Existence of Contemporary Split Queen Beds
The split queen mattress, consisting of two 30-inch wide twin XL mattresses side-by-side to equal a 60-inch queen, seems almost antiquated in today's bedding world. With most couples opting for a single, shared queen mattress, one might wonder if split queen beds still exist in modern times. A closer inspection reveals that while major mattress brands have largely phased out split queen production, specialty retailers continue meeting demand for this customizable bedding option.
For couples with vastly different comfort needs and sleep styles, a split queen allows each sleeper to customize their mattress firmness, material and thickness. Separate mattresses can also make it easier to move through tight spaces like doorways and staircases. However, the divide between two mattresses poses challenges for amorous couples and those wanting robust edge support. Weighing the unique pros and cons of split queen beds helps determine if this uncommon bed size endures as a viable pick.
The Declining Production of Split Queen Mattresses
A split queen mattress consists of two 30-inch wide twin XL mattresses, a size adding 5 inches of length to a standard twin. Arrange two twin XL mattresses side-by-side on a queen-sized bed frame to achieve a complete split queen bed measuring 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. While this setup allows sleepers to customize their comfort and support needs, most major mattress manufacturers no longer produce twin XL beds specifically for split queen use.
Shifts in Consumer Preferences
According to mattress industry analysts, the demand for split queen mattresses began declining in the late 20th century amidst shifting customer preferences. As bedding options expanded with pillowtops, cushion firm and plush mattresses, more couples felt satisfied sharing a single queen mattress. Memory foam and latex comfort layers provided gradual contouring to ease pressure points, reducing the need for fully customized beds. With customers less compelled by the benefits of a split queen, mass retailers redirected production efforts towards more popular models like queen and king.
Mattress Industry Consolidation
Over the past three decades, the mattress industry experienced immense consolidation with over 1,000 manufacturers merging or going out of business. As large conglomerates emerged, manufacturing became more scalable and inventory simplified. Varieties like the split queen mattress, requiring double the materials and labour, faced elimination under ruthless profit-driven direction. While disruptors like Casper brought streamlined bed-in-a-box options to the market, hopes of split queen mattress resurgence remain slim amongst leading brands.
Specialty Retailers Continue Offering Split Queens
Despite disappearing from mass retailer showrooms, all signs do not point to the split queen mattress's complete extinction. Specialty mattress stores and custom bedding manufacturers attract shoppers with unique sleep solutions like the split queen. Flexsteel, Century Furniture, and Copperworks pride themselves on handcrafted quality and tailor-made comfort. Unlike commercial brands, these workshops build each bed to order and possess materials and skills to construct split box springs and two twin XL mattresses.
Seeking Customized Comfort
Split queen mattress specialty shops appeal to customers craving ultra-personalization absent from mainstream models. Opening up each side of the bed to accommodate individual preferences, they court couples with vastly different sleep needs and styles. Combination mattresses, layering latex, memory foam, and pocket coils in separate configurations maximizes comfort for each sleeper. With customization covering firmness, height, and components, the split queen grants sleep sanctuaries for fussy couples struggling to compromise.
Serving Chronic Pain Suffers
Mattress customization also assists those living with chronic back and joint issues. By separately configuring firmness zones and pressure relief, split queens can ease pain keeping sleepers awake at night. Combining therapeutic memory foam on one half with gently contouring latex foam on the other grants each sleeper targeted pain and tension alleviation. For couples where one person suffers from arthritis or injuries, a split queen finally offers restful sleep and rejuvenation.
Considerations When Purchasing a Split Queen
Despite meeting specialized needs, split queen mattresses also come with inherent compromises couples must weigh before purchasing. From transmission of motion to edge support to sexually intimacy, the divide between two twin XL mattresses poses unique considerations absent from single-piece queen beds.
Assessing Usage Factors
Taking stock of usage habits helps determine if a split queen mattress makes practical sense. Couples desiring cozy contact while sleeping or watching television sacrifice closeness crossing the middle divide. The gap also allows more mattress motion transfer which could disturb lighter sleepers. And amorous couples need to exercise caution not to slip down the split which could lead to injury.
Accounting for Structural Drawbacks
The unconventional twin XL construction also impacts mattress integrity and support. Splits between two mattresses leave sleepers without reinforced edges bolstering the bed's perimeter. The region between each half may also sag from inadequate center support a solid mattress box spring provides. And separate mattresses are more prone to sliding, requiring vigilance checking for gaps.
Sourcing This Specialty Mattress Today
For couples with vastly different sleep needs or chronic pain issues, a split queen mattress could provide the answer for peaceful slumber. But finding retailers still producing this specialty bed takes some searching. Local custom mattress workshops may offer split queen options but likely with higher price tags reflecting custom materials and construction. Mass merchant options no longer exist, requiring turning to specialty bedding boutiques to locate this divisible, dual-sleeper configuration.
Exploring Custom Shops
To find a split queen mattress in 2023, sleuthing amongst localcustom bedding boutiques offers the best bet. Workshops like Flexsteel partner with regional manufacturers to hand-build specialized beds unavailable on retail showroom floors. Couples can fine-tune materials from latex and memory foam to fabric-encased coil springs to achieve their desired comfort.
Specialized internet bedding companies also court customers seeking hard-to-find options like split queens. Savvy Rest lets shoppers configure each twin XL half covering type, firmness, and components for optimized, personalized performance. Arizona Premium Mattress advertises customizable beds tackling sleep issues from back pain to pressure points to temperature regulation. Niches like split queens endure through retailers catering to discerning, sleep-deprived consumers.
While the split queen mattress largely disappeared from mainstream manufacturing, specialty artisans and custom bedding boutiques keep this dual-sleeper design alive. Couples sleep struggles or chronic pain often trace to compromised beds failing to deliver comfort. The enduring split queen, catering to exact preferences of each sleeper, promises an elusive oasis for turbulent sleepers.