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The Complete Guide to Buying an Alaskan King Bed and Mattress

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So, you’re shopping for an Alaskan King mattress? The Alaskan King bed is one of the best, and certainly the biggest, mattress you can buy. Here in this guide, we’re going to explain everything you need to know in order to make an educated purchase. To do this, we’ve compiled a comprehensive comparison guide, detailed who this mattress is best for and all of the benefits that come along with it. Be sure to check out our frequently asked questions, too.

 

The Origins of the Alaskan King Bed
 

Historically, twin and full beds have dominated bedrooms. In fact, it wasn’t until relatively recently in the 1940’s that the modern king-sized bed was introduced to households. Since then, the King Mattress has, quite literally, reigned king. That is, until the development of the California King in the 1960s. 

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After the California King became popular across the United States and around the world, it became the new standard for big beds. However, that wasn’t for long, because soon our appetite for big beds would start to grow. Other ‘state’ beds were soon born, like the Alaskan King.

 

But unlike the California King — which was named for its place of origin — the Alaskan King was named for its size. Alaska, which is double the size of Texas, is the largest US state by far. So, the Alaskan King bed is fitting for this massive 9-foot by 9-foot mattress.

 

How does The Alaskan King Mattress compare to other mattresses?


Like most people, you probably already know about the classic mattress sizes Twin, Full, and Queen. But, once you get up to the size of a King and above, the sizing starts to get a little bit confusing, sometimes the difference only being a few inches. Here, we have created a totally comprehensive guide to help you understand the differences between the largest mattresses on the market. Sometimes the difference is just a few inches and hard to visualize. So, we’ve laid it all out clearly and easily.

 

  1. The King Mattress

    Dimensions: 6.3x6.6 feet or 76”x80”
    King Compared to the Alaskan King: Nearly three feet shorter and more narrow

    The size of a King Mattress is 76-inches wide by 80-inches long, making it a whole 16-inches wider than the Queen Mattress and about the size of two Twin Mattresses side by side. The ‘traditional’ large mattress, the King bed is designed to be roomy enough for two people. As a general rule of thumb, since this bed is so big, your bedroom should be at least 12-feet by 12-feet in order to properly accommodate its size.
     

  2. The California King Mattress

    Dimensions: 6x7 feet or 72”x84”
    California King Compared to the Alaskan King: Two feet shorter and three feet more narrow

    This mattress was initially popular on the West Coast but has become beloved across the country and around the world for its oversized dimensions. Measuring in at 72-inches by 84-inches wide, the California King is actually 4-inches narrower than your traditional King Mattress, but also 4 inches longer than the King Mattress.

    Because of this additional length of four inches, the California King is ideal for tall people working with less space. Because the California King is not as wide, it does allow you to have a bit more floor space in the bedroom compared to a traditional King Mattress. Finally, the California King is also only comfortable for two people, whereas the larger mattresses we will list below can comfortably fit a toddler or pet, too.
     

  3. The Texas King Mattress

    Dimensions: 6.6x 8.1 feet or 80”x98”
    Texas King Compared to the Alaskan King Mattress: A foot shorter and three feet more narrow

    True to its name, the Texas King Mattress hails from Texas, where everything is bigger. The best part about the Texas King is the length it provides, the width being the same as a traditional King Mattress. But, because the Texas King is 8-feet long, 18-inches longer than a standard king, it is great for people who are over 6-feet and need that extra space to spread out. Because the Texas King Mattress is relatively narrow, it makes it a great choice for people who don’t have very big bedrooms but could really use the length. You will benefit from a smaller profile and a better night's sleep with this one.
     

  4. The Wyoming King Mattress

    Dimensions: 7x7 feet or 84”x84”
    Wyoming King Compared to the Alaskan King Mattress: 2 feet shorter and two feet more narrow

    Because the Wyoming King Mattress is larger than the traditional King and California King mattresses, it is good for people who want or need more space — like tall people and people who sleep with kids or their pets. Where the King and California King will only fit two adults, the Wyoming King can comfortably fit two adults and a toddler or a pet. This is because the Wyoming King is an entire foot wider than the already-enlarged California king. But do note, they are the same length of 7-feet.

    The Wyoming King is also a great option for people who have large master suites. This larger-sized mattress can help fill up space in a large room, where other beds might be eaten up by the space. The general rule of thumb here is that a bedroom should be 12x12 feet to accommodate a King or California King. But for a Wyoming King, you need at least 14x14 feet of space to properly accommodate it. If you put a Wyoming King in a 12x12 foot room you’ll have just 5 feet of space surrounding the bed.
     

  5. The Alaskan King Mattress

    Dimensions: 9x9 feet or 108”x108”

    Alaskan King Specifications:
    + Easily fits 4 adults
    + Or, 2 adults and children
    + Incredible legroom
    + Great for couples who sleep with pets
    + Ideal for large bedrooms


    Not many people have heard of the Alaskan King bed, probably because not everyone can accommodate one in their home. However, the Alaskan King mattress is a godsend for so many different types of people and families.

    The Alaskan King mattress is actually the biggest mattress you can find on the market, measuring in at a gigantic 9x9-feet. Because of its exceptional size, an Alaskan King bed is so large it can fit up to four adults and can comfortably fit two adults and a few children or pets. Because of this, it is typically referred to as a ‘family bed’ — although, if you just like your space you can make this work, too. Finally, the Alaskan King mattress is the ideal bed for people who are extremely tall. It offers the most leg room by far — beating the Wyoming King by a foot.

    But, before you consider an Alaskan King Mattress, you should really make sure you have the bedroom space to fit it. We think your bedroom should be at least 16x16 feet so that you have ample room to move around the bed as well as fit other furniture in the room.

The Alaskan King Mattress on our Archie Bed Frame

People who will love The Alaskan King Mattress
 

  • Couples who sleep with their pets and/or children

  • Couples with differing sleep schedules

  • Couples in which one or both people requiring a lot of space to sleep

  • People with guest rooms for groups of guests such as relatives

  • Taller or larger individuals who aren’t comfortable on smaller mattresses

  • People who can afford it, have enough space, and enjoy the luxury of a massive bed

 

The Pros and Cons of The Alaskan King Bed
 

Before you buy an Alaskan King bed, you should weigh all of the pros and cons for you, your sleep, your family and your home. Here, we have compiled the top pros and cons to consider.

 

Pros of an Alaskan King

  • As the largest bed available, the Alaskan King provides ample space for sleepers who move a lot

  • Perfect for taller and larger individuals who need more leg room or space to spread out

  • Great for sleeping several people at once. For example: couples who sleep with children or pets. It is also great for groups of relatives staying the night, etc.

  • An Alaskan King can help take up more space in large bedrooms

  • Luxurious size that makes you feel like royalty

 

The Cons of an Alaskan King

  • Can be hard to find, as you won’t find an Alaskan King in regular retail stores

  • More expensive than regular-sized beds

  • The large size means you need a large bedroom

  • Getting bed frames, sheets, comforters, and other items that fit your bed can be a challenge

  • Difficult to transport — Alaskan Kings are heavy and large. So, if you are moving for example, this mattress may be hard to transport

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There are some key ways an Alaskan King Mattress can help you get a better night’s rest.
 

  1. You and your partner can spread out in an Alaskan King
    The biggest advantage of the Alaskan King mattress is its extra-large size. The 9x9 foot bed ensures that you and your partner will have plenty of room to spread out and sleep comfortably. This is ideal for couples who get cold or overheated easily, or couples who deal with restless sleep (like tossing and turning) that wakes up the other person.
     

  2. The Alaskan King has room for your family
    With an Alaskan King mattress, you can easily fit your kids and fur-babies in bed with you. A general rule of thumb is that you can easily fit four adults on an Alaskan King bed. So, there is more than enough room for two adults, a few kids or a few pets in this oversized mattress.
     

  3. The quality of an Alaskan King is unmatched
    Here at Alaskan King Beds, our Alaskan king mattress is thoughtfully designed and masterfully crafted to be comfortable and supportive. It takes at least 3 pairs of skilled hands and more than 10 hours to ensure even the smallest details are crafted to perfection. Made right here in the United States, our Alaskan King mattresses also feature our bespoke Alaskan Foam™ at the core, to keep you as cool as the other side of the pillow all night long.

 

Why families choose an Alaskan King Mattress

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The Alaskan King Mattress is by far the best choice for families who share a bed. Whether you like to all snuggle in bed to watch movies or you like to keep your kids close at night, the Alaskan King Mattress gives you ample room for the most important people in your life. The Alaskan King is also a favorite for pet owners who are constantly dealing with cats, dogs and other animals who like to snuggle up and sprawl out, taking up precious space and legroom. With an Alaskan King, there is room for you and your pets to have a better night sleep. Because the Alaskan King is 8-feet by 8-feet, there is plenty of room for your entire family — whether they are your kids or fur-babies.

 

What frame is needed for an Alaskan King Mattress?
 

Unfortunately, you can’t walk into a typical mattress or department store and order a bed frame for an Alaskan King Mattress. However, what many Alaskan King mattress owners do is get a custom bed frame made. While this may seem like a hassle, it is a great opportunity to get a bed frame made to your exact specifications. You can get inspiration from other King size beds, for example, as there are already tons of those on the market.

 

But of course, we have also tried to make this process easier for you while shopping at Alaskan King Bed Company. We have two frame options.

 

  1. The Kincaid Tufted-Bed
    This bed is totally opulent and with a plush, tufted headboard fit for royalty. Our Kincaid Tufted-Bed is handmade to order right here in North Carolina by our expert carpenters. We love the classic linen, but the light gray and dark gray are sumptuous favorites by our customers, too.
     

  2. Upholstered Bed Frame
    Our Upholstered Bed Frame is also handmade to order right here in North Carolina by our expert carpenters. What our customers love about this upholstered bed frame is its simplicity. You can place the mattress on top with your sheets and duvet for a totally modern, clean aesthetic. Or, get a custom headboard made to give your room the exact look and feel you desire.

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There is another company that crafts a beautiful Alaskan king bed frame if the options we provide aren't to your taste. Here is a link to their website: Francis Lofts & Bunks

 

Francis Lofts & Bunks also crafts their products in the USA, and is a family-owned business. They are a company that's easy to recommend.

The Alaskan King Mattress on our Cordova Bed Frame

Bedding for an Oversized Mattress

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Bedding, such as sheets, comforters, and duvets, are often not readily available for oversized beds. In many cases, oversized sheets or covers need to be custom-made. However, this can be done easily enough by giving your local tailor the measurements of the bed. They will ensure that the blanket or duvet cover is large enough to fit the bed, usually, the rule of thumb is to add 16-inches to the width and 12-inches to the length. And if you like to tuck your duvet or blanket in, remember to tell them you want extra ‘tuck’ room.

Here at Alaskan King beds, we simplify the process of buying your bed by offering specially made, 100% premium, long-staple Egyptian cotton sheets. Our sateen is pillowy-soft and durable with a smooth feel that gets better with each wash. The fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillowcases are cool to sleep on. Plus, you can choose between four colors: white, light gray, dark gray, and navy blue.

Once you choose your favorite color sheets you can then choose what kind of blanket or duvet cover you want to buy or have made up for you. But, our premium sheet sets allow you to sleep on your Alaskan King and enjoy it from the very first night you have it at home.

 

Finding Your Alaskan King Mattress

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So, after reading all of this information, are you thinking that an Alaskan King Mattress could be the perfect addition to your bedroom? Whether you need the length for your long legs or are looking to make more room for your kids and pets, this enlarged mattress could be the ideal solution for a better night’s sleep.
 

Unfortunately, because this mattress size is quite niche, you will be hard-pressed to find a mainstream mattress manufacturer who even offers this size. But, Alaskan King Beds has your back. Here, we will hand-build the Alaskan King Bed that fits your needs perfectly.

However, what most sets us apart are our prices and quality. We cut out the middleman and retail stores by selling directly to you — saving you money. We also exclusively work with a manufacturer right here in the USA in North Carolina, also exclusively sourcing our raw materials from the United States, too.

 

Key features of our beds
 

  • Our Alaskan king beds are thoughtfully designed and masterfully crafted to be comfortable and supportive.
     

  • It takes at least 3 pairs of skilled hands and more than 10 hours to ensure even the smallest details are crafted to perfection.
     

  • At the core of all of our Alaskan Beds is our proprietary, bespoke Alaskan Foam™ which allows you to sleep as cool as the other side of the pillow.

 

Our custom-built Alaskan King Mattresses

 

  1. The Original
    Treat yourself to the original Alaskan king bed. Enjoy a sleeping surface of rich organic cotton that is quilted for maximum comfort and pressure relief. Inside, layers of ventilated memory foam and quilted cotton cradle you into a deep slumber.
     

  2. The Luxe
    Handcrafted with layer upon layer of the world's finest materials to provide maximum pressure relief, extraordinary support, and unsurpassed comfort. Inside you'll find luxurious cashmere, organic cotton, and Natural latex; materials that cradle the body in total lavishness.
     

  3. The Grand Luxe
    Spend your nights dreaming atop layers of natural latex, the finest natural support system in the world. Every mattress's open cell structure allows for excellent airflow and responsive support that minimizes pressure points. Tiers of luxurious cashmere and memory foam to assist the latex for a healthier sleep that lasts the lifetime of the mattress.

 

Frequently asked questions about Alaskan King Beds

 

  1. What are the standard mattress sizes?
    In the U.S., there are six standard mattress sizes—twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. Queen size mattresses tend to be the most popular because they are large enough for couples but also provide solo sleepers more room to spread out. In some cases, queen size mattresses can be found in a slightly larger option, called an Olympic queen, which measures 66 inches by 80 inches—making it 6 inches wider than a standard queen.
     

  2. Is there a bigger bed than a king?
    Yes. The King is the largest ‘standard’ size bed you will find. However, there are larger sized beds which are usually available via select retailers and manufacturers. In order of size they are: The California King, Texas King, Wyoming King and the biggest, the Alaskan King.
     

  3. What is an Alaskan King bed size?
    The Alaskan King bed is 9x9 feet or 108”x108”
     

  4. What is bigger than an Alaskan king?
    An Alaskan king bed is the largest bed available, measuring in at 9-feet by 9-feet.
     

  5. What’s the biggest size bed?
    An Alaskan king bed is the biggest bed. It measures 108 inches by 108 inches, 9x9 feet.
     

  6. Is an Alaskan King bed luxurious?
    Absolutely. The Alaskan King bed is large, beautiful and luxurious. Usually custom made and made to order, these beds are indulgent and built for large beautiful bedrooms.
     

  7. How much does an Alaskan King Bed Cost?
    An Alaskan king size mattress usually costs between $3,000 and $5,000. This price can go higher if you plan to get a higher end luxury mattress. If you count the price for a frame, headboard, sheets, blankets and duvets, the price gets higher, too.

Experience the luxury of an Alaskan King Sized Bed

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