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Twin mattresses are one of the most popular mattress sizes around the world, second only to the queen. The small size of the twin mattress makes it an ideal fit for a child’s bedroom, but that’s not all. It’s also a good option for budget shoppers, small spaces, lounge areas, and even couples! Before you brush it off as too small, take a moment to consider the versatility of these compact cushions.
This guide will explain all the different ways you can use a twin mattress in the home.
How Big is a Twin Size Mattress?
A standard twin mattress measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. You may also come across twin mattresses that are 39 inches long. Aside from a crib-sized mattress, this is the smallest standard mattress size.
Twin mattresses are ideal for children transitioning from the crib to a big kid bed. Unless the child hits a growth spurt at an early age, a twin mattress will last them well into their teenage years. On the other hand, tall teens and adults won’t be comfortable in a standard twin bed. At just over 6 feet long, it may be a tight squeeze. These sleepers are likely to end up with their feet hanging off of the bed, and no one wants that!
The small size of the twin mattress isn’t only a concern for the size of the sleeper. It is also a concern for the size of the room. Twin mattresses are good for bedrooms as small as 7 by 10 feet, as they are the only mattresses that won’t overly cramp the space. You’ll still have room for the essentials, like a small bedside table and a compact dresser.
Conversely, a twin-sized mattress, at least on its own, is not a good option for large rooms. Given too much space, a twin mattress might feel lost or out of place. In this case, you’re better off choosing a larger mattress, such as a full or a queen, or multiple twin mattresses.
Recommended Twin Mattresses
These are some of the most recommended mattresses:
When Should You Consider a Twin Mattress?
Of all the mattress sizes, twin mattresses are the most versatile. You can adapt them for use in nearly any room of the house. Here are some you might want to consider a twin mattress:
- You have growing kids – The most common use for a twin mattress is for children. It provides ample sleeping space for a child, even as they continue to grow.
- Your kids share a bedroom – If you have two or more kids sharing a room, big beds risk crowding the room. Twin beds are the perfect size to give each child the space they need to sleep comfortably. Standard bunk beds are also adapted for twin mattresses, offering a space-saving alternative that your kids will love.
- Couples with different sleep needs – Sharing a bed with a partner normally means compromising on your sleep needs and preferences. By getting two separate twin-sized mattresses, each partner can sleep on the mattress that they prefer—whether it’s soft, firm, foam, or hybrid. Taller couples should opt for Twin XL size mattresses instead, which are 5 inches longer than a standard twin mattress. Two Twin XL mattresses side-by-side will fit perfectly in a standard King-sized bed frame.
- Decorating a guest room or lounge area – Twin mattresses are super adaptable. Why reserve them for the bedroom when they work great as daybeds as well? In the living room, family room, or other lounge space, dress up your twin bed as a couch that you can curl up and sleep in whenever you feel like it. A twin bed is also a good option for a small guest room.
- You’re on a budget – Mattresses are a big investment, so if you’re looking to save money as much as you can, consider a twin mattress instead of a full or queen-sized mattress. Twin mattresses are the cheapest option.
Twin vs Twin XL
While shopping for a new mattress, you’re bound to come across two types of twin mattresses: Twin and Twin XL.
Twin XL mattresses are slightly longer than a standard twin, measuring 38 by 80 inches, which is the length of a queen or king mattress. Most often, Twin XL mattresses are associated with hostels or college dorm rooms. They are ideal for adult sleepers sleeping alone. Two adults sharing a Twin or Twin XL bed will not be comfortable.
When deciding between a twin and a twin xl mattress, remember that twin mattresses are good for kids and small adults. Meanwhile, twin xl mattresses are good for tall adults, couples, college students, and guest rooms.
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Is a Twin Mattress the Same as a Single Mattress?
Yes, the two terms are used interchangeably! Historically, the term “single bed” referred to a bed that is made for one person in a non-shared room. The term “twin bed” referred to a pair of single beds in the same room, whether it was a guest room, kids’ room, or even a couple’s bedroom.
Today, “twin” has become the more popular term and is used in standard American mattress sizing.
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Great for back- and side sleepers
Suitable for couples & heavier builds
Premium edge support for people with limited mobility
365-night trial
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Combines comfort & support
Limited sinking
Heavy & difficult to move
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High-quality, USA-based manufacturing
Customizable firmness
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Exceptional point-pressure relief
Luxurious, supportive pillow-top cover
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Comfortable for all average-weight sleeper types
Classic memory foam feel, with deep sinkage and contouring
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Absorbs motion, making it ideal for couples
Stomach sleepers might not get the best support
Doesn’t support sleepers over 250 pounds
Types of Twin Mattresses
Once you’ve decided on the right mattress size for your needs, it’s time to choose a type of mattress. These are a few of the most common mattress types, along with our recommendations of mattresses to consider.
Memory Foam Twin Mattress
These are mattresses made of body-contouring viscoelastic foam. It responds to heat and pressure to provide pinpointed support in the areas of the body that need it. Memory foam mattresses tend to have less bounce and are ideal for those who prefer a mattress that hugs them.
The Nectar memory foam mattress features three different types of memory foam designed to cradle the body and wick away heat. A twin mattress from Nectar costs $499.
Latex Twin Mattress
Latex offers a similar sensation as memory foam, making it a great natural alternative. The latex used in mattresses comes from rubber trees and is naturally hypoallergenic and antibacterial.
The downside of latex mattresses is that they require more labor-intensive production, making them more expensive. For all the benefits of a latex mattress without the cost, we recommend Latex for Less, whose twin mattress costs $749.
Hybrid Twin Mattress
A hybrid mattress includes both the inner springs of a traditional mattress and the cutting edge foams of modern mattresses. The coils provide extra support for the spine, while foams like memory foams and gel foam offer pressure relief.
Saatva offers one of the most popular hybrid mattresses on the market. Saatva customers can even choose their preferred firmness level. A twin mattress costs $699.
Luxury Twin Mattress
A luxury mattress blends high-end materials with the latest mattress technology for a sleep experience worthy of a five-star hotel. Often, luxury mattresses feature a Euro top, or pillow top, which provides an extra soft sleep surface.
The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress combines many of the most desirable mattress features, including individual-wrapped pocket coils, memory foam, a cloud-like Euro top, and a cashmere mattress cover. A twin-sized mattress from DreamCloud costs $799.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sized mattress isn’t something you should take lightly. The mattress you sleep on will determine your quality of sleep. If you don’t have enough sleeping space, you’re going to regret your mattress purchase. Take some time to consider the options before you settle on mattress size, then consult our reviews to help you make your final decision.
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