Split King Bed Pros and Cons to Consider

August 28, 2024 | Casper Editorial Team

Fact checked by Jonathan Eilenberg, CPE

Split king beds allow two individuals to sleep comfortably and independently. However, they also can cost more than smaller mattresses like a queen bed, and can deter cuddling.


So you’re ready to invest in your dream mattress. If you’re browsing with a partner, you might assume that bigger is better — but design can be just as decisive as size when it comes to you both getting high-quality sleep.

Enter the split king bed. 

Split king mattresses are spacious and adaptable, easily tailored to couples’ needs. Most everyone has their sleeping quirks and patterns, and the split king’s construction (a split down the middle) can help both bedmates get their nighttime needs met; however, they can also be costly and deter late-night cuddling. 

That said, this mattress style comes with its own potential perks and drawbacks. Let’s take a look at this unique bed style and dive into split king bed pros and cons to help you decide whether it’s a double-winner for you both.

What Is a Split King Bed?

First, exactly what is a split king mattress? A split king bed has the same dimensions as a standard king-sized mattress: 76” (width) by 80” (length).1 The key difference lies in that “split:” Rather than one mattress, split kings have two adjoining twin XL mattresses that together form one larger one.2 Each separate mattress measures around 38” (width) by 80” (length).

Split king mattresses have several traits that set them apart:

  • They’re customizable – Because split king beds are divided into two segments, sleepers can personalize each side to suit their mattress preferences — particularly if you have an adjustable bed frame.3 
  • They’re ideal for sensitive sleepers – When you and a bedmate share a single sleeping surface, you’re more likely to feel whatever is going on on the other side of the mattress. Split king mattresses create artificial sleep zones to limit this feedback, making them ideal for sleepers who are easily disturbed by others’ rest patterns.

Do Split California King Beds Exist?

Yes, split California king beds do exist. A split Cal king bed consists of two separate mattresses, each measuring approximately 36 inches wide by 84 inches long, which together form a standard California king size of 72 inches by 84 inches. 

Split King Bed: The Pros

Most of the advantages of a split king-size bed fall under one umbrella: limitless possibility. So, if you and your partner have been struggling to get into a snooze groove, this mattress style will give you lots of room to find a solution that works for both of you.

Pro #1: Customizable Comfort

Even the happiest of couples can have different preferences when it comes to the ergonomics of sleep. Springs, or memory foam? Mattress topper, or no topper?

Fortunately, split king mattresses give you two twin XL mattresses to outfit instead of one. This means that you and your counterpart can choose their own style according to preferences in firmness, materials, linens, and so on.

Beyond design, greater personalization can help support your well-being. Mattress needs can vary based on:

  • Preferred position – No matter your preferred sleep posture, most of us need some structural support during rest.4 Your mattress should take some of the pressure off, contouring to your figure and offering enhanced spinal alignment. If you and your partner opt for different sleeping positions, split kings ensure you’ll both get support.
  • Health concerns – Some doctors recommend specific sleeping positions for people living with certain health conditions. If you or your bedmate struggle with musculoskeletal pain, sleep apnea, heartburn, or other ailments, your mattress style could help relieve symptoms.4

Pro #2: Excellent Motion Isolation

Many people struggle to get high-quality sleep when snuggling up to their partner every night. Split king mattresses are masters of what’s known as motion isolation: They reduce surface-wide feedback from stirrings made on the other side of the bed.

Getting a motion-isolation mattress may be a wise idea if:

  • You or your partner is a light or sensitive sleeper
  • You or your partner struggles with insomnia
  • You and your partner have different sleep schedules (e.g. you’re up early, they sleep in)

Motion isolation properties aren’t limited to split king mattresses. The Casper Dream hybrid memory foam mattress — available from twin-sized to king and split king — has a hybrid construction that limits motion sensitivity between each side of the bed.

All told, the split king can be a life-saver for couples who struggle with sleep interruptions. In other words, what happens on one side of the bed stays on that side of the bed.

Pro #3: May Improve Mattress Lifespan

If you and your partner have different body weights, you may notice:

  • The lighter partner tends to roll towards the heavier side
  • One side of the mattress becomes more distressed over time
  • Your mattress gets lumpy or misshapen more easily

Because of their motion-isolating properties, split king mattresses may be more resilient than their cousins. This mattress style does an excellent job of distributing weight more evenly.

Pro #4: Ease of Installation

Ever lived in a cramped apartment? Then you probably know firsthand that moving wide-load furniture isn’t for the faint of heart (or most walk-up stairwells).

When it comes to how to move a mattress, split king beds are a breeze to transport because of how modular they are. If security deposits, mover costs, or other stressors are a concern for you, a split king mattress could be an ideal bedding solution.

Split King Bed: The Cons

While there are many benefits to a split king-size bed, it’s also important to weigh the potential downsides.

Con #1: Cuddling Could Be a Challenge

For some, sleeping is a high-contact sport. Many people find they sleep better when spooned or snuggled up close to their beloved.5

If you and your partner enjoy winding down in each other’s arms before sleeping, the quirks of a split king bed might take some negotiating. Some couples are annoyed by the split between mattresses, which can make it slightly more challenging to stay physically close. 

That said, split king adjustable bed frames can promote your comfort by giving you maximum control. The Casper Adjustable Base Max lets you and your bedmate choose the position ideal for you: sleeping, reading, or checking your inbox while your partner sleeps in.

Con #2: They Could Be Higher Maintenance

Two mattresses necessarily require more bedding:

  • Two fitted sheets
  • Two twin XL-sized flat sheets
  • Several changes of bed sheets

Laundry loads may be double the size, and depending on your routine, it may require some planning to know who’s washed what, when. That said, with a little communication, plenty of couples find this isn’t a deal-breaker — it just requires staying flexible and getting into the groove of a new routine.

Con #3: They Can Cost More

Because of their specialized, hybrid nature, split king beds can be costlier than two discrete twin XL beds. You may need to invest in two bed bases in addition to the mattress, which can drive up costs if you’re looking for a quality model. 

Con #4: They Can’t Control Noise

While split king beds give the gift of motion isolation, they’re not built to manage noise. If your sleep sensitivity stems from your partner’s snores, sleep talk, or other sounds, there’s not much a split king bed can do to fix it.

Fortunately, there are many other creative ways to help manage the acoustics of your bedroom to help you both achieve high-quality sleep. You might try6:

  • Using earplugs while you rest
  • Getting a white noise machine
  • Wearing noise-canceling headphones
  • Trying out soundproof curtains

Should I Get a Split King Bed?

If a split king bed sounds appealing but not quite right, don’t forget that they aren’t the only adaptable options. Hybrid mattresses from Casper offer a perfect marriage of comfort and support, with properties like motion isolation and customizable firmness.

Getting an adjustable bed base to complement your split mattress can also introduce more customizability. The Casper Adjustable Base Max lets you personalize your position so one of you can catnap while the other scrolls the latest headlines. 

Tips for Buying the Best Split King Bed

If you’re sold on the split king model, keep these recommendations in mind before you buy:

  • Know your materials – Generally speaking, hybrid or foam-made mattresses are considered more comfortable than innerspring mattresses for the split king style. Foam construction does a better job with motion transfer, isolation, and responding to sleepers’ movements. Learn more about foam vs spring mattresses in our blog.
  • Assess your sleeping climate – Sometimes, split king beds can take some extra equipment to keep both mattresses secure. In aggregate, mattress pads, bed bridges, and mattress toppers can make your bed more prone to added heat.

If temperature control is a concern for you, know that Casper split king mattresses are obsessively engineered to keep cool and breathable (an expert-approved factor in getting the best sleep possible).7

  • Take stock of your sleep habits – Before investing in a new mattress, it may be worth paying extra close attention to your sleep patterns. You and your bedmate might even keep a sleep journal for a month or so, detailing where your bedtime routines match up and where they diverge. Having an accurate log of your habits can ensure you’re aware of all the factors when deciding which split king bed to buy.

Casper: Meet True Sleep Royalty

Split king beds can be divisive, but their potential to personalize make them well worth considering. If you’re searching for a sleep solution that’ll bring you and your bedmate together, you’ll never have to compromise when you choose Casper.

Whether you opt for the One affordable memory mattress (our best seller), the Hybrids, or the Maxes, each Casper mattress style comes in a split king option for couples claiming this style for their bedroom. Check out our rave reviews (all 110,000+ of them) and make bedtime something to look forward to.

Sources: 

  1. The Sleep Foundation. Bed Frame Sizes. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/bed-frame-sizes#what-is-a-bed-frame
  2. Good Housekeeping. 8 Best Split King Mattresses, Tested by Experts. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/g44447112/best-split-king-mattresses/ 
  3. Tom’s Guide. What is a split king mattress, are they worth it and should you switch? https://www.tomsguide.com/reference/what-is-a-split-king-mattress-dimensions-benefits-are-they-worth-it
  4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Choosing the Best Sleep Position. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/choosing-the-best-sleep-position 
  5. Sleep Foundation. Best Cuddling Positions for Sleep. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleeping-positions/best-cuddling-positions-sleep 
  6. The New York Times – Wirecutter. How to Conquer Annoying Noises So You Can Sleep. https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/conquer-annoying-noises-to-sleep/ 
  7. Cleveland Clinic. What’s the Best Temperature for Sleep? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-the-ideal-sleeping-temperature-for-my-bedroom