6 Signs You Should Upgrade to a Bigger Bed

Here at Texas Mattress Makers, we’ve written many guides before on when to upgrade your mattress that needs replacing. However, one topic we haven’t touched on is what to do when your bed is too small. 

Most people sleep on a variety of mattress sizes as they grow up: a twin as a toddler, a twin XL or full as a college student, and a queen once you get your own space. But there are scenarios where we have to stick with smaller mattress sizes due to space constraints or other circumstances. And while sleeping on your twin XL from college might seem convenient and cost-effective, having a mattress that is too small can actually cause more harm than you would think.

So, how do you know if you need a bigger bed? You want to consider upgrading to a bigger bed if…

1. You feel cramped while you sleep
2. You sleep with a partner
3. You sleep with pets
4. Your kids sleep in your bed
5. You’re waking up warm
6. Your bedroom looks empty

Upgrading to a bigger bed is easy with Texas Mattress Makers. Our Mattress Experts™ guide you through a seamless, stress-free shopping experience to help you choose the right mattress size and type for your lifestyle and needs. 

1. You feel cramped while you sleep

How do you know if your bed is too small? The most obvious answer is if your entire body won’t fit comfortably on the mattress. Whether you’re too tall or too large, not being able to stretch out comfortably means you’ve likely outgrown your old mattress (pun intended). 

Aside from the constant risk of falling, sleeping in a cramped or awkward position to accommodate your lack of space can result in waking up with neck pain, back pain, joint stiffness, and muscle soreness. When this happens, your spine is thrown out of alignment, forcing your muscles to work overtime to maintain healthy posture. Ouch.

Based on mattress dimensions, here are our recommendations for which sleepers can comfortably fit on each mattress size: 

• Twin (38” x 75”): Children, single sleepers, shorter adults
• Twin XL (38” x 80”): Single sleepers (average height), teenagers, taller children
• Full (54” x 75”): Single sleepers, cuddly couples, teenagers
• Full XL (54” x 80”): Single sleepers, cuddly couples, college students
• Queen (60” x 80”): Couples, single sleepers, pet owners
• King (76” x 80”): Couples, families
• Split King (76” x 80”): Couples with different comfort preferences
• California King (72” x 84”): Taller sleepers, couples, pet owners

Queen mattress dimensions can accommodate most individuals and couples, making it the most popular mattress size. However, for those who need a little more elbow room, a king may be a favorable choice. If you or either party is falling off the side of the bed, it’s time to size up.

2. You sleep with a partner

Sharing a bed with someone can be one of the most emotionally fulfilling parts of a relationship; however, if the mattress is too small for you and your partner, one of you will end up in the guest room more often than you’d like. 

Snoring, tossing and turning, blanket stealing, and midnight bathroom breaks are just a few examples of how couples can keep each other awake at night. Without the necessary room for both of you, neither of you will get the deep, quality sleep you need.

Do couples sleep better in bigger beds?

Queen (60″ x 80″) and king (76″ x 80″) mattresses are best for couples because they provide enough space for two people to sleep comfortably without disrupting each other. If your bedroom is too small for a queen, a full (54″ x 75″) or full XL (54″ x 80″) can work, though you’ll have less personal space. 

Can two people sleep on a full bed? A full mattress can fit two people, but it will be close quarters. If you’re not a cuddler and need your own breathing room, the few extra inches of width and length with a queen mattress is 100% worth sizing up for.

What mattress size is best for couples? 

While most recommend a queen or king mattress for couples, our Mattress Experts™ would recommend something even better: a split king mattress. A split king mattress is the best mattress size for couples because each side of the bed can be customized to each person’s preferences. Neither party has to sacrifice a good night’s sleep for the sake of the other’s preferences. 

Okay, so what is the difference between a split king vs king mattress? While the split king and the king share the same mattress dimensions (76” x 80”), the split king is made up of two twin XL mattresses. This allows not only for each side to house different comfort levels and components if needed, but it also allows for each side to be independently adjustable with an adjustable base. 

Many couples who opt for a split king mattress rave about the personalization and the ability to get the rest they deserve while sleeping next to their partner. No more late-night banishments to the couch or guest room. 

3. You sleep with pets

Just like sleeping with a partner, sleeping with pets can bring emotional safety and increased comfort, especially if you are a single sleeper. Unfortunately, all pet owners have a tale or two about Max taking up the entire bed (and refusing to move) or how Fluffy’s favorite pillow is the top of your head. Sadly, snuggling with our fur babies can pose quite a challenge if there isn’t enough room for everyone. 

Pet owners sleeping on any mattress smaller than a queen bed are seriously putting their sleep quality at risk. Even with the smallest pets, disturbances are bound to happen. If you don’t want to sacrifice your nightly cuddles, here is what we would recommend:

• Queen mattress: Single sleeper with pets (no more than two), couple with one pet (smaller dog or cat)
• King mattress or split king: Single sleeper with multiple pets or a larger dog, couples with one or more pets
• California King: Couples with multiple pets 

Think about where your pets like to sleep. If Arlo, your 60 lb German Shepherd, loves to sleep right between you and your partner, consider a mattress with more width. This will give you and your partner the room you need without feeling suffocated.

For the pets that love sleeping exclusively at the foot of the bed, the extra length on the bottom of the California King is the perfect place for them to curl up without sacrificing your leg room. And while the Cal King mattress does have less width than a regular king bed, couples can still sleep comfortably with plenty of room. 

We love furry friends here at Texas Mattress Makers! If you’re unsure of what mattress size could suit you and your pet, we’re here to help.

4. Your kids sleep in your bed

Speaking of nighttime cuddles, those who share their bed with their kids occasionally may need to consider a bigger bed. Think of this like buying a new sofa: you want to pick something where every member of your family can lounge comfortably for movie nights, board games, or mid-day naps. The same principle applies to your bed.

In this scenario, your mattress size matters immensely if you’re sharing a bed with children, no matter how old they are. While the risk for injury and suffocation is higher the younger and smaller the child is, the risk for injury or overheating is always present. For families sharing a bed, we always recommend a king-size mattress or larger.

How much bigger is a king bed than a queen?

Both queen and king mattresses are 80 inches long, but a king offers 16 extra inches of width — 76 inches compared to the queen’s 60 inches. Sizing up to a king, split king, or California King (depending on how many people are in the bed at once), gives enough space for each person to move comfortably without the risk of injury, overheating, or general discomfort. 

As parents, we understand that finding the right size bed for kids can often feel like a challenge. Will they outgrow a twin too quickly? Is a queen too big for a child? When do I transition them from a toddler bed? You have many questions, and Texas Mattress Makers has all of the answers. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your kiddo, we make mattresses that fit everyone.

5. You’re waking up warm

When we talk about sleeping hot, a low-quality mattress is often the culprit, but often, your bed-sharing could be to blame. Does your partner’s body heat radiate so intensely as if you’re sleeping next to a furnace? Do you dread nighttime cuddling due to the fear of night sweats? Are you having trouble staying asleep because your bed’s temperature rivals the desert? If you’re constantly waking up hot, kicking off covers, or feeling like you can’t breathe because your partner (or pet, or kid) is pressed against you, your mattress is too small. 

Here’s a science lesson: body heat builds up more quickly in tight spaces. When two people share a bed that doesn’t give them adequate personal space, their combined body heat has nowhere to go. You’re essentially sleeping in a heat trap. Even if you’re not naturally a hot sleeper, being pressed against someone who runs warm all night will make you overheat.

A bigger bed gives you room to create distance when you need to cool down without one person hanging off the edge. If you and your co-sleepers currently sleep in a queen bed or smaller, consider sizing up to a king. Those few extra inches of width on a king versus a queen can be the difference between comfortable sleep and waking up drenched in sweat. 

6. Your bedroom looks empty

Unlike our sister company, Living Designs Furniture, we don’t discuss bedroom aesthetics much at Texas Mattress Makers; however, we understand the importance of your sleep environment feeling welcoming and cozy. 

Choosing the right mattress size is crucial for you and your companions, but it should also complement your room’s layout. Picking a mattress that is too big for your space can feel cramped, and a mattress that is too small might make your sleep sanctuary feel…empty.

Your bed is the centerpiece of your bedroom. If space isn’t an issue, upgrading to a bigger bed can help the room look balanced and complete without the need to over-decorate. Single sleepers are opting for larger beds nowadays for extra space and a luxurious look. As more and more people use their beds for watching TV, relaxing, reading, and even working, ample room is becoming non-negotiable. 

If you’re upgrading your mattress, you might as well upgrade your bed frame. Texas Mattress Makers sells top-quality upholstered bed frames made by Living Designs Furniture. Each Texas-themed frame is made with durable, luxurious fabrics and sturdy structures for lasting performance. You can either purchase these bed frames online, in a Texas Mattress Makers showroom, or customize your very own at a Living Designs Furniture showroom. 

Sizing Up to a Bigger Bed? Shop Houston’s Best Mattresses at Texas Mattress Makers

Sleeping on a top-quality mattress that accommodates your unique needs and lifestyle preferences is crucial to getting quality rest and leading a healthy life. By simply purchasing a bigger bed that prioritizes everyone, you don’t need to sacrifice your comfort or your bed companions. Pets, kids, and partners can all sleep peacefully next to one another without potential disturbances or falling hazards.

For over 45 years, Texas Mattress Makers has helped over 3 million people all over Texas find their perfect sleep solutions. No matter your preferences, needs, lifestyle, or budget, we have a mattress that will improve your sleep quality.

Visit any of our mattress stores in Houston today or shop online to find your dream mattress for yourself, your partner, or any other additions. 

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Mattress Shopping FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
• 4 Reasons to Invest in a Motion Isolation Mattress
• Benefits of a Split Head King Mattress 
• What is the Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers?
• Experts Answer: What is the Healthiest Sleeping Position?