Choosing The Best Twin Mattress: Top-10 And The All-in-One Guide
Twin mattresses are 38-39 inches wide and 75 inches long, and this is the smallest of all standard sizes. The twin size is not the most popular mattress size in the US — only 6% of the American population has twin size beds. Just for comparison's sake: queen size beds are used by 47% of Americans and 19% of the US population prefer king size beds. However, that doesn’t mean twin mattresses are useless or have no strong points.
Thus, such mattresses are oftentimes used in student dormitories, children's rooms, guest rooms, etc. Yes, this size is not the best option for you if you are not sleeping alone, but twin mattresses are cheap, lightweight, comfortable, and portable. Let’s talk about them.
Best twin mattress list by Koala: top 10
| Name | The WinkBed | Awara Organic Mattress | Avocado Green | Saatva Organic Mattress | The Idle by Idle Sleep | Tuft & Needle Original Mattress | Wayfair Sleep 12-inch Pillow Top Hybrid Mattress | Classic Brands Cool Gel Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress | Lucid 8 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress | Dreamfoam Chill Memory Foam 6-inch Mattress |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mattress type | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Memory foam |
| Briefly about | Firmness: Medium-to-firm Thickness:13.5 inches Trial and Warranty: 120-night trial/lifetime warranty You may like it because: It's a premium mattress made with top-notch materials. It was awarded "Overall Best Mattress" in 2020 by U.S. News, it's great for all sleep positions, it has a great pressure-relieving top layer, and it provides that great feel of medium firmness. | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 13 inches Trial and Warranty: 365-night trial/lifetime warranty You may like it because: It's a 100% organic mattress made of natural latex, soft wool, and cotton. It's a perfect cooling mattress which is very durable, very comfortable, and bouncy thanks to the high-quality coils - they will make it easy for you to change your position at night. | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 11 inches Trial and Warranty: 1-year trial/25-year warranty You may like it because: Great support system, 100% non-toxic organic materials, and a latex layer that feels extremely comfortable. Avocado Green is firm enough for an adult to feel supported but it also provides that traditional cushioning feel. | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 11.5 inches Trial and Warranty:180-night trial/15-year non-prorated warranty You may like it because: It's a supportive mattress which is definitely not plush — it provides great support and offers pain relief, especially when it comes to back pain. Organic cotton cover, soft comfort layers, coils that provide support — everything is great about this mattress. | Firmness: Medium-to-firm Thickness: 12 inches Trial and Warranty: 18 months/lifetime You may like it because: The level of support is just perfect for most people with back problems and the level of comfort is great for those who need to want something soft-but-not-extra-soft. The memory foam layer relieves pressure much better than old-school foam mattresses, and the coils give support exactly where you need it. | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 10 inches Trial and Warranty: 100-night trial/10-year warranty You may like it because: This is one of the best Twin XL mattresses under $500. It's a very simple, breathable, and comfortable mattress with a top layer that doesn't retain heat. | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 12 inches Trial and Warranty:100-day trial/10-year warranty You may like it because: It's a great example of an affordable mattress that provides a sleeper with proper support and that is made of high-quality materials. It's softer than most other affordable hybrid mattresses because of the pad (that's why it's called "pillow top"). | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 10 inches Trial and Warranty: 100-night/10-year warranty You may like it because: It's a self-ventilating, cooling, hypoallergenic mattress that provides orthopedic support and that is also very affordable. It supports your back and reduces pressure points, so it's really a good choice for all sleeping styles. | Firmness: Firm Thickness: 8 inches Trial and Warranty: No trial/10-year warranty You may like it because: This is one of the cheapest 8-inch memory foam mattresses by Lucid, and it's certainly worth the money. It helps regulate body temperature at night and provides better support when compared to other hybrid mattresses within this price range. | Firmness: Firm Thickness: 6 inches Trial and Warranty:120-day trial/10-year warranty You may like it because: That's what a perfect bunk bed mattress looks like — it's not too thick and not bulky, it provides cooling as well as comfort, and it's as affordable as possible. As most users say, it's "firm but soft". It's not plush or extra soft, of course, but the gel memory foam layer makes it very comfortable for a 6-inch mattress. |
| Price | $1,049 | $899 | $899 | $799 | $549 | $395 | $305 | $185 | $160 | $159 |
| Koala’s award | Best innerspring twin mattress | Best organic twin mattress | Best twin size mattress for adults | Best hybrid mattress | Best dual-sided twin mattress | Best twin xl mattress | Best pillow top twin mattress | Best twin foam mattress | Best affordable twin mattress | Best twin mattress for a bunk bed |
The Winkbed overview: Best innerspring twin mattress
This is a medium-firm 13.5-inch mattress with both coil system and pillow top layers which make the Winkbed mattress supportive and firm enough. It eases muscle tension, it's great for the sleepers with back pain, for hot sleepers, and for those who are just looking for a very comfortable premium mattress. It's heavy, well-built, and very thick, but it’s like 6 or 7 in firmness — so if you are searching for something plush and very soft, that’s not the right option for you (or you’ll have to think of buying a soft mattress topper).
Pros and cons
Pros
- Literally the best choice for those who need a medium-to-firm mattress
- Great trial period policy — you can return this mattress during 120 nights and there's no need to keep the original packaging or to pay for a return
- It offers very deep support
- It’s very easy to set up thanks to the roll-pack box
Cons
- Even the softest firmness option is really not that soft
- It’s not the best options for side-sleepers (some users who sleep on the side say that this mattress makes them feel uncomfortable)
Koala recommends these similar mattresses too
| Name | Sweetnight Twin Size Gel Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress | Smith&Oliver 12-inch Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $261 | $213 |
Awara Organic Mattress overview: Best organic twin mattress
Convenient, cozy, cooling — this is a great premium-level mattress that is soft and supportive enough to be a good choice for stomach and back sleepers, as well as for those who have back pain (side sleepers might find it a little firm). It's really the best organic mattress in the market, so if you want to have better sleep and don't want chemicals, this is what you're looking for.
Pros and cons
Pros
- It’s a 100% non-toxic and eco-friendly mattress
- Gives very good support
- The top layer is made of New Zealand wool which makes this mattress soft (close to the "Luxury Firm")
- The 365-night trial period is one of the best trial periods you can find on the market
- Natural latex doesn't retain heat
- No odor
Cons
- It's not the best option for side sleepers
- 13 inches might be too high for some users
- Some users don't like the bounce effect
- The price is quite high
Koala recommends these similar mattresses too
| Name | Oliver Smith Organic Cotton Firm Mattress | SweetNight Breeze Twin Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $198 | $299 |
Avocado Green overview: Best twin size mattress for adults
Cushioning, comfort, support — Avocado Green is a hybrid latex mattress with a supportive coil system that provides everything you may need. It's eco-friendly and it's made of natural latex, wool fiber, and cotton — organic materials make this mattress breathable, fresh, and cool. Avocado Green is perfect for all sleeping styles and for all ages, including seniors. To get the best experience, use this mattress with the right pillow (firm one for back sleepers, medium pillow for side sleepers, thin pillow for stomach sleepers).
Pros and cons
Pros
- Eco-friendly and non-toxic
- Very durable
- Perfect for all sleeping styles
- Firm and very supportive
- One of the best hypoallergenic mattresses
- No smell/off-gassing
Cons
- The price is quite high
- If you’re searching for a plush mattress, Avocado Green isn’t what you need
- Some users say that this mattress has no side support
Koala recommends these similar mattresses too
| Name | Leesa Hybrid Mattress | Layla Memory Foam Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $899 | $499 |
Saatva Organic Mattress overview: Best hybrid mattress
The best thing about Saatva mattress is that it works great for almost all sleeping positions — the only type of sleepers that can have problems with this mattress is heavyweight back sleepers (they might not have enough support). If you have back pain, this mattress is what you definitely need, because it will support and contour your body without making you feel like you're sleeping on a rock. Saatva mattress is also perfect for hot sleepers, but according to the reviews, some "exceptionally hot" sleepers still sweat on this mattress (this is a very rare situation, to be fair).
Pros and cons
Pros
- Perfect for back and stomach sleepers
- The firm version offers just the right amount of support, the plush version is as soft as it should be
- The top cotton layer is very comfortable and breathable
- The edge support is just great
Cons
- Not the best mattress for plus-size back sleepers (not enough support)
- The mattress transfers movements
- It's too hard for some users (you can buy a soft topper or change a box spring to make it softer)
Koala recommends these similar mattresses too
| Name | Perfect Cloud Hybrid 11-inch Mattress | Linenspa 12-inch Gel Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $350 | $200 |
The Idle overview: Best dual-sided twin mattress
This 12 inch mattress is another perfect example of a great hybrid mattress — according to most users, it feels like 7-7.5/10 in terms of firmness, which makes it a great option for back sleepers. Stomach sleepers will like this Idle mattress, too, but those who prefer sleeping on the sides will probably want to feel more softness and have more pressure-relief. The coolest thing about this mattress is that it's flippable, which means it's suitable for different kinds of sleepers, it can be flipped if its owners are tired of sleeping on one particular side, and it is much more durable than other hybrid mattresses and it won't wear for quite some time.
Pros and cons
Pros
- It's firm enough to hold plus-size people — this mattress doesn't sink in even if both users are about 200 lbs
- It’s very durable
- The right combination of firmness and softness (however, it's close to firm and it's definitely not plush)
- Perfect for people with back problems
Cons
- Some users have problems with unpacking the mattress — be careful and don't cut the roll-packed mattress too deep because you can actually cut the mattress instead of packaging
- Side sleepers will probably not like how firm this mattress is
Koala recommends these similar mattresses too
| Name | Orthosleep 8-inch Flippable Mattress | Nolah Signature 12 inch 2-sided Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $1,190 | $855 |
Tuft & Needle Original Mattress overview: Best Twin XL mattress
It's one of the best mattresses under $500, but even if you are not on a budget, the T&N Original is worth paying attention to. It's a 10-inch mattress that works great for both back and stomach sleepers, but only if they are of average weight or less — the level of support provided by this 10-inch mattress is not enough to satisfy plus-size sleepers. The Original mattress is not the best option for hot sleepers, but it's also not hot at all. This is one of the most neutral mattresses in terms of firmness — it's neither too firm nor too plush.
Pros and cons
Pros
- This is a firm mattress that can work well for people with back and hip pain because of its support level (but we recommend asking your doctor if you need such a mattress - you may need another type!)
- No movement transference
- Very reasonable price
- Portable and lightweight mattress
Cons
- Some side sleepers might like this mattress, especially its initial level of firmness (it'll soften a bit later)
- This is not the best option for big sleepers because of the mattress height
- It's not as durable as more expensive mattresses
- Some people are not satisfied with the amount of support provided by this mattress
Koala recommends these similar mattresses too
| Name | Vibe 12-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress | Casper Original Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $176 | $695 |
Wayfair Sleep 12-inch Pillow Top Hybrid Mattress overview: Best pillow top twin mattress
Both back and stomach sleepers will like this mattress because of the softness provided by the pad. Most side sleepers will like it, too — the pressure points are well-cushioned, so even though this mattress is not the softest one, the side sleepers will get the pressure relief they need.
Just a tip, once you cut the plastic, the mattress will roll out immediately — make sure the fleur-de-lis is at the top, so this side goes up.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very easy to unfold
- It’s thick, well-built, and it looks (and feels) like a much more expensive mattress
- Perfect softness-firmness balance
Cons
- For users who prefer extra soft mattresses, this one is too firm
- The odor from off-gassing is quite unpleasant
Koala recommends these similar mattresses too
| Name | Logan & Cove Luxury Pillow Top Mattress | Helix Midnight Luxe |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $601 | $895 |
Classic Brands Cool Gel Ventilated Memory Foam Mattress overview: Best twin foam mattress
If you're looking for a mattress that will feel very comfortable and support your back, this 10-inch mattress is one of the best options. The gel-infused memory foam provides the cooling effect and makes it much plusher than old-school foam mattresses. Thanks to this technology, it's really comfortable no matter how you sleep — it's firm enough for back and stomach sleepers, and if you're a side sleeper, it won't make your hips hurt (however, if you're a plus-size side sleeper, you might experience certain problems with it). Those who have lower back pain might experience discomfort, too, because this mattress is a bit more to the firm side.
Pros and cons
Pros
- It's lightweight, firm, and very affordable
- The cooling gel works exactly as expected
- It's a good option for people who suffer from chronic pain because of its firmness and cooling gel
- Very little motion disturbances
Cons
- Not soft enough for people with low back pain problems
- Smells too strong when new
- The corners are squished and sometimes, this mattress kind of sinks on the sides
Koala recommends these similar mattresses too
| Name | The Dreamcloud | Nectar Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $599 | $499 |
Lucid 8 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress overview: Best affordable twin mattress
Most customers say that this mattress is 2/5 on the firmness scale — thanks to the gel-infused top layer, it feels a bit more comfortable than medium-firm mattresses. It's not the best option for hot sleepers (it gets hot quite easy), but it's perfect for back and stomach sleepers because of the firmness-softness balance. If you are a side sleeper, this mattress is probably not soft enough to provide the pressure relief you need.
Pros and cons
Pros
- It's one of the most affordable mattresses
- The firmness is just right for most back and stomach sleepers, as well as for those who have back problems
- The mattress cover is just great
- It's very lightweight
Cons
- It's a good choice for "warm" sleepers, but not for hot sleepers. If you're a hot sleeper who wants to buy this mattress, be careful — according to some reviews, there is a mold problem with this mattress, and it can be caused by sweat.
- Some users complain that the sides of the mattress don't hold shape
Koala recommends these similar mattresses too
| Name | Olee Sleep 10-inch Gel Infused Mattress | Lucid 10-inch 2020 Gel Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $145 | $178 |
Dreamfoam Chill Memory Foam 6-inch Mattress overview: Best twin mattress for a bunk bed
This is a 6-inch mattress — it's not thick enough for your main bed, but that’s ok because it's not intended to be your main mattress. It's a perfect choice for a bunk bed because bunk mattresses shouldn't be higher than 6-7 inches, and it’s as comfortable as one could expect from a mattress this high.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very good price
- No odor
- If you prefer sleeping on the edge, this mattress will not make you feel like you're gonna fall
- It works great for most back sleepers
- Dreamfoam is a big brand on the market and they have a good trial policy — if you have problems with adjusting to a new mattress, you can return it during the first 4 months
Cons
- For some people, it's too firm (buying a soft topper will most likely help if you have the same problem)
- It's rounded on one side
- Not the best option for people with hip pain
Koala recommends these similar mattresses too
| Name | Fortnight Bedding 6-inch Foam Mattress | Linenspa 5" Gel Memory Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $169 | $95 |
How to choose the best twin mattress: Koala’s short guide
Mattress type
Do you want your mattress to be breathable and feel more supportive? Then, choose the innerspring mattresses. Do you want it to be more cushioning and provide that cooling effect? Then, you need a memory foam mattress. Want the best of both worlds? Then, hybrid mattresses are for you.
Price
It's possible to find mattresses under $300, and some of them are quite good, but if you wanna feel the premium quality, you should expect to spend at least $800-$1,000. It's not just about the quality of materials — expensive mattresses by premium brands usually offer a better warranty, trial, and customer care. You should also know about all seasonal sales and discounts that can save you a fortune — you can check our guide on the best time to buy a mattress.
Firmness
Extra plush mattresses (1-3 out of 10) are very rare, as well as extra firm ones (8-10), so you'll have to choose one of the three options: soft (medium-to-soft), medium, and firm (medium-to-firm). Soft and medium-to-soft mattresses are great for side sleepers; medium mattresses are both supportive and comfortable and they work great for people who sleep in all positions; firm mattresses provide more support and work better for back and stomach sleepers, as well as for plus-size sleepers.
Thickness
8-10 inch mattresses are cheaper and they are perfect for people who weigh less than 150 lbs, but they are not as durable as thicker products. 10-12 inch mattresses are the golden mean — they work great for most sleepers, they are not as expensive as thicker options, and they are both comfy and supportive. Side sleepers, plus-size sleepers, and people with arthritis might prefer 12-14 inch mattresses with more soft layers.
Edge support
A mattress with good edge support is a mattress you will not roll out at night. If the edge support is right, the mattress sides are as comfortable to sleep on as its center. If you need a mattress to prevent you from falling off the bed or if you often sit on the edge of your bed, choose a mattress with good edge support. In this case, think of purchasing a good memory foam/latex/hybrid mattress (they provide good edge support) or a mattress with rod edges.
Temperature regulation
If you sweat at night or feel overheated regularly, a cooling mattress will improve your sleep quality. It's up to you which cooling technology to choose (gel-infused foam, enhanced airflow, pocketed coils), but most medium-priced cooling mattresses have gel foam layers that both cool and relieve pressure.
Noise
It's simple: the mattresses with springs are quite noisy, especially when they have exceeded a certain age (7-8 years). Latex, hybrid, and memory foam mattresses are much more quiet.
Conclusion
From $160 to $1,000, from firm to soft ones, from 6 inches to 12 inches — there are twin mattresses for literally every sleeping style, budget, body type, and room. The only thing you have to do now is to choose the mattress that fits you best.
If you want to feel extra comfort, choose a very soft mattress, if you want to feel support, choose a firmer one; if you weigh less than 150 lbs, choose a thin mattress, if you are a plus-size person, choose a 12-14 inch one. If you are a hot sleeper, choose a cooling mattress, and if you don't like it when a mattress is noisy, think of buying a latex, hybrid, or a memory foam mattress. And don't forget to test the mattress you’ve chosen — almost all the manufacturers offer at least a 100-day trial period which is usually enough to understand if it's the right choice for you.
FAQ
Twin vs. Twin XL mattress: what’s the difference and what I should choose?
Their width is the same (38 inches), but twin XL is 80 inches long, while twin size is 75 inches long. Twin XL mattresses are more expensive ($50-$100 more usually). If you are taller than average, you should choose a twin XL size.
How much does a twin mattress cost?
There are lots of twin mattresses — some of them cost $150, the others are priced higher than $1,000. There are many good affordable twin mattresses, but the premium ones are usually more durable and are made with better materials.
What is the standard size of a twin mattress?
The twin mattress size is 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. These mattresses are not the best option for couples, but they are often used in dorms, children's rooms, guest rooms, RVs, etc.
How thick is a twin mattress?
There are 6, 8, 10, 12, and even 14-inch twin mattresses. The thin ones (6-8 inches) are cheaper and work best for people who weigh less than average. 14-inch mattresses are perfect for plus-size sleepers and side sleepers. 8-12 inch mattresses work great for the majority of sleepers.
How much does a twin mattress weigh?
An average twin mattress weighs about 45-46 lbs. The thicker the mattress, the heavier it will be. The weight also depends on the type of the mattress — latex mattresses are heavier than memory foam mattresses. Memory foam mattresses are, in turn, heavier than innerspring mattresses.
Where to buy a cheap twin mattress?
Buy it online, of course. Most website manufacturers have websites where you can purchase their mattresses, bed platforms, box springs, pillows, mattress toppers and protectors, etc. It's much easier than buying a mattress in a mattress store!
How to make a couch from a twin mattress?
What is the best twin mattress pad?
- Twin Mattress Pad by Favorland - $23
- AmazonBasics Hypoallergenic Pad Cover - $20
- Co-Z Mattress Pad Cover - $38
Is it a good idea to buy a twin inflatable mattress for a kid?
Inflatable mattresses are NOT for 15-months old toddlers because there is risk of suffocation. Children who are over 15 months can sleep on inflatable mattresses — but you have to make sure that the mattress is always 100% inflated and that the kid can not get trapped between the mattress and the wall.
Can an adult sleep on a twin mattress with comfort?
Yes. Twin mattresses can be as comfortable as their Queen and King counterparts and they work great for adults — but only if the adult is not taller and bigger than average.
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Sep 6, 2020