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A Bed that Finally Fits Tall People: How to Design an Extra-Long Bed

A Bed that Finally Fits Tall People: How to Design an Extra-Long Bed

For those over 6 feet tall, the world often seems designed for shorter people, from dodging low doorways to squeezing into the back seats of cars. Similarly, standard mattresses can leave tall people with the all-too-familiar dilemma of cold feet hanging over the edge, and blankets that can't quite cover both feet and shoulders simultaneously.

But why compromise on comfort? There’s no need to curl up in the fetal position or resort to wearing socks to bed just to keep warm.

What you need is a custom-sized mattress tailored to your stature. An extra-long bed that extends beyond your height provides ample space for a comfortable, full-body stretch and a better night’s sleep.

Why Standard Beds Don’t Work for Tall People

Most mattresses are designed around average height ranges, not taller body types. Standard beds typically measure 75 to 80 inches long, which can feel restrictive for anyone over six feet tall. When a mattress is too short, sleepers often compensate by bending their knees, sleeping diagonally, or shifting positions throughout the night, all of which can interrupt rest.

A bed that doesn’t fully support your height can also affect comfort beyond just legroom. Feet hanging off the edge create pressure points, blankets slip loose more easily, and proper spinal alignment becomes harder to maintain. Over time, these small discomforts can lead to restless sleep and morning stiffness.

That’s why many tall sleepers move beyond standard sizing and look for beds for tall people designed with additional length, better proportions, and room to stretch naturally.

How to Design an Extra-Long Mattress for Tall Sleepers

The good news is that getting a custom-sized mattress is easier than you might think. You can design a mattress that’s not just longer, but perfectly matched to your body dimensions and sleeping style.

A bespoke extra-long mattress can not only ensure that your feet remain warmly covered but also help promote a more restful and restorative sleep by supporting proper spinal alignment and eliminating the discomfort of cramped sleeping positions.

Investing in a custom mattress means saying goodbye to the 'cold feet club' and embracing a sleep experience that truly fits. Whether you need a mattress that’s longer, wider, or uniquely shaped, custom options ensure that your bed is a haven of comfort tailor-made just for you.

How Long Should a Mattress Be for Tall Sleepers?

Height discrepancies are evident, with 14.5% of men and only 1% of women in the US towering over 6 feet. When advising clients on custom mattress lengths, the industry norm suggests adding 6 inches to your height. It soars to 12 inches if your cat or dog tends to join you at bedtime.

Standard full-size mattresses span 75 inches, while queens and kings stretch to 80 inches in length. However, for a 6-foot-tall individual, even a full-size mattress offers a mere 2 inches of wiggle room, rendering it impractical.

Although queens or kings could suffice, those fond of plush pillows or cuddly pets might still find themselves confined. And forget about stretching out like a starfish.

The issue intensifies for individuals over 6 feet 2 inches, as standard mattress sizes fall short. This is where custom mattress makers step in, tailoring extra-long mattresses to individual needs.

But how do you determine the ideal length for your bespoke mattress? Custom mattresses are simple additions to any home that, with a few quick and easy measurements, you can order online today. 

Here are some essential considerations to help you decide on the extra length suitable for your custom mattress:

Choose the Right Mattress Thickness for Bigger Bodies

There are a couple of factors that determine what mattress you should choose, and weight is a big one. Mattresses for larger people should be a few inches thicker, and hybrid mattress options (coil and foam) or latex are often best. These are more supportive options than memory foam. Though we do love a good memory foam mattress.

If you tower above the rest of us, chances are your mattress isn’t just extra-short, it’s also extra-low. Adding just a 2-4” to your mattress’s thickness and choosing an extra-tall bed will make your mattress more ergonomic.

No more doing deep squats just to sit down on the edge of the bed. After all, sleep isn’t supposed to be a workout.

You can also add to this by getting a custom-made bed frame that’s a few inches taller, or consider adding a mattress topper to your bed. Either option will help prevent you from pulling something first thing in the morning.

Mattress Length and Sleeping Positions

Sleeping habits vary widely among individuals, and the right mattress should accommodate more than just your height. Many of us don’t sleep perfectly straight. Some curl up, others sprawl out, and some even sleep diagonally across the bed. It's crucial to choose a mattress that adapts to these unique positions to ensure maximum comfort throughout the night.

For those who favor the "coffin position," where you sleep flat on your back, mattress length might seem adequate at standard sizes. However, take advantage of extra length if you tend to stretch out, tuck in, or if you simply enjoy more room to move during your sleep. Stomach sleepers can benefit from extra mattress length to avoid feeling confined.

When a Shared Bed Needs to Be Wider

Moreover, your sleeping space might need to accommodate more than just you. Pets, pillows, and additional blankets often share our beds and can restrict the available space, impacting how far you can stretch. Recognizing these needs is essential when selecting your mattress dimensions.

With custom bed options, you're no longer limited to traditional mattress sizes. Custom bedding allows you to specify the exact dimensions that best fit your sleep style and living space.

Whether you need a shorter queen bed for an RV or an extra-long one to accommodate your height and sleep habits, custom sizes ensure that your mattress is perfectly suited to your needs.

Remember, the goal is to create a sleeping environment that supports not just rest, but also your overall well-being. A custom-sized mattress can be a transformative investment in your sleep quality. It helps you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.

Why Custom Bedding Matters for Long Beds

Choosing to invest in custom bedding that has been tailored to the length of your extra-long mattress can complete your setup.

Picture this: a mattress perfectly sized for your tall stature, yet your blankets fall short. They leave your feet exposed, cold, and open to attacks from your furry companions. The struggle to find a fitted sheet that accommodates your extended mattress is equally frustrating.

Embrace a comprehensive solution. Use extra-long custom-made bed sheets and blankets that complement your custom-sized mattress. At our one-stop shop, we specialize in providing a complete custom-size bed setup.

Our team ensures your bedding matches the unique dimensions of your longer bespoke mattress effortlessly. With just a few measurements, you can order custom bedding from our online showroom today.

Don't compromise on comfort or aesthetics. Elevate your sleep experience with bedding that aligns perfectly with your extended mattress. They offer both functionality and a tailored, polished look.

Woman using a laptop in bed

FAQs

What is considered an extra-tall bed?

An extra-tall bed typically refers to a mattress that provides additional length beyond standard sizes, usually 80 inches or longer. These beds are designed to give taller sleepers enough space to stretch out comfortably without their feet hanging off the edge.

What beds are best for tall people?

The best beds for tall people include California king mattresses, oversized king options, and custom extra-long mattresses. These designs provide additional length and allow taller sleepers to maintain proper sleep posture throughout the night.

How much longer should a mattress be than your height?

A mattress should generally be at least 6-8 inches longer than your height. Taller sleepers who share their bed with pets or partners may benefit from adding even more length for comfortable movement during sleep.

Are custom mattresses better for tall sleepers?

Yes. Custom mattresses allow tall sleepers to choose exact dimensions based on height, sleeping position, and room layout. This ensures better support, improved comfort, and eliminates the common issue of feet extending beyond the mattress edge.

Do tall people need thicker mattresses, too?

Often, yes. Taller individuals usually have larger body frames, which can benefit from slightly thicker mattresses that provide deeper support and easier sitting height when getting in and out of bed.

How to Get the Perfect Custom-Made, Extra-Long Mattress

Designing and ordering a mattress made to your exact specifications is easy with CustomMattress.com. Choose your mattress model, put in your desired length, width, and thickness, and head to checkout. In a few weeks, you’ll have a custom extra-long mattress appear at your door in a conveniently-sized box.

Check out our packing procedure for some custom mattress ASMR.

Your height is a cool and unique thing about you. It’s part of what makes you who you are. Don’t you deserve a bed just as special?

Nobody likes living with cold feet hanging over the end of the bed, or constantly trying to tuck a too-short blanket back over them 8 times a night. In addition, a bespoke extra-long mattress with the extra length you need is a great investment. It’ll last you years of comfort and great nights’ sleep.

Go ahead – it’s super easy. Grab a tape measure, make a couple of notes, and get started designing.

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