Written by Dan Caffrey, Editor
It’s no secret that teenagers need their sleep. If you’re a parent or guardian of a teen who isn’t sleeping well, their mattress might be part of the reason. The fact is, some mattresses are just better for teenagers than others. And a restful night’s sleep is incredibly important for your teen’s growth and wellbeing.
Selecting the right mattress for your teen might seem daunting since there are so many options to consider. To help you out, we’ve created a list of the best mattresses for teenagers. After discussing our selections, we’ll emphasize three important factors when choosing the right mattress for you: firmness, pressure relief, and support.
A word of caution before we begin: Having the wrong mattress for your teen could make waking them up in the morning even more difficult than it already is. We at Sleepopolis absolve ourselves from any tardiness that may occur as a result. Faux disclaimers aside, let’s jump in!
Our Top Pick for Best Mattress for Teenagers
The Helix Midnight won our top spot as the best mattress for teenagers because of its comfortable mix of pressure relief and support, cooling capabilities, and incredible edge support. This high-quality mattress should be durable enough to last a teen into adulthood or transition into a guest bed.
Best Mattress for Teenagers
- Best Overall Mattress for Teens – Helix Midnight
- Best Value Mattress for Teens – Nectar
- Best Luxury Mattress for Teens – DreamCloud
- Best Mattress for Teen Back Sleepers – Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers – WinkBed
- Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Teens – Nolah Natural
- Best Cooling Mattress for Teens – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best for Heavyweight Teens – Titan Plus
- Best Extra-Firm Mattress for Teens – Plank Firm
Best Mattresses for Teenagers Video
What We Look For In The Best Mattress For Teenagers
Comfort and Support
We know that comfort and support are your top priorities in a mattress, especially when you are looking for one for your teenager or yourself. So we tested the support of all of the mattresses in this list using a pressure map to see where there is the best support and pressure relief for various sleeping positions. We also tried out each of these mattresses ourselves to see just how comfortable they are.
Durability
Durability is especially important when thinking about buying things for teenagers. We know this, and we want to help you find the most durable mattress for your teen, so we examined the materials and construction of every mattress on this list to help you find a mattress that will be comfortable while also lasting.
Price
In the same way durability is important, price is too. We know you want the best for your teens or yourself, but we also know you don’t want to break the bank. We made sure to examine the price of every mattress on this list in comparison with its comfort, cooling, and durability to make sure you are getting the best mattress for teenagers while staying within your budget.
Comapre The Best Mattresses for Teens
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| Helix Midnight Mattress | Nectar Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Titan Plus | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Latex | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| Best For |
Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples
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Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
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Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
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Couples,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Best Overall Mattress for Teens – Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight is amongst Helix’s line of six standard mattresses. It’s known for its more balanced feel, allowing it to accommodate a wide range of sleepers. We also recommend it for couples, as it scored well on our motion isolation, responsiveness, edge support, and cooling tests. For a plusher and more cooling version of this mattress, see the Helix Midnight Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I would recommend this mattress for side or back sleepers because it’s supportive, without putting pressure on your joints.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Helix is unique because they offer a collection of hybrid mattresses that combine a layer of supportive, pocketed coils with one or more layers of foam. With six mattresses to choose from ranging from soft to firm, there’s a good chance your teenager will find a bed that matches their sleeping preference. Honestly, any of the Helix models could work for teens depending on their preferred sleeping position, but the Helix Midnight is the most universally loved model. With a medium feel, back and side sleeper teens should both sleep cozy on the Midnight.
We put the Helix Midnight through our pressure map test so we could assess which sleeping positions it’s best for. Using a thermal mat that we spread across the mattress surface, we measure high, moderate, and low pressure. While testing the Helix Midnight, we found impressive pressure relief in the back sleeping position, as we only found blue and a touch of green (low pressure) on the map. Side sleeping, we did see some yellow (moderate pressure) at the shoulder and hip, but this is to be expected. This sleeping position does put pressure on these areas, but it’s nothing to be concerned about. Because we saw no indications of extreme pressure buildup (indicated with the colors orange and red), we determined folks with back pain and joint pain should find relief on the Helix Midnight.
What our tester says: “I would recommend it for side or back sleepers, because it’s supportive without putting pressure on your joints.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many customers selected the Helix Midnight because of the company’s 30-second Sleep Quiz. We recommend letting your teen take it, so they can find which Helix model is best for their needs.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- The Helix Midnight is a wonderful option for combination sleepers. It provides an uplifted, “on top of the bed” feel that makes it easy to switch between sleeping positions.
- As a hybrid mattress with a thick layer of pocketed coils, the Helix Midnight has lots of room for airflow, resulting in an overall cooler sleep experience.
- The Helix Midnight has reinforced edges along the long sides of the bed, so if you’re buying a smaller size for your teen or if they love to sleep on the edge, they should feel well supported.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
- The Helix Midnight is too soft for most stomach sleepers. A firmer feel will better support their spine.
Learn more about this mattress in our Helix Midnight mattress review.
Best Value Mattress for Teens – Nectar
The Nectar delivers a balance of comfort and support: it’s definitely contouring, but still provides a firm enough foundation for most light to average weight sleepers, especially if they sleep on their back or stomach. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think back sleepers would be especially happy on this bed. They’ll get plenty of support from the firm memory foam in the Nectar Classic, which should translate to great pressure relief and a good night’s sleep. Hot sleepers who have to have a memory foam mattress should also have no trouble at all falling asleep on this bed.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The original Nectar mattress is the company’s flagship and most popular bed. It’s pressure-relieving as well as supportive, made with a thick layer of gel memory foam that’s balanced out by firmer foam at the bottom of the mattress. The result is a memory foam mattress with a responsive, medium-firm feel. And it comes at a value price. You should find a queen size Nectar for less than $1,000 after discounts.
What our tester says: “When lying on the Nectar, my lower back felt super comfortable, and I felt great pressure relief around my lower back.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
What Customers Say
Many reviewers suffering from pain problems say they find lots of comfort on the Nectar.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
- For back sleepers, the Nectar delivers that feel without sacrificing support and spinal alignment.
- Stomach sleepers should also get the requisite amount of support, which is rare for a memory foam mattress.
- If your teen is a combination sleeper, they should find the Nectar responsive enough to be able to switch sleeping positions.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
- While most side sleepers should be comfortable on the Nectar, they might need a softer mattress if they struggle with joint pain.
Interested in learning more about the Nectar? Head over to my full review of the Nectar mattress.
Best Luxury Mattress for Teens – DreamCloud
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
Expert Opinion
The DreamCloud is a luxury hybrid mattress made with layers of memory foam and pocketed coils. Striking a super satisfying balance between pressure relief and support, it offers a great combination of support that could work well for teens, especially if they tend to sleep on their backs. This bed is also well-made and durable, so it should last your teen into their early adulthood or serve well as a guest bed when they leave home — and DreamCloud backs that quality up with a lifetime warranty.
One of the best parts about this luxury mattress is its cooling abilities. While testing this bed and surveying its construction, we found it has a number of cooling properties to prevent folks from overheating. At the top of the mattress, there’s a breathable cashmere cover. Beneath lies a cooling gel-infused memory foam comfort layer. The coils toward the bottom of the mattress provide lots of airflow.
What our tester says: “I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are many customers who enjoy the balanced feel that the DreamCloud offers.
Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress
- The responsiveness of the DreamCloud makes it a good option for sex and combination sleeping.
- A medium-firm feel that provides support and pressure relief around the lumbar works very well for back sleeping.
- As a more durable mattress, the DreamCloud could work well for some teens who weigh 250 pounds or more. The bed also boasts fantastic edge support, which is helpful in keeping heavy sleepers supported on the bed and preventing sagging.
Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress
- If your teen primarily sleeps on their side, the DreamCloud may be a touch firm for them.
For more details, check out the full DreamCloud review here.
Best Mattress for Teen Back Sleepers – Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid gives sleepers an equal amount of contouring and support, thanks to its combination of soft foams and sturdy coils. Back sleepers are likely to be the most comfortable and should find that their spines stay neutrally aligned. Most side sleepers should also get the pressure relief they need. Finally, hot sleepers should also be happy on this bed due to all of its cooling features.
What our tester says:
“I really enjoyed how this mattress felt laying on my back and side. I was so comfortable and loved the medium-firm feel that had a touch of softness. I think the foam layers offered a contouring feeling while also making me feel supported. It’s also a very responsive bed, so it could be a great choice for combination sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
Expert Opinion
Right away, there’s a lot to love about the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid, from the breathable cover made from organic cotton to a deep-contouring layer that feels like a pillow top. But the crown jewel of this all-foam mattress is its patented lumbar zone quilting. That means the mattress is firmer toward the center, which helps sleepers keep a neutral spinal alignment. This is especially important for teen back sleepers whose bodies are still developing. They’ll find further comfort in a layer of gel memory foam, balanced out by a layer of pocketed coils below.
Of course, we had to put this mattress through our pressure map test to determine whether it’s truly a good option for back sleepers. In this sleeping position, we found very little pressure buildup, signified by the colors blue and green. The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid should provide plenty of relief for the hips, but its coiled layer should still keep the body properly lifted.
What our tester says: “I really enjoyed how this mattress felt laying on my back and side.I was so comfortable and loved the medium-firm feel that had a touch of softness. I think the foam layers offered a contouring feeling while also making me feel supported.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Saatva customers are impressed with the customer service at all points of the mattress process. Reviewers say that Saatva representatives are professional and polite, and that their mattress was easy to order.
Pros of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
- If your teen switches between sleeping on their back and side, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is a good fit, as it’ll be comfortable in both positions and easy to move around.
- Gel-infused foams and breathable coils make this bed a cool sleep surface.
- The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid has excellent edge support, meaning your teen can sleep all the way to the edge of their bed without slipping off.
Cons of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
- The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid’s medium-firm feel is a bit too soft for most stomach sleepers.
For more details, check out our full review for the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid.
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers – WinkBed
The WinkBed is a luxury hybrid mattress. It has a similarly supportive and sturdy feel to a traditional innerspring mattress, but upgrades like a Euro top and cooling Tencel cover give it a touch of modern luxury. Available in three firmness levels, there is a WinkBed for just about every sleeper. And a responsive and bouncy feel makes it a great pick for combination sleepers. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you. Since this bed offered great pressure relief around my lumbar region, I’d also recommend it to folks who suffer from lower back pain.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress that’s made with a plush, pillow top layer. Its mix of soft foams and supportive coils makes it our choice for the best mattress for combination sleepers. A layer of pocketed coils gives it a sturdy foundation which helps with spine alignment. The WinkBed mattress is offered in three different firmness levels: Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm. We recommend combo sleepers go with the Luxury Firm model, since this one has a medium-firm feel that supports various sleeping positions.
While testing the WinkBed, we rolled on the mattress to test its responsiveness. We found it extremely easy to move around on. It’s also features great motion isolation, meaning if you sleep with a partner, you shouldn’t feel their movements.
What our tester says: “I found the WinkBed to be a comfortable and highly supportive mattress. Lying on the bed, I felt the uplift from the sturdy base, but still felt the plush cushioning of the pillow top layer above.” — Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
What Customers Say
Many customers with joint pain— from sensitivity in the hip and shoulder to the lower back —feel lots of relief on the WinkBed mattress.
Pros of the WinkBed Mattress
- The WinkBed is a great option for those who run warm at night, as it features a cooling Tencel cover, gel-infused foam to draw heat from the body, and tall, breathable coils.
- The WinkBed is one of the sturdiest, most supportive mattresses out there, thanks to its more traditional, innerspring-style feel. This makes it ideal for teens experiencing back pain.
- If your teen weighs 250 pounds or more, the WinkBed should offer excellent support, thanks to its tall coil layer.
Cons of the WinkBed Mattress
- The WinkBed is a high-quality mattress, meaning it comes at a higher price. It may not be a fantastic option for shoppers with a tighter budget.
Read more in our full WinkBed mattress review.
Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Teens – Nolah Natural
The Nolah Natural is made with eco-friendly Talalay latex and supportive coils. This mattress has GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) organic wool, cotton, natural latex, and recycled steel. The latex makes this mattress responsive, which is great for couples and combination sleepers. This material is also naturally hypoallergenic and cooling, which can help hot sleepers prevent overheating. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“It has a very soft, plush feel that provides you some cushioning as well. I’d say you’re going to feel more “on top” of this bed than “in it” — thanks to its bouncy latex.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor.
Expert Opinion
If your teen is sensitive to allergens, the Nolah Natural may be the solution you’re looking for. Made with hypoallergenic and eco-friendly materials — and free of harmful chemicals and substances — this hybrid bed will have your teenager rushing to bed with its soft, plush feel and natural cooling abilities. And as a bonus, this mattress comes with handles, so if a move to college or an apartment is in your teen’s future, this could be the mattress to get.
What our tester says: “It has a very soft, plush feel that provides you some cushioning as well. I’d say you’re going to feel more “on top” of this bed than “in it” — thanks to its bouncy latex.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Reviews on Nolah’s site amount to 4.9 out of 5 stars, and several commenters praise the Nolah Natural’s quality materials. They say they not only get a good night’s sleep, but a safe one.
Pros of the Nolah Natural Mattress
- This natural mattress is made with naturally-cool Talalay latex, breathable cotton, and coils that allow for lots of airflow — no worries about overheating at night.
- The Nolah Natural provides the right balance of comfort and support for back sleepers, with support from the coils and pleasant cushioning from the latex.
- The latex foam offers sufficient cushioning for pressure relief around the shoulders and hips in the side sleeping position.
Cons of the Nolah Natural Mattress
- Overall, the Nolah Natural is just too soft for most stomach sleepers.
Head over to our full review of the Nolah Natural Mattress if you want to learn more.
Best Cooling Mattress for Teens – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a hybrid mattress designed with gentle foams and a breathable construction. This makes it worth considering if your teen overheats at night, especially with the optional cooling pillow top that’s available for an extra fee. The mattress comes with three different firmness levels: Soft, Medium, and Firm, so you can accommodate for your teen’s preferences. In our tests of the medium-firm mattress, we scored it a 4.5 out of 5 in cooling. It also scored a 4 out of 5 or above in aspects like materials, support, and value, so it’s a well-rounded option for all types of sleepers — not just teens.
What our tester says: “When it comes to cooling, we usually consider a mattress’s construction first. As a hybrid mattress, the Signature Hybrid includes coils in its construction, which encourages a lot of airflow and breathability. Because of this, I think the Signature Hybrid is a nice, cooling pick for hot sleepers and couples alike. However, if you usually tend to sleep extra hot, you can also add a cooling cover to the Signature Hybrid for an additional fee of $150.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Many Signature Hybrid customers say the breathable coils and cooling pillow top are effective and prevents them from overheating.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- The Medium model we tested is an ideal fit for back sleepers, as it contours the hips while still lifting them up in alignment.
- The Soft version of the Signature Hybrid should provide the plush cushioning that’s specifically cozy for side sleepers.
- We found the Signature Hybrid had strong edge support, meaning you can sleep all the way to the edge of the bed.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
- Some strict stomach sleepers might be fine on the Firm model, but most are going to prefer one of the best firm mattresses instead.
Read our full review of the Signature Hybrid if you want to learn more.
Best Mattress for Heavyweight Teens – Titan Plus
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
Made with heavy people (who weigh 250 pounds or more) in mind, the Titan is a sturdy and durable mattress. It is a hybrid mattress that includes the brand’s proprietary Titanflex comfort foam, pocketed coils, and high-density poly foam. These layers of foam deliver a satisfying balance of soft pressure relief and sturdy support, with a focus on bolstering heavy sleepers who tend to sink through more traditional structures.
We found some great pressure relief results on our pressure map for back and stomach sleepers. So, teens in this weight group should find the Titan provides plenty of support, while still being comfortable.
What our tester says: “The materials under the Titan Plus’ hood are sturdy and durable. You get just the right amount of cozy mobility on top, but the theme here is support.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
Heavier shoppers find an ample amount of support on the Titan Plus. They also report finding relief from back pain.
Pros of the Titan Plus Mattress
- Heavy back sleepers should be ultra-cozy on the Titan Plus, as it provides an excellent balance of pressure relief and support.
- The supportive, firm feel of this bed should provide plenty of lift to keep stomach sleepers’ hips in line with their spines.
- For such a sturdy mattress, the Titan Plus isn’t too pricey. A queen size is just around $1,000.
Cons of the Titan Plus Mattress
- As this is a firmer bed, side sleepers may experience too much pressure buildup on their joints.
Interested in learning more about the Titan? Head over to the full review of the Titan mattress.
Best Extra Firm Mattress for Teens – Plank Firm
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
This mattress is called the Plank for a reason: Its extra-firm side is one of the firmest mattresses we’ve tested. We say extra-firm side because this all-foam bed is actually flippable, with a firm side and an extra-firm side. It’s almost like getting two mattresses in one — perfect for a teenager who prefers a firmer sleep experience but might still be trying to figure out exactly how firm they want to go.
As firm as this mattress is, we still think the softer side should be a phenomenal match for back sleeping. We didn’t see much pressure buildup in this position. Of course, the firm nature of this mattress helps stomach sleepers’ spinal alignment stay neutral.
What our tester says: “If you’re looking for the firmest mattress out there, the ultra-firm side of the Plank is the way to go.” — Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor
What Customers Say
There are many customers who enjoy the extra-firm feel of the Plank Firm for their back pain.
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
- This mattress is incredibly responsive and should be a fantastic mattress for combination sleepers.
- The Plank Firm tested well for edge support. This means the perimeter of the mattress doesn’t collapse much under one’s weight. This is ideal for folks who sleep close to the edge of the mattress.
- If you have a teen athlete at home, the firm feel of this mattress may help alleviate back pain.
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress
- An ultra-firm mattress naturally isn’t a good fit for side sleepers, who need plush cushioning around their shoulders and hips.
Check out our full review of the Plank Firm mattress if you want to learn more.
Why is Sleep So Important for Teenagers?
Teenagers are often asked to do much more than they have the time or mental capacity to do in one day. Between school, sports, extra-curriculars, family time and so much more, I truly don’t envy that life. Sleep is crucial at this stage of life as the brain needs time every night to catch up. This is the time period where teens grow the most physically and cognitively so it’s important they can sleep and keep up with this growth.
Teens who do not get enough sleep often get stuck in the loop of sleep deprivation which can lead to mood swings, irritable behaviors, impaired judgment skills, a decline in creative and sport endeavors and more.
Choosing the Best Mattress for a Teen
Firmness
A bed’s firmness is a good indicator of how much you will either stay “on top of” the mattress or sink into it. The softer the mattress, the more you’ll sink in. Even though each teen is going to have their own firmness preferences, we’ll share our general suggestions for how to use firmness. We use a firmness scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, 10 being the firmest, and 6.5 being the industry standard for medium-firm.
We typically suggest side sleepers going with something softer for pressure-relieving purposes. This also goes for teens dealing with lower back, shoulder, and/or hip pain — a plush surface will provide some cushioning at sensitive spots.
In terms of the firmness scale, we’d say folks looking for a plusher mattress should stick within the 4 to 6 range.
If your teen is a strict back sleeper or a back/side combo sleeper, we suggest finding a medium-firm mattress. These mattresses give an even feel of support and pressure relief across the back and provide the support necessary to easily switch positions at night.
How Do We Test Firmness?
Firmness is inherently subjective — the way a mattress feels to you can be different than how it feels to someone else. However, we still like to rate a mattress’s firmness to give you an idea of how it might feel. To determine the rating, we lay on the mattress in multiple sleeping positions and consider how it compares to other beds we have tested. We also get opinions from multiple team members, to ensure multiple perspectives.
Support
When we talk about support, we are referring to how well the mattress keeps your spine aligned and your shoulders well positioned so that it’s comfortable in any sleeping position. We are certainly not saying that support and firmness are the same, since softer mattresses can still deliver ample support.
Good support can be especially important for teens suffering from hip, shoulder, and/or back pain. In addition, a supportive mattress will relieve tension for anyone, no matter their body shape. Similar to firmness, each teen is going to have their own preference when it comes to their ideal level of support.
The type of support you’re getting from a mattress can vary. If, for instance, your teen wants the kind of support that keeps them on top of the bed, a hybrid mattress that uses coils is the way to go. Normally, coils are made of steel or a similarly sturdy material, which lifts the body up more so than foam will. Other mattresses include zoned support. This gives the mattress various levels of pressure relief, depending on the area of the bed.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief refers to how well a mattress alleviates tension on different pressure points, like your hips, shoulders and thighs. Since pressure relief equals pain relief, a teen who suffers from aches and pains (particularly shoulder pain) will likely want a mattress that performs well in this area. A pressure-relieving mattress helps to evenly distribute your body weight, which can soothe aching joints and muscles.
We tested all of the mattresses on this list on their pressure relieving properties, which you can read more about in our full reviews. This involved lying down in various positions on a pressure map reader to make sure we weren’t feeling any pushback (pressure) on certain spots, such as at the shoulders, hips, or lower back.
This pressure map allows to see where in each mattress, a sleeper will feel relief or pain. Green and blue means the mattress has great relief whereas yellow and red means the mattress isn’t supporting you as it should in those areas.
How Bad is Screen-Time for Teens before Bed?
We’re all guilty of it, so it’s hard to get upset when our teens do it but the consequences to your sleep routine are detrimental. Blue light coming from your screens is telling your brain to stay awake, which means when your head does hit the pillow your brain is completely wired to keep going. One suggestion I have is having a full hour where your teen can truly be on their phone maybe before dinner. And then after dinner, shutting off all screens and having a family game or trivia night at home. Without allowing your brain to wind down before the night ends, you are interrupting your natural circadian-rhythm which is trying to tell you to go to sleep.
Cooling Properties
A mattress that does well at keeping your teen cool might include several features. One is a breathable layer that is aerated with holes that push air away from the mattress. Another feature is the use of moisture-wicking materials, which helps keep the BO at bay. The third feature commonly found in cooling mattresses is an infusion of body-heat-dissipating elements, such as graphite, copper, or a cooling gel, directly into one of the layers. So if your teen is prone to overheating at night, you’ll want to ensure that the mattress has at least one of these features.
When we test for cooling, beyond looking for cooling specific materials like coils, gels, phase-change materials (PCM), we use a thermal gun to determine how fast a mattress cools down after spending a minimum of 10 minutes laying in various positions. We generally consider anything below an 8-degree difference to be good cooling, and below a six-degree difference to be great cooling. Thicker memory foam beds tend to have bad cooling so check out our individual mattress reviews for more testing details.
What Are the Best Cooling Mattresses?
If you’re looking for an ultra-cool sleep experience, we recommend looking for a mattress made with latex foam (which maintains a naturally cool temperature), a mattress with Phase Change Material or a similar material in the cover (which adapts to your body temperature), or a breathable bed, such as a hybrid or innerspring (the coils allow air to flow throughout the bed). See our best cooling mattresses for more.
Price and Company Policies
When shopping for a new mattress for your teen, price is probably an important consideration. While you don’t want to skimp on quality, the truth is your teen probably won’t be living with you forever. So, a super expensive mattress is probably out of the question. All of the mattresses I’ve included on this list come in under $1,200 for a queen, with a majority under $1,000. If you’re looking for a smaller size like a full, twin or twin XL, then you can expect to pay even less.
All of the brands featured in this guide also come with a generous trial period of at least 100 nights. This means your teen can sleep on the mattress for a few months to determine if it’s comfortable. If not, you can return the mattress for a full refund and try something new.
Also keep in mind that all the mattresses on here include shipping so no need to add that into your budget. Lastly, we recommend looking at brands with great mattress warranties. We recommend brands that have 10-year or lifetime warranties so you can guarantee your mattress will keep its quality.
How Much Should You Spend on a Mattress for your Teen?
Mattresses for teens come at a variety of prices depending on the type of mattresses you’re looking at. Size will impact the price so keep that in mind. Memory foam mattresses also tend to be cheaper than compared to latex and innerspring mattresses.
Which Size Mattress Should You Buy for Your Teen?
Size is another important consideration when choosing the best mattress for your teenager. The size you choose will depend on the room space you have available as well as the size and body type of your teen. Take a look at this mattress size guide to help you determine which size might work best.
| Size | Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 39” X 75” | As the least spacious size, this might work if your teen is on the smaller side or your teen’s bedroom is small. |
| Twin XL | 39” X 80” | Being 5” longer than a twin, this size is good for taller teens who are an average weight or below. |
| Full | 54” X 75” | Since this size is significantly wider than a twin, I recommend it when shopping for a mattress your teen could use until they’re an adult. |
| Queen | 60” X 80” | If you’re looking to turn your teen’s bed into a guest bed, this is a solid choice. The majority of adults will be just fine sleeping on this size, plus you allow the option for couples staying over to use it. |
| King | 76” X 80” | This size is more common for couples instead of teens. That’s not to say that you might want to consider this if your teen is heavier or much taller than average. |
| California King | 72” X 84” | Far from being the most popular choice for teens, this is a mattress designed for couples to put in their master bedroom. But like the King, if your teen is really heavy or really tall, this could be a good choice. |
Which Mattress Type Is Best for Teens?
The materials in a mattress can be a very important factor to consider. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each mattress type to help you decide.
Memory Foam
Earlier we mentioned how memory foam is great for contouring and pressure relief — especially if your teen is a side sleeper. Memory foam mattresses also tend to be less expensive than other types of mattresses since it’s a simpler design. It is worth noting that memory foam mattresses tend to trap body heat as you sink in, which can cause your teen to overheat. They also aren’t typically as durable as innerspring or hybrid mattresses, so you might have to replace it sooner than you’d like.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine springs or coils with one or more layers of foam. This provides a nice combination of sturdy support and cushiony pressure relief. There are some hybrid models that are more cooling than others, so you may want to go with something that uses at least one ventilated layer and/or has a layer infused with body-heat-dissipating elements such as copper or graphite. Hybrid mattresses will usually be a bit pricier than memory foam mattresses.
Latex
Latex mattresses provide great support and bounce, which is beneficial if your teen tends to move around a lot or change positions when they sleep. This material is also hypoallergenic and usually made with natural materials. With that, comes a steeper price tag. But you can expect a latex mattress to last you awhile.
Innerspring
An innerspring mattress uses coils at its base and a thin comfort layer of foam or another soft material. While this means that it often comes at a lower price point than other types of mattresses, your teen isn’t likely to get a lot of pressure relief (unless they go with a model with thicker comfort layers, which will up the price). Still, if it’s a firmer mattress they want, the steel coils provide that in spades.
How Much Sleep Does Your Teen Need?
It’s very easy to get tricked out of a bedtime when your teen starts having their own opinions and schedules. From our sleep experts, kids aged between 3 and 5 generally sleep 10 to 14 hours in a 24 hours time period. As we get to our senior years, that number gets reduced to 7-8 hours. So what about teens? Considering the amount of stress they are under everyday and all the growth their bodies are going through we recommend your teen get a minimum of 13 hours of sleep per night. This can be up to 18 hours a night if they have had a particularly challenging week.
It’s very easy to teenagers to get caught up in the sleep debt loop and attempt to catch up at the weekends. Well I am here to bust the myth, no they are not lazy teens who want to sleep in (most of the time), they are just exhausted, growing bodies who need more rest than any of us.
Expert Tips for the Best Teen Sleep Habits
- Be mindful of screen time. Whether it’s creating a strict curfew or setting a reminder on your phone. Using your phone or watching tv before bed exposes teens to blue light which can make it very difficult to fall asleep and can effect our natural circadian rhythm.
- Stay Active. When teenagers are active, they sleep significantly better, not to mention they will fall asleep that much faster.
- Reduce Any Extra Stress. When teenagers feel overworked and stressed it often leads to sleep deprivation that can be a viscous cycle. Teenagers should try to find a good balance between academics, sports, home life, and friends.
- Create a Routine. One of the best tips we have is for a teenager to stick to a routine. Wake up at the same time everyday, even on the weekends and try to create a nightime routine that is easy to stick to, to help you unwind.
What is Sleep Hygiene?
Sleep hygiene is the general idea of trying to create practices for better sleep. Some that a teenagers could benefit from regularly include, exercises, being outside, going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday, eating a balanced diet, avoiding caffeine, and shutting off screens an hour before bed time.
Recap of the Best Mattresses for Teens 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Coupon | Review |
| Helix Midnight | Overall | $1,373 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nectar | Value | $1,049 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| DreamCloud | Luxury | $1,332 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid | Back Sleepers | $1,795 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed | Combination Sleepers | $1,799 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Natural | Hypoallergenic | $2,099 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Cooling | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Titan Plus | Heavy | $1,249 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Plank Firm | Extra-Firm | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
How We Chose These Mattresses
We’ve reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
As we outlined above, support is important for teenagers, especially because many of them have bodies that are still growing. With that in mind, we exclusively stuck to mattresses that scored a 4 out of 5 or higher in this category. Jump back to our mattress picks or click here to learn more about our methodology.
Dan Caffrey
Editor
About Author
Dan is a Performance Editor and Certified Sleep Coach at Sleepopolis, where he writes and edits mattress roundups to give readers the most up-to-date information on sleep products. In 2020, Dan earned his MFA In Playwriting from UT Austin, and his plays have been seen around the country in Chicago, Austin, Washington D.C., and elsewhere. He’s also a pop-culture fanatic, having written for publications such as The A.V. Club, Consequence, Pitchfork, and Vox. He co-hosts two popular horror podcasts on the Bloody Disgusting Podcast Network — The Losers’ Club: A Stephen King Podcast and Halloweenies: A Horror Franchise Podcast. When he’s not catching up on the latest King novel, you can find Dan in and around Brooklyn walking his dog Hank, seeing a play with his wife, and going to way too many concerts.
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