A twin mattress isn’t just for kids anymore. In a bigger-is-better world, a smaller mattress is still a great option for a lot of folks. Whether you’re furnishing a guest room, sending a teenager off to college, or setting up a studio apartment, a twin mattress can be an affordable option that works for almost any type of sleeper.
No matter what your preference of mattress material, you can find a twin mattress that works for your bedroom and your budget. With the wealth of twin mattresses available, how do you narrow down your choices and select the right model? I’ve tested several twin mattresses for durability and comfort to help you find the right one for you.
Editor’s Pick
Linenspa 8 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress
My choice for editor’s pick is the Linenspa 8 inch hybrid mattress. This twin model utilizes plush memory foam comfort layers and innerspring coils, resulting in a supportive, medium-firm feel that would fit the bill for just about any sleeper. The Linenspa 8 inch hybrid is also available in a higher-profile 10 inch option for folks who like a bit more height in a mattress.
Pros:
- Supportive. This model’s innerspring steel coils offer solid lumbar support, a boon for back sleepers and those who suffer from orthopedic pain
- Sleeps cool. The innerspring structure facilitates airflow, which helps disperse body heat. I found the Linenspa Hybrid pleasantly cool to sleep on even in my normally overheated bedroom
- Bouncy. Sleepers who like a bit of bounce will appreciate the spring factor of the Linenspa hybrid. For me, it adds to an overall feeling of support and well-crafted structure
Cons:
- Not for all sleep positions. This mattress is ideal for back sleepers but may be a bit firm for side sleepers, who need pressure relief at the hips and shoulders. It may also be a little soft for stomach sleepers, who do best with a very firm mattress that supports the hips and torso
- Motion transfer. While a twin bed is for solo sleepers, the motion transfer of the innerspring coils is notable. This mattress may feel a bit too bouncy for some sleepers
Be sure to read our full review of the Linenspa hybrid to get an even deeper understanding of this mattress.
The Linenspa Innerspring Hybrid utilizes plush memory foam comfort layers and innerspring coils, resulting in a supportive, medium-firm feel that would fit the bill for just about any sleeper.
Best Luxury Mattress
Signature Design by Ashley 12 Inch Chime Express Hybrid Innerspring
My pick for best luxury twin mattress is the Signature Design by Ashley Chime Express Hybrid. This firm mattress offers plush comfort layers of gel memory foam over a sturdy core of supportive pocketed coils. The Signature Design Hybrid is available in 8, 10, and 12 inch thicknesses and twin through California king sizes. The design of the silky exterior fabric gives this mattress a little extra wow factor.
Pros:
- Firm. For sleepers like me who like a truly firm mattress, the Ashley provides plenty of push-back and not too much sinkage in the comfort layers
- Comes in a box. This mattress is a bed-in-a-box model that arrived on my doorstep in (relatively) compact packaging and expanded in a few hours
- Hypoallergenic. The Signature Design is made of acrylic, polyester, and other synthetic fibers designed to keep out dust mites, pollen, mold, and pet dander. If you’re an allergy sufferer, this mattress could be a great option
Cons:
- Pricey. Luxury usually comes at a cost so the price tag on this mattress wasn’t completely unexpected, but it may be a bit high for some sleepers
- Durability. A week of use left a slight indent in the comfort layers of the Signature Design hybrid. This may be the normal break-in process or a knock on the mattress’s overall durability — time will tell
The Signature Design by Ashley is a mattress that offers plush comfort layers of gel memory foam over a sturdy core of supportive pocketed coils
Best Memory Foam
Olee Sleep 10 Inch Gel Infused Layer Top Memory Foam Mattress
Given the popularity of memory foam as a mattress material, competition for best memory foam twin model is steep. My nod in this category goes to the Olee Sleep Gel Infused Layer Top Memory Foam mattress, a medium-firm bed-in-a-box that comes in twin-California king sizes. This 10 inch Certi-PUR certified mattress is medium firm and constructed completely from foam.
Pros:
- Sleeps cooler. Some memory foam mattresses retain body heat, but the gel-infused material of the Olee kept me cool on an unseasonably warm spring night and is a big plus for those of us who sleep hot
- Silent. The Olee Sleep memory foam did a great job of absorbing both motion and sound, making my nights of slumber on this model a peaceful experience
- Side sleeper-friendly. If you’re a side sleeper and a memory foam fan like me, the Olee could be a great option. The combination of pressure relief and firm support alone is worth the price of admission in my view
Cons:
- Durability. I felt a bit of an indent after several days of snoozing on the Olee Sleep mattress. The jury is still out, but durability could be an issue for some sleepers, especially those on the heavier side
- Odor. My Olee took a few days to air out, something to keep in mind if you have respiratory sensitivities or allergies
The Olee Sleep gel memory foam mattress is medium firm and constructed completely from foam.
Best Pillow Top Twin Mattress
Modway Jenna 10” Quilted Pillow Top Twin Innerspring Mattress
The Modway Jenna Quilted Innerspring Mattress is my choice for Best Twin Pillow Top mattress. If you prefer plush, cloud-like comfort, this mattress should rise to the top of your list. The plush surface is supported by an internal network of pocketed coils for support. The Moday Innerspring comes in 8, 10, and 14 inch thickness options and is available in twin-California king sizes.
Pros:
- Motion isolation. If you like the supportiveness of an innerspring but not the bounce, the Moday Jenna mattress could strike the right balance. Each steel coil is individually pocketed, which helps reduce motion transfer
- Plush. A pillow top is all about cushiony comfort and this model doesn’t disappoint. The memory foam comfort layers are ideal for people who prefer a softer sleeping surface
- Price. Pocketed coils, attractive design, and a pressure-relieving pillow top make this mattress a bargain
Cons:
- Heavy. This bed’s pillow top and pocketed coils add to its overall weight, making it a heavy lift if you need to get it inside or up stairs. LIfting the box after delivery may be a two-person job
- Soft. May provide a bit too much sinkage for some folks, especially stomach-sleepers and people who weigh more than average
You may also want to check out our full review of the Modway Aveline to see more of their product line.
The Modway Jenna Quilted Innerspring Mattress provides plush, cloud-like comfort.
How We Picked
A twin mattress can be an important purchase that helps you, a child, or a guest relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep. When reviewing twin mattresses, we examined several factors that helped us choose the best in each individual category. Consider the following when searching for the perfect twin mattress for your home, dorm, or guest room.
Materials
The materials in a mattress determine features like support, firmness, motion transfer, and temperature regulation. Common mattress materials include:
- 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. Some types of memory foam can retain body heat, though newer formulations infused with copper or gel tend to sleep cooler
- Latex – 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 people who sleep hot
- 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
- Hybrid – Hybrid mattresses are constructed from coils and layers of foam. Comfort layers made of latex provide a gently bouncy surface, while memory foam layers cushion pressure points and offer a plush, conforming feel
Mattress Thickness
The typical mattress ranges between 6 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.
Mattress Firmness
Mattress firmness is described on a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. 6.5 is the industry standard for medium firmness. Soft mattresses generally rank around 4-6/10 on the scale, while extra firm mattresses measure around 7-9/10.
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 tend to like softer mattresses, while back and combination sleepers usually sleep best on mattresses that are medium-firm.
Edge Support
A mattress with strong, reinforced edges can reduce sagging and excessive sinkage when you sleep near the edge of the mattress. A supportive edge also lets each partner sleep closer to the side and utilize more of the mattress’s surface area. Edge support is a common feature in mattresses with side support coils or additional high-density poly foam structure. Many all-foam foam mattresses have minimal edge support, which may be an important factor for heavier folks or those who sleep with a partner.
Sleepopolis Tips
To make choosing a great twin mattress easier, try the following tips:
- Know who will be sleeping on the mattress and how often – A guest room mattress will be used less than a master, and a child will typically apply less pressure to a mattress than an adult. Does your teenager like a softer mattress or a firmer one? Know your needs before you start shopping to make the process as simple as possible
- Understand the warranty – Most manufacturers offer a 10-20 year warranty on mattresses with some caveats. Read the terms and conditions of the warranty carefully before committing to the purchase of a new mattress
- Utilize the sleep trial – Most mattresses allow a risk-free sleep trial of 90 days or longer and free returns or exchanges. Take advantage of the trial period to test out your new twin mattress and see if it fits your needs
FAQs
What’s the difference between a twin mattress and a twin XL?
A twin XL mattress is the same width as a regular twin mattress but is five inches longer.
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?
Nearly all online mattress companies offer generous sleep trial periods, allowing you to try out the mattress and return or exchange it if it isn’t right 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.
Last Word From Sleepopolis
A great twin mattress can be an affordable and convenient option for a child’s bedroom, guest room, or college dorm. A twin mattress can be just as comfortable and cozy as a larger mattress, with many of the same features and fabrics. To choose the right twin mattress, know your needs and sleep preferences before shopping, compare brands and styles, and test it out with a sleep trial before committing to a final purchase.
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