The Family Bed vs. King vs. Alaskan King: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to sleep, size matters more than most people realize. A standard King or California King may feel generous at first glance, but for families, co-sleepers, or pet owners, it can quickly feel cramped. That’s why oversized mattresses like the Alaskan king-size mattress and The Family Bed by Taylor & Wells are gaining attention.

If you’ve ever woken up pinned to the edge of your bed by a toddler’s foot, a partner’s restless tossing, or your dog stretched out like royalty, you know exactly why bigger beds are trending. But how do you know which oversized option is right for you?

This guide breaks down the key differences between the King, California King, Alaskan King, and The Family Bed by Taylor & Wells, so you can choose the mattress that truly gives your household the room it deserves.

Why Bigger Beds Are Gaining Popularity

Oversized mattresses are a solution to common sleep struggles.

• Families with kids: Co-sleeping is increasingly common for bonding, breastfeeding, or simply getting everyone to sleep through the night. A standard King (76 inches wide) can leave little room once more than two people share the bed.

• Pet owners: Dogs and cats don’t understand personal space. Many sprawl in the middle of the bed, leaving humans curled up on the edges.

• Hot sleepers: Extra surface area means better airflow and less body heat trapped in a tight space.

• Movie nights & relaxation: For some households, the bed doubles as a lounge for reading or family time. A larger mattress provides true comfort for these moments.

Standard Mattress Sizes: The Starting Point

Before comparing oversized mattresses, it helps to understand the standard baseline.

• King Mattress (76” x 80”): The King is the widest standard bed on the market. At 80 inches long, it’s perfect for most couples, but it leaves little space if kids or pets join in.

• California King (72” x 84”): The California king offers 4 extra inches in length, making it popular for taller sleepers. However, it’s narrower (72 inches wide), meaning less room for families.

These standard sizes work for couples but fall short for large family sleep setups. That’s where oversized options enter the picture.

Oversized Mattress Options in Focus

There are several types of mattresses in the oversized category, each designed to solve space challenges in a slightly different way.

Wyoming King Bed

• Dimensions: 84” x 84”.

• Surface area: 49 square feet.

• Who it’s for: Families who want a bigger square-shaped mattress than a King, but don’t have room for the largest XL options.

Texas King Mattress

• Dimensions: 80” x 98”.

• Surface area: 54.4 square feet.

• Who it’s for: Tall families or couples who prioritize length over width.

Alberta King Mattress

• Dimensions: 96” x 96”.

• Surface area: 64 square feet.

• Who it’s for: A middle ground between a Texas King and an Alaskan King, offering more square footage without being overwhelming.

The Alaskan King Size Mattress

• Dimensions: 108” x 108” (9 feet by 9 feet).

• Surface area: 81 square feet.

• Who it’s for: Families who want more room than a King but also want a square-shaped mattress.

The Alaskan King is one of the most popular oversized beds on the market. It’s significantly larger than a California king, offering extra width and length. But it’s not always easy to find in mattress stores, and accessories like oversized bed frames and sheets can be expensive and harder to source.

The Family Bed by Taylor & Wells

• Dimensions: Available in 120 inches (10 feet) or 144 inches (12 feet) widths. Both are 80 inches long.

• Surface area: 96–120 square feet.

• Who it’s for: Large families, co-sleepers, and pet owners who want maximum space and comfort.

The Family Bed by Taylor & Wells is designed for sleeping families. Wider than an Alaskan King, it provides enough room for parents, children, and pets to share one sleep space comfortably.

Unlike most oversized beds, The Family Bed comes in hybrid and memory foam mattress options, with cooling gel for temperature regulation. It’s also widely available through The Bedding Mart, which makes purchasing and accessorizing much easier.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here’s how the most common oversized mattress options stack up:

Practical Considerations

Here are things to keep in mind when choosing the right mattress size:

Space Needed

• King/California King: Fit comfortably in most master bedrooms.

• Alaskan King: Requires a large room, at least 12x12 feet or larger.

• The Family Bed: Best for extra-large bedrooms or open spaces. The 144-inch model especially needs a wide room.

Moving & Setup

• Standard sizes: Easy to deliver and maneuver.

• Alaskan King & Family Bed: Oversized, heavier, and require careful planning to get into the bedroom. The Family Bed, however, is designed with modular components, making setup more manageable than many custom XL mattress builds.

Accessories

• King & California King: Sheets and frames widely available.

• Alaskan King: Specialty bedding needed, often costly and limited.

• The Family Bed: Accessories like oversized bed frames and Family Bed sheet sets and mattress protectors are available through The Bedding Mart, saving families the hassle of custom orders.

Real-Life Scenarios Where Bigger Beds Shine

1. Parents of young kids: A baby who wakes at night, a toddler with bad dreams, and an older sibling wanting to cuddle, with a Family Bed, everyone can fit without anyone losing sleep.

2. Pet owners: Imagine your Labrador stretched out at your feet while your cat claims the pillow beside you, and you still have room to stretch. That’s the reality of a 144-inch Family Bed.

3. Family movie nights: Instead of squeezing onto a couch, picture everyone piled comfortably onto a massive mattress with room for plenty of snacks and blankets.

4. Hot sleepers: More surface area means more airflow, less heat build-up, and better temperature regulation, especially with hybrid mattress and cooling gel designs.

The Family Bed is the most practical oversized mattress choice for families and pet owners.

Making the Right Choice

• Choose a King or California King if you’re a couple without kids or pets in bed.

• Choose an Alaskan King if you want something larger than a standard size, but don’t need the full width of a Family Bed.

• Choose The Family Bed by Taylor & Wells if you want the ultimate oversized mattress that has enough room for the whole family, with unmatched sleep comfort.

The right mattress can transform your nights and your mornings. You don’t have to settle for less space than your family deserves. Visit The Bedding Mart today to explore The Family Bed by Taylor & Wells and experience the difference.