Split king guide: two mattresses, one bed

A split king is a king-size bed made of two twin XL mattresses side by side. It has the same footprint as a king, 76 by 80 inches, but each half is its own mattress, so each side can have its own feel and, on an adjustable base, its own position. It ends the argument over soft versus firm, and it lets one of you read upright while the other sleeps flat.

Here is how it works, what changes compared with a one-piece king, and what to buy with it.

The two sizes

• Split king: two twin XL mattresses, each 38 by 80 inches, making 76 by 80. The standard choice.
• Split California king: two halves of 36 by 84 inches, making 72 by 84. Four inches narrower and four inches longer, for tall sleepers and rooms already set up for a California king.

Some brands also sell "split head" kings and queens, where only the top half of the mattress is split so each head can rise on its own while the foot stays one piece. These need a split-head base and a matching mattress model, so ask us before mixing.

Why people buy one

1. Two feels. One side plush, the other medium firm, in the same brand or two different brands.
2. Two positions. On a split king adjustable base each side has its own motors and remote. This is the most common reason, and it is why split kings and adjustable bases are usually bought together.
3. Less motion transfer. Two separate mattresses pass on less movement than one.
4. Easier to move. Two twin XLs fit up a stairwell that a king will not.

What changes

• The gap. Two mattresses meet in the middle. On a flat base it is barely noticeable under a king mattress pad. On an adjustable base, when one side is raised, the gap opens and closes. Couples who sleep in the middle of the bed usually prefer a one-piece king. A king-size topper or a foam bed bridge closes the gap on a flat base.
• Sheets. Fitted sheets come in twin XL, one per side. The flat sheet, duvet and mattress pad are king size. Split king sheet sets bundle two twin XL fitted sheets with a king flat sheet.
• The frame. A split king adjustable base is two twin XL bases joined with a bracket so they do not drift apart. In a regular frame, two twin XL mattresses fit inside a king frame, usually on a king foundation or two twin XL foundations.
• Price. Two twin XL mattresses cost about the same as one king in most brands, sometimes a little more. A split king adjustable base costs roughly twice a twin XL base.

Split king mattresses and bases

Many of our brands offer their mattresses in split king, including Helix, Tempur-Pedic, Aireloom, Stearns & Foster, Sealy, Leesa, Avocado and Eastman House. See the current options and prices in the mattress collection. For bases, the adjustable base guide compares them, and the adjustable bases collection shows the sizes available.

Choosing feels for two people

A split king lets you choose separately, so do it separately. Each of you should lie on the beds alone, the way you sleep, for five minutes each. Most couples end up one step apart on the firmness scale, not at opposite ends. Our firmness guide explains the scale.

If you want longer than five minutes, our sound bath nights let you rest on a mattress for an hour after closing.

Delivery

Delivery is free anywhere in the US. Around Los Angeles our own team sets it up and takes your old mattress away (California orders; delivery details). A split king set with bases is heavy, so let us carry it.

Questions people ask

Is a split king the same size as a king? Yes, 76 by 80 inches, made of two 38 by 80 halves.

Do I need two adjustable bases? A split king adjustable base is two twin XL bases sold as a set. You can also put two twin XL mattresses on one flat king foundation.

Can I feel the gap? On a flat base, with a king mattress pad over both, most people do not. On an adjustable base, you will feel it when the two sides are in different positions.

What sheets fit a split king? Two twin XL fitted sheets and a king flat sheet, or a split king sheet set that bundles them.

Can the two halves be different brands? Yes, as long as both are twin XL and close in height so the surface stays level.

Split king or split California king? Split California king if you are very tall or the room is already set up for a California king. Otherwise split king, which has more sheet and base options.

Can I finance a split king set? Yes. Financing is available with approved credit, in the showroom and online.

Come try both halves at 3319 Glendale Blvd, Atwater Village, open daily 9 AM to 8 PM. Call (323) 522-3410.