There are many benefits to living alone, including the freedom to make the bed your own sleep sanctuary. Solo sleepers can enjoy a mattress perfectly chosen for your needs, right down to the size of the bed: so should you buy a full vs queen size mattress if you live alone?
When testing the best mattresses for all sleep styles, our testing team often opts for either a full or queen size bed. That means we know these two mattress sizes inside out, including the pros (more floor space vs room to stretch out) and the cons (less room to spread vs wrestling with queen-size fitted sheets).
We've broken down the key differences between full vs queen size mattresses and how they can benefit solo sleepers. As a heads-up, both full vs queen mattresses can fit another person, and you can find deals on both sizes in this month's mattress sales.
Full vs queen size mattress: dimensions and key differences
- A queen is one standard mattress size larger than a full
- Full size measures 54" x 75", queen size is 60" x 80"
- Full mattresses suit solo sleepers, queen is best for couples
Full and queen are two of the most popular mattresses sizes, and all the best mattresses in a box are available in these two options. A queen-size mattress is one standard size up from full size (although if you want to make it complicated, we can throw a full XL and short queen into the mix.)
A full size mattress measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. We recommend a room size of around 10 feet by 10 feet to comfortably accommodate a full size mattress.
A queen size mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. We recommend a room size of at least 12 feet by 12 feet; any smaller and you might be compromising floor space.
Full mattresses are generally recommended for solo sleepers and queen mattresses for couples – but either option can work for one or two people. If you sleep alone, the best queen size mattress will provide ample room to get comfortable. And a full size mattress can accommodate a bed sharers (providing you to mind getting close).
Full vs queen size mattress: price
- Queen mattresses are typically pricier than the full size equivalent
- Queen mattresses have an average price of $999
- Full size mattresses are often around $50 – $100 cheaper
As queen sizes are the bigger mattresses, it's no surprise to learn they're typically the pricier mattress. A queen size mattress generally costs around $50 to $100 more than the equivalent full size.
That means if you prioritize quality, not quantity, you can get a better bed for less by opting for a full size. This is good for solo sleepers on a budget, looking for a mattress with superior longevity.
However, a tight budget doesn't mean you can't get a queen size mattress – our best cheap mattress guide has multiple queen size mattresses for under $500. However, these mattresses typically lack the longevity of more expensive beds.
Let's take a look at how the prices compare for some of our favorite mattresses in a full vs queen size:
| Mattress | Full size MSRP | Queen size MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Saatva Classic | $1,999 | $2,099 |
| DreamCloud Hybrid | $1,463 | $1,613 |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | $1,998.66 | $2,373.33 |
| Siena Memory Foam | $684 | $769 |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | $2,108 | $2,305 |
It's worth noting that many of the choices above are regularly discounted in evergreen mattress sales. When discounted, the full models are still cheaper than the queen designs.
And the savings extend beyond the mattress itself. Full size sheets and bedding are generally cheaper than queen size alternatives (including the all important mattress protector). However, you won't save on your pillows – the best pillows typically come in standard and king sizes.
Full vs queen size mattress: comfort
- A queen size has more space, so more room to move around
- Full size can be cozier
- Queen is better for occasional bed sharers
Primarily, the comfort level of your bed will depend on the type of mattress you buy. The best memory foam mattresses offer a pressure-relieving hug that's great for side sleepers, while the best hybrid mattresses deliver responsive support across the body.
But bed size can make a difference to comfort level. Full size mattresses have enough room for most solo sleepers, but queen mattresses offer space to stretch out. This is preferable if you're a solo sleeper with a bigger or taller build.
And some people just like plenty of space to get comfortable. Combination sleepers (people who move from position to position in the night) can sometimes benefit from the extra inches of a queen, while this larger bed size can feel luxurious for solo sleepers. However, full size mattresses are cozier – and you might find one half of your queen size is never really used.
Solo sleepers should also factor in the potential for overnight guests. Whether you occasionally share the bed with a partner or your cockapoo likes to climb up on Sunday mornings, there are times when you might be hoping for a few extra inches of space. Even a side sleeper pillow can add bulk akin to another person to your mattress.
Full vs queen size mattress: ease of use
- Queen size mattresses are heavier and harder to move
- It's harder to dress a queen size mattress
- Full size mattresses are still quite bulky
We recommend making your bed every morning and changing your sheets roughly once a week. And when you're wrestling with queen size bed sheets, you might wish you'd opted for a smaller mattress size.
A full size mattress will typically be quicker to dress and easier to clean (we have plenty of tips on how to clean a mattress.) This usability is worth bearing in mind, as caring for a mattress requires regular upkeep.
It's also worth considering the space in your bedroom. A queen size might provide more room for you to stretch out, but as a result, you sacrifice floor space. In a small apartment that can lead to some bumps and bruises.
From time to time, you might also need to rotate your mattress (or even flip your mattress) which, again, is easier with a full. And if you plan on moving the furniture, a full size mattress and bed frame will be easier to pick up than a queen (although we highly recommend getting a helping hand for either size.)
With all that in mind, full size mattresses aren't exactly small and light – but if you have a smaller wingspan, making a queen size bed in the morning can feel like a king size task.
Full vs queen size mattress: which should you buy?
Buy a full size mattress if...
✅ You want to save money: Full size mattresses are generally cheaper than their queen size equivalent, meaning you can get a higher quality mattress for less money (plus cheaper bedding).
✅ You have a small bedroom: A full size mattress can fit into most bedrooms and guest rooms without overwhelming the space, making it easier to move around the furniture.
✅ You hate making the bed: Okay, you do still have to make a full size mattress. But the smaller size means you have fewer inches of sheets to get tangled up in, making the whole process easier.
Buy a queen size mattress if...
✅ You like space to stretch out: The main advantage of a queen size mattress for solo sleepers is there's plenty of room to get comfortable. You'll never feel cramped, even if you toss and turn
✅ You sometimes share a bed: Occasional overnight guests (including pets and bulky side sleepers pillows) can take up a lot of space in a full size. A queen size mattress has room for whoever might drop in.
✅ You're tall: A queen size mattress is five inches longer than a full size – that means no more cold feet for taller sleepers.
