepers

You probably switch between 2-3 positions throughout the night if you are a combination sleeper. You’ll need a mattress for combination sleeping that accommodates all your sleeping position. A medium mattress may be the perfect fit since it encompasses soft and firm qualities.

FAQs

Are all twin mattresses the same size?

All twin mattresses are not the same size. A regular size twin measures 38 by 74 inches, and a twin XL measures 38 inches by 80 inches long. Though they are not the same size, they are great for children, growing teens, and single adult children.

Can you sleep in the middle of a split king bed?

You can not sleep in the middle of the bed on traditional split king beds because there is a gap. Some sleepers may choose to buy gap fillers, Gap T-shaped connectors that fit into the gap between each mattress to be close to their partner. You can place it into the space between the mattresses before making the bed and place your king sheet over the mattress.

Are split king beds good family beds?

Split beds are not the best for families. Since you can’t sleep in the middle of the mattress, small children may feel uncomfortable if they crawl into bed with you. You purchase gap fillers to fill the gap between each mattress, which may help, but it is usually better to pick a traditional king bed for families.

Split kings are an excellent option for couples that have different sleeping preferences. If one partner prefers a plush bed while the other enjoys sleeping on something firmer, you can easily buy two separate mattresses.

Do they make adjustable beds for twin xl mattresses?

Adjustable frames are available for twin XL beds. Twin XL adjustable beds have dimensions of 38″ x 80″. With these bases, you reposition your bed to accommodate your sleeping preferences, which can be great for sleepers who suffer from sleeping disruptions like joint pain and snoring.

Do two twin xl mattresses make a split king?

Twin XL beds are widely available, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one. Two twins XLs make a traditional king bed. The dimensions of each half king bed are 38 inches by 80 inches so you can purchase two twin XLs for a split foundation.

Conclusion

While you’re on your mattress search, consider that twin XL and split kings are not the only mattresses available. You’ll have plenty of standard sizes to choose from, including; twin, full queen, king, and cal king.

Usually, sizes larger than a twin XL will provide more sleeping space for single sleepers. On the other hand, couples will want to choose larger sizes than a full.