Quick Answer: A split king bed uses two Twin XL mattresses (38" x 80" each) side by side on separate adjustable bases, giving each partner independent control over firmness, head elevation, and foot elevation. Key benefits include eliminating partner disturbance, allowing different firmness for each sleeper, reducing snoring through head elevation, relieving acid reflux and back pain, and making moving day easier. In Canada, split king setups range from $2,000 to $5,000+ depending on mattress and base quality.
If you share a bed with someone who has different sleep preferences, a different schedule, or a medical condition like sleep apnea or acid reflux, a split king may be the most practical upgrade you can make to your bedroom.
This guide covers every benefit, the real costs involved, how to solve the centre gap problem, and who should (and should not) invest in a split king setup in Canada.
Table of Contents
What Is a Split King Bed?
A split king consists of two Twin XL mattresses (each 38 inches wide by 80 inches long) placed side by side on two separate adjustable bed bases. The total sleeping surface is 76 inches by 80 inches, identical to a standard king-size bed.
The critical difference is independence. Each mattress and each base operates separately, so one partner can elevate their head to read while the other lies flat, or one can choose a firm mattress while the other chooses soft. With a regular king, every adjustment affects both sleepers.
Split King Dimensions
- Each mattress: 38" W x 80" L (Twin XL)
- Combined surface: 76" W x 80" L (same as King)
- Adjustable base: Two separate Twin XL bases, each with independent motors
- Bedding: Uses king-size flat sheets and comforters, split king fitted sheets
7 Benefits of a Split King Bed
1. Different Firmness for Each Partner
This is the number one reason couples choose split king. Instead of compromising on a single firmness level, each partner selects their own mattress independently. A side sleeper who needs a soft (4 out of 10) mattress can sleep next to a stomach sleeper who needs firm (7 out of 10). Research in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine (Jacobson et al., 2008) found that matching mattress firmness to individual body weight and sleep position reduces back pain. With a split king, both partners get their ideal match. For more on this topic, see our guide on couples with different firmness preferences.
2. Zero Motion Transfer
Two separate mattresses on two separate bases means absolutely zero motion transfer between partners. If one person tosses, turns, or gets up for the bathroom at 3 AM, the other feels nothing. This is physically impossible with a shared mattress, no matter how good its motion isolation claims are. For couples where one partner is a restless sleeper, this alone justifies the investment.
3. Independent Head and Foot Elevation
With separate adjustable bases, each partner controls their own head and foot elevation independently. Practical uses include:
- Reading or watching television without disturbing a sleeping partner
- Snoring reduction by elevating the head 15 to 30 degrees, which repositions the airway and reduces soft tissue collapse
- Acid reflux relief by keeping the head elevated above the stomach
- Back pain management through zero-gravity positioning (head and knees slightly elevated)
- Leg swelling reduction by elevating the feet above heart level
4. Snoring and Sleep Apnea Management
Elevating the head of the bed by 15 to 30 degrees is clinically recommended for reducing snoring and mild obstructive sleep apnea. With a split king, the snoring partner can elevate their head without forcing the other partner into the same position. This keeps the snorer's airway more open while the non-snoring partner sleeps flat and undisturbed. See our guide on adjustable beds for sleep apnea for more details.
5. Acid Reflux Relief
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects approximately 13 percent of Canadians. Elevating the head of the bed 15 to 20 centimetres is a first-line recommendation from gastroenterologists. A split king allows the reflux sufferer to elevate their side while the partner sleeps at their preferred position.
6. Easier Moving and Setup
A standard king mattress weighs 50 to 75 kilograms and requires wide doorways, turns, and usually two or more people to manoeuvre. Two Twin XL mattresses weigh 25 to 35 kilograms each and fit through standard doorways, around tight corners, and up narrow staircases. For Canadians who move frequently or live in older homes with narrow hallways, this is a practical advantage.
7. Different Schedules, No Disruption
If one partner works shift schedules (nursing, policing, paramedic work, factory shifts), a split king minimizes disruption when one person gets into or out of bed at different hours. The separate mattresses and bases ensure that movement on one side does not transfer to the other.
Split King Cost Breakdown in Canada
A split king setup requires three components: two Twin XL mattresses and two Twin XL adjustable bases. Here is what to expect in 2026:
| Component | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2x Twin XL Mattresses | $600-$900 | $1,000-$1,600 | $2,000-$4,000+ |
| 2x Adjustable Bases | $1,200-$1,800 | $2,000-$3,000 | $3,000-$5,000+ |
| Split King Sheets | $50-$80 | $80-$150 | $150-$300 |
| Total Setup Cost | $1,850-$2,780 | $3,080-$4,750 | $5,150-$9,300+ |
Canadian Brand Pricing Examples
- Juno split king mattress pair: $898 (2x Twin XL at $449 each)
- Douglas split king mattress pair: $1,198 (2x Twin XL at $599 each)
- Logan and Cove split king mattress pair: from $1,198
- GoodMorning.com adjustable base (per unit): from $1,099
- Mattress Miracle split king packages: $2,499 to $4,499 including bases and Restonic mattresses
The Centre Gap Problem (and How to Fix It)
The most common complaint about split king beds is the gap between the two mattresses. This 2 to 5 centimetre gap can be uncomfortable if you sleep in the middle or if you and your partner cuddle.
5 Solutions for the Split King Gap
- Bed bridge or gap filler: A foam wedge or strap that connects the two mattresses, eliminating the gap. Available on Amazon.ca for $30 to $60. This is the most popular solution.
- King-size mattress topper: A single king-size memory foam topper laid across both mattresses smooths the gap and creates a unified sleeping surface. Works especially well if both mattresses are the same height.
- Non-slip mattress pads: Placed between the mattresses to prevent them from drifting apart. Costs $10 to $20.
- Adjustable base connectors: Some adjustable bases include brackets or straps that lock the two bases together, preventing separation.
- King-size fitted sheet: Using a king-size fitted sheet over both mattresses (instead of two Twin XL fitted sheets) helps hold them together, though it limits independent adjustment.
In practice, most couples find the gap is a minor inconvenience that a $40 bed bridge solves completely. The benefits of independent adjustment far outweigh this easily fixable issue.
Split King vs Regular King: Which Is Better?
| Factor | Split King | Regular King |
|---|---|---|
| Independent adjustment | Yes, each side fully independent | No, entire mattress is shared |
| Motion transfer | Zero (separate mattresses) | Some to moderate (depends on type) |
| Firmness options | Each partner chooses independently | One firmness for both |
| Adjustable base | Each side adjusts independently | Both sides adjust together (or not at all) |
| Centre gap | Yes (fixable with bridge) | No gap |
| Moving and setup | Easier (lighter, fits doorways) | Harder (heavy, needs wide doors) |
| Bedding | Split king sheets needed | Standard king sheets |
| Cost | Higher (two bases needed) | Lower (single base or none) |
Who Should Get a Split King
- Couples with different firmness preferences (one prefers soft, the other firm)
- Partners with different schedules (shift workers, early risers with night owls)
- Anyone with acid reflux or GERD who needs head elevation without affecting their partner
- Snorers or mild sleep apnea sufferers who benefit from head elevation
- Light sleepers disturbed by partner movement
- Couples where one partner has chronic pain requiring specific positioning
- People in older homes with narrow doorways or staircases
Who Should Not Get a Split King
- Couples who cuddle frequently and find the centre gap bothersome (though a bed bridge helps)
- Budget-conscious buyers who cannot justify the cost of two adjustable bases
- Couples who agree on firmness and have no medical need for independent adjustment
- Anyone in a small bedroom where a king-size footprint does not fit comfortably
Try Split King in Brantford
Mattress Miracle carries split king adjustable bed packages from $2,499 to $4,499, including two Restonic mattresses with up to 1,222 pocketed coils each and two German-motor adjustable bases with zero-gravity positioning, massage, and USB charging. Visit us at 441 1/2 West St, Brantford, ON or call (519) 770-0001 to test the independent controls yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size sheets do you need for a split king?
You need two Twin XL fitted sheets (one for each mattress) and a standard king-size flat sheet and comforter that cover both mattresses together. Split king fitted sheet sets are widely available from Douglas, Silk and Snow, Amazon.ca, and most Canadian bedding retailers. Some couples prefer using separate duvets in the Scandinavian style for additional independence.
Is a split king the same as two twin beds?
No. A split king uses two Twin XL mattresses (38" x 80"), which are five inches longer than standard Twin mattresses (38" x 75"). The extra length is important for adults. Two standard Twin mattresses placed side by side would create a 76" x 75" surface, which is five inches shorter than a king and may be too short for taller sleepers.
How do you fill the gap in a split king bed?
The most effective solution is a foam bed bridge or gap filler, available on Amazon.ca for $30 to $60. It sits between the two mattresses and creates a smooth surface. A king-size mattress topper placed over both mattresses also eliminates the gap while adding comfort. Non-slip pads between the mattresses prevent them from drifting apart.
Can you use any mattress for a split king?
Any Twin XL mattress works for a split king setup. The two mattresses do not need to be the same brand, type, or firmness. One partner can use a firm foam mattress while the other uses a soft hybrid. The mattresses should be the same height for the most comfortable shared surface. Most Canadian bed-in-a-box brands (Douglas, Endy, Logan and Cove, Silk and Snow, Juno) offer Twin XL sizes.
How much does a split king adjustable bed cost in Canada?
A complete split king setup in Canada ranges from approximately $2,000 for a budget configuration (two Juno mattresses at $449 each plus two basic adjustable bases) to $5,000 or more for a premium setup with high-end mattresses and advanced adjustable bases. Mattress Miracle in Brantford offers complete split king packages from $2,499 to $4,499 including Restonic mattresses and German-motor adjustable bases.
Does a split king help with snoring?
Yes. Elevating the snorer's head by 15 to 30 degrees repositions the airway and reduces soft tissue collapse, which is the primary cause of snoring. With a split king, only the snorer's side elevates while the partner sleeps flat and undisturbed. This is more effective than anti-snoring pillows because the entire upper body is repositioned, not just the head.
Sources and References
- Jacobson, B.H. et al. (2008). Effect of prescribed sleep surfaces on back pain and sleep quality. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 7(1), 1-8.
- Canadian Digestive Health Foundation. GERD prevalence data for Canada.
- Sleep Foundation. Adjustable bed positioning recommendations for snoring and acid reflux.
- All pricing verified from Canadian brand websites as of February 2026.
Ready to Try a Split King? Visit Mattress Miracle
Test our split king adjustable bed packages in person. Feel the independent controls, experience zero-gravity positioning, and compare firmness options side by side. Complete packages from $2,499 including two Restonic hybrid mattresses and two German-motor adjustable bases. Visit 441 1/2 West St, Brantford, ON or call (519) 770-0001. Serving Brantford, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding communities seven days a week since 1987.