Today, a plethora of mattress styles, material types, and size options are available, making it more necessary than ever to consider your choices wisely and research adjustable beds and mattresses thoroughly to make an ideal purchase. As you navigate through the process of finding a mattress or sleep system, it’s important to compare standard and specialty mattress sizes on the market today.
The Main Differences
- Standard Twin XLs measure 38 inches by 80 inches, making them ideal for kids, young adults, college dorms, and spare rooms.
- Split king mattresses are still a standard size to today's norms, measuring 76 inches by 80 inches. Both the Split King and regular King have the same dimensions, except that the Split King features two separate mattresses, making it ideal for beds with multiple sleepers or couples with differing sleep schedules, needs for separate positioning or unique preferences to achieve comfort.
- Both Twin XL and Split King mattresses work well with adjustable beds; together, they form a personalized adjustable bed sleep system.
Twin XL and split king beds are well-suited for different scenarios and appeal to various types of sleepers. The need for a Twin or TwinXL versus a King will primarily depend on the number of sleepers in the bed and the size of the bedroom.
Both Twin XL and Split King are slightly less commonly purchased compared to other standard sizes, like Queen. Still, each mattress dimension is intentionally produced to accommodate sleepers with different body types, specific needs, sleep schedules, and varying bedroom sizes.
Next, the Bed Tech Sleep Experts highlight and discuss typical questions about mattress sizes—such as comparing TwinXL to Split King. After providing you with this valuable information, you will have the confidence to understand the differences between specific mattress sizes, making your shopping experience much more straightforward and less confusing. You will also be better prepared to make the best judgment and ideal purchase based on your unique needs and scenario.

TwinXL Mattresses Explained
The primary difference between a Twin XL and a Split King mattress is simple. A Split King is twice the width of a Twin XL but still the same length. If you set up two Bed Tech Hybrid Twin XL mattresses directly side by side, this creates a Split King bed.
Twin XL Mattress Dimensions: 38-inches x 80-inches
A regular (unsplit) King bed is twice as wide as a Twin or Twin XL. Likewise, a Twin XL and a King are the same length (80 inches), but a Twin XL measures five inches longer than a Twin size.
Recommended Room Size for Twin XL: 8 feet x 10 feet
A Twin or Twin XL bed on its own, even for one adult, is a slightly confined bed size to today's standards. Nevertheless, it's still suitable for one single sleeper, especially for kids. A Twin size mattress—such as the Bed Tech GelMax— is also often necessary for small bedroom spaces, such as children's rooms. Many would say it’s the best size—King size—which accommodates more sleepers, the merrier; they are wide enough to fit two (or more) sleepers.
Who Is a TwinXL Mattress Best Suited For?
Twin and Twin XL mattresses were once referred to as single mattresses for a reason. They are ideal for independent sleepers or small, narrow bedroom spaces. Typically, twin mattresses—such as the Bed Tech CS Hybrid—are primarily suitable for kids and teenagers and are also commonly found in college dorm rooms. Adults on the petite side can also find comfort on a twin mattress, provided they don't move around too much while sleeping.
Hence the name, Twin Extra Long (TXL) mattresses extend 5 inches longer than sizes like Twin or Full, making them a top suggestion for tall individuals, especially kids, who prefer to sprawl out or stretch their legs while sleeping.
Individuals who favor a more spacious sleeping surface, including generous legroom, may want to choose between a Twin XL, a Queen, or a King bed. Taller people will likely appreciate the legroom that these larger sizes provide—a more common or familiar length of 80 inches for adults.
Consider the Bed Tech Copper Lux as an excellent option for a Twin XL or mattress for a Split King Bed.
All About Split King Mattresses
When setting up Split King mattresses to make up a bed, you will need two Twin XL mattresses placed side by side to complete the arrangement. Often, split box springs or adjustable beds, like the Bed Tech BT3000, are used as the base for the mattresses to sit on top of.
Split King Mattress Dimensions: 76-inches x 80-inches
Recommended Room Size for King beds: 12 feet x 12 feet
Twin XL and Split King mattresses can also be placed on top of a platform bed and styled with a headboard and footboard, even if the base is one piece rather than two.
Split King mattresses, combined with Bed Tech Split King adjustable beds, create an adjustable bed sleep system that offers dual adjustability—personalized positioning and comfort control—on both sides of the bed.
If your bedroom doesn't accommodate a King-size bed with your furniture, Split and Split-Head Queen mattresses, as well as adjustable beds, are less standard but still available on the market today.
King mattresses, including Split King, both have dimensions of 76 inches by 80 inches.
Each of the two pieces that form the Split King bed measures 38 inches by 80 inches, the same dimension as a Twin XL.
King beds are the most expensive and take up more space than any other mattress size. Their size makes them ideal for couples or multiple sleepers in a bed who have opposite sleep schedules or bedtime routines.
- Bedrooms that are 12 feet by 12 feet are the best for King size beds.
- Purchasing a Split King mattress will cost between $1,200 and $15,000; this is typically $800 to $2,000 more than a regular King mattress.
The Bed Tech Copper Lux Hybrid is a great option for a luxurious yet affordable, balanced-feeling mattress—supportive and cozy.

King Adjustable Bed Sleep Systems
Combining your mattress, whether it's a Twin XL, Split King, or regular King, with an adjustable bed creates a luxurious and customizable sleep system. The difference lies in split and split head sizes, which provide dual independent adjustability, allowing both sides of the bed to articulate into completely different positions simultaneously.
For example, one side of the bed can be raised at the head, allowing one person to read or watch TV comfortably without needing to rearrange pillows. At the same time, the other side can adjust its position by raising its head and feet into a Zero Gravity position to help alleviate back pain.
Available Split and Split Head Sleep System Sizes
- Split Head Queen
- Split Head King
- Split Head California King
- Split King
- Split California King
When creating an adjustable bed sleep system, all Split Head sizes often utilize split adjustable beds that are entirely split down the middle, accommodating dual positioning for both the left and right sides of the mattress. Some brands, like Bed Tech, offer Split Head Adjustable Bed options as well.
How to Setup Two TwinXL Mattresses to Create a Split King Bed
The easiest way to 'transform' two Twin XL mattresses into a Split King bed is to purchase all the items at the same time. You can also piece the items together, such as buying the items separately or attempting to use mattresses and bases you already have.
Still, the most straightforward approach to setting up a Twin XL or Split King Bed is:
- Select a foundation: Choose between adjustable beds, box spring foundations, or a platform-style bed frame (no box springs needed.)
- Choose your mattress(es): For a Split King, shoppers may select two different mattress types and/or firmnesses, catering to the diverse needs and comfort preferences of couples.
- Setup the bed: Quite clearly, your mattress(es) go on top of whichever base you choose. Bed straps connecting the two are optional, which prevents the two Twin XL beds within the Split King from spreading apart, thereby creating an unnecessary gap in the middle of the bed. The good news is that bed straps are generally not necessary because high-quality Bed Tech mattresses and adjustable beds are heavy and not easily shifted or moved.
- Put on the Sheets: Make sure you choose the proper size sheets for the bed size you're setting up; otherwise, they'll likely tend to slip off the corners or not fit the bed properly. Split King bed sheets often include two fitted (Twin XL) sheets, one flat (King) sheet, and two pillowcases. Split Head sheet sizes are specially designed to fit split-head mattresses, using one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and two pillowcases.
If you have a Split King bed, once your sheets surround your mattress and bedding drapes over each side, you won't even notice that your King bed is actually two Twin XLs.
The Benefits of Split King Beds for Couples
As the saying goes, 'To each their own,' including the style or firmness of your mattress. Mattress selection is a personal preference, and couples often like different things when it comes to 'firm or soft' and specific mattress styles and material types.
Nevertheless, sleepers of all positions—side, back, or stomach sleepers— can all use Twin XL and King beds. But, if you tend to move around a lot while sleeping, you may find a larger bed more comfortable, especially if you share it with someone else, such as your partner.
Today, a wide variety of mattress styles made from different material types and sizes are available. Beds for couples and multiple sleepers often require compromise when choosing the style and firmness, also known as the comfort level. Indeed, a Twin XL bed—formerly referred to as a single bed—is not a recommended option for couples. So, you will likely be deciding between a Full, Queen, regular King, Split, or Split Head King.
Suppose you have a large enough bedroom and already know that you and your partner don't share the exact same wants or needs when it comes to mattresses. In that case, you should pick a split King size bed to ensure both sleepers maintain their utmost comfort. If you opt for a Split King Bed, you can choose your own preference of the following:
- Mattress firmness: Split King allows you to choose two different mattresses, one for each side of the bed. Keep in mind that the mattress height, or profile, will affect how evenly they line up once you set up the bed.
- Material or Innerspring type: Various comfort materials and innerspring support systems provide different and unique feeling mattresses. Memory foam can gently or intensely cradle the body as you sink down and 'sleep more in the mattress.' Latex delivers a weightless, floating sensation as you are supported while sleeping more 'on the mattress.' By choosing a Split King bed with two Twin XL mattresses, you will gain personalized support and comfort, making everyone happy with the final decision.
Innovative Mattresses: The Advantages of Split Head Sizes
Until more innovative and beneficial sizes were introduced, Split King beds contained two entirely separate Twin XL mattresses. After putting the sheets and bedding on, most people can't entirely tell that the bed is split into two.
Bed Tech highlights their Split Head mattress variation, where the mattress comes split, but only the top one-third near the head of the mattress. This variation even offers dual functionality, allowing you to adjust the head or feet of the bed with an adjustable base.
Still, without a full split down the middle, Split Head sizes remain one piece at the bottom—maintaining a solid mattress 'cuddle zone' down the middle of the bed.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Bed Size
While making decisions during your mattress shopping journey, keep these important bed-size considerations in mind:
- Sleep Schedule
- Bedtime Routine
- Number of Sleepers in Bed
- Sleepers Body Type and Weight
- Bedroom Size
- Medical Needs for Specific Positioning with an adjustable bed
- Comfort Preferences (mattress type and firmness)
- Foundation Type (adjustable bed, box spring, and bed frame, or platform)
Discover the Next Level of Sleep Success with Bed Tech!
As you can see, there are many factors to entertain when deciding on a comfortable and suitable mattress size for you. Now, The Bed Tech Sleep Experts have hopefully provided you with helpful information to give you the confidence to figure out what the best choice is for your bedroom. Whether your room is big, small, narrow, or tall—or if you're a single or co-sleeper—we've got the best selection of mattress sizes and types for you!


