Quick answer: Canadian mattress sizes match US dimensions but availability varies. Queen (60″x80″) is most popular for couples. California King availability is limited – consider custom orders. Measure doorways before buying as Canadian homes often have narrow spaces.
Key Takeaways
- Size availability: Canadian retailers carry most US sizes, but California king and specialty sizes may require custom orders.
- Space considerations: Canadian homes often have narrower doorways and stairs. Measure before buying.
- Popular choices: Queen size dominates Canadian market for couples. Twin XL is common in university dorms.
- Shipping challenges: Limited direct shipping from US retailers. Factor in freight forwarding costs.
- Quick links: Understand how to buy a mattress without trying it out. Consider the best mattress sizes for partners.
Regardless of where you are in the world, it’s important to consider your bed’s ideal size. Some Canadian shoppers may feel overwhelmed by the range of choices available, which is why we rounded up the most common mattress sizes and their dimensions. We offer a quick description of each size, making it easier to pick the best mattress for you.
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What Mattress Sizes Are Available in Canada?
| Mattress Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (centimeters) |
|---|---|---|
| Crib | 28 inches by 51 inches | 71 cm by 129.5 cm |
| Half Queen | 30 inches by 79.5 inches | 76 cm by 202 cm |
| Small Single | 30 inches by 75 inches | 76 cm by 190.5 cm |
| Twin/Single | 38 inches by 74.5 inches | 96.5 cm by 189 cm |
| Twin/Single Extra Long | 38 inches by 79.5 inches | 96.5 cm by 202 cm |
| Full/Double/Standard | 54 inches by 74.5 inches | 137 by 189 cm |
| Queen RV | 60 inches by 74.5 inches | 152.5 cm by 189 cm |
| Queen | 60 inches by 79.5 inches | 152.5 cm by 202 cm |
| King | 76 inches by 79.5 inches | 193 cm by 202 cm |
| California king | 72 inches by 84 inches | 183 cm by 213.5 cm |
| Super king | 72 inches by 78 inches 80 inches by 98 inches 85.5 inches by 84.5 inches | 183 cm by 198 cm 203 cm by 249 cm 217 cm by 214.5 cm |
And here are some points to keep in mind before you choose!
Space Planning: Measure your bedroom before choosing a mattress size. A queen mattress needs adequate room for comfortable navigation around all sides. Cramped spaces can disrupt sleep by creating stress and limiting airflow.
Climate Considerations: Canadian winters require adequate space around mattresses for air circulation and heating efficiency. Oversized mattresses in small rooms can create cold spots and poor temperature regulation.
Partner Compatibility: Long winters mean more indoor time together. Consider sizing up for couples to prevent sleep disruption during extended periods indoors.
Crib
Crib mattresses are designed for cribs only, being too thin and small to provide comfort for a growing child or adult. The crib mattress should be under 15 cm thick and shouldn’t leave more than 3 cm of space by the side of the crib. A firm feel is better than a soft one Verified Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The United States’ health protection agency that defends against dangers to health and safety. View source when it comes to crib mattresses.
Half Queen
A half queen mattress is usually used to form a split queen bed, which allows two people to choose a different firmness on each side of the queen mattress.
A split queen mattress also allows sleepers to set up two different positions on an adjustable bed and mattress combo. A handy feature if one partner likes to sleep elevated while the other prefers a flat surface.
Small Single
Sometimes referred to as a cot, a small single mattress is typically paired with a low-profile toddler bed frame. It’s a good in-between size for young children that have outgrown a crib but aren’t quite ready for a traditional bed.
Twin/Single
Twin size mattresses are the most compact size carried by the average mattress company. The bed size can easily fit in a small or oddly shaped room. Some people don’t even buy a twin mattress to sleep on, using it with a daybed instead of a standard sofa.
Parents often buy a twin mattress for their children, but if they want to take advantage of one of the most durable mattresses, they might want to consider a twin XL bed instead. The bed is slightly longer and can better accommodate their teenagers’ growth spurt.
Twin/Single Extra Long
A twin XL size mattress, sometimes called a single XL, is usually 5 or 6 inches longer than a traditional twin bed. The added length keeps a taller sleeper’s feet from dangling over the edge, which can significantly impact comfort.
Because a twin XL mattress can accommodate more sleepers than a traditional twin without taking up too much space, they’re a common feature in college dorm rooms. Many people also choose a twin XL bed for a smaller guest room.
Full
Full size mattresses are a great way to upgrade a small bedroom. They’re as long as a standard twin but offer 16 more inches of width, giving a person room to roll about and spread their limbs.
While a full mattress is great for a single sleeper, we don’t recommend full beds for couples. They’re half a foot narrower than a queen, enough space to leave two people feeling cramped.
Queen RV
As the name suggests, a queen RV size mattress is specifically designed to fit inside a recreational vehicle. It’s shorter and often thinner than a typical queen mattress to reduce drag on the RV.
Queen
A queen size mattress is perhaps the most popular mattress size. Many couples choose to sleep on a queen bed because it offers personal space for two people without taking up an excessive amount of room space. Other couples (and some single sleepers) choose a queen mattress for its affordability.
King
The traditional king size mattress, sometimes called the Eastern king to differentiate it from the California king mattress, is the largest size carried by many mattress companies. It’s a good fit in larger master bedrooms, giving sleepers plenty of personal space. Parents may even choose to occasionally co-sleep with their child on a king size bed.
Some companies also offer a split king mattress, which has the same dimensions as a king mattress. Essentially, a split king mattress is two twin XL size mattresses pushed together, promoting greater freedom of movement on an adjustable frame.
California King
A California king size mattress, also known as Western king, is a longer and narrower version of the standard king mattress. Taller people who have to fold their bodies to fit on even a traditional king can comfortably stretch out on a California king size mattress. The size is also a good fit in narrower master bedrooms.
However, most mattress retailers in Canada don’t carry California King sizes. If you do find one, it will likely be a special order that takes longer to arrive. Finding sheets, mattress protectors, and bed frames for California King beds is also much harder in Canada than in the United States.
Super King
Super king isn’t a common mattress size, but it’s still possible to find mattress companies that offer one. Because it’s not a standard size, the exact dimensions often vary. As the name suggests, though, it’s typically a larger version of the standard king mattress.
If you can’t find a super king size bed, you may be able to commission one from a custom mattress maker. You may also see the size referred to as the “grand king” or “athletic king.” In America, it’s often called the “Texas king.”
See also our Texas King vs California King guide.
What Mattress Sizes Does Amerisleep Offer Canadians?
Amerisleep offers their hybrid and memory foam mattresses in seven standard sizes. Currently, Amerisleep only offers free shipping within the contiguous USA. For orders to Canada or anywhere else outside of the 48 contiguous states, shoppers need to make arrangements with a freight forwarding service.
| Mattress Size | Dimensions | Best For | Canadian Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 inches by 74 inches | Single sleepers, kids | Dorm standard, easy to move |
| Twin XL | 38 inches by 80 inches | Tall singles, college dorms | University standard, 5" extra length for tall sleepers |
| Full | 54 inches by 75 inches | Single adults | Too narrow for couples, good for small condos |
| Queen | 60 inches by 80 inches | Most couples | Most popular size, widely available |
| King | 76 inches by 80 inches | Couples needing space | Check doorway clearance first |
| California king | 72 inches by 84 inches | Tall sleepers | Limited availability, special order |
| Split king | Two mattresses, each 38 inches by 80 inches | Couples with different needs | Allows separate firmness/adjustability, harder to find bedding |
At Amerisleep, we don’t believe in one mattress that’s perfect for everyone. That’s why, instead of concentrating our efforts on one mattress, we diversified and made mattresses in five firmnesses.
Our AS1 model is our firmest and thinnest mattress, standing 10 inches tall. It is available only as a memory foam mattress. The firm surface promotes a secure feel, buoying the body. We recommend our AS1 mattress for stomach sleepers seeking a way to keep their spines from bowing too far into the mattress.
Next is our AS2 model with a medium-firm feel. It’s 12 inches tall and comes in memory foam and hybrid versions. The slightly softer feel of the mattress increases its contouring ability, enabling it to mold closer to the body for pressure relief. We recommend our AS2 mattress for back sleepers, particularly ones looking for a mattress to ease back pain. Verified Source National Library of Medicine (NIH) World’s largest medical library, making biomedical data and information more accessible. View source
Our most popular mattress is the AS3 model, with a medium feel suitable for side, back, and combination sleepers. Because the 12-inch tall mattress supports a wide range of sleeping styles, the AS3 mattress is popular with couples who prefer different positions.
After the AS3 is the medium-soft AS4, 12 inches tall and exclusively available as a memory foam mattress. Its thick cushion offers pressure relief for side sleepers and people under 130 pounds.
Last is our AS5 model, the softest and thickest mattress we offer. To keep sleepers from sinking too far into this 14-inch mattress, we included a layer of responsive Active Flex material underneath the mattress’s comfort layer. Active Flex has a latex-like buoyancy, offering pushback without reducing the mattress’s soft feel.
We recommend the AS5 for side sleepers and petite people who want a mattress that hugs their body while offering responsive support and pressure relief.
Every memory foam and hybrid mattress contains a top layer of Bio-Pur® foam, an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional memory foam. Bio-Pur® foam is also more breathable and responsive than the average memory foam.
All of our mattresses also include a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty. If you are not happy with the comfort and support of your new mattress, we will provide a full refund.
How Do You Choose the Right Mattress Size in Canada?
So how does one choose the best mattress size? It mostly comes down to four factors:
- How many people will sleep on the mattress
- The height of the sleeper(s)
- Your room size
- Your budget
A good mattress size gives you space to move and stretch out, ensuring your arms or legs aren’t hanging over the mattress’s sides. When it comes to mattresses for couples, we can’t suggest anything smaller than a queen size mattress. Single sleepers have more freedom when it comes to choosing a mattress size for their needs.
Climate and Sleep Size Considerations
Winter Months: Larger mattresses retain body heat better during cold Canadian winters. However, ensure adequate room heating circulation around the bed perimeter in a winter bedroom.
Also, you want to buy well before it gets colder. Winter deliveries can be delayed. Order 4-6 weeks ahead of major snow seasons. Some rural areas have delivery restrictions during winter months.
Summer Cooling: Smaller mattresses in well-ventilated rooms sleep cooler during humid summers. Consider breathable mattress materials for larger sizes in a summer bedroom.
Doublecheck Your Home Measurements!
Always measure your doorways and stairs before buying a mattress. Even though Canada has some of the larger homes in the world, Canadian homes often have narrow hallways and steep staircases.
Before you buy a queen or king mattress, use a tape measure to check your front door, bedroom door, hallways, and any stairs the mattress needs to go up. Mattresses don’t bend, or at least shouldn’t be, so they need wide spaces to fit through.
Shipping From U.S. to Canada? What to Remember
Shipping and Delivery: Most US online retailers don’t ship directly to Canada. Budget $200-400 for freight forwarding services. Local Canadian retailers often have limited selection but offer easier returns.
Currency and Pricing: US mattress prices don’t include Canadian duties and taxes. Factor in 13-15% additional costs for cross-border purchases.
Other Mattress and Bedding Size Guides
Choosing the right bed frame or foundation and other mattress accessories is the best way to ensure you have a comfortable bed.
- RV Mattress Sizes and Types
- Bunk Bed Mattress Size Guide
- Bed Sheet Sizes and Dimensions Guide
- Bed Frame Sizes and Dimensions Guide
- Hospital Bed Mattress Sizes and Dimensions
- Mattress Protector Sizes and Dimensions Guide
- Adjustable Bed Sizes and Dimensions Guide
- Blanket Sizes and Dimensions Guide
- Murphy Bed Sizes and Dimensions Guide
- Bed Pillow Sizes Guide
- Headboard Sizes Chart and Dimensions Guide
- Pillowcase Sizes and Dimensions
- Mattress Foundation Sizes and Dimensions Guide
- Duvet Sizes and Dimensions Guide
- Comforter Sizes and Bedding Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Are mattress sizes universal?
No, mattress sizes differ depending on where in the world you are. And many countries choose to measure their mattresses in centimeters rather than inches.
Do queen mattresses come in different sizes?
Yes, if you’re looking for an RV size mattress, the Queen RV is about 5 inches shorter than a regular queen bed.
And an Olympic queen mattress is 6 inches wider than a standard queen. There are also split queen mattresses divided into halves.
Is a double the same as a queen bed?
No, a double bed or full size mattress is shorter and narrower than a queen mattress. Similarly, a double or full XL mattress isn’t the same thing as a queen mattress, falling a few inches shorter.
What is an Alaskan king size bed?
An Alaskan king is an oversized mattress measuring 108 inches by 108 inches, or 9 feet on all sides. You’ll likely have to custom order one from a manufacturer if you’re interested.
Can you use a piece of plywood instead of a box spring?
Yes, a piece of plywood cut to fit a mattress can make a suitable bed base. The plywood should be at least 0.75 inches thick to provide consistent support for your mattress.
Are there duties on mattresses shipped from the US?
Yes, mattresses imported from the US are subject to Canadian duties and taxes. Rates change frequently, so check the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) website for current tariff rates,. Factor in applicable provincial sales taxes.
Do Canadian mattresses use different measurements?
Canadian retailers use the same inch measurements as the US, but some European brands use metric sizing.
Why are California King mattresses hard to find in Canada?
Lower demand and shipping costs make them less profitable for Canadian retailers to stock regularly.
What about warranty service for US mattresses in Canada?
Cross-border warranties can be complicated. Verify coverage before purchasing from US retailers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right size mattress is just as important as making sure the bed provides a comfortable feel. A too-large bed can make a room feel crowded, while a too-small mattress might leave a sleeper feeling cramped and uncomfortable. Taking a few moments to plan where your bed foundation and other furniture will go is often the best way to promote a relaxing atmosphere.
About the author
April Mayer is a sleep expert and writer with a degree in exercise physiology. She has dedicated her career to exploring the relationship between sleep and productivity. Her insightful articles, such as "The Surprising Way Your Mood Might Be Messing With Your Productivity" and "Wake Up to More Productive Mornings," have been featured in reputable publications like Forbes, Greatist, Real Homes, Thrillist, Tom's Guide, and Eat This, Not That. With a passion for helping others lead more productive lives through restful sleep, April offers valuable expertise on foods and vitamins for better sleep. As a trusted member of the Early Bird team since March 2020, she continues to provide informative and well-researched content.
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