An Alaskan king bed is the largest mattress size you can buy, a 9 foot by 9 foot square that dwarfs a standard king. It is popular with families who co-sleep, owners of large dogs and anyone who simply wants the biggest bed possible. Before you commit, it helps to understand what an Alaskan king actually involves: custom bedding, a custom frame, a very large room and a delivery plan. This guide covers the dimensions, what it costs, how it compares with other oversized beds, and the practical alternatives most families end up choosing.
What is an Alaskan king bed?
An Alaskan king is a specialty mattress size measuring 108 inches wide by 108 inches long. It is not one of the standard sizes sold by most manufacturers, so it is usually made to order by specialty companies. Because the mattress is square, there is no "head" or "foot" width difference, and it can be positioned in any direction.
For perspective, an Alaskan king has about 11,664 square inches of sleeping surface. A standard king (76 by 80 inches) has 6,080 square inches, so an Alaskan king is nearly twice as large.
How big is an Alaskan king bed compared with other sizes?
| Size | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (feet) | Surface area vs standard king |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen | 60 x 80 | 5 ft x 6 ft 8 in | About 79% |
| King | 76 x 80 | 6 ft 4 in x 6 ft 8 in | 100% |
| California king | 72 x 84 | 6 ft x 7 ft | About 99% |
| Wyoming king | 84 x 84 | 7 ft x 7 ft | About 116% |
| Texas king | 80 x 98 | 6 ft 8 in x 8 ft 2 in | About 129% |
| Alaskan king | 108 x 108 | 9 ft x 9 ft | About 192% |
The Wyoming king and Texas king are the other two common oversized options. A Wyoming king is a modest step up from a king, while a Texas king is aimed at very tall sleepers. The Alaskan king is in a class of its own. Our guide to king, California king and oversized mattresses covers the standard large sizes in more detail.
What room size do you need?
This is where most Alaskan king plans fall apart. A comfortable bedroom layout leaves roughly 24 to 30 inches of walking space on each side of the bed and at the foot. With a 9 foot bed, that means:
- Absolute minimum: about 13 by 13 feet, with no nightstands and tight walkways.
- Comfortable: about 15 by 15 feet or larger, which leaves room for nightstands and a dresser.
Also measure doorways, hallways and stairwells. A 9 foot square mattress cannot pass through a standard doorway in one piece, so check with the manufacturer how the bed is delivered. Some are built in sections that are joined on site, and some all-foam versions ship compressed. Either way, confirm the delivery method before you order.
How much is an Alaskan king bed?
Expect an Alaskan king to sit in the premium price tier. Because it is made to order, you are paying for custom manufacturing, specialty shipping and far more material than a standard king. The mattress is only part of the cost:
- Frame or platform: a standard frame will not fit, so you need a custom or oversized platform with strong center support.
- Bedding: fitted sheets, duvets and protectors must be bought in Alaskan king size from specialty sellers, and there are fewer choices.
- Delivery and setup: oversized freight and in-room assembly can add meaningfully to the total.
- Returns: custom sizes are often non-returnable or carry restocking fees, so read the policy before you buy.
Add it all up and the total project usually costs well above what a premium standard king mattress would, even before bedding replacements over the years.
Who an Alaskan king makes sense for
- Co-sleeping families with two adults and one or more young children in the bed every night.
- Large dog owners whose pets share the bed.
- Very large primary bedrooms where a standard king looks lost in the space.
If none of those apply, a standard king or California king will almost always be the more practical choice.
Practical alternatives to an Alaskan king
Many shoppers who search for an Alaskan king end up solving the same problem with standard sizes. These setups use regular bedding, standard frames and mattresses you can test in a showroom.
King plus twin XL side by side
A king (76 inches) next to a twin XL (38 inches) creates a 114 by 80 inch sleeping area, wider than an Alaskan king, using two standard mattresses. It is a popular family bed setup, and each mattress uses normal sheets. A bed bridge or connector strap keeps them from drifting apart.
Two queens together
Two queens side by side make a 120 by 80 inch surface. It is a good option when two adults and children share the bed, and each side can have a different firmness.
Split king on an adjustable base
If the goal is more personal space for two adults rather than more total area, a split king gives each person their own twin XL mattress and independent head and foot adjustment. Read our split king mattress guide and browse adjustable beds to see how it works.
California king for tall sleepers
If height is the real issue, a California king adds 4 inches of length over a standard king. It fits most large bedrooms and uses widely available bedding.
Buying tips if you still want an Alaskan king
- Measure the room, doorways and stair turns before ordering, not after.
- Ask how the mattress is built and delivered, and whether it is one piece or several.
- Buy the frame and bedding at the same time so the bed is usable on day one.
- Read the return policy closely, since custom sizes are often final sale.
- Choose firmness carefully. On a bed this large, sleepers of different weights share one surface, so medium-firm support usually works best for a mixed family.
Frequently asked questions
How big is an Alaskan king bed?
An Alaskan king bed measures 108 inches by 108 inches, or 9 feet by 9 feet. That is nearly twice the sleeping surface of a standard king.
What is an Alaskan king bed?
It is a specialty oversized mattress size, larger than king, California king, Wyoming king and Texas king. It is usually made to order and needs custom bedding and a custom frame.
How much is an Alaskan king bed?
Alaskan king mattresses sit in the premium price tier because they are custom made and shipped as oversized freight. Budget separately for a custom frame, specialty bedding and delivery, which can add significantly to the total.
Where can I buy an Alaskan king bed?
Alaskan king beds are sold mainly by specialty manufacturers and online retailers that build oversized sizes to order. Most mattress stores, including LA Mattress Store, do not stock them. If you want a very large sleeping area you can try first, pairing standard sizes, such as a king with a twin XL, is a practical alternative.
Find the right big bed in Los Angeles
If you want more room without the custom-size headaches, visit one of our five Los Angeles showrooms to try king size mattresses from Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster, Helix and more, or ask about pairing mattresses for a family bed. We offer same-day delivery and a free 120-night comfort guarantee. Not sure which feel you need? Take our sleep quiz.
