| Buying a mattress that is too small is one of the biggest mistakes new bed-buyers make. Couples who've been sleeping on a full size mattress since they got married may think that's just fine, until they learn that each person has only as much sleeping space as a baby's crib!
• Full size mattress, sometimes called "double" or "regular", are 53 inches wide, which is just 15 inches wider than a twin size (single). That leaves each partner only 26 inches of personal space, or about the width of a crib. Both twin and full size mattresses are approximately 75 inches long, which may be too short for some adults.
A full size mattress is only enough space for a single sleeper and only if under 5 feet 5 inches tall.
 Parents are increasingly choosing full over twin size mattresses for their children in order to give parents a more comfortable place to rest when reading together at tuck-in time.
• Queen size mattresses are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long – 7 inches wider and 6 inches longer than a full size mattress. These added inches can make all the difference in comfort and have made the queen today's most popular mattress size. However, with 30 inches of personal space, each adult still has 8 inches less width than if they slept alone in a twin bed.
Queen size is a good choice for guest rooms, smaller master bedrooms and for couples who prefer close quarters. It's also a great choice for single sleepers who are also "sprawlers."
• King size mattresses are 76 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long – about 16 inches wider than a queen. King size is the best choice for couples that want maximum personal sleeping space and it's the best bet to accommodate that time on Sunday morning when children may pop into bed. However, size can be a problem; it may be too big for some bedrooms. It's a good idea to break out the tape measure if there is any doubt.
*There is also the "California King," which is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long – 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than a regular king.
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