Best Mattress for Teenagers

Written by Garen Glazier

Updated

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Teenagers have unique sleep needs. Experts suggest they require less sleep than younger children, but they still need enough to sustain their attention, support their memory, and maintain good health. Parents are often in the market for a mattress that’s comfortable for teens while being versatile enough to accommodate them in early adulthood.

We’ve researched and reviewed hundreds of mattresses over the years to determine our top picks for the best mattresses for teenagers. We’ll explore each model in-depth, examining their construction, design details, and performance. We’ll also give you the tools you need to shop for a teenager’s mattress and help you understand various mattress designs, firmness levels, and what teens need from a bed.

The Best Mattresses for Teenagers

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Best Overall Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

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30% off sitewide with code: BFRIDAY30

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30% off sitewide with code: BFRIDAY30

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid strikes a perfect balance between cushioning and support, and it’s available in three firmness levels. The versatility makes this bed well suited to most sleep positions and body types.

Ideal For

Hot Sleepers

Firmness

Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Feel

Close-Conforming Foam

Value

Great Value

Pros & Cons Icon
  • Pros

    1. Hybrid construction balances support and pressure relief

    2. Reinforced perimeter increases edge support

    3. Three firmness options

  • Cons

    1. Softer models provide less edge support

    2. Firm model allows moderate motion transfer

Our Take Icon

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a versatile mattress with widely appealing features. Shoppers can choose between three firmness levels that share similar materials and components, but have distinctly different feels. All three options boast a hybrid design that comfortably blends pressure relief, support, and responsiveness.

Why We Like It

Our experts found that the Signature Hybrid performed well during a variety of tests, with high marks in the pressure relief and temperature control categories. The foam comfort system cushions joints and pressure points, while the support core allows air to easily circulate through the coils, reducing heat retention.

Versatile, well-constructed, and reasonably priced, the Signature Hybrid checks a lot of boxes for shoppers seeking a bed for growing teens.

How Does It Feel?

Shoppers can choose between medium soft (4), medium firm (6), or firm (8) versions that feature a layered construction with a quilted top. The comfort system consists of proprietary TitanFlex and VariFlex foams that offer substantial contouring and pressure relief.

Eight inches of pocketed coils provide robust and responsive support. Each coil is individually wrapped to decrease motion transfer across the mattress’ surface. Sturdier coils around the support core’s perimeter increase the bed’s overall edge support.

Sleeper Type Ratings Icon

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

9.0/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.0/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7.0/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

5.5/10

130-230 lbs

7.0/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

Best Value Mattress

Bear Original

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35% off + free pillows with code: SF35

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35% off + free pillows with code: SF35

The Bear Original is an all-foam model with a slightly firmer feel than other foam beds we’ve tested. We found this model offered just enough hug to capture the signature feel of foam, while preventing uncomfortable sinkage.

Product page photo of the Bear Original

Ideal For

Back Sleepers

Firmness

Firm (7)

Feel

Supportive Foam

Value

Great Value

Pros & Cons Icon
  • Pros

    1. Above-average support for a foam model

    2. Celliant-blend cover designed to capture and dissipate body heat

    3. Affordable pricing for shoppers on a budget

  • Cons

    1. Some hot sleepers may find the bed too warm

    2. Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may need more support

Our Take Icon

The Bear Original offers several benefits for growing teens and carries an affordable sticker price to boot. The mattress is constructed with a memory foam comfort layer over dense polyfoam transitional and base layers. While the memory foam is adaptive and comfortably cushions the body, the mattress is considered firm (7) and provides excellent overall support.

Why We Like It

Our testing indicates the Bear Original’s firm feel is excellently supportive for side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds and back sleepers over 130 pounds. The stomach sleepers on our team who weigh less than 130 pounds also gave the mattress favorable ratings. We also noticed little to no pressure buildup during our tests, so the Bear Original may be a good choice for student athletes and other teens with physically active lifestyles.

Featuring a good balance of contouring and temperature control, the Bear Original is a great choice for teens who like the feel of all-foam mattresses but need firmer support.

How Does It Feel?

A Celliant and polyester cover encases the mattress. Celliant is an innovative material engineered to dissipate body heat on contact. This makes the Bear Original particularly well suited to teens who reside in hot or humid locations, as well as those who generally sleep hot in any environment.

Sleeper Type Ratings Icon

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

8.0/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

8.0/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

5.0/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.0/10

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Helix Midnight

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27% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase. Code: DOCTOR27

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27% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase. Code: DOCTOR27

The Helix Midnight is a hybrid model with thick foam layers that comfortably cradle your body. Many side sleepers on our test team welcomed the pressure relief in the shoulders and hips, while also observing plenty of support for the lower back.

Ideal For

Side Sleepers

Firmness

Medium Firm (6)

Feel

Close-Conforming Foam

Value

Good Value

Pros & Cons Icon
  • Pros

    1. Foam comfort system provides deep pressure point relief

    2. Pocketed coil core has perimeter reinforcement to increase edge support

    3. Medium firm feel suits most sleeper types

  • Cons

    1. Uncomfortable heat retention can occur

    2. Side sleepers over 230 pounds may sink deeper into the bed

Our Take Icon

More people sleep on their sides than in any other position. While it’s a comfortable posture for many, it can result in pressure points for those whose hips and shoulders don’t receive enough cushioning. The Helix Midnight alleviates pressure without sacrificing support by combining a foam comfort system with a pocketed coil core.

Why We Like It

Our testers found that the Midnight’s medium firm (6) feel provides a balance of comfort and support for side sleepers who weigh under 230 pounds. Although this model targets side sleepers’ particular needs, the back sleepers on our testing team in the same weight range also enjoyed its blend of pressure relief and responsive support.

Featuring superior pressure relief at an approachable price-point, the Helix Midnight provides excellent value and comfort for teens who like to sleep on their side.

How Does It Feel?

The comfort system’s memory foam and polyfoam layers contour closely to your body and evenly disperse your weight across the mattress, relieving pressure buildup in your hip and shoulder regions. The pocketed coil core features hundreds of coils that move independently of one another to minimize motion transfer while still providing a responsive feel. A reinforced perimeter provides enhanced edge support.

Sleeper Type Ratings Icon

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.0/10

130-230 lbs

9.5/10

Above 230 lbs

8.0/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

9.0/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.0/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6.0/10

Best Luxury Mattress

Saatva Classic

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Buy more, save more. Up to $500 off.

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Buy more, save more. Up to $500 off.

The Saatva Classic has a plush Euro-top and dual coil system that give you an excellent mix of contouring and support. Between three firmness levels and two height options, most members of our testing team found a model that felt comfortable.

Ideal For

Hot Sleepers

Firmness

Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Feel

Bouncy, Supportive Surface

Value

Fair Value

Pros & Cons Icon
  • Pros

    1. Available in three firmness levels and two profiles

    2. Coil-on-coil design provides even spinal support

    3. Free White Glove delivery with old mattress removal

  • Cons

    1. Coils produce some motion transfer

    2. Thicker profile may require deep-pocket sheets

Our Take Icon

The Saatva Classic’s construction balances a traditional innerspring core with a foam comfort system that delivers robust support and ample cushioning. With three firmness levels and two height options, most sleepers should find a Saatva model that addresses their needs. Teens should consider their weight and preferred sleeping position when choosing between the medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8) options.

Why We Like It

While the Saatva Classic excelled in many of our in-house testing categories, it performed exceptionally well during temperature control and pressure relief trials. Air moves freely through the innersprings, allowing excess body heat to dissipate. The polyfoam and memory foam in the upper layers cushion your body to effectively alleviate pressure.

Available in heights of 11.5 or 14.5 inches, the Saatva Classic is a durable model that should provide a comfortable night’s sleep throughout adolescence.

How Does It Feel?

Exact specifications vary depending on the firmness level, though they all have the same basic construction. The plush Euro-top has extra quilting to provide enhanced cushioning to the lower back area. A memory foam layer beneath it hugs and contours the sleeper to relieve pressure points and features an innovative lumbar pad that targets back pain.

The support system features two sets of coils. Individually wrapped microcoils increase motion isolation. The coils are firmer in the middle third of the bed, enhancing spinal alignment by preventing the midsection from sinking too deeply into the mattress. A layer of innerspring coils below provides additional support and responsiveness, allowing sleepers to move easily across the mattress’ surface. Additionally, a foam encasement increases edge support and durability.

Sleeper Type Ratings Icon

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.0/10

130-230 lbs

9.0/10

Above 230 lbs

9.0/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.0/10

130-230 lbs

9.0/10

Above 230 lbs

9.0/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Best Mattress for Active Teens

WinkBeds GravityLux

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Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds

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Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds

The WinkBeds GravityLux comes in three firmness options, and all models have covers quilted with foam for a luxuriously plush feel. The thoughtful design offers extra support in areas of the body that need it, so most sleepers don’t need to worry about uncomfortable sagging.

Ideal For

Combination Sleepers

Firmness

Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Firm (7)

Feel

Close-Conforming Foam

Value

Good Value

Pros & Cons Icon
  • Pros

    1. Cooling features help prevent heat retention

    2. All-foam construction provides excellent motion isolation and pressure relief

    3. Zoned support system promotes healthy spinal posture

  • Cons

    1. Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may prefer a firmer bed

    2. Reduced edge support in softer models

Our Take Icon

The WinkBeds GravityLux comes in three firmness options that successfully balance support and pressure relief. Though the model has a high-end price-point, it has features to match. Patented cooling technology, zoned support, and exceptional pressure relief make the mattress a standout option well suited to many teens.

Why We Like It

While performance and materials vary slightly between the three firmness options, they all scored highly during our pressure relief and motion isolation trials. The foam absorbs movement instead of letting it move across the mattress surface, resulting in fewer disturbances throughout the night.

Sleepers who want the most pressure relief should opt for either the medium soft (4) or medium (5) option, while those looking for robust support may prefer the firm (7) model.

Boasting considerable versatility across the three firmness options, our testing team found that the WinkBeds GravityLux suits a wide range of sleeper types. It’s also whisper-quiet for teens who share a bedroom with a sibling.

How Does It Feel?

The cover has 2 inches of gel-infused polyfoam quilted into it, creating a plush feel. A layer of proprietary AirCell memory foam provides additional cushioning and body contouring. The memory foam features an open-cell structure designed to increase air circulation, which allows the GravityLux to retain less heat than the average memory foam mattress.

The support core features a zoned polyfoam layer divided into five zones, increasing support beneath the midsection and preventing excessive sinkage. The zoned polyfoam layer provides additional pressure relief as well, allowing more compression under high-impact areas like your shoulders. A durable and stable polyfoam core anchors the mattress.

Sleeper Type Ratings Icon

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

9.0/10

130-230 lbs

9.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

8.0/10

Above 230 lbs

6.0/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

7.0/10

Above 230 lbs

5.0/10

Best Cooling Mattress

Tuft & Needle Mint

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15% off mattresses

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15% off mattresses

The Tuft & Needle Mint is an all-foam model that conformed closely to our testers’ bodies, offering top-notch pressure relief. It also incorporates cooling features aimed at offsetting some of the heat retention that we’ve noticed in other foam models.

Ideal For

Combination Sleepers

Firmness

Medium Firm (6)

Feel

Close-Conforming Foam

Value

Good Value

Pros & Cons Icon
  • Pros

    1. Contains graphite- and gel-infused foams designed to regulate body temperature

    2. Reinforced edges prevent excessive sagging

    3. Open-cell foam creates pathways that increase air circulation

  • Cons

    1. Only available in one firmness level

    2. May feel too soft for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds

Our Take Icon

The Tuft & Needle Mint outperforms many other foam models when it comes to regulating temperature. The model also provides substantial pressure relief, motion isolation, and support for a wide range of sleepers.

Why We Like It

Graphite infusions in the polyfoam layer and gel beads in the middle layer are designed to draw heat away from sleepers. All three layers work together to trap movement within the mattress, which can be particularly helpful for teens who are prone to shifting positions while they sleep. Additionally, perimeter reinforcement in the polyfoam support core increases edge support.

Though all-foam mattresses tend to sleep hot, the Tuft & Needle Mint offsets this tendency with innovative cooling features, making it a solid choice for teens who overheat at night.

How Does It Feel?

The mattress has three layers that create a medium firm (6) feel most appreciated by our testers under 230 pounds, though back and side sleepers over 230 pounds also found it comfortable and supportive. Our testing team found that the comfort system effectively cushioned pressure points without allowing their bodies to sink too deeply into the mattress.

Sleeper Type Ratings Icon

The ratings below indicate how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights, taking into account factors such as support and pressure relief.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

9.0/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.0/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7.0/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

5.5/10

130-230 lbs

7.0/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

Read on to see why the following six options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for teenagers.

Best Overall Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

30% off sitewide with code: BFRIDAY30

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Affordable, versatile, and high-quality, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a great option for teens of any size and age.

SEE MORE DETAILS

Best Value Mattress

Bear Original

35% off + free pillows with code: SF35

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Designed for people with an active lifestyle, the Bear Original is an affordable all-foam mattress with some bells and whistles.

SEE MORE DETAILS

Product page photo of the Bear Original

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Helix Midnight

27% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase. Code: DOCTOR27

SHOP NOW

The Helix Midnight is a quality memory foam hybrid with a medium firm feel that’s perfect for most side sleepers.

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Best Luxury Mattress

Saatva Classic

Buy more, save more. Up to $500 off.

SHOP NOW

With a plush euro top and a traditional innerspring design, the Saatva Classic feels like something you’d find at a 5-star hotel.

SEE MORE DETAILS

Best Mattress for Active Teens

WinkBeds GravityLux

Get $300 off all mattresses at Winkbeds

SHOP NOW

The Winkbed GravityLux provides excellent pressure relief for teens with recovering muscles.

SEE MORE DETAILS

Best Cooling Mattress

Tuft & Needle Mint

15% off mattresses

SHOP NOW

The Tuft & Needle Mint is designed to prevent the retention of body heat, allowing it to sleep cool throughout the night.

SEE MORE DETAILS

Why Sleep Is Important for Teenagers

Experts recommend that teenagers get 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep can have far-reaching positive effects for adolescents, including enhanced learning, behavior, and overall health. Sleep and athletic performance are also linked. In contrast, regularly falling short on these sleep goals is associated with accidents, obesity, depression, self-harm, and other negative consequences.

Comfortable mattresses reduce unnecessary body movement and support the spine, which is thought to improve sleep quality. While there’s limited research assessing the effects of a mattress on the quality or quantity of sleep teenagers get, we can infer from existing studies that there may be a connection.

opening quote icon Getting enough rest is crucial for everyone, but especially for growing teens. As your child grows, it may be worth investing in a mattress that will allow them to sleep comfortably into early adulthood. Look for a well-made model that works for your teen’s build, with enough flexibility and space to accommodate their future growth. opening quote icon
David Rubin, Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing and Side Sleeper

Video: Why Sleep Is Critical for Performance

Getting quality sleep each night prepares the body to operate at its peak. Join our sleep expert as he describes what sleep does to the body, why it’s crucial for peak performance, and offers some tips to get better sleep.

How to Shop for a Mattress for Teenagers

Choosing a mattress for a teenager carries all the challenges normally associated with mattress shopping and then some. We’ll break down the top factors to consider and how they relate to teenage sleepers.

Mattress Material

Different types of mattresses vary in their materials and performance. Each model is unique, so you’ll notice differences even among similarly constructed options. However, there are some general trends to consider. 

Common mattress types include foam, hybrid, latex, innerspring, and airbeds. Any of these options may be suitable for teens, though each carries potential pros and cons. Foam and some hybrid models are generally more conforming, while latex and innerspring beds are more responsive. Airbeds can have their firmness adjusted in real time to cater to a person’s needs, but their prices run high.

Firmness

The ideal mattress firmness is subjective and depends on a person’s individual preferences, sleep position, and body type. Most teenagers prefer something between a soft and firm mattress, with medium (5) to medium firm (6) being around average. Selecting the optimal firmness can promote spinal alignment while relieving pressure points by allowing a teenager to sink in just enough without sagging.

Bed Size

Mattress size can affect the convenience and comfort of a teenager’s sleep surface. Twin, twin XL, full, and queen sizes are most popular for this age group. Twin and twin XL mattresses fit well in smaller spaces, whereas full and queen give an adolescent more room to spread out. A mattress may outlast your child’s teenage years, so you might also consider how you’d like to use the bed in the future when deciding on a size.

SizeDimensions
Twin38″ x 75″
Twin XL38″ x 80″
Full54″ x 75″
Queen60″ x 80″

Durability

On average, most mattresses hold up well for 7 to 10 years. However, how you maintain the mattress can make a difference. Regularly rotating the mattress and covering it with a mattress protector may extend its life expectancy. By contrast, a teenager jumping on the bed, standing on it, or regularly eating or drinking in bed could shorten its lifespan.

Pressure Relief

When wider or heavier body parts apply more force against a mattress surface, pressure can build up around these areas. A mattress can relieve that pressure by distributing a sleeper’s weight more evenly across the surface. For athletes and teenagers with frequent aches and pains, strong pressure relief can help ease nighttime discomfort.

Sleep Trial and Warranty

A sleep trial policy allows a purchaser to return a mattress during a set window of time if they aren’t satisfied. If you’re not sure what your teenager will find comfortable, a sleep trial can be a valuable way to ensure you don’t waste your money on a bed they don’t enjoy sleeping on. 

A warranty provides recourse if a qualifying defect arises during the coverage period. Many companies offer to repair or replace mattresses with significant indentations, cracks, or splitting.

Tips for Improving Your Teen’s Sleep

In addition to selecting the right mattress, other factors can improve your teenager’s sleep. We’ll share some of our top tips. 

Buy a Mattress Topper

If your teenager’s existing mattress isn’t cutting it, but a new sleep surface isn’t in the budget, a mattress topper can adjust the feel at a more budget-friendly price. Most mattress toppers add cushioning and contouring, making the surface feel softer. However, firm mattress toppers are also available, and they may make the bed feel a bit more supportive. 

Practice Healthy Sleep Hygiene

Sleep hygiene encompasses a wide range of behaviors that foster better sleep. Common techniques that teens often benefit from include managing stress, exercising regularly, going to sleep and waking up at the same time every day, incorporating a relaxing bedtime routine, and avoiding caffeine, heavy or spicy foods, screen time, and distractions close to bedtime. 

Establish a Sleep-Friendly Environment

A sleep-friendly environment can set the stage for a better night’s rest. Bedding, temperature, lighting, and sound all contribute. 

The right bedding should be comfortable and help the teenager maintain a neutral temperature, while taking into account the usual room temperature. We also recommend keeping the room dark by eliminating light sources and using blackout curtains if necessary. Additionally, you might aim to make your teenager’s room as quiet as possible. If you can’t reduce sounds, a white noise machine or fan can drown them out.

Discover More Mattress Solutions

Check out our other buying guides to learn more about mattress models that might suit your teen depending on their needs and preferences.

How We Test

Our testing team shares a passion for helping you sleep comfortably. With years of experience in the industry, our product reviewers lean on a well-defined methodology to conduct comprehensive tests on hundreds of mattress models. We assess how a sleep surface might perform for different individuals by getting feedback from testers with different body types and position preferences. Our picks for the best mattress for teenagers blend comfort, support, and versatility to accommodate sleepers with changing needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sleep do teenagers need?

Teens typically need 8 to 10 hours of sleep during every 24-hour period. While many teenagers get far less because of their overloaded schedules, getting enough sleep each day can help support their academic performance and physical well-being.

What type of mattress is best for a teenager?

The best type of mattress for a teenager depends on the individual and their unique preferences, sleep style, and circumstances. The most popular models usually balance contouring, support, breathability, and durability. If the teen shares a room, having a quiet mattress may also be a top concern.

What is the best mattress size for teenagers?

The best mattress size for teenagers is traditionally twin, twin XL, full, or queen. Twin and twin XL sizes are well suited to smaller areas, such as shared bedrooms or dorms. Full and queen sizes let the teen sprawl across the surface, which many find comfortable.

Is a soft or firm mattress better for teenagers?

Either a soft or firm mattress could be better for a teenager depending on their body type and position preference. Keeping in mind that medium (5) and medium firm (6) are around the midpoint, side sleepers and teenagers under 130 pounds tend to prefer a plusher surface, whereas stomach sleepers and teens over 230 pounds generally like a firmer feel.

How much should you spend on a mattress for a teen?

Mattresses for teens come in a wide range of price-points, so you should spend what you’re comfortable with. The average twin size mattress for teens costs around $600 to $1,000. However, keep in mind that a higher-quality mattress that your teen can use longer may ultimately be a better value than a budget-friendly model if it wears out quickly.

About The Author

Garen Glazier

Staff Writer, Product Testing Team


Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.

  • POSITION: Side Sleeper
  • TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
  • CHRONOTYPE: Wolf

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