Can Two Adults Sleep On A Full Mattress?

February 23, 2021 | Casper Editorial Team

When you and your partner are shopping for mattresses, there’s a lot to consider. Naturally, you want something with bed dimensions that fits in your space and with the bed frame of your dreams. This can make a full size memory foam mattress seem ideal.

But the most important question when picking a bed size is whether the two of you can get a good night’s sleep on your mattress of choice. In fact, you might be wondering can two adults sleep on a full mattress?

The good news? A full mattress (aka double bed) has been considered the gold standard bed size for couples, and can definitely sleep two. 

However, some couples may find a larger queen or king size mattress is their perfect fit. In this short guide, we’ll cover your options. 

Mattress History Laid Out 

As we noted, there’s a long history of full size mattresses as the preferred choice for couples.

So what changed?

The options.

Up until the late 19th century, manufacturers made mattresses in a variety of shapes and sizes.1 However, this created understandable confusion when it came to fitting sheets and blankets. Starting in the 1870s, nationwide manufacturers began to standardize their mattress sizes.

The Original Mattress Size Options

During the late 19th century, two bed sizes were being manufactured: the 54” wide by 75” long full or double mattress size and the narrower 38” by 75” single mattresses (today’s twin). Also, there was a brief attempt to create an in-between “¾ mattress,” but manufacturers never succeeded in standardizing its bed size, and it failed to become a staple.

While single mattresses were meant to accommodate one person, the “full” or “double” mattress was marketed to accommodate two (hence the names).

Modern Mattress Size Options

In the 1950s, the industry began to introduce larger king and queen bed sizes. These were 5” longer, making them more comfortable for people over six feet tall. Likewise, they provided more sleeping space for couples to sleep with their children or pets.

Thanks to expanding options for consumers, full size mattresses are no longer the default for couples (or even adults).

Which kind of mattress is most popular?

  • Full size mattresses make up 14% of bed sales.2
  • King mattress purchases are slightly more prevalent, accounting for 19% of the market. 
  • 47% of all mattress purchases are queens, making this the most popular option and likely the best bed size for couples.

What’s the rest of the market made up of? Extra-large California king size beds, twin size mattresses, and longer twin XL beds. At Casper, we carry six mattress sizes in four different mattress types to provide every person with an option that’s best suited for them.

Despite shifting consumer trends, some people find that a double bed is a perfect size for two (or one). Next, we’ll look closer at who should consider a full size mattress.

Who Are Full Size Mattresses Best Suited For?

Is a full bed big enough for 2? It really depends on the two in question.

A full size bed can be ideal in situations like the following:

  • Small spaces – Do you sleep in a very small bedroom? If so, a mattress with smaller bed dimensions could make the room feel spacious. Use that extra square footage for a floor lamp, a side table, or even a spot for your yoga mat.
  • Petite people and snugglers – If you and your partner are both relatively small, you may not need a large mattress. Likewise, if you spoon for most of the night rather than spreading out, you’ll likely find a full size mattress gives you plenty of sleeping space and cuddling room.
  • Style and appearance – Because full size mattresses were the norm for close to a century, it’s easy to find a vintage bed frame and headboard that will accomodate this mattress size. Go antiquing and fulfill your boho chic fantasy. Even if you find a queen size headboard, no need to wonder “Can a full size mattress fit a queen headboard?” It’s easy to use it alongside a double frame. 

However, some people find that they require more space to achieve a good night’s sleep.

When to Upgrade to a Larger Mattress Size

If any of the following sounds like you, consider a larger queen mattress:

  • You or your partner are over six feet tall
  • You like to spread out and change positions
  • You sleep with a pet
  • Your children often join you in bed
  • You sleep hot and need space from your partner and their body heat

The extra six inches in width from a queen size bed may not sound like much, but it can make a difference when your golden retriever is trying to squeeze between the two of you! 

If you need even more space than provided by a queen bed to fit your family, opt for a king sized bed.

Find Your Perfect Fit With Casper

At Casper, we know that it can take trial and error to find the right mattress.

That’s why we provide six mattress sizes along with four different mattress types.

Need a hybrid twin XL mattress for the hot-sleeping teen in your family? We’ve got you covered! Want to try out an all-foam California king mattress with your partner? We stock that, too. But if you’re looking for a full size memory foam mattress, look no further. We have all you need for a comfortable mattress.

With our 100 night risk-free-trial*, we make sure you have the time you need to find the right-sized bed. 

Sources: 

  1. Vintage House. Standard bed sizes. http://amgvintagehouse.com/furniture-facts/standard-bed-sizes/
  2. Statista. How wide is the bed you mainly sleep on at home?
  3. https://www.statista.com/statistics/673201/mattress-size-among-us-adults-by-age-group/

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