Dreaming of ultimate comfort and luxury? The Alaskan King size bed is the pinnacle of spacious sleeping, perfect for families, couples, or anyone craving room to stretch out. This shopping guide explores why investing in an Alaskan King bed is a game-changer for your bedroom, helping you find the best options to transform your sleep space into a relaxation haven.
Understanding the Alaskan King Size Bed: Types, Variations, and Applications
The Alaskan King bed stands as the largest standard mattress available for consumers, typically measuring a massive 108″ x 108″ (9 feet by 9 feet). However, within the world of oversized beds, there are related variants, including the Alaskan King Shorty, Alaskan King Biggie, and custom sizes that further expand your options. The table below summarizes the most common types and how they compare.
| Type/Variant | Dimensions (W x L) | Typical Applications | Number of Adults Comfortably | Main Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaskan King | 108″ x 108″ | Master bedrooms, family co-sleeping | 4+ | Maximum space, ultimate comfort for families & tall people |
| Alaskan King Shorty | 108″ x 80″/84″/96″ | Long but not square rooms | 3-4 | Wide, fits narrower rooms |
| Alaskan King Mini | 96″ x 96″ | Slightly smaller rooms | 3-4 | Spacious yet more adaptable in medium-large rooms |
| Alaskan King Biggie | 120″-144″ x 108″ | Large suites, custom design homes | 4-6 | Extreme spaciousness, luxury showpiece |
| Custom Alaskan King | Varies (e.g., rounded, split) | Unique room shapes, custom design | Varies | Tailored fit, accommodates unique layouts |
Everyday Usage: Who Is the Alaskan King Bed For?
Family Co-Sleeping
The Alaskan King is ideal for households where children or pets frequently join in bed. Its generous square footage provides individual sleep zones, so everyone—adults, kids, and even large pets—has ample room to stretch and relax without crowding.
Tall Sleepers and Restless Partners
If you or your partner are tall, standard mattresses often fall short—literally. The Alaskan King’s extended length and width ensure you’re never hanging off the edge. Plus, for restless sleepers or light sleepers concerned with motion transfer, the sheer size of the bed means you’re unlikely to disturb each other during the night.
Luxury Bedrooms and Statement Pieces
With its imposing size and often bespoke craftsmanship, the Alaskan King quickly becomes the centerpiece of any bedroom. It’s well-suited for luxury homes, master suites, or anyone who wants their bedroom to feel truly grand.
Multi-Purpose Room Solutions
Some households use Alaskan King beds as oversized lounging platforms, turning large TV rooms, basements, or family dens into a shared relaxation space. When family movie night, sleepovers, or lounging with pets is a regular occurrence, this bed delivers unmatched comfort and versatility.
Key Benefits of Owning an Alaskan King Size Bed
- Maximum Sleeping Space: At 81 square feet, it’s twice the area of a standard King bed and larger than two Queens combined.
- Enhanced Family Bonding: Comfortable for collective sleeping or lounging, accommodating multiple children and pets.
- Superior Comfort: High-quality models offer advanced materials like eco-friendly memory foam, cashmere tops, organic cotton, cooling gel foams, or hybrid innerspring systems for custom sleep experiences.
- Improved Sleep Quality: The sheer space allows for less sleep disturbance from partners, children, or pets, promoting deeper, undisturbed rest.
- Showcase Aesthetic: Alaskan King beds, especially those with handcrafted frames, become visual focal points in large bedrooms, providing a sense of luxury and grandeur.
- Customization: Many providers offer customizable frames, headboards, fabric choices, and even mattress firmness zones tailored to individual needs.
How to Choose the Right Alaskan King Bed
Selecting the right Alaskan King bed involves more considerations than just mattress size. Here’s how to ensure you make a well-informed choice:
1. Measure Your Space
- Minimum Room Size: Ensure your room is at least 16’ x 16’. Allow for walking space on all sides.
- Delivery Logistics: Consider doorways, staircases, and tight corners. Modular mattresses that ship in sections simplify setup.
2. Knowing Your Usage
- Frequency: Will this be the main bed or a family gathering/lounge area?
- Users: Consider the total number of regular occupants (adults, children, pets).
3. Select Mattress Type
- Foam: Quiet, good contour and pressure relief, but may sleep warmer unless infused with cooling gels.
- Hybrid: Combines foam comfort with wrapped coils for support, motion isolation, durability, and breathability.
- Latex: Offers firmness, durability, and hypoallergenic benefits.
- Custom Layers: Some mattresses allow you to adjust firmness by flipping or rearranging internal layers for a personalized feel.
4. Frame and Support System
- Platform Beds: No box spring needed; generally easier to assemble.
- Customized Frames: Handcrafted or solid wood frames for aesthetics and durability.
- Storage Options: Look for options with under-bed drawers or trundles for added functionality.
5. Bedding and Accessories
- Bedding Compatibility: Only specialized manufacturers provide sheets, comforters, and mattress protectors for these non-standard sizes.
- Material Quality: Look for organic, breathable, and hypoallergenic bedding for maximum comfort.
6. Budget Planning
- Mattress Cost: Typically ranges $2,000–$7,000+ for quality mattresses.
- Bed Frame: $1,800–$5,000+, depending on material and design.
- Shipping & Delivery: Modular designs can save over $1,000 on freight. Check for free shipping options.
- Financing: Many retailers offer 0% APR financing or installment plans.
7. Warranty and Trial Periods
- Warranty: Seek at least a 10-year warranty; some offer lifetime or limited lifetimes.
- Trial Periods: Some providers offer 100 or even 120-night sleep trials.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
- Room Layout: Before ordering, map out your room on paper or with masking tape to envision the bed’s footprint, walkways, and furniture placement.
- Set Up Help: Due to size and weight, enlist others for setup or opt for white-glove delivery service if available.
- Mattress Rotation: Rotate the mattress every 6 months for even wear. Modular mattresses are easier to move and rotate than monolithic designs.
- Temperature Regulation: Choose mattresses with cooling technologies or breathable bedding, especially for co-sleepers.
- Adjustable Firmness: If purchasing a mattress with adjustable layers, experiment with different firmness combinations to optimize comfort.
- Replacement: Modular mattresses allow section replacements—more affordable than replacing the entire bed.
- Bedding Care: Due to custom size, buy multiple sheet sets to always have clean bedding on hand while laundering.
- Maintenance: Use mattress protectors to guard against spills, especially if pets or young children will share the bed.
Technical Comparison Table: Popular Alaskan King Bed Models
| Model/Brand | Mattress Type | Construction | Adjustable Firmness? | Height (inches) | Warranty | Notable Features | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaskan King Original | Hybrid/Custom | Organic, foam, latex | Yes (modular layers) | 11–13.5 | 10 year+ | Handcrafted, multiple firmness levels | ~$4,000–$5,000 |
| AKS Luxe Hybrid | Hybrid | Premium foam + coils | No | 13 | Lifetime limited | Advanced cooling, motion isolation | ~$6,000+ |
| Big Mattress Co. Classic | Hybrid | Foam + innerspring | No | 11–12 | 10 years | Replaceable parts, 100-night trial | ~$2,250–$4,400 |
| Mattress Insider Modular | Hybrid | 3-piece (foam, coils) | Yes (6 settings) | 13.5 | Varies | Easy shipping, adjustable firmness | ~$4,700 |
| CustomMattressFactory Luxe | Hybrid | Memory foam, cotton | No | 12–13 | Varies | Cashmere fabric option, eco-friendly | ~$2,500–$3,000 |
| Sierra Living Concepts | Platform Bed | Solid wood frame | N/A | Custom | Varies | Handcrafted, customizable finishes | ~$2,500+ |
| Comfort King Mattress | Hybrid/Latex | Customizable Hybrid | Yes (on custom) | Varies | Varies | Factory direct, tailored builds | ~$3,500–$8,000 |
Everyday Use and User Tips
Everyday Comfort
- Daily Sleep: Provides restful, uninterrupted sleep for couples, thanks to ample space and advanced support systems.
- Co-Sleeping: Makes family co-sleeping easy and comfortable—no more getting nudged or fighting for covers.
- Pet Owners: Allows space for larger breeds or multiple pets to sprawl alongside you.
Using Your Alaskan King Bed Effectively
- Keep Bedding Accessible: Custom-sized bedding can be hard to find, so order at least two sets for convenient swaps.
- Periodic Cleaning: Use a strong vacuum or professional upholstery service as needed. Removable layers make deep cleaning easier on some models.
- Accessorize: Consider adding matching nightstands, benches, or storage chests to balance the room’s proportions and maximize utility.
- Plan for Changes: If moving homes, modular beds are easier to transport than solid, single-piece mattresses.
Conclusion
An Alaskan King size bed is more than just a mattress—it’s an investment in luxury, space, and versatility. Perfect for sprawling sleepers, active families, and those seeking a showpiece for their home, this bed transforms sleep quality and bedroom aesthetics. While the cost and logistics may be higher than standard beds, the payoff in comfort and lifestyle is substantial. By carefully measuring your space, considering sleep preferences, and choosing reputable manufacturers, you can enjoy years of restful, roomy sleep and create a true haven for relaxation and togetherness.
FAQ
What are the actual dimensions of an Alaskan King bed?
An Alaskan King bed measures 108 inches by 108 inches (9 feet by 9 feet), providing over 81 square feet of sleeping space.
Can an Alaskan King bed fit in a standard bedroom?
Typically, you’ll need a room no smaller than 16′ x 16′ to comfortably fit an Alaskan King bed with adequate space for movement and furniture.
How many people can sleep on an Alaskan King bed?
Up to four adults, or two adults and several children or pets, can sleep comfortably without crowding.
Is it difficult to move or set up an Alaskan King bed?
Due to its size and weight, it’s best to choose a model that comes in modular pieces for easy transport. White glove delivery is often recommended.
Are sheets and bedding for Alaskan King beds easy to find?
You will need to purchase sheets, comforters, and protectors specially made for this size. Many bed manufacturers offer matching bedding sets as part of their product line.
What types of mattresses are available for Alaskan King beds?
Options include memory foam, hybrid (foam + coils), latex, and customized builds with adjustable firmness. Hybrid models often provide the best mix of support and comfort for large, shared beds.
How much does an Alaskan King bed cost?
Prices vary widely, with quality mattresses starting around $2,000 and going up to $7,000 or more depending on features, frame, and materials. Custom frames and premium bedding can add to the cost.
What is the difference between an Alaskan King and other oversized beds?
The Alaskan King is the largest standard mattress. Wyoming King and Texas King are smaller but still larger than traditional Kings. Some brands also offer custom oversized variations.
Are there trial periods or warranties for Alaskan King beds?
Many reputable manufacturers provide 100-120 night sleep trials and at least 10-year limited warranties. Always check with the specific brand for terms.
Can I put an Alaskan King bed on any bed frame?
No. Due to its size and weight, you will need a frame specifically designed to support the Alaskan King’s dimensions and distributed load. Solid platform or custom wood frames are commonly used.
This comprehensive guide will help you confidently select, purchase, and enjoy your Alaskan King bed, ensuring years of restful, luxurious sleep and unmatched comfort for your whole household.
