We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.
- Best cooling full XL mattress: Dreamfoam by Brooklyn Bedding Arctic Dreams Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress
- Best soft full XL mattress: Dreamfoam by Brooklyn Bedding Chill Memory Foam Mattress
- Best luxury full XL mattress: American Mattress Company 10-Inch Graphite Infused Memory Foam
One of the challenges of finding a good mattress is finding the right size for your space. If you’re tall and considering a full mattress, a full extra long (full XL) might be a better choice.
This mattress size shares the 54-inch width of a standard full mattress, but it has the 80-inch length of a standard queen. That means there’s an extra 5 inches of legroom.
Two people can share a full XL, but it will be a tight fit if you’re used to a queen or king. The full XL mattress size may work best for those who don’t sleep with a partner.
Full XL mattresses can be a little challenging to find, so we’ve assembled this list of three of the best.
In choosing our top picks, here’s what we considered:
- Company policies. We looked for mattresses that come with reasonable warranties and in-home trials whenever possible.
- Company reputation and transparency. All the mattresses on our list come from companies with positive reputations and transparent business practices.
- Customer reviews. We reviewed feedback from customers to see how these mattresses really perform. While opinions on mattress comfort will vary, it’s still helpful to see what others think.
- Safety. All the mattresses on our list meet federal flammability requirements.
Pricing guide
Prices for a full XL mattress vary depending on the material and manufacturer.
- $ = under $500
- $$ = $500–$600
- $$$ = over $600
Best cooling full XL mattress
Dreamfoam by Brooklyn Bedding Arctic Dreams Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress
- Price: $$
- Type: Hybrid
- Height: 10 inches
This mattress is designed to offer cooling relief on contact. It’s available as a hybrid mattress with individually encased coils for superior pressure point relief.
The mattress has a medium firmness, and it comes with a 10-year warranty. Dreamfoam offers a 120-night trial, so you can see if this mattress is right for you.
Over 700 5-star reviews speak to just how comfortable this mattress is.
Buy the Dreamfoam by Brooklyn Bedding Arctic Dreams Cooling Gel Hybrid Mattress online.
Best soft full XL mattress
Dreamfoam by Brooklyn Bedding Chill Memory Foam Mattress
- Price: $$$
- Type: Memory foam
- Height: 14 inches
This mattress comes in several height options, but the 14-inch model is especially good for side sleepers, as well as anyone else who likes a soft sleep surface.
It’s made with three layers of foam, including a 3-inch top layer of cooling gel foam. Brooklyn Bedding also says that the mattress is made with open-cell foam, which allows more airflow. More airflow may equal a cooler sleep experience.
Buy the Dreamfoam by Brooklyn Bedding Chill Memory Foam Mattress online.
Best luxury full XL mattress
American Mattress Company 10-Inch Graphite Infused Memory Foam Mattress
- Price: $
- Type: Memory foam
- Height: 10 inches
If a low-profile mattress doesn’t appeal to you, this 10-inch medium-firm option from the American Mattress Company offers the full height of a traditional mattress.
The gel memory foam layer is infused with graphite for cooling, while the high-density foam layers are made to offer comfortable support and durability.
There are a few hundred reviews on Amazon, and customers report that the mattress exceeds expectations. According to the American Mattress Company website, mattresses come with a minimum 10-year warranty.
Buy the American Mattress Company 10-Inch Graphite Infused Memory Foam Mattress online.
Full XL mattresses can be found in many of the same options as more traditional mattress sizes.
Memory foam
Another thing to keep in mind is that memory foam mattresses typically have an “off-gassing” smell when they’re brand new. This may bother those who are sensitive to smells, but it’ll fade after a few days.
Latex foam
Latex foam mattresses can be made either from natural or synthetic latex. Natural latex is an eco-friendly option.
While latex shares the same pressure-relieving properties as memory foam, it’s usually springier and doesn’t have the “sinking in” feeling that some memory foam picks do.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses are an older style of mattress. They’re made with steel coils and springs as the main structural component. They also have some padding on top, though this is generally fairly thin.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses offer a mix of cushioning foam and supportive springs. They’re a popular style that provides the best of both worlds.
Still, they don’t have as much motion isolation as memory foam.
A full XL mattress is the same width as a full mattress, but slightly longer. It’s only 6 inches narrower than a queen, it’s probably not spacious enough for you and a partner.
Full XL mattresses come in a range of comfort levels from plush to firm, and some full XL mattresses feature temperature control if you tend to sleep hot. All of these considerations should weigh into your choice of mattress.
Shopping for a mattress can be challenging since it’s such a personal — and expensive — purchase. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Preferred sleeping position
It’s important to choose a mattress that will accommodate your preferred sleeping position. If you’re predominately a back or stomach sleeper, a firm mattress will provide the right support. Softer mattresses are suitable for side sleepers.
Bed-in-a-box vs. traditional
Full XL mattresses often fall into the bed-in-a-box category. Most of them are compressed and shipped in a compact box. You’ll need to give the mattress time to expand to its full XL size.
Still, you can find some full XL mattresses that don’t ship compressed. In this case, the company you buy from will typically deliver and set up your mattress, and they may also haul away your old one.
No matter which route you choose, be sure to purchase from a company that allows a free sleep trial. That way, you can make sure the mattress works for you before you commit to buying it.
Sleep accessories
Keep in mind that, as a nontraditional size, a full XL mattress will need a special bed frame and sheets. You won’t be able to use traditional full sheets and frames.
How big is a full XL mattress?
A full XL mattress is 54 inches wide by 80 inches long. That’s 5 inches longer than a regular full mattress, which is 54 inches by 75 inches.
Who are full XL mattresses best suited for?
Full XL mattresses are good for tall sleepers who need a little extra room. They usually work well for single sleepers, as well as petite sleepers who sleep with a partner.
Will full sheets and mattress pads fit a full XL mattress?
Unfortunately, no. If you opt for a full XL mattress, you’ll need to buy special sheets and mattress pads designed to accommodate the extra length.
With so many sizes and options, finding the right mattress can be intimidating. But there may be advantages to investigating nontraditional mattresses sizes like the full XL.
If extra length is particularly appealing and you aren’t planning on sharing your bed, a full XL may be just right.
Remember to make your purchase from a reputable manufacturer and check the warranty and return policy before you buy.
Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.
