A twin mattress is the smallest standard size, making it a good choice for kids, teens and even adults looking to make the most of a confined space. The best twin mattresses share the features, materials and craftsmanship of their larger counterparts, but they’re sized to accommodate smaller spaces and sleepers. The Nectar Premier Copper, our pick for the best twin mattress overall, is generously sized at 14 inches tall and comes loaded with cooling and support upgrades, all while taking up minimal square footage.
The best twin mattresses, including the Nectar Premier Copper, accommodate small spaces and bodies … [+] without lacking in comfort.
The best twin mattresses are also designed to meet varying needs and preferences for support, sleep style, material and budget. We did the research to round up the very best options, and our recommendations include organic picks, options for kids and both soft and firm mattresses. Ahead, find our favorite twin mattresses for you, a growing child or the guest room.
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Nectar
Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
Type: Foam or Hybrid | Firmness: Medium firm | Trial period: 365 nights (one year) | Warranty: “Forever” Warranty
Pros:
- Cooling upgrades in the cover and foam
- Enhanced support
- Generous trial window
Cons:
- May be too tall for shorter sleepers
The Nectar Premier Copper Mattress is a great option for most people, with a balanced medium-firm level of support that has wide appeal, regardless of your sleep position. Though it’s pricier than some of our other picks, at around $1,000 for a twin, it’s not outrageously expensive. The mattress takes its name from the copper that’s woven into the cover, which the company claims helps “dispel heat,” and is paired with other “heat absorbent” fibers. Below that are several layers of foam which provide pressure relief, support and stability. All in all, it’s a mattress we don’t think you can go wrong with. But on the off chance you get it and find it isn’t quite right, the company also offers a longer-than-average trial and return period, giving you a full year to use it from the comfort of your own home before you’re locked in.
Read More: Nectar Premier Copper Mattress Full Review
What the reviews say: “This mattress has been, by far, my best investment the last several years,” says one 5-star review. “The bed is firm, yet very comfortable. My entire body feels supported whether I am on my back or my side. No shoulder pain, no hip pain. Couldn’t be happier.” Another reviewer says the mattress offers a “perfect balance of support and softness. I prefer to sleep on my side but it’s comfortable in every position. It does have a nice cooling effect.”
Leesa
Leesa Studio Mattress
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium firm | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
- Excellent motion isolation
- Quick response time
Cons:
- May not be supportive enough for heavier sleepers
The Leesa Studio Mattress is a stellar option for anyone looking to spend less money on their mattress without compromising on quality. The bed is made from three layers of foam—an uppermost memory foam layer, a central comfort layer with air capsules for cooling and finally a base stability layer. Combined, they offer a medium firm feel that the company ranks as a 5-7 on a firmness scale out of 10. The mattress also has Certipur-US foam and a Greenguard Gold certification, which demonstrate that the materials are high quality and won’t off-gas. With sale prices dipping under $400 for a twin, the cost is tough to beat.
What the reviews say: “It’s perfect. Not too soft, not too firm,” writes one reviewer. Another says, “I got this mattress originally because Leesa is a B Corp, but it turns out it’s the only mattress that doesn’t make my back hurt. Love, love, love.”
Avocado
Avocado Eco Organic Kids Mattress
Type: Latex hybrid | Firmness: Medium firm | Trial: 365 nights (one year) | Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
- Certified organic
- Low profile makes it a great option for smaller sleepers
Cons:
- Some reviewers mention a strong latex odor that takes a while to dissipate
This mattress tops our list of the best kids mattresses because it meets a robust list of third-party safety standards. It’s both Greenguard Gold and Made Safe certified, as it uses organic cotton and wool. With just 7 inches in height, it works well on different types of children’s beds, like bunk beds and trundle beds. It’s free from synthetic foam and fiberglass. Rose Gordon Sala, who oversees baby and kids gear for Forbes Vetted, got this mattress for her son who has asthma and allergies. “Mostly I just feel great about him sleeping on this ultra clean mattress as he grows,” she says.
What the reviews say: One parent, who says they bought these mattresses when their children turned three, writes, “I am impressed enough to consider buying one for myself when we need a new mattress.” Another says, “We absolutely love our mattress for our son. Not only is it super comfortable we feel really good about the materials he sleeps on every night. Highly recommend.”
Leesa
Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium firm | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
- Medium-firm feel suits a wide range of sleepers
- Quick to respond when you change position
Cons:
- There’s only one choice of firmness
The Leesa Sapira Hybrid strikes a great balance between cushy comfort and ample support, thanks to three layers of foam and a stable coil base. The mattress has cooling features as well—the uppermost foam comfort layer is perforated to promote airflow, and the cover is made from viscose and rayon blend that is designed to wick moisture away. The mattress provides great support for all sleep positions, and its medium-firm feel appeals to almost any sleeper, which is one of the reasons we love it.
What the reviews say: “I’ve had my mattress for a few months now, and it’s the most comfortable mattress I’ve ever had,” writes one happy reviewer. “I like a firm-ish mattress, but I’m also an occasional side sleeper, and the Sapria Hybrid has the perfect amount of cushion for when I’m on my side and firmness for when I’m on my back.” Another 5-star review says it “has just the right combination of support and comfort.”
Tempur-Pedic
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Mattress
Type: Memory foam or hybrid | Firmness: Soft, medium or firm | Trial: 90 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
- Options for firmness and configuration
- Excellent pressure relief
Cons:
- Options for firmness and configuration can be a pricey upgrade
The Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt Mattress is a good choice for sleepers who love the cushy and cradling feeling of memory foam and want the option to select their firmness. The mattress can be configured based on exactly what you’d like—you can opt for three different models and multiple firmnesses: soft, medium, medium hybrid or firm. If you’re looking for a pressure-relieving mattress, or have had and swear by memory foam mattresses in the past, this might be just the thing.
What the reviews say: “Love the fact that you actually feel rested when you wake up,” says one 5-star review. Another reviewer, who says they’ve slept on Tempur-Pedic mattresses for the last 20 years and recently downsized to a twin, writes, “My new mattress is just heavenly to lie upon.”
Saatva
Saatva Classic Mattress
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft, luxury firm or firm | Trial: 365 nights (one year) | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Choice of firmness and height
- Excellent support throughout, including around the perimeter
Cons:
- Premium materials and construction make it a heavy mattress
The Saatva Classic Mattress isn’t like most mattresses you order online. It comes with white glove delivery, even for a twin size. The design of the mattress itself also allows for far better edge support than many other beds you can order online. The mattress’s edges are surrounded with “high density foam rails,” which make the sides of it firmer and more stable. You can rest assured that with a Saatva mattress, sleeping near the edge won’t mean nearly falling off the bed. Given the smaller size of twin mattresses, we think it’s a great feature to keep in mind when shopping for one. The mattress is also great at cooling, as its spring base permits ample airflow. Plus, it comes in three different firmness levels, so you can choose what’s best for your sleep preferences.
Read More: Saatva Classic Full Review
What the reviews say: One reviewer, who says he’s had his mattress for a year and a half, writes, “the mattress still feels like new. I’m a heavy guy around 250 pounds and there are no dips, nice firm sides.” Another says, “It’s our guest twin mattress and I really enjoy sleeping on it. It feels like my body is being supported in all the right places.”
Nest Bedding
Nest Bedding Sparrow Signature Hybrid Mattress
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Plush, medium or firm | Trial: 365 nights (one year) | Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Pros:
- Adjustable firmness layers
- Comfort layer renewal program helps reduce waste
Cons:
- Swapping out the comfort layer may not appeal to everyone
The Nest Sparrow Hybrid comes in three firmness levels, and we think that the “plush” option—the company’s softest—is a great choice for side sleepers who prefer a cushy sleep surface, over a firm and buoyant one. The firmness difference is achieved by changing one layer, the uppermost piece of foam. The other layers, a foam support piece and base comprised of coils, remain the same. The beauty of this structure lies in the company’s “lifetime renewal exchange” policy, which allows customers to swap out the uppermost layer for a new one, or a different firmness level, one time (with no time constraints). That said, if you choose the wrong firmness for the upper layer and find it’s a bit too soft, simply contact the company and they’ll send a new layer free of charge that you can put in the mattress yourself.
What the reviews say: “The comfort level is high,” writes one reviewer. “I also enjoy being able to switch the topper in my lifetime, it feels like I’m about to get two mattresses out of one.” Another writes, “If you are a lightweight side sleeper, you know it’s imperative for your joints to avoid firm like the plague. This very soft bed gives you the comfort you require that’s so difficult to find.”
Type: Foam | Firmness: Extra firm or firm | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Pros:
- Flippable design
- Great price point
Cons:
- Somewhat lacking in edge support
This mattress tops our list of the best extra-firm mattresses, thanks in part to an endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association. You might be surprised to learn that the Plank mattress from Brooklyn Bedding is not a hybrid with springs, but instead uses two types of high-density foam to create its firm support structure. This design also gives you the option to flip the mattress and choose between two firmness levels—one side is firm and the other side is extra-firm. For those who sleep hot, you can add an optional cooling cover.
What the reviews say: One 5-star reviewer writes, “If you’re interested in a firm mattress, this is it.” Another calls it, “firm, surprisingly lightweight and comfortable.”
Nolah Mattress
Nolah Natural Latex Mattress
Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium firm | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
- Organic and eco-friendly materials
- Temperature regulating and pressure relieving
Cons:
- There’s only one choice of firmness
The Nolah Natural is an eco-friendly hybrid that combines layers of organic cotton and wool with Talalay latex and a zoned coil system. It gives the mattress buoyant support and excellent pressure relief comparable to memory foam. But latex doesn’t retain heat the way memory foam can, making this a good option for adults prone to overheating. The zoned coils also ensure extra support in high-pressure spots to promote proper alignment and just enough give around the hips and shoulders.
What the reviews say: “[It’s] a very comfortable mattress,” writes one reviewer. “I find that I fall asleep faster, sleep deeper and wake up less during the night.” Another says, “This mattress has changed my sleep for the better. It’s just right, super comfortable, has a little give and the springs give it some firmness without making the mattress hard as a rock.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted’s Sleep and Mattress writers and editors have spent thousands of hours researching and testing mattresses, so that we can recommend the very best to our readers. We rely on evidence-based research, interview health experts and have a deep understanding of the mattress market.
- Lindsey Vickers, the author of this article, is a mattress expert who has tested and reviewed dozens of mattresses.
- Sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon, who oversaw revisions to this article, have formal mattress testing experience and years of experience in the sleep space.
- We regularly update this article, to ensure the information we provide is up to date and accurate. It was last updated in May 2024 with an updated buyer’s guide and a pick for the best twin mattress for an adult.
How We Chose The Best Twin Mattresses
I put years of experience testing and writing about mattresses to use in selecting picks for this list. In fact, I’ve personally slept on and loved several of the products on this list.
I see through mattress companies’ jargon, to look at what’s actually beneath the covers, as it were. I use my knowledge of the area to choose mattresses that really represent the best of the best. For this story, we selected mattresses that Forbes staffers, including myself, have slept on and loved, or currently own and swear by. I also considered user reviews. Finally, you’ll find that all the companies on this list have at-home trials, because it’s hard to know if you’ll like a mattress without actually sleeping on it for yourself.
How To Choose The Best Twin Mattress
Choosing the best twin mattress really isn’t any different than choosing a queen or king. The right twin mattress meets individual needs and preferences, so it’s important to understand the role of specific features and materials. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Materials
Like bigger mattresses, twin mattresses are made with a variety of materials that impart specific benefits.
- Memory foam is a popular material thanks to its pressure-relieving properties and hugged sensation, which really appeals to some sleepers.
- Latex foam has similar pressure-relieving benefits, but it doesn’t retain heat the way memory foam often does. It does, however, add fairly significant weight.
- Hybrid mattresses, which combine comfort layers made of foams or latex with a supportive innerspring layer, are another popular option. This construction promotes breathability and often has superior edge support and longevity compared to all-foam mattresses.
Firmness
Mattresses are typically generally categorized as plush, medium and firm, or somewhere in between, but keep in mind that there is no universal firmness scale. What’s more, body weight influences how soft or firm a mattress feels. Mattresses on the firmer side tend to offer a greater sense of support and the sensation that you’re on top of the mattress instead of sinking into it. Softer mattresses have a plusher, more cushioning feel.
Sleeping Position
Preferred sleeping positions can help steer you toward certain materials and firmnesses. Back and stomach sleepers benefit from mattresses that are medium-firm to firm, which will ensure a neutral spine. Side sleepers do best on medium to soft beds with a little more cushioning around the hips and shoulders to keep pressure from building.
Body Type
People with bigger frames and more weight will sink into the top comfort layers of a mattress more deeply, which can affect how firm it feels. Firmer mattresses, and those designed with higher-density foams, may offer the most comfort and support. Slight and lightweight sleepers, on the other hand, tend to remain on the very surface of a mattress and benefit from something a little plusher.
Sleep trial
The best test of a mattress of any size is spending a few weeks sleeping on it. To that end, look for a mattress that comes with a reasonable sleep trial. Make a point of perusing the fine print so you understand what’s involved in the event your mattress isn’t a good fit.
What Is The Best Twin Mattress You Can Buy?
With its balanced, pressure-relieving feel, upgraded cooling and support, the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress is great in all sizes, twin included. Choose between an all-foam or hybrid model, which combines pocketed coils and copper-infused memory foam for enhanced comfort and support.
How Much Should I Pay For A Good Twin Mattress?
You can reasonably expect to pay between $500 and $1,000 for a good twin mattress. Depending on sales and promotions, it’s also possible to find a good twin mattress priced for less. Most people don’t invest as much money into a twin mattress as they would a queen or king size because the sleeper it’s meant for quickly outgrows the bed, it serves a short-term purpose or won’t be regularly used.
Should I Get A Twin Or Twin XL?
A twin XL has six extra inches of legroom compared to a standard twin, so it’s a great option for taller adults or growing kids. But you typically have to spend more on a twin XL mattress, so if you don’t need the space, it’s likely not worth the money.
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