Best Mattress for Teenagers

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It’s no secret that teenagers need their sleep. If you’re a parent or guardian of a teen who’s not sleeping well, their mattress might be part of the problem. A good night’s rest is essential for your teen’s growth, cognitive function, and overall well-being. As Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Sleepopolis’s Chief Medical Advisor, puts it:

“Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do to improve your learning and memory. It’s crucial to get quality and quantity sleep before a major test, so try to avoid phones and computers close to bedtime, limit caffeine and alcohol, and stick to consistent bed and wake times.”

Choosing the right mattress for your teen can be a game changer for their sleep quality. That’s why I’ve put together this roundup of the best mattresses for teens. On this list, I’ve included options ranging from budget-friendly choices starting around $665 to premium models up to $1,800 before discounts, so there’s a mattress for every need and budget. Throughout 2024, Sleepopolis has assisted 12,544 people in buying a new bed, and I’m here to share our top picks based on numerous, in-depth criteria.

In this guide, I’ll talk about firmness, pressure relief, and support, and explain why these factors are important for growing bodies. But a word of caution before we get started: A super-comfy mattress might make waking your teen up in the morning even harder than it already is (we can’t be held responsible for any extra snoozing)!

Our Top Pick for Best Mattress for Teenagers

The Nectar won our top spot as the best mattress for teenagers because of its comfortable mix of pressure relief and support, as well as its cooling capabilities. 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 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

Nectar Mattress DreamCloud Original Mattress Helix Midnight Mattress WinkBed Mattress Nolah Natural Mattress Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Titan Plus Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Nectar Mattress DreamCloud Original Mattress Helix Midnight Mattress WinkBed Mattress Nolah Natural Mattress Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid Titan Plus Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Rating
4.5
4.4
4.1
4.7
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.5
4.3
Firmness 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 Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Firm: 7.5/10 Multiple firmness options
Material Foam Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Latex Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Foam
Cooling
Best For
Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers,
Seniors
Couples,
Back Sleepers,
Side Sleepers
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain
Couples,
Back Sleepers,
Hip Pain
Back Sleepers,
Stomach Sleepers
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain,
Seniors

Best Overall Mattress for Teens – Nectar

Best Overall
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Nectar
Nectar Mattress
Medium-Firm
Cooling Cover and Foam
CertiPUR-US Certified
Memory Foam
365-night trial and lifetime warranty
Free shipping
Cyber Weekend-Extended
Up to 50% off mattresses + spend $1,000 and save $100 See Details
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
Memory Foam
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
We rated the Nectar as a 6.5 out of 10, meaning it’s the industry standard for medium firm
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$931–$2,121 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleepers
If you sleep on your back, the Nectar will provide a nice mix of cushioning and support.
SO Sleeper Type Icons BudgetShoppers
Budget Shoppers
This affordable mattress is a great pick for those looking to save.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
The Nectar is that rare foam mattress that’s supportive enough for stomach sleepers, and should keep their hips aligned with their shoulders.
Pros of the Nectar
The Nectar offers a balanced feel, with contouring and support in equal measure.
Back sleepers should feel supported, but pleasantly cushioned on the Nectar.
Couples shouldn’t be too disturbed by movement, as the Nectar isolates motion well.
Cons of the Nectar
The Nectar isn’t supportive enough to be one of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers, which accommodate folks weighing 250 pounds or more. While heavy side sleepers might be comfortable, heavy back sleepers with chronic pain will need something softer and heavy stomach sleepers will probably need something firmer.
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free shipping
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
365 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
Full refund and free returns within the 365-night trial period

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

Nectar Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
4
Value

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.
  • The Nectar doesn’t have the best motion isolation, meaning your teen might wake easily at night if your pet enjoys jumping onto the bed at night.

Interested in learning more about the Nectar? Head over to my full review of the Nectar mattress.

Best Luxury Mattress for Teens – DreamCloud

Best Luxury
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Firm, Supportive Feel
Cashmere-Blend Cover
Responsive Springs
Hybrid
365 nights
Free shipping
Cyber Weekend Extended
Up to 50% off mattresses + spend $1,000 and save $100 See Details
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
We rated the DreamCloud a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. A 7 means that the DreamCloud is fairly firm.
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$839–$2,178 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleepers
You should get enough cushioning for your lumbar region and enough support for a neutral spinal alignment.
SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
The coils in the support layer leave plenty of room for airflow.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Combination Sleepers
The DreamCloud is responsive enough for you to easily change positions.
Pros of the DreamCloud
Soft memory foam for cushioning at the lumbar region and sturdy coils for spinal support.
Springs that provide a lot of bounce and responsiveness, both of which help you change positions.
Strong edge support, allowing couples to use the whole surface of the bed.
Cons of the DreamCloud
Not enough contouring at the shoulders and hips to be one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free shipping
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
365 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
Free returns after at least 30 days and within the 365-night trial period

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

DreamCloud Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Value
4
Cooling
4.5
Pressure Relief
5
Responsiveness
4.5
Edge Support
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty

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: “The high-quality materials of the DreamCloud remind me of a mattress you’d find in a high-end hotel. It’s also 14 inches in height, which is taller than many other mattresses and gives it an added sense of regality, not to mention durability and support.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer

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.
  • On the other hand, this bed might be too soft for strict stomach sleepers.

For more details, check out the full DreamCloud review here.

Best Value Mattress for Teens – Helix Midnight

Best Value
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.2
Helix
Helix Midnight Mattress
Cooling Mattress
Medium-Firm Comfort
Reinforced Edges
Hybrid mattress
100-night trial on all mattresses
Free shipping on all orders
Cyber Monday Sale
Use code SLEEPOPOLIS27 for 27% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
This is a hybrid mattress, meaning it combines soft foams and sturdy coils for a balance of comfort and support.
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
We rated the Helix Midnight a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, where 1 is the softest and 10 is the firmest. This means it’s slightly softer than the industry standard (6.5 out of 10).
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$937–$1,749 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Side Sleepers
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleepers
Ideal for back sleepers of all weights.
SO sleeper type couples
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation, so you shouldn’t feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Pros of the Helix Midnight
Back sleepers should get some cushioning in the lumbar region, and the coils will help keep their spines neutrally aligned.
Side sleepers should experience nice pressure relief and contouring at their shoulders and hips. For extra pressure relief, we recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe, the standard Helix Midnight’s luxury version.
The Helix Midnight has low motion transfer, which means partners aren’t likely to feel each other moving around at night.
The Midnight is a responsive mattress, so it’s ideal for combination sleepers.
Cons of the Helix Midnight
Not supportive enough for people over 250 pounds. For them, we recommend one of the best mattresses for heavy people.
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free Shipping
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
100 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
10-year warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
You can return your bed after the 30-day “break-in” period and before the trial period ends for a full refund.

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

Helix Midnight Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4
Support
4
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4.5
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
3.5
Trial Period
3.5
Warranty
4
Value

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. It’s also extremely affordable. A queen size is often available for under $1,000 after discounts, and if you want a smaller size for your teen, you can find it for even cheaper. A twin, for instance, is usually available for around $700 after discounts.

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 like the Helix Midnight for back and side sleepers. The bed features a medium-soft to medium-firm feel that these folks should be happy with. I also like it for stomach sleepers, who should get enough support for their hips to line up with their shoulders.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer

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.
  • I wouldn’t recommend the Midnight mattress to folks over 250 pounds. These sleepers might benefit from the Helix Plus mattress.

Learn more about this mattress in our Helix Midnight mattress review.

Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers – WinkBed

Best for Combination Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.7
WinkBeds
WinkBed Mattress
Firm, Supportive Feel
Euro Pillow Top
Sturdy Coils
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
Holiday Sale
$300 off any mattress See Details
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
Hybrid, combining a plush pillow top with coils and foams for a luxury feel.
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. We tested the Luxury Firm and scored it a 7 out of 10, meaning it’s on the firmer side of medium-firm.
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$1,149–$2,049 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleeping
A great option for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Pros of the WinkBed
Back sleepers should get the support they need
It has a traditional, supportive feel
The WinkBed has cooling capabilities to help people who sleep hot
Sturdy edge support and good motion isolation make this a good choice for couples
Cons of the WinkBed
It lacks a contouring, slow-sinking feel that most associate with the best memory foam mattresses.
It may be too pricey for some, and we recommend those shoppers browse the best mattresses under $1,000.
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free Shipping
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
120 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial period

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

WinkBed Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
4
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4
Value
4.5
Cooling
4
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
4
Edge Support
4
Trial Period
5
Warranty

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: “If you like the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress, the WinkBed could work for you.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and 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.
  • Strict side sleepers who need a super-plush feel might find the Luxury Firm WinkBed too hard on their joints.

Read more in our full WinkBed mattress review.

Best Hypoallergenic Mattress for Teens – Nolah Natural

Best Hypoallergenic
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.4
Nolah
Nolah Natural Mattress
Medium-Soft
Cooling Mattress
Responsive and bouncy
Latex
120-night trial and lifetime warranty
Free Shipping
Cyber Monday Sale
35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows + $150 off BedJet with mattress purchase See Details
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
Bouncy and pressure relieving Talalay latex.
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
This mattress scored a 6 out of 10, meaning it’s a medium-soft mattress.
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$1,499-$3,198 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king,
SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you ever overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
back pain
Back Pain
This bed is ideal for anyone suffering from back pain.
back sleeper
Back Sleeping
This mattress is ideal for back sleepers of all body types.
SO sleeper type side sleepers
Stomach Sleeping
It’s also a nice option for side sleepers of all body types.
Pros of the Nolah Natural
As it’s name suggests, the Nolah Natural is organic and eco-friendly.
The Talalay latex and coil system helps keep this mattress cool.
Its bouncy and responsive feel means it’s great for combination sleepers
Back and side sleeper should find this mattress pressure relieving and supportive.
Cons of the Nolah Natural
If you’re a stomach sleeper, this mattress may be too soft. We recommend checking out one of our best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
If you’re looking for deep sinkage, we recommend one of our best memory foam mattresses.
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free shipping
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
120 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial period.

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 for most side sleepers.

Cons of the Nolah Natural Mattress

  • Overall, the Nolah Natural is just too soft for most stomach sleepers.
  • The Nolah Natural may be too firm for folks with hip and shoulder pain.

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

Best Cooling
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress
Medium-Firm Comfort
Budget-Friendly
Responsive Coils
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
Cyber Monday Sale
Use code CYBER30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
Icon MattressReviews MattressType 250
Material
Hybrid (this bed combines both memory foam and coils)
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
Multiple firmnesses: Soft, Medium, Firm. We tested the Medium and rated it a 6.5 out of 10, making it medium-firm.
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$665–$1,599 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and more
SO sleeper type couples
Couples
Those who sleep with a partner shouldn’t notice their partners shift around during the night.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleepers
Most average weight back sleepers should find a good balance of comfort and support.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Combination Sleepers
Those who change sleeping positions should find this bed easy to move on.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
It’s a good choice for budget shoppers. With a discount, queen sizes are often under $1,000
Back sleepers should find both comfort and support on the Medium model, which can help alleviate back pain
Brooklyn Bedding offers this bed in different firmnesses, making it a versatile option
The combination of coils and foam makes this mattress very easy to move around on
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
It doesn’t have that sinking-in feeling often found in the best memory foam mattresses
The Medium mattress is too firm for side sleepers and too soft for stomach sleepers (though the Soft or Firm model may work, respectively)
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free shipping
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
120 Nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
10-year warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
Full refund within the 120-night trial. Brooklyn Bedding charges a $99 pick up fee

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

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
5
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
4
Trial Period
3.5
Warranty
4.5
Value

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 using the thermal gun on the Signature Hybrid, we saw that the temperature went up less than 8 degrees. This is a sign of good cooling abilities, and when considering the airflow-promoting coils in the construction, we think it should be a natural fit for any hot sleepers out there.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer

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.
  • This mattress might be too firm for those who prefer something with a more traditional memory foam feel.

Read our full review of the Signature Hybrid if you want to learn more.

Best Mattress for Teen Back Sleepers – Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

Best for Back Sleepers
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.6
Saatva
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
Medium-Firm Comfort
Soft Cotton Cover
Cooling
Hybrid
365-night Trial and Lifetime Warranty
Free Shipping and White Glove Delivery
Cyber Monday Sale
Up to $600 off See Details
Icon MattressReviews MattressType 250
Material
Memory foam and pocketed coils
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
Our mattress firmness scale runs from 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest. The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is a 6.5 out of 10, which is the industry standard for medium firm.
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$1,295–$2,295 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleepers
Average weight and heavyweight back sleepers should get a good blend of lumbar cushioning and spinal support.
SO sleeper type hot sleepers
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
If you suffer from back pain, this mattress could provide some great pressure relief.
Pros of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
Back sleepers who like firm beds should appreciate the balance of comfort and support offered by the foams and springs
The mattress has several cooling features, including gel infusions in the foam and airflow-promoting coils
There’s a lot of responsiveness here, which makes the bed good for sex and combination sleeping
Cons of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
Stomach sleepers will likely need a mattress that’s firmer and more supportive. They should look at our best mattresses for stomach sleepers for more options.
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free shipping and white glove delivery
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
365 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
$99 fee for returns within the 365-night trial period.

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

Saatva Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
5
Materials
3
Motion Isolation
5
Support
5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
5
Responsiveness
4.5
Pressure Relief
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
5
Value

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.
  • If your teen is a memory foam lover, this bed might not be for them. It doesn’t have the sinking-in feeling that most all-foam beds do.

For more details, check out our full review for the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid.

Best Mattress for Heavyweight Teens – Titan Plus

Best for Heavyweight Teens
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.5
Brooklyn Bedding
Titan Plus
Firm, Supportive Feel
Built for Heavy People
Extra-Strong Coils
Hybrid
120 nights
Free shipping
Cyber Monday Sale
Use code CYBER30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
Icon MattressReviews MattressType 250
Material
Hybrid, meaning it uses both foams and coils in its construction.
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
We rated this bed as 7.5 out of 10, meaning it is significantly firmer than average.
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$699–$1,699 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
SO sleeper type back pain
Back Pain
This bed should be a great option for anyone suffering from back pain.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleepers
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Pros of the Titan Plus
Heavy sleepers should find this mattress comfortable and supportive
It’s responsive, so combination sleepers should move around easily on it
It’s durable and has great edge support — it should last for many years
Cons of the Titan Plus
Lightweight sleepers probably won’t get any pressure relief or contouring, so they might be better off with one of the best mattresses for lightweight sleepers
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free shipping
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
120 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
10-year warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
Brooklyn Bedding offers returns and exchanges with a $99 return fee

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

Titan Plus Mattress Sleepopolis Scores

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Materials
3.5
Motion Isolation
5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
4.5
Responsiveness
4
Pressure Relief
4
Trial Period
3.5
Warranty
4.5
Value

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: “I think heavier sleepers and couples worried about their mattress’s durability would be happy with the level of support I experienced.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer

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.
  • If you’re looking for a more “in” than “on top” of the bed feel, then this probably isn’t the mattress for you. I’d recommend one of our best memory foam mattresses instead.

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

Best Extra Firm
Sleepopolis Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.3
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress
Extra-Firm Feel
Flippable Design
Supportive Foams
Foam
120 nights
Free shipping
Cyber Monday Sale
Use code CYBER30 for 30% off sitewide See Details
SO Brand Icon MattressMaterial
Material
Foam
SO Brand Icon PropertyFirmness
Firmness
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with a different firmness option on each side. We score firmest with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, and the Plank Firm features a Firm side (7.5/10) and an Ultra Firm side (8.5/10).
SO Brand Icon PropertyPrice
Price
$749–$1,532 (before any discounts)
so brand icons 2023 Mattress Review Home Page
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king, short full, short queen, Olympic queen, short king, RV king
SO sleeper type back pain
Back pain
Support for those living with back pain.
SO sleeper type stomach sleepers
Stomach Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
SO sleeper type back sleepers
Back Sleepers
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Pros of the Plank Firm
The Plank Firm often appears on many of our roundups pertaining to spinal health and back pain.
This mattress is a good choice for couples; it scored 4 out 5 or more for motion isolation, edge support, and cooling.
The quality materials, from its firm cover to its high-density foams, make it an extremely durable option.
Cons of the Plank Firm
Side sleepers won’t receive the proper cushioning or contouring on the Plank Firm. They should look at our best mattresses for side sleepers instead.
It’s not the best mattress for alleviating joint pain because of its firmer feel — take a look at our best soft mattresses for alternative options
SO Brand Icon PropertyShipping
Shipping
Free within the contiguous US, but $125 for AK and HI
SO Brand Icon PropertyTrialPeriod
Trial Period
120 nights
SO Brand Icon MattressWarranty
Warranty
10-year warranty
so brand icons 2023 Editorial Policy Home Page copy
Returns
There is a $99 return fee.

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: “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.” — Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer

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.
  • Similarly, folks with hips and shoulder pain will need something softer that offers more cushioning and body contouring.

Check out our full review of the Plank Firm mattress if you want to learn more.

Hear from the Experts:

Why is Sleep so Important for Teens?

“Sleep is absolutely crucial for teens. It supports their growth both physically and mentally and is critical to keep their hormones and emotions stable. Sleep will also help a teens academic performance. You’ll quickly notice your teen needs more sleep when you see an increase in mood swings, increased stress and irritation. I recommend teenagers get at least 9-10 hours of sleep at night to feel fully set up for their day. “

Dr Raj resized headshot
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM. Quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine

How Much Sleep Do Teenagers Need?

It’s recommended that teenagers get 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night to support their physical growth and mental development. However, it can be challenging for teens to get enough sleep between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and screen time. Consistent, quality sleep is essential for growth, mood regulation, and overall health. A restful night’s sleep helps teens feel better and perform better academically and athletically.

Why is Sleep So Important for Teenagers?

Sleep is crucial to a teen’s growth and development. During sleep, the body releases growth hormones, repairs muscles, and strengthens the immune system. Getting enough rest is also essential for cognitive function, memory retention, and emotional well-being. Sleep deprivation can lead to issues like mood swings, poor concentration, weakened immune function, and an increased risk of mental health concerns.

Top 5 Sleeping Tips for Teenagers

  1. Exercise Regularly: Exercising during the day can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. However, try to avoid intense exercise close to bedtime, as it can have the opposite effect.
  2. Limit Sugar and Caffeine: Avoid consuming caffeinated drinks or sugary snacks in the afternoon or evening. These treats can interfere with falling asleep and disrupt your sleep cycles.
  3. Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Consider investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows to promote restful sleep, and remove distractions like electronics.
  4. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine: You should always try to wind down before bed by cutting down on screen time and engaging in relaxing activities, like reading or listening to calming music. Establishing a consistent routine can signal to your body that it’s time to sleep and help you fall asleep faster.
  5. Set a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. A regular sleep routine can help regulate your body’s internal clock and improve your quality of sleep.

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.

When testing mattresses, we test firmness on a firmness scale from 1-10.
Sleepopolis Firmness Scale

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.

Athletes

Teen athletes, especially those who play high-impact sports, need a mattress with effective pressure relief to help their bodies recover after physical activity. Intense training and repetitive movements can cause muscle soreness and joint pain, making it essential to have a mattress that reduces pressure on key areas like the shoulders, hips, and lower back. Proper pressure relief allows athletes to rest and recover quickly and effectively. In other words, the right mattress can prevent discomfort and promote better performance the next day.

A closer look at our pressure map to test pressure relief features in each mattress.
Example of a pressure map we get for each mattress

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.

An example of our cooling test
Thermal Gun Cooling Test from the Studio

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.

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?

Sleepopolis testing of mattress materials
Take a Closer Look at the Different Mattress Materials

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.

Recap of the Best Mattresses for Teens 2024

MattressBest ForPrice (Queen Size)CouponReview
Nectar Overall$1,049 Nectar Coupon Read Our Review
DreamCloud Luxury$1,332DreamCloud Coupon Read Our Review
Helix MidnightValue$1,373Helix CouponRead Our Review
WinkBedCombination Sleepers$1,799WinkBed CouponRead Our Review
Nolah NaturalHypoallergenic$2,099Nolah CouponRead Our Review
Brooklyn Bedding Signature HybridCooling$1,332Brooklyn Bedding CouponRead Our Review
Saatva Memory Foam HybridBack Sleepers$1,795Saatva CouponRead Our Review
Titan PlusHeavy$1,249Brooklyn Bedding CouponRead Our Review
Plank FirmExtra-Firm$1,332Brooklyn Bedding CouponRead 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

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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