Also known as a single, a twin mattress is a cozy choice for children, teens, and solo-sleeping adults. This size is the most compact of the six standard mattress sizes, making it an ideal pick if you’re looking to stretch out without losing precious living space. Twins fit perfectly in most small rooms, from studio apartments to shared bedrooms and dorms.
Best Twin Mattress Overall
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
The Layla Memory Foam Mattress impressed us with its flippable design, offering both medium soft and firm options. This versatility, coupled with excellent pressure relief from its all-foam construction, caters to a wide range of sleepers.
We’ll cover what to look for in a twin mattress and the brands that our Seattle-based testing team awarded for their performance. For more options, check out our guide to the best mattresses of 2024. If you’re considering a space-saving twin but need a bit more length, our guide to the best twin XL mattresses may be a better fit.
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 twin mattresses.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Layla Memory Foam Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy from Layla
Back Sleepers
Soft, Firm Options
Isolates Motion
Good Value
Pros
- Flippable design lets you switch between two firmness options
- Multiple foam layers offer great pressure relief
- Removable cover allows for easy cleaning
Cons
- Soft edges make it difficult to sit on the side of the bed
- Combination sleepers may find it hard to change positions
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.
Why We Like It
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.
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.
How Does It Feel?
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.
Best Value Mattress
Bear Original
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
When it comes to long-term value, the Bear Original offers great bang for your buck. A firm feel makes the mattress more resistant to wear and tear than most competing all-foam models, but the top layer still provides plenty of padding to reduce pressure and soreness. A reasonable price-point and additional perks for shoppers sweeten the deal even further.
Buy from Bear
Side and Back Sleepers
Firm
Isolates Motion
Great Value
Pros
- Firm design is more supportive than the average all-foam model
- Standard and upgrade covers both excel at cooling and moisture control
- Approachable sticker price, free shipping within the contiguous U.S., and generous 120-night trial
Cons
- Strong off-gassing odor may be present for up to 72 hours after unboxing
- Side sleepers under 130 pounds may not receive enough cushioning
If you’re shopping with a limited budget, the Bear Original is a reasonably priced all-foam mattress that doesn’t skimp on quality or performance. We like this model for its above-average support, which proved popular among many of our testers who usually find this type of mattress too soft. Other key strengths include pressure relief and motion isolation, and the cooling cover — whether you keep the standard-issue or opt for the upgrade — offers excellent temperature control.
Why We Like It
During hands-on tests, the Bear Original fared best among our side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds. The firm (7) feel is key here because these types of sleepers often sink too much on mattresses rated 6 or lower on our 10-point firmness scale. If your weight falls below the aforementioned ranges, a softer mattress is probably the way to go.
Our pressure relief tests revealed the Bear Original contours quite evenly, if not closely. This helps distribute your weight, align your spine, and reduce sharp pressure points that build in the shoulders, lower back, and hips. We also found the mattress sleeps quite cool for an all-foam model, though exceptionally hot sleepers should consider the cover upgrade.
How Does It Feel?
The Bear Original begins with a comfort layer of memory foam. You’ll notice some light cradling as this material softens and adapts to your body, but an underlying layer of dense transitional foam pushes back against your weight to keep you on an even plane. The support core is composed of high-density polyfoam that nicely stabilizes the entire mattress — though you may notice some sinkage along the perimeter.
Standard Bear Original covers are made of Tencel, a eucalyptus-derived fabric known for its breathability and moisture-wicking properties. For an extra fee, you can upgrade to a cover woven with Celliant fibers. Celliant is engineered to not only sleep cool, but also help your body recover while you sleep.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Helix Midnight
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Helix Midnight may have initially been designed for mid-weight side sleepers, but our testing team agrees this mattress can accommodate a wide range of body types and sleep positions. Consistent cooling, a sturdy perimeter, and excellent pressure relief round out this versatile hybrid.
Buy from Helix
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm
Some Motion Transfer
Good Value
Pros
- Foam-over-coil design offers a nice balance of cushioning and support
- Reinforced perimeter coils protect the edges when you get in and out of bed
- Below-average pricing for a hybrid
Cons
- Initial off-gassing odor may linger for the first few nights
- Back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may need a more supportive surface
Each Helix Sleep hybrid was created with specific weights and sleep positions in mind. The Helix Midnight — originally intended for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds — has proven popular with a wide range of sleeper types. This medium firm (6) mattress walks a fine line between cushioning and stability, resulting in a plush surface with sturdy underlying support.
Why We Like It
Most of our testers weighing up to 230 pounds awarded the Midnight favorable ratings, with side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds being particularly impressed. The plush foam layers and robust coils are a winning combo — ample cushioning without too much sink, and a smooth bounce when you move across the surface. Most testers over 230 pounds didn’t receive enough support, but they felt more comfortable on firmer Helix models such as the Twilight and Dawn.
Testing categories where the Midnight stood out include pressure relief and motion isolation, two areas where hybrids often underperform. The deep foam layers can be attributed to high marks in both areas. Steady temperature control, strong edge support, and easy movements across the surface also earned the mattress points among our team.
How Does It Feel?
The Midnight’s top layer is composed of memory foam, which makes the surface feel invitingly plush. A denser layer of transitional polyfoam provides additional cushioning to the comfort system while also keeping your body on an even plane. Pocketed coils and base foam make up the support core. The perimeter coils are reinforced to minimize compression.
Standard Midnight covers are made of knit polyfoam. While this material is somewhat breathable, hot sleepers should consider the GlacioTex upgrade. This cooling fabric is engineered to dissipate heat on contact and feel cool at all times.
Best Luxury Mattress
Avocado Green Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy from Avocado
Hot Sleepers
Medium, Firm Options
Some Motion Transfer
Good Value
Pros
- Environmentally conscious materials
- Optional pillow-top for added plushness
- Exceptional breathability and temperature control
Cons
- Side sleepers under 130 pounds may like a softer mattress
- $99 fee for all returns
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.
Why We Like It
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 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.
How Does It Feel?
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.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nectar Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy from Nectar
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm
Isolates Motion
Great Value
Pros
- Performs well for side sleepers of any body weight
- Memory foam layers conform to heavier parts of the body
- Cooling gel in comfort layer designed to reduce heat retention
Cons
- Edges not quite firm enough to sleep near the edge
- Memory foam can make it more awkward to change sleeping position
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.
Why We Like It
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.
How Does It Feel?
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.
Best Mattress for Kids
Nolah Original 10
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nolah Original 10 is a plush all-foam mattress that’s suitable for adults and children alike. Cushioning foam layers that cradle the body without trapping heat, and the sticker price should definitely appeal to parents with limited budgets.
Buy from Nolah
Side Sleepers
Medium
Isolates Motion
Great Value
Pros
- Plush all-foam design offers deep contouring and cushioning
- Open-cell layers are designed to resist heat buildup
- Tencel cover intended to promote cooling and wick away moisture
Cons
- Strong off-gassing odor may persist for several nights after unboxing
- Most back and stomach sleepers won’t receive adequate support
If your child is transitioning into a big kid bed, the Nolah Original 10 is a reasonably priced option with a lot to offer. An adaptive all-foam design ensures deep contouring from head to toe, but each layer has an open-cell composition — built-in air pockets promote circulation to help the material stay cool. Cost is another selling point for parents — the Original 10’s sticker price is much lower than the average all-foam model.
Why We Like It
Side sleepers on our team gave the Original 10 its highest marks, with the most favorable ratings coming from those in the range of 230 pounds or less. While our tests show the mattress is too soft for most back and stomach sleepers who weigh 130 pounds or more, kids who fall below this threshold shouldn’t sink too much.
Temperature control is a defining strength of the Original 10. While most competing all-foam mattresses absorb and trap heat, this model’s open-cell layers promote plenty of circulation. The moisture-wicking Tencel cover elevates this quality even further. We also found that the mattress reduces pressure quite well. However, the perimeter may sink quite a bit and your child may encounter some resistance when moving on the mattress.
How Does It Feel?
The Original 10’s topmost layer is composed of AirFoam, Nolah’s proprietary open-cell foam that conforms to the body without hugging too tightly or trapping excess heat. This material gives the surface a medium (5) feel. Underlying transitional and support foam layers add some stability. The cover is made of Tencel, a fabric derived from eucalyptus.
The Original 10 is plush and adaptive even by foam mattress standards. The foam layers form a deep cradle around your body — this may be uncomfortable for some, but should hit the sweet spot for kids and adults under 130 pounds. Hot sleepers should also enjoy the mattress, especially if they’ve felt uncomfortable on other all-foam models in the past.
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.
Who Should Consider a Twin Size Mattress?
Twin size mattresses, also sometimes called single mattresses, are well suited for anyone who wants to save space and doesn’t need a larger bed. Twins are a great fit for bunk beds and children transitioning from cribs to a larger mattress. This size also provides ample sleeping space for most growing kids and teens. Single adults living in studio apartments or shared living situations may also find the twin size ideal for its space-saving dimensions.
Keep in mind that a twin may be too narrow for couples and too short for sleepers over 6 feet tall. Couples and taller sleepers who want a narrow mattress might find a twin XL or full mattress more accommodating.
Twin vs. Twin XL
Twin and twin XL mattresses are both 38 inches in width, but differ in length. The twin measures 75 inches (6 feet 3 inches), while the twin XL adds an extra 5 inches, making it more suitable for taller individuals, particularly teens and adults over 6 feet in height. Both sizes fit single sleepers and work well in small spaces, but the twin XL offers that bit more legroom.
How to Shop for a Twin Size Mattress
When shopping for a twin mattress, consider many of the same factors as other sizes to ensure the mattress meets your unique needs and preferences.
Mattress Type
After choosing the right size, consider the pros and cons of each mattress type. Many twin mattresses are constructed of foam and excel in contouring and pressure relief. Latex mattresses are more expensive, but offer durability and a responsive feel. Hybrids combine one of these materials with a coil support core, balancing support and comfort. Less common twin mattress types include innerspring models and airbeds.
Firmness
The firmness of a mattress affects your overall sleep experience, with the right level dependent on your sleeping position and body weight. Softer mattresses may benefit side sleepers and sleepers under 130 pounds, while firmer options are better suited for back sleepers and those with a heavier build.
Support
Support in a mattress is all about maintaining neutral spinal alignment and avoiding pressure build-up in key areas of your body. Support is not only a reflection of a mattress’ quality and construction, but also hinges on whether the mattress is tailored to your usual sleeping position and body weight.
Price
How much to expect to pay for a twin mattress ranges from around $200 for a budget option to over $1000 for a luxury mattress with premium features. Mattress price is influenced by factors like mattress type, quality, brand reputation, and added features, so consider your budget and needs carefully.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
How We Test
When it comes to mattresses, we know our stuff. We research every mattress we review and put each one through extensive testing in our Seattle-based office. Our team includes product testers with a mix of different body weights and sleep styles, to make sure we can confidently say how a mattress will perform for people of different shapes and sizes. We use our years of experience and hands-on testing to give you recommendations you can count on.
Frequently Asked Questions
A twin mattress typically measures 38 inches in width and 75 inches in length. That’s enough room for most kids, teens, and single adults to stretch out comfortably, but it’s still cozy enough for smaller rooms.
You can pick up a twin mattress anywhere from $200 for a budget all-foam model to over $1000 for a premium latex, hybrid, or mattress made with organic materials. Factors like material, quality, brand, and additional features significantly impact the cost.
The weight of a twin mattress depends on its construction and materials, generally ranging from 40 and 70 pounds. The exact weight depends on what’s inside – like foam, latex, or coils. Foam mattresses are usually the lightest, while latex and coils can add significant weight to a bed.
Twin XL mattresses are 5 inches longer than standard twin mattresses. This makes them more suitable for taller sleepers and anyone needing extra legroom. Both sizes are the same width, so they’re still best for one person.
Twin mattresses are a popular choice for teenagers. They offer sufficient space for most teens while fitting well in smaller bedrooms, dorm rooms, or shared spaces. Plus, twins are the most affordable standard mattress size, making them a budget-friendly option for teens.
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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