Split King vs. King Bed: How to Choose

King mattresses have always been popular choices for couples, parents, and pet owners looking for more spacious surfaces. However, when purchasing a mattress, many shoppers have been toying with the possibility of investing in a split king-size mattress. If you haven’t heard of a split king mattress before, you might be wondering how it differs from a regular king bed.

What is a split king mattress? What’s the difference between king and split king beds? Which one is right for you? 

The experts at Texas Mattress Makers outline everything you need to know about a split king vs king mattress. By the end of this article, you’ll not only know the difference between a king and split king, but you’ll have a better idea of what you need out of your mattress. If you think a split king or a king bed is right for you, Texas Mattress Makers will be ready to help you with your purchase. We carry split king mattresses as a standard size on our website, meaning you can add them to your cart easily and be enjoying your new split king in no time! 

Key takeaways:

• A split king mattress is the same size as a king-size mattress (76″ x 80″).
• A split king mattress is made up of two Twin XL mattresses placed together in one bed frame, whereas a king mattress is one solid mattress.
• Each side of a split king mattress can be customized with different feels and components to satisfy the individual’s needs. A king mattress has all of the same components throughout the bed.
• A split king mattress is a great choice of bed if you want an adjustable mattress base to customize the positioning of each individual side.
• We recommend split king mattresses over split queen mattresses because a split king will give you more surface area for you and your partner to sleep on.

What’s the difference between king and split king beds? 

At first glance, a split king and a king mattress can look exactly the same, and they do on the surface. However, they are not manufactured the same way. Here are some key differences between a split king vs king mattress.

Construction

The primary difference between a split king bed and a king bed is in the way that they are constructed — a king bed has one solid mattress, while a split king bed consists of two Twin XL mattresses placed together in one bed frame. It’s called a “split king” because there’s a technical split between the two separate mattresses that are placed together, but don’t worry, you won’t feel a split in your mattress at all.

Is a split king the same size as a king? Yes, split king-size mattresses are roughly the same size as a king mattress, with the two Twin XL mattresses making up the same dimensions. This also means that you should be able to use king-size mattress foundations.

Although this is the standard size of a split king bed, Texas Mattress Makers can provide you with a custom size mattress if you prefer a different size or shape. This is the beauty of purchasing from the manufacturer!

Price

Is a split king more expensive than a king? Yes, but not by much. At Texas Mattress Makers, a split king mattress is typically $100 more than a king. Additionally, customized split king mattresses may be a bit more expensive, with the extra payment used to cover the cost of the component used in making your mattress.  

Purpose

So, why would you want a split king mattress as opposed to a regular king mattress? What is the purpose of a split king? The main appeal of a split king mattress is that because the Twin XL mattresses used to make the bed are separate, each side can be customized to fit each sleeper’s needs. Or, each side can be adjusted individually on an adjustable bedframe for personal and individual comfort. 

Let’s dive into why this is such a game-changer for sleepers everywhere.

Split king beds provide a solution for different sleeping needs

Good sleep is key to remaining healthy. So if sleeping next to your loved one begins to reduce the quality of your sleep, it’s extremely important to find a solution that works for both of you — unless you want to get a sleep divorce (which isn’t fun for anyone).

For some couples, upgrading the size of their bed is enough to do the trick, and that’s where a king-size bed can come in handy. A king-size bed can provide enough wiggle room for partners to sleep comfortably next to each other, even if one or both of them toss and turn. 

However, partners who have vastly different sleeping needs (the need for a firm vs. soft mattress, hot vs. cold sleepers, etc.) may want to consider a split king bed. 

Do couples like split king beds?

Absolutely! A split king is known as the best mattress for couples because each party’s comfort preferences and individual requirements can be accommodated in the same bed. 

Split king beds are ideal for couples who…

• desire extra room as they sleep 
• have very different sleeping needs 
• struggle with motion transfer 
• need an adjustable base to combat snoring or sleep apnea
• want each side of their adjustable bed to move individually

How does a split king adjustable bed work?

Adjustable bases in particular are one of the main reasons why split king beds rose to popularity in the United States. If you purchase an adjustable base, each of you can have your side of the bed in whatever position you prefer! One partner can set the mattress so that it props them up as they read a book, while the other can set the mattress in a neutral position for a nap.  

This is what makes split king mattresses so much better than flex top king mattresses. With a flex top, you can only adjust the top part of the mattress to lift your head up and down. A split king mattress paired with an adjustable base gives you full control of the customization of your bed positioning. 

Investing in an adjustable base is not necessary if you have a split king, but it will elevate your sleep quality to new heights and provide a luxurious sleeping and lounging experience. It’s worth it.

King and split king bed pros and cons

If you’re choosing between a split king vs. king bed, it can be easy to get lost in the details. Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons to help you with your decision-making process.

	Pros	Cons
King-size mattress	Provides couples with plenty of space along with ample room for a young child or pet	Difficult to move with due to large size and weight
	Wide variety of options available	More expensive than smaller alternatives, such as queen-size mattresses
	Compatible with most adjustable bed frames	An adjustable base moves the whole king mattress, which may not suit couples with different sleeping angle preferences.
Split king mattress	Provides couples with plenty of space	Less ideal for co-sleeping with young children
	Can more easily accommodate each partner’s sleeping needs	Can be slightly more expensive than a typical king bed
	Eliminates motion transfer	Can be harder to make the bed (Pro tip: Buy a set of 2 Twin XL sheets!)
	Two smaller mattresses are easier to move than one large mattress
	More variety of choice in adjustable bed frames

Find the Best Split King or King Mattress for Your Sleeping Needs at Texas Mattress Makers

Which is better: a split king vs. king mattress? Truthfully, that answer all depends on what is best for you and the person you share a bed with. Buying a new mattress isn’t just a big purchase — it’s an investment in your long-term health. If you are struggling to choose between a split king vs. king bed or finding the right one, the experts at Texas Mattress Makers can help. 

When selecting the right mattress for you and your partner, our experts consider your sleeping position, body shape, and personal preferences to determine what supportive and comfort components would best make up your mattress. A king bed can suit couples who have similar needs, but a split king can be the solution to opposing sleep habits. 

Whatever you need, we have it. Visit any of our Houston-area mattress stores in person today to try out our handmade-in-Houston mattresses and find your dream match today. If you sleep with a partner, we highly recommend shopping in person for full confidence and satisfaction with your purchase.

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Solutions for the Most Common Sleep Problems
• Best Mattress for Sleep Apnea
• What to Do if Your Partner Snores
• How Sleep Affects Relationships
• Benefits of Sleeping on a Luxury Mattress

Note: Want the ability to select your own comfort preferences while still having only one mattress? Texas Mattress Makers also creates handmade dual comfort mattresses capable of accommodating different comfort levels on either side of a single mattress. You can also purchase our dual comfort mattresses in queen-size, a custom option available only when made in-store at our Downtown Houston factory. Just remember that each section in a queen dual comfort mattress will be smaller than a twin mattress.