Written by Rachel MacPherson, Fortune Recommends Writer
Whether you’re looking for your toddler’s first big bed, a new mattress for your child, or a guest room choice, selecting the best twin mattress is essential to ensure a healthy sleep and a solid investment without regrets. However, sifting through the countless options for the best twin mattress out there can be time-consuming and overwhelming. That’s why Fortune Recommends™ has conducted extensive testing and research to bring you the top twin mattresses on the market.
Our team, comprised of certified sleep science coaches, industry experts, product reviewers, and consumers, provides well-informed and unbiased recommendations. We meticulously evaluate the best mattresses based on price, materials, support, and comfort levels, ensuring our picks cater to various needs and preferences.
Best twin mattress overall
Our top pick is the Helix Kids mattress. It’s crafted from safe materials, features a two-sided flippable design for varying comfort levels, and repels moisture and stains. Read on for a breakdown of the mattress’s features and pricing.
Our picks for the best twin mattresses
- Best overall: Helix Kids
- Best for adults: Nectar Memory Foam
- Best for kids: Saatva Youth
- Best for toddlers: Bear Cub
- Best affordable: Brooklyn Essential
- Best twin XL for adjustable beds: Nolah Nurture
- Best air mattress: King Koil Luxury Air Mattress
Compare twin mattresses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Helix Kids | Nectar Memory Foam | Saatva Youth | Bear Cub | Brooklyn Essential | Nolah Nurture | King Koil Luxury Air Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Best for | Overall | Adults | Kids | Toddlers | Affordable | Adjustable | Air mattress |
| Price | $749 | $934 | $795 | $695 | $532 | $999 (Twin XL) | $130 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Foam | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) | Hybrid (foam and coils) | PVC |
| Trial period | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | None |
Best overall twin mattress: Helix Kids
Key product features
What you should know
The Helix Kids mattress is designed to grow with your child, delivering safety, comfort, and durability. It has an 8″ hybrid design with 6″ innerspring and custom foam layers with different firmness levels on each side to adjust to your child’s changing needs. The mattress also uses materials to boost cooling, cushioning, and support to create a healthy and cozy sleep space.
- The Helix Kids Mattress is a two-sided hybrid mattress with a hypoallergenic cover, plant-based water repellent, and a hygienic microbe shield to keep the mattress clean.
- It’s priced at $749, which is on the higher end, but frequent promotions and financing options are available.
- The mattress is designed for kids aged 3-12 years, with a firmer side for younger kids (3-7 years) and a softer side for older kids (8-12 years).
- CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD certifications ensure it’s made without harmful chemicals and is safe for children.
- The mattress has positive reviews from sleep experts and families for its comfort, safety, and durability.
Why we like Helix Kids as best overall
Kids grow fast, which can mean a once comfortable mattress becomes too soft as a child gets bigger and heavier. The Helix Kids mattress is unique in this regard, as it features a flippable design with two distinct firmness levels that help keep it supportive and comfy for different age groups. Quality, certified safe materials in the Helix address another top concern for many parents—safety—especially since mattress materials that include volatile organic compounds are riskier for young children. (1, 15)
One side uses a firmer, dense polyfoam, which is ideal for children aged 3-7 who have lighter body weight and may need more support for proper spinal alignment as they grow. (2) The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on a firm mattress to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), while a mattress that is a bit softer but still firm is a comfy choice for toddlers. (3, 16) The softer, contouring memory foam side is for older kids aged 8-12 who may prefer a more comforting feel without sacrificing support.
Kids have more difficulty regulating their body heat, so an overly hot sleep environment can mean less sleep for them and you. (4) Plus, some kids have neurodevelopmental and chronic health conditions that impact thermoregulation and sleep. (17) The Helix Kids mattress helps keep kids cool with a breathable TENCEL™ cover and gel-infused memory foam. Gel foam helps prevent sweaty, restless sleep by allowing more airflow for better body temperature regulation, which is important for sleeping solidly through the night. (5)
The Helix Kids mattress is designed with durability and safety in mind. Its reinforced edges prevent sagging and provide stability, which is especially important for kids who tend to roll off the bed. Anyone with kids also knows messes from urine, dirt, and spills can damage a mattress, but a water- and bacteria-resistant cover helps prevent the worst when the inevitable happens. A hypoallergenic cover and CertiPUR-US® plus GREENGUARD certified foams also guarantee that the mattress is free from harmful chemicals, so it’s a safer choice for your child’s health. (6) (7)
Motion transfer features like polyfoam and individually wrapped coils help this mattress to stay quiet and limit movement, so it won’t disturb a sleeping child—a plus if you have kids sharing a room. (8). As a hybrid, the mattress gives a little sink when you lie on it, but it is still easy for kids to move around so they don’t feel trapped in the mattress.
The Helix Kids mattress comes in a compact box and expands to its full size within 1-2 hours. Initially, there might be a slight off-gassing smell, but it disappears within 24-48 hours. The mattress includes a 10-year limited warranty and a 100-night sleep trial for peace of mind and enough time to ensure it’s right for your child.
To learn more about what Helix has to offer, check out our complete Helix mattress review.
What customers are saying
The Helix Kids mattress has an average rating of 4.6 stars based on 526 reviews on the Mattress Wearhouse website. Customers praise its comfort; many say their kids sleep well through the night and wake up refreshed. Though this bed is meant for kids, several adults say it works well for them, though a couple say it’s too soft for a larger adult.
“I’m so happy with this mattress that I bought for my 4-year-old. It’s supportive but not too firm, and I love that I’ll be able to flip it when she’s a bit older if she prefers a softer mattress.”
Anita N., verified Mattress Warehouse reviewer
Danniel A. was worried about how the transition from crib to twin bed would go for their child but was relieved with the results. “The first night, she slept amazingly. She loves her bed. It’s so soft and comfortable but feels firm, just how her little body needs it. I’m very happy with the quality. I’m glad we splurged on this one since it’s such a crucial purchase for a little kid.
One common complaint is the off-gassing smell that’s common of all memory foam mattresses, especially those that have been compressed in a box. While this smell dissipates with time, it can be fairly strong at first.
Specs
| Price | $749 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Softer/Firmer (one side each) |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 100 nights |
Best twin mattress for adults: Nectar Memory Foam
Key product features
What you should know
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress is plush yet supportive. Therapeutic gel memory foam is cooling and contouring, making up one of five layers of a generous 12″ thickness, ideal for adults and people who have a heavier weight. All types of sleepers will find great pressure relief with this mattress.
- Our tester felt this mattress was excellent for cooling, motion isolation, and pressure relief.
- A $349 price point, when on sale, is one of the most affordable on this list, which adds to the mattress’s value.
- Stomach, side, and back sleepers should feel comfortable and supported with the Nectar Memory Foam.
- For an extra $200, the Nectar Premier upgrade is an inch thicker and includes additional cooling properties.
- The mattress’s 365-night trial and Forever Warranty™ are the best in the business.
Why we like Nectar Memory Foam as the best twin mattress for adults
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress has several features that make it ideal for adults or college-age young adults needing a twin-size mattress for home or dorm use. It feels medium-firm, about 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, which is ideal for most people. (8) Our tester found it very plush and cushiony, with good body contouring, though it may not provide the “on top” mattress sensation some prefer versus sinking in. The gel-infused memory foam layer evenly distributes weight and relieves pressure points, especially for adults with joint or back pain.
The mattress provides adequate support and alignment for the spine. During testing, back sleeping encountered almost no pressure buildup, which surprised our tester because they felt a bit of sinking in the hips, “A back sleeper without that would probably really enjoy this mattress. The pressure relief for the back is fantastic,” they said. When our tester slept on their sides, they felt great pressure relief, even though their hips sank in more than the rest of their body. Our tester felt well-supported, and the foam cushioned the joints nicely. However, the mattress might not provide the firm support that some people, especially stomach sleepers, need for proper spine alignment.
Cooling technology is another strong suit of the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress. Despite not feeling cool to the touch, the breathable cooling cover and gel-infused memory foam did an impressive job of regulating temperature. Our tester recorded only a 5-degree increase in temperature, which is good news for those who tend to sleep warm. However, extremely hot sleepers might still require a cooler bed type, such as a hybrid, compared to an all-foam mattress, which tends to sleep hotter than those with springs. (9)
One downside is that the bed’s edge doesn’t provide much support. When sitting on the edge, it sinks significantly, and our tester noticed that the mattress almost touches the bed platform, which could be a problem for people with mobility issues. On the other hand, the mattress is great at preventing motion transfer. The memory foam does a good job of minimizing movement, which makes it a good choice for light sleepers.
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress also excels in terms of trial and warranty, with a 365-night home trial and a Forever Warranty™, which are the best typically seen in the industry. The mattress is made with high-quality materials, including CertiPUR-US® certified foams for safety and comfort without harmful chemicals.
In terms of value, the price of $349 (when discounted, which is almost always) is in the mid to lower range compared to other similar mattresses and is often available at a discount. Our tester found it to be a decent value, especially during sales, although it might not have all the advanced features of more expensive models. Overall, the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress is a solid choice for adults looking for a medium-firm, comfortable mattress with excellent pressure relief and cooling capabilities. For an additional $200, you can upgrade to the Nectar Premier Memory Foam in twin size, which adds an inch of thickness and an additional Adaptive NectarCool phase change material layer.
To learn more about this brand, see our full Nectar mattress review.
What customers are saying
The Nectar Memory Foam mattress has an average rating of 4.2 stars based on 288 Sam’s Club website reviews. Customers note its affordability and comfort, with great support for various sleepers. Verified reviewer Amy felt it was a great mattress for the price, mentioning, “My husband has back and knee issues. He doesn’t hurt anymore when he wakes up.”
Most reviewers felt the mattress was at an ideal firmness level.
“I really like this mattress. It is a significant improvement over my previous firm mattress. I would rate this as a medium. It is soft enough to be comfortable, but you don’t sink into it.”
C Tann, Sam’s Club
Like many memory foam mattresses, reviewers noticed a strong off-gassing smell that some said lasted several days. Though the smell will eventually disappear, it can be unpleasant at first.
Specs
| Price | $934, but frequently discounted to $349 |
| Material | Foam |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | Forever Warranty™ |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best twin mattress for kids: Saatva Youth
Key product features
What you should know
The Saatva Youth mattress offers a flippable design with dual firmness levels to accommodate the needs of growing children. Its water-resistant cover and internal waterproof barrier help prevent damage from accidents, and its antibacterial treatment guards against bacteria and mold growth. Saatva uses high-quality materials made from organic cotton, recycled steel, and foams free from harmful chemicals.
- One side of the Saatva youth mattress is medium (5/10) for ages 3-7, and the other side is firm (7/10) for ages 8-12, adapting to your child’s growing body.
- The mattress has Lumbar Zone® Quilting for back support and proper spinal alignment for growing children.
- The mattress’s motion isolation and edge support features are ideal for kids who move a lot during sleep.
- A Guardin™ botanical antimicrobial treatment on the mattress inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew for a healthier sleep environment.
- The Saatva Youth mattress is made from CertiPUR-US® Certified foams, which are breathable and eco-friendly materials.
Why we like Saatva Youth as the best twin mattress for kids
The Saatva Youth twin mattress is crafted with your child’s safety and growth in mind. Plus, eco-conscious families will find the Saatva Youth twin mattress ideal as it’s made with organic cotton, recycled steel coils, and CertiPUR-US® certified foams and is free from harmful chemicals.
A dual-sided design means the mattress adapts along with growing children. For kids 3-7, the plush-soft side (rated 5 out of 10) offers a perfect balance of support and softness. As your kids transition from 8-12, you can flip the mattress to the medium-firm side (rated 7 out of 10) for increased support for their developing bodies.
Removing the moisture before mold sets in is difficult when mattresses become damp and dirty. Mold and mildew in the home can lead to breathing problems and increase the risk of developing asthma. (10, 18) A mattress with mold-fighting features helps the sleep environment stay clean and hygienic for young kids prone to accidents. The mattress has a hypoallergenic and breathable organic cotton cover with a water-resistant coating that protects against spills and accidents. At the same time, an internal waterproof barrier adds an extra layer of defense against dampness lingering in the mattress. A Guardin™ botanical antimicrobial treatment further helps prevent bacteria, mold, and mildew from growing.
Combining steel coils and a high-quality quilted pillow top, The Saatva Youth mattress has several supportive features. It incorporates zoned lumbar support for proper alignment to aid the developing body. It is comfy and supportive with a medium firmness feel, which is ideal for spinal health. (11) Great motion isolation reduces disturbances and wake-ups for kids who move around a lot, and firm edge support helps keep kids from rolling off the bed.
Though the Saatva Youth mattress is pricier than some competitors at $795, your investment lasts longer since it can adjust as your child grows. The mattress also comes with a generous 365-night home trial and a lifetime warranty, so you can test out the bed worry-free.
Check out our full Saatva mattress review to learn more about this brand.
Specs
| Price | $795 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Plush soft/medium-firm (one side each) |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 365 nights |
Best twin mattress for toddlers: Bear Cub
Key product features
What you should know
The Bear Cub Mattress is a great pick for young kids. It’s comfy, supportive, and has safety features tailored for toddlers. This mattress features a hybrid construction of individually wrapped coils and memory foam layers with a medium-firm feel. It is also made with materials that promote a safe sleep environment for your child.
- The mattress features 6” individually wrapped coils for full support and a gel memory foam layer for cooling comfort.
- It’s made with materials free from allergens and fiberglass, and GREENGUARD Gold Certified for low emissions.
- The mattress has a 120-night trial and a lifetime warranty, free shipping, and returns.
- It’s constructed with biodegradable TENCEL™ fibers and CertiPUR-US® certified foams.
- Good motion isolation makes the mattress great for children who move around a lot during sleep.
Why we like the Bear Cub as the best twin mattress for toddlers
Bear creates many of its mattresses with active people in mind. Who is more active than a toddler? The Bear Cub is their first bed designed specifically for kids, especially lively ones. It has a hybrid construction of responsive foams and individually wrapped coils, which can help ease growing pains and encourage proper spinal alignment.
The Bear Cub Mattress comes in two colors—Arctic Blue and Salmon—for kids to choose from. It includes a soft, breathable TENCEL™ cover that helps active kids cool down after a day of playing sports or being outside. The cover is also hypoallergenic, so if your child struggles with allergies during outdoor activities, this mattress won’t worsen them at night.
The Bear Cub Mattress is a hybrid mattress for kids’ ultimate comfort. Rated as medium-firm, it balances firmness and softness to create an ideal sleep environment for developing bodies. The mattress cover has biodegradable, soft, and breathable moisture-wicking fibers to keep the sleep surface cool. The gel memory foam layer cradles a toddler’s body, relieving pressure points and dispersing excess heat, while the medium-density polyfoam transition layer adds supportive bounce. (5) The 6-inch individually encased coils create lift and stability, and the reinforced edges make the mattress more durable and safer.
Health and safety are top priorities for most caregivers, and the Bear Cub Mattress is designed with this in mind. It’s made from allergen- and fiberglass-free materials and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it meets rigorous standards for low emissions of chemical pollutants. This certification means your child won’t be exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and phthalates, which the Environmental Working Group (EWG) says is vital for a healthy indoor environment, especially for young kids who are more vulnerable. (12) Products that receive this certification must also pass performance and durability tests. When you first unpack this bed-in-a-box mattress, you might notice a slight off-gassing smell, but it should go away within 24–48 hours.
Priced at the more affordable end at $695, Bear also has frequent discounts during holidays like Labor Day and Presidents’ Day, which are some of the best times to buy a mattress. This makes the mattress even more budget-friendly. A 120-night trial and a lifetime warranty give some purchasing confidence since you can return the mattress if it doesn’t meet expectations. Bear has a free shipping and returns policy and makes efforts to donate returned mattresses to charity.
Specs
| Price | $695 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best affordable twin mattress: Brooklyn Essential
Key product features
What you should know
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential twin mattress combines smart design and affordable pricing. It’s a hybrid that uses materials from its luxury line and is built in-house to cut costs. The mattress balances comfort and support with 8-inch tightly wound coils and high-density foams for durability and a medium-firm feel.
- The Essential mattress feels like a true medium-firm (6.5/10), with supportive coils and a plush upper layer.
- A budget-friendly price point at $532 using high-quality materials for this mattress is due to in-house construction and factory-direct shipping.
- It suits most sleep styles and ages, especially back and combination sleepers.
- The mattress’s breathable fabrics and hybrid design prevent heat retention.
- Excellent motion isolation makes this mattress great for light sleepers.
Why we like the Brooklyn Essential as the best affordable twin mattress
If you’re shopping with your bank balance in mind, the Brooklyn Bedding Essential Twin Mattress is an excellent budget-friendly option. This affordable mattress, at just $532 before discount, combines comfort and support, crafted with materials from Brooklyn Bedding’s luxury line and constructed in-house to cut out expensive go-betweens. The mattress’s factory-direct shipping model further reduces costs, offering a premium product at a lower price point.
Our tester found that the Brooklyn Essential Twin Mattress has a true medium-firm feel, rated at 6.5 out of 10, a versatile firmness level that works for most people. (8) It has a hybrid design of 8-inch tightly wound coils for extra support and high-density foam layers with a plush surface. Our sleep tests showed that back and lighter stomach sleepers would be comfy, while side sleepers might do better with more firmness.
The mattress also performed well in cooling, motion isolation, and edge support. Our tester was impressed by the cooling capabilities thanks to the breathable fabrics and hybrid construction that prevent heat retention. Motion isolation was another strong point, with the individually wrapped coils and foam layers minimizing motion transfer—ideal for light sleepers easily disturbed by movement. Lastly, edge support was great, with only minimal sinkage when sitting on the edge and a stable surface when lying down.
The mattress ships free in a roll-packed box and includes a 120-night comfort trial. Although the 10-year warranty is shorter than many competitors, the lower price point is a good compromise, given that most mattresses should be replaced around the 8-year mark. (21)
If this mattress isn’t the right pick for you, see more of the best affordable mattresses for additional options.
What customers are saying
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential Twin Mattress has an average rating of 4.3 stars based on 42 reviews on the Sam’s Club website. Customers praise how comfy, soft, and high-quality the mattress is.
Reviewers mention its balance of comfort and support, with several having purchased the twin size for their campers. Reviewer Tonya M. says, “This is a super comfortable mattress for BOTH of us and is the perfect choice for our camper! It is a manageable weight that still allows me to access the under-bed storage.”
Another reviewer, Rowles, feels the Essential stands out among other brands they’ve tried.
“We have had many of these style mattresses before from all of the big brands (Casper, Purple, etc.), and this one ranks right up there with the best of them. My son loves the balance of both plushness and support. The quality seems to be top-notch, and I would highly recommend it.”
Rowles, Sam’s Club
Several reviewers mention the mattress being too firm for their liking, though several others appreciate the feel of the mattress’s support.
Specs
| Price | $532 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Medium |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best twin XL mattress for adjustable beds: Nolah Nurture
Key product features
What you should know
The Nolah Nurture Twin XL mattress is 38″ by 80″, 5 inches longer than a typical twin mattress, and is designed to accommodate adult heights up to 6’6″. It works with any type of bed frame, including adjustable beds, platforms, slatted beds, and box springs. Its hybrid design provides responsive pressure relief, balancing comfort, and support.
- The Nolah Nurture’s flexible construction, with two sides offering different firmness levels and individually wrapped coils, makes it ideal for adjustable beds.
- Its certifications, including GREENGUARD Gold and CertiPUR-US®, mean it’s a safer, eco-friendly mattress choice.
- Though on the pricier side at $999, the mattress uses durable materials, has a lifetime warranty, and offers an option to add accident protection.
- This mattress is perfect for people with different support and comfort needs, including growing kids, and it works for most sleep styles.
- A breathable organic cotton cover and moisture-wicking wool help with temperature regulation.
- The Nolah Nurture includes a 120-night sleep trial, free shipping and returns, and a lifetime warranty.
Why we like Nolah Nurture as the best twin XL mattress for adjustable beds
The Nolah Nurture mattress is an excellent choice for adjustable beds, particularly for adults who need two separate mattresses for each side of a bed and have different firmness needs. It has individually wrapped coils and a dual firmness design, which means people with different body weights and sleeping positions can have their ideal comfort and support levels. Another benefit of the coils is increased airflow, which, combined with open-cell AirFoam™, helps regulate body temperature. (12)
Its soft side, rated 4-5 out of 10 on
the firmness scale, is ideal for people who weigh under 130 lbs, side sleepers, and back sleepers under 250 lbs. Flipping the mattress to the firm side, rated 6-7 out of 10, gives more support for people who need a firmer feel and average to heavy sleepers in any position.
High-quality, eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and wool in the mattress are naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking. The wool layer is also a natural flame retardant, so there’s no need for toxic chemical versions. To that end, the mattress uses CertiPUR-US® certified foams and recycled steel coils for safety and sustainability.
The Nolah Nurture mattress has a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. It ships for free and can be used with various bed frames, including adjustable beds. Though it has a higher price point at $999, it’s durable and adaptable, and you’ll often find promotions that reduce the overall cost.
To learn more, see our full guide on the best adjustable beds.
Specs
| Price | $999 |
| Material | Hybrid (foam and coils) |
| Firmness | Soft/Firm (one side each) |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
| Trial | 120 nights |
Best twin air mattress: King Koil Luxury Air Mattress
Key product features
What you should know
The King Koil Luxury Air Mattress has a velvety soft top layer, built-in pillow, and supportive air-filled coils that can easily be adjusted for firmness. Made from durable PVC with a soft flocking layer, it is both waterproof and puncture resistant. The air mattress is incredibly easy to set up, with a built-in high-speed pump that inflates (and deflates) the mattress in just 60 to 90 seconds for quick and easy setup and storage.
- The King Koil air mattress is supportive and comfortable, with a plush pillow top and air-filled coils.
- The mattress offers great value with durable construction and convenience features like a built-in pump at a reasonable price of $130.
- Ideal for travelers, campers, and those needing a temporary but comfortable sleeping solution.
- Made from durable PVC and soft flocking, the mattress is waterproof and puncture-resistant for durability.
- The mattress is easy to set up and store due to a high-speed built-in pump that inflates and deflates the mattress in just 60 to 90 seconds.
Why we like King Koil as best twin air mattress
Waking up on the floor is almost an expected experience when sleeping on an air mattress, so avoiding this uncomfortable experience is typically the goal of any air bed-buying endeavor. The King Koil Air Mattress is made from high-quality, waterproof, puncture-resistant PVC, which helps support a good night’s rest. Its air-filled coil-beam construction supports proper spinal alignment and means less risk of waking up with aches and pains (a common air mattress complaint).
A soft pillow top with a velvety comfort layer adds a coziness factor. Plus, this mattress is built to withstand regular use and is ideal for home use, camping trips, and other travel needs. Air-filled coils and internal layering improve its durability and help it keep its shape over time.
It’s also perfect for quick, easy setups at home or on the go. A built-in high-speed pump inflates the mattress in just 60 to 90 seconds. Separate inflate and deflate knobs simplify the setup and takedown process, so the mattress can be prepared or packed away in just a couple of minutes. It’s super portable, easily deflating quickly and compactly for storage and transport.
The King Koil twin air mattress does have a few drawbacks. Some users have reported minor air leakage over time, which may require occasional reinflation. As with most air mattresses, the height is shorter than traditional mattresses, and it can be noisy when you move around, which could impact comfort for some users.
What customers are saying
The King Koil air mattress has received high customer ratings, averaging 4.4 out of 5 stars based on 45,919 global ratings on Amazon. Many users appreciate the mattress’s performance, noting that it provides a firm, stable sleep and is easy to assemble and inflate. The quality of materials also receives positive feedback for durability and comfort.
Verified Reviewer Leah, who bought the mattress for her toddler to use on road trips, says, “It is much larger than I was expecting and can fit my 3-year-old nicely with a good amount of rolling space, which he loves.”
The verified reviewer, Samantha, shared that the quality is amazing. “It is literally so comfortable. It inflated quickly and didn’t lose air at all throughout the night. I’m so glad I chose this air mattress.” However, she noted the air mattress was too tricky to get back into the included bag for storage.
Specs
| Price | $130 |
| Material | PVC |
| Firmness | Adjustable |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Trial | None |
How we test mattresses
We begin with thorough clinical and scientific research to guide our process, but we don’t stop there. Our comprehensive approach to reviewing mattresses includes a team of certified sleep science coaches, industry experts, and consumers who physically test the mattresses. We meticulously assess each product and include custom images to validate our findings for more accurate results. For more details, you can check out our complete mattress testing methodology.
Performance (sleep experience)—30%
A high-quality mattress should feel like it’s designed to provide you with the best sleep of your life. It should also deliver on the promise of a great sleep experience. Our sleep science coaches assess various factors to reflect the functional aspects of the mattress as well as the user’s sleep experience. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Temperature regulation
- Motion isolation
- Edge support
- Technology
Comfort and support—30%
Alongside the sleep experience, comfort and support are just as important for a healthy and restful sleep. A high-quality mattress should assist in providing relief with certain aches and pains a user may experience when sleeping. It should also help users wake up feeling energized and rested. Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Firmness
- Pressure relief
- Spinal alignment support
- Customization
Value—20%
Sometimes, the mattress can be great, but if the overall shopping experience wasn’t, that could easily put a sour taste in a user’s mouth about the mattress they just purchased. We put in the hours to determine how well the entire process of buying a mattress matches users’ expectations and what options are available when something goes wrong.
- Shipping
- Warranty
- Customer service
- Sleep trial
Health and safety—10%
It’s important to understand that a mattress is more than just a sleeping surface—it’s an environment where you spend a significant portion of your life. We meticulously assess critical aspects of mattresses that may directly impact your well-being and peace of mind.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Hypoallergenic materials
- Off-gassing and chemical exposure
- Safety certifications
What to consider when buying a twin mattress
Choosing the right mattress to meet your specific needs and preferences is essential for avoiding sleep issues and improving your overall well-being. Consider the essential factors below to effectively navigate the wide range of mattress options available.
Firmness level
- Soft to medium-soft: Great for side sleepers.
- Medium to medium-firm: Works for most sleepers.
- Firm: Ideal for stomach sleepers or those who need extra support.
Materials
Materials determine your mattress’s comfort, durability, health, and safety. Here are some material features to consider:
- Memory foam: Popular for its contouring ability, pressure relief, and support. Look for gel-infused foam for temperature regulation and high-density foams for durability and better support.
- Innerspring coils: Innerspring mattresses offer strong support and are great for people who like a firmer feel. Different types, such as pocketed coils, provide targeted support and reduce motion transfer because they are individually wrapped.
- Natural and eco-friendly materials: Organic cotton, wool, and recycled steel coils can be used to make mattresses for people concerned about health and the environment. CertiPUR-US® Certified Foams are free from harmful chemicals and emissions.
- Allergen-friendly materials: If you have allergies, chemical sensitivities, or asthma, your mattress can significantly affect your sleep quality. (13, 19) Look for natural materials like wool, cotton, latex, and mite-allergen-proof covers. (14, 20)
Additional Features
- Motion isolation: In shared spaces like bunk beds or guest rooms, good motion isolation for twin mattresses can prevent disturbances from movement.
- Edge support: Strong support around the edge of the bed is important for people who sit or sleep close to it, especially kids prone to rolling off the bed. It helps prevent the bed from sagging and provides more space for sleeping.
- Temperature regulation: Look for features that enhance breathability and cooling, like gel-infused foams, breathable covers, and hybrid designs with good airflow.
- Waterproof or stain-resistant covers: Useful for children’s beds. Some have antibacterial or cooling properties as well.
Twin vs. twin XL mattresses
Both mattress sizes have a standard width of 38 inches, but they are different lengths: a twin mattress is 75 inches long, whereas a twin XL mattress is 80 inches long. This makes the twin XL size a great option for single sleepers who are over 6 feet tall. Keep in mind, though, that twin XL mattresses are less common than their standard twin cousins, so accessories like correctly sized fitted sheets may be harder to find in stores.
Who should buy a twin mattress?
Twin mattresses are ideal for children and adolescents who don’t need as much space to sleep comfortably. They are also a great option for single sleepers of any age where bedroom floor space is at a premium. As twin mattresses are also typically less expensive than bigger sizes, they are a good choice for any single sleeper working with a limited budget.
FAQs
Who makes the best twin bed?
The best twin mattress for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Our pick for the best twin mattress is the Helix Kids mattress, which we like for its two-sided design that grows with your child and its various design features that afford a comfortable and restful night’s sleep. For those shopping on a smaller budget, the Brooklyn Bedding Essentials mattress includes many of the same features as its more expensive competitors.
How much should I expect to pay for a twin mattress?
The cost of a twin mattress depends on multiple factors, including the construction materials used and design features. Budget options, most often basic foam or innerspring mattresses are available for under $200. Hybrid or memory foam mattresses and those with more advanced features like cooling technologies or premium construction materials can be much more expensive. The traditional mattresses reviewed in this article range in price from the Brooklyn Essential mattress at $532 to the Nolah Nurture twin XL mattress priced at $999.
How often should you replace a twin mattress?
As a rule of thumb, you should replace a twin mattress every six to eight years on average. (21) The lifespan of a mattress will depend on how often it is used, the build quality, and your own sleep needs. If your mattress is visibly sagging, increasingly uncomfortable, and noisy, or if you notice an increase in allergies or other respiratory symptoms that could indicate the presence of dust mites or other irritants, then it might be wise to invest in a replacement.
What are the dimensions of a twin mattress?
Twin mattresses have standard dimensions of 75 inches long by 38 inches wide. Twin XL mattresses are the same width but are 80 inches long. Check out our mattress size guide for more information.
Our experts
Lola Ravid, BSN, RN
Lola Ravid is a registered nurse with a Public Health Certification who is passionate about research and education. She has over ten years of combined experience working with children and caregivers in hospitals and public schools. Her experience as a nurse, combined with her love for bridging health and educational gaps, inspired her to become a writer. She writes with an evidence-based approach to encourage and elevate the art of informed decision-making.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Rachel MacPherson
Fortune Recommends Writer