Difference Between Full And Queen-Sized Mattress

Sleep is a vital part of each day. A bed mattress helps you enjoy divine relaxation. When buying a mattress, you want one that fits your needs. If you know the differences between a full and queen-size mattress, you can make the best choice.

King Vs California King Size

The two most popular mattress sizes are full and queen-sized. Here, we’ll explore their unique qualities.

Choosing A Mattress Size

You want to get the right mattress. Most people sleep on a full or queen-size bed. Teenagers enjoy sleeping in a full-size bed while adults need a queen-sized bed. 

History Of Mattress Sizes

History Of Mattress Sizes

Mattress sizes have grown to provide greater sleep comfort. Prior to the 1800s, mattresses didn’t exist. People would sleep on straw and feathers stuffed in a sewn cloth. 

Mattress sizes increased in the 40s. Most people slept on twin-sized beds. By the early 50s, new bed sizes were introduced to the joy and relief of many Americans. It was then that king and queen-sized beds became common.

Mattress Fire Safety

First and foremost, you want to choose the safest mattress for your home. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in the US, almost 400 people die and over 1,500 are injured annually from mattress fires.

In 2007, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) began requiring bed manufacturers to include flame retardants in their mattresses. The new law meant that beds would no longer be vulnerable to fire when exposed for extended periods.

Today, most mattresses are made with fire-resistant materials. Also, a bed with layers sewn together won’t have toxic glue. 

Types Of Fire Retardant

Flame retardant chemicals are applied to furniture, electronics, construction materials to prevent fires from spreading. Studies have found that flame-retardant furniture increases escape times.

When shopping for a new mattress you should know that it is not against the law for a mattress to not have a chemical-based flame retardant.

Safe Fire Retardants

  • Wool – many mattresses use wool because it is naturally fire retardant. The material can hold 30 percent of its weight in moisture, making it harder to ignite. It also burns slower and produces little heat.
  • Latex  – is a popular mattress material. 
  • Rayon – is a popular fiber because of its low-flammability prosperities. It’s also cheaper than wool to manufacture.

Unsafe Fire Retardants

  • Boric Acid – a water-soluble chemical can soak into your skin.
  • Melamine – is a toxic and poisonous chemical.
  • Vinylidene Chloride – isn’t a common fire retardant, but it’s still used on mattresses. The chemical is known to harm the central nervous system.

The Need For King

In the 50s, people were growing taller. By end of the decade, 20 percent of males were over six feet tall, which was a 16 percent increase.

Demand for larger mattresses outweighed supply, and sales skyrocketed beginning in the 60s.

Today, 17 percent of beds in US households are king-sized. The most popular size is queen and is in over 40 percent of US households.

Difference Between Full And Queen

Let’s look at the dimensions of full and queen size beds.

Queen-Sized Bed

Queen Size Bed

As the most popular mattress size, a standard queen-sized mattress, is 80 inches long and 60 inches wide. The mattress is popular because it is big enough for two people.

In the US, the average height for men is 5’9, while the average for women is 5’4.

Full-Sized Bed

Bedding Sizes

A full-sized bed is 75 inches long and 54 inches wide. If you need extra floor space, this is the bed for you.

Bedding Sizes

Bedding sizes are universal, but some are specific according to mattress size.

Bedding Sizes

Sheet Size

There are two options, fitted and flat sheets. Fitted sheets should be paired with the mattress size they are made for, unlike flat sheets.

Pillow Size

First, consider the pillow type. Throw pillows and body pillows are universal and so are decorative ones.

The standard pillow size is 26-inches long. A queen-sized pillow is 30-inches complements a queen-sized bed.

Comforter/Duvet

You want the right comforter for your bed. You can use a queen-sized comforter on a full-sized bed. The goal is to have at least ten extra inches for the length of the bed and 20 for the width to cover both sides.

Skirt/Dust Ruffle

A skirt or dust ruffle is a piece of bedding that goes over the box spring and under the mattress. It dusts the floor to make the bed look elegant.

There are two types, classic, which covers like a fitted sheet. The other style is a wrap-around, which is universal as it fits like a skirt. 

Blanket Or Quilt

Some like the blanket to touch the floor while others like a traditional style lay it on top and folded. It’s easy to measure the distance from the top of the bed to the floor.

You can use a formula to help find the best size. You’ll need to include folding the top over and other stylish decorations on your bed.

The Frame Size

King Vs California King Size

When buying a bed, the first thing to consider is frame size. There are many excellent styles to choose from that can fit in different spaces.  

Base Frame

A base frame consists of bars for the bottom and legs. The base does not determine mattress size.

Platform beds offer greater flexibility. Bed frame edges will prevent you from using different mattress sizes.

Headboard

A headboard is attached to a bed frame but can also be a separate feature. When unattached, it’s more versatile. Most headboards will fit on any frame if they’re not narrow or wide.

Also, full and queen-size headboards are interchangeable if they’re not connected to a bed.

Box Spring

The box spring is an essential mattress feature. It must match the mattress size as it’s placed underneath for support.

Mattress Pad

The mattress pad should be as big as the mattress. This is so that the pad is safe, and it covers the bed. One convenient feature is how you can cut most mattress pads to fit your bed.

Mattress Disposal

Local regulations address how to get rid of a bed mattress. You can’t leave it on a curbside thinking someone will carry it away. 

To learn more, you’ll enjoy this complete guide on how to dispose of a mattress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

What Are Queen Size Air Mattress Dimensions?

A standard queen air mattress is 80 inches long and 60 inches wide.

How Much Does A Queen Size Mattress Weigh?

It may surprise some, but the weight of a mattress does not ensure its quality. There isn’t a connection between weight and quality. The average queen-size mattress weighs between 120 to 160 pounds.

Can A King-Size Bed Fit In A Tiny House?

A standard king-size mattress is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. If your tiny home has floor space that’s 6′ 4″ by 6′ 8,” you can fit a king-size mattress in your tiny house.

What Are The Benefits Of A Queen-Size Memory Foam Mattress?

A queen-size memory foam mattress is the latest in superior design sleep technology. A cool-gel memory foam layer helps control body temperature with enhanced ventilated egg crate foam.

The superb creation offers sleep-time breathing and heightened blood circulation support with its high-density based foam cushion. And another wonderful feature of memory foam is how it conforms to your body.

Difference Between Full And Queen-Sized Mattress Conclusion

As you’ve learned here, the differences between a full and queen-size mattress are a matter of inches. A full-size mattress is for children, and a queen size is for adults.

For single sleepers in a quaint space, a full-size mattress provides more bedroom space. And for families or if you entertain guests, a queen mattress is the best choice.