If your bedroom space is limited, mattress size may be a significant consideration for your next purchase. One way to save room is to opt for a twin mattress. These beds are generally less expensive than larger mattresses and are ideal for kids, teens, and single adults.
When shopping for a twin mattress, your sleep position, firmness level, and construction preferences can all factor into your choice. To help you find the best twin mattress for your needs, we’ll cover pricing, mattress type, and construction materials for our top twin mattress picks. We’ll also discuss who a twin mattress is for, as well as the main differences between a twin and twin XL.
Twin is the smallest of the six standard mattress sizes. Designed for one person, a twin mattress is an affordable option for people who live in dorms, studio apartments, and other places with limited sleeping space. Twin sizes are also ideal for children who sleep in bunk beds or are transitioning to their first big kid’s bed.
Best Overall
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
Sleep Doctor
4.7
Amazon
4.5
Details
Trial Length 120 nights
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
120 nights / Lifetime, Limited
Type Foam
Firmness Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Price $749 – $1,249
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Layla Memory Foam Mattress has a flippable design with two distinct feels: medium soft (4) and firm (7). This versatility made it a popular model with many of our testers across sleeping positions and body types. The all-foam construction also makes it a great choice for people with sharp pressure points.
Highlights
- Reversible mattress with soft and firm sides
- Copper-infused foam designed to sleep cool
- Provides good pressure point relief
Drawbacks
- People who have trouble getting in and out of bed may prefer a mattress with better edge support
- Some sleepers may find the adaptive surface restricts movement
The Layla Memory Foam Mattress is a flippable memory foam mattress with a reversible design that offers two different firmness levels to choose from. The 2-in-1 design makes this a versatile option for a wide range of sleepers.
The comfort layer is made of 3 inches of copper-infused foam and 2 inches of zoned polyfoam. The gel-infused memory foam is designed to help you sleep cool, while the polyfoam conforms to your body to help relieve pressure.
Because the mattress is reversible, you can pick your ideal firmness by testing out each side. One side is medium soft (4), and one side is firm (7). We found the soft side works best for side sleepers under 230 pounds and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. The firm side is well suited for side sleepers over 230 pounds and all back and stomach sleepers.
Like most all-foam mattresses, the Layla earned average ratings from our testers when it came to sturdy edges. However, the firm side did slightly outperform the soft side in this category, while the soft side rated slightly higher than the firm side in keeping motion from rippling across the surface when a sleeper moves. Both sides are durable, with minimal off-gassing and great temperature control.
The mattress has a 10-inch profile and comes with a removable mattress cover made with a breathable blend of polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra.
Layla offers a 120-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty on the mattress. Shipping is free to the contiguous U.S.
The Layla Memory Foam Mattress’ reversible design makes it a great option for sleepers who don’t know their ideal firmness, or who are curious to try out different firmness levels. We also recommend the all-foam design for anyone who needs a bed with strong pressure relief.
Best Value
Allswell Mattress
Sleep Doctor
4.5
Amazon
3.9
Details
Trial Length 100 nights
Warranty 10 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights / 10 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Firm (7)
Price $279 – $539
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Allswell Mattress’ balanced feel and affordable price-point make it a great choice for most value seekers. Most side, back, and stomach sleepers on our team found the combination of pressure-relieving foam layers and a robust coil system comfortable. It also earned high ratings in our motion isolation tests.
Highlights
- Combination of memory foam and innersprings
- Budget-friendly
- Good temperature regulation
Drawbacks
- Side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds may need a softer mattress
- People with sharp pressure points may prefer a mattress with more surface cushioning
The Allswell Mattress is a foam hybrid bed with an even balance of cushioning and support. The well-rounded design makes the mattress a good fit for a wide range of sleep preferences and needs.
The comfort layer includes 3 inches of memory foam infused with graphite and copper designed to provide temperature regulation. The support core is made with individually wrapped pocketed coils. Because these coils help reinforce the perimeter on two sides, our testers found that the Allswell has great edge support.
We’ve assigned the Allswell a firm (7) rating. The mattress felt comfortable for most of the side, back, and stomach sleepers on our team. However, side sleepers who weigh under 130 pounds and stomach sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds may need a softer mattress to relieve pressure points.
Because it includes a thick layer of memory foam, the Allswell is great at absorbing movement and offers a virtually silent sleep. At the same time, the innersprings offered enough support for testers to easily move around or get into and out of the bed. However, the firmness level makes this hybrid less equipped to relieve pressure than other, softer hybrids.
The Allswell has a 10-inch profile. The twin model measures 38.5 inches by 74.5 inches and weighs 62 pounds. Customers can take advantage of a 100-night sleep trial and free shipping in the contiguous U.S. The mattress is also covered by a 10-year limited warranty.
We recommend the Allswell if you’re looking for a mattress that combines the cushioning of foam with the strong support of a coil system. The approachable price-point also makes it great for shoppers with a limited budget.
Most Comfortable
Helix Dusk
Sleep Doctor
4.6
Details
Trial Length 100 nights (30-night requirement)
Warranty 10 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
100 nights (30-night requirement) / 10 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Price $699 – $1,449
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Helix Dusk is a medium firm (6) hybrid that felt comfortable for many testers. A thick comfort system cushions sore spots in the joints and lower back, while pocketed coils help you maintain spinal alignment. Our side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds enjoyed this balance the most.
Highlights
- Innerspring coils offer good edge support
- Foam hybrid design relieves pressure points
- Excellent motion isolation
Drawbacks
- Sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds may need more support
- The foam comfort system may trap too much heat for some sleepers
The Helix Dusk is a hybrid mattress with a medium firm (6) feel. The innerspring coils and adaptive foam layers make this mattress well-suited to a variety of sleepers.
The mattress comes with a breathable 100% polyester cover. The comfort layer includes 3 inches of a latex-foam hybrid material, which closely contoured to our bodies when we tested the mattress. The transition layer is made of memory foam, and the support core has 8 inches of wrapped coils that gave the bed a sturdy feel and delivered strong edge support. A polyfoam base layer adds to the mattress’ durability.
Our tests showed that the Helix Dusk was best suited for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. Back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds also received a lot of support from this mattress during our tests. The foam layers cradled the body, offering a high level of pressure relief, while the pocketed design of the coils helped prevent motion from transferring across the surface. This might appeal to co-sleepers who wake each other up with nighttime movements.
The mattress is 12 inches tall. Helix offers free shipping on all orders placed in the U.S., as well as a 100-night sleep trial. Customers are required to sleep on the mattress for at least 30 nights before initiating a return. The mattress is covered by a 10-year limited warranty.
The Helix Dusk is a perfect middle-of-the-road mattress that balances contouring and sturdy support. We recommend it especially for couples who need a bed that can accommodate different sleep preferences.
Best Luxury
Avocado Green Mattress
Sleep Doctor
4.7
Details
Trial Length 365 nights (30-night break-in period)
Warranty 25 Year, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
365 nights (30-night break-in period) / 25 Year, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)
Price $1399 – $2599
Sleep Doctor’s Take
Eco-conscious shoppers willing to spend a bit more on a twin mattress made with certified organic materials should look no further than the Avocado Green Mattress. The mattress uses GOTS-certified wool and cotton, as well as GOLS-certified latex. The result is a temperature-controlling mattress with great responsive support.
Highlights
- Environmentally friendly materials
- Pillow-top option for added softness
- Exceptional breathability and temperature control
Drawbacks
- Combination sleepers may find the responsive feel transfers more movement
- Side sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds may want more surface cushioning
The Avocado Green is a latex hybrid that features a pillow-top option for increased cushioning. With the pillow-top, the mattress is medium firm (6), and without the pillow-top, it’s firm (7). The mattress is sustainably produced and made with natural, organic materials.
The comfort layer includes a cover made from organic cotton and a layer of organic wool designed to regulate temperature. Next is 2 inches of sustainably produced Dunlop latex, made without harsh chemicals, that our testers found firm yet responsive. The support core features 8 inches of steel coils, which are zoned to enhance pressure relief in areas like your shoulders and hips and to reinforce the edge of the mattress.
If you need extra pressure relief, you can purchase a version of the mattress that includes a pillow-top made of 2 additional inches of Dunlop latex. The pillow-top version of the mattress was an excellent choice for side sleepers on our team who weighed over 130 pounds and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Without the pillow-top, we found this mattress works best for back and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds.
Because of its reinforced perimeter, the Avocado has very good edge support, making it easy for you to get into and out of bed. The firm feel of the surface also allows you to move and change positions easily.
Without the pillow-top, the mattress measures 11 inches tall; with the pillow-top, its profile is 13 inches. Avocado provides a 365-night sleep trial with a required 15 nights before returns are accepted. The mattress includes a 25-year limited warranty and ships for free throughout the contiguous U.S.
The Avocado Green is a luxurious mattress made with high-end organically sourced materials. If you’re looking for a bed made with sustainability in mind, we recommend this model.
Best for Side Sleepers
Nectar Mattress
Sleep Doctor
4.4
Amazon
4.3
Details
Trial Length 365 nights
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
365 nights / Lifetime, Limited
Type Foam
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Price $359 – $1,138
Sleep Doctor’s Take
All-foam mattresses are typically great at relieving undue pressure on a side sleeper’s shoulders and hips, and the Nectar Mattress is no exception. Thanks to a firmer-than-average feel, the mattress had well-rounded performance during our tests. You also can’t beat the competitive price-point, year-long sleep trial, and lifetime warranty.
Highlights
- Durable, supportive memory foam layers
- Excellent motion isolation
- Cooling gel in comfort layer
Drawbacks
- Some stomach sleepers may find they sink too deeply into the foam surface
- Couples who prefer a responsive surface for sex may find the surface too plush
The Nectar Mattress is a medium firm (6) memory foam mattress that provides excellent motion isolation and pressure relief, thanks to its combined layers of memory foam and dense polyfoam. Add to that an affordable price-point, and this mattress is a good choice for couples and combination sleepers on a budget.
The comfort layer is made of 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam that conformed closely to our bodies during performance tests. Next is the transitional layer, which is made with 3 inches of polyfoam that promotes contouring but has a firmer feel than the memory foam. The support core includes 7 more inches of high-density polyfoam, giving the mattress its solid, durable foundation.
The Nectar performed well for most side, back, and stomach sleepers on our team. However, we found that back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds might need a firmer mattress for optimal pressure relief. Because of its thick foam layers, the Nectar isolates motion well. This means you won’t feel your bed partner’s movements as they change position or get into and out of bed. If you tend to overheat in traditional foam beds, the gel infusion in the Nectar is designed to promote cooler sleep.
The Nectar has a profile of 12 inches. The twin model weighs 40 pounds. Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime limited warranty. This mattress ships for free to the contiguous U.S.
The Nectar Mattress is a quintessential memory foam bed, offering excellent pressure relief to sleepers who develop painful pressure buildup overnight. With its ability to absorb most motion and noise, it’s also a great bed for couples.
Best for Kids
Nolah Nurture 10
Sleep Doctor
4.3
Details
Trial Length 120 nights
Warranty Lifetime, Limited
Trial Length / Warranty
120 nights / Lifetime, Limited
Type Hybrid
Firmness Soft (3), Firm (7)
Price $1,499 – $1,799
Sleep Doctor’s Take
The Nolah Nurture 10 has a flippable design meant to adapt with children as they grow. Talalay latex offers responsive cushioning for the spine, while coils help kids maintain healthy sleep postures. Cotton, wool, and latex are also naturally breathable to keep kids cool throughout the night.
Highlights
- A mattress made with kids in mind
- Reversible with both plush and firm sides
- Enhanced pressure relief and edge support
Drawbacks
- Some kids who sleep on their sides may prefer a mattress with more surface cushioning
- Because of its natural and organic materials, the mattress holds a higher price-point
The Nolah Nurture 10 is a flippable mattress made for kids. Using natural, organic materials, the Nurture is designed for support and comfort, with a soft (3) side and a firm (7) side to accommodate your growing child’s needs.
The mattress is encased in an organic cotton cover, and there are handles on the sides of the mattress to make flipping and moving the bed easier. The comfort layer includes 2 inches of natural Talalay latex that helped relieve pressure points during our tests. Next, a layer of breathable wool helps keep the mattress dry and cool. The support core includes 6 inches of zoned pocketed coils that offer targeted pressure relief and support to specific areas of your child’s body for optimal comfort. This is followed by another 2-inch layer of Talalay latex and a final layer of cotton and wool.
The Nurture 10 performed well for all body weights and sleep positions, thanks to the dual firmness options. The plush side offers enhanced motion isolation and pressure relief, so we recommend this side for children who share the bed with a parent or pet and who enjoy the comfort of a soft surface. The firm side has increased edge support, so you might prefer this side if your child has a tendency to roll out of bed. Both sides excel at temperature control, thanks to the breathable cotton and wool layers.
As the name implies, the mattress has a profile of 10 inches. Nolah offers a limited lifetime warranty on the mattress as well as a 120-night sleep trial. Shipping is free for orders placed in the contiguous U.S.
We recommend the Nolah Nurture for parents who are seeking a bed made with verified organic materials. The dual firmness options are ideal for children whose firmness needs may change as they grow.
Why You Should Trust Us
When it comes to choosing the right bed for a good night’s sleep, you can trust our sleep experts’ years of industry experience. Our team of product analysts personally tests each mattress we review, paying attention to issues of specific concern to different kinds of sleepers, such as firmness, durability, and pressure relief.
Since our team includes individuals with different weights and preferred sleep positions, we gather both scientific and firsthand insight into how each model performs.
Who Is a Twin Mattress Best For?
Choosing a mattress size typically comes down to the size of the sleeper and the size of the sleep space. Those who use a twin mattress generally don’t have room for a larger mattress. If you’re on a budget, you may also opt for a smaller mattress to cut costs. And twin mattresses are frequently used by children and teenagers.
- Children and Bunk Beds: Children usually don’t need a bigger mattress, especially when they are just transitioning from a crib. A twin mattress may also be a good choice if your child sleeps in a bunk bed, as it will help save on space.
- Teenagers: Teens may also benefit from a twin mattress because the small size helps to free up more space in the bedroom for other furniture and items.
- Single Adults: Twin mattresses are designed to fit one person, so if you’re not co-sleeping, a twin bed might be a good option for you.
- Those With Guest Rooms or Small Spaces: If you have a small bedroom or live in a small home, a twin mattress can provide comfort without taking up too much space. You may also want to choose a twin mattress for a guest bed.
Twin Mattress Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
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What's the Difference Between a Twin and a Twin XL?
Twin and twin XL mattresses are similar in size, but the twin XL mattress is slightly longer. A twin mattress typically measures 38 inches wide and 75 inches long, while a twin XL mattress measures 38 inches wide and 80 inches long.
A twin XL mattress is the size of half of a king mattress. If you push two twin XL mattresses together, you get one king mattress, sometimes called a split king. If you push two twin mattresses together, you have the width of a king but not the length. The twin XL’s larger surface area usually puts it at a higher price-point than a twin.
Twin vs. Twin XL
Features | Description |
|---|---|
Leg Room | The twin XL offers more leg room because it’s longer than a twin. Generally, a twin XL bed is a good fit for someone between 6 feet 3 inches and 6 feet 7 inches. |
Availability of Bedding | Just about every mattress brand offers a twin bed, but not all offer a twin XL. This makes it easier to find bedding for twin models. |
Price | Some manufacturers put their twin and twin XL beds at the same price-point. Others charge slightly more for a twin XL. |
Mattress Weight | The average twin mattress weighs 40 to 45 pounds, while the average twin XL weighs 45 to 50 pounds. Materials used to construct the mattress will impact its weight. |
What Should You Know About Buying a Twin Mattress?
Make sure the bed is the right size for your space, and that you’ve purchased the correct bedding accessories.
Bedding and Bed Frame Sizes
In general, a twin mattress is between 38 and 39 inches wide and about 75 inches long, so you’ll want to choose your bed frame accordingly, keeping in mind that bed frames typically leave a few inches around the perimeter of the mattress. Make sure to purchase twin-sized sheets and other bedding that matches the dimensions of your new mattress.
Doorways, Hallways, and Room Size
Make sure to measure your sleep space and find out the dimensions of the mattress and bed frame before making a purchase. Ensure that your new bed will fit through doorways and hallways. Keep in mind that some mattresses are compressed and can be opened directly in your bedroom – but take measurements to make sure you’ll be able to move the mattress out of the room when the time comes.
Mattress Weight, Mattress Type, and Movability
On average, a twin mattress weighs around 40 to 45 pounds. A mattress made of heavier materials like latex might weigh more than a mattress made of foam or a hybrid model. Keep this in mind when strategizing how to move your mattress.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- Position: Side sleeper
- Temperature: Hot Sleeper
- Chronotype: Lion
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