Best Twin Mattress for 2024 [CNET]
Article updated on September 14, 2024 at 2:14 PM PDT
Even small beds deserve big comfort. Based on our expert testing opinions, here are the best twin-size mattresses.
Our Experts
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.
With 5+ years of mattress testing experience, we use our different sleeping position and body type perspectives to offer well-rounded, honest reviews.
How we sort our mattresses
Best hybrid twin mattress
Helix Midnight Luxe
View details
27% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with code:
View details
Best value twin mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature
View details
25% off sitewide with code:
View details
While I wish every bed in the world were wide enough to fully stretch out on, there’s not always the space, budget, or need. For your shoebox of a first apartment, for your children’s rooms, or just to replace that prison-grade innerspring in your college dorm, twin and twin XL mattresses are a perfect fit. Whatever the need, we’ve tested and picked the best twin-size mattresses for you.
What’s the best overall twin mattress?
The Tuft & Needle Nod is the best overall twin size because it’s a simple, comfortable mattress that won’t cost too much. It’s the entry-level model of one of the internet’s most popular beds, the Tuft & Needle, with the same signature feel that so many people sleep soundly on.
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~ It’s an ultra-affordable bed ~ Its medium firmness level suits all sleeping positions” dislike=”~ The foam model isn’t ideal for heavier sleepers ~ Small children may want a softer bed” can-collapse=”false” can-truncate=”false” truncate-on-page-load=”false” offer=”{“id”:”56cfc3b9-9d7b-4d99-ac15-78a77f9853f7″,”label”:”Tuft and Needle Nod”,”slug”:”tuft-and-needle-nod”,”edition”:[“us”],”imageId”:””,”imgUrl”:””,”imageHeight”:0,”imageWidth”:0,”typeLabel”:”Series”,”objectType”:”content_product_series”,”icon”:””}” techobjectinfo=”{“uuid”:”56cfc3b9-9d7b-4d99-ac15-78a77f9853f7″,”slug”:”tuft-and-needle-nod”,”name”:”Tuft and Needle Nod”,”productType”:”SERIES”,”updateType”:”PRISM”,”mod”:1726160158648}” overridecredit=”Jon Gomez/CNET” overridecaption=”
” imagegroup=”{“uuid”:”498c6dcc-6c0c-428b-a696-57f2298f28be”,”alt”:”Tuft and Needle Nod mattress”,”caption”:null,”credits”:”Jonathan Gomez/CNET”,”imageData”:{“id”:”498c6dcc-6c0c-428b-a696-57f2298f28be”,”filename”:”screenshot-2023-11-02-at-4-04-05pm.png”,”path”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/abb6abb16743ee2f174def173a0f6d62798e7a7b/hub/2023/11/03/498c6dcc-6c0c-428b-a696-57f2298f28be/screenshot-2023-11-02-at-4-04-05pm.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”dateCreated”:{“date”:”2023-11-03 14:59:20.000000″,”timezone”:”UTC”,”timezone_type”:3},”primeColor”:null,”hasWarning”:false},”size”:””,”float”:””,”lightbox”:false,”imageUrl”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/abb6abb16743ee2f174def173a0f6d62798e7a7b/hub/2023/11/03/498c6dcc-6c0c-428b-a696-57f2298f28be/screenshot-2023-11-02-at-4-04-05pm.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”imageCaption”:null,”imageCredit”:”Jonathan Gomez/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”Tuft and Needle Nod mattress”,”imageFilename”:”screenshot-2023-11-02-at-4-04-05pm.png”,”imageWidth”:1418,”imageHeight”:940,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2023-11-03″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” usepricing=”false” ng-block=”{“id”:”95y8xz4xvtq7y3j”,”type”:”listicle”}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__2964ee4f-6833-4ca5-857b-da4bb0336550″ index=”1″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”FAQ Markup + BL Precap” tagslugs=”gap-project,hv21,mattress” productpromo=”true” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Jon Gomez/CNET” imagealttext=”Tuft and Needle Nod mattress”>
Tuft & Needle Nod
Best overall twin mattress
Our take – If you’re looking for the best twin mattress, you likely want something simple that’ll get the job done. You don’t need any fancy bells or whistles and generally just want something comfortable. The Tuft & Needle Nod is an Amazon-exclusive mattress that delivers the same neutral and soft foam feel you get from the original Tuft & Needle. You can get the 8-inch twin-size Nod model for less than $400.
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~ Suits back, stomach and combination sleepers ~ One of the thicker, more durable foam beds on our list ~ Impressive trial and warranty policy” dislike=”~ Heavier sleepers may want a hybrid model ~ It’s a little more expensive than the other beds we’ve mentioned” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer=”{“id”:”f591790a-9fa3-446e-a63d-a971a740df77″,”label”:”Nectar Premier”,”slug”:”nectar-premier”,”edition”:[“US”,”ES”],”imageId”:””,”imgUrl”:null,”typeLabel”:”Series”,”objectType”:”content_product_series”,”icon”:”type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product-series ct-small”}” techobjectinfo=”{“uuid”:”f591790a-9fa3-446e-a63d-a971a740df77″,”slug”:”nectar-premier”,”name”:”Nectar Premier”,”productType”:”SERIES”,”updateType”:”PRISM”,”mod”:1726160159950}” overridecredit=”Jon Gomez/CNET” overridecaption=”
” imagegroup=”{“uuid”:”1ad86eed-8c79-4dee-8533-4bd47a584296″,”alt”:”Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress”,”caption”:null,”credits”:”Jon Gomez/CNET”,”imageData”:{“id”:”1ad86eed-8c79-4dee-8533-4bd47a584296″,”filename”:”nectar-premier-memory-foam-mattress-jg-04.jpg”,”path”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/4661542b8cb5b371455e3f3b6a494a4b8bf3f118/hub/2024/09/13/1ad86eed-8c79-4dee-8533-4bd47a584296/nectar-premier-memory-foam-mattress-jg-04.jpg?auto=webp&height=500″,”dateCreated”:{“date”:”2024-09-13 18:00:57.000000″,”timezone”:”UTC”,”timezone_type”:3},”primeColor”:null,”hasWarning”:false},”size”:””,”float”:””,”lightbox”:false,”imageUrl”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/4661542b8cb5b371455e3f3b6a494a4b8bf3f118/hub/2024/09/13/1ad86eed-8c79-4dee-8533-4bd47a584296/nectar-premier-memory-foam-mattress-jg-04.jpg?auto=webp&height=500″,”imageCaption”:null,”imageCredit”:”Jon Gomez/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress”,”imageFilename”:”nectar-premier-memory-foam-mattress-jg-04.jpg”,”imageWidth”:2048,”imageHeight”:1368,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2024-09-13″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” usepricing=”false” ng-block=”{“id”:”mgd236ckzilthmr”,”type”:”listicle”}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__b4e501f9-f107-48bb-9888-f9e2150dddaf” index=”2″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”FAQ Markup + BL Precap” tagslugs=”gap-project,hv21,mattress” productpromo=”true” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Jon Gomez/CNET” imagealttext=”Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress”>
Nectar Premier
Best twin memory foam mattress
Our take – The Nectar Premier mattress is the replacement for the discontinued Nectar Lush bed. Although it’s a little different from the Lush model in terms of plushness, we still think it’s a comfortable memory foam mattress suited for a wide range of sleeper types, which is why it tops our list of the best twin-size beds.
Type
memory foam mattress
Firmness
6 or medium to medium firm
Warranty
forever warranty
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~ It’s a plush mattress for side sleepers or small children ~ Ideal for all body types” dislike=”~ It’s expensive” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer=”{“id”:”de87ab31-4d04-434c-bfb7-d553e32a03b4″,”label”:”Leesa Legend Hybrid Mattress”,”slug”:”leesa-legend-hybrid-mattress”,”edition”:[“us”],”imageId”:””,”imgUrl”:””,”imageHeight”:0,”imageWidth”:0,”typeLabel”:”Series”,”objectType”:”content_product_series”,”icon”:””}” techobjectinfo=”{“uuid”:”de87ab31-4d04-434c-bfb7-d553e32a03b4″,”slug”:”leesa-legend-hybrid-mattress”,”name”:”Leesa Legend Hybrid Mattress”,”productType”:”SERIES”,”updateType”:”PRISM”,”mod”:1726160157929}” overridecredit=”Jon Gomez/CNET” overridecaption=”
” imagegroup=”{“uuid”:”5f9b2687-76f9-4861-aafe-6dd11ea8615d”,”alt”:”Lessa Legend Hybrid Mattress”,”caption”:null,”credits”:”Jonathan Gomez/CNET”,”imageData”:{“id”:”5f9b2687-76f9-4861-aafe-6dd11ea8615d”,”filename”:”dsc02985.jpg”,”path”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/14215ca8131a8f955809592455310480400378b6/hub/2024/02/21/5f9b2687-76f9-4861-aafe-6dd11ea8615d/dsc02985.jpg?auto=webp&height=500″,”dateCreated”:{“date”:”2024-02-21 17:29:39.000000″,”timezone”:”UTC”,”timezone_type”:3},”primeColor”:null,”hasWarning”:false},”size”:””,”float”:””,”lightbox”:false,”imageUrl”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/14215ca8131a8f955809592455310480400378b6/hub/2024/02/21/5f9b2687-76f9-4861-aafe-6dd11ea8615d/dsc02985.jpg?auto=webp&height=500″,”imageCaption”:null,”imageCredit”:”Jonathan Gomez/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”Lessa Legend Hybrid Mattress”,”imageFilename”:”dsc02985.jpg”,”imageWidth”:7952,”imageHeight”:5304,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2024-02-21″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” usepricing=”false” ng-block=”{“id”:”czq69bopvu5qchh”,”type”:”listicle”}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__bfcb1ae1-c471-4210-94b4-b90646f84549″ index=”3″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”FAQ Markup + BL Precap” tagslugs=”gap-project,hv21,mattress” productpromo=”true” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Jon Gomez/CNET” imagealttext=”Lessa Legend Hybrid Mattress”>
Leesa Legend Hybrid
Best twin XL mattress for side sleepers
Our take – An option worthy of a luxury hotel, the Leesa Legend twin mattress was soft, inviting and had just the right amount of bounce (without being too bouncy). I’d rate the firmness around a 4 out of 10, or in between medium and medium-soft. It’s plush, pressure relieving and a great choice for people who sleep on their side. The twin bed mattress has four layers: two layers of springs and two layers of memory foam. The combo provided exceptional body contouring, especially when I was lying on my back. I felt like I was comfortably settling into the twin-size mattress while still feeling supported and aligned.
Type
soft hybrid mattress
Firmness
medium to medium-soft or 4 to 5
Warranty
10-year warranty
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~ Accommodates most sleeper types ~ Great pressure relief ~ Decent motion isolation for couples” dislike=”~ Heavy price tag” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer=”{“id”:”054fc708-d919-4fff-83a3-28effb2621a7″,”label”:”Helix Midnight Luxe”,”slug”:”helix-midnight-luxe”,”edition”:[“US”,”ES”],”imageId”:””,”imgUrl”:null,”typeLabel”:”Series”,”objectType”:”content_product_series”,”icon”:”type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product-series ct-small”}” techobjectinfo=”{“uuid”:”054fc708-d919-4fff-83a3-28effb2621a7″,”slug”:”helix-midnight-luxe”,”name”:”Helix Midnight Luxe”,”productType”:”SERIES”,”updateType”:”PRISM”,”mod”:1726160159477}” overridecredit=”Jon Gomez/CNET” overridecaption=”
” imagegroup=”{“uuid”:”11638e1e-fa92-4bff-b7a8-9ace900820ee”,”alt”:”The Helix Midnight Luxe in the bedroom at CNET.”,”caption”:null,”credits”:”Jonathan Gomez/CNET”,”imageData”:{“id”:”11638e1e-fa92-4bff-b7a8-9ace900820ee”,”filename”:”helix-midnight-luxe-logo-jg-3.jpg”,”path”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/5da8acbfd9b0dfc8db1691eefe9b42f262d7d668/hub/2024/04/22/11638e1e-fa92-4bff-b7a8-9ace900820ee/helix-midnight-luxe-logo-jg-3.jpg?auto=webp&height=500″,”dateCreated”:{“date”:”2024-04-22 14:09:57.000000″,”timezone”:”UTC”,”timezone_type”:3},”primeColor”:null,”hasWarning”:false},”size”:””,”float”:””,”lightbox”:false,”imageUrl”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/5da8acbfd9b0dfc8db1691eefe9b42f262d7d668/hub/2024/04/22/11638e1e-fa92-4bff-b7a8-9ace900820ee/helix-midnight-luxe-logo-jg-3.jpg?auto=webp&height=500″,”imageCaption”:null,”imageCredit”:”Jonathan Gomez/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”The Helix Midnight Luxe in the bedroom at CNET.”,”imageFilename”:”helix-midnight-luxe-logo-jg-3.jpg”,”imageWidth”:2048,”imageHeight”:1366,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2024-04-22″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” usepricing=”false” ng-block=”{“id”:”22t4v5zxu5rbgfx”,”type”:”listicle”}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__db925e3f-b557-44da-825d-bd77370a3e09″ index=”4″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”FAQ Markup + BL Precap” tagslugs=”gap-project,hv21,mattress” productpromo=”true” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Jon Gomez/CNET” imagealttext=”The Helix Midnight Luxe in the bedroom at CNET.”>
CNET Exclusive Offer
Helix Midnight Luxe
Best hybrid twin mattress
Our take – The Helix Midnight Luxe is the perfect “I can’t decide which mattress to buy” mattress. It falls right in the middle of the mattress firmness level scale — its firmness level is rated a 4 to 7 out of 10 — so it’s designed to please any type of sleeper. The mattress is constructed of a layered combination of high-density memory foam, gel visco and pocketed coil layers that provide equal parts comfort and support.
Looking for a new mattress? With this CNET-exclusive deal, you can take 27% off Helix sitewide and get two free pillows with any mattress purchase. This is the biggest discount available — you won’t find it anywhere else. Use code CNET27 at checkout.
” page-position linktext linkurl like=”~ Multiple firmness options to choose from ~ It’s one of the most affordable hybrid beds on the market ~ Good for all body types” dislike=”~ Might be too expensive for budget shoppers or people looking for a kid mattress” can-collapse=”true” can-truncate=”true” truncate-on-page-load=”true” offer=”{“id”:”0b514138-a0de-4eca-a05e-bd6fd4a37172″,”label”:”Brooklyn Bedding Signature”,”slug”:”brooklyn-bedding-signature”,”edition”:[“US”,”ES”],”imageId”:””,”imgUrl”:null,”typeLabel”:”Series”,”objectType”:”content_product_series”,”icon”:”type-icon ct-cmg-tech-product-series ct-small”}” techobjectinfo=”{“uuid”:”0b514138-a0de-4eca-a05e-bd6fd4a37172″,”slug”:”brooklyn-bedding-signature-hybrid”,”name”:”Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid”,”productType”:”SERIES”,”updateType”:”PRISM”,”mod”:1726160157930}” overridecredit=”Jon Gomez/CNET” overridecaption=”
” imagegroup=”{“uuid”:”4a4b8810-6691-46fd-bc3c-08045ec36c25″,”alt”:”brooklyn-bedding-signature.jpg”,”caption”:null,”credits”:”Jonathan Gomez/CNET”,”imageData”:{“id”:”4a4b8810-6691-46fd-bc3c-08045ec36c25″,”filename”:”brooklyn-bedding-signature.jpg”,”path”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/48cd96d4ccb67ea78c6bae72d903ac7db8f6aa10/hub/2024/01/17/4a4b8810-6691-46fd-bc3c-08045ec36c25/brooklyn-bedding-signature.jpg?auto=webp&height=500″,”dateCreated”:{“date”:”2024-01-17 21:25:48.000000″,”timezone”:”UTC”,”timezone_type”:3},”primeColor”:null,”hasWarning”:false},”size”:””,”float”:””,”lightbox”:false,”imageUrl”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/48cd96d4ccb67ea78c6bae72d903ac7db8f6aa10/hub/2024/01/17/4a4b8810-6691-46fd-bc3c-08045ec36c25/brooklyn-bedding-signature.jpg?auto=webp&height=500″,”imageCaption”:null,”imageCredit”:”Jonathan Gomez/CNET”,”imageAltText”:”brooklyn-bedding-signature.jpg”,”imageFilename”:”brooklyn-bedding-signature.jpg”,”imageWidth”:900,”imageHeight”:600,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2024-01-17″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” usepricing=”false” ng-block=”{“id”:”ycqzo9tcoymtdd7″,”type”:”listicle”}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__042c4f82-6fbd-42c3-97e8-ad6603d86b6a” index=”5″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”FAQ Markup + BL Precap” tagslugs=”gap-project,hv21,mattress” productpromo=”true” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Jon Gomez/CNET” imagealttext=”brooklyn-bedding-signature.jpg”>
Brooklyn Bedding Signature
Best value twin mattress
Our take – Some people only want a twin mattress for a guest room or their youngling who will eventually grow out of their small mattress and desire an upgrade. If that’s the case, you may not want to spend over $1,000 on a new bed. Brooklyn Bedding Signature is a hybrid mattress that offers a comfortable and supportive sleeping space at the same cost or less than bed-in-a-box mattresses made of foam. In other words, it’s going to be more durable and supportive than all-foam mattress competitors, but you won’t have to spend extra on it.
Firmness
Soft: (3) Medium: (5) Medium firm: (7)
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
The Bear Cub mattress has hundreds of 6″ coils with reinforced edges intended to help lessen the chance of your child rolling off the mattress. The coils also make the bed more durable as your child ages and grows. Its construction includes a thin layer of gel memory foam and a thin layer of more responsive foam underneath that. We rank this bed around medium to medium-firm or about 5-6 on the firmness scale for lighter kids.
Bear offers a lifetime warranty, a 120-night trial period and free shipping and returns, so you can purchase your mattress with peace of mind. It also lands on the more affordable side, especially when factoring in Bear’s frequent discounts. Watch a CNET sleep expert review the Bear Cub mattress.
” page-position linktext linkurl like dislike can-collapse=”false” can-truncate=”false” truncate-on-page-load=”false” offer=”{“id”:”e26e1bb2-e856-41bb-90f9-75ed036e9fb8″,”label”:”Bear Cub Mattress”,”slug”:”bear-cub-mattress”,”edition”:[“us”],”imageId”:””,”imgUrl”:””,”imageHeight”:0,”imageWidth”:0,”typeLabel”:”Product”,”objectType”:”content_product”,”icon”:””}” techobjectinfo=”{“uuid”:”e26e1bb2-e856-41bb-90f9-75ed036e9fb8″,”slug”:”bear-cub-mattress”,”name”:”Bear Cub Mattress”,”productType”:”PRODUCT”,”updateType”:”PRISM”,”mod”:1726160160030}” overridecredit=”Bear” overridecaption=”
” imagegroup=”{“uuid”:”036ea666-bf73-4b2e-bfd1-a53b25e21ecf”,”alt”:”screenshot-2024-08-13-at-11-44-53am.png”,”caption”:null,”credits”:”Bear “,”imageData”:{“id”:”036ea666-bf73-4b2e-bfd1-a53b25e21ecf”,”filename”:”screenshot-2024-08-13-at-11-44-53am.png”,”path”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/01612b2dcdba6bcc5195c1cfbb54475345696b0c/hub/2024/08/13/036ea666-bf73-4b2e-bfd1-a53b25e21ecf/screenshot-2024-08-13-at-11-44-53am.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”dateCreated”:{“date”:”2024-08-13 18:45:34.000000″,”timezone”:”UTC”,”timezone_type”:3},”primeColor”:null,”hasWarning”:false},”size”:””,”float”:””,”lightbox”:false,”imageUrl”:”https://www.cnet.com/a/img/resize/01612b2dcdba6bcc5195c1cfbb54475345696b0c/hub/2024/08/13/036ea666-bf73-4b2e-bfd1-a53b25e21ecf/screenshot-2024-08-13-at-11-44-53am.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&height=500″,”imageCaption”:null,”imageCredit”:”Bear “,”imageAltText”:”screenshot-2024-08-13-at-11-44-53am.png”,”imageFilename”:”screenshot-2024-08-13-at-11-44-53am.png”,”imageWidth”:1994,”imageHeight”:1126,”imageDoNotCrop”:false,”imageDoNotResize”:false,”imageWatermark”:false,”imageDateCreated”:”2024-08-13″,”imageParallax”:””,”imageCrop”:””,”imageEnlarge”:false}” usepricing=”true” ng-block=”{“id”:”icck96bl7f62nbt”,”type”:”listicle”}” edition=”us” data-key=”cnetlisticle__b4e5bc51-9d15-4677-a050-098e60b60dec” index=”6″ contenttype=”Best List – Precap” pagelayout=”FAQ Markup + BL Precap” tagslugs=”gap-project,hv21,mattress” productpromo=”true” isbestlistredesign=”true” imagecredit=”Bear” imagealttext=”screenshot-2024-08-13-at-11-44-53am.png”>
Bear Cub
Best twin mattress for kids
Our take – The Bear Cub is an 8.5-inch-thick twin hybrid mattress with various trim color options. Specifically designed for young children, it is GreenGuard Gold Certified and made without harsh chemicals or fiberglass for a cleaner sleep. It also has a hypoallergenic cover made with Tencel® fibers, making it breathable, soft and cooling.
Type
hybrid twin mattress
Warranty
lifetime warranty
In full transparency, we primarily test queen-size mattresses because our studio and warehouse accommodate queen-size beds, and the testers ourselves have queen-size bed frames at home. However, a queen-size mattress will feel the same as a twin-size. When selecting the best twin-size mattress, we ran through our regular mattress testing process and paid special attention to the price, value and how accommodating the mattress is. Read more on how we test mattresses.
Firmness and feel: We note the firmness and feel from the start when testing a bed. These are some of the most subjective factors we deal with. For example, how firm a mattress feels to you depends on your body weight and how much pressure you put on it. To remedy this, multiple team members of different body sizes and weights test and rate these factors to get the complete picture of every bed we test.
Motion isolation: Motion isolation is an essential factor if you sleep with another person. Think of it as how well a bed dampens movement across the top. We test this by having multiple teammates roll around and bounce on the bed to rate it.
Edge support: The strength of a bed’s perimeter is important if you sleep on the edge of the mattress. If the edge caves when we sit or lay on it, it doesn’t have strong edge support. We then compare it to our backlog of data to receive a corresponding score.
Construction: A big part of assessing beds is analzying what they’re made of. We use the bed’s construction to inform how durable and supportive it will be. For example, we rate the Saatva Classic mattress as a ten on the support metric because of the dual-coil system and hefty construction.
Learn more about twin-size mattress dimensions and what to consider before purchasing.
If you’re in the market for a twin-size mattress, you likely have a small bedroom, are buying a mattress for your child, are purchasing a mattress for your guest room or are on a tight budget. Here are some considerations to keep in mind.
Co-sleeping
Twin-size mattresses are the most affordable but also the smallest bed models. If you are considering co-sleeping on a twin-size mattress, consider opting for at least a full-size instead.
Construction
You don’t have to compromise comfort or quality to buy an affordable twin-size mattress. I recommend buying a mattress thicker than 6 inches unless you’re buying one for your small child of ten years or younger. Luckily, plenty of options within that range are easy on your wallet.
Firmness
If you’re looking to buy a twin mattress for yourself, consider your sleeping position. Side sleepers fare better on softer beds, while back and stomach sleepers typically prefer firm mattresses. Consider a soft model if you’re buying a twin-size mattress for your child. The smaller you are, the firmer a mattress tends to feel. Kids also tend to like a lighter, plusher feel. If you’re searching for a twin-size mattress for your guest bedroom, consider a model with a medium firmness level. This accommodates anyone who decides to stay, from your side-sleeping Aunt Kathy to your back-sleeping and snoring Grandpa Joe.
Price
Of course, budget will play a significant role in the mattress you end up purchasing. The average twin-size mattress price tag ranges from $800 to $1,200, but plenty of great options are below that price point. Determining your budget first will help narrow down the best picks for you — and you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice comfort or quality when purchasing a cheaper bed. For example, our best overall twin-size mattress choice costs less than $400.
A good twin mattress should cost around $600 if you’re looking for a basic option. For budget options, you can find a twin mattress around the $250 range or less, while premium twin mattresses can run for $1,000 or more.
A twin-size mattress measures up to 38 inches wide and 75 inches long, or 3.25 feet wide by 6.25 feet long. By comparison, a twin XL bed is five inches longer than a twin, measuring 38 inches wide by 80 inches long. A full-size mattress is about 16 inches wider than a twin, measuring 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. A queen-size mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
No, but two twin XL mattresses will make a split king bed. Twin XL mattresses are 6 inches longer than a standard twin and the same length as a king mattress.
Like all other mattress sizes, twin-size beds come in various thicknesses. The average thickness ranges from 8 to 13 inches. Mattresses thinner than 6 inches may suit small children and very light individuals. Still, we’d recommend looking for a twin-size mattress around 10 inches to accommodate more weight (and provide additional comfort and durability).
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.