Split king mattresses are great for couples who want to customize their side of the bed and don't want to feel their partner's movements during the night. However, a split California king mattress can offer the same benefits and may even be better for some couples. But what are the signs that you need a split Cal king instead of a standard split king?
A lot of our picks in this year's best mattress guide come in a split king size, but some also offer a split Cal king, too. While they can be harder to find than a standard split king, split Cali kings can be worth looking for if you have certain sleep needs.
Here, we've rounded up the five key signs that you and your partner would be better off with a split Cal king than a split king mattress. Plus, we've also found some of the best split Cal king bed deals in this month's mattress sales for you to shop now.
What is a split king mattress?
A split king mattress has the same dimensions as a standard king mattress — measuring 76 inches wide and 80 inches long — but instead of one big mattress, it is made up of two separate twin XL mattresses pushed together.
Two separate mattresses mean there is more motion isolation for couples, which is ideal if your partner is a restless sleeper or works on a different sleep schedule to you. It's also a great set-up for couples with different body types and sleep positions, as you can customize the firmness levels on each side of the bed for individualized comfort.
What is a split California king mattress?
A split Cal king mattress is, like a standard Cal king mattress, 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. This means a split California king is narrower but longer than a split king mattress, with each mattress measuring 36 inches wide and 84 inches long. They can be harder to find than a standard split king, but they are becoming more popular and widely available.
5 signs you need a split California king mattress not a split king
1. One (or both) of you is taller than 6'2"
If you or your partner is over 6'2" and it feels like your feet are dangling over the bed while sleeping flat on your stomach or back, it could be that a split king is too short for you. A split Cal king, on the other hand, is more suitable for taller individuals as they are longer than split kings.
2. You don't take up too much space
Some sleepers have a large build or like to spread out when they sleep, meaning that a wider split king is a better option. However, if you and your partner have slim to average builds and sleep in a position that doesn't take up too much room, a narrow Cal king will work just fine.
3. You have a narrow but long bedroom
If you want to know how to choose a mattress, the first thing to consider is what size mattress will suit and fit your room. There's no point trying to cram the biggest mattress size into a room that's too small. Split king mattresses work better in bedrooms that are narrow and long than standard split kings, allowing for extra room on the sides.
4. You have no co-sleeping children...
A lot of parents are opting to co-sleep with their young children, which requires a wider surface. While king mattresses are best for co-sleepers, split king mattress aren't ideal for co-sleeping families as they're only designed to accommodate couples.
If split king mattresses aren't appropriate for co-sleeping families, then split Cal king beds definitely won't be. That's why split Cal kings are perfect for couples only.
5. …but do co-sleep with pets
While split Cal king mattresses (and split kings) may not be suitable for families, they are great if you want to shared a bed with your pet. A split Cal king's longer frame means that there'll likely be more space at the foot of the bed for your four-legged friend to take a nap without taking up too much space between you and your partner.
3 Split Cal king mattresses to shop right now
