Best Twin XL Mattress
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The twin extra-long – twin XL for short – is a standard mattress size that falls between twin and full/double. Exact dimensions vary, but most twin XL mattresses measure 38 to 39 inches wide and 80 inches long. As the name suggests, twin XLs are longer than twin sizes by approximately 5 inches. A twin XL is best suited to single sleepers, particularly those who stand at least 6 feet 3 inches high and are too tall for a standard twin. Children are good candidates for twin XL mattresses, and many bunk beds are compatible with this size.
Since the twin XL is geared toward one sleeper, we based our best twin XL mattress selections on criteria that matter most to people who sleep alone. These include durability, quality of design, temperature control, pressure relief, and edge support. Price and value also factored into our selections, since the twin XL is considered a more affordable option for solo sleepers.
The Best Twin XL Mattresses
You’ll find details about our top picks below. We’ve awarded a unique accolade to each mattress on our best twin XL list that reflects each model’s particular strengths. Scroll down further to find our comprehensive buyer’s guide for first-time twin XL buyers. We’ll cover average prices for different types of twin XL mattresses, how these models compare to other sizes, and who should consider buying one.
Product Details
Best Overall
DreamCloud Mattress
Who it’s best for:
- Couples
- Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds
- People who run hot
Highlights:
- Thick comfort system provides excellent pressure relief
- Breathable cashmere cover and coil system enhance cooling
- Quilted cover isolates motion
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The DreamCloud Mattress is a hybrid bed with a high profile and thick comfort system. This design offers an even balance of cushioning and support that should satisfy a wide array of sleep preferences.
What It’s Made of
The cover is composed of a cashmere blend, which feels exceptionally soft to the touch. A layer of polyfoam is quilted into the cover, offering a plush surface that conforms evenly to the body. This contouring is further enhanced by a layer of memory foam underneath. Balancing out the comfort system’s plushness is a transitional layer of polyfoam, with a firmer feel that prevents too much sinkage. The support core contains pocketed coils that respond to the body while also offering generous support and push-back.
How It Performed
The plush comfort layers combined with the responsive coil system provide strong support for the lumbar region as well as generous cushioning for pressure points like the hips, shoulders, and spine. Side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds are likely to receive the most benefit from this balance of contouring and support, but most back and stomach sleepers should find the bed comfortable as well.
The thick comfort system absorbs motion well, making this a good bed for people who easily wake when their sleep partner stirs at night. The breathable cashmere and well-ventilated coil system allow the bed to stay comfortable and cool through the night.
DreamCloud offers a generous 365-night sleep trial, as well as a lifetime warranty against structural defects for those who keep the bed beyond this period. The mattress ships free to the contiguous U.S.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The side sleepers on our testing team found the quilted top to be exceptionally plush and comfortable, without compromising too much on support. Definitely a well-rounded bed for many types of sleepers.”
Best Value
Nectar Mattress
Who it’s best for:
- Sleepers who enjoy the close conforming of memory foam
- People seeking an all-foam mattress that retains less heat
- Value seekers
Highlights:
- Budget-conscious price
- All-foam design for exceptional contouring and motion isolation
- 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
The Nectar is a memory foam mattress with a medium firm (6) feel, resulting in a firmer and more supportive design compared to the average memory foam model. An approachable price and extra-long sleep trial provide additional incentive for shoppers on a budget.
What It’s Made of
The mattress includes a memory foam comfort layer that contours evenly, creating a cradle for your body. This layer is infused with phase change material intended to disperse body heat and keep you cool. While it also adds to the Nectar’s conforming feel, a polyfoam transitional layer also prevents you from sinking too deeply into the mattress. The support core is constructed from high-density polyfoam.
How It Performed
The Nectar has a medium firm feel, so it is best for people who prefer a balance of contouring and support. Side sleepers should feel enough cushioning beneath their shoulders and hips to experience even spinal alignment and feel less pressure in their most sensitive areas.
The Nectar is also suitable for back and stomach sleepers, thanks to its transitional and base foams that minimize sinkage beneath heavier areas of the body. Additionally, the Nectar is silent when bearing weight. Sleepers won’t need to worry about sleep disruptions due to squeaks, creaks, and other common mattress noises.
The Nectar has a very affordable price-point for a memory foam mattress. On top of this, Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial – one of the longest trials available from a major mattress brand – and a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind. Shipping is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I love foam beds but find many of them too soft. The Nectar has just the right amount of firmness to prevent me from sinking too deep into the bed.”
Most Comfortable
WinkBed
Who it’s best for:
- Hot sleepers
- People who aren’t sure which firmness level is best for them
- Co-sleepers who normally find hybrids too responsive
Highlights:
- Luxurious Euro-top design with plush, adaptive foam quilted into the surface
- Zoned coils reinforce heavier areas of the body and limit sinkage along the perimeter
- Customers can choose from four firmness levels
Comfort is completely subjective. A mattress that feels perfectly comfortable for one sleeper will feel too soft or too firm for another. That said, we consider the WinkBed to be a standout mattress, thanks in part to its multiple design options. You can choose from four different firmness levels, each one distinct from the others. WinkBeds’ generous return policy allows you to exchange the mattress for a model with different firmness if you aren’t satisfied with your initial choice.
What It’s Made of
The WinkBed features a Euro-top surface with a layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the cover. This creates an invitingly plush feel when you get into bed. The next layer depends on which firmness you choose. The Softer WinkBed (4), Luxury Firm WinkBed (6), and Firmer WinkBed (7) contain a polyfoam transitional layer that simultaneously adds cushioning and prevents your body from sinking too deeply. The WinkBed Plus (8) – specifically designed for people over 230 pounds – has a latex transitional layer that makes the surface feel more responsive and supportive.
All versions of the WinkBed include a pocketed coil support core. The coils are divided into different zones to ensure extra support for your torso and hips and gentler cradling for lighter areas of your body. Stronger coils along the perimeter also reduce sinkage when you sleep near or sit along the edges. A cover made of breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel encases the entire mattress.
How It Performed
Our team tested each of the WinkBed’s four firmness levels. The side sleepers on our team enjoyed the close contouring and deep cushioning of the Softer model, and those weighing 130 pounds or more also found the Luxury Firm model comfortable. Our back and stomach sleepers preferred the stronger support of the Luxury Firm and Firmer WinkBeds. The testers who weighed more than 230 pounds also received adequate support from the WinkBed Plus.
Excellent cooling was a shared strength of all four designs during our temperature control tests. The breathable cover and steady airflow through the coils help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature for sleeping. We also found the WinkBed easy to move across and stable around the perimeter. Both of these qualities can be attributed to the zoned coil system.
The WinkBed qualifies for free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Each mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial. If you choose to exchange your mattress for a model with a different firmness level, you’ll receive free return shipping and a 60-night trial for the replacement. All WinkBeds are covered under a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The WinkBed is a true crowd-pleaser. Since the mattress is available in four firmness levels, there’s at least one design most people should find comfortable – even those who weigh more than 230 pounds.”
Best for Kids and Teens
Nolah Nurture 10
Who it’s best for:
- Hot sleepers
- Parents who are unsure of their child’s preferred firmness
- Side and back sleepers
Highlights:
- Flippable design offers two firmness options
- Composed of naturally breathable latex and wool layers
- Coil system offers a responsive feel
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The Nolah Nurture 10 is a flippable hybrid mattress that caters to toddlers and teens alike. The dual-sided design offers two firmness levels that should accommodate the needs of children whose sleep preferences change over time.
What It’s Made of
The Nurture 10 offers two firmness levels to choose from. One side of the bed has a soft (3) feel while the other is firm (7). The soft side begins with an organic cotton cover, followed by a plush layer of wool and a layer of soft Talalay latex. The firm side has an organic cotton cover designed for extra durability, followed by a wool and cotton layer and a Talalay latex layer with a firmer feel. Both sides share a support core made of pocketed coils that are zoned to offer enhanced support to areas of the body that need it.
How It Performed
The soft side has a very plush feel and contours closely to a child’s body. While this firmness level may appeal to any age, many younger children especially enjoy the deep hug of the well-cushioned surface. This side is also a good fit for side or back sleepers who experience uncomfortable pressure buildup in the hips, shoulders, or spine. The firmer side is ideal for older children who need a supportive bed with moderate cushioning on the surface.
The wool and latex layers provide cushioning on both sides and the coils give the bed a responsive, bouncy feel. Naturally breathable materials like latex and wool keep the bed exceptionally cool, further enhanced by air circulation between the coils.
Nolah offers a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Mattresses ship free to the contiguous U.S.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“One of the standout features of the Nolah Nurture is the exceptional cooling. Your kid should feel incredibly comfortable on this bed, even if they are a hot sleeper.”
Best for Back Pain
Helix Midnight
Who it’s best for:
- Sleepers who prefer the responsive yet contouring feel of a memory foam hybrid
- People who weigh up to 230 pounds
- Those who frequently experience pressure points
Highlights:
- Memory foam comfort layer hugs the body to relieve pressure
- Reinforced perimeter for enhanced edge support
- Pocketed coil core adds bounce and breathability
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People with back pain often benefit from a mattress that balances cushion along the spine with a robust support core to promote spinal alignment. Helix Sleep offers an extensive line of hybrid mattresses and the Midnight is one of the most balanced options for sleepers with back pain. A premium design and approachable price-point also make this mattress an attractive option for twin XL shoppers.
What It’s Made of
The Midnight is constructed with a comfort layer of adaptive memory foam that closely contours to the body to relieve pressure buildup in the joints. Next is a polyfoam transitional layer that acts as a cushion between the memory foam top layer and the coil support core. This layer also limits excessive sinkage and helps evenly distribute weight.
The support core is composed of pocketed coils that provide targeted pushback to reduce sagging. A polyester cover encases the entire mattress. The Midnight has a medium firm (6) feel.
How It Performed
You shouldn’t sink too deeply into the Midnight if you weigh up to 230 pounds, but the memory foam still conforms closely to the body to provide support for the spine. The transitional polyfoam and coils also give the Midnight a somewhat responsive surface feel.
The mattress is particularly well suited to side sleepers because the foam offers ample padding for the shoulders and hips, resulting in even spinal alignment and pressure relief throughout the body. The sturdy support system also provides even support with minimal sagging for back sleepers, as well as stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. Thanks to steady airflow through the coil layer, the mattress is also a good choice for hot sleepers, while the adaptive comfort layer ensures better-than-average motion isolation compared to other hybrids.
The Helix Midnight comes at a very reasonable price-point for a memory foam hybrid. You can also upgrade to the Helix Midnight Luxe, which contains two memory foam layers and zoned coils for more enhanced support. Helix offers free shipping to all 50 states, and the mattress comes with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Midnight was a favorite among many testers on our team. The hybrid design and middle-of-the-road firmness earns the bed high marks, and the edge support is especially impressive.”
Best for Split King Beds
Saatva Classic
Who it’s best for:
- Couples who have different sleep preferences
- Sleepers seeking strong edge support
- People looking for free White Glove delivery
Highlights:
- Available in three firmness levels
- Memory foam lumbar pad offers additional lower back support
- Equally responsive and pressure-relieving
Shoppers who opt for the Saatva Classic have their choice of firmness levels. You can choose between soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8) sleep surfaces that each feature slightly different constructions but similar performance. The Classic is ideal for couples seeking a split king size – which is merely two twin XL beds paired together. Saatva allows you to pick twin XLs with different firmness levels, which means you and your co-sleeper can choose beds that best suit your individual preferences.
What It’s Made of
In addition to three firmness levels, you can also pick between two different profile options that measure 11.5 inches and 14.5 inches. All models begin with a plush quilted polyfoam Euro-top that’s firmer beneath your midsection to provide increased pushback. Patented Lumbar Zone Active Spinal Wire and high-density memory foam rest under your lower back to combat pain.
Beneath the foam are two sets of coils. Pocketed microcoils respond to your movement without transferring motion, while strategically compressing to increase support where it’s needed. The base coil unit is designed with longevity in mind, and our in-house testing confirmed that this model is highly durable. High-density foam around the support core’s perimeter ensures that you can sleep on the mattress’ edge without it sagging.
How It Performed
The Saatva Classic has an average price-point compared to other hybrids, with excellent performance in numerous categories. It offers the edge support and ease of movement that many couples enjoy for sex, but it doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness for pressure relief. The Saatva Classic’s innerspring support core also keeps the bed quite cool. Air circulates easily around the coils and the polyfoam doesn’t absorb too much heat.
Saatva offers free White Glove delivery and old mattress removal to shoppers who live in the contiguous U.S. The company offers a 365-night sleep trial but charges a $99 fee for mattress pickup. The lifetime warranty covers workmanship and material defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I found the Saatva Classic really well-rounded and supportive. It relieved pressure points and still felt responsive. It’s not often a mattress can do both.”
Best for Side Sleepers
Layla Mattress
Who it’s best for:
- Sleepers who prefer the adaptive, contouring feel of memory foam mattresses
- People whose firmness preferences fluctuate between medium and firm
- Those who usually sleep hot on all-foam beds
Highlights:
- Two-sided design with different firmness on each side
- Copper gel infusion intended for cooling properties
- Memory foam comfort layers contour for pressure relief
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The Layla is a memory foam mattress with a flippable design. The reversible construction makes the mattress an appealing option for sleepers across different body types and preferred positions, but its pressure-relieving foam layers make it a particularly strong choice for side sleepers.
What It’s Made of
Both sides of the Layla are constructed with memory foam comfort layers. One surface offers a medium soft (4) feel and conforms rather closely, making it ideal for many side sleepers and people who weigh less than 130 pounds. The opposite side has a firm (7) feel. You’ll feel very moderate conforming and much stronger support on this surface, resulting in even contouring and minimal sinkage for back and stomach sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds. The shared support core is made of high-density polyfoam. The mattress is rather lightweight, so flipping it over shouldn’t take too much effort.
How It Performed
Both memory foam layers are infused with copper, which has cooling properties and can help to reduce body heat buildup on either of the Layla’s sides. The softer side also contains a transitional layer of convoluted polyfoam, which promotes added airflow due to its shape. This surface provides the best overall pressure relief, and it also isolates motion transfer very well. The firmer side offers stronger edge support, while less sinkage makes the surface easier to move across for most people.
Given the Layla’s reversible design and premium materials, its price-point is very affordable. Shipping is free if you reside in the contiguous U.S., with reasonable added fees for shipping to Alaska and Hawaii. The mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, both of which are longer than average.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“I really appreciate the versatility of the Layla. The firm side feels quite firm for a foam bed while the softer side is extremely cushioned, making this great for people with changing needs.”
Best for Adjustable Beds
Cocoon Chill
Who it’s best for:
- Hot sleepers seeking a foam bed that retains minimal heat
- Side sleepers
- Couples
Highlights:
- All-foam design offers excellent motion isolation
- Comfort layer adapts to the body to help relieve pressure buildup
- Phase change material engineered to reduce heat retention
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Conventional memory foam beds are known for heat absorption that can cause some sleepers to feel uncomfortably warm. The Cocoon Chill offers many aspects of memory foam mattresses that sleepers find appealing, such as superior pressure relief and limited motion transfer. However, another standout feature is a cooling cover intended to minimize heat retention on the surface.
What It’s Made of
The Cocoon Chill is a medium firm (6) mattress. The cover is made of a stretch knit fabric infused with phase change material, which helps absorb and dissipate body heat. The comfort layer is composed of memory foam that contours to the body, followed by a polyfoam transitional layer that offers further cushioning but is firm enough to prevent excessive sinkage. The support core is made of high-density polyfoam.
How It Performed
The all-foam construction alleviates pressure buildup and isolates motion, allowing couples to share a bed without disrupting each other’s sleep with movement. The design best serves sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds, as those who weigh more generally require additional support for proper spinal alignment. Side sleepers in particular appreciate the contouring of the Cocoon Chill’s memory foam comfort layer.
The bed is backed by a 100-night sleep trial, during which you can try out the bed and return it for a full refund anytime after a 30-night break-in period. Sealy also offers free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and backs the Chill with a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
”The phase change material in the Cocoon Chill makes a noticeable difference. This mattress felt cooler than a lot of the competition.”
Best Organic
Birch Mattress
Who it’s best for:
- Hot sleepers
- People who weigh 130 to 230 pounds
- Eco-conscious mattress shoppers
Highlights:
- Durable and responsive latex hybrid design provides even contouring without sinking too much
- Excellent cooling thanks to a breathable cover and steady airflow through the coil system
- GOTS and Rainforest Alliance certifications ensure materials are sustainably sourced
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
20% off sitewide + 2 free Dream Pillows with mattress purchase
The Birch Mattress is a high-quality latex hybrid that should appeal to anyone who prefers to buy natural, sustainably made products. The mattress has earned certifications from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Rainforest Alliance, and eco-INSTITUT. In addition to being eco-friendly, the Birch Mattress is both durable and responsive. We recommend the Birch to anyone who finds foam beds uncomfortable.
What It’s Made of
The Birch is encased in a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover quilted with a layer of wool batting that acts as a fire barrier. Both of these materials are naturally breathable, and the wool has moisture-wicking properties, so the surface should remain cool and comfortable. A comfort layer of Talalay latex provides cushioning for the body and also gives the surface a light bounce, which should help you move across the mattress with relative ease.
The support core contains pocketed coils designed to move independently from one another, resulting in strong support without the excessive motion transfer associated with traditional innerspring coils. This layer is zoned with thicker coils along the perimeter, which offered generous pushback with very little sinkage during our edge support tests. The Birch Mattress has a medium firm (6) feel and measures 11 inches thick.
How It Performed
The balanced medium firm feel earned the Birch Mattress excellent ratings from many of our testers. Those who found the mattress most comfortable include side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. Based on these results, we recommend the Birch to anyone in the range of 130 to 230 pounds across sleep positions.
Cooling is another area where the Birch excelled during our tests. The breathable cover, moisture-wicking wool batting, ventilated latex, and air-circulating coil system all contribute to the above-average temperature control of this mattress. Since latex is a naturally durable material that resists indentations and impressions, we’ve also awarded the Birch strong ratings for expected longevity.
The Birch has an approachable price-point compared to other latex hybrids, and shipping is free to customers in all 50 states. Each order includes two free pillows at no extra charge. The mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial, and you’ll also receive a 25-year warranty if you decide to keep it.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Birch is both eco-friendly and exceptionally comfortable. The medium firm latex hybrid design made this mattress popular with most of our testers, including those in all three position groups and different weight categories.”
Why You Can Trust Us
We rely on rigorous hands-on testing and years of experience in the sleep product industry to bring you the best mattress picks in various categories. Our testing team represents different body types, sleeping positions, and preferences, so you can rest assured that our findings consider the needs of most sleepers.
How We Evaluated These Mattresses
Our team members take turns lying on each mattress and rolling across the surface to evaluate firmness and support. We also perform tests and employ special tools to measure motion isolation, temperature neutrality, and pressure relief. The list above represents the twin XL beds that performed the best among all models.
To learn more, read our product research methodology below:
- Motion Isolation: Anyone sensitive to a co-sleeper’s movement at night may prioritize motion isolation. This category refers to how well a mattress absorbs motion transfer when a sleeper changes positions.
- Temperature Control: Temperature regulation is an essential factor for healthy sleep, as keeping too hot or too cold can cause discomfort in bed. Hot sleepers should look for mattresses made from materials that help circulate air and dissipate body heat, such as cotton covers, latex comfort systems, and coil support cores.
- Pressure Relief: This category refers to how well a mattress cradles the body to reduce pressure buildup. It is particularly important for side sleepers, who often put more pressure on their joints.
- Off-Gassing: Off-gassing odor is temporary and usually harmless, but many sleepers find it aggravating. Emissions from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other bad smells usually arise after unboxing a mattress made with synthetic materials like memory foam and polyfoam.
- Ease of Movement: Finding a mattress that allows you to move across the surface easily is often crucial for combination sleepers. Mattresses with coil support cores or responsive comfort materials like latex tend to perform the best in this category.
- Edge Support: A mattress with a supportive perimeter allows sleepers to lie or sit closer to the edge, increasing the usability of the bed surface. For this reason, some mattresses feature extra reinforcement along the edges.
- Sex: Although it’s often overlooked, a mattress that performs well during sex is a priority for many sleepers. Many people agree that the best mattresses for sex have bounce, noise suppression, and temperature regulation.
- Body Weight: Body weight is an important consideration when choosing a mattress that balances comfort and support. Generally, your mattress should gently cradle your body without causing you to sink too deeply.
Other Mattress Guides
If you’re still not sure a Twin XL mattress is right for your needs, you can take a look at our mattress guides broken down by size.
Shopping Guides by Mattress Size
How to Choose a Twin XL Mattress
If you’re in the market for a twin XL mattress, there are several considerations to make before selecting a specific model. These include how soft or firm the mattress should feel, the materials used to construct its different layers, and how much it costs in a twin XL size. You should also make your decision based on the age of the sleeper who will use the mattress, as the best twin XL mattresses for adults will differ somewhat from models that are best for kids.
What to Look for in a Mattress
Finding the right twin XL mattress will require a bit of research on your part. We encourage all mattress buyers to compare different models in terms of construction, feel, price, and other key factors. Sometimes, mattress brands will use misleading labels and descriptions for their beds in order to entice shoppers. While phrases like “universal comfort,” or “a perfect firmness for all sleepers,” sound nice, they can make it difficult to parse out how a mattress will actually feel and perform for you. By focusing on the nuts and bolts of a bed, using the following criteria to guide your search, you’ll be able to get a better picture of how well a mattress meets your specific needs.
- Price: As you can see from our top picks, prices vary considerably for twin XL mattresses. How much you pay for your mattress will depend on its material composition, the brand, and other factors. That said, you should be able to find a high-quality twin XL model of any mattress type for less than $1,400.
- Sleeping Position: For most side sleepers, the best twin XL mattresses will conform closely to cushion the shoulders and hips, align the spine, and reduce pressure. For this reason, side sleepers tend to prefer softer mattresses. Back and stomach sleepers typically need less contouring and more support, so these individuals often lean toward firmer models instead.
- Mattress Type: Each general mattress type offers a unique experience for sleepers. All-foam beds usually provide the closest body conforming and best pressure relief. Latex beds also contour a bit, but you’ll feel more responsiveness on the surface. Innersprings and hybrids feel very supportive thanks to their coil layers, but the latter group usually contains thicker comfort layers for added conforming and pressure relief. Airbeds can be adjusted for firmness by adding or releasing air from their support core chambers.
- Contouring: Whether a mattress conforms very closely or hardly at all, it should provide an even head-to-toe contour that cradles your lighter areas and doesn’t sink beneath the torso, lower back, or hips. The best materials for contouring are memory foam, adaptive polyfoam, and soft latex.
- Quality Materials: Beds made with top-tier components tend to last longer, feel more comfortable, sleep cooler, and provide more owner satisfaction. Materials associated with high-quality construction include high-density memory foam, organic latex, zoned steel coils, and covers made from fabrics like organic cotton, rayon from bamboo, and cashmere.
- Firmness Level: Mattress firmness is assessed using a 1-10 scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 the firmest. Most beds sold today are between 2 and 8. A softer mattress (1-3) will conform more closely and sink deeper, making it best suited to side sleepers and people who weigh less than 130 pounds. Firmer models (7-10) do not conform as much but feel very supportive, and shouldn’t sink excessively for back and stomach sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds. A mattress with mid-level firmness (4-6) offers a more balanced feel.
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Pressure Relief: Sleepers tend to feel pressure points in their shoulders, lower back, and hips on mattresses that either don’t conform closely enough or that sink excessively. When choosing a mattress based on firmness, be sure to take your weight and preferred sleeping position into account.
- Edge Support: Mattresses with weak edge support tend to sink deeply when people get in and out of bed, and sleepers may not feel very secure lying near the perimeter. Stronger models won’t sink as much, providing more stability for sleepers near the edge. Generally, coils provide the best edge support – especially when they are zoned with thicker coils along the perimeter.
- Temperature Regulation: Some mattresses sleep warm because their materials absorb and trap body heat from sleepers. Lack of internal airflow can also cause a mattress to feel hot. Beds with breathable components such as ventilated comfort layers, coil support cores, and covers with natural fibers usually promote better temperature control.
- Noise: Some mattress materials are associated with loud, disruptive noises. These include coils, which are prone to squeaks and creaks, and the motorized air chambers in airbeds that often produce a whirring sound. All-foam and all-latex beds are normally silent when bearing weight, and shouldn’t really cause any sleep disruptions.
Who Is Best Suited to a Twin XL Mattress?
Specific measurements vary by model, but a typical twin XL mattress measures about 39 inches wide and 80 inches long. These dimensions make the bed a bit too narrow for most couples, but single sleepers should have plenty of room as long as they aren’t taller than 6 feet 7 inches. Anyone can use a twin XL mattress if they choose, but we recommend this size for the following groups:
- Toddlers and Kids: Twin XL mattresses are a cost-effective option for growing kids. These beds will probably be long enough unless the child is exceptionally tall, but most twin XL models are affordably priced and you won’t break the bank if your child needs a different mattress down the road. Twin XL beds also take up a minimal amount of floor space, and certain bunk beds are compatible with twin XL mattresses if you have more than one child sharing a room.
- Teenagers: As with toddlers and small children, teenagers under 6 feet 7 inches should feel comfortable on a twin XL. Twin XL models are also a good space-saving option for teenagers, as their bedrooms tend to be on the smaller side.
- College Students: Dorm rooms are often quite small, so college students can conserve space by choosing a twin XL over a larger mattress size. Many opt for a loft-style bunk bed with their mattress on top and a computer desk or futon sofa underneath the bunk.
- Single Adults: If you normally sleep alone, a twin XL will probably offer more than enough room – though the sleep surface will be cramped if you have an overnight guest. Adults who have smaller bedrooms may want to consider a twin XL, as this size will save more space than a full mattress or larger.
- Those with Guest Rooms: Due to their low cost, twin XLs are often ideal for guest bedrooms designed to accommodate one sleeper. Their compact size also ensures more free space compared to a pull-out sofa.
Twin XL vs. Twin
The twin and twin XL sizes are fairly comparable. Both measure approximately 39 inches wide. For length, a twin measures 75 inches and a twin XL measures 80 inches. This makes the latter better suited to people who stand between 6 feet 3 inches and 6 feet 7 inches tall, since their legs are likelier to dangle over the edge of a standard twin.
The difference in cost between these two sizes is usually minimal. Some brands charge the same price for twin and twin XL sizes.
Pros and Cons of a Twin XL Mattress
Like other standard mattress sizes, the twin XL has distinct pros and cons that set it apart from other options. The advantages and disadvantages of twin XL models are listed below.
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What Type of Mattress Is Best for a Twin XL?
Mattresses sold today are divided into five general categories based on the materials used to construct them. The material composition of a mattress will affect its performance in several areas, such as durability, pressure relief, temperature neutrality, and noise. While mattresses in the same general category often perform at comparable levels, they also vary in terms of firmness, thickness, price, and quality. Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of each mattress category and its defining characteristics.
Hybrid
Definition: While technically innersprings, hybrids are usually constructed with thick comfort layers of memory foam, latex, and other contouring materials. This results in deeper conforming and more pressure relief than most traditional innersprings. Most hybrids also contain support cores with individually pocketed coils.
Balanced Design: Hybrids are popular with sleepers because many offer the best qualities of innersprings and all-foam beds. Conforming comfort layers provide decent motion isolation and good pressure relief, while coil layers reinforce the edges and promote airflow to keep the mattress cool.
Innerspring
Definition: The most popular mattress type sold in the U.S., innersprings are constructed with thin comfort layers of memory foam and polyfoam over a support core of open steel coils. Some innersprings also contain transitional layers of polyfoam or minicoils. On average, innersprings are the most affordable mattress type.
More Bounce, Less Sink: Most innerspring beds don’t conform very closely and their coils are highly responsive. This results in a very bouncy surface that most people can move across without sinking or feeling trapped by their mattress. Edge support is usually quite strong, as well, so you’ll be able to use the entire surface of the bed – not just the middle.
Latex
Definition: Latex is a substance derived from the sap of rubber trees. Processing latex with chemical fillers yields a foamy material that conforms to the body while remaining fairly responsive. An all-latex mattress contains softer latex in the comfort layer and denser material in the support core.
Durable and Resilient: Latex offers more longevity than memory foam or polyfoam, so mattresses with latex layers typically carry a lifespan of at least 8 years – much longer than average. The latex should also retain its responsive, bouncy feel over time and won’t sag too much.
Airbed
Definition: Not to be confused with temporary air mattresses, airbed mattresses are constructed with at least two air chambers in their support cores. Owners can add or release air from each chamber to change the feel of different areas of the mattress. Although these adjustable settings make airbeds suitable to a wide range of sleepers, they are fairly rare and, on average, rather expensive.
Unparalleled Customization: Adjustable firmness is the defining feature of modern airbeds. You can change the feel of your bed with the click of a button – or a smartphone app, in some cases. The best airbeds offer a wide range of feels to choose from, and many offer dual-firmness constructions for couples with different comfort preferences.
Foam
Definition: An all-foam mattress is constructed with comfort and transitional layers of polyfoam and/or memory foam; models that contain both materials are known as “mixed-foam” beds. The support core is always made from high-density polyfoam. Like innersprings, all-foam mattresses are generally cheaper than the other mattress types.
Full Body Contour: Foam hugs the body and alleviates pressure better than most mattress materials. Memory foam responds slowly, so you’ll slowly sink into the mattress. Polyfoam is more responsive, but it still conforms closely to the body. Even contouring ensures pressure relief in your most sensitive areas.
Last Things to Consider with a Twin XL Mattress
You’re almost ready to begin your search for the right twin XL mattress. As you begin your search for the ideal twin XL mattress, here are a few important questions to keep in mind.
Whether you’re buying a twin XL mattress for your child, another adult, or yourself, the model you select should align with the sleeper’s body type, sleep position, and firmness preferences. Also be sure to consider other factors, such as whether or not the individual deals with pressure points on a regular basis or tends to sleep hot.
Although most bunk beds are compatible with twin or full sizes, some bunk bed models can accommodate one or two twin XL mattresses. Bunk beds are great space-saving options for children’s bedrooms, as well as dorm rooms.
If you plan to use one or two twin XL mattresses with a bunk bed, be sure to first check the bed’s weight capacity. This refers to the maximum amount of weight the bed can support, and it applies to both the sleepers and the mattresses. Additionally, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission mandates that the mattress on a top bunk should be at least 5 inches shorter than the guard rails on either side. For this reason, low-profile mattresses measuring 6 to 7 inches thick are usually the best fit.
In addition to comparing mattresses, you should also research how different brands stack up in terms of shipping, returns, and warranty coverage.
Most online mattress brands will ship for free anywhere in the contiguous U.S., and some extend this offer to Alaska and Hawaii. The mattress will be compressed, shrink-wrapped, and shipped as a “mattress in a box” before being delivered to your doorstep. A large number of companies also offer White Glove delivery for an extra cost, which includes in-home setup and old mattress removal – though a handful of brands offer free White Glove delivery, as well.
Mattresses sold online usually come with a sleep trial that lasts at least 90 nights, and some span up to 1 year. In most cases, you’ll be able to return the mattress for a full refund within the trial window – though some brands require you to test out the mattress for at least 30 nights before you’ll be eligible for a refund.
All mattresses come with some sort of warranty, and most cover the product for at least 10 years. If the warranty is non-prorated, then you won’t pay much (if anything) to have a defective mattress repaired or replaced. If the warranty is partially prorated, replacing the mattress will cost you a percentage of the original sticker price after you’ve owned the bed for a few years.
Defects covered under warranty may include sagging or body impressions in the surface that measure to a certain depth (usually 0.5 to 1.5 inches), manufacturing flaws that cause the materials to deteriorate prematurely, and defects associated with the mattress cover.
Still have questions?
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Keith is a sleep product expert with nearly a decade of experience researching, developing, and testing sleep products.
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