Adolescents require more sleep than adults to function well during the day, but they also need high-quality rest for proper growth and development. Ensuring that teens have the right mattress for their needs is an excellent step toward creating healthy sleep habits that follow them into 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.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following six options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for teenagers.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy From Brooklyn Bedding
Hot Sleepers
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Close-Conforming Foam
Great Value
Pros
- Hybrid construction balances support and pressure relief
- Reinforced perimeter increases edge support
- Three firmness options
Cons
- Softer models provide less edge support
- Firm model allows moderate motion transfer
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.
Best Value Mattress
Bear Original
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy From Bear
Back Sleepers
Firm (7)
Supportive Foam
Great Value
Pros
- Above-average support for a foam model
- Celliant-blend cover designed to capture and dissipate body heat
- Affordable pricing for shoppers on a budget
Cons
- Some hot sleepers may find the bed too warm
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may need more support
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.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Helix Midnight
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy From Helix
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Close-Conforming Foam
Good Value
Pros
- Foam comfort system provides deep pressure point relief
- Pocketed coil core has perimeter reinforcement to increase edge support
- Medium firm feel suits most sleeper types
Cons
- Uncomfortable heat retention can occur
- Side sleepers over 230 pounds may sink deeper into the bed
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.
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Classic
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy From Saatva
Hot Sleepers
Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Bouncy, Supportive Surface
Fair Value
Pros
- Available in three firmness levels and two profiles
- Coil-on-coil design provides even spinal support
- Free White Glove delivery with old mattress removal
Cons
- Coils produce some motion transfer
- Thicker profile may require deep-pocket sheets
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.
Best Mattress for Active Teens
WinkBeds GravityLux
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy From WinkBeds
Combination Sleepers
Medium Soft (4), Medium (5), Firm (7)
Close-Conforming Foam
Good Value
Pros
- Cooling features help prevent heat retention
- All-foam construction provides excellent motion isolation and pressure relief
- Zoned support system promotes healthy spinal posture
Cons
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may prefer a firmer bed
- Reduced edge support in softer models
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.
Best Cooling Mattress
Tuft & Needle Mint
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy From Tuft & Needle
Combination Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Close-Conforming Foam
Good Value
Pros
- Contains graphite- and gel-infused foams designed to regulate body temperature
- Reinforced edges prevent excessive sagging
- Open-cell foam creates pathways that increase air circulation
Cons
- Only available in one firmness level
- May feel too soft for stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
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.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team of sleep product experts has reviewed hundreds of different mattresses in our sleep lab using a rigorous product testing methodology. Each model undergoes thorough testing that helps us understand its strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance metrics. We use body mapping technology to measure pressure points, infrared thermometers to gauge heat retention, and test overall durability to get a sense of expected lifespans.
Our testers include people with different body weights and sleep habits, allowing us to make the best possible suggestions. We consistently research and review new models and update our choices to reflect the most up-to-date information.
More Mattress Options for Unique Groups
What You Should Know About Teenagers and Sleep
While sleep is critical at all stages of life, it is particularly important for teenagers. Getting up to 10 hours of high-quality sleep each night benefits teens physically, mentally, and emotionally as their bodies continue to develop. We’ll explore how sleep affects teens’ development and highlight methods for getting quality sleep each night.
Physiological Changes
Brain development occurs well into an individual’s 20s, and sleep has a direct effect on its development. Getting quality sleep supports teens’ cognition, attention span, emotional processing, and the ability to form and recall memories. On the other hand, not getting a consistent amount of sleep can adversely affect each of these critical skills.
Trying to function without enough sleep can be incredibly difficult, especially in the long term. For teens, it can be even tougher, as their bodies are still developing and require sufficient rest.
Not getting enough sleep can harm school performance and relationships. It can also negatively affect critical thinking skills, which can lead to risky decisions or behavior. Additionally, studies show that lack of sleep during adolescence can lead to obesity, heart problems, and emotional disorders.
Physical Growth
People grow significantly over the course of adolescence, so their bodies need as much rest as possible to function efficiently and effectively. Proper sleep can aid muscle recovery, boost immunity, and help produce hormones necessary for growth. Ensuring that your teen has the best possible sleep environment can go a long way toward ensuring they receive sufficient comfort and support while they rest.
Sleeping Schedule
Practice makes perfect with anything we do, and that includes sleep. Going to bed and waking up around the same time each day helps improve melatonin production and balances the body’s sleep-wake cycle.
Teens often juggle a busy schedule, which can sometimes make it difficult to follow a strict sleep schedule. But adhering to a consistent bedtime can help ensure teens have enough energy to make it through the day — including school, sports, work, and extracurriculars.
Sleep Hygiene
Following a healthy sleep schedule is just one part of sleep hygiene. Creating the best possible sleep environment and routines can give you a leg up when it comes to building a healthy relationship with sleep.
- Follow a Schedule: Go to bed and get up at the same time each day to keep your sleep-wake cycle in check. Use an alarm clock to train your body and follow the same routine every night to teach your body bedtime cues.
- Exercise Daily: Exercise can improve your mood and make it easier to fall asleep. Even taking a walk during the day can help you fall asleep quickly.
- Eat Well: Getting proper nutrients helps your body perform optimally. Having your last meal of the day at least a few hours before you go to sleep can prevent sleep disturbances as well.
- Avoid Caffeine: Decreasing caffeine consumption or forgoing it altogether may be effective for those having a hard time falling asleep. Avoiding it in the afternoon and evening can also be helpful for those who don’t want to give up caffeine completely.
- Turn off Distractions: Excessive noise or interruptions can make it tough to fall asleep and stay asleep. Put your phone on airplane mode and turn off your TV to let your brain and body wind down.
- Nap Sparingly: Excessive napping during the day can make it harder to fall asleep at night. Try to keep any naps under 30 minutes, and don’t rest too close to your established bedtime.
What You Should Know About Finding a Bed for a Teenager
Just like adults, teens have sleep preferences and requirements unique to their own circumstances. However, most teens can benefit from a mattress that provides adequate support, spinal alignment, and comfort. It may also be important to factor in a mattress’ lifespan depending on how long you plan to use it.
Type
While there are many different types of mattresses on the market, the majority of models currently available have one of the following designs:
Material | Description |
|---|---|
Foam | All-foam mattresses incorporate polyfoam, memory foam, or both into their construction. This style aims to relieve pressure point discomfort by cushioning and contouring the body. Teens who toss and turn may also appreciate the ability of foam mattresses to isolate motion. |
Innerspring | Innerspring mattresses have a support core made from a coil system. They may have foam, fiber, or a pillow-top to create comfortable cushioning on the surface. On average, innersprings regulate temperature better than other mattress styles, making them a great choice for teens who sleep hot. |
Latex | Natural latex comes from the sap of rubber trees and has a responsive, pressure-relieving quality. Some latex hybrid mattresses also incorporate foam and coils. Teens who want pressure relief but don’t like the hug of memory foam may enjoy a latex model. |
Hybrid | Hybrid mattresses have a twofold design that can vary widely depending on the model. Most feature coil-based support cores with a comfort system made from latex, foam, fiber, or a combination of these materials. Those looking for a mattress that balances ease of movement, temperature control, and pressure relief should consider a hybrid. |
Size
Body type and size have a direct impact on how a mattress feels and performs. When choosing between mattress dimensions, it’s important to consider a teen’s current size as well as how much they may grow.
While shorter teens may be able to use a twin bed throughout adolescence, many will be more comfortable on a twin XL, which measures 5 inches longer than a regular twin at 38 inches by 80 inches. Those with more space or a larger budget may want to opt for a full or queen size mattress. Queen models are longer and wider than full beds, with dimensions of 60 by 80 inches, while a full size mattress measures 54 by 75 inches.
If your floor plan and budget allow it, a king or California king will give your teen the most room to sprawl out. At 76 inches by 80 inches, kings are the widest standard mattress size available. Particularly tall teens may prefer a California king, which is slightly narrower and longer than a standard king, measuring 72 by 84 inches.
Firmness
We rate mattress firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, with lower numbers being softer and higher numbers indicating a firmer feel. Most sleepers prefer a mattress that falls between a 5 and 7 on the firmness scale. Body weight and sleeping positions directly affect this preference and are important to consider when choosing a mattress.
Teens under 130 pounds will generally benefit most from a softer mattress, since they don’t weigh enough to compress the layers in a firm model. Those who weigh between 130 pounds and 230 pounds often prefer a midrange firmness level that balances cushioning and support, while sleepers weighing above 230 pounds typically need a firmer mattress that prevents excessive sinking.
Additionally, make sure to factor in a teen’s sleeping position. Side sleepers generally prefer a softer mattress that relieves pressure, while stomach sleepers often like a firm model that doesn’t allow their spine to curve. Back sleepers typically enjoy a mattress that maintains spinal alignment without feeling too hard.
About The Author
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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