Alaskan King Bed vs Super King: Which Wins?
When deciding between an Alaskan King bed and a Super King, the Alaskan King is the winner for overall width. It offers a staggering 108 inches of width, providing ample space for couples who love to spread out. While both offer impressive dimensions, the Alaskan King provides that extra luxurious sprawl.
Choosing the right oversized bed can dramatically impact your sleep quality. We found that bed size is a key factor in comfort for many sleepers. Understanding the distinct dimensions of the Alaskan King and Super King is important for anyone seeking a truly spacious sleeping arrangement.
- Alaskan King is wider (108 inches vs. 72 inches).
- Super King is longer (80 inches vs. 72 inches).
- The Alaskan King is best for maximum sprawl.
- The Super King is a good option if length is more important.
Let’s break down the exact differences and help you figure out which giant bed is the right fit for your bedroom.
Comparing the Alaskan King vs. Super King Bed Sizes
When you’re looking at the biggest beds available, the Alaskan King and Super King stand out. You might be wondering which one offers more space. We found that the Alaskan King is a true giant, especially in width. It’s designed for those who dream of ultimate sprawl. Let’s dive into the numbers and see how they stack up for your bedroom.
Understanding the Dimensions: A Deep Dive
The Alaskan King: A Wider Wonder
The Alaskan King bed is famous for its sheer width. It measures a massive 108 inches wide. That’s a full 9 feet across! If you and your partner love to stretch out or have pets who join you, this bed offers incredible room. It’s also quite long, measuring 72 inches in length. This makes it feel more like a square, emphasizing width over length. Think of it as a giant, comfortable dance floor for two… or more!
The Super King: The Longer Contender
Now, let’s look at the Super King. This bed is also very large, but its dimensions are different. A Super King bed is 72 inches wide. That’s the same width as a standard King size bed in the US. However, it is much longer, measuring 80 inches. This extra length is a big plus for taller individuals. It gives you more legroom to stretch out fully. The Super King is longer and narrower compared to the Alaskan King. It feels more like a traditional rectangular bed, just supersized.
| Bed Size | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Alaskan King | 108 inches | 72 inches |
| Super King | 72 inches | 80 inches |
| Standard King | 76 inches | 80 inches |
Visualizing the Space: What Do These Numbers Mean?
Imagine your current bed. Now, picture it being significantly wider or longer. The Alaskan King is like adding several feet to the sides of your bed. It creates a vast expanse. You could easily fit two people side-by-side with plenty of personal space. Many experts suggest that ample sleeping space reduces tossing and turning (Sleep Foundation). The Super King, on the other hand, stretches out lengthwise. It’s like gaining extra room to lie down without your feet hanging off the edge. This is great for comfort, especially if you’re over 6 feet tall.
Which Bed is Right for Your Bedroom?
Considering Your Needs: Width vs. Length
The biggest difference boils down to what you need more: width or length. If you and your partner enjoy sprawling out and need lots of personal space side-by-side, the Alaskan King is likely your winner. Its 108 inches of width are unmatched. You can move freely without bumping into each other. It’s perfect for families who sometimes share the bed or for pet owners. It really is a luxurious amount of real estate.
If you’re taller or find yourself wishing your current bed was longer, the Super King offers that advantage. Its 80-inch length is longer than the Alaskan King’s 72 inches. This extra 8 inches can make a world of difference for taller sleepers. They won’t have to curl up or worry about their feet dangling. It provides more comfort for stretching out lengthwise.
Room Size and Layout: Practicalities to Ponder
Before you decide, think about your bedroom. These are not small beds! An Alaskan King, with its 108-inch width, needs a very large room. We found that a minimum of 12 feet by 15 feet is often recommended for Alaskan King setups (BedsDirect). This allows space for nightstands and walkways. A Super King, while also large, is more manageable. It’s only 72 inches wide, similar to a standard US King. A room around 10 feet by 14 feet is usually sufficient. Always measure your room carefully. You need space to walk around the bed comfortably. Don’t forget to consider door swings and furniture placement.
Availability and Cost: The Practical Side
Finding bedding for these oversized beds can be a challenge. Standard sheets won’t fit. You’ll likely need to buy specialized bedding. We found that Alaskan King bedding can be harder to find than Super King options. This might mean custom orders or searching specialty stores. Both sizes will also be more expensive than standard Queen or King beds. The frames, mattresses, and bedding all cost more due to their size. Keep this in mind when budgeting for your new sleeping setup.
Making Your Final Choice: A Quick Checklist
To help you decide, here’s a quick way to check what’s best for you:
- Do you need more width for sprawling? → Alaskan King
- Are you taller and need more length? → Super King
- Do you have a very large bedroom (12×15 ft+)? → Alaskan King
- Is your room large but not massive (10×14 ft+)? → Super King
- Do you prioritize maximum side-by-side space? → Alaskan King
- Do you need more legroom for stretching out? → Super King
Ultimately, the best bed is the one that makes you feel most comfortable and rested. Consider your sleeping habits, your room’s dimensions, and your budget. Both the Alaskan King and Super King offer a luxurious upgrade from standard sizes. They promise a more spacious and restful night’s sleep. Choosing between them is about prioritizing either incredible width or ample length.
Conclusion
You’ve explored the Alaskan King and Super King, and the choice really comes down to your personal sleeping style. If you crave unparalleled width for ultimate sprawling and personal space, the Alaskan King is your champion. Its massive 108-inch width offers luxurious room to spread out. However, if you’re taller and need extra legroom, or have a slightly less expansive room, the Super King provides the needed length at 80 inches. Before you buy, measure your bedroom carefully and check bedding availability. Your perfect giant bed awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between an Alaskan King and a Super King?
The main difference lies in their dimensions. An Alaskan King is significantly wider at 108 inches, offering more side-to-side space. A Super King is longer at 80 inches, providing more legroom, while having the same width as a standard US King (72 inches).
Is an Alaskan King bed too big for most bedrooms?
An Alaskan King is extremely large, especially in width. It requires a very spacious room, typically a minimum of 12×15 feet, to allow for comfortable movement and furniture placement around the bed. You must measure your room carefully.
Will I be able to find bedding for an Alaskan King or Super King?
Finding bedding for both sizes can be more challenging than for standard beds. Alaskan King bedding might be harder to source, often requiring specialty stores or custom orders. Super King bedding is generally more available but still requires looking beyond standard retail options.
Which bed is better for couples who like to spread out?
If you and your partner love to spread out and need ample personal space side-by-side, the Alaskan King is the clear winner. Its 108-inch width provides vast room for both of you to move freely without disturbing each other.
Is a Super King a good option for tall people?
Yes, a Super King is an excellent choice for taller individuals. Its 80-inch length offers more legroom compared to the Alaskan King’s 72 inches, preventing feet from dangling off the bed and allowing you to stretch out fully.
