Can a Giant Bed Bring a Family Closer Together?

In prehistoric times, families slept together for warmth and security, and it helped people from the same tribe feel like a part of the family. Of course, they didn’t have a giant mattress to sleep on, but they understood the importance of being close together and feeling safe.

Today, it seems like we need to rediscover these habits and teach the children the importance of family from an early age. That’s why more parents have decided to switch to an oversize bed, where the whole family can sleep together.

The most popular giant bed options include the Family Bed, Family Bed XL, Alaskan King bed, and Wyoming King bed. In the guide below, you’ll learn how each oversize mattress fits family life and what to consider if you’re thinking about co-sleeping with your kids.

How Big Is the Alaskan King Bed?

The Alaskan King is the family King bed, which first appeared in the 1960s or 1970s. After the California King bed became so popular, mattress manufacturers realized there was a need for bigger sleeping surfaces, which led to the creation of this giant bed.

The original Alaskan King mattress is 108” long and 108” wide. It can comfortably fit the whole family, as it provides enough room for two adults, 2-3 children, and pets. That’s why this oversize bed became so popular among families looking to co-sleep.

In addition to the original Alaskan King, manufacturers like the Alaskan King Bed Company offer a few variations of this giant bed. That includes Alaskan King Mini, Alaskan King Shorty, Alaskan King Shorty L, Alaskan King Shorty XL, Alaskan King Biggie Smalls, and Alaskan King Biggie.

Alaskan King Mini

The Alaskan King Mini bed is 96” long and 96” wide. That makes it perfect for smaller families or those who don’t have a room big enough to fit the original Alaskan King.

But don’t let the word “mini” fool you; this is still a giant mattress. It can accommodate two adults and 1-2 children, with enough space for pets at the foot of the bed.

Keep in mind that some manufacturers offer the Alberta King, which is essentially the same size as our Alaskan King Mini.

The Alaskan King Shorty

The Alaskan King Shorty is 108” wide and 80” long, which is the same size as the Family Bed. This size is popular among families who like a lot of sleeping space but don’t need extra room at the foot of the bed.

It can still accommodate two adults, with 2-3 children. However, you won’t have too much room for your pets, so you’ll need to snuggle a little closer.

The Alaskan King Shorty L

The Alaskan King Shorty L is 108” wide and 84” long, which makes it perfect for families with taller members.

The Alaskan King Shorty L provides more space for families with kids or bigger pets. So, if you don’t quite have the bedroom space for the full Alaskan King, this giant bed is still an excellent option.

Alaskan King Shorty XL

The Alaskan King Shorty XL is 108” wide and 96” long. This family-size bed works well for families who don’t need the full length of the original Alaskan King but still want plenty of sleeping space. It’s perfect for active sleepers or taller members.

It can comfortably fit two adults and 2-3 children, with some room left for pets at the foot of the bed. The wider profile allows for more room side-to-side, an excellent option for families who prefer to spread out while sleeping but don’t require the extra foot space.

Alaskan King Biggie Smalls

Our latest addition, the Alaskan King Biggie Smalls, is 120” wide and 80” long.

This size is ideal for larger families or those who prioritize extra room for each family member. With enough space to fit two adults, 3-4 children, and pets, it’s designed for those who never want to feel cramped.

If you enjoy the idea of sprawling out with your kids and pets while still having plenty of personal space, the Alaskan King Biggie Smalls offers that perfect combination. However, be sure your bedroom can accommodate this extra-wide King-size bed.

Alaskan King Biggie

Now, let’s talk about the biggest King-size mattress – the Alaskan King Biggie. It is 144” wide and 108” long, which makes it the perfect choice for large families that want maximum sleeping space.

This massive bed can easily fit two adults, several children, and even large pets, with room to spare. It’s designed for those who value luxury and comfort, providing an unmatched sleep experience for large families or those who love their personal space while sleeping.

Family Bed and Family Bed XL

Many giant bed manufacturers offer two more oversize King mattresses for co-sleeping families: Family Bed and Family Bed XL.

The Family Bed is the same size as our Alaskan King shorty, measuring 108” in width and 80” in length. Similarly, it can accommodate two adults, 2-3 children, and your furry best friends. It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t have enough room for the additional 28” offered by the original Alaskan King mattress or those who don’t need extra legroom.

If we’re talking about giant mattresses, the Family Bed XL is among the biggest options out there. It is 144” wide and 84” long, offering a massive sleeping surface.

That makes the family bed XL mattress perfect for bigger families with many children and pets who all like to sleep together. This oversize bed provides enough room for everyone and is ideal for relaxing without feeling cramped.

Keep in mind that the Alaskan King Bed Company doesn’t handcraft Family Bed XL at the moment. But you can get one of our Alaskan King sizes, and our biggest size is the Alaskan King Biggie, which takes the crown of the largest King mattress on the market.

Giant Mattress Size Comparison

Mattress Size	Dimensions (W x L)	Best For	How Many People Fit Comfortably
Alaskan King Biggie	144” x 108”	Largest families, ultimate space	2 adults + 3-4 kids + pets
Family Bed XL	144” x 84”	Extra-wide giant bed without extra length	2 adults + 3-4 kids + pets
Alaskan King Biggie Smalls	120” x 80”	Families wanting extra width	2 adults + 3-4 kids + pets
Alaskan King Original	108” x 108”	Classic giant family bed	2 adults + 2-3 children + pets
Alaskan King Shorty XL	108” x 96”	Taller sleepers + families	2 adults + 2-3 children + pets
Alaskan King Shorty L	108” x 84”	Tall sleepers needing more foot room	2 adults + 2-3 children + pets
Alaskan King Shorty	108” x 80”	Families wanting width over length	2 adults + 2-3 children (limited pet space)
Family Bed	108” x 80”	Same as Shorty, wide sleeping space	2 adults + 2-3 children (limited pet space)
Alaskan King Mini / Alberta King	96” x 96”	Smaller families, smaller rooms	2 adults + 1-2 children + pets
Wyoming King	84” x 84”	Couples who want more space than a King but not a giant bed	2 adults + 1 child or pet

 

Why Is Co-Sleeping a Good Idea for Families?

Some toddlers can transition from a crib to a bed when they turn 18 months, while others need a little longer (usually no longer than 30 months). After they start sleeping on their own, almost every kid goes through that phase where they come to your bedroom at night looking to sleep with you. They usually want more attention, so why not give it to them from the start?

In fact, have you noticed that animals always sleep together in the wild? The simple explanation is that this builds a bond between members of the pack, which makes them feel accepted and secure.

Although we have come a long way since sleeping in the wild, our brains are still hardwired the same way. So, by sleeping together with your family, you build intimacy, trust, and strong bonds between all members. That includes your dogs, cats, and any other pets you have.

Buying an oversize mattress brings other benefits, including:

• It provides enough room for everyone to sleep comfortably.
• It is perfect for a movie night.
• You can stay in bed on the lazy mornings and cuddle.
• It is the most comfortable place for a family game night.
• It’s great for yoga, meditation, or light stretching.

How to Choose the Right Giant Mattress for Your Family

Choosing a giant mattress isn’t just about picking the biggest option. You need to find the right fit for your family’s size, sleep habits, and space. Here’s how to narrow it down:

Think About How Many People You’re Co-Sleeping With

Every family settles into bed differently. Some nights it’s just you, your partner, and a toddler who refuses to sleep anywhere but between you. Other nights, two kids and a couple of pets join the mix and, suddenly the bed feels much smaller.

Smaller families usually feel perfectly comfortable on an Alaskan King Mini or a Wyoming King, while families with two or three kids tend to gravitate toward the Alaskan King Original, Shorty, or Shorty XL for that extra breathing room. If your nights look more like a full-family cuddle pile, the Alaskan King Biggie Smalls offers generous space without losing that close, cozy feel. And for families who want the most room possible, the Alaskan King Biggie delivers a truly sprawling sleep setup.

If bedtime feels crowded, lean wider. If legs keep hanging off the edge, lean longer. The right giant mattress makes all the difference.

Measure Your Bedroom First

Giant mattresses need giant rooms. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 2-3 feet of open space around the bed so you can walk, open drawers, and live in the room, not just sleep in it.

For example, the Alaskan King Original usually fits best in rooms that are at least 14×14 feet, giving you enough clearance for nightstands and easy movement. Larger models like the Biggie or Biggie Smalls need even more width, so double-check both the mattress size and the frame before you commit.

Match the Mattress to Your Sleep Style

Your family’s sleep personality matters.

• Active sleepers need extra width so no one gets elbowed or rolled onto.
• Snugglers can get away with slightly smaller oversized beds.
• Families with pets benefit from extra foot space or wider dimensions.
• Partners with different sleep positions may need more breathing room.

Consider Height and Legroom

If anyone in your family is tall, stick with sizes that offer extra length:

• Shorty L (84”)
• Shorty XL (96”)
• Alaskan King Original (108”)
• Alaskan King Biggie (108”)

No more feet dangling over the edge.

Where Can I Buy a Giant Mattress?

Many parents go for giant mattresses and co-sleeping because they bring the family closer together without compromising the sleep quality.

The Alaskan King Bed Company saw the importance of family bonds, which inspired us to design and handcraft premium oversize beds.

All of our giant mattresses feel homey. They are handcrafted using top-quality materials, and they offer premium comfort for the ultimate family sleeping experience.

Visit our online store to discover our top-rated Alaskan bed frames and mattresses. There, you’ll be able to browse our models and customize options like your preferred size and firmness level.

s and co-sleeping – because they bring the family closer together without compromising the sleep quality.

The Alaskan King Bed Company saw the importance of family bonds, which inspired us to design and handcraft premium oversize beds.

All of our giant beds have several things in common; they feel homey, they are handcrafted using top-quality materials, and they offer premium comfort for the ultimate family sleeping experience.

Visit our online store to discover our top-rated Alaskan bed frames and mattresses. There, you’ll be able to browse our models and select the size you prefer and other options like the firmness level.