The 6 Best Twin Mattresses That’ll Fit in Any Bedroom
Updated: Mar. 20, 2024
The best twin mattress is a comfortable, budget-conscious pick for various stages of life.
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When you think of the best twin mattress, your mind probably goes to a kid’s bedroom or college dorm room. Although the size is ideal for small children and teens, they’re a comfortable option for adults, too. The size of even the best mattresses doesn’t take away from the quality if you find the right one and, luckily, we searched the internet to find the best twin mattresses to buy right now.
No matter if you prefer memory foam, a hybrid design or organic materials, there’s something for practically everyone on our list, and we made sure to include something for every budget, thanks to mattress deals!
“Humans spend so much of their lifetime sleeping, so investing in a good-quality mattress is so important for your overall health and sleep quality. Getting a good night’s rest has so many important and vital health benefits,” says Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, known as ‘America’s Favorite Doctor’ (AFD), a board-certified family medicine physician.
Buying a new mattress is a big purchase and can be nerve-wracking when you don’t have the opportunity to test it out in person. With most being delivered in a box these days, it’s easier than ever to shop online for a new mattress, and some retailers even offer a limited trial. All of the twin mattresses mentioned below will arrive at your door inside a box and require up to 24 hours to fully expand, so make sure to plan accordingly when placing your order.
Megan Mowery/RD.com
Best overall twin mattress
Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
If you’re searching for a cheap twin mattress that checks all the boxes, then consider it found with this memory foam mattress from Zinus. What sets this Zinus mattress apart from other options is that one of the four layers of memory foam is infused with green tea, which provides a fresh and clean feeling at all times. Not to mention the soft fabric itself contours to your body and relieves pressure points while aligning your spine. After three layers of dense foam, the mattress’s breathable knit cover helps regulate your temperature while you sleep to prevent overheating.
Although a twin mattress isn’t ideal for two people, the mattress does offer motion isolation, which might be nice for anyone sleeping with pets. Plus, it has an overall medium firmness that works for all sleeping positions.
Our senior shopping editor, Megan Mowery, tested this mattress for over a year, and writes, “I’ve been sleeping on the Zinus Green Tea memory foam mattress for one year. It’s survived a significant move, a new environment and changes in sleeping habits, and it’s still just as reliable as ever.”
Pros
- Has four layers of foam and fabric
- Features green tea-infused memory foam
- Offers motion isolation
- Firm, yet soft, feel
- Budget-friendly
Cons
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Can have a slight odor while decompressing
via merchant
Best value twin mattress
Linenspa Hybrid Mattress
A hybrid mattress is the best of both worlds for anyone who loves the contoured feeling of memory foam but requires more support than they can offer. Hybrids have steel coils layered with memory foam to ensure you don’t feel any signs of poking and prodding (as you might from a traditional spring mattress). Plus, they typically last longer since they have a sturdier foundation. This Linenspa hybrid mattress in particular, which has medium firmness, is affordable for this type of bed.
According to the brand, this best twin mattress is ideal for bunk beds and a typical twin bed frame. Considering the price, you can buy two and your bill will still be less than $300, which is a steal for two hybrid mattresses.
Pros
- Won’t break the bank
- Made with both memory foam and springs
- Available in 8-, 10- and 12-inch thicknesses
- Has low motion transfer
- Has over 98,600 five-star Amazon ratings
Cons
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Springs can make noise over time
Megan Wood/RD.com
Best organic twin mattress
Avocado Green Mattress
Similar to an organic pillow, a natural organic mattress, like this one from Avocado, allows you to sleep on a surface that’s free of toxic chemicals and pesticides, which is especially appreciated by someone with allergies or sensitive skin. This Avocado green mattress is made with certified organic latex, wool and cotton, and is needle-tufted by hand instead of using glue. The standard version has a medium-firm feel, but you have the option to upgrade to a pillow-top mattress for an additional cost if you prefer something softer.
This organic mattress uses coils to ensure it provides lots of support, as well as comfort. Each set of ergonomically placed coils accommodates people of all ages and sleep positions.
“With my last memory foam mattress, I usually slept on my side with a pillow between my knees for better alignment. It got to be such a habit I didn’t even realize I was doing it,” our tester writes. “With the Avocado Green mattress, I ditched the pillow. The interior of the mattress features 3,136 individually pocketed coils made from recycled steel. When combined with 21 layers of organic and natural latex, wool, mohair, silk, flax and cotton, you’ve got an extremely comfortable and supportive mattress.”
Pros
- Made with certified organic latex, wool and cotton
- Uses non-toxic materials
- Needle-tufted by hand
- Has ergonomically placed coils
- 365-night trial
- 25-year limited warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- May be heavy and hard to move
Reina Glenn/rd.com
Best memory foam twin mattress
Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
Sometimes a mattress with any sort of spring inside just doesn’t sound appealing, and that’s OK because there are plenty of memory foam mattresses on the market. The best, however, is the twin memory foam mattress from Nectar. The 14-inch profile is made with five layers of foam that are meant to mold to your body and relieve pressure on your joints. Meanwhile, the base layer provides additional support.
Not only is it incredibly comfortable for back and side sleepers, but it’s also ideal for hot sleepers, thanks to its triple-action cooling cover that wicks away heat and adapts to your temperature. Another perk is that it comes with a forever warranty, which means if you find any defects in the construction, materials or quality of the mattress, Nectar will replace or repair it for you.
Our deputy shopping editor, Reina Galhea, tested this cooling mattress and says, “The moment the mattress was free of wrapping, it was a beauty. Unlike other types of boxed beds, the Nectar mattress inflated in a matter of seconds. Sitting noticeably taller than my previous mattress, I could immediately see how plush and comfy it would be.”
Pros
- Features five layers of foam
- Has a triple-action cooling cover
- Relieves pressure points
- Has low motion transfer
- 365-night trial
- Forever warranty
Cons
- Lacks edge support
- Won’t fit all sheet sets
Courtesy Jill Schildhouse
Best twin mattress for hot sleepers
DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress
Lots of cooling mattresses are accommodating to hot sleepers with cooling covers, but none of them compare to the DreamCloud Premier hybrid mattress. Its seven layers of comfort make up a 14-inch profile that includes a supportive base, individually wrapped coils, a dynamic transition layer, plush foam, memory foam, a breathable cashmere-blend cover and a shift-resistant cover with durable handles. The DreamCloud mattress also offers a lifetime warranty, so it’ll be easy to replace if anything happens to it.
When it comes to regulating your body heat, the strategically placed coils and gel memory foam work together to create a breathable bed that allows ample amounts of airflow and disperses body heat. Right now, this best twin mattress also comes with a cooling pillow, sheet set and mattress protector at no additional cost.
“Each night when I got into bed, I noticed how much cooler the sheets felt against my skin and absolutely loved the sensation. And even though I still ended up feeling warm some nights, I no longer woke up overheated and drenched in sweat,” our tester writes in her review.
Pros
- Breathable, heat-dispersing cashmere-blend topper
- Individually wrapped coils for added support
- Comes with a cooling pillow, sheet set and mattress protector
- Also available in memory foam
- 365-night trial
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
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Won’t fit all sheet sets
via merchant
Best twin mattress for kids
Saatva Youth Mattress
Shopping for a mattress for children and toddlers can be more difficult, because they might not necessarily know what their body needs or, frankly, they might not care what type of mattress they have. When in doubt, the Saatva youth mattress is a safe bet with its dual-sided design that’s meant for kids ages 3 to 12. The side for kids up to 7 years old has a thick layer between the cover and coils that provide support for adequate spinal alignment. Plus, it has a breathable, water-resistant cover that makes accidents less of a hassle.
On the flip side, kids will feel additional comfort with the same organic cotton cover and high-density foam underneath. It has a more plush feel that’ll help them stay cool and comfortable snuggled in their bed sheets all night long as they continue to grow.
Pros
- Dual-sided for toddlers and pre-teens
- Provides support for healthy spinal alignment
- Water-resistant cover made with organic cotton
- Made with foam and springs
- 365-night trial
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expedited shipping generally not available
What to look for when buying a twin mattress
Before committing to the first twin mattress that catches your eye, there are various factors to keep in mind, including “your budget, your sleeping style, your desired firmness level, availability for delivery or pick-up, warranty, if you want a topper, etc.,” explains Purdy. “These are all important personal choices that will help you make the right buying decision, and also find the best fit to support a good night’s rest and proper support of your spine while sleeping.”
When it comes to firmness, choose a mattress that supports your spine and back, Purdy says. “A mattress that is too soft will not provide you with enough support and you may experience back pain. A firm mattress is best for those who experience back pain,” she says. “If you are a back or stomach sleeper, you absolutely want to invest in a firm or medium-firm mattress that supports your back and spine.”
Why you should trust us
Here at Reader’s Digest, we don’t just heavily research our product recommendations, we personally test them out, too. Four of the six best twin mattresses we endorse here have been put to the test by our editors and writers, so we can say with full confidence they’re top-tier picks. To make sure we’re focusing on the right elements, we talked with Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, a board-certified family medicine physician.
How we found the best twin mattresses
Our team has tested dozens of mattresses, so we pulled the twin ones that received high marks. We made sure other real-life customers sang the same praises, and also considered firmness, features, budget and overall quality to ensure there are picks for all types of sleepers. Taking all of those factors into consideration, we dwindled the options down to the very best six twin mattresses you see here.
FAQ
What are the dimensions of a twin mattress?
While every mattress dimension might be slightly different depending on its material and manufacturer, a typical twin mattress measures 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. Since the length is equivalent to a little over 6 feet, it isn’t ideal for taller people.
What’s the difference between twin and twin XL mattresses?
As you can probably guess, the main difference between a regular twin mattress and a twin XL mattress is the size. The XL version is still typically 38 inches wide, but it’s a whole 5 inches longer, bringing the overall length to 80 inches instead of 75 inches. This mattress size is a good option for adults and older kids, because it provides a little more room to grow. If you’re leaning toward a twin XL mattress, make sure to buy the proper bedding, because a regular twin bedding set probably won’t fit properly.
To put it simply, to choose between the two, Purdy says, “Measure the room and see what is the best fit! Also measure the person who will be sleeping in the bed. If they are taller, then a twin XL may be a better fit.”
How much does a twin mattress weigh?
Similar to size, the weight of a twin mattress can vary slightly, as well, however, you can usually expect them to weigh anywhere from 40 to 45 pounds. A twin XL will likely be about three pounds heavier. Keep that in mind when choosing a bed frame to ensure it’ll hold the proper amount of weight for the mattress, bedding and person.
About the expert
- Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, known as ‘America’s Favorite Doctor’ (AFD), is a board-certified family medicine physician. She’s a medical executive, a business consultant and the voice of the digital healthcare revolution in America.
Originally Published: March 20, 2024
