San Diego’s southern border is about three miles from Tijuana, allowing for American and Mexican cultures to influence one another. Food and languages are being exchanged every second in San Diego. Some things, however, don’t quite translate cross culturally.
Mattress sizes in both the United States and Mexico are different in each country. These differences can cause confusion and incorrect purchases to occur. Let’s explain the difference between American and Mexican mattress sizes, so you can make the best choice for your bedding.
12.5″ Dylan Ultra Innerspring Mattress
Are there Different Types?
Standard American mattress sizes include the Twin, Twin Extra Long, Full, Queen, King, and the California King. With a wide variety of common mattress types, it’s extremely easy to find a mattress that suits your room, size, and sleeping habits.
READ MORE: California King vs. King Size Bed Comparison
There are only four types of common mattresses in Mexico: the Individual, Matrimonial, Queen, and King bed size. These sizes are almost always communicated in metric measurements, known as Medida Mexicana, or Mexican Measurements. For simplicity’s sake, all measurements will also be stated in feet and inches.
What’s the Size Difference?
American Measurements
- Twin: 38″ x 74″
- Twin Extra Long: 38″ x 80″
- Full: 54″ x 74″
- Queen: 60″ x 80″
- King: 76″ x 80″
- California King: 72″ x 84″
Mexican Measurements
- Individual: 1.00 m x 1.90 m (3’3″ x 6’3″) [39.37″ x 74.80″]
- Matrimonial: 1.35 m x 1.90 m (4’5″ x 6’3″) [53.15″ x 74.80″]
- Queen: 1.50 m x 1.90 m (4’11” x 6’3″) [59.06″ x 74.80″]
- King: 2.00 m x 1.90 m (6’7″ x 6’3″) [78.74″ x 74.80″]
At one meter long, Individual size mattresses are slightly wider than mattresses in other parts of the world. The Matrimonial bed size is the standard for double beds in Mexico, with variations being rare.
When buying bedding, please note that American Queen size sheets will be too large on a Mexican Queen bed, and vice versa. Too large or too small sheets can slip off, rip, or otherwise get damaged. The small differences in size are the main differences between Mexican and American style mattresses. While American mattresses tend to have more variety and variation on standard sizes, there are similar counterparts in Mexico. The Matrimonial size mattress is very specific to Mexico, but the other bed sizes are like most bed sizes you’ll find in the USA.
Whether or not an American or Mexican mattress will be perfect for you depends on your home and sleep needs. Consider how easily you’ll be able to find accessories for your bed. You may want a Matrimonial mattress, but it might be hard to find bedding that will fit it properly unless you regularly make trips to Mexico. If you buy a King mattress in Mexico, American bedding may not fit correctly.
Is One Better than the Other?
There is not a lot of difference between the size of mattresses in the United States and in Mexico. While American mattresses tend to have more variety and variation on standard sizes, there are similar counterparts in Mexico. Despite the Matrimonial bed size being very specific to Mexico, the Individual, Queen, and King are only slightly, if at all, different from American sizes.
Whether or not an American or Mexican mattress will be perfect for you depends on your needs and what you’re like as a homeowner and a sleeper. Also consider how easily you’ll be able to find accessories for your bed. You may want a Matrimonial mattress, but it might be hard to find bedding that will fit it properly unless you regularly make trips to Mexico.
Deciding Factors
1. Availability
You may think that a wider mattress will help you sleep better; however, Individual size mattresses are harder to come by if you’re not able to go to Mexico. Mexican mattresses and accessories that fit them properly are generally harder to find in the United States. Many stores only sell standard American sizes, so your search for a mattress from Mexico will be difficult.
2. Costs
Mexican mattresses generally cost the same as American mattresses, if not slightly cheaper. However, extra work is required for obtaining Mexican mattress sizes and bedding in the US.
American stores rarely carry Mexican sized mattresses, so you will need to travel to Mexico for specific bedding and accessories for your mattress. Additional factors to consider are the spacing in your room, how you sleep at night, and how much work you’re willing to put in to find a mattress that’s right for you.
Give your bedroom a full makeover, or get advice on mattress sizing from our sales team. With a new comfy mattress, you’ll be ready for sweet dreams and savings.
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