Best Mattress for Teenagers in 2026

While quality sleep benefits everyone, it’s especially important for teenagers. Consistent and high-quality sleep promotes brain function, school performance, physical health, mood, and decision-making. And having the right mattress means one less barrier to a healthy sleep routine.

How We Tested the Best Mattresses for Teenagers

Testing Criteria

Before we chose our picks for the best mattresses for teenagers, we did some research on what mattress traits this age group benefits most from. This is the criteria we focused on:

• Mattress size: Since teenagers are still growing, picking a mattress size to accommodate them both now and in the future can improve the bed’s usable lifespan. While many teens do well with a twin size, taller teens may benefit from a twin XL or queen, while those who like to sprawl out while they sleep may enjoy a full or a queen.
• Temperature regulation: Teens tend to sleep hot, especially during puberty. Mattresses with cooling features can help keep them cool throughout the night.
• Pressure relief: To prevent aches and pains, especially in areas like the shoulders, hips, and lower back, mattresses with memory foam or hybrid designs that contour to the body can be particularly effective.

What We Evaluated

Our search started with a review of more than 2,000 mattress models in our database. We ultimately looked for important factors for teen sleepers, including the following:

• Mattress size option availability
• Overall performance rating
• Ratings across key performance categories
• Variety of firmness options

We then brought the models that stood out the most into our Test Lab to give them a better evaluation.

While there aren’t any teens on our Testing Team, we have, however, spent countless hours learning just about everything there is about mattresses and how to pick the right ones. We’re constantly testing out new models, expanding our database, and looking to see how we can help our readers sleep better — including growing sleepers.

Besides considering ourselves mattress experts, we also consulted parents with teens to see what helped them get the best, most comfortable rest.

Our Testing Team

Logan Foley

Editorial Director

Full Bio

Logan Foley

Editorial Director

Logan is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a deep understanding of what it means to struggle with sleep. Her years of experience researching and testing sleep products – including mattresses, natural sleep aids, and bedding – are critical to her role helping lead the editorial team. When she’s not testing mattresses or researching CBT-I, she enjoys spending time in the sunshine with her husband and her dogs Pepper and Winston.

Mary Fenton

Head of Product Content

Full Bio

Mary Fenton

Head of Product Content

Mary is a product-content marketer who applies a pedigree in journalism, human-centered design, and cultural trends to inform strategy. Prior to Sleep Doctor, Mary led editorial and creative at ESPN and Rad Power Bikes. She likes to build and grow things, and break and fix things, and only sometimes in that order.

Jeremy Klein

Senior Product Testing Manager

Full Bio

Jeremy Klein

Senior Product Testing Manager

Jeremy is a sleep product tester with a passion for methodology and data collection. He’s spent the last six years at Sleep Foundation testing nearly every mattress, pillow, and sheet on the market, and has gained a holistic understanding of how to get the most accurate and universal results possible. When he’s not working, Jeremy likes to make music, play tennis, and watch old movies.

Brad Nehring

Senior Product Analyst

Full Bio

Brad Nehring

Senior Product Analyst

Brad is a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Western Washington University. As someone who has lived with sleep problems throughout his adult life, Brad is passionate about helping others get the rest they need. He’s professionally tested and reviewed sleep products for nearly a decade.

Colin Simpson

Product Research Manager

Full Bio

Colin Simpson

Product Research Manager

Colin leads our product research team and doubles down as our head of video production. He has a distinct passion for translating complicated topics into fun and digestible content.

Best Overall: Nectar Classic

Best Overall

8.7/10Test Lab Score

Nectar Classic

A pressure relieving memory foam bed at an amazing value.

Save up to 50% on mattresses + up to 66% on bundles Shop At Nectar

Price: $649

Mattress Type: Foam

Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)

Trial Period: 365 nights (30-night requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers.
• Feel: Medium firm (6): memory foam conforms fairly closely without sinking too much.
• What It’s Made Of: The top layer is 2 inches of pressure-relieving gel memory foam, followed by 3 inches of firmer transitional polyfoam and a 7-inch polyfoam support core. Cover is made with polyethylene fibers.
• What We Don’t Like: May sleep hot or restrict movement. A little on the soft side for stomach sleepers, particularly those over 230 pounds.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation8.5/10

Temperature Control6.5/10

Pressure Relief8.5/10

Edge Support7/10

Durability6.5/10

Ease of Movement5.5/10

Read Our Full Nectar Classic Review

Construction Breakdown

The Nectar’s topmost layer consists of solid memory foam. This material contours evenly to distribute your teen’s weight, promote even alignment, and reduce pressure buildup in the shoulders, lower back, and hips. The mattress’ adaptive feel can be particularly beneficial for athletes and other teens with physically active lifestyles. Cooling gel is infused into the memory foam to prevent overheating at night.

Two layers of dense polyfoam provide a stable base, giving the mattress a medium firm (6) feel.

Best Value: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam

Best Value

8.6/10Test Lab Score

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam

Hugs and soothes pressure points for restful sleep.

25% off sitewide Shop At Brooklyn Bedding

Price: $466

Mattress Type: Foam

Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)

Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, back sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds, or side and back positions who weigh 130 to 230 pounds, as well as hot sleepers.
• Feel: Medium firm (6) with a plush surface and close contouring without excess sinkage.
• What It’s Made Of: Adaptive polyfoam quilted to the cover, two memory foam layers, and transitional foam divided into zones. Copper fibers in the top memory foam layers and GlacioTex fabric in the cover. Two high-density polyfoam layers in the support system.
• What We Don’t Like: Some strong odor for up to 72 hours after unboxing. May lack support for teens who sleep on their stomachs — especially those who weigh over 130 pounds.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

6/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation8.5/10

Temperature Control7/10

Pressure Relief9/10

Edge Support7/10

Durability7/10

Ease of Movement6.5/10

Read Our Full Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam Review

Construction Breakdown

The CopperFlex mattress features six distinct layers, starting with a thin strip of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the cover. Two layers of memory foam offer a plush, contouring feel, while a copper fiber infusion helps maintain a cooler sleep temperature.

The transitional foam is designed with three firmness zones, providing extra support under your torso and hips. For stability, the support core includes two high-density polyfoam layers. The cover is made of GlacioTex fabric, which is engineered to absorb and dissipate body heat upon contact.

Most Comfortable: WinkBed

Most Comfortable

9.4/10Test Lab Score

WinkBed

High end hybrid bed providing ample support, cushion, and cool sleep.

30% off all WinkBeds mattresses Shop At WinkBeds

Price: $1,799

Mattress Type: Innerspring

Firmness Options: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)

Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Most teens, depending on firmness level.
• Feel: Medium soft (4), medium firm (6), firm (7), and firm (8) options. Initial cloud-like feeling, with a healthy level of bounce and more or less sink, depending on the firmness.
• What It’s Made Of: Moisture-wicking Tencel cover and a Euro-top with layers of gel foam or latex. The core is made with pocketed coils.
• What We Don’t Like: Might require deep pocket fitted sheets. Bulky and heavy. Mattress exchanges for a different firmness level cost $49.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

9.5/10

130-230 lbs

10/10

Above 230 lbs

9.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

8/10

Above 230 lbs

7/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation6.5/10

Temperature Control9/10

Pressure Relief8/10

Edge Support9.5/10

Durability8/10

Ease of Movement7.5/10

Read Our Full WinkBed Review

Construction Breakdown

The standard WinkBed features a layer of adaptive foam quilted into its Euro-top covers, followed by a second foam layer that contours evenly while keeping the body on an even plane. If your teen weighs more than 230 pounds, the WinkBed Plus (8) may be more suitable. This model swaps out the second foam layer for 2.5 inches of zoned latex, ensuring extra pushback for heavier areas of the body like the chest, stomach, and hips.

All versions of the WinkBed are constructed with pocketed coil support cores. The coils are also zoned to feel firmer and more robust beneath the midsection, and perimeter reinforcement reduces sinkage when your teen sleeps or sits along the mattress’ edges. A cover made of breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel fabric encases the WinkBed.

Best for Side Sleepers: Helix Midnight

Best for Side Sleepers

9.1/10Test Lab Score

Helix Midnight

A highly customizable, universally appealing hybrid.

Get 27% off with code SF27 Shop At Helix

Price: $999

Mattress Type: Hybrid

Firmness Options: Medium Firm (6)

Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers.
• Feel: Medium firm (6). Comfortable and cushiony with an overall responsive feel.
• What It’s Made Of: Memory foam and polyfoam comfort section over a support core of reinforced, pocketed coils. Standard, breathable knit cover or options cooling pillow-top.
• What We Don’t Like: Might be too soft for teen stomach sleepers.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

9/10

130-230 lbs

9.5/10

Above 230 lbs

9/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation7.5/10

Temperature Control8/10

Pressure Relief8.5/10

Edge Support9/10

Durability8/10

Ease of Movement7/10

Read Our Full Helix Midnight Review

Construction Breakdown

The mattress begins with a top layer of memory foam that conforms closely to the body, followed by a layer of polyfoam that feels firmer than the memory foam while still offering some contouring. The support core contains pocketed coils that give the bed a slightly bouncy feel, and the reinforced perimeter provides very good edge support.

Best for Combination Sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Best for Combination Sleepers

8.5/10Test Lab Score

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

A high-quality, affordable hybrid with multiple firmness options.

30% off sitewide with code: JULY30 Shop At Brooklyn Bedding

Price: $1,026

Mattress Type: Hybrid

Firmness Options: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers (softer model), back sleepers (medium model), and stomach sleepers (firmest model).
• Feel: Medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8) models, all of which keep the spine on an even plane.
• What It’s Made Of: Features 1.5 inches of quilting, followed by two layers of responsive foams. An 8-inch layer of pocketed coils rests atop a thin layer of base foam with stronger coils around the edges.
• What We Don’t Like: Return fee of $99.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation7/10

Temperature Control7/10

Pressure Relief8/10

Edge Support7.5/10

Durability7.5/10

Ease of Movement6.5/10

Read Our Full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Review

Construction Breakdown

Each Signature Hybrid begins with a top layer of TitanFlex polyfoam, a material that offers the same even cradling as memory foam without the deep hug. Medium soft and medium firm models also feature a layer of plush adaptive foam quilted into their covers. VariFlex transitional foam mimics the responsiveness of natural latex, producing a light bounce when your teen gets into bed. This helps them move across the surface without feeling stuck. The hybrid’s support core consists of pocketed coils and dense base foam.

The standard model comes with a cover made from breathable cotton. For an extra fee, you can upgrade the mattress to include an extra foam layer encased in GlacioTex fabric, a material engineered to dissipate body heat on contact and feel cool to the touch at all times. This add-on also makes the surface feel slightly softer. Teens who run hot in bed may need this component to sleep comfortably.

Best for Lighter Teens: Nolah Original 10

Best for Lighter Teens

8.0/10Test Lab Score

Nolah Original 10

A budget-friendly all-foam bed suitable for adults and kids.

35% off sitewide + extra $50 off mattresses with code: SF50 Shop At Nolah Sleep

Price: $942

Mattress Type: Foam

Firmness Options: Medium (5)

Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side sleepers weighing less than 230 pounds.
• Feel: Medium (5) feel. Sleepers sink into the top 2 inches before coming to rest on the polyfoam core, which offers support without feeling too firm.
• What It’s Made Of: Breathable Tencel cover, a 2-layer foam comfort system, and a support core with 8 inches of polyfoam.
• What We Don’t Like: May retain heat, restrict movement, and provide insufficient support for sleepers over 230 pounds. Return fee of $99.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

9/10

130-230 lbs

8.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

6/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6/10

130-230 lbs

5.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation8.5/10

Temperature Control6/10

Pressure Relief7.5/10

Edge Support6.5/10

Durability6.5/10

Ease of Movement6/10

Read Our Full Nolah Original 10 Review

Construction Breakdown

The Nolah Original 10 uses three different foam layers to deliver targeted pressure point relief and motion isolation. The top layer is crafted from patented AirFoam, a polyfoam that limits heat retention by promoting air circulation. This layer contours closely to your body but still has some pushback, which is ideal for sleepers who prefer the feeling of sleeping “on” instead of “in” their mattress.

Best for Pressure Relief: Layla Memory Foam Mattress

Best for Pressure Relief

8.4/10Test Lab Score

Layla Memory Foam Mattress

The gold standard of dual-sided mattresses with a pleasant memory foam feel.

$160 off the Layla Memory Foam Mattress with code: sleepy Shop At Layla

Price: $949

Mattress Type: Foam

Firmness Options: Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)

Trial Period: 120 nights (4 week minimum)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Lightweight side sleepers (soft side) and back sleepers over 130 pounds (firm side).
• Feel: Medium soft (4) side conforms quite closely. Firm side has a hint of cushioning, followed by a firmer, supportive feel.
• What It’s Made Of: Both have a top layer of copper gel memory foam. Soft side features another 2-inch layer of polyfoam. Both share a 4.5-inch polyfoam support core.
• What We Don’t Like: Soft side may buckle at the edges and result in “stuck in bed” feeling when changing positions.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8.5/10

130-230 lbs

9/10

Above 230 lbs

8.5/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7.5/10

130-230 lbs

6.5/10

Above 230 lbs

5.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation7/10

Temperature Control7/10

Pressure Relief8.5/10

Edge Support7/10

Durability6.5/10

Ease of Movement5.5/10

Read Our Full Layla Memory Foam Mattress Review

Construction Breakdown

The Layla is a unique reversible design that features a different firmness on each side: medium-soft (4) and firm (7).

Both sides of the mattress feature comfort layers made of memory foam that conforms around the body to evenly distribute weight. The medium-soft side features two layers of foam: memory foam and adaptive polyfoam. The firm side has one thin layer of memory foam.

The foam is infused with copper, which has natural cooling to ensure the material won’t absorb too much heat. Copper is also antimicrobial, which assists with odor control.

Best for Temperature Regulation: Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

Best for Temperature Regulation

9.0/10Test Lab Score

Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid

A foam hybrid that cushions your body without trapping heat.

Get 25% off mattresses, no code needed Shop At Leesa

Price: $1,679

Mattress Type: Hybrid

Firmness Options: Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7)

Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side and back sleepers across most weight groups, teens with frequent back pain, and hot sleepers
• Feel: Available in medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (7) designs.
• What It’s Made Of: A comfort system with four foam layers encased in a Euro-top, followed by multi-zone pocketed coils and high-density base foam.
• What We Don’t Like: Initial off-gassing odor can be strong and overpowering for the first 72 hours after unboxing.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

9/10

130-230 lbs

9.5/10

Above 230 lbs

9/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

6.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

8/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

6/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation7.5/10

Temperature Control7.5/10

Pressure Relief8.5/10

Edge Support7/10

Durability8/10

Ease of Movement8/10

Read Our Full Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Review

Construction Breakdown

The Sapira Chill Hybrid features a four-layer comfort system, beginning with 2 inches of adaptive polyfoam sewn to the cover. This material is gel-infused to help the surface maintain a comfy temperature. Additional layers of memory foam and polyfoam add to the Sapira Chill’s cushy feel, while dense transitional foam pushes back against your weight to keep your body on an even plane.

Pocketed coils and high-density base polyfoam make up the support core. The coils are zoned, meaning they feel more robust beneath your torso and hips, and zoned along the perimeter to prevent the edges from compressing too much when you get in and out of bed. At 14 inches thick, the Sapira Chill Hybrid is a high-profile mattress that requires a deep-pocket fitted sheet.

Best for Heavier Teens: Titan Plus Core

Best for Heavier Teens

8.4/10Test Lab Score

Titan Plus Core

A firm hybrid that provides excellent support for heavier people.

30% off sitewide with code: JULY30 Shop At Titan

Price: $936

Mattress Type: Hybrid

Firmness Options: Firm (8)

Trial Period: 120 nights (30-night requirement)

Key Details

• Who It’s Best For: Side, back, and stomach sleepers over 130 pounds.
• Feel: Firm (8) surface, though may feel medium firm (6) to sleepers over 230 pounds. The quilted cover eases sleepers into the bed and prevents pressure points.
• What It’s Made Of: Cover quilted with one inch of gel foam, followed by 2 inches of dense polyfoam. Support core contains steel pocketed coils and a dense polyfoam base.
• What We Don’t Like: Higher price point and a return fee of $99. Also a heavier mattress.

Scoring & Reviews

The following ratings show how suitable this mattress is for different sleeping positions and sleeper weights. These scores are determined by how well the mattress supports and relieves pressure for each sleeper type.

Side Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

9/10

Back Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

6.5/10

130-230 lbs

7/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

Stomach Sleepers

Under 130 lbs

7/10

130-230 lbs

7.5/10

Above 230 lbs

7.5/10

In addition to the hands-on feedback from our team, we conduct a number of quantitative tests in our Test Lab. The below ratings are based on the experience of our testers.

Performance

Motion Isolation6.5/10

Temperature Control8/10

Pressure Relief7/10

Edge Support8/10

Durability8/10

Ease of Movement7/10

Read Our Full Titan Plus Core Review

Construction Breakdown

The Titan Plus Core begins with a top layer of memory foam quilted into the cover. This material adapts to your teen’s body, distributing their weight and cushioning sore spots along the spine, while a second foam layer pushes back against compression to keep them on a flat, even plane. Thick pocketed coils and high-density base foam make up the support core. These components stabilize the mattress quite well, driving home the ultra-firm feel without making the surface feel uncomfortably stiff.

Standard Titan Plus Core models are encased in breathable knit covers. If your teen sleeps exceptionally hot, you can opt for a cover made of GlacioTex fabric. This phase change material is engineered to capture and release body heat on contact for a cool-to-the-touch feel at all times, even on hot or humid nights. Adding the GlacioTex cover will increase the sticker price of your mattress, but only to a marginal extent.

How to Choose a Mattress for Teenagers

When shopping for a mattress, you’ll probably come across lots of mattress terminology and marketing promotions. While it’s easy to be drawn in, you’re most likely to be happy with your purchase if you focus on the nuts and bolts of the mattress.

These factors are essential, and considering which ones matter the most to you lets you shrink your options and clarify which brand and model is the best match for your teen.

Firmness Level

First and foremost, make sure that a mattress feels right. That feel is largely determined by firmness level. A teenager’s personal preference, sleeping position, and body weight can all affect their ideal firmness level. For most teens, a feel of medium soft (4) to medium firm (6) is the best bet.

“It’s vital to support a teen’s growing body with an appropriate, comfortable mattress that encourages them to sleep but does not put undue stress on their growing bodies,” says board-certified pediatrician Nilong Vyas, MD. 

Pressure Relief and Contouring

Most teens’ bodies have areas that are prone to growing pains and aches, like the shoulders, legs, and back. A mattress with good contouring — meaning it molds to the body — softens the impact at these pain points and encourages healthy spinal alignment.

Pressure relief is important for teens because their bodies are constantly growing and changing, and it’s especially vital for athletic teens who need ample contouring to help with physical recovery. That’s why we recommend a mattress on the softer end of the spectrum for teens.

Size

A full mattress is usually ideal for teens, because it offers plenty of space to stretch out but doesn’t feel overly spacious for one person. If your teen’s bedroom is smaller and can’t fit a full, most teens can sleep comfortably on a twin mattress or a twin XL if they’re taller. It’s rare that a teenager needs a mattress larger than a full.

Price 

It’s a difficult balance choosing a quality mattress for your teen without overpaying, as they may only use it for a few years. When deciding how much to spend, factor in your teen’s age and whether they’ll take the mattress with them when they move out. Keep in mind, too, that promotions and discounts are frequent and you should almost never pay full sticker price for a mattress.

Quality Materials 

No matter the age of the person you’re buying a mattress for, it makes sense to invest in top-notch materials. For any type of mattress, quality materials mean it will perform at a higher level and be more likely to stand the test of time.

Temperature Regulation 

A mattress that causes heat to build up around the body can lead to waking up sweaty — and the problem is usually worse for teens who already tend to sleep hot. Beds with breathable materials that permit airflow and resist heat retention — including most latex and hybrid beds — can reduce the chances of overheating.

Ease of Movement 

Turning over, adjusting posture, or getting out of bed is far simpler on a bed that has bounce. This responsiveness of the mattress keeps you from feeling stuck and is particularly important to combination sleepers. While many mattresses have some bounce, latex and hybrid beds have a reputation for providing the highest levels of responsiveness.

Mattress Warranty and Other Policies

Warranties can cover unforeseen defects in materials or manufacturing, but they don’t cover accidental damage from things like spills or jumping on the bed or normal wear-and-tear. A warranty only provides repair or replacement if a mattress is truly defective. 

In a non-prorated warranty, you get the same coverage regardless of how long you’ve had the bed. In a prorated warranty, you pay an increasing share of the repair or replacement costs based on the amount of time you’ve owned it. Look for a warranty that’s non-prorated, lasts at least 10 years, and doesn’t require the customer to pay shipping fees.

What Type of Mattress Is Best for Teenagers?

There are five main types of mattresses based on how their interior layers are constructed, each with a typical profile with benefits and downsides.

“My preference and recommendation to families with teens when selecting mattresses is to choose foam or hybrid varieties, as they will grow with the child and offer comfort and support,” Dr. Vyas says.

Foam

Definition:Foam mattresses have a polyfoam support core and a comfort system made with one or more layers of memory foam, polyfoam, latex, and/or soft fabrics.

Highlight: Cushioning at Value Prices. One reason foam beds are popular is their deep contouring and ability to cushion pressure points. Another reason is that they’re often affordably priced.

Hybrid

Definition: A hybrid’s two interior components are a coil-based support core and a comfort system that frequently includes more than one layer of micro-coils, latex, polyfoam, memory foam, cotton, and/or wool.

Highlight: Dependable and Balanced. Hybrids capitalize on the benefits of different materials being used together. The innerspring core provides a solid support for growing teens, while the comfort layers improve pressure relief and spinal support.

Innerspring

Definition: The coil-based core of an innerspring is its primary and, in many cases, only layer. There’s very little or no comfort system above the coils in a true innerspring. In most cases, there’s just a cover of cotton or polyester and perhaps a thin layer of fabric batting or polyfoam.

Highlight: Low-Cost With Upgrade Options. If you’re shopping for a mattress for a teenager, hesitant to invest in an expensive bed when their preferences or needs may change. While innersprings lack the pressure relief of other types of mattresses, they’re a good, inexpensive option, and mattress toppers provide a low-cost, low-commitment way to change their feel.

Latex

Definition: Latex can be synthetic or natural, but natural formulations are more common in mattresses. They often use layers of different types or firmness levels to help separate the comfort system and support core. 

Highlight: Combination of Bounce and Contouring. Latex is well-known for having a bouncy feel that keeps sleepers from feeling stuck or trapped in one position. In addition, it has light conforming abilities, creating a mix of performance features that can bring support and comfort to teenage sleepers.

Airbed

Definition: In an airbed, the central support system is made from one or more air chambers. As air is added or removed, the bed gets firmer or softer. Layers above this can include foam, latex, and/or soft fabrics like cotton and wool.

Highlight: Precision Firmness Control. For people who want to perfectly dial-in the firmness of their mattress, there’s no better option than an airbed. That said, these tend to be expensive and are less commonly purchased for teens.

How Much Sleep Do Teens Need?

It’s hard to overstate the importance of sleep for teenagers, who need about 8 to 10 hours a night for brain and body development.

Benefits of Good Sleep for Teens

Quality sleep in teens has been linked to better brain function, including improved attention, memory, and cognition. This can mean better grades, test scores, and academic performance. 

“Sleep quality is so important for teens that it impacts every part of their being from school success to social success,” Dr. Vyas says.

Sleep also supports the parts of the brain involved in decision-making, which is especially important, given that many teens are just starting to spend significant time driving. And it’s central to physical growth and recovery. For teens involved in athletics, sleeping well may help improve sports performance and reduce injury risks.

Mood and mental health are also impacted by sleep. Sleeping problems can contribute to or exacerbate issues like depression and anxiety, or they may lead to irritability that creates problems at home or in school.

“Teenagers need to be educated about the importance of sleep and the consequences of not getting enough of it,” Dr. Vyas says. “They should understand how quality sleep affects memory consolidation and provides their brains with the opportunity to clean and organize thoughts and experiences.”

Barriers to Quality Sleep for Teens

Unfortunately, many teens aren’t getting enough sleep. During the teenage years, the body’s circadian rhythm, which helps control when we feel alert or tired, gets pushed back, which is why teens tend to have more of a “night owl” schedule. 

At the same time, schools in many places still start early in the morning, making it harder for teens to get a full night’s sleep. And pressures to meet demands for school, extracurricular activities, or social life can cause teens to sacrifice sleep. Increased screentime on phones, tablets, laptops, and video games can stimulate the brain and suppress melatonin, the natural hormone that encourages timely sleep.

“One of the major contributing factors to good quality sleep is restricting the use of electronics in the bed and bedroom,” Dr. Vyas says. “The bed should only be used to sleep and it is advised to limit lounging in bed if possible.”

Improving Sleep Hygiene

While some of these factors, such as school start times, may be hard to change, teenagers can benefit by controlling their bedroom environment to make the most of the hours they do sleep.

Sleep hygiene includes all the routines that influence sleep and all of the components of the bedroom. Limiting the use of electronics before bed, setting a consistent sleep schedule, and avoiding caffeine can go a long way to sleeping well.

“Start with sleep education,” Dr. Vyas says. “Counsel them on what the sleep goals can be [and] advise them about good sleep hygiene and the things that can negatively affect their sleep.” Then, you can try gamifying sleep so they get rewards when they meet their sleep goals.

Also: Have them recall how they felt when they got good sleep vs. not-so-great sleep. Remind them that the bed should only be used for sleeping and to use a chair in their room for lounging and a desk for homework.

“Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is important, which means not sleeping more than an hour later on weekends,” Dr. Vyas says. “The tendency to sleep in on weekends creates a kind of ‘jet lag.’ This can make it difficult for teens to fall asleep on time on Sunday nights and to wake up on time for school on Monday mornings.”

How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science

Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.

In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.

How We Determine Our Overall Scores

To determine a mattress’s overall score, we assign weighted percentages to performance categories based on how important they are to the individual sleep experience. For instance, areas like pressure relief and temperature control tend to matter more to people than something like off-gassing, and because more people sleep on their side and back than on their stomachs, we weigh those positions more heavily.

Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides by Sleeper Type

If you’re still not sure which type of mattress would suit your teenager best, you can read through our list of recommendations sorted by types of sleepers.

Still have questions? Ask our community!

Join our Sleep Care Community — a trusted hub of product specialists, sleep health professionals, and people just like you. Whether you’re searching for the perfect mattress or need expert sleep advice, we’ve got you covered. Get personalized guidance from the experts who know sleep best.