The Best Twin Mattresses That Beautifully Blend Comfort, Quality, and Value

When it comes to finding the best twin mattress, we know the struggle. It’s tough to find one that’s comfy and durable and doesn’t feel like a college dorm bed or something from a big box store. We get it. Even though twin mattresses are often used in the short term—maybe for your kid bound to outgrow it or for an occasional guest—that doesn’t mean you should compromise on quality.

Whether it’s for your child, a guest, or even yourself, we believe every solo sleeper deserves big-time comfort. So, being the sleep and mattress pros we are, we tested and reviewed hundreds of beds to arrive at our top twin mattress picks for you. From firmness and support to pressure relief and cooling, we know the best mattresses after getting a real feel for them—and we’re excited to share our favorites with you.

The Absolute Best Twin Mattress: Nectar Memory Foam

Our best overall twin mattress is the Nectar Memory Foam due to its soft, comforting feel and exceptional support. It excels in cushioning the joints, providing pressure relief and offering cooling benefits. It’s also featured as one of our top picks for the best mattresses on Amazon. Plus, for a twin mattress, the price is hard to beat for the quality it offers. Ahead, we dive deeper to discuss this mattress.

Our Top Picks for the Best Twin Mattresses

• Best Overall Twin Mattress: Nectar Memory Foam
• Best Hybrid Twin Mattress: DreamCloud Classic Hybrid
• Best Firm Twin Mattress: Bear Original
• Best Cooling Twin Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Essential
• Best Twin XL Mattress: Nolah Natural
• Best Twin Mattress for Kids: Saatva Youth
• Best Organic Twin Mattress: Birch Natural
• Best Twin Mattress for Side Sleepers: Leesa Original
• Best Affordable Twin Mattress: Siena Memory Foam

Ahead, our editors and writers give in-depth accounts of their experiences sleeping on the following twin mattresses. If you’re interested in one particular mattress, click below to jump straight to that mattress review:

Nectar Memory Foam | DreamCloud Classic Hybrid | Bear Original | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Nolah Natural | Saatva Youth | Birch Natural | Leesa Original | Siena Memory Foam

• Mattress type: Memory foam
• Firmness: Soft
• Trial Period: 365 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

• 12-inch height with five layers of premium Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified fabrics and CertiPUR-US certified foams
• Breathable cooling cover for hot sleepers
• Contouring pressure relief for comfort

Why should you choose this twin mattress? The Nectar Memory Foam is a favorite mattress-in-a-box here at AD, and for good reason. It’s cushiony yet supportive, with contouring memory foam layers that relieve pressure, especially on the back and hips, our testers note. Plus, the cool-to-the-touch top cover adds an extra layer of cooling comfort. For its price and value, this best overall twin mattress is an excellent choice for various people and spaces, including kids, teens, solo sleepers, and guest rooms.

What does this mattress feel like? The Nectar Memory Foam may be one of the most affordable options on our best twin mattress roundup, but it doesn’t skimp on comfort or quality. Testers appreciated the plush “body sinking in” feel, with foam layers providing excellent joint cushioning. The gel memory foam and breathable cooling cover also did a solid job absorbing body heat for a cooler night’s sleep. Side sleeping felt comfortable overall, though there was some pressure buildup in that area per testers. Motion transfer was minimal, and the mattress wasn’t bouncy—both expected for an all-foam bed. However, there can be a lack of support when lying on the edge, with noticeable sinkage when sitting there.

What do we love about this mattress? Although cushiony, our testers found the Nectar Memory Foam highly comfortable for back and side sleeping, offering great pressure relief and body contouring. Overall, it’s a fantastic memory foam mattress that provides comfort and cooling. It’s worth mentioning that Nectar offers a premier option at an excellent price point that delivers twice the pressure relief and 60% more cooling. This premier version also earned the best memory foam mattress in our side sleepers’ rankings.

What would we change, if anything, about this mattress? Testers noted a lack of support when lying on the edge, as if slipping off when lying on the side. This can be uncomfortable for those who tend to shift positions frequently while in bed or prefer to sleep close to the side.

• Support level: 5
• Durability: 5
• Motion control: 5
• Cooling: 4.5
• Edge support: 4
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 5

• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Firm
• Trial Period: 365 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

• 12-inch height with eight-layer construction and CertiPUR-US certified foams
• Breathable cashmere blend quilted cover top for cooling
• Individually wrapped inner coils with edge support to keep the body lifted

Why should you choose this twin mattress? DreamCloud’s Classic Hybrid mattress was named one of the best mattresses in our 2024 Best Sleep Awards. It has everything you want in a hybrid mattress: a breathable cashmere-blend quilted top cover, gel-infused memory foam, and innerspring coils with enhanced edge support. Offering excellent value at a low price point, it’s our best hybrid twin mattress, providing overall strong support, according to our testers.

What does this mattress feel like? This mattress has a firmer feel, with slower-moving foams that offer firm cushioning and keep you on top of the bed. Testers noted it’s not overtly cooling but maintains a comfortable temperature without the overheating typical of memory foam. Bounciness is minimal and the surface is easy to move around on. Edge support is average, though the testers like the overall quality and support.

What do we love about this mattress? This mattress offers strong support, particularly for back and stomach sleeping positions, according to testers. For an upgrade, the premier option delivers even more enhanced support. Overall, it feels like a high-quality, supportive mattress.

What would we change, if anything, about this mattress? There isn’t much that we’d change about this mattress. However, the edge support is just average, so it could use reinforced layers to comfort and better support those who change positions often or prefer sleeping close to the edge.

• Support level: 5
• Durability: 5
• Motion control: 4.5
• Cooling: 4
• Edge support: 4.5
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 5

• Mattress type: Memory foam
• Firmness: Very firm
• Trial Period: 120 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

• 10-inch height with three layers of CertiPUR-US certified foam
• GreenGuard Gold certified for low emissions
• Breathable quilted cover for cooling

Why should you choose this twin mattress? Bear Original’s memory foam mattress is our top pick for the best firm twin mattress, delivering exceptional support for those who prefer that firmness level. It also offers impressive responsiveness and even comes with a complimentary two-pack set of queen pillows. It’s a great value, available at a low price during sales, which are often, per our testers.

What does this mattress feel like? Testers found the Bear Original twin mattress very firm, offering solid support, but its thin profile may not suit individuals with larger bodies. Edge support is average to slightly below average, making it feel unstable when getting out of bed. While it provides decent cooling, it doesn’t perform as well as hybrids and lacks a built-in cooling cover. However, a Celliant-infused cover that helps regulate body temperature is available for purchase. The minimal sinking and lack of contouring allow for easy movement, but testers wouldn’t recommend it for side sleepers due to pressure buildup when tested in that position.

What do we love about this mattress? Testers noted feeling almost no pressure when tested for back sleeping. They also found it ideal for stomach sleeping, keeping the hips elevated and lower backs supported. The mattress is highly responsive, making it great for those who move around in their sleep. Its firm feel is particularly suited for back-to-stomach combination sleepers who prefer a mattress that allows them to lie on top rather than sink in.

What would we change, if anything, about this mattress? We suggest improving edge support, as one tester mentioned feeling like they might slip off the bed. Additionally, increasing the layers or offering a thicker option could enhance support, especially for people with heavier body types as this memory foam mattress is relatively thin. Our best overall twin mattress, the Nectar Memory Foam, provides a thicker profile.

• Support level: 4.5
• Durability: 4
• Motion control: 4
• Cooling: 4
• Edge support: 4
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 5

• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Trial Period: 120 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

• High-density comfort quilted top layer (1.5-inches thick)
• Transition foam layer (0.75-inches thick)
• Eight-inch height individually encased coils provide contouring, motion isolation, and edge support

Why should you choose this twin mattress? The Brooklyn Bedding Essential twin hybrid mattress takes our top spot for the best cooling twin mattress. This mattress is an excellent choice if you sleep hot and seek a true medium-firm feel without unnecessary frills. It offers airflow and support from its breathable coils while providing plush comfort from the upper layers.

What does this mattress feel like? Our testers found that, despite being a thinner mattress, it feels very supportive overall. There is some sinkage when sitting on the edge, but it’s manageable. This mattress performed better than average in terms of cooling. It’s easy to move on, as testers didn’t sink deeply into the foam. It’s great for back sleepers, with a medium-firm feel that provides excellent support. Additionally, stomach sleepers benefit from minimal hip sinkage, although testers experienced high pressure at the shoulders.

What do we love about this mattress? Testers commend this mattress for its superior cooling properties, ranking it higher in this list for that feature. The eight-inch coils move independently, reducing heat retention, and the mattress features minimal foam, which can trap body heat. The mattress is ideal for sleepers who tend to move around at night, especially combination sleepers who shift between stomach and back positions, testers note.

What would we change, if anything, about this mattress? Adding more layers or a premier option with extra thickness could give side sleepers more support and comfort. Testers noted that the mattress is relatively thin and feels slightly too firm for this sleeping position. Our best twin mattress for side sleepers, the Leesa Original, will be covered in further detail down the list.

• Support level: 4.5
• Durability: 4
• Motion control: 5
• Cooling: 5
• Edge support: 4.5
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 4

• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Trial Period: 120 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

• 11 inches thick with six layers
• Made with organic cotton and wool, organic-certified latex, and recycled steel coils
• GreenGuard Gold certified
• Zoned support with eight-inch coil system for lower back support

Why should you choose this twin mattress? The Nolah Natural earns our top spot for the best twin XL mattress. Measuring 38 by 80 inches, it offers six extra inches in length, making it ideal for taller individuals. If you’re eco-conscious and prefer natural materials, you’ll love the moisture-wicking wool and breathable cotton for reliable temperature regulation. Perforated latex and individually wrapped coils further promote airflow. According to our testers, the responsive latex layers offer cushioning without causing excessive sinking.

What does this mattress feel like? Testers found the Nolah Natural mattress to be highly supportive thanks to its coils, while the upper layers still offered a plush feel. The zoned support enhanced comfort in the hips and lower back. However, it may not be firm enough for strict stomach sleepers. Testers noted adequate edge support and standard cooling, with latex that doesn’t trap heat like memory foam and breathable coils. The mattress was responsive and bouncy, making it great for back and side sleeping. However, testers reported pressure buildup under the shoulders and hips, which could be a concern if you experience pain there.

What do we love about this mattress? Testers rated the mattress highly for its excellent support while back sleeping, reporting no pressure buildup in that position. This eco-friendly mattress offers impressive overall quality, providing strong support and top-notch value, especially during sales. Its responsiveness and bounciness make it an excellent choice for combo sleepers who prefer back or side sleeping.

What would we change, if anything, about this mattress? While our testers note that this mattress might be too soft for stomach sleepers, our team gives both the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid and Bear Original two thumbs up for stomach sleepers.

• Support level: 4.5
• Durability: 5
• Motion control: 4
• Cooling: 5
• Edge support: 4.5
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 4.5

• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Trial Period: 365 nights
• Warranty: Lifetime

• 10-inch height with organic cotton cover, CertiPUR-US certified foams, and dual-sided coil made of recycled steel
• Flippable with plush for ages three to seven on one side, medium-firm for ages 8 to 12 on the other
• Cover treated with a water-resistant finish

Why should you choose this twin mattress? The Saatva Youth mattress is our top choice for the best mattress for kids for good reasons. Designed for growing children from toddlerhood to preadolescence, it features a medium-firm side you can flip to for older kids. The water-resistant cover and internal waterproof barrier make it ideal for spills and bed-wetting accidents, which are bound to happen with kids. This high-quality, eco-friendly mattress is comfortable and practical.

What does this mattress feel like? Our testers found the mattress extremely comfortable and well-structured, offering pressure relief and gentle body contouring. They observed that their hips and spine stayed aligned. Even when sleeping on the edge, they remained comfortably supported. The knit cover is breathable and plush, offering a soft feel, although it isn’t cool to the touch. The coils help prevent heat buildup in the foam. Testers noted the mattress’s strong bounce and springiness make it easy to move around and switch positions. While back sleepers liked this mattress’s supportive, cradling qualities, testers experienced less contouring in the shoulders and neck in the side-sleeping position.

What do we love about this mattress? Testers praised the mattress’s high-quality feel and comfort, noting its responsiveness and ease of switching between positions, making it an excellent choice for most combination sleepers. The mattress’s combo between foam and coils are designed to provide enhanced lumbar support. Instead of cradling your entire body, it contours around your joints for added comfort, note testers.

What would we change, if anything, about this mattress? We wouldn’t change much, but if we’re nitpicking, a softer option would be helpful for side sleepers who want a little more give under the shoulders. The Leesa Original is more pressure relieving, so it’s a good alternative for side sleepers.

• Support level: 5
• Durability: 4.5
• Motion control: 4
• Cooling: 4.5
• Edge support: 4.5
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 5

• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Firm
• Trial Period: 100 nights
• Warranty: 25 years

• Eco Institut certified natural latex mattress with organic cotton cover, organic wool layers, and individually wrapped coils
• GreenGuard Gold certified and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified
• Two lengthwise reinforced side edges to help maintain the structure and maximize support across the whole mattress

Why should you choose this twin mattress? If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, the Birch Natural twin mattress is our top pick for the best organic twin mattress. Made from high-quality, certified organic, and natural materials, this mattress is ideal for those who prioritize sustainability. With breathable materials and natural latex that provides just the right amount of cushioning while delivering excellent support, this mattress is also a great choice for hot sleepers, according to testers.

What does this mattress feel like? Testers reported the mattress offers strong support with just enough cushioning from the latex. The coil layer felt firmer under the hips, which could be great for individuals needing more support there. Testers also observed the mattress kept the lower back lifted and the spine in neutral alignment. The coils along the edges felt firmer to enhance support when getting in and out of bed or sitting, though it’s not the best in this regard, testers said. They also reported that the mattress materials are excellent for hot sleepers. Additionally, the mattress responds well when changing positions.

What do we love about this mattress? Testers love the overall support and cooling effect thanks to the latex, which doesn’t retain much body heat. The coils add to this with good airflow and the cotton and wool are breathable. They also appreciated the mattress’s excellent response, offering great ease of movement. Although it’s priced higher than other mattresses on this list, testers noted it delivers great value for a high-quality organic mattress with multiple certifications.

What would we change, if anything, about this mattress? There’s not much we’d change about this mattress, but the 100-night trial period could be longer (most trial periods are at least 120 nights). Extending the trial would allow hot sleepers to test it across different seasons, which can be important for evaluating temperature regulation year round.

• Support level: 5
• Durability: 5
• Motion control: 4
• Cooling: 5
• Edge support: 4.5
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 4

• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Firmness: Soft
• Trial Period: 100 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

• 11-inch height with five-layer construction that includes cool knit cover, three layers of CertiPUR-US certified foam, and an eight-inch individually wrapped spring system
• Responsive top foam layer
• High air flow foam to help with cooling

Why should you choose this twin mattress? The Leesa Original is our top pick for the best twin mattress for side sleepers thanks to the top foam layers that feel soft with just the ideal level of give. The transition foam and coils provide enough lift, also making it a solid choice for stomach sleepers.

What does this mattress feel like? Testers described the mattress as having soft top foam layers that provide a comfortable initial feel. The buoyant coils compress in response to pressure while simultaneously supporting lower-pressure areas, such as the arch of the lower back, providing excellent overall support. However, they noted that the mattress lacks sufficient firmness and lumbar support for stomach sleepers. The reinforced coils around the edges contribute to superb edge support, which is important when getting in and out of bed or if you’re an edge-of-the-bed sleeper. The airy coils and breathable cover also helped keep testers at a comfortable temperature.

What do we love about this mattress? Testers found that the firmness strikes an optimal balance—soft yet supportive enough for side sleeping. They also highlighted it’s an excellent choice for back sleepers. The transition foam and coils provide uplifting support, while the memory foam top layer contours to the body’s underside. Testers found this 11-inch mattress to be a better value for individuals with larger body sizes, offering enhanced support and quality.

What would we change, if anything, about this mattress? We recommend increasing the firmness and lumbar support to better accommodate stomach sleepers. Additionally, improving responsiveness would enhance the overall experience. Testers noted that the mattress had average responsiveness—it wasn’t a challenge to move on, but it wasn’t as easy to reposition as a firmer mattress. The Bear Original offered an optimal experience for stomach sleeping, plus it was rated highly responsive by testers.

• Support level: 4
• Durability: 5
• Motion control: 5
• Cooling: 4.5
• Edge support: 4.5
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 4

• Mattress type: Memory foam
• Firmness: Firm
• Trial Period: 180 nights
• Warranty: 10 years

• 10-inch height with four layers including a soft cover, 1.75-inch gel memory foam layer, 8.25-inch support foam layer, and lower cover to prevent shifting
• Made with CertiPUR-US certified foam
• Very supportive for back and stomach sleepers

Why should you choose this twin mattress? For budget-conscious shoppers, the Siena Memory Foam is our top pick for the best affordable twin mattress. Keep an eye out for deals on extras like a mattress protector or cooling pillow, which can still keep the total price at an accessible point. With a memory foam construction, a half-year trial period, and a 10-year warranty, our testers say the price is hard to beat.

What does this mattress feel like? The mattress has a firm feel with some cushioning, as the memory foam layer gently conforms to your body, testers note. However, it doesn’t sink much under pressure, which may make it less supportive for those with heavier body types, given its two-layer, 10-inch foam design. Testers noted some sinking when sitting on the edges but generally felt comfortable. It’s not particularly cooling, as expected from an all-foam mattress, and while it’s easy to move around on, there's no bounce. The mattress may be too firm for side sleepers according to testers, with pressure mapping showing high pressure under the shoulders. This could be uncomfortable for strict side sleepers or those with shoulder pain.

What do we love about this mattress? Considering that a twin mattress is often used by children who may quickly outgrow it or kept in a guest room for infrequent use, testers found the affordable price of this basic, quality all-foam mattress particularly appealing. They also noted it’s a great fit for back and stomach sleepers and found it easy to change positions despite the lack of bounce.

What would we change, if anything, about this mattress? We’d suggest adding an extra layer for added thickness or offering a thicker mattress option. The Nectar Memory Foam, our top choice for the best overall twin mattress, is also memory foam and thicker with a more robust profile.

• Support level: 4.5
• Durability: 4
• Motion control: 4
• Cooling: 4
• Edge support: 4
• Shipping, warranty, and trial: 4

How We Choose the Best Twin Mattresses

Our team of certified sleep science coaches and sleep health experts is dedicated to helping you find the right mattress. To choose the best twin mattresses, we performed thorough, unbiased testing on multiple brands, examining various firmness levels, construction types, and price ranges. Our experts ranked each mattress based on pressure relief, spinal alignment, edge support, cooling, responsiveness (how easy it is to move around), and more.

Since twin mattresses are commonly used in guest rooms, children’s rooms, and small spaces, we ensured that our tests included various options to suit different sleeping positions, preferences, and budgets. Every mattress on our list demonstrated quality and provided a supportive sleep experience.

For a full rundown of our mattress testing process (and to discover how much we nerd out on sleep technology), check out our full sleep product testing methodology.

What You Should Look for in a Twin Mattress

When choosing a twin mattress, it's essential to consider key factors that affect overall sleep quality and comfort, including value, edge support, overall support, pressure relief, and cooling.

Value is an important consideration when choosing the best twin mattress. This is especially true for mattresses used infrequently in guest rooms or for children and teens who may quickly outgrow them. Prioritizing value ensures you find a quality option at a reasonable price, providing the necessary comfort and support while making it easier to transition to a new mattress when needed.

Edge support is essential in a twin mattress, particularly due to its smaller size, as it enhances stability across the entire surface. Strong edge support minimizes the feeling of rolling off, enabling users to make the most of the whole mattress surface. This feature is particularly important for small children transitioning to traditional beds, providing comfort and security. It also benefits individuals sitting on the edges when getting in and out of bed.

Overall support is crucial when choosing the best twin mattress or any mattress. Regardless of who uses the twin mattress—whether it’s you, a child or a guest—comfort and support are essential for a restful night’s sleep. Additionally, strong overall support enhances the mattress’s longevity, ensuring it remains comfortable and durable, making it a smart investment for any household.

Consider pressure relief when shopping for the best twin mattress. It’s important to understand how the sleep surface will cradle your body in the areas where you need it most and identify potential discomfort zones. Knowing your preferred sleep position can guide your choice. For a twin mattress that’s not used as often, such as in a guest room, choosing one that provides adequate pressure relief across various positions can help keep different guests comfortable.

Cooling is important in selecting the best mattress, since one that traps heat can make sleeping uncomfortable. This is especially important for hot sleepers or in warmer climates. Effective cooling features, such as breathable materials or coil designs, promote airflow, help regulate body temperature, and create a comfortable sleep environment.

Who Is a Twin Size Mattress Good for?

A twin-size mattress is a versatile option that caters to various sleeping needs and environments. Here are some ideal users and circumstances:

• Children
• Teens
• Solo sleepers
• Guest rooms
• Small spaces such as apartments, dorms, or recreation vehicles

Who Is a Twin Size Mattress Not Good for?

A twin mattress may not be suitable for everyone or every situation. Here are some users and environments for which a twin mattress may not be the best choice:

• Couples
• Individuals with larger body types
• Homeowners with spacious guest rooms
• Individuals who frequently change sleep positions
• People who prefer a more spacious bed
• Those who anticipate needing a larger bed to accommodate changing life stages

FAQs

Twin mattresses typically measure 38 inches wide by 75 inches long.

A twin mattress should ideally be between 8 to 12 inches thick, offering comfort and support for most people at this thickness.

Twin mattresses vary widely in price, but you don’t need to spend a lot, especially for short-term or infrequent use. Quality options range from $200 to $1,100, as highlighted in our roundup of the best twin mattresses. While budget-friendly choices can provide decent comfort, investing in more may enhance durability and support, making it worthwhile for those needing the mattress longer.

A twin XL mattress is 38 inches wide, just like a standard twin. But it’s longer, measuring about 80 inches, an additional five inches compared to the standard twin mattress.

While two twin mattresses each measure 38 inches wide and 75 inches long, a king-size is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. When you place two twin mattresses side by side, you create a combined width of 76 inches, but keep a shorter length of 75 inches, falling short of a true king size.

This article was medically reviewed by Katrina Carter, DPT. Dr. Carter is a dedicated physical therapist with over 10 years of experience. She enjoys working in outpatient orthopedics where she can share her passion for wellness and nutrition. She earned her bachelor's degree in nutrition from the University of Connecticut and her doctorate in physical therapy at Seton Hall.