Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
A twin mattress isn’t just for kids anymore. It’s a space-saving, budget-friendly sleeping option for almost any sleeper, whether you’re furnishing a guest room, sending a teenager off to college, or setting up a studio apartment. Regardless of your preferred mattress type or firmness, you can find a twin mattress that works for your bedroom and your budget. I included mattresses with a variety of prices, ranging from $532 to $1,499 for a twin at full retail. However, these companies often run sales, so you’re likely to find these beds for cheaper after discounts.
Although adults can also sleep on twin beds, they’re very popular for young sleepers. During childhood and teen years, getting adequate sleep is extremely important. Finding the right mattress for your child can help them retain more information and have an improved performance. According to Sleepopolis Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta, “sleep deprivation reduces cognitive ability, so it will be more difficult to concentrate, focus, and perform well if you have not gotten enough sleep the night before.”
It can be difficult to narrow down your options. That’s why our expert testers tested these beds for factors such as cooling, durability, support, and materials. Sleepopolis has helped 12,544 people find a mattress in 2024, so read on to find the perfect twin mattress for you.
Our Top Pick for the Best Twin Mattresses
The all-foam Nectar is our top twin mattress pick, as it contains thick layers of high-quality foam, but can often be found at under $500 for a twin size after discounts.
Best Twin Mattresses of 2024
- Best Overall Twin Mattress – Nectar
- Best Cooling Twin Mattress – Helix Midnight
- Best Twin Mattress for Athletes – Bear Original
- Best Firm Twin Mattress – WinkBed
- Best Hypoallergenic Twin Mattress – Nolah Natural
- Best Twin Mattress for Kids – Saatva Youth
- Best Cheap Twin Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Essential
- Best Twin Mattress for Heavy People – Titan Plus
- Best Organic Twin Mattress – Birch Natural
Best Twin Mattress: Video Review
What We Look For In The Best Twin Mattresses
Affordability
When looking for a twin mattress, whether it be for a dorm room, a new apartment, your kid, or yourself, affordability is likely one of your first considerations. We know this, so we made sure to look for and test out mattresses that fit into various budgets without compromising comfort, support, cooling, and firmness preferences.
Quality of Materials and Durability
Twin mattresses can sometimes feel too small or not durable enough, but with the right materials, a twin can be an excellent mattress. With this in mind, we tested the materials of all of the mattresses in this list to help you find a twin bed with quality and durable materials.
Support and Comfort
As we said, a twin can sometimes feel small or uncomfortable, and we want to help you find a twin that doesn’t compromise your support of comfort. To do this, we tested the supportiveness and comfortability of all of these mattresses ourselves to help you find the right twin bed for you. We used a thermal gun to test the cooling properties of these mattresses, and a pressure map to map out the pressure-relieving abilities of the beds to help you find the most comfortable and supportive beds available.
Compare the Best Twin Mattresses
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| Nectar Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | Saatva Youth Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Titan Plus | Birch Natural Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Medium-soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Latex | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | ||||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples
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Couples,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain,
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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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Kids, Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers,
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Back Sleepers,
Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors,
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Best Overall Twin Mattress – Nectar
The Nectar Classic is a memory foam mattress that provides solid support for most light to average weight sleepers. The cushioning memory foam allows for plenty of pain relief around the lower lumbar spine. Most back sleepers and side sleepers should enjoy the pressure relief. 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 the Nectar Classic does a great job of relieving back pain. The pressure map test results show a lot of blue and green on our backs, meaning back sleepers should experience good pressure relief from the Nectar.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Nectar Mattress Specs
| Material | Memory foam |
| Price (Twin) | $934 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Medium firm |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Height | 12″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for a quality twin mattress, the Nectar Classic is a stellar option. When lying down on this all-foam bed, we experienced plenty of pressure-relieving sinkage around our lower backs. The best part is that after discounts, a Nectar will run you less than $700.
Best Cooling Twin Mattress – 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
Helix Midnight Mattress Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Price (Twin) | $936 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Height | 11.5″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
Expert Opinion
If you’re on the hunt for a cooling twin mattress, you may want to look at a hybrid bed. The term “hybrid” means that the mattress is constructed with a variety of materials — usually foams up top for comfort and springs on the bottom for support. The springs have a lot of space between them, so that there’s more room for air to flow through the bed. And when it comes to hybrids, one of our favorites is the Helix Midnight, which has a medium-firm feel that should appeal to a wide variety of sleepers. It’s also fairly affordable. As of this writing, a twin costs under $1,000 before discounts.
Best Twin Mattress for Athletes – Bear Original
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Bear Original Mattress Specs
| Material | Memory foam |
| Price (Twin) | $699 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Height | 12″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
Expert Opinion
In the world of twin mattresses, Bear is a unique brand since it caters to athletes and sleepers with active lifestyles. Despite being made entirely of foam, their flagship Original mattress is strong and supportive enough to support folks whose musculature needs rest after a long workout. When we tested it out, we felt lifted and on top of the bed, as opposed to sinking in too much. This is key to maintaining a neutral spinal alignment.
Best Firm Twin Mattress – 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
WinkBed Original Mattress Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Price (Twin) | $1,149 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Multiple firmness options |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Height | 13.5″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
Expert Opinion
Are you searching for a firm, high-quality twin mattress with a balance of comfort and support? Look no further than the WinkBed. There are four firmnesses that you can choose from: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus. For a nice and firm mattress, we suggest either the Luxury Firm or Firmer models. We tested out the Luxury Firm and definitely felt more on top of the bed than in it, most likely due to the WinkBed’s tall coils that give it a traditional innerspring feel.
Best Hypoallergenic Twin Mattress – 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.
Nolah Natural Specs
| Material | Latex |
| Price (Twin) | $1,499 (before discounts) |
| Shipping | Free Shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
| Height | 11″ |
Expert Opinion
If you’re looking for a twin-size mattress and are worried about allergies, we recommend you check out the Nolah Natural. This organic mattress is made with materials that are both safe and hypoallergenic, from certified latex foams in the comfort layer to the organic wool and cotton in the cover. At the bottom of the bed lies a sturdy layer of individually wrapped coils that are zoned for spinal support. You should be able to sleep and breathe easily without coughing or sneezing.
How Important are Hypoallergenic Materials in a Twin Mattress?
If you struggle with allergies or are sensitive to certain materials, a hypoallergenic mattress could be crucial for improving your sleep quality. Hypoallergenic materials are less likely to collect allergens, so you won’t need to worry about itchy eyes and a runny nose when you’re trying to sleep. These beds can also prevent dust and mold from building and causing skin irritation. Hypoallergenic materials can sometimes be more eco-friendly than man-made materials. For example, natural latex comes from tree sap and is naturally breathable and hypoallergenic.
Best Twin Mattress for Kids – Saatva Youth
The Saatva Youth caters to little kids and younger teenagers alike with a unique dual construction. One side of the mattress is meant for children ages 3–7, while the other is meant for ages 8–12. Just flip it over as your child grows, and they’ll get a mixture of pressure relief and enough support for a neutral spinal alignment. Learn more in our video roundup of the best kids mattresses.
What our tester says:
“I found that this bed has a supportive feel that easily works for people of all weights, but still feels plush and comfortable.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Saatva Youth Mattress Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Price (Twin) | $795 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Medium firm |
| Shipping | Free white glove delivery |
| Sleep Trials | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
| Height | 12″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
Expert Opinion
Since twin mattresses are often a good fit for children, we wanted to make sure to include a bed made specifically with them in mind. With the Saatva Youth, the luxury mattress brand has created a bed with two different sides: a firm one for little ones ages three to seven and a softer one for kids eight to 12.
Best Cheap Twin Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Essential
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential mattress is a hybrid mattress, meaning it is made of one layer of foam and one layer of coils. The coils keep the mattress breathable and cool while still being supportive, while the foam keeps the bed comfortable and pressure relieving. It has great motion isolation, thanks to the foam top layer, and is firm enough for back and stomach sleepers.
What our tester says:
“Back sleepers of all weights should find the Brooklyn Bedding Essential provides a pleasant mix of comfort and support.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Brooklyn Bedding Essential Mattress Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Price (Twin) | $532 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Medium firm |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Height | 11″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
Expert Opinion
Twin mattresses are already going to be cheaper than a queen or a king, and if you opt for the Brooklyn Bedding Essential, you’re getting an even less expensive price. A twin size currently runs $532 before any discounts. After discounts, you can often find one for under $400.
Best Twin Mattress for Heavy People – 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
Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus Mattress Specs
| Material | Hybrid |
| Price (Twin) | $699 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Height | 11″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
Expert Opinion
The best twin mattress for heavy people is one that’s durable and provides plenty of support. That way, sleepers won’t sink into the layers too far, and their spines should stay in alignment. The Titan Plus certainly has those qualities. In fact, the company designed this mattress specifically for heavy people over 250 pounds. We got a heavier colleague to test it out, and he felt supported by its high-density foams and sturdy coils.
Best Organic Twin Mattress – Birch Natural
The Birch Natural is a latex mattress utilizing individually wrapped coils for added support. This mattress specializes in cooling and responsiveness, and the firmer nature suits back and stomach sleepers well. Perhaps the most special part about this mattress is the material quality. Not only is the Birch organic, but it has also earned multiple certifications for safe production and materials. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“One of my favorite things about the Birch is how cooling it is. I think any hot sleeper will be satisfied by this breathable bed. It’s definitely one of the most cooling mattresses available thanks to its wool and latex layers. These cooling materials also make it one of my favorite organic mattresses.” – Madison Schaper, Sleepopolis staff writer
Birch Natural Mattress Specs
| Material | Latex |
| Price (Twin) | $1,373 (before discounts) |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Shipping | Free shipping |
| Sleep Trials | 120 nights |
| Warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Height | 11″ |
| Adjustable Base Compatible? | Yes |
Expert Opinion
Those looking for a twin mattress that’s all-natural and made from organic materials should certainly take a look at the Birch, created by Helix Sleep. It features organic cotton cover, high-quality Talalay latex in the comfort layer, and absolutely no fiberglass. It even has a wool transition layer that acts as a natural fire barrier. And at the very bottom of the bed, individually wrapped coils give you a layer of strong support. This thoughtful construction has earned it several host of certifications regarding ethical manufacturing and non-toxic materials: GOTS, GREENGUARD Gold, eco-INSTITUT, and Fair Trade.
How Big is a Twin Mattress?
Here’s how twin mattresses measure up against many other common mattress types:
A twin mattress, or single bed, measures 38 inches by 75 inches (or 6.25 feet by 3.16 feet). This smaller mattress size is a great fit for bunk beds, trundle beds, daybeds, and platform beds in addition to traditional bed frames. It’s also well-suited to children or single adults who don’t need as much bed space.
| Twin | Full | Queen | King | Cali King | |
| Dimensions | 38″ x 75″ | 54″ x 75″ | 60″ x 80″ | 76″ x 80″ | 72″ x 84″ |
| Average Full Price | $400-$900 | $900-$1,400 | $1,200-$1,700 | $1,400-$1,900 | $1,400-$1,900 |
| Who It’s Best For | Children, Solo Sleepers, Budget Shoppers | Teens, Single Adults, Those With Pets | Couples and Single Adults with Children and/or Pets | Couples, Including Couples Who Sleep With Their Children/Pets | Taller Couples, Including Couples Who Sleep With Their Children/Pets |
In many ways, choosing a quality mattress leads to a quality sleep, so take special care when choosing a twin mattress for your home, dorm, or guest room. Luckily, choosing a twin-size mattress is the same as choosing almost any size bed, so check out our How to Choose a Mattress Guide for detailed tips on buying a new bed.
Twin vs Twin XL Mattresses
Twin XL mattresses are slightly longer versions of twin mattresses that add six inches of length. These are fantastic options for taller solo sleepers, as the extra length allows for more legroom. For more information, see our Twin vs Twin XL Mattress Guide. You can give our Bed Size Dimensions Guide a look as well.
Twin mattresses are more compact and affordable, making them suitable for smaller rooms or tight budgets, and they work well in children’s rooms or dorms. However, they offer less length, which can be uncomfortable for taller individuals who may find their feet hanging off the edge, and provide less space for movement. On the other hand, Twin XL mattresses offer additional length, making them more comfortable for taller individuals and better suited for adjustable bed frames and dorms. Despite this advantage, Twin XL mattresses are typically more expensive and take up more space, which can be a disadvantage in very small rooms.
Who Should Buy a Twin Mattress?
Twin mattresses are great fits for some people, but not a good choice for others. Take a look below to see who a twin bed might be best for.
- If you’re shopping for a child, a twin mattress might be the way to go. Twin beds are cheaper than larger sizes and offer plenty of room for a smaller body. Many bunk beds and trundle beds are also made specifically to accommodate twin-size mattresses, and many sleep accessories marketed to children are available mainly in twin sizes.
- Teens might also do well on a twin bed. If your teenager is moving out soon, or needs a mattress that’s easy to transport to a dorm room or college apartment, a twin-size bed could be your best bet. You may want to consider a longer twin XL mattress if your teenager is on the taller side. Take a look at some of our best mattresses for teenagers to see some great models.
- Single adults furnishing a small space could do well on a twin mattress. If you don’t mind not being able to starfish in bed, a twin bed can balance out a small room and free up additional storage space. Many space-saving loft beds are also made for twin-size beds, which is something to consider when choosing your mattress.
- If you’re shopping for a guest room a twin mattress might be a good pick. You can often fit two twin beds in one room to accommodate more guests, and twin mattresses are often more affordable than other mattress sizes.
- Budget shoppers should definitely consider a twin bed. If you don’t mind sacrificing some bed space, you can get a luxury mattress for a steal by choosing a twin size.
Who Shouldn’t Buy a Twin Mattress?
And as mentioned above, a twin bed won’t be the right fit for everyone. Take a look at some reasons you might want to avoid a twin-size mattress below.
- Couples need more space than a twin mattress offers. We recommend they opt for at least a full size bed. One of our best mattresses for couples could be a better fit.
- Taller sleepers will likely prefer a longer twin XL, queen, or king size mattress. Their feet may hang off the edges of a single bed, leading to discomfort or even back pain.
- Larger people might find a twin-size mattress too narrow for their needs. Upsizing to a larger mattress size might make them feel more comfortable and supported throughout the night. If that’s you, check out our best queen size mattresses.
- If you like to spread out or toss and turn at night, a wider mattress might be more comfortable for you. If you get your most restful sleep extending from corner to corner, check out our best king size mattresses.
- If you’re furnishing a larger bedroom a twin size might look disproportionate in your space. We recommend measuring your space to ensure you choose the proper bed size for your room.
More of Our Roundups by Mattress Size
Best Twin Mattress Materials
The materials in a mattress determine a lot about its overall feel and appearance. Depending on your height, weight, preferred sleeping position, and other sleep needs, one mattress type may be better for you than another. Take a look at some common mattress materials below to decide which might be the best fit for your needs.
Memory Foam
A memory foam mattress can range from soft to very firm. Mattresses made from memory foam are known for providing pressure relief and responsive support that conforms to the body. Memory foam reduces motion transfer and can be a good choice for side and back sleepers. Keep in mind that some types of memory foam can retain a lot of body heat, so if you sleep hot we’d recommend opting for a more breathable copper or gel memory foam mattress.
Latex Mattress
Latex foam is a natural product made from the sap of the rubber tree. Latex offers bouncy cushioning without the sinkage typical with memory foam. The natural cooling properties of latex help disperse body heat, making it a great option for hot sleepers. Latex isn’t great for budget shoppers however, as natural latex can range from $1800-$3000 for a bed. Take a look at some of the best latex mattresses to learn more about this material.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses provide support with interior coils. The number and density of an innerspring’s interior coils determine how supportive and bouncy it feels. An innerspring mattress will typically offer better edge support and sleep cooler than one made entirely of foam. These beds tend to have a firm, bouncy feel. One con of an innerspring is that it might not have the hugging, cradling feel that memory foam lovers want.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses are constructed from coils and layers of foam. They vary widely in feel depending on what foam layers are used. Check out our best hybrid mattress roundup to find a bed that fits your needs.
Twin Mattress Firmness and Feel
A high-quality twin mattress can be an important purchase that helps you, a child, or a guest relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep. We’ll walk you through the absolute essentials as you’re handpicking the twin mattress that suits your individual needs.
Mattress Thickness
The typical mattress ranges between six and 14 inches thick. Latex and memory foam mattresses are usually thinner than hybrid and coil mattresses, which are thicker due to their internal coil structure.
Most sleepers prefer a mattress in the 10 to 14 inch range. Heavier folks may need a thicker mattress that offers deep compression support. Some thinner mattresses offer advanced foams or an extra thick comfort layer that can provide structure and support comparable to a thicker mattress, but in general, thicker mattresses are more durable and supportive than thinner mattresses.
Mattress Firmness
Mattress firmness is described on a 1–10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. The industry standard for medium firmness is a 6.5 out of 10. Soft mattresses generally rank around 4 to 6 out of 10 on the scale, while firm mattresses measure around 7 to 8 out of 10.
When choosing the firmness of a mattress, keep your sleep position and weight in mind. As a general rule, heavier sleepers do best with a firmer mattress, as do stomach sleepers. Side sleepers and lighter sleepers tend to like softer mattresses, while back and combination sleepers usually sleep best on medium-firm mattresses. To learn more about mattress firmness, take a look at our best firm mattresses of 2024.
In addition to a material’s feel, you might want to consider choosing a mattress that is hypoallergenic, organic, or dust mite resistant, especially if you’re shopping for a child’s room. Take a look at some of our best natural organic mattresses to see some options.
Body Weight
Finally, it’s important to keep your body type in mind when choosing a new bed. As a rule, heavier people need firmer, more supportive mattresses to avoid back pain or premature mattress sagging. We recommend these folks stick to innerspring, hybrid, or latex beds. Check out our best mattresses for heavy people article to find some options.
On the other hand, lighter people (and kids) can get away with less supportive beds because they won’t sink as far through their top layers. Kids especially can do well on beds with foam base layers, which are often more affordable than coil options. Check out our best mattresses for kids article to find a few mattresses that work well for lighter bodies.
How We Test for the Best Twin Size Mattress
When reviewing these twin mattresses, we examined several factors that helped us choose the best bed in each individual category beyond firmness and feel.
Sleeping Positions
When looking at a twin mattress, you might have to consider how you sleep first. Look for your sleeping position below for some of our expert suggestions.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers place the majority of their weight on their hips and shoulders. These sleepers typically sleep best on soft and medium-soft mattresses that have plenty of cushioning and contouring around these joints. They should also look for a solid support layer that helps promote proper spinal alignment and prevent pain from forming. My favorite twin mattress for side sleepers is the Helix Midnight, which contains soft foams up top for a bit of sinkage and sturdy coils for spinal support.
Back Sleepers
When it comes to back sleeping, medium-firm is the name of the game. This firmness level has just enough softness to fill in the lumbar region and provide some nice pressure relief. It’s also firm and supportive enough to prop the spine into neutral alignment and prevent back pain from forming. My top choice for back sleepers seeking a twin bed is the Nectar mattress.
Stomach Sleepers
When stomach sleeping, the mattress should be firm enough to prop the hips in line with the shoulders, thus placing the spine in a straight line. If the hips sink too far into the mattress, the lower back will begin to form a U shape, which can lead to pain over time. I recommend looking for firm mattresses with lots of sturdy support. I recommend the Titan Plus for stomach sleepers seeking a twin bed.
Combination Sleepers
If you find yourself switching between sleeping positions throughout the night, you’re a combination sleeper. These sleepers should look for mattresses that are compatible with all sleeping positions. Combination sleepers should also look for a responsive mattress with plenty of bounce to help them easily switch between positions. These sleepers should also look for a bed without too much sinakge so they won’t get trapped in the layers while trying to toss and turn. I recommend the WinkBed for combination sleepers wanting a twin mattress.
Edge Support
Edge support refers to how strong a mattress is around its perimeter. This can appeal to sleepers who like to spread out or couples, as strong edges can make a mattress seem larger. Reinforced edges can also prevent premature sagging.
We test edge support by laying on the side of the bed and using a yard stick to measure how far you sink when on the edge of the bed. Especially with this mattress being a smaller size, we realize how important this is for you so all the mattresses on this list have performed well for edge support.
Cooling
Cooling is especially important to consider if you’re shopping for a hot sleeper. We test for cooling using a temperature thermal gun. Our testers lay on the mattress for several minutes and measure the temperature difference from before and after. We consider anything under an 8 degree difference good cooling and anything under 5, great cooling. We also make sure to look for cooling materials like gels, coils, phase changing materials which all impact your overall cooling experience.
Pressure Relief / Body-Contouring
You’ll want to consider whether you like to feel more “cradled by” or “on top of” your mattress. If you prefer a cradling, hug-like feel, you’ll want to choose a bed that offers a lot of pressure relief and body contouring. Pressure-relieving beds can be great for relieving hip, shoulder, lower back, and joint pain, plus they offer a cuddly feel many sleepers enjoy.
If you’re looking for a lot of pressure relief, we recommend a mattress with at least one memory foam layer or one that includes soft comfort foams in its top layers. Take a look at our best soft mattresses to see some pressure-relieving models.
We measure pressure relief by using a thermal pressure map to identify pressure points each mattress presents. You can check out the overall read out of each map in our individual mattress reviews but our testers lay this mat onto each bed, test it in various positions, and this piece of tech is able to tell us where our body will and won’t feel supported. This is especially important if you have shoulder or hip pain, so you get a pressure relieving mattress. Blue and green mean that the mattress is performing great and yellow and red mean your body will feel pressure points.
Twin Mattress Accessories
Twin Mattress Price and Policies
Company Policies
Warranty
Most manufacturers offer a 10- to 20-year warranty on mattresses with some caveats to protect the customer’s purchase. Read the terms and conditions of the warranty carefully before committing to the purchase of a new mattress. A mattress warranty also gives us a good idea how long the company is expecting the mattress to last for. The durability of the mattress should be the same as its warranty to keep an eye out. We recommend going for mattress brands that have at least a 10 year warranty.
Sleep Trials
The purpose of a sleep trial is to be able to test a bed in the comfort of your own home, for an extended amount of time. Most brands offer 60-100 night trials which is plenty of time for you to break in your mattress and determine if it fits your sleep preferences and needs.
Shipping
Many consumers complain that shipping is a sneaky hidden fee added at the end. We have made sure that each mattress on this list offers free shipping so you don’t have to add that into your budget. Many companies do offer a white glove delivery service at an extra cost that involves the brand hand delivering the mattress to your door, setting it up wherever you need (no need for stairs climbing!) and they also remove your old mattress all for one cost.
Price
Price is an important factor when choosing any new mattress, but especially so when choosing a twin-size mattress. Twin beds are often budget buys for children or teens who will eventually grow out of them. You’ll want to ensure you choose a twin that’s long-lasting that won’t break the bank. In many cases, twin beds cost roughly $400-$900, which is quite the steal compared to a queen’s average of $1,200–$1,700.
All of the beds in this list are quality mattresses that we think are worth the cost. But as a general rule, make sure to comparison-shop before choosing your new bed to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Additionally, we recommend checking out our mattress coupons to score a deal, or looking out for mattress discounts around major holidays like Black Friday and Memorial Day.
What Certifications to Look For in Twin Mattresses
If you’re looking for a twin mattress that’s hypoallergenic, organic, or contains natural materials, you may want to purchase a bed with one or multiple certifications. Here are a few common certifications to keep an eye out for.
- Oeko-Tex STANDARD 100 certified mattresses have been tested for over 1,000 harmful substances and are determined to be non-toxic for humans.
- CertiPUR-US certified foams are free from harmful chemicals and materials. To earn this certification, the foams must be made without ozone depleters, heavy metals, formaldehyde, or other dangerous materials.
- GreenGuard-certified mattresses are tested for chemical and particle emissions to meet strict indoor-outdoor air quality pollutant guidelines.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a twin mattress and a twin XL mattress?
A twin XL mattress is the same width as a regular twin mattress but is five inches longer. A twin mattress is 38” x 75”, while a twin XL is 38” x 80”.
How can I find an inexpensive twin mattress?
Many bed-in-a-box companies offer reasonably priced twin mattresses. To get the best deal possible, try shopping during mattress sales, which typically occur on holidays such as President’s Day and Black Friday. Coupon codes and discounts can help reduce the price on regular price days, particularly if you buy online or purchase a bed-in-a-box.
Can I return my twin mattress if I don’t like it?
Most mattress companies offer generous sleep trial periods, allowing you to try out a new mattress and return or exchange it if it isn’t the right fit for you. Be sure to check the terms of the company sleep trial before you purchase your mattress and make sure to initiate a return or exchange before the time period is over.
How much should I pay for a good twin mattress?
Most twin mattresses cost between $400 and $900, but there are plenty of models that go above and below those amounts. Keep in mind that a cheaper mattress under $400 may not have outstanding durability, and that an ultra-expensive luxury mattress may not offer too much more than other beds.
What is the best type of twin mattress?
The best type of twin mattress is one that provides strong edge support, allowing sleepers to make full use of the mattress surface. Additionally, type of construction aside, twin mattresses should be made from durable materials (such as high-density, sag-resistant foams).
Do adults sleep on twin mattresses?
Yes, many adults sleep on twin mattresses. These smaller mattresses are ideal for college students in dorm rooms, guest rooms, solo sleepers, and anyone wanting to save space.
How We Chose Our 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.
One of the most important factors when it comes to Twin mattresses is edge support. Edge support is crucial for a narrower mattress like a twin, since it allows you to use as much of the surface area as possible. Most of the mattresses here boast at least a 4 out of 5 on edge support. You can click here to learn more about our methodology.
Best Twin Mattresses 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Twin Size) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar | Value | $599 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Helix Midnight | Cooling | $937 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Original | Athletes | $699 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| WinkBed | Firm | $1,149 | WinkBed Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Natural | Allergies | $1,499 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Saatva Youth | Kids | $795 | Saatva Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Cheap | $932 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Titan Plus by Brooklyn Bedding | Heavy Sleepers | $699 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Birch Natural by Helix | Organic | $1,374 | Helix Coupon | Read Our Review |
Bridget Chapman
Former Senior Product Editor
About Author
Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.
Combination Sleeper