Difference Between Queen & Full Mattress

Full Mattresses

• A full-size mattress is commonly referred to as a "double." According to the International Sleep Products Association, a full is 53 by 75 inches (15 inches wider than a twin-size bed). A full extra long mattress is still 53 inches wide, but is 80 inches long (same length as a queen).

Queen Mattresses

• The International Sleep Products Association states that a standard queen-size mattress is 60 by 80 inches (7 inches wider and 5 inches longer than a full).

Cost

• A full-size mattress and bed springs set may start at $360. High-end full-size sets with patented memory foam material may cost $3,800 or more. A low-end queen set may start at $400 and climb to more than $4,999 for ultra-plush memory foam.

Recommendations

• The Better Sleep Council is a nonprofit organization providing education and outreach on the connection between sleep and good health. The Council recommends a queen-size mattress for "guest rooms, couples who prefer close quarters or single sleepers" who like to sprawl out.

Market Trends

• According to the Better Sleep Council, in 1999 the "queen-size mattress became America's most popular choice for mattress size," beating out twin-size for the first time.