Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
Taller sleepers are often all too familiar with the sensation of having one or both feet dangling off the end of the bed. Even if you’ve outgrown a fear of a monster grabbing your toes, it’s an uncomfortable way to rest.
Enter the twin XL mattress: a smart option for people who need extra space to stretch their legs or a little more room to grow. Here, we’ve compiled what we consider to be the best twin XL mattresses available, and we’ll also share tips for deciding whether this size is right for you.
Our Pick for The Best Twin XL Mattress is…
The Nectar mattress: this affordable all-foam mattress packs a ton of value at a great price.
Best Twin XL Mattresses
- Nectar – Editor’s Pick
- Helix Midnight – Best Twin XL Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Saatva Youth – Best Twin XL Mattress for Kids
- DreamCloud – Best Twin XL Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Nolah Nurture – Best Organic Twin XL Mattress for Kids
- Bear Original – Best Twin XL Mattress for Back Pain
- WinkBed – Best Twin XL Mattress for Customizable Firmness
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Firm Twin XL Mattress
- Titan Plus – Best Twin XL Mattress for Heavy People
Our Video Review of The Best Twin XL Mattresses
Compare The Best Twin XL Mattresses
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| Nectar Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Saatva Youth Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Nolah Nurture Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Titan Plus | |
| Rating | |||||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 8/10 | |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | |||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 Nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights |
| Best For | Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples | Couples, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers | Kids, Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Seniors | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Kids, Hot Sleepers | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors | Couples, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to understand 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 different positions lets us know how supportive the bed is and whether it effectively relieves pressure.
We then take all the information we’ve gathered to rate the bed in specific categories. These results allow us to help our readers find the right mattress for their needs.
What We Look for in a Twin XL Mattress
Spinal Support
Often, teens and young adults are among those using a twin XL bed, and while support is vital for any age group, it’s especially important for growing bodies. With this in mind, we focused on including beds that offer great support through either denser foam materials or a strong innerspring unit.
Strong Edges
If you’re on a narrower bed like a twin XL, you’ll need all the surface space you can get. Reliable edge support means you can sleep against the side of the bed and still feel well-supported. We like to see good twin XL beds have solid edge support for sleeping through either reinforced perimeter foam or coils.
Good Value
A twin XL is a much smaller size and odds are anyone shopping for a bed this size doesn’t want to spend an arm and a leg on it. That said, a mattress should still be a reliable, well-made product to ensure it’ll provide a comfortable sleeping space. With that in mind, we picked beds that we feel are a good value for the price. They aren’t necessarily the absolute cheapest beds out there, but they are well-made mattresses that are still highly affordable.
The Best Twin XL Mattresses, Reviewed
Nectar – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: We believe that Nectar offers a quality bed backed up by generous policies, and for under $1,000 for a queen (after discounts). If you’re looking for a firmer foam mattress on a budget, the Nectar Classic has you covered.
Why the Nectar Earned Editor’s Pick
The Nectar twin XL mattress is one of the most affordable options on the market, but its budget-friendly price doesn’t come at the cost of quality. A popular bed-in-a-box option, Nectar ships free to your door—and if you’re not satisfied, you can return it at no cost.
Our Thoughts After Testing Nectar
I think this bed is a winning champion of this list due to its overall feel and affordability.
Helix Midnight – Best Twin XL Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Advisor Says: The Midnight has one of the most impressive score spreads of all the mattresses we’ve reviewed. The best word to describe it is “balanced”: it’s got pressure relief, support, and cooling power in spades, plus a versatile medium-firm feel that tends to satisfy lots of sleepers.
Why the Helix Midnight Earned Best Twin XL Mattress for Back Sleepers
While stomach sleepers enjoy a firmer mattress and side sleepers require a softer one, back sleepers are somewhere in the middle. If you sleep on your back, you will want a medium-firm option to ensure that your hips are not only cushioned but also properly lifted and in alignment with the rest of your spine.
Given these requirements, the Helix Midnight twin XL mattress is a strong choice for individuals who like to sleep on their backs. Its hybrid construction of pressure-relieving memory foam and supportive coils helps achieve a comfortable balance for the average back sleeper.
Saatva Youth – Best Twin XL 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 Twin XL Mattress for Kids
If you have a growing child and want to give them a little extra space to stretch their legs, the Saatva Youth is a great twin XL mattress to consider. It’s designed for children specifically and has two usable sides: a firmer side for ages 3-7 and a softer side for ages 8-12.
Like their mattresses for adults, this bed has an organic cotton cover and an innerspring unit that encourages spinal alignment. But it also has a waterproof layer—an add-on that will definitely come in handy during potty training.
DreamCloud – Best Twin XL Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
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 XL Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Although its name implies a lot of cushioning, the DreamCloud is a relatively firm twin XL bed with the right support for most stomach sleepers. But don’t worry, you’ll still get pressure relief from its upper foam layers, as well as a touch of luxury from its cashmere cover.
Under these comfort layers is an 8.5-inch coil unit that adds support and responsiveness. The springs give the bed a bouncy feel so that you won’t sink deep into it.
Our Thoughts After Testing the DreamCloud Original Hybrid
The firm feel doesn’t take away from comfort and contouring. I felt all the layers working together to keep my spine aligned and still ease pressure points.
The DreamCloud has a cushiony top, but the coils make it responsive enough to easily switch positions without feeling stuck. We all felt nicely aligned in all positions, including on the stomach.
Since it’s a hybrid, there’s enough airflow to prevent the foam layers from overheating. Plus, they went the extra mile to infuse gel into the foam, so that’s additional cooling for those who sleep hot.
My Take: When I tested the DreamCloud, I felt supported in every sleeping position, but as a dedicated stomach sleeper, this bed is one of my favorites!
Customer Reviews 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. Still, it offers excellent support and comfort for those who prefer a medium-firm feel.
Interested in this bed? Read our thorough DreamCloud mattress review or peruse the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
Nolah Nurture – Best Organic Twin XL 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 Organic Twin XL Mattress for Kids
A child’s mattress may not stay in your home forever, but you’ll still want to vet the materials inside it for safety and quality. The Nolah Nurture is a twin XL bed designed for kids and made with certified organic textiles.
Instead of a synthetic fire barrier, this bed has layers of organic wool certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. On both sides (did we mention it’s flippable?), you’ll find a cover made from GOTS-certified organic cotton. Sandwiched between these eco-friendly layers is a coil unit buffered by specialized foams.
Bear Original – Best Twin XL Mattress for Back Pain
The Advisor Says: With a name that inspires hibernation, it’s no surprise we found the Bear Original to be an attractive all-foam mattress at its fair price. It’s got a firmer feel that’s sure to please folks looking for support—and a surprising amount of bounce.
Why the Bear Original Earned Best Twin XL Mattress for Back Pain
The Bear brand aims to help people with active lifestyles sleep better while improving their recovery. Its Original mattress is an all-foam bed with three layers and a 10-inch height, adding up to a pleasantly portable twin XL mattress. Its supportive materials and medium-level firmness encourage proper spine alignment, which is a huge help for many sleepers with back pain.
For an additional fee, you can add a Celliant® cover to your Bear Original mattress, which could be beneficial for those with back pain. According to the makers of Celliant®, this textile converts kinetic energy into infrared light, which can reportedly reduce inflammation.
WinkBed – Best Twin XL Mattress for Customizable Firmness
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 XL Mattress for Customizable Firmness
The WinkBed twin XL mattress has three firmness options, so sleepers can choose which to purchase based on their individual preferences. Side sleepers may prefer the softest version, while stomach and back sleepers should like the support firmer models provide.
This customizability, combined with its pressure-relieving and motion-isolating capabilities, makes the WinkBed a solid choice for folks wanting to tailor their twin XL bed.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Firm Twin XL Mattress
The Advisor Says: For shoppers on a budget, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is one of the top hybrids we recommend. It’s simultaneously soft and bouncy, with three firmness options and decent cooling power.
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Earned Best Firm Twin XL Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in three firmness levels, but for those looking for a firm mattress specifically, we recommend their Firm version, which should fit most back and stomach sleepers looking for support and healthy spine alignment.
Don’t be fooled by this bed’s simple construction. It comes in at a fair price for a hybrid and should do well for those seeking a comfortable yet firm Twin XL bed.
Titan Plus – Best Twin XL Mattress for Heavy People
The Advisor Says: Brooklyn Bedding created the Titan Plus to cater to heavier shoppers looking for a bed that truly met their needs, and we believe they’ve delivered. Consider buying the Titan Plus if you’re looking for a comfortably supportive mattress with added benefits like cooling and bounce.
Why the Titan Plus Earned Best Twin XL Mattress for Heavy People
The Titan Plus was created to provide reliable support where other mattresses might sag and disappoint. Its construction—two foam layers on top of super-strong springs—caters to the needs of plus-sized sleepers in particular.
The twin XL Titan Plus features the same components as the larger sizes in a more compact bed. Reinforced edge support should keep sleepers feeling secure, and a 2-inch layer of proprietary TitanFlex™ foam emulates both the cushioning and the responsiveness of latex.
What to Consider Before Purchasing a Twin XL Mattress
Twin XL vs. Twin
Twin and twin XL beds are both 38 inches wide, but the twin XL is slightly longer at 80 inches. The extra 5 inches compared to a twin mattress make a twin XL ideal for taller sleepers.
A twin XL is also a good option for a split king mattress since two twin XLs are the same size as a king.
Budget
Mattresses can be a major expenditure, and you want to find one that suits your needs and your budget. Fortunately, quality mattresses can be found at many price points, and shopping online, especially around holiday deals, can save you even more money.
The benefit of twin XL mattresses is that they’re considerably cheaper than larger sizes. On average, the price of a quality twin XL bed ranges from about $800 to $1,300, though you may find some lower or higher depending on the brand and any deals happening.
Related: Best Affordable Beds
Weight and Body Type
Given the smaller surface space of twin XL mattresses, you will want to ensure that your mattress is compatible with your body weight. Whereas most people are well-supported by medium or medium-firm beds, those on the heavier side will usually need mattresses on the firmer side, and lighter people are often best served by softer mattresses.
Lightweight sleepers need plush mattresses that’ll give them more cushioning against their joints, and those on the heavier side need a firmer bed to keep them from pushing through the bed’s layers too much.
Explore more: Best Beds for Heavy People.
Room Size
Your room might be the determining factor if you’re trying to decide between a twin and twin XL bed. So, grab your measuring tape and get the exact dimensions first so you know what you’re working with.
When it comes to room size, the minimum recommendation for a twin XL bed is 80 square feet. Due to its specific dimensions, a twin XL bed is a good fit for narrow but long rooms, whereas a twin is more suitable for even smaller rooms.
Mattress Materials
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring beds are made of strong and durable coils that respond to and support your body weight. Many innerspring mattresses move as one unit, which doesn’t allow for the same kind of targeted support as some of their counterparts. However, with the introduction of individually wrapped coils, some innerspring mattresses can now adapt to heavier and lighter parts of the body.
These mattresses typically offer great responsiveness and bounce. Although they are durable, those made with continuous coil construction can be susceptible to lots of motion transfer. However, since one person usually uses a twin XL bed, this shouldn’t be as big of an issue.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses take components of innerspring mattresses and combine them with parts of memory foam or latex beds. Typically this will consist of a base made of coils and upper comfort levels constructed of memory foam or latex. This allows for mattresses that combine durability and supportiveness with pressure relief, contouring, and responsiveness.
Considering that you won’t have as much width to stretch out when you are sleeping on a twin XL bed, hybrid mattresses may be a good choice as they can make you feel supported and comfortable.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses offer slow-moving and contouring that hugs and supports your body. This can make them great for side sleepers as memory foam can relieve pressure around areas that come into contact with the mattress such as the shoulders and hips. However, the slow response of memory foam may make them problematic for combination sleepers as these people may feel stuck when they are changing positions.
Additionally, one of the complaints about memory foam mattresses is that they tend to sleep hot. However, many manufacturers have taken great strides to implement cooling technologies and many memory foam beds now offer solid temperature regulation. The affordability and ease of delivery of memory foam mattresses make them a great choice for college students who often need twin XL mattresses.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses tend to have great bounce and responsiveness. This makes them an excellent choice for combination sleepers, people with limited mobility, and those who are sexually active. Plus, they are great for pressure relief.
Latex beds are often offered in sustainable, all-natural latex that is sourced from the sap of rubber trees.
Although an excellent choice on many fronts, latex mattresses are typically a more expensive choice. The smaller size of a twin XL mattress will make it more affordable, but it will still be more expensive than other mattress types in the same size.
Who Are Twin XL Mattresses Best For?
- College students – A twin XL mattress is a good fit for college students since they are longer to accommodate taller people but are still narrow enough to fit within a smaller dorm room space.
- Growing teenagers – A twin XL bed is great if your teenager has outgrown their twin bed. It’s a perfect transitioning size because it’s longer than a twin yet narrower than a full or queen.
- Couples looking for a split king bed – A split king bed features two mattresses in one, and the twin XL size is great for most bed foundations.
- Tall single adults – A twin XL bed is narrow but long, so it’s perfect for solo sleepers who are taller.
Who Should Avoid Twin XL Mattresses?
- Couples – A twin XL mattress would be too narrow for two adults to sleep in.
- Smaller children – Small kids don’t necessarily need as much legroom, so they’re better off with a twin mattress.
- Restless sleepers – Restless sleepers who toss and turn on a twin XL could find themselves on the floor sooner rather than later. These people typically require more wiggle room that the twin XL doesn’t have.
Other Mattress Shopping Considerations:
Sleeping Position
Back Sleepers
For the most part, the best mattresses for back sleepers are medium-firm beds that provide an even distribution of weight and a neutral spine. While most back sleepers could take advantage of almost any mattress type, those who also need some good pressure relief may prefer hybrid, latex, or memory foam options.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers put a lot of pressure on the relatively small areas of of the shoulders and the hips. These sleepers generally need a mattress that offers enough softness to provide cushioning and pressure around their joints. However, to keep heavier areas of the body from sinking too far into the mattress, the best side sleeper mattresses must also be supportive. Hybrid, memory foam, and latex mattresses can often work well for side sleepers.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers need a bed that can support their hips. If hips are allowed to sag too far down, the lower back can curve too much, which can lead to back pain in this area. Therefore, firmer mattresses are often the best beds for stomach sleepers.
Combination Sleepers
These sleepers move from one position to another throughout the night. To make this as easy as possible, they will want a mattress that is responsive and provides good bounce as these characteristics will help them from feeling stuck. Latex, hybrid, and innerspring beds are some of the best mattress options for combination sleepers.
Firmness
Every type and size of mattress, including twin XL, comes in various firmness options. We rank mattresses on a scale of 1 through 10, with 10 being the hardest. My fellow mattress testers and I perform hands-on tests to bring you first-hand firmness information.
Anything below a 5 would be considered soft, whereas firmness ratings between 5 and 6.5 are in the medium range, which most beds fall within. A rating of 7 or higher means a bed skews firmer. How soft or hard you like your mattress is ultimately determined by personal preference, but a mattress’s firmness level can also factor into how well it supports your body weight and preferred sleep position.
Cooling
A cooler sleeping environment is key to a restful and restorative night of sleep. Although some materials and types of mattresses are more conducive to temperature regulation, many manufacturers have begun to infuse mattresses with gel and design them with other cooling materials and technologies to ensure a cooler night’s sleep.
Of the mattress types, memory foam is naturally the warmest because the foam doesn’t allow for airflow. However, many memory foam mattress companies are addressing this by including gel infusions and perforations in the foam.
Mattresses that are made with coils, such as innerspring and hybrid are excellent choices for staying cool in the bedroom because the coils provide great airflow which helps prevent the mattress from heating up. The open-cell structure of latex also makes these beds a fantastic choice when you want to stay cool throughout the night.
Edge Support
Although edge support may not seem like an essential mattress feature, when you are dealing with a mattress that is not particularly wide like the twin XL size, it becomes a pertinent characteristic. Considering that there isn’t much surface area for this size mattress, having substantial edge support can be the difference between a secure, restful night’s sleep and one where you feel as if you’re falling out of bed.
Secure edges can also make it easier to get into and out of the bed. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses typically have great edge support, and many foam mattresses reinforce the edges with higher-density foam along the perimeter.
Pressure Relief
Sleeping is one of the best ways for us to restore and rejuvenate our bodies. However, if your bed leaves you waking with aches and pains, it is not performing one of its core duties.
Pressure can build up from mattresses being too soft which can lead to your hips sagging too far down in the bed, putting your spine in awkward and uncomfortable positions. On the other hand, overly-firm mattresses may not provide enough cushioning, which can also lead to pressure buildup. Medium to medium-firm mattresses are often a great choice for many body types and preferred sleep positions, and they often deliver both adequate cushioning and support.
Best Twin XL Mattress FAQs
How much does a twin XL mattress cost?
Twin XL mattresses are made with a variety of materials. Therefore, the cost will largely depend on the type of mattress that you select since some mattress types, such as latex and hybrid models, are often more expensive.
In general, twin XL can cost around $100-$200 more than regular twin mattresses. Although you can find twin XL mattresses at very low prices, expect to pay at least about $800 for a durable, quality-made twin XL mattress.
What size is a twin XL mattress?
A twin XL mattress measures 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. It’s 5 inches longer than a standard twin, making it the same length as a queen- or king-size bed.
Which mattress is better: twin or twin XL?
Neither mattress size is objectively better — a twin XL is just the longer of the two. It will likely be a better choice for a tall person, someone who is going or may soon go through a growth spurt, or someone who appreciates some extra legroom.
On the other hand, a standard twin mattress will fit most small children comfortably and may be slightly easier to match with bedding and frames.
Will a twin XL mattress fit on a twin frame?
No, a twin XL mattress will be too long for a bed frame built for a standard twin. Even if you’re able to place the twin XL on a twin-size frame, the extra 5 inches of the mattress will protrude past the end of the frame, making for an unsteady and potentially uncomfortable sleeping experience.
Do two twin XL mattresses make a king?
Yes, two twin XL mattresses provide the same dimensions as a standard king bed. By combining two twin XL mattresses rather than a regular king, couples can customize their side of the bed, even more so if they get an adjustable split king base.
| Mattress | Best For | Twin XL Price | Review |
| Nectar | Editor’s Pick | $769 | Nectar Mattress Review |
| Helix Midnight | Back Sleepers | $899 | Helix Midnight Mattress Review |
| Saatva Youth | Kids | $935 | Saatva Youth Mattress Review |
| DreamCloud | Stomach Sleepers | $999 | DreamCloud Mattress Review |
| Nolah Nurture | Organic for Kids | $999 | Coming Soon! |
| Bear Original | Back Pain | $850 | Bear Original Mattress Review |
| WinkBed | Customizable Firmness | $1,249 | WinkBed Mattress Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Firm | $799 | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress Review |
| Titan Plus | Heavy People | $799 | Titan Plus Mattress Review |
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester 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
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach