Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester
When you hear the words “twin size,” you may imagine a painfully thin, dorm-style mattress you could flip like a pancake. But I have good news: online mattress companies have recognized the space-saving appeal of the twin bed, and most of them carry their signature mattresses in this size.
This universal uptick in quality means that twin-size mattresses aren’t just for kids and college students anymore. They can be a great choice for adults, too.
After extensive testing by our team, I’ve collected the best twin mattresses into an easy-to-browse list, including beds for both kids and adults. (If you’re shopping for a child, though, you may want to check out our dedicated list of the best mattresses for kids.) Hopefully, there’s a twin that will win your heart below.
The Best Twin Mattresses
- DreamCloud – Best Twin Mattress for Adults
- Helix Kids – Best Twin Mattress for Kids
- Saatva Youth – Best Flippable Twin Mattress for Kids
- WinkBed – Best Twin Mattress for Back Pain
- Bear Cub – Best Twin Mattress for Young Side Sleepers
- Nolah Nurture – Best Cooling Twin Mattress for Kids
- Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Essential – Best Cheap Twin Mattress
- Plank Firm – Best Firm Twin Mattress
- Birch Kids Natural – Best Organic Twin Mattress for Kids
Our Best Twin-Size Mattresses Guide
Compare the Best Twin Mattresses
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| DreamCloud Original Mattress | Helix Kids Mattress | Saatva Youth Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Bear Cub | Nolah Nurture Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Birch Kids Natural | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | |||||
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Latex |
| Cooling | — | — | — | ||||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 25-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 Nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 Nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Kids, Hot Sleepers | Kids, Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Kids | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Kids, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Seniors | Kids |
How We Chose the Best Twin Beds
At Sleep Advisor, we test mattresses in person so that we can assign them ratings across several performance categories, such as cooling, firmness, and pressure relief.
We also have multiple testers interact with each bed, because we want to know how they feel to different body types.
When picking the best twin mattresses, we looked at a number of crucial factors for this size. We considered twin beds for adults as well as those meant for children, and paid special attention to design elements that could distinguish a mattress from a “standard” twin.
What We Want to See in a Twin-Size Mattress
Enough Firmness and Support for the Compact Size
Because they’re one of the smallest mattress sizes available, twin beds have a reputation for being “temporary” beds with flimsy, thin constructions. But even if you’re using a twin bed as a transitional mattress, it should have enough firmness and support for healthy spinal alignment and prolonged, everyday use.
Every mattress on this list meets this requirement, whether it’s made entirely of foam or a mix of foam and springs.
A Design for a Specific Kind of Sleeper
Because they’re often intended for a specific age group or type of sleeper, twin-size beds are highly customizable and come in a wide variety of designs. Before choosing a bed, you’ll want to know who will be sleeping on it. A child? A college undergraduate? An adult guest in your home?
There are different twin beds to suit the precise needs of these populations—and different firmness levels to suit different tastes.
Sturdy Edges
Twin mattresses don’t have as much space for spreading out as the larger sizes. You’ll want to maximize the available surface area of your twin bed as much as you can by choosing a bed with decent edge support.
Strong edges can also keep you from rolling off the side of the bed during the night—a risk that particularly restless sleepers face.
Reasonable Pricing
Twin-size mattresses are nearly as small as you can go in terms of size, and usually price follows. But not only should you try to score a good deal, it’s important to find a twin bed that gives you the most bang for your buck.
We made sure that every mattress on this list is worth the price.
The Best Twin Mattresses, Reviewed
DreamCloud – Best Twin Mattress for Adults
The Advisor Says: The DreamCloud is a pleasantly supportive hybrid that really appealed to the stomach sleepers on our testing team (though it proved itself capable of aligning spines in every position). Its affordable price and couple-friendly features have made it a mainstay of the bed-in-a-box scene.
Why the DreamCloud Earned Best Twin Mattress for Adults
Although its name implies fluffiness, the DreamCloud is a solidly medium-firm hybrid with an impressive amount of support. Its 12-inch height and cashmere cover also give it a touch of luxury—definitely a perk when you’re an adult with a twin bed. Sales can sometimes bring the price of a twin below $500, but it usually retails for $839. It should work for most adults (as well as teens and kids who like a firmer bed), so we gave it our top spot.
Who Should Sleep On It?
- Adults, teens, and kids – The twin-size DreamCloud is suitable for almost all ages (except young toddlers and infants, who have more particular mattress needs). Its all-around support does make it a bit firm, but growing children and adults alike can benefit from the spinal alignment it provides.
- Back and stomach sleepers – These sleeping positions should feel most comfortable on the DreamCloud, which prioritizes lift and support over sink and cushion.
My Take: I’m a big fan of the DreamCloud’s spine-aligning prowess. During testing, it kept me from sinking into the weird angles that might lead to soreness.
What Customers Think of the DreamCloud
The DreamCloud Original scores a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars among customers on its site. One potential downside of the DreamCloud Original mattress is its weight, making it challenging to move or rotate, but it offers excellent support and comfort for those who prefer a medium-firm feel.
Want to see more top-rated beds for adults? Read our article on the best mattresses for 2024.
Helix Kids – Best Twin Mattress for Kids
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 Twin Mattress for Kids
The Helix Kids has a flippable construction: in the center is a sturdy innerspring unit with reinforced edges, sandwiched between comfort foams on either side. We think it’s a fantastic twin bed for kids because of the strong coils at its core and the sheer number of convenient add-ons, including a protective finish that repels spills, an odor-fighting “microbe shield” treatment, and a breathable Tencel™ cover. A twin-size will also only run you $749.
Saatva Youth – Best Flippable Twin Mattress for Kids
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 Flippable Twin Mattress for Kids
The Saatva Youth is a bed once again made for the younger crowd. It’s a hybrid bed with a flippable construction to accommodate kids ages 3 to 7 on its firmer side and 8 to 12 on its softer side. Both sides should provide a balance of softness and support. As a bonus, it boasts a spill-resistant cover made of breathable, organic cotton for a soft and hypoallergenic sleep surface. It retails for $795, and we think its worth every penny.
WinkBed – Best Twin Mattress for Back Pain
The Advisor Says: Our testers often compare the WinkBed to a luxury hotel mattress, which is no surprise given its handcrafted touches and elegant hybrid design. It’s also one of the most customizable beds out there, with a firmness level for every body type.
Why the WinkBed Earned Best Twin Mattress for Back Pain
A good twin mattress shouldn’t be flimsy or too thin, especially if you suffer from issues like back pain. Thankfully, the WinkBed has a robust twin model with all the support features of its larger sizes. That means awesome edge support, zoned springs with extra lift for the lower back, and even a lumbar-focused foam layer.
Additionally, you can fine-tune the firmness a bit. In all firmness options, though, “you get the proper elevation you need to keep your hips elevated and spine in place,” Loren said. Frequent sales bring the price down to $849.
Bear Cub – Best Twin Mattress for Young Side 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 Twin Mattress for Young Side Sleepers
The Bear Cub is aptly named for the little ones in our lives. This hybrid mattress’s medium-firm feel promotes crucial spinal alignment as your child grows, but also has layers of foam for pressure relief at the surface. Thus, it should be a good match for kids who sleep on their sides. Bear also asserts that this mattress is plenty bouncy—perfect for jumping on the bed. This twin bed retails for only $695, with sales or coupons able to bring it below $500.
Nolah Nurture – Best Cooling Twin Mattress for Kids
The Advisor Says: This is an extremely versatile kids’ mattress that can last them up until their teenage years. The organic cotton and wool layers should appeal to environmentally conscious shoppers, and the 99-cent accident coverage is hard to beat—but note that this bed may suit older children best, because it has no waterproof or water-resistant layer.
Why the Nolah Nurture Earned Best Cooling Twin Mattress for Kids
A mattress doesn’t have to be huge to pack a lot of cooling elements into its construction. The twin-sized Nolah Nurture helps to regulate temperature at almost every layer, thanks to its eco-friendly materials. How does it keep kids cool? Easy: airflow around its coils alongside breathable wool and cotton all work together to prevent sweaty nights. This is a pricey option at about $900 for a twin, but Nolah’s coupons and sales can shave a couple hundred off the price.
Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Essential – Best Cheap Twin 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 Cheap Twin Mattress
The Brooklyn Essential is one of Brooklyn Bedding’s most affordable twin mattresses. When sales are running, you can snag this bed for around $400 or less—an awesome price for a hybrid. Although it doesn’t have many fancy extra features, it’s a reliable, durable option with many components that were manufactured in-house by the brand.
Plank Firm – Best Firm Twin Mattress
The Advisor Says: We’re constantly calling this mattress one of the firmest in the online market, and if you don’t believe us, try it for yourself! It offers both a classic firm and extra-firm feel in its flippable design, alongside posture-aligning support. Bonus points for good marks in performance for cooling, bounce, and couples.
Why the Plank Firm Earned Best Firm Twin Mattress
If you’re searching for a supportive and firm twin mattress, it can be difficult to find one that isn’t too thin, too saggy, or meant for children. But the Plank Firm rises above the norm—it’s an all-foam, exceptionally firm bed with a weight limit of 950 pounds.
Furthermore, it’s flippable! That means you can choose between a firm side and an extra-firm side, depending on your nightly needs. Just be aware that the Plank really does feel like its namesake, and isn’t meant for people who love a pillowy surface. It’ll also run you about $750, and that’s before any discounts.
Birch Kids Natural – Best Organic Twin Mattress for Kids
The Advisor Says: Birch is well-known for their luxury, eco-friendly mattress of the same name, but did you know they have an option for growing eco-warriors? The Birch Natural Kids is a flippable mattress made with the same cozy, nontoxic materials of its adult predecessor. If you have a child between the ages of 3 to 12 and are looking to splurge, we recommend you give it a try!
Why the Birch Kids Natural Earned Best Organic Twin Mattress
The Birch Kids Natural is a latex hybrid mattress with a long list of certifications regarding the quality of its materials. The brand can even draw a clear line from the wool inside the bed back to the specific farm that supplied the textile.
The combination of organic cotton, organic wool, Talalay latex, and springs offers a bouncy and breathable surface that should help keep young sleepers from overheating and allow for ease of movement. It’s worth noting this twin-size bed costs over $1,000 (even on sale), though this isn’t too egregious when you consider its use of eco-friendly materials.
Who Should Buy a Twin Mattress?
How To Find the Best Twin Mattress for You: Key Considerations
The best twin mattresses will be small but mighty. Because they’re made to save space and often serve as a transitional or temporary bed, they may not be as durable as larger beds. However, a quality twin should still offer you reliable support and comfort.
When shopping for a twin bed, you’ll want to keep a few key factors in mind.
Who’s Sleeping on the Bed?
Twin mattresses are often designed for a specific group or age range. You can narrow your search by only looking at twin beds that meet your (or your child’s) needs.
Age
Twin beds can work for people of all ages. However, different stages of life demand different qualities in a mattress.
- Ages 3-7: When a child switches from a crib mattress to a “big kid” bed, they still need a higher degree of support and firmness than an adult sleeper. Twin beds for this age group are therefore quite firm.
- Ages 8-12: At this age, kids might want a little more cushion from their twin bed. A sturdy support system is still a must as their bodies grow, but the comfort layers above it can be softer.
- Teens: Teenagers are old enough to have developed a good sense of their primary sleeping position(s) and comfort preferences. They can choose from the same variety of twin beds as adults. However, if they’re a college student or growing quite fast, they may benefit from a budget-friendly twin bed that won’t be used for more than a few years.
- Adults: A twin mattress for an adult should have greater durability and more advanced support features than one for a kid, as they’re usually meant to last longer. They can also range in feel from very soft to very firm, depending on the sleeper’s tastes.
Shopping for your children? Browse the best mattresses for kids or the best beds for teenagers.
Weight and Body Type
Your weight and frame greatly influence how a twin mattress will feel when you lie on it. Generally speaking, heavy people will prefer firmer twin mattresses, while those weighing under 130 pounds should get a softer bed.
Plus-size sleepers should also ensure that they’re buying a twin with enough layers and support features to prevent sagging and discomfort.
Support
You’ll want to ensure that your twin bed has reliable and sturdy support features, whether they’re foam- or spring-based. Low-quality twin beds will struggle to elevate your body and sag over time.
How Do I Know If a Twin Bed Has Enough Support?
If you aren’t sure whether a twin mattress has the kind of support you need, I recommend testing the bed in your home for several nights. Reputable mattress companies allow you to do this as part of a “sleep trial” policy. If the bed disappoints you, as long as you’re still within the trial window, you can typically return it and get a refund.
Firmness
Twin-size beds for adults can run the gamut in terms of feel. Don’t compromise on your preferred firmness just because a twin bed might not be in your life for very long!
- Softer twin beds are best for side sleepers and those who weigh under 130 pounds.
- A medium firmness is best for back sleepers, although plus-size back sleepers should lean towards a firmer twin bed that provides more support.
- Stomach sleepers almost always prefer firm mattresses for how well they support the hips, and they can also be more supportive for heavyweight sleepers.
Edge Support
Edge support is crucial for smaller bed sizes like the twin, because no matter where you are on the mattress, you’re laying near an edge. Even more so if you’re someone who likes to sit on the edge of your bed throughout your day.
Certain twin beds will have better edge support than others. Hybrids, for example, tend to have sturdier edges due to reinforced springs along the sides. However, foam beds can also have edge support features (such as a denser foam frame around the perimeter).
Thickness
Because of their relatively small size, twin mattresses are often assumed to be thin and flimsy. But a good twin bed will be just as thick as a larger one—anywhere from 8 to 14+ inches—to accommodate layers for both comfort and support.
If you’re looking for a twin mattress that you won’t use for very long, then a thinner profile isn’t as big of an issue. You may also need to limit the thickness if you plan on using it as a mattress for a bunk bed. But in general, the best twin beds will be no less than 6 inches thick, and probably much thicker.
Mattress Type
There are four main types of mattresses available today, and you can order any of them in a twin size.
- Innerspring: Has steel coils as its primary support unit and a thin comfort layer on top.
- Hybrid: Has an innerspring support system and multiple comfort layers stacked above it.
- Foam: Has support and comfort layers made entirely of foam.
- Latex: Has at least one support or comfort layer made from latex foam. May be a hybrid or all-foam bed.
Available Space
Twin mattresses are great for conserving space in a room. If you have a small bedroom, guest room, or dorm room, a twin bed may be the perfect fit. They’re also light enough to work well as a Murphy bed mattress if you want to save even more space.
But twin beds can work in larger rooms, too, and can even allow a space to become dual-purpose. For example, you might put a twin bed in an office so that it can transform into a guest room at a moment’s notice.
Budget
Thankfully, twin mattresses are some of the most affordable, given their compact size and portability. You should be able to find a very good twin mattress for less than $1,000, and perhaps even for less than $500, depending on sales.
Keep in mind that cheaper twin beds tend to be thinner and have less layers. Even if you’ll only be sleeping on a twin for a limited amount of time, don’t settle for an uncomfortable bed or mysterious, potentially unsafe materials.
Twin-Size Mattress Specs
A twin-size mattress is 75 inches long and 38 inches wide. That’s typically enough space to accommodate one average-sized adult, teenager, or child.
What’s the Difference Between a Twin and a Twin XL?
The difference between a twin and a twin XL mattress is simple: the twin XL is 5 inches longer (but it has the same 38-inch width).
Twin XL mattresses are great for taller sleepers, as the extra five inches provide a bit more leg room. Teenagers or college students who need more room to stretch out but don’t have the bedroom space for a full- or queen-size mattress may want to buy a twin XL. Just be sure that if you do choose this longer twin model, you buy twin XL sheets and bedding to match!
What’s the Difference Between a Twin and a Single Bed?
There’s no difference between a twin bed and a single bed. They’re two names for the same mattress size. Most people use the word “twin” to describe this size nowadays.
Other Mattress Sizes
The chart below compares the dimensions of a twin bed with the dimensions of other standard mattress sizes.
| Size | Dimensions (Width x Length) |
| Twin | 38″ x 75″ |
| Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ |
| Full | 54″ x 75″ |
| Queen | 60″ x 80″ |
| King | 76″ x 80″ |
| California King | 72″ x 84″ |
Think you’d like more space than a twin bed offers? Consult these lists for the best beds in each standard size.
Twin Mattress FAQs
Can two adults sleep in a twin bed?
Generally, no. Two petite adults may be able to share a twin bed, but they won’t be very comfortable. Twin beds were made for a single sleeper, so they don’t have enough room to accommodate two people.
How long is a twin bed?
A twin bed is 75 inches long. If you need even more room to stretch out lengthwise, consider a twin XL, which is 80 inches long.
How wide is a twin bed?
A twin bed is 38 inches wide. It’s the narrowest standard mattress size, but it’s usually wide enough for one adult to sleep comfortably.
What is the average cost of a twin bed?
The average cost of a quality twin bed is about $800. That price doesn’t account for sales or discounts, however. Twin beds for children will also typically cost less than twin beds for adults.
Do two twin beds make a king?
No, pushing two twin beds together will not give you the same dimensions as a king-size bed.
A king-size mattress is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, and two twin-size mattresses side-by-side will measure 76 inches wide by 75 inches long. So, you’ll have the same amount of width as a king bed, but not quite as much length. (Two twin XL mattresses pushed together, however, would give you the same dimensions as a king, also called a “split king.”)
If you’re looking for lots of room to spread out without combining beds, browse our list of the best king mattresses.
Recap: The Best Twin Mattresses
| Mattress | Best For | Price | Review |
| DreamCloud | Overall | $839.00 | DreamCloud Mattress Review |
| Helix Kids | Hybrid | $748.00 | Helix Kids Review |
| Saatva Youth | Flippable | $795.00 | Saatva Youth Review |
| WinkBed | Back Pain | $1,149.00 | WinkBed Mattress Review |
| Bear Cub | Side Sleepers | $695.00 | Coming Soon! |
| Nolah Nurture | Cooling | $919.00 | Coming Soon! |
| Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Essential | Affordable | $532.00 | Brooklyn Essential Mattress Review |
| Plank Firm | Firm | $749.00 | Plank Firm Mattress Review |
| Birch Kids Natural | Organic | $998.00 | Coming Soon! |
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