What Mattress Size Do You Need for Your Platform Bed?
Once you’ve selected the platform bed as the bed frame type that’s most suitable for you, you’ll run into a thousand mattresses to choose from. Before you rush to buy one, you need to consider a few things so that you don’t end up with a bed that is uncomfortable or difficult to use. In this article, you’ll find some essential things that you’ll need to know in order to decide what mattress size you need for your platform bed.
A platform bed uses a standard mattress size just like any other bed frame. Twin-size platform beds need mattresses that are 39 in. x 75 in. Queen-size platform beds need mattresses that are 60 in. x 80 in. King-size platform beds need mattresses that are 76 in. x 80 in. You can change the thickness of the mattress depending on the height of the platform bed, in order to make it more comfortable.
Here are a few tips to help you choose your mattress size:
- Platform beds require the same standard mattress sizes as any other bed frame (so, if you decide to change your bed frame and use a box spring, you can still use the same mattress if you want to).
- You need to keep in mind that, although the mattress is a standard size, some platform beds have headboards, footboards, or under-bed drawers which may protrude from the bed, thus increasing the bed’s overall length and/or width.
- It is important to note that some mattress sizes don’t have a lot of corresponding bed frames to choose from, especially XL types. So, make sure you select your platform bed size and model before you choose an appropriate mattress. In order to make it simple, most platform bed manufacturers mention the appropriate mattress size for their bed.
Related articles:
- How to choose a headboard for your platform bed - step by step
- How to use a mattress topper
Examples of Mattress Sizes You Need for a Platform Bed
Check out the table below to get an idea of the right mattress size for different platform beds.
| Platform Bed Size | Mattress Size (± 0.5 in.) | Platform Bed Frame Example |
| Twin: 41.3 in. x 77.2 in. | Twin: 39 in. x 75 in. | Link to Amazon |
| Twin XL: 40 in. x 82 in. | Twin XL: 38 in. x 80 in. | Link to Amazon |
| Full: 57 in. x 79 in. | Full: 54 in. x 75 in. | Link to Amazon |
| Full XL: 59.9 in. x 84.3 in. | Full XL: 54 in. x 80 in. | Link to Wayfair |
| Queen: 62.2 in. x 81.5 in. | Queen: 60 in. x 80 in. | Link to Amazon |
| Eastern King: 78 in. x 83 in. | Eastern King: 76 in. x 80 in. | Link to Amazon |
| California King: 73.8 in. x 85.5 in. | California King: 72 in. x 84 in. | Link to Amazon |
What Mattress Thickness Do You Need for Your Platform Bed?
There are four factors that you need to consider in order to select the right thickness for your mattress: The height of the bed, the firmness of the mattress, the type of mattress, and the mattress’ ventilation.
| Attribute | How It Affects You | What Mattress Thickness You Need |
| Platform Bed Height | A standard platform bed gives a fuller and more luxurious feel to the bedroom. A low profile platform bed can be hard to get in and out of, but it gives a minimalist look to the bedroom. Many people, especially older adults, will find it hard to get in and out of a low bed. To solve this, add a thick mattress to increase the overall height. | Mattresses that are 14 inches thick or more are needed for low profile beds. 10- to 12-inch mattresses will suffice for standard platform beds. |
| Mattress Firmness | Firmer mattresses are good for back sleepers who need a firm base for their back. Less firm mattresses are good for side sleepers and tummy sleepers who like their bed to be more cushioned. The more thickness a mattress has, the less firm it tends to be. | Mattresses that are 10 inches thick or less will be firmer. Ones that are 14 inches thick or more will be softer. |
| Mattress Material | Memory foam mattresses give good support and come in many sizes. They conform nicely to the sleeper’s body, thus letting them sink into the bed. However, they have poor ventilation and may cause you to feel hot or cold. | A thickness of 10-12 inches will do if you are of average weight (under 200 lbs.). A 14-inch mattress will be more comfortable if you are on the heavier side (over 250 lbs.). For more information, see "Buying Mattresses for Comfort" by Myra Zabel. |
| Latex foam mattresses offer great firmness due to their dense nature. They also have good air ventilation, so you don’t feel hot at night. For more in-depth information on what type of mattress you need for your platform bed, read this article. | Because of its natural density, you won’t need as thick a mattress as you would if you had a memory foam mattress. A 10- to 12-inch mattress usually does the job for most people. | |
| Innerspring mattresses offer good support for most people, whether they are underweight or overweight. They tend to be significantly thicker than other types because of their construction, and thus easily increase the overall height of the bed. They are ideal for use on a low profile frame. | A thickness of 10 inches will do for most people. If you are very heavy (over 300 lbs.), you may need a 14-inch thick mattress. For more information, see "Buying Mattresses for Comfort" by Myra Zabel. | |
| Hybrid mattresses have spring coils underneath layers of foam. They provide the best of both worlds by offering good support and body contour. The downside is that they have additional height and weight due to their construction. | 10-inch hybrids are for getting medium-firm support. 12- to 14-inch hybrids offer more softness and cushioning. | |
| Mattress Ventilation | Either a thick or thin mattress will work with a platform bed. In general, platform beds are good for any type of mattress. If your mattress needs more ventilation, a thinner mattress will allow more air through it. Try to get a slatted platform bed to make sure you maximize ventilation. | 8- to 10-inch mattresses will be quick to cool off. Mattresses that are 14 inches or thicker will tend to retain more heat. |
What Is the Best Mattress Height for a Platform Bed?
The best mattress height for a platform bed depends on whether you have a low profile or a standard platform bed. A low profile bed sits close to the ground, whereas a standard platform bed sits higher off the ground. Before selecting a mattress, it is best to take a measuring tape and determine the bed height that you’ll feel comfortable getting in and out of.
Below are a few things you should consider when selecting the best mattress height for your platform bed.
- You need to consider the people who are going to use the bed, like older adults, kids, and pets, when deciding the bed height.
- Then, you have to decide whether you want a bed with firm support or soft cushioning.
- You might also want to consider the feel that the bed will bring to the bedroom.
To make sure the bed is easily accessible, it is best to involve all the people who will be using the bed when deciding the bed height.
A typical low profile bed will have a platform height of 6-8 inches. You can add a 14- to 18-inch mattress to achieve an overall bed height of 20-24 inches, which will be pretty easy to get in and out if you don’t have any orthopedic issues. Low profile platform beds are harder to get in and out of, especially for people with back or knee problems (see "Prevention of Osteoporotic Fractures in the Elderly" by Consuelo H.Wilkins, MD and Stanley J.Birge, MD). To get around this, you can get a mattress that’s tall enough to make it easy for you to get in and out.
If you go for a standard platform bed, the height usually ranges from 14-18 inches. Adding a 10- to 12-inch mattress will provide an overall bed height of 24-30 inches. Anything beyond this range will make it very difficult for little kids and pets to climb on, which, depending on your situation, might be favorable.
Some people like their bed to feel large and imposing — something to jump on after a long day’s work and feel the cushioning comfort. On the other hand, some people like their bed to have a low profile. You can give a voluminous feel to your bedroom by getting a standard platform frame, or a minimalist and neat feel by getting a low profile frame. Related topic: Curious about how platform bed skirts can keep your bed cleaner and make it more aesthetically pleasing?
In any case, always choose the height of the mattress based on the overall height of the bed.