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Choosing the best California king mattress is essential for maximizing comfort and support, especially for taller individuals or those who simply prefer a longer sleeping surface. The California king size is slightly narrower and longer than a standard king, making it an ideal option for those who need extra legroom while still enjoying ample space for two sleepers. In 2024, the market offers a diverse range of mattresses tailored to various preferences, including memory foam, latex, hybrid, and innerspring models. This comparison guide will help you navigate the top options available, highlighting their unique features and benefits to find the perfect fit for your sleeping needs.
In this guide, we’ll delve into the best California king mattresses, focusing on critical factors such as firmness, materials, temperature regulation, and durability. Whether you’re looking for a plush feel that cradles your body or a firmer surface that provides optimal support, we’ll cover a variety of choices suited to different sleeping positions and body types. Additionally, we’ll examine essential features like motion isolation and edge support to ensure you make an informed decision. By comparing these top-rated models, you can find the ideal California king mattress that offers the perfect balance of comfort and support for a restful night’s sleep.
- Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress – Best for Hot Sleepers
- Nectar Mattress – Best for Side Sleepers
- LINENSPA Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress – Best Budget Option
- Sealy Memory Foam Mattress – Best for Back Pain
- LUCID Mattress – Best for Couples
- OLIVER & SMITH Mattress – Best for Stomach Sleepers
- Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress – Best Eco-Friendly Option
How We Compared The Mattresses
When comparing the best California King mattresses, we considered several key factors such as comfort, support, material quality, durability, and price.
Comfort is paramount for any mattress. We looked at factors like firmness level, pressure relief, and overall sleep experience. It’s essential to understand that comfort can be subjective, as it largely depends on the individual’s weight, sleeping position, and personal preference.
Support is another crucial aspect. A good mattress should promote spinal alignment and prevent sinkage in heavier areas of the body. We evaluated each mattress’s ability to provide adequate support, particularly for different sleeping positions.
The material quality impacts the mattress’s performance and longevity. We assessed the quality of materials used in each layer of the mattress, including the comfort layer, transition layer, and support core.
Durability is another vital factor to consider, as a high-quality mattress should last for several years without significant sagging or indentations. We examined the construction and material quality to gauge the expected lifespan of each mattress.
Finally, price is an essential consideration. We looked at whether each mattress offered value for money, taking into account its performance, durability, and additional features, such as a sleep trial and warranty.
By carefully evaluating these factors and incorporating real customer reviews, we were able to identify the best California King mattresses available on the market.
The Best California King Mattresses In Detail
Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress

This mattress is an excellent choice for those seeking comfort, support, and a good night’s sleep without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Comfortable and supportive
- Regulates body temperature
- Resistant to allergens and mold
Cons
- Quite heavy
- May take some time to fully expand
- Initial off-gassing odor
As sleep enthusiasts, we were excited to try the Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress. From the moment we unpacked it, we noticed how well-constructed it is. The beautiful stretch knit fabric cover with waterfall edge and matching knit side panels give it a luxurious and elegant appearance.
Lying down on the mattress, we felt an immediate sense of comfort, mainly due to the 2-inch top layer of breathable ventilated cool gel memory foam. This gel-infused layer contours to the body’s shape and provides a faster recovery factor than conventional memory foam. The second 2-inch memory foam layer combined with the 2-inch comfort foam layer offers excellent support, making for an incredibly comfortable sleeping experience.
We were also pleased that this mattress effectively regulates body temperature, thanks to the cool gel technology. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who sleep hot or live in warmer climates. Additionally, the mattress is naturally resistant to allergens, mold, bacteria, and dust mites, ensuring a healthy sleep environment.
While we loved the overall experience of the Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress, there were a few cons. The mattress is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to move or rotate. Also, it may take some time to fully expand after unboxing, so it’s essential to be patient while waiting for it to reach its full thickness. Lastly, upon first opening the mattress, there is a noticeable off-gassing odor. However, it does dissipate over time.
In conclusion, the Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress offers excellent comfort, support, and temperature regulation at an affordable price. Considering its pros and cons, we believe it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a high-quality California king mattress without breaking the bank.
Nectar Mattress

The Nectar California King Mattress offers a perfect balance of comfort and support, making it a great choice for a variety of sleepers.
Pros
- Excellent trial period and warranty
- Gel memory foam for a cool and comfortable sleep
- Five layers of comfort for a tailored sleep experience
Cons
- Some users may find it too firm
- Minimal edge support when sitting
- Takes a full 24 hours to fully expand
We recently tried the Nectar California King Mattress for ourselves and found that it offered a fantastic sleep experience. The gel memory foam not only made for a comfortable night’s sleep, but it also helped to keep us cool throughout the night, molding to each curve of our bodies.
The five-layer construction ensures that you get the right amount of support and comfort where you need it most, regardless of your preferred sleep position. Whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, stomach sleeper, or even if you tend to toss and turn, the Nectar mattress adapts to your unique needs.
However, we did notice that the mattress might be too firm for some individuals, potentially leading to discomfort. On the other hand, those who require a firmer mattress may find this beneficial. Additionally, the edge support is somewhat lacking when sitting on the mattress, so keep that in mind if you have a habit of sitting on the edge.
Once you receive the mattress, be aware that it takes a full day to fully expand and reach its final form. However, this isn’t much of a downside considering the overall quality of the mattress. Plus, Nectar offers an industry-leading 365-night home trial, during which you can determine if the mattress is the right fit for you. They also back their product with a “Forever Warranty,” making this a low-risk investment for those seeking a new sleeping surface.
In conclusion, the Nectar California King Mattress 12 Inch is a top-quality mattress with several notable features, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their sleep. While it may have minimal edge support and be too firm for some, the impressive trial period and warranty make it well worth considering.
LINENSPA Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress

We recommend this LINENSPA hybrid mattress for those seeking a balance between comfort and support at an affordable price.
Pros
- Contouring memory foam and durable steel springs combine for a comfortable, medium feel
- Excellent value for the cost, suitable for any bedroom
- Conveniently ships directly to your door in a compact box
Cons
- Takes 24 to 72 hours for the mattress to regain its full shape
- Memory foam expands faster in warmer rooms, causing variation in expansion time
- Some users may experience hip discomfort over time
When we first unboxed and unrolled our LINENSPA 10-inch hybrid mattress, we were pleased with the initial appearance and feel. This California King mattress combines both innerspring and memory foam technologies, delivering a satisfying blend of pressure-relieving comfort and reliable support. Thanks to its medium firmness, it suits a wide range of sleepers, from back and side sleepers to those who switch positions throughout the night.
One notable aspect of this mattress is its affordability, especially considering its quality. The steel coils provide a sturdy base, while the cushioning memory foam layer conforms to our body shape, evenly distributing weight and minimizing pressure points. Whether you’re looking for a new mattress for your master bedroom or a guest room, this versatile option delivers comfortable and restful sleep night after night.
However, it’s essential to note the mattress takes between 24 to 72 hours to regain its full shape after unboxing. Also, the memory foam layer expands faster in warmer rooms, leading to varying expansion times. While these factors may not be deal-breakers for most, they are worth considering before making a purchase. Additionally, some users reported experiencing hip discomfort over time, which could be an issue for those with sensitive joints or pre-existing pain.
Overall, we found the LINENSPA 10 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress – California King Mattress to be an excellent value for the cost, offering a comfortable sleep experience and the convenience of direct shipping. Despite a few minor drawbacks, this mattress remains a top contender for those looking to purchase a balanced, affordable hybrid mattress.
Sealy Memory Foam Mattress

We believe the Sealy 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a high-quality California King mattress with a medium feel.
Pros
- CopperChill-infused memory foam for cooler sleep
- Suitable for all sleeping positions
- Delivered in a ready-to-use box within 24 hours
Cons
- May require extra time to expand in colder temperatures
- May not be suitable for those with back issues
- Weight can make it difficult to move
We recently tried the Sealy 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress in California King size, and we were quite impressed with the overall quality and comfort. The mattress comprises multiple foam layers, providing a combination of comfort and support. The top layer is infused with CopperChill, which promotes cooler and more comfortable sleep.
We found this mattress to be suitable for all sleeping positions, as it has a medium feel. Whether we slept on our back, stomach, or side, we felt adequately supported and comfortable throughout the night. It was also convenient to receive the mattress in a ready-to-use box, which only required removal of the packaging and a bit of time for the bed to decompress and expand to its final shape.
However, we did notice that in colder temperatures, the mattress may take a bit more time to expand to its full size. If you suffer from back pain or have had surgery in the past, this mattress may not give you the ideal support, as one of us experienced discomfort after a few nights. Additionally, the weight of the mattress can make it challenging to move around.
In conclusion, the Sealy 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress – California King is a great choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive sleeping solution. The CopperChill-infused memory foam ensures a cooler sleep, and the mattress is suitable for all sleeping positions. Just be cautious if you have pre-existing back issues and be prepared for the weight of the mattress.
LUCID Mattress

We highly recommend this mattress for those seeking the perfect balance of comfort and support in a medium feel.
Pros
- Ideal for side, back, and stomach sleepers
- Gel-infused memory foam and bamboo charcoal foam layers
- Hassle-free bed-in-a-box delivery and setup
Cons
- May have a break-in period for some sleepers
- Not suitable for those who prefer very firm or very soft mattresses
- Might be heavier than other mattresses in its category
We recently tried the LUCID 12 Inch California King Mattress and found it to be an excellent option for a wide range of sleepers. The medium feel provides a comfortable sleep experience for side, back, and stomach sleepers. The combination of materials, including a 1-inch layer of latex-like foam, a 2-inch layer of gel-infused memory foam, a 1-inch layer of transition foam, and an 8-inch layer of high-density support foam, effectively molds to the body without sacrificing support.
One of our favorite features is the gel memory foam, which helps regulate body temperature – perfect for those hot summer nights or for people who tend to sleep hot. The bamboo charcoal infusion also adds hypoallergenic properties, keeping the mattress fresh and odor-free.
Unboxing and setting up this bed-in-a-box mattress was a breeze, as it is compressed, rolled, and shipped in a single box. All we had to do was unbox, unroll, and wait for the mattress to expand, which took about 24-48 hours.
However, we noticed that some sleepers might require a break-in period, as the mattress may initially feel firmer or softer before adjusting to its intended medium feel. Additionally, those who prefer an extremely firm or soft mattress might find this one to be in the middle ground and not to their liking. Lastly, the mattress is slightly on the heavier side compared to other options in its category, which is something to consider when moving or rotating it.
Overall, we believe the LUCID 12 Inch California King Mattress offers excellent comfort and support for a variety of sleepers, making it a strong contender for those looking to purchase a new mattress.
OLIVER & SMITH Mattress

We believe this hybrid mattress should be considered for those seeking extra support, comfort, and pressure relief, particularly for people with back issues or heavier individuals.
Pros
- 12-inch thickness for extra support
- Pressure-relieving with independently packed pocket spring coils and memory foam
- Hybrid design offering temperature regulation and motion isolation
Cons
- May be too firm for some users
- Heavy, making it difficult to set up alone
- May take time to fully expand after unboxing
After unboxing the OLIVER & SMITH California King Mattress and testing it for ourselves, we were impressed with its 12-inch thickness that provided the right amount of support for a good night’s sleep. The added layers of foam and pocketed coils worked well, especially for heavier individuals or those who prefer a luxurious feel.
The pressure-relieving aspect of this mattress is noteworthy, featuring independently packed 15-gauge pocket spring coils and Cool Memory Foam, which offer a Comfort Plush feel. We found this particularly useful for those who deal with back issues or have difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position.
Another standout feature of the OLIVER & SMITH mattress is its hybrid design, combining both foam and coils to regulate temperature and offer motion isolation. This reduces the impact of partner movement during sleep, allowing for a more restful experience.
On the downside, some users may find this mattress to be too firm for their liking, which can cause discomfort. Additionally, the mattress is quite heavy, making it difficult to set up without assistance. Lastly, be prepared to give it a few hours to fully expand and take its full shape after unpacking.
In conclusion, we recommend the OLIVER & SMITH California King Mattress for those who seek extra support, as well as pressure relief for back issues or prefer a luxurious feel. Its hybrid design ensures temperature regulation and motion isolation, but keep in mind its firmness and weight when considering this purchase.
Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress has proven to be our top choice for a California King mattress due to its comfortable, supportive, and eco-friendly features.
Pros
- Infused with green tea and ActivCharcoal for a fresh and odor-free sleep
- Pressure-relieving foam for achy joints and spinal alignment
- CertiPUR-US certified for durability, performance, and content
Cons
- Might feel too firm for some sleepers
- Takes up to 72 hours to fully expand
- Limited in weight support; up to 500 lbs
We recently had the pleasure of sleeping on the Zinus 12 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam mattress, and it certainly lived up to its hype. The green tea and ActivCharcoal infusion effectively eliminated any unpleasant odors and kept the mattress feeling fresh. We found that this mattress works wonders for those who need pressure relief. Our achy joints and back pains were noticeably better, thanks to its layering of conforming memory foam, soft airflow-enhancing foam, and high-density base support foam.
While spending a night on this mattress, we appreciated its breathability – the open air pockets in the foam layer kept us cool and comfortable. We also noticed that the eco-friendly ingredients did not compromise on the durability or the performance of the mattress. Our experience with this mattress has been worry-free, especially considering the 10-year limited warranty it comes with, signifying Zinus’ confidence in their product.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to this mattress. Some sleepers might find it too firm, and it may not be suitable for those who prefer a plush sleeping surface. Additionally, the mattress takes up to 72 hours to expand fully after being unboxed, so you’ll need to be patient before enjoying its benefits. Lastly, it supports up to 500 lbs only, which may not be convenient for some users.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Zinus 12 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam mattress remains our top pick for a California King mattress and is perfect for side sleepers and those looking for an eco-friendly option.
Conclusion
After a thorough analysis of the mattresses listed, our top choice is the Zinus 12 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress. This mattress combines the highest quality materials with an innovative design to deliver superior comfort, support, and durability.
The Zinus mattress stood out in several areas. Its unique combination of pressure-relieving foam layers provides optimal spinal alignment and relief for achy joints, making it an ideal choice for those who suffer from chronic pain or have demanding physical routines. The infusion of green tea and ActivCharcoal is an innovative solution for maintaining freshness and combating odors, offering a hygienic and pleasant sleep environment.
Additionally, this mattress excels in terms of breathability. The open air pockets in the foam layer contribute to a cool and comfortable night’s sleep, crucial for those who tend to sleep hot. It’s also worth mentioning that the eco-friendly ingredients used in the manufacturing of this mattress have in no way compromised its performance or durability.
Given its competitive pricing and the generous 10-year limited warranty, we believe this mattress provides an excellent value proposition and is well worth considering for those in search of a new California King mattress.