Buying guide for Best twin mattresses
Finding the right mattress takes time, plenty of consideration, and knowledge of your sleep patterns and needs. While it can take a bit of work, finding the proper mattress for your lifestyle means you can enjoy peaceful, restful sleep each and every night and wake up energized in the morning. The perfect mattress can even help alleviate soreness and chronic aches and pains.
A twin mattress is an economical and space-saving solution for those who sleep alone. As the twin mattress is the smallest mattress available, it is typically used by children and teens. Twin mattresses are also sometimes found in guest rooms. Don’t let the size mislead you: a quality twin mattress can be comfortable, supportive, and even luxurious.
As mattress technology advances, twin mattresses have not been left out. We take a look at the dynamic materials, layers, and styles available so you can get the best twin mattress for your money.
Key considerations
Who needs a twin mattress?
Twin mattresses measure 38 x 75 inches. If you live in a studio apartment or have a small bedroom, you might appreciate the space-saving grace of a twin mattress. Kids, teens, petite adults, and those who are just starting out in their first apartment may appreciate a twin mattress as well. For similar reasons, twin mattresses are also commonly used for bunk beds and guest rooms.
Mattress types
Innerspring: The traditional innerspring mattress is supported by a layer of innersprings which may be interconnected or individually pocked to reduce motion transfer. Innerspring mattresses are typically firmer mattresses, and they are less expensive than foam and hybrid mattresses. Depending on quality, they may make noise or lose their resistance over time.
Foam: Highly popular foam mattresses offer a layer of soft, cradling material. There are a few different foam options available, including memory foam and gel foam, that influence heat absorption and motion transfer. While these will conform to your body, lesser-quality foam mattresses may set in a position or sag more quickly than others.
Hybrid: The high-end hybrid mattress combines a foam top with an innerspring base for a mattress that balances support and comfort. More than two layers may be featured, joining different types of foam and innerspring design for a unique, targeted mattress. Hybrid mattresses are the priciest mattresses, but they also tend to last longer. Because of their varied composition, they are often useful for people with chronic pain, those who sleep with a partner, and anyone who changes positions throughout the night.
Sleeping position
Your sleeping position will play a role in the type of mattress that’s best for you since each sleeping position requires a different degree of support and comfort. If you sleep on your back, which tends to result in a natural alignment of the neck and spine with a proper pillow, you may benefit from an innerspring or hybrid mattress. Foam mattresses that are medium to firm may also be suitable.
If you sleep on your stomach, you may be best served by a medium-firm hybrid mattress that does not allow your stomach and spine to sink and supports your hips and shoulders. If you sleep on your side, you may prefer a softer foam or hybrid mattress that allows your hips and shoulders to sink in and aligns your spine and neck.
Thickness
Mattresses range in thickness from 6 to 14 inches, though most twin mattresses are between 8 and 12 inches. Generally, the thickness of the mattress should increase alongside your weight in order for it to offer proper support. However, multi-layer foam and hybrid mattresses are often designed to support a wide range of individuals, and many don’t offer a choice of thickness. In some cases, a thinner mattress would suffice with a more supportive frame.
Firmness
Mattress firmness runs on a scale from 1 to 10. The softest mattresses are rated at 1, while the firmest mattresses are rated at 10. The most popular mattresses tend to fall between medium and medium-firm, or 5 and 6. Like thickness, heavier individuals will want to increase firmness somewhat while slender individuals will find softer mattresses satisfying.
Your twin mattress should work with just about any type of bed frame, but it’s worth checking to make sure you have a frame that’s compatible.
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Features
Cooling and breathability
Those who sleep warm or who sleep in humid conditions should look for mattresses that are breathable, airy, and cool. Whereas memory foam traps heat, gel foam offers a cool layer to help you sleep better at night. Innerspring mattresses, or hybrid options with innerspring layers, are typically quite airy as well. Keep in mind that it’s easier to warm up on a cool mattress than it is to cool down on a warm mattress.
Sleep trial
Some retailers, especially those selling high-end foam and hybrid mattresses online, offer sleep trials to allow you to try their products. A sleep trial may range from 30 days to a few months or more and is designed to help you feel more comfortable about making a purchase. Don’t be afraid to embrace the entirety of the sleep trial to ascertain whether the mattress is a good fit.
Latex
This type of foam is an increasingly popular mattress material that conforms better to body shape than memory foam but doesn't sag or set as easily. What’s more, latex is breathable and offers better bounce. Latex may be combined with other types of foam or included as a layer in a hybrid mattress. It will likely increase the price as well.
DID YOU KNOW?
Foam and hybrid mattresses typically take longer to break in than innerspring mattresses. Crawling on the mattresses can help expedite this process, but expect it to take at least a week, if not more, for the mattress to begin to give.
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Accessories
Twin bed frame: Zinus Sleep Master Twin Bed Frame
You’ll need a bed frame for your twin mattress. There are plenty of options available, and one of the best is this durable frame from Zinus.
Twin bedding: Utopia Bedding Twin Printed Comforter Set
Get comfy and cozy with quality bedding for your twin mattress. Highly rated on our list is this printed set from Utopia Bedding featuring a comforter and pillow sham.
Pillow: Beckham Luxury Linens Gel Pillow
Rest your head at night on a comfortable, cooling pillow. This package deal from Beckham Luxury Linens features two plush hypoallergenic pillows.
Twin mattress prices
Inexpensive
You can find a simple but effective twin mattress for $300 or less. Most of these options will be foam or innerspring mattresses. At this lower price, a sleep trial may not be offered.
Mid-range
Most quality twin mattresses cost between $300 and $600. This includes hybrid options as well as products that come with a sleep trial.
Expensive
Luxury twin mattresses with multiple layers and innovative technology may cost $600 to $1,000 or even more. These choices tend to have high quality and durability on their side.
While motion transfer is an important issue for many mattress shoppers, twin mattress users won’t need to concern themselves with it because there's little room to accommodate a second sleeper.
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Tips
- Let it breathe after delivery. Foam and hybrid mattresses are compressed for delivery and may take hours or days to fully expand. Airing out the mattress for several days is a good idea for this reason and also because there may be an initial manufacturing odor about the mattress.
- Position your twin bed in a corner. With only one person using a twin bed, it’s often best utilized in the corner of a room. This will help maximize space and prevent pillows and blankets from easily falling off.
- Give yourself time to get used to the bed. For some individuals, it may take weeks or even a month or two to become fully accustomed to a new bed. Upper foam layers also take time to become adjusted to you.
- Consider a fitness tracker to monitor your sleep. Most fitness trackers monitor sleep patterns and offer useful information on how restful (or restless) you are at night. This can help you determine how effective your mattress is and if you need to make some adjustments.
FAQ
Q. Should I rotate my twin mattress?
A. In order to maintain effectiveness, it’s advised that you rotate your mattress every three to six months so the current head of the mattress becomes the foot and vice versa. This allows for a better distribution of pressure, which is particularly important to prevent foam-top mattresses from sagging.
Q. What can I do to keep my mattress in pristine condition?
A. Investing in a mattress protector is wise, as these products can block dust, mites, and even liquids from penetrating the mattress, damaging the material, and potentially leading to a musty or foul odor. If children will be using the bed, discourage them from jumping on it, as the repeated force could damage the innerspring layers and cause the mattress to sag.
Q. How long does a twin mattress last?
A. With proper care, a twin mattress can last well over five years and even up to 10 years. This is particularly advantageous for parents buying a twin mattress for a youngster at home. A mattress topper can add a layer of cushioning to your mattress and can lengthen the lifespan of a waning mattress that’s losing its support.
Q. Will a quality mattress help me sleep better?
A. The right mattress can go a long way toward improving the quality of your sleep, especially if you’re not properly supported by your current mattress. The wrong mattress can lead to aches and pains in the morning. Still, a mattress is only one component of a restful night’s sleep. Practice healthy habits before bed such as avoiding alcohol, sweets, and screens. Avoid excess light and noise as well, and invest in a white noise machine or blackout curtains if necessary.
