Best Twin Size Mattress

A twin size mattress is an excellent choice for a variety of situations. Maybe you’re a parent shopping for your child’s first mattress or a young adult moving out of your childhood home. Perhaps you just need a suitable bed for a small guest room.

Most mattress companies manufacture twin size mattresses, so it can be challenging to narrow it down to the best mattress for you. That’s why we compiled our top recommendations for the best twin size mattresses, along with a few mattress shopping tips.

1. Amerisleep AS3

It’s no mystery why the Amerisleep AS3 is our top recommendation for a twin size mattress. With a 4.7-star rating averaged from more than 6,000 reviews, you’re almost guaranteed to sleep well on this bed. Its medium feel is especially well-suited for side and combination sleepers.

This 12-inch mattress has three layers of foam encased in a soft, breathable cover.

The first layer is 3 inches of Amerisleep’s unique Bio-Pur® foam. Bio-Pur® is a more breathable and responsive material than traditional memory foam. It’s also an eco-friendly alternative because the manufacturers replace some of the petrochemicals with castor oil during production.

Next is a 2-inch Affinity layer with HIVE® technology. With HIVE® technology, the mattress features five zones of targeted support for the head, shoulders, back, hips, and feet. These zones have hundreds of hexagonal cutouts.

When you lie down, the hexagons in the head, back, and hips area provide firm support. Simultaneously, the hexagons under your hips and shoulders expand for more cushion, providing pressure relief where it’s often most needed.

The mattress’s base is 7 inches of Bio-Core® foam. It’s a durable material that not only provides support but resists indentation. Bio-Core® is the reason why Amerisleep can offer an industry-leading 20-year warranty.

If you like some bounce in your bed, you can also consider the AS3’s hybrid counterpart. It has the same medium feel, with just a touch more responsiveness because of the bed’s pocketed coils.

Every Amerisleep mattress includes a 100-night sleep trial and an extensive 20-year warranty.

2. Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid

Although larger sizes such as a queen and king are often what we think of when it comes to luxury mattresses, a twin size mattress can provide just as much plush comfort. The Amerisleep AS5 hybrid mattress is a fine example of that. It’s the softest model the company offers.

This 14-inch mattress has four layers. The comfort layer is 3 inches of Bio-Pur® foam, which we previously mentioned, is a more breathable and adaptable material than traditional memory foam.

Next is a 2-inch layer of Active Flex, a material designed to have a soft feel while preventing sinkage. Too many soft mattresses can leave you feeling “stuck” whenever you try to move. Active Flex stops that from happening with its quick bounce.

Eight inches of pocketed coils support the mattress’s foam layers and you. The fabric over the coils let each one react individually when you lie down or move, preventing motion transfer.

The coils rest on a 1-inch-thick foam base, with firm foams around the bed’s perimeter. These rigid foams create the bed’s edge support. You can sit on the side without the bed giving way, a particularly helpful feature if you have a condition that restricts your movement.

The AS5 is also available as a memory foam mattress. We choose to focus on the hybrid model for its bouncy support, which helps to balance out the bed’s soft top layers.

A twin size AS5 hybrid is $1849 with a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty. The warranty guarantees repairs or replacements if the mattress sags more than 0.75 inches.

3. Zoma Mattress

The makers of the Zoma Mattress focused on improving body recovery when they designed the bed. Its proprietary foams and cutting-edge sleep technology encourage deeper, uninterrupted sleep, allowing your body to reap the full benefits of a good night’s rest.

Three foam layers make up the Zoma Mattress, bringing it to a total height of 11 inches. A breathable, elastic polyester cover encases the mattress.

The first layer is 2 inches of gel memory foam, which allows heat to disperse across the mattress for a cool night’s sleep. This layer also contains the unique Triangulex™ technology, which consists of triangular cutouts in the shoulder and legs areas.

These cutouts improve not only breathability but also the bed’s conformability. The mattress can mold to your legs and shoulders for more pressure relief, while air slips through the cutouts to remove stored heat.

Next is a 2-inch layer of Reactiv™ foam. Made with responsive poly-foam that mimics latex, Reactiv™ supports the top memory foam layer and prevents you from sinking into your mattress.

The bed’s durability comes from its 7-inch base layer of Support+ foam. Support+ foam withstands pressure and structures the mattress for a longer lifespan.

A twin size Zoma Mattress is $399 with free shipping and returns. The bed includes a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty.

4. Zoma Hybrid

The Zoma Hybrid is a bouncier take on the classic Zoma Mattress. The bed features the same unique top foams with a pocketed coil support core. There are four layers inside this 12-inch mattress, all encased inside soft and breathable AirCloth.

The comfort layer of the Zome Hybrid has the same gel memory foam with zoned support as the original Zoma. Segmented cutouts found near the head and foot of the mattress cushion the joints to prevent pressure points. However, the midsection is cutout-free to help stabilize and support the lumbar region. These cutouts increase pressure relief to sensitive areas and promote airflow through the mattress.

Next is 2 inches of Reactiv™ foam. Reactiv™ foam is an adaptable material that provides extra support, preventing spinal misalignment and sinkage.

The pocketed coils are 7 inches tall and rest on a foam base that’s an inch thick. Pocketed coils are wrapped in fabric to decrease motion transfer and noise, limiting sleep disturbances. The hybrid’s bed feels firmer because of the stiff foams that surround the coils’ perimeter, providing protection and edge support.

You can purchase a twin size Zoma Hybrid for $699 and try it out for 100 nights. A Zoma hybrid also includes a 10-year warranty, with repairs or full replacements offered for any sagging over 0.75 inches.

5. Vaya Mattress

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice plush comfort to afford a new mattress. That line of thought inspired the Vaya Mattress makers to offer pure comfort at an affordable price. The 12-inch mattress is suitable for all sleeping styles.

The mattress has a simple two-layer design to keep costs down while featuring all you need for a comfortable night’s rest. The bed balances bouncy support with pressure relief and motion isolation.

The top layer is 3 inches of the airy and conforming Vaya Comfort Foam. It molds to your body like memory foam does, providing cooling pressure relief. The foam also has latex-like qualities, with a responsive nature that will prevent you from ever feeling trapped in your bed.

At the bottom is 9 inches of durable, high-density foam that protects against premature sagging. A breathable blend of rayon, spandex, and polyester fabric wraps around the mattress.

You can buy a twin size Vaya Mattress for $349. The bed includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. With a little bit of care, you can spend a decade’s worth of nights sleeping on a comfortable mattress.

6. Nolah 10” Original Mattress

The goal of Nolah Mattress is to offer a more comfortable foam bed than either memory or latex can provide. It lacks the viscoelastic chemicals you would find in a traditional memory foam mattress for a cooler night’s sleep. The original 10-inch model has three layers of foam, wrapped in a natural viscose cover that wicks away heat and moisture.

The comfort layer is 2 inches of Nolah AirFoam™, a temperature-neutral alternative to traditional memory foam. It resists sagging and provides excellent pressure relief, particularly in the hip and shoulders areas.

The second layer is a high-resilience foam designed to provide more strength and durability than latex. This 1-inch layer’s bounce helps support you throughout the night.

Seven inches of breathable, high-density foam forms the bed’s base. It reinforces the bed’s support and conformability, along with extending the mattress’s lifespan.

A twin size Nolah Mattress is $619. It includes a 120-night trial and a 15-year warranty.

What is a Twin Mattress?

A twin size mattress is the smallest standard size, not including crib mattresses. The bed measures 38 inches by 75 inches.

The bed is a popular choice for a child’s first mattress after they’ve left their crib or toddler bed behind. You can even accommodate two young children with a bunk bed.

Adults may also choose a twin size mattress if they need a bed for a studio apartment or a small guest bedroom. Lofted twin beds let you make the most of a small space, with a ladder that leads up to a bunk while the bottom half may be a built-in desk or set of drawers. Even if there’s a space for a larger mattress, a young adult just starting out may opt for a twin size mattress to save on money.

You sometimes see a twin bed referred to as a single mattress. While both are the same size, technically, a single refers to one bed while a twin refers to one of two beds. The two are used so interchangeably that this distinction has been mostly lost.

Twin vs. Twin XL Mattresses

A twin XL mattress is 5 inches longer than a standard twin, making its dimensions 38 inches by 80 inches. Those extra inches can help a tall sleeper get a better night’s rest. People over 6 feet tall who try lying on a regular twin may find their feet press up against a footboard or dangling over the bed’s edge.

Since a twin XL mattress does require more material to produce, it’s usually more expensive than a standard twin mattress. Related bedding and foundations also tend to cost more than twin size accessories.

Still, a twin XL mattress is an excellent choice for a bed that can accommodate sleepers of all sizes, such as a mattress for a guest room. College dormitories often have twin XL mattresses so taller students can sleep comfortably.

Other Popular Mattress Sizes

A twin mattress and its longer variation, the twin XL, are good choices if you’re looking for a bed that saves on space. But what if you’re not looking for a bed for a small guest room or child’s room? Perhaps you want a bed worthy of a large master bedroom, or you need a bed large enough for two people.

You can consider four different sizes: full, queen, king, and California king size mattresses.

Full Mattress

Measurements: 54 inches by 75 inches

A full size mattress is 16 inches wider than a twin, excellent for a sleeper who needs room to sprawl or move. It’s also known as the double bed, not to be confused with a twin size bed.

While a full size bed is a good choice for single sleepers, we can’t recommend it for couples. You and a partner will each have about 27 inches of sleeping space—manageable for those with slimmer bodies, but hardly likely to be comfortable.

Queen Mattress

Measurements: 60 inches by 80 inches

Queen size mattresses are popular with solo sleepers and with couples. You can spread out or toss and turn without fear of rolling off the bed if you’re sleeping alone. And if you’re sharing a queen, each of you has about 30 inches of space. That’s usually enough room to put some distance between the two of you for a good night’s sleep, while still feeling your partner’s presence.

However, some couples find a queen size mattress too small. They might need the space that only a king size mattress can provide.

Determining whether a queen or a king size mattress is the better choice requires considering your bedroom size, budget, and body types. For more information, you might want to check out our queen vs. king comparison article.

King Mattress

Measurements: 76 inches by 80 inches

A king size mattress is the largest standard bed size. It’s equal to two twin XL mattresses pushed together, providing plenty of personal space for couples. If you’re considering a king bed, check that your room is at least 12 feet by 12 feet, so you have plenty of floor space for walking and other furniture.

If you’re sharing with someone who likes the bed firmer or softer than you do, you might want to consider a split king mattress. Remember how we said a king is equal to two twin XL mattresses? A split king bed is two twin XL mattresses pushed together.

Split kings let you have two sides with different firmnesses. They also work well with adjustable beds, as you can raise and lower each half independently. A split king can be the perfect compromise for couples who don’t share the same ideas about comfort.

California King Mattress

Measurements: 72 inches by 84 inches

With a 7-foot length, a California king size mattress is the longest standard bed size. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who’s over 6 feet tall. As a trade-off for its extra length, a California king size mattress is 4 inches narrower than a standard king mattress.

As with a standard king mattress, we can’t recommend a California king bed for a room smaller than 12 feet by 12 feet. Otherwise, the bed may take up too much space and give your bedroom an unsettling “cramped” feeling.

King and California king mattresses are similar enough that some consumers have trouble deciding between them. If you’re unsure which is the right mattress for you, check out our king vs. California king buyer’s guide.

More Mattress Buying Considerations

Size isn’t the only factor when it comes to choosing the best mattress. You also want to consider its materials, firmness, and certifications to ensure you’re buying a quality mattress.

Mattress Types

While an innerspring mattress was once the default bed choice, other types have grown in popularity in recent years. The four main types of mattresses you can consider are memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is well-known for how it yields under heat and pressure. This ability is why the material molds so closely to your body for pressure relief. It’s also why a memory foam mattress is never made with only memory foam since the bed needs at least a base layer of firmer foam for support.

Not only is memory foam one of the best materials for pressure relief but it also has excellent motion isolation. Couples who share a memory foam bed often sleep better since their movements don’t disturb the other’s rest.

However, your sleep might be interrupted if the memory foam mattress retains too much body heat, causing you to wake in a sweat. This is mostly a problem limited to traditional memory foam, as many manufacturers now add cooling materials such as graphite, titanium, and charcoal to wick away heat. Some choose to replace chemicals in production with plant-based alternatives, creating a more breathable foam.

Latex

Latex foam can contour to your body like memory foam. There are a couple of differences between the two, such as latex’s tendency to feel cooler and firmer than traditional memory foam.

When it comes to the different types of latex foam, we usually recommend natural latex made from rubber tree sap. It’s a longer-lasting material than synthetic latex, although synthetic latex is an excellent choice for anyone with a latex allergy.

Natural latex mattresses are durable, often lasting around 15 years. This is why many customers are willing to pay the high price tag normally attached to an all-latex mattress. But if you’re looking for a budget mattress, a latex bed may not be the best choice.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are the traditional choice of bed, and they’re still common even with other types of mattresses rising in popularity. Because of the thin layers of fabric and foam between you and the bed’s steel coils, an innerspring mattress can have a firmer feel than you might expect.

Some innerspring owners have complained that the mattress doesn’t relieve pressure well, mainly because the coils can’t evenly distribute your body weight. If you’re looking for a mattress that can ease the aches and pains of a long day, an innerspring mattress might not be the right choice for you.

Hybrid

A hybrid mattress is so named because it blends elements of an innerspring mattress with a foam bed. Technically, a hybrid mattress must have at least 2 to 3 inches of foam on top of a coil support layer. A more luxurious hybrid may have thicker foams for more pressure relief.

Hybrid mattresses usually contain pocketed coils, which react autonomously for reduced motion transfer. Air can slip between the coils and carry off heat that might otherwise build up.

The biggest downside to a hybrid mattress is its cost. They’re one of the more expensive mattress types since they contain a mix of high-quality materials. If you want a bed that’s both bouncy and conforming, a hybrid is a good choice.

The Right Firmness Level

You have a wide range of mattress firmness options, from firm to medium to soft. With so many to choose from, how do you know which is the right one for you? By considering your sleeping position and body weight, you can determine what firmness will give you a good night’s rest.

Sleep Position

There are three types of sleepers—stomach, back, and side sleepers. Every style has a different firmness range best suited for it.

A mattress for side sleeping should have a soft to medium feel to maximize pressure relief. Side sleepers who lie on a too-firm mattress are liable to wake up with sore hips and shoulders the next day.

Back sleepers need a mattress that can maintain neutral spine alignment. A medium-firm to firm mattress is an excellent choice, although you can consider a medium mattress if it features targeted back support.

If you’re a stomach sleeper, you might want to consider switching to another sleep position. When you sleep on your stomach, your belly’s weight can cause it to sink into the mattress. That sinkage pulls your spine out of neutral alignment, leaving you with back pain the next day.

But what if you can’t fall asleep in another position? Then try looking for a firm mattress for stomach sleeping to limit sinkage.

Body Weight

Your weight affects how much you push down on a mattress. A lot of pressure can compress a firm mattress or cause you to sink too far in a soft mattress. Too little pressure and a firmer mattress won’t conform to the body for needed pressure relief.

People who weigh more than 230 pounds often benefit from a firmer mattress. And people who weigh under 130 pounds might want a softer mattress to provide full-body pressure relief.

You’re considered “average” if you weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. If that’s you, it’s mostly just your sleeping position to consider when it comes to your perfect firmness.

Certifications

It can be difficult to know if you’re buying a quality mattress based on a company’s word.  And if you’re buying a bed in a box mattress, you’re unlikely to have the luxury of trying it out before you buy it.

So how can you judge the quality of a mattress you’ve never seen? You can check what certifications the mattress has. Certifications are given to companies who make mattresses without dangerous materials or by using eco-friendly processes.

Common certifications include:

• CertiPUR-US® guarantees that foam is made without heavy metals, mercury, lead, formaldehyde, and other materials.
• OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 shows that all textiles, threads, buttons, and other materials have been tested for harmful substances.
• GREENGUARD Gold, which tests emissions levels for electronics, building materials, cleaning products, and medical devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should a twin size mattress cost?

Since twin mattresses are the smallest standard size for adults, many only cost a few hundred dollars. More luxurious models may cost around $1,000 to $1,500. We recommend that you do not pay more than $2,000 for a twin size mattress.

Are firm mattresses bad for side sleepers?

A firm mattress is not recommended for a side sleeper since it can cause pressure points to build up. A side sleeper should look for a soft to medium mattress. A bed in this range will prevent a side sleeper from waking up with a sore hip or stiff shoulders.

What is the most comfortable twin mattress?

When it comes to durable comfort and pressure relief, we recommend a mattress with high-quality foam. Memory foam, latex, and hybrid mattresses are all good choices.

Innerspring mattresses often receive poor customer reviews because of how they can enable pressure buildup. Within a few years of ownership, an innerspring mattress may lose enough support to leave you waking up with a sore back.

What do I do with my old twin mattress?

If your mattress is still in clean, usable condition, you might want to try reaching out to local charities. Churches and shelters may take a gently used mattress off your hands, although you may have to transport the mattress yourself. Otherwise, a junk hauling service should be able to take away your mattress.

You might also want to check if your new mattress includes white glove delivery. That’s where the delivery team will not only set up your new bed but remove your old mattress and donate or dispose of it.

Does my twin mattress need a box spring?

Whether or not your mattress needs a box spring depends on its materials. Foam mattresses should never be placed on a box spring since it can’t provide the uniform support they need. If you do keep a foam mattress on a box spring, the mattress may prematurely sag.

Did You Find Your Next Twin Mattress?

A twin bed fits perfectly in a smaller room, allowing you to make the most of limited floor space. The best twin beds are not limited by their small size and provide you with a comfortable night’s rest.

If you’re looking for the best twin mattress, you might want to consider other comfort factors to help you narrow it down to your perfect mattress. It’s easier to eliminate options based on materials and firmness, and then choose a twin size mattress from the remaining options.