Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
Choosing the best mattress for bunk beds isn’t quite the same thing as choosing a mattress for a standard bed. You’ll still need to think about firmness and support, of course, but the loft element means you’ll also be considering safety, headroom, and more. Whether you have kids or frequently host out-of-town guests, you’ll want to ensure that your bunk bed set-up is as comfortable as it is space-efficient.
Calling on our extensive experience in the sleep industry, we’ve gathered a few mattresses we think work excellently when stacked. Read on for our top products and tips for choosing the best mattress for your bunk beds.
Our Pick for the Best Bunk Bed Mattress
We chose the Helix Kids for our top pick because of its flippable construction that makes it a great long-term option for growing kids. It’s also only 8 inches tall and has a spill-resistant cover.
Best Bunk Bed Mattress Picks
- Helix Kids – Editor’s Pick
- Bear Cub – Best Bunk Bed Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Saatva Youth – Best Luxury Bunk Bed Mattress
- Nolah Natural – Best Hypoallergenic Bunk Bed Mattress
- Brooklyn Essential – Best Affordable Bunk Bed Mattress
- Siena – Best Memory Foam Bunk Bed Mattress
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Helix Kids Mattress | Bear Cub | Saatva Youth Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Siena Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Firm: 7/10 | |||
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Latex | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | ||||
| Warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 100 Nights | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 Nights | 120 nights | 180 Nights |
| Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Kids, Hot Sleepers | Kids | Kids, Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Kids |
How We Test the Best Mattresses for Bunk Beds
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. We look at features that are valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation.
We also evaluate mattress performance for back, side, and stomach sleeping. Lying in every position lets us know how supportive the bed is and if it’s good at relieving pressure. More thna that, our testers are all different sizes with their own sets of preferences, so we’re getting a comprehensive mattress of how a mattress should feel–for just about anyone.
We then take all the information we’ve gathered to rate the bed in specific categories. For bunk beds, we honed in on things we think are important. More on that below!
What We Want to See in a Bunk Bed Mattress
Thinner Profile
Shorter mattresses are actually better for bunk beds when it comes to overhead space. We tried to find mattresses that are at most 12 inches thick, but bonus points if they’re under.
Simple but Comfortable
Of course, with these beds being thinner, we want to make sure they’re still comfortable! It’s a requirement of all mattresses we recommend at Sleep Advisor, but we wanted to make extra sure these beds hold up. A bunk bed needn’t be uncomfortable.
For Kids and Adults
Bunk beds aren’t just for kids. College dorms aside, maybe you just like a lofted bed. We gathered options that are good for little ones and bigger folks who want to relive their inner child (or who are professional space-savers).
The Best Bunk Bed Mattresses, Reviewed
Helix Kids – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: The Helix Kids mattress is a flippable hybrid designed to last 8 years and “grow” alongside your child. There’s a firmer side meant for younger kids (ages 3 to 7) who need more support. Once they turn 8, flip over to the softer side for more pressure relief, which should last until age 12. Overall, we think it’s a worthwhile investment.
Why the Helix Kids Earned Best Mattress for Bunk Beds Overall
The Helix Kids mattress is designed for, you guessed it, kids, so it’s no surprise that we’ve given it our top spot for bunk beds. The Helix Kids’ 8-inch height is perfect for bunk beds, since it allows for plenty of space, regardless if you’re on the top or bottom bunk.
This bed excels in a variety of categories, but perhaps most notable is its flippability. It features both a firm side for younger kids and a soft side for when they get older. Both sides are also covered in anti-spill covers, a boon you won’t find on most mattresses designed for kids.
What’s the Helix Kids Mattress Made Of?
The Helix Kids mattress is flippable, 8 inches tall, and has seven total layers.
Inside the Helix Kids
- Layer 1 – Tencel™ Cover. This breathable cover is treated to repel water and the growth of unwanted bacteria.
- Layer 2 – Fire Safety Layer. A fiberglass-free fire retardant.
- Layer 3 – Helix Responsive Foam. A sturdy layer of foam on the firmer side promotes proper spinal alignment as kids grow.
- Layer 4 – Coils. A layer of individually wrapped coils make up the support layer for both sides. They stretch to the edge for enhanced perimeter support.
- Layer 5 – Gel Memory Foam. This gel foam layer on the softer side relieves pressure while providing a cushioning feel at the surface.
- Layer 6 – Fire Safety Layer. Another layer of fiberglass-free fire protection.
- Layer 7 – Tencel™ Cover. The same cover is featured on both sides of the mattress.
Our Take: Helix is known for their high-quality beds tailored to specific sleeping preferences, so it’s no surprise their mattress for kids features a considered design. From its flippability, bouncy coils, and stain-repellent surface, this bed has all a kid could want from a comfortable mattress.
Customer Reviews
On the Helix website, this mattress is rated 4.3 out of 5 stars. The Helix Kids mattress provides customizable comfort for young customers, but some customers may find the initial setup process slightly complex.
Want to know more? Check out our Helix Kids mattress review or our picks for best mattresses in 2024.
Bear Cub – Best Bunk Bed Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Advisor Says: The Bear Cub is an adorably and aptly named hybrid mattress for kids. This big-kid bed comes in two colors and sizes, and we think it should last well into teendom; Bear backs it up with a lifetime warranty. It has great bounce, solid edge support, and a super-comfortable surface that’ll have adults wanting to lay on it, too.
Why the Bear Cub Earned Best Bunk Bed for Back Sleepers
Back sleepers should appreciate how the Bear Cub distributes weight to prevent pressure build-up in the lower back area. It’s a simply constructed bed that keeps the sleeper lifted on its buoyant surface.
It’s only 8.5 inches tall, a great height for bunk beds that should feel thick enough to be comfortable while providing some overhead space. It’s also fairly affordable, as coupons can bring the price of a twin down below $500.
What’s the Bear Cub Made Of?
The Bear Cub is 8.5 inches tall with four total layers.
Inside the Bear Cub
- Layer 1 – Tencel™ Cover. This hypoallergenic cover is soft and breathable.
- Layer 2 – Gel Memory Foam. A layer of gel memory foam keeps cool as it relieves pressure buildup.
- Layer 3 – Responsive Foam. A denser, bouncy foam that supports the spine.
- Layer 4 – Coil Unit. Individually wrapped coils provide cradling, lift, and bounce while reinforcing the edges for support.
Our Take: The Bear Cub mattress is a cute name for a solid bed. It boasts a hypoallergenic cover and sturdy springs for a bouncy surface, so little tykes can jump on it to their hearts’ content.
Customer Reviews
On Bear’s website, the Bear Cub has an average score of about 4.2 out of 5 stars. Although its hybrid construction may make it feel a bit too firm for lightweight kids, many parents comment that it’s comfortable and supportive—enough for them to nap on it, too.
Interested in knowing more? Our review for the Bear Cub is coming soon. In the meantime, check out our other picks for the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Saatva Youth – Best Luxury Bunk Bed Mattress
The Advisor Says: Saatva brings the same eye for luxury and consistent support to their children’s mattresses as they do to their adult ones. The dual-sided Saatva Youth has a firmer side for older kids (ages 8-12) and a softer side for younger ones (ages 3-7), complete with a waterproof barrier layer in case of messes. It’s pricier than many kids’ mattresses on the market, but you can trace the cost back to its choice materials.
Why the Saatva Youth Earned Best Luxury Bunk Bed Mattress
If you want a bunk bed mattress that can adapt as the sleeper grows, the Saatva Youth could be a perfect fit. This hybrid bed features two sides in its construction, one meant for those ages 3 to 7, and the other meant for those 8 to 12 years old.
Both sides should provide comfort, but they differ in their composition. The 3-to-7-year-old side has a 5-zone support layer that’s firmer in the center, while the 8-12 side features a spinal wire—both seeking to ensure spinal alignment as a child grows.
What’s the Saatva Youth Made Of?
The Saatva Youth is 10 inches tall with a dual-sided construction.
Inside the Saatva Youth
- Water-Resistant Cover (3-7 Side). This organic cotton cover features an antimicrobial treatment as well as a waterproof barrier.
- Zoned Support Foam. This foam has five zones which are firmer near the center of the mattress to support the lower back.
- Coil Unit. A dual-sided coil unit featuring flexible springs.
- Spinal Wire. This Lumbar Zone® Active Spinal Wire promotes correct posture.
- Comfort Foam. This dense foam is breathable for cooler cushioning.
- Water-Resistant Cover (8-12 Side). The same as the cover on the other side.
Our Take: The Saatva Youth mattress comes in three sizes, all of which should fit bunk beds (depending on the size of the bed). One side is for kids between the ages of 3 and 7, while the other is for ages 8 to 12. Both sides are rated as 6.5/10 on our firmness scale.
Customer Reviews of the Saatva Youth
On the Saatva website, this mattress is rated 5 out of 5 stars. The Saatva Youth mattress offers excellent durability and support for young customers; however, some customers may find it relatively expensive compared to other youth mattresses on the market.
Want to learn more? Read our Saatva Youth mattress review or explore our picks for the best luxury mattresses.
Nolah Natural – Best Hypoallergenic Bunk Bed Mattress
The Advisor Says: If you’re looking for a luxurious latex bed, you’ve found it in the Nolah Natural. This mattress features quality organic materials and has a well-rounded feel, earning high marks in support, pressure relief, and cooling.
Why the Nolah Natural Earned Best Hypoallergenic Bunk Bed Mattress
People who are prone to allergies (or who often host allergy-prone guests) may want to consider a hypoallergenic mattress for their bunk beds. The Nolah Natural features eco-friendly and hypoallergenic Talalay latex wrapped in an organic cotton cover and layers of GOTS-certified organic wool.
The mattress stands only 11 inches tall and comes in Twin, Twin XL, and Full sizes, so it should be a good fit for most bunk beds.
What’s the Nolah Natural Made Of?
With seven layers total, the Nolah Natural is 11 inches thick.
Inside the Nolah Natural
- Layer 1 – Cover. Organic cotton starts out the mattress with a soft and breathable surface.
- Layer 2 – Wool. A layer of wool acts as a fire barrier while allowing for airflow through the bed.
- Layer 3 – Latex Comfort Layer. This bouncy, cushioning latex layer relieves pressure buildup.
- Layer 4 – Latex Transition Layer. This second latex layer supports the comfort layers above while transitioning into the coil system below.
- Layer 5 – Coil System. Three zones of coils work to keep you lifted and respond individually to your movements.
- Layer 6 – Wool. Another bottom layer of wool acts as a sturdy mattress foundation.
- Layer 7 – Bottom Cover. Another organic cover on the bottom features handles for ease of transport.
Our Take: The use of wool and organic cotton in the Nolah Natural provides breathability and cooling in addition to their hypoallergenic properties. Nolah also offers free shipping, a 120-night trial, and a lifetime warranty with this latex mattress.
Customer Reviews of the Nolah Natural
On Nolah’s website, the Nolah Natural gets a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Nolah Natural mattress for its eco-friendly materials and pressure relief, but some have reported a minimal initial off-gassing odor upon setup.
Want to see more? Check out our full Nolah Natural mattress review or find the best mattresses for allergies here.
Brooklyn Essential – Best Affordable Bunk Bed Mattress
The Advisor Says: Brooklyn Bedding packs everything you might want in a bed into the Essential, making it an apt moniker. We recommend this mattress to budget shoppers looking for a bouncy hybrid that’ll get the job done without breaking the bank.
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Essential Earned Best Affordable Bunk Bed Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Essential is a hybrid bed meant to provide everything you need in a mattress at a reasonable price. It has a medium-firm feel to accommodate plenty of different sleepers, and it’s got a mix of dense foams and strong coils to balance softness and support.
It’s available in a Twin, Twin XL, and Full for whatever size suits your bunk bed, and its 10-inch height should be the perfect mix of not too tall to fit and not too thin to feel uncomfortable.
What’s the Brooklyn Essential Made Of?
The Brooklyn Essential is 10 inches tall with four layers.
Inside the Brooklyn Essential
- Layer 1 – Quilted Comfort Layer (1.5 inches). This dense layer has enough comfortable cushion to balance out the supportive layers underneath.
- Layer 2 – High-Density Transition Foam (0.75 inches). A transitional layer that supports the surface while allowing the bounce of the coils beneath to shine through.
- Layer 3 – Coils (8 inches). Individually wrapped coils keep you lifted. More smaller and tightly wound coils line the edges to prevent them from sagging.
- Layer 4 – Flex Base (0.25 inches). A dense, flexible foam base.
Our Take: On their website, Brooklyn Bedding proclaims the Brooklyn Essential the “most affordable hybrid” they offer. We agree that it’s difficult to find a high-quality hybrid in this price range. A twin, after sales, will only cost $400!
Customer Reviews of the Brooklyn Bedding Essential
According to Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Essential mattress scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Users have noted that the Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Essential mattress offers a budget-friendly option for customers, however some have mentioned that it may not be as durable as higher-priced alternatives.
Want to learn more? Our Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Essential review is coming soon. In the meantime, check out our picks for the best budget mattresses.
Siena – Best Memory Foam Bunk Bed Mattress
The Advisor Says: For buyers on a budget, the Siena should be very appealing. It’s a simple, three-layer foam mattress with great motion isolation and a medium-firm feel. We don’t recommend it for heavier folks or for people who tend to sleep hot—both demographics will do better with a hybrid bed—but if you’re a light- to average-weight back or stomach sleeper, this is a great money-saving option.
Why the Siena Earned Best Memory Foam Bunk Bed Mattress
The Siena balances an approachable price with a high-quality all-foam design, and should suit most bunk bed arrangements with its shorter profile.
On top, a layer of memory foam swathed in a velvety, breathable cover, a combination that molds to the pressure points on your body to encourage deep relaxation. The foams in this bed also have a couple cooling mechanisms going for them, including gel infusions and pockets of air between the layers.
What’s the Siena Made Of?
The Siena is 10 inches tall with five total layers.
Inside the Siena
- Layer 1 – Top Cover. A breathable and soft sleep surface.
- Layer 2 – Responsive Gel Memory Foam (2 inches). A pressure-relieving foam infused with gel for added cooling.
- Layer 3 – Support Foam (4 inches). This foam features ripples to keep air flowing through the mattress as it cushions your body.
- Layer 4 – Foundational Foam (4 inches). A sturdy and dense foam foundation.
- Layer 5 – Lower Cover. A bottom cover ensures your mattress stays in place.
Our Take: “Our first impressions of this mattress is that it feels like this bed is on the firmer side, especially when it comes to foam. It has a quicker response than, say, a memory foam bed. It doesn’t feel like you’re sinking into the surface too much.” – Emma Mattei, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Customer Reviews of the Siena
On the Siena website, this mattress scored approximately a 4.2 out of 5 stars, from 1279 reviews. The Siena Memory Foam mattress, a favorite among customers for its plush comfort, may not suit those seeking a firmer sleeping surface, as per customer feedback.
Want to learn more? Explore our picks for the best memory foam mattresses.
What to Look for in a Mattress for Bunk Beds
The design of the bunk bed makes them unique. The stacked construction is a great way to utilize a smaller guest room or just create a fun bedroom for your kids. As with any mattress, you’ll want to consider not only the type of mattress but also the needs of the people using the bunk bed mattresses.
Type of Mattress
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring beds remain popular, in large part, because of their durability. Innerspring mattresses typically offer great responsiveness, bounce, airflow, and support from the strong coils that make up their base. One issue with these beds, though, is that traditional innerspring models made with a continuous coil construction can begin to sag, and they often don’t have sufficient comfort layers for pressure relief.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine coils found in innerspring mattresses with latex or memory foam. The hybrid construction provides a bed with a durable and supportive base with upper layers that provide pressure relief and contouring. While hybrids have a lot of advantages, they typically cost more due to their advanced design.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses offer slow-moving and cozy contouring that hugs your body. When it comes to bunk beds, low-profile memory foam mattresses can be a good choice because of their affordability and how well they absorb motion.
Side sleepers often enjoy memory foam because the contouring nature can relieve pressure around the shoulders and hips. On the other hand, those who change positions throughout the night may find that the materials don’t allow them to reposition as easily.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are an excellent eco-conscious choice that provides top-notch pressure relief, durability, and responsiveness. Unlike memory foam, these mattresses quickly bounce back to their original shape, but they also still offer pressure-relieving properties.
These mattresses have a host of pros, but when it comes to beds that are often for children or occasional guests, they are typically the most expensive choice. However, the smaller sizes associated with bunk beds should offset the total cost.
Sleeping Position
Back sleepers often enjoy beds with a medium-firm feel that can evenly distribute their weight, delivering ample lower back support and pressure relief.
Side sleepers’ shoulders and hips are where weight concentrates in this position, which puts added pressure on these areas. Slightly softer mattresses can offer pressure-relieving comfort. Bed containing memory foam or latex with a soft to medium firmness can be good for side sleepers because they can both cradle and support the sleeper.
Arguably, the most important aspect of a mattress for stomach sleepers is proper support for their hips so they don’t sag as this could lead to lower back pain. Firmer, highly supportive mattresses can provide the support that these sleepers need.
People who change position throughout the night are known as combination sleepers. In order to make repositioning easier for combination sleepers, they need a mattress that is quick-responding and buoyant. In this case, latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses, combined with a versatile medium-firm feel, are helpful for combination sleepers.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
The safety concerns of bunk beds make the sleeper’s weight a top concern. You will want to first ensure that the mattress and frame can safely support the sleepers using the bunk bed before making any purchases.
When it comes to comfort based on weight and body type, medium or medium-firm mattresses work well for most people. However, those who are heavier usually prefer a firmer feel to help keep their spines aligned, whereas lighter folks typically enjoy plush beds that can help relieve pressure.
Read More: Best Mattress for Kids
Size
Most bunk bed frames are built to accommodate two Twin mattresses in a Twin-over-Twin design, measuring 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. They’re the narrowest standard mattress size available, so they accomplish wonders when it comes to saving space. A Twin XL bunk bed mattress measures 38 inches wide by 80 inches long and is a popular choice for tall or growing children and teens.
Larger bunk bed frames will fit two Full-size mattresses. This mattress size — 54 inches wide by 75 inches long — enables single sleepers to really spread out, but these will take up a lot more room than narrower models. You can even stack two Queen mattresses on top of one another with the proper bunk bed frame, which typically measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Lastly, you can find bunk beds that combine almost every variety of the mattress sizes mentioned above, including Twin-over-Full, Full-over-Queen, and more. Safe bunk bed designs that mix sizes will always position the smaller mattress size as the top bunk and the larger size as the lower bunk.
Mattress Height
The height of the bunk bed mattress, especially the top one, is extremely important. Low-profile mattresses, ones that are 7 inches tall or less, are recommended for top bunk beds. If the top bunk mattress is taller than this, it could sit above the guard rail, which would put a child or guest more at risk of rolling out of bed.
The height of the bottom bunk isn’t as important when it comes to safety, but a taller mattress will create less clearance for the person sleeping on the bottom.
Firmness
Medium-firm mattresses are typically a safe bet if you’re opting to order your bunk bed mattress online. If kids will be using the bunk bed, it might be helpful to take a trip to a mattress store and have them try out a few different mattress models to see what firmness level feels best for them.
Many online mattress brands offer extended sleep trial periods, some as long as a year. With a long trial period, this gives you ample time to test out the mattress at home, and if it’s not a good fit, you can get your money back.
Learn More: Best Firm Mattresses
Cooling
A bunk bed mattress with modern cooling features will keep kids and guests at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.
Look for foams with gel infusions, aerated structures, and other specialized cooling technologies. Innerspring and hybrid beds also provide airflow from the coils.
The mattress cover can also make a noticeable difference when it comes to distributing body heat. You’ll want to prioritize breathable fabrics, such as cotton, and keep an eye out for proprietary cover designs with fibers that maximize temperature regulation.
Find more mattresses for hot sleepers here.
Motion Isolation
If your sleep is disturbed by a restless partner, your mattress probably allows motion transfer. Although bunk beds aren’t typically shared, there could be instances when they are, such as if you have a Full-size bottom bunk, and for that, you will want to consider mattresses that have good motion isolation.
Memory foam beds typically do a great job at absorbing motion, and fortunately, they are usually suitable for most bunk bed setups.
Pressure Relief
Waking up free of pain is a widespread goal of sleepers. To achieve this goal, sleepers will want to choose a bunk bed mattress that relieves pressure that builds up throughout the night.
Medium to medium-firm mattresses with latex or memory foam are often a great choice for many body types and preferred sleep positions, and they should provide enough support and contouring for adequate pressure relief.
Edge Support
Good edge support can be particularly important for the top bunk of bunk beds. Although all top bunks need guardrails, having a supportive perimeter can provide an extra level of security. As for the bottom mattress, good edge support can help those with mobility issues get in and out of bed more easily.
Innerspring and hybrid mattresses typically have excellent edge support, and many foam mattresses reinforce the edges with higher-density foam.
Budget
Budget is important when purchasing a mattress, but considering that you’re usually buying two mattresses for bunk beds it will be particularly important to get the best mattresses that fit in your budget. Fortunately, quality mattresses can be found at more affordable prices thanks to the rise in direct-to-consumer online shopping. Although you may be buying two mattresses, they’ll be in a smaller size, which should help balance out the overall cost.
Bunk Bed Safety Tips
Federal law requires that bunk beds comply with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act1 of 2008. These standards and regulations have improved the safety of bunk beds by ensuring that all top bunks have guardrails on both sides. The use of guardrails extends to lower bunks that are more than 30 inches off the floor.
Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics2 offers extra tips for bunk bed safety.
- No one under six years of age should be allowed on the top bunk
- Place bunk beds in the corner of the bedroom
- Guardrails on the top bunk should be at least 5 inches higher than the mattress
- Avoid gaps between the bottom of the mattress and the guardrail that exceed 3.5 inches
- Provide extra slats to the top bunk for added stability
- Remind kids to only use the stairs or ladder to get in and out of bed
- If there’s a ladder, make sure it’s secure
- Do not permit kids to roughhouse on bunk beds
- Remove any dangerous objects from bunk beds
- Avoid hanging items of clothing or sporting equipment from the top bunk as this can create strangulation risks
- Use a night light so that those sleeping on the top bunk can get down safely when it is dark
Along with the above-mentioned tips, we recommend the following:
- Ensure the bunk bed is securely assembled before use
- Use the right size mattress on the top and bottom bunks
- Only one person should sleep in the top bunk
Best Mattress for Bunk Beds FAQs
Do bunk beds require a specific mattress?
Yes and no. There aren’t bunk bed-specific mattresses, but you will want to make sure that you always use the correct corresponding mattress size with the dimensions of the frame.
Can an adult sleep on a bunk bed?
Yes, adults can sleep on bunk beds. However, it is important that they are not over the weight limit requirements if they are sleeping on the top bunk. When sleeping on the bottom bunk, adults will want to make sure that they have head clearance so that they can avoid injury when getting in and out of bed.
What’s the difference between bunk beds and loft beds?
A loft bed is a single raised bed, allowing you to use the floor and wall below for a myriad of purposes. In essence, loft beds are bunk beds with no bottom bunk. This setup still gives sleepers the fun “high-up” feeling while conserving even more space.
The best loft beds tend to incorporate a storage area, desk, or play space. If your loft bed is a simple, bare-bones raised bed, you can still make the most out of that space. Pick out a desk to create a study space beneath or attach curtains to block off the space for storage or a hideaway play area.
The principles for finding a loft bed mattress are similar to that of bunk beds. This means you’ll want to follow the same rules for considering the loft bed mattress size. Also, be sure to follow the same considerations for mattress height for bunk beds.
Read Our Full Guide: Best Loft Beds
Is it safe to sleep on the top bunk?
Yes, if you are investing in a well-built bed that is constructed from high-quality, safe materials, then your little one should be safe to sleep in a top bunk. Be sure that the mattress isn’t so high that it exceeds the height of the guardrail, and for added protection, consider a higher guardrail.
Should bunk beds have stairs or a ladder?
Whether the bed should have stairs is a matter of preference. However, stairs could make things easier and safer overall.
Some don’t have stairs or a ladder and instead, have slotted ends that can be used to climb up. Whatever the method is, as long as there is a safe way to get onto the top bed, then it doesn’t matter. Try looking at different bunk bed styles and pick the one that you and your kids are most comfortable with.
Are bunk beds safe for toddlers?
A good general rule of thumb is not to let children under six years old use the top bunk2. However, if you have two children of different ages, in which one is older than six, the elder sibling can use the top bunk while the younger one is on the bottom bunk. If both of your children are under six years old, though, it’s best to tell them to wait until they are a bit older.
Get More Info: Are Bunk Beds Safe For Kids?
Are bunk beds too small for teens?
Bunk bed mattresses are usually somewhere around 6 inches thick, which may be too small for a rapidly growing teen. You’ll want to consider weight limits for both the mattress and the overall structure of the frame when you are deciding if a teen has outgrown their bunk bed days. Height may also be a factor, and no teen wants to sleep with their feet hanging over the top bunk.
If you are looking to upgrade your teen’s sleep experience, you’ll want to pick a bed and a frame that can allow them to comfortably transition into their adult size and shape, and the correct investment could even follow them off to college. Look for versatility and durability when shopping for growing children, and you’re likely to see a better return on your investment.
View Our Complete Guide: Best Mattress for Teenagers
Should you get a memory foam mattress for bunk beds?
The two most common mattress types for bunk beds are innerspring and memory foam.
Memory foam allows the sleeper to sink into the material as it conforms to the body, delivering ample pressure relief and support.
Innerspring mattresses, on the other hand, are a standard option that provides optimal support, but they might have a shorter lifespan, depending on the materials. While this type might be appealing to kids because of the springs that make it bouncy, if you want the safest option, then it could be better to opt for memory foam.
Compare Prices of Mattresses for Bunk Beds
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Twin Size) | Review |
| Helix Kids | Overall | $748 | Helix Kids Mattress Review |
| Bear Cub | Back Sleepers | $695 | Coming Soon |
| Saatva Youth | Luxury | $795 | Saatva Youth Mattress Review |
| Nolah Natural | Hypoallergenic | $1,499 | Nolah Natural Mattress Review |
| Brooklyn Essential | Affordable | $532 | Coming Soon |
| Siena | Memory Foam | $499 | Siena Mattress Review |
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great options out there to choose from—and there’s no one-size-fits-all bunk bed mattress that will fit everyone’s preferences. Whether you’re looking for something firm or soft, and depending on what size you are after, your perfect fit may be very different from someone else’s.
However, with a little bit of dedicated research, you should be able to find the best bunk bed mattress —and hopefully, our top 5 picks have helped you narrow down your decision!
Julia Forbes
Lead Product Tester
About Author
Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
References:
- “Bunk Beds Business Guidance”. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Webpage accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Bunk-Beds.
- Rasch, Hilary. “Rest easy with these bunk bed safety tips”. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/article/33/7/22/9937/Rest-easy-with-these-bunk-bed-safety-tips?autologincheck=redirected. 2012.