Best Twin Mattress of 2021
Twin is the smallest among the six standard mattress sizes. Specific dimensions vary by model, but most twin size mattresses measure about 39 inches wide and 75 inches long. Twins can be ideal for adults and children who sleep alone, but this size is usually too narrow for two or more people to sleep comfortably. Additionally, people who stand more than 6 feet 2 inches will probably be too tall for a twin size mattress.
There are some benefits to choosing a twin over other mattress sizes. For one, twin sizes tend to be the cheapest options for any given mattress model. Twins also take up the least amount of floor space, making them suitable for people with smaller bedrooms.
Below, you’ll find our picks for the best twin mattress models among beds currently sold in this size. These selections are based on a combination of verified owner experiences and product research and analysis. We’ll also discuss different mattress types, pros and cons of twin sizes, and important factors to look for when buying a new mattress.
The Nectar Bundle
- 365-night Home Trial
- Forever Warranty™
- Free Shipping & Returns
- 12” height - 5 layers of premium materials
- The coolest sleep with maximum airflow
Best Overall: Lucid 10-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Runner-Up, Best Overall: Zinus Memory Foam 12-Inch Green Tea Mattress
Best for Bunk Beds: Zinus 6-Inch Foam and Spring Twin Mattress Set
How to Choose a Twin Mattress
We’ll cover everything you need to know about twin size mattresses, including dimensions, price expectations, and other important factors for buyers.
What to Look for in a Mattress
Choosing the right mattress requires a fair amount of legwork on your part. You should research different brands and models to see how mattresses compare in terms of construction, feel, and price. Some mattress brands advertise their products using exaggerated and unrealistic descriptions. These include claims that their beds offer universal comfort regardless of the sleeper’s body type or normal position, or that a mattress will last forever.
Instead, we recommend using the following qualities and attributes to guide your new mattress search.
- Price: The average mattress costs $500 to $1,000 in a twin size. However, price-points vary significantly by mattress type. Expect to pay less for a twin size all-foam or innerspring mattress, while hybrids, all-latex models, and airbeds will likely cost much more. Additionally, you should expect prices to be higher for certain brands.
- Sleeping Position: People who sleep on their side often prefer softer mattresses that cushion the shoulders and hips. This helps to align the spine and alleviate pressure points. Back and stomach sleepers usually require more support to keep their bodies on an even, upright plane.
- Mattress Type: Each mattress type provides a distinct feel. All-foam beds offer close contouring and respond slowly to the body. Latex beds also conform, but not as closely as all-foam models, so the surface has more bounciness. Hybrids and innersprings both feature coil systems that make them feel responsive, but hybrids typically have thicker comfort layers that offer more contouring. Airbeds allow owners to customize the firmness by adding or releasing air from their support core chambers.
- Contouring: Whether a bed conforms very closely or barely at all, the contouring should be even across the surface. This ensures enhanced support for the lower back, hips, and other areas where people carry a disproportionate amount of weight, and gentler cradling for the head, neck, shoulders, and legs. Beds that do not contour evenly may cause added pressure points and other aches and pains.
- Quality Materials: Certain mattress materials are associated with better durability and stronger performance in certain categories. These include high-density memory foam for exceptional contouring and pressure relief, breathable and eco-friendly organic latex, and thick steel coils to support the bed and reinforce the edges. You may pay more for mattresses with these components, but you’ll get more mileage and comfort out of your bed.
- Firmness Level: Mattress firmness is evaluated using a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest – though most mattresses made today fall between 3 and 8. A softer mattress (1-3) will conform more closely, so you should expect deeper contouring and more sinkage. A firmer mattress (7-10) won’t conform as much but these models feel more supportive. Many sleepers prefer a mid-level firmness (4-6) with a balance of contouring and support.
- Pressure Relief: For any sleeper, the best mattress for pressure relief will cushion the body and support the spine without sinking too deeply beneath heavier areas of the body. People who weigh less than 130 pounds often find that softer mattresses alleviate the most pressure thanks to their close conforming. Those who weigh more than 230 pounds will probably prefer a firmer bed that won’t sink too deeply in certain areas.
- Edge Support: Edge support refers to how well the support core components reinforce the perimeter against deep sinkage. Coils typically offer the strongest edge support. You won’t sink very much when getting on and off most hybrids and innersprings. Foam and latex support cores cannot withstand compression as well, so you’ll probably sink a bit more on these models.
- Temperature Regulation: Mattresses usually sleep cooler if they are constructed with breathable components such as ventilated foam or latex, coil systems that promote airflow, and covers made from natural fabrics and fibers. People who weigh 130 pounds or more may also find that they sink less on firmer mattresses, resulting in better surface airflow and more comfortable temperatures.
- Noise: The coils found in innersprings and hybrids may produce squeaks and creaks that sleepers find disruptive. This issue tends to worsen over time as the springs wear out. Foam and latex support cores do not produce any noise, so mattresses with these base layer components are usually silent.
Who Is Best Suited to a Twin Mattress?
The twin size mattress – also known as a single – usually measures about 39 inches wide and 75 inches long. This size is better suited to certain types of sleepers, and less so for others. Couples and co-sleepers often find twin beds too narrow, whereas most single sleepers enjoy ample space to move around during the night.
Based on its dimensions, we recommend a twin size mattress for the following sleeper groups:
- Toddlers and Kids: Twin size mattresses offer more than enough space for most growing toddlers and young children. Since they’ll likely undergo growth spurts in the years ahead, buying a twin for their first big kid bed can be very cost-effective. Twins also take up less space than other mattress sizes, which can be handy if the child’s bedroom is on the smaller side, and many bunk beds for room-sharing siblings are compatible with twin size mattresses.
- Teenagers: As with toddlers and kids, teenagers typically experience major growth spurts. While the twin will be too short for teens who stand taller than 6 feet 2 inches, these mattresses should offer enough legroom for shorter teens without their feet dangling over the foot of the bed.
- College Students: Many college students who share dorm rooms choose twin beds for their narrower and shorter dimensions, as larger sizes take up more floor space. Twins also tend to be the cheapest option for students on a budget. Additionally, many bunk- and loft-style beds available to dorm dwellers can accommodate a twin-size mattress.
- Single Adults: If you normally sleep alone and do not share your bed with another person very often, then a twin size mattress should provide ample space – provided your height doesn’t exceed 6 feet 2 inches, in which case you may need a twin XL. Twins are especially useful if your bedroom or apartment is somewhat small and you’d like to conserve space.
- Those with Guest Rooms: Twin beds are ideal for single houseguests. They won’t take up as much space as a foldout sofa, and twin models tend to be more comfortable than futons or sofa beds.
What Type of Mattress Is Best for a Twin?
Next, let’s take a closer look at the five main mattress types. Mattresses sold today fall into five general categories based on how the comfort layers and support core are constructed: hybrid, innerspring, latex, airbed, and all-foam. Mattress types generally earn the same ratings in performance categories like durability, pressure relief, and temperature neutrality. However, you’ll notice a lot of variation with these categories in terms of feel, price, and other factors.
Hybrid
Definition: Hybrids are technically innersprings, but they are constructed with comfort layers of memory foam, latex, and other materials that conform more closely. As a result, they tend to alleviate more pressure than traditional innersprings. Hybrids almost always have pocketed coil support cores, as well.
All-Encompassing Design: Hybrids are designed to perform well in several different areas. Their contouring comfort layers offer extra support for the spine and more pressure relief for sleepers – side sleepers, in particular. However, their coil systems also provide enough reinforcement for most back and stomach sleepers to lie comfortably without sagging too much. Hybrids sleep cooler than most all-foam models, while also isolating more motion than the average innerspring.
Innerspring
Definition: Innersprings are the oldest mattress type still sold today, as well as the most popular among U.S. consumers. Most feature thin comfort layers of polyfoam (and possibly memory foam) over a support core of open steel coils. As a result, innersprings often feel quite responsive on the surface regardless of the firmness level.
Excellent Temperature Regulation: Innersprings tend to sleep cool for a few reasons. Since their comfort layers are usually somewhat thin, they won’t absorb and trap much body heat from sleepers. Their coil systems also promote steady airflow to help the mattress maintain a cool interior temperature, and their responsive surfaces prevent most sleepers from sinking too deeply.
Latex
Definition: Latex is a material derived from the sap of rubber trees. It can be processed with chemical fillers to create a soft, foamy material that conforms to the body while also maintaining some natural responsiveness. Latex is also very durable, so you can expect a healthy lifespan from your twin size latex mattress.
Contouring Without the Sink: Latex beds are suitable for sleepers who prefer some noticeable body-conforming, but don’t want to sink too deeply into their mattress. The latex layers also offer great longevity and won’t develop deep body impressions as quickly as memory foam or polyfoam layers.
Airbed
Definition: An airbed is constructed with two or more air chambers in its support core. You can add or release air from individual chambers, which in turn changes the firmness in different areas of the sleep surface. Some airbeds also include comfort layers of polyfoam, memory foam, and other contouring materials.
Highly Customizable: Due to their adjustable feels, airbeds offer unparalleled customization compared to other mattress types. However, many airbeds are designed for dual-firmness, or a different feel on each side, to accommodate couples with different comfort preferences. As a result, you’ll have a harder time finding high-quality airbeds in the twin size.
Foam
Definition: An all-foam mattress is constructed with comfort layers of polyfoam and/or memory foam, along with a support core of high-density polyfoam. Many models also include transitional polyfoam or memory foam layers to prevent you from sinking too deeply. These mattresses respond slowly to the body and often conform quite closely, so you should expect less springiness and more sink.
Exceptional Pressure Relief: All-foam beds offer closer conforming than other mattress types. For most sleepers, this means better pressure relief around the shoulders, lower back, hips, and other sensitive areas. If you experience frequent pressure points, then you should consider an all-foam bed – but take your body type and sleeping position into account before choosing a model to ensure the bed will be soft/firm enough.
Last Things to Consider with a Twin Mattress
Before you head off to find the right twin size mattress, take a few more minutes to peek at our final considerations for twin mattress buyers.
Who Will Use the Mattress?
This is an important consideration because the best twin mattress for adults may be a bit different than the best model for children and teenagers. If you plan to use the twin size mattress yourself, be sure to compare different models based on how the beds feel. The firmness level of the mattress you choose should align with your body type and sleep position, as well as your general preferences for how soft or firm a surface should feel.
If you’re buying the mattress for a child or teenager, first get their input on what kind of mattress they’d prefer. You may want to consider visiting a brick-and-mortar mattress store, where your child can try out different beds and see which firmness and responsiveness levels feel most comfortable. The best twin mattress for a toddler should offer a bit more support to ensure they don’t sink too deeply into the bed.
If you are a college student planning to use a bunk- or loft-style bed, or you have children with the same type of bed, keep in mind the bed’s thickness should correspond to safety rails on the top bunk (more about this in the next FAQ).
Is the Mattress for a Bunk Bed?
Many bunk beds are specifically designed for twin size mattresses. These include standard double and triple bunks, as well as twin-over-loft beds with an open area beneath the top bunk.
One thing to keep in mind when selecting a twin mattress for a bunk bed is thickness. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the mattress used on a top bunk should be at least 5 inches shorter than the guard rails on either lengthwise side. For this reason, a low-profile mattress of about 6 or 7 inches thick will be optimal for most bunk beds.
Mattress Warranty and Other Policies
Before choosing a mattress, take a glance at the brand’s shipping, return, and warranty policies. You may save a lot of money down the road by choosing a model backed by favorable policies for owners.
If you order your mattress online and reside in the contiguous U.S., chances are your standard ground shipping will be free of charge. Folks in Alaska, Hawaii, and other places outside the lower 48 usually need to pay extra delivery fees.
Your mattress will probably come with a sleep trial of at least 90 nights. Most online mattress brands offer free shipping and full refunds for returns within the trial period, but some charge return fees. Be sure to check the fine print on how much of a refund you’ll receive.
All mattresses come with a warranty of some kind, and most last 10 years or longer. If the warranty is non-prorated, then you won’t pay anything to have a defective mattress repaired or replaced apart from some nominal shipping fees. If the warranty is partially prorated, then you’ll pay a certain percentage of the bed’s original price to have the mattress replaced. This percentage usually increases for each year you own the mattress.
Common defects covered under a mattress warranty include body impressions in the surface that measure 0.5 to 1.5 inches deep (this varies by model), manufacturing flaws that cause materials to deteriorate prematurely, and defects associated with the cover. Other issues, such as normal wear and tear or physical damage you cause to the mattress, will not be covered.
