Should you buy a queen or full size mattress this Memorial Day? Here's how to tell
Do you need the space of a queen or the cozy comfort of a full size mattress?

Full and queen size mattresses are among the most popular bed sizes in the U.S. A full size mattress measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, while a queen is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. That might not sound like much on paper but in your bedroom, it makes a difference.
You'll find all the best mattresses sold online in 2025 in a full and queen size and you can save on both sizes in this year's Memorial Day mattress sales. So which should you choose?
While full mattresses are best for solo sleepers, queen beds have more room for couples — but they're also typically around $100-$300 more expensive.
In this guide we're exploring the pros and cons of full vs queen mattress sizes, including how body type, sleep needs and budget impact your choice. Let's get started...
Queen vs full size mattress: Key differences
A full mattress is a standard bed size measuring 54 inches wide x 75 inches long. Best suited to solo sleepers, you can fit two people in a full bed size (but it might be a squeeze.)
Queen mattresses are one standard bed size up from a full and measure 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. They're designed for couples but often used by solo sleepers seeking space.
Below we'll explore the key differences between full and queen mattresses:
Header Cell - Column 0 | Full mattress | Queen mattress |
---|---|---|
Width | 54" | 60" |
Length | 75" | 80" |
Best for... | Solo sleepers | Couples |
Recommended room size | 10' X 10' | 12' X 12' |
Price range | $500 – $1,600 | $700 – $1,800 |
Mid-range price | $650 | $900 |
What is a full size mattress?
A full mattress is one of the most popular bed sizes for solo sleeping adults. It has enough room for one person to stretch out without needing a large room to accommodate the bed frame.
A full is longer and wider than a twin mattress, which measures 38 x 75 inches. Twin mattresses are often used by children and teenagers.
However, if you're tall or have a bigger build, a full might seem constricting. Consider upgrading to a queen, or, if room space is an issue, try a twin XL. At 38 x 80 inches, a twin XL lacks the width of a full, but has extra length.
We recommend a minimum room size of 10 x 10 feet for a full size bed. This leaves space for furniture and walkways. Much bigger, and you might find the bed looks lost in the space.
It is possible to fit two people on a full size mattress, although you might find it a squeeze. For everyday use, we recommend upgrading to a queen.
But if you’re a couple who doesn’t mind cuddling, then a full size mattress could be right for you. Still, consider investing in one of the best cooling mattresses to prevent things from overheating.
And it's a great choice for a guest room, capable of accommodating single friends and any couples who might come to visit.
3 best full mattresses to buy today
1. Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress: full was $1,799 now $1,399 at Saatva
In the Saatva Memorial Day sale you can save $400 on all sizes of the Memory Foam Hybrid with our links, reducing a full size to $1,399 (was $1,799.) Saatva's most affordable adult mattress, in our Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress review we described this bed as close to perfect, with a versatile feel that suits most sleep styles (in case you have bed guests.) And it comes with Saatva's 365-night trial and lifetime warranty, plus free white glove delivery — so if you're a solo sleeper, you don't have to set up the mattress by yourself.
2. Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid Mattress: full was $1,199 now $839.30 at Brooklyn Bedding
If you're opting for a full size over a queen to save money, consider the budget-friendly luxury of the CopperFlex range. Our Brooklyn Bedding Copper Flex Pro Hybrid Mattress review team were immediately impressed with the luxury finish of this mattress, while the heat-wicking finish will help you sleep cooler even if there's two in a bed. Brooklyn Bedding typically offers 25% off so this Memorial Day 30% off sale is a chance to save more, with a full now only $839.30. It comes with a 120-night trial and lifetime warranty.
3. Siena Memory Foam Mattress: full $314 at Siena Sleep
One of the benefits of solo sleeping is you can fine tune your bed to precisely your needs. The firm feel of the Siena won't suit every sleep style but as we discovered in our Siena Memory Foam Mattress review, it's fantastic for back and stomach sleeping. There's an evergreen mattress sale at Siena that reduces a full size down to just $314 — exceptional value for a high quality mattress and a good price if you're shopping for a guest room. The benefits are also good, with a 180-night trial and a 10-year warranty.
What is a queen size mattress?
Queen is the most popular bed size in the U.S., and a queen mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. They're designed for couples but if you're a solo sleeper how loves space, this is also a good pick.
Two people can typically fit comfortably in a queen size mattress without getting in each other's way (and the Scandinavian sleep method can help even couples with different sleep preferences share a queen in harmony.)
However, couples with a bigger build, or those who like to cuddle up with the kids, might want to upgrade to extra space of a king. King mattresses measure 76 x 80 inches, adding 16 inches of width to stretch out in.
And if you're particularly tall, your best choice is a California king bed. These measure 72 x 84 inches, making them both wider and longer than a queen — no more feet poking out the end of the mattress.
We recommend a minimum bedroom size of 12 x 12 feet for a queen. This should be big enough that the mattress won't overwhelm the space, while still leaving room for walkways.
If you have the space (and budget) for it, a queen bed is also good for a guest room, especially for those who regularly host couples.
3 best queen mattresses to buy today
1. Saatva Classic Mattress: queen was $2,099 now $1,699 at Saatva
The Saatva Classic delivers a luxury sleep experience, with three firmness levels allowing you to pick a feel that suits you and your partners needs. The impressive edge support and motion isolation we noted during our Saatva Classic Mattress review makes it good for couples, but this is one queen size bed you might want all for yourself. Saatva mattress sales are semi-frequent but the current $400 off sale is our favorite saving on the Classic, A queen is now $1,699; an investment but one we think is worth the money.
2. Purple Plus Mattress: queen was $1,899 now $1,599 at Purple
When you're sharing a bed it can be hard to find a mattress that meets both you and your partner's sleep needs, but in our Purple Plus Mattress review we were impressed with how this bed uses a GelFlex Grid to create comfort that adapts to every body shape and sleep position. The unusual feel can take a few nights to get used to but you have a 100-night trial for that. Purple mattress sales are unpredictable so while we're hoping to see the price drop lower closer to Memorial Day, there's a chance the deal might end before you know it — shopping now secures your saving.
3. DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress: queen $649 at DreamCloud
Queen size mattresses are more expensive than the full equivalent but price doesn't have to be a barrier to choosing the mattress size you need. Take the DreamCloud: this value-for-money hybrid impressed our testers in our DreamCloud Mattress review and the medium-firm feel is a crowd please rfor couples. The DreamCloud mattress sale drops a queen down to $649 and with a lifetime warranty and a 365-night trial, that's all around great value.
Queen mattress vs full size: which should you buy?
Buy a full size mattress this Memorial Day if...
✅ You sleep alone: Full size mattresses are best for solo sleepers as they have enough room for you to get comfortable in any sleep position. Plus, the smaller size means it isn't a work out any time you need to change the bed sheets.
✅ You're upgrading your guest room: A full size mattress is a good all-rounder for a guest room; comfortable for solo visitors with enough space when a couple drops by. The smaller build also means full size mattresses are easier to move than a queen, if your guest room doubles as storage space.
✅ You're on a tighter budget: You can typically save $100 to $300 opting for a full over a queen, making it a good money saver. And as they're a cheaper size, you can upgrade to a higher quality mattress without breaking the budget.
Buy a queen size mattress this Memorial Day if...
✅ You share a bed: Two people can sleep soundly in a queen size mattress without having to dodge elbows every time your partner rolls over in their sleep.
✅ You're a solo sleeper with a larger build: The extra width and length of the queen size bed will appeal to single sleepers who love to stretch out, but it also benefits those with bigger builds
✅ You're shopping for a master bedroom: When choosing a bed size, it's important to consider the room the bed will be in. Queen mattresses tend to be the ideal size for a master bedroom, as they won't dominate the space but still offer ample room for the sleeper.
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Ruth is a staff writer at Tom’s Guide, covering all things mattress and sleep. She has a deep interest in the link between sleep and health, and has tried enough mattresses to know the right bed really can make a difference to your wellbeing. At Tom’s Guide she writes to help people sleep better, from how-tos to the latest deals to mattress reviews, and has interviewed an array of specialists who share her passion. Before joining the team at Tom’s Guide, Ruth worked as a sleep and mattress writer for our sister website, TechRadar.
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