We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
A twin bed is a popular option for kids’ rooms. It’s an ideal size for smaller bedrooms but still provides space for a child to spread out, relax, and sleep comfortably. Naturally, without the right mattress for their twin bed, children won’t get the restful sleep their developing bodies and brains need.
Your child may sleep better on one type of mattress over others; innerspring, foam, hybrid, latex, and pillow-top varieties offer different levels of padding and support. This guide outlines each type and other shopping considerations, from contouring and pressure relief to sleeping position.
Keep reading for tips on choosing the best twin mattress for kids, and explore our curated picks in an array of categories.
- BEST OVERALL: Tuft & Needle Original Twin Adaptive Foam Mattress
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Linenspa 6-Inch Innerspring Twin Mattress With Foam
- INNOVATIVE PICK: Inofia 12-Inch Hybrid Innerspring Twin Mattress
- TRADITIONAL PICK: Modway Jenna 10-Inch Twin Innerspring Mattress
- BEST HYPOALLERGENIC: Sleep On Latex Pure Green Organic Latex Mattress
- BEST COOLING: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Twin Mattress
- BEST NATURAL: Oliver & Smith Organic Cotton 10-Inch Mattress
- BEST FOR TODDLERS: Graco Premium Foam Crib & Toddler Mattress
- BEST FOR BUNK BEDS: Zinus 6-Inch Foam and Spring Twin Mattress 2 Piece
- ALSO CONSIDER: Coolvie 10-Inch Memory Foam Twin Mattress
How We Chose the Best Twin Mattresses for Kids
These recommendations for the best kids mattresses span a variety of mattress types, sleeping positions, temperature regulation features, edge support, and materials (such as organic materials) to suit the needs of various sleepers. The list of products curated was developed from extensive product research.
Our favorite mattresses are those that are recommended for any sleeping position. Some other types also made the cut because of the support and pressure relief that they provided. Not surprisingly, all the picks come packaged in a box with an easy setup of remove, expand, and wait for inflation.
Our Top Picks
The top picks highlight some of the best twin mattresses for kids from trusted brands to help your children sleep comfortably and safely night after night.
Best Overall
Tuft u0026 Needle Original Twin Adaptive Foam Mattress
This twin mattress features Tuft & Needle’s proprietary gel memory foam. Unlike mattresses designed for certain sleeping positions, the special foam in this mattress is comfortable for kids who sleep in any position—or little ones who toss and turn throughout the night.
The foam contains an open-cell structure that keeps it flexible, allowing it to modify the support and pressure relief it provides based on where the sleeper needs it most. The adaptive material contains gel and graphite beads that pull heat away from the body to keep children cool as they slumber and get the rest they need each evening.
The Tuft & Needle mattress is thick at 9.5 inches, with edge support and a medium firmness level. This mattress is both CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold certified.
Product Specs
- Recommended sleeping position: Any
- Type: Gel memory foam
- Firmness: Medium
Pros
- Easy unboxing and setup; open-cell structure of the foam allows it to unroll easily
- Free of harmful chemicals; suitable for the eco-conscious consumer
- Available in twin and twin XL sizes to meet user preferences
- Compatible with most platform frames, box springs, and foundations
Cons
- Not ideal for those who prefer softer foam mattresses
Get the Tuft & Needle twin mattress for kids at Amazon, Wayfair, or Tuft & Needle.
Best Bang For The Buck
Linenspa 6-Inch Innerspring Twin Mattress With Foam
For those looking for a comfortable mattress at an affordable price, the Linenspa low-profile 6-inch twin spring mattress is worth considering. Designed to work with a variety of beds popular in kid bedrooms, including bunk beds, trundle beds, and day beds. A comfortable memory foam layer surrounds heavy-gauge tempered steel coils, providing a gentle yet firm sleeping surface for optimal support and spinal alignment.
Available in twin and twin XL, in addition to other standard sizes, the budget-friendly mattress is CertiPUR-US certified. This mattress arrives compressed in a box, eliminating the hassles of moving an uncompressed mattress through the house.
Product Specs
- Recommended sleeping position: Not listed
- Type: Memory foam
- Firmness: Firm
Pros
- Easy setup; comes compressed for easy transport to a bedroom
- Fits box springs, slatted or platform bed frames, and metal grids
- Available in twin and twin XL sizes for bunk beds, trundle beds, daybeds
Cons
- Only 6 inches thick; may not provide ample support for larger sleepers
- Not ideal for those who prefer soft mattresses
Get the Linenspa twin mattress for kids at Amazon or Linenspa.
Innovative Pick
Inofia 12-Inch Hybrid Innerspring Twin Mattress
The Inofia 12-inch innerspring mattress is a hybrid of springs and pressure-relieving foam. The top layer is made of a breathable fabric that keeps kids cool and will help regulate their body temperature. Beneath this cooling layer are six additional layers, including a memory foam layer and a pressure-relieving comfort foam layer.
Compared to a traditional innerspring mattress, this hybrid option does a better job of isolating motion and makes less noise when a child moves around. It has a medium firmness and contours to a child’s body better than a traditional innerspring, giving children the support they need to feel well rested in the morning.
Product Specs
- Recommended sleeping position: Not listed
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium
Pros
- Strong edge support to prevent sleepers from rolling off; ideal for children
- Fits all frames and box springs, or rests on floor; 6 layers of support requires no box spring
- Breathable design helps regulate sleeping temperature and release moisture
Cons
- Mattress may spring out while removing from packaging
- Not ideal for those who prefer soft mattresses
Get the Inofia twin mattress for kids at Amazon or Inofia.
Traditional Pick
Modway Jenna 10-Inch Twin Innerspring Mattress
A top-quality innerspring mattress option to consider for kids of all ages is this Jenna model from Modway. The mattress features individually wrapped coils designed to reduce the pressure on children’s shoulders, necks, backs, and hips as they sleep. A 1-inch layer of responsive foam and a .9-inch layer of breathable foam cover the 8.5-inch coils to keep children comfortable all night.
This 10-inch innerspring mattress is firm to encourage spinal alignment and it comes in both twin and twin XL sizes. It will arrive tightly rolled up, making it easy to move to your child’s bedroom. Simply unroll, then give the mattress 24 hours to expand fully before use.
Product Specs
- Recommended sleeping position: Side, back, stomach
- Type: Innerspring
- Firmness: Medium
Pros
- Individually wrapped coils isolate bounce and motion when someone moves
- Easy setup; comes rolled up and collapses easily
- Comes with a fire-resistant polyester barrier for additional protection and safety
- Available in twin, twin XL, and narrow twin for ample versatility
Cons
- Not ideal for those who prefer soft mattresses
Get the Modway innerspring mattress for kids at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Modway.
Best Hypoallergenic
Sleep On Latex Pure Green Organic Latex Mattress
For a child who tosses and turns, flipping from back to side and back again, Sleep On Latex has a mattress to help. Filled with 100 percent natural latex foam, this hypoallergenic, medium-firm mattress provides impeccably located elastic support. In addition, the foam adjusts right away to every move, providing constant support and no resistance.
The quilted cover is made of organic cotton and organic wool to add a little extra height and comfort to the overall mattress. Natural latex contains tiny chambers that run through the foam and allow air to circulate throughout the mattress. Organic wool and cotton are also breathable materials that aid in air circulation and help to keep the mattress cool.
Product Specs
- Recommended sleeping position: Side sleepers and back sleepers
- Type: Latex
- Firmness: Medium
Pros
- Fair Trade-certified organic mattress; ideal for the eco-conscious consumer
- Easy setup; the foam adjusts quickly to lay flat on the bed frame
- Natural latex is durable and expected to last for years under regular use
Cons
- Not ideal for those who prefer soft mattresses
- More expensive than other options on this list
Get the Sleep On latex twin mattress for kids at Amazon or Sleep On.
Best Cooling
Leesa Sapira Hybrid Twin Mattress
If a child complains about being too warm when they sleep, this cool-gel memory-foam mattress from Leesa may help. The 11-inch hybrid mattress is topped with ultrafine viscose fibers and plant-based rayon that will help regulate a child’s body temperature to avoid overheating under the covers.
The mattress has a medium to medium-firm firmness level with six layers of foam and pocket springs to relieve pressure points and aid spine alignment. It meets the CertiPUR-US standards for emissions and performance and comes in both twin and twin XL sizes. This mattress is also perfect for those who are prone to nightmares and need a sleeping buddy as the mattress is thick enough to allow for very little motion transfer through the night.
Product Specs
- Recommended sleeping position: Most positions
- Type: Viscose, rayon, and memory foam
- Firmness: Medium to medium-firm
Pros
- 6 layers; comes with multiple memory-foam layers, pocket springs, and ultrafine viscose and rayon cooling layer
- 11-inch thickness provides ample support for those who need it; very little motion transfer
- CertiPUR-US certified; safe to use as a mattress for kids
Cons
- May not be suitable for those who prefer a softer mattress
Get the Leesa twin mattress for kids at Amazon, Pottery Barn, or Leesa.
Best Natural
Oliver u0026 Smith Organic Cotton 10-Inch Mattress
The multilayer design of this mattress by Oliver Smith provides sleepers with a luxurious rest at night. And, the organic cotton cover features a ventilated fabric pattern to ensure the sleeper stays cool all night long. The medium-firm feel of this mattress is ideal for kids who sleep on their backs.
This mattress has a 100 percent natural organic cover and is made with ventilated cooling memory foam that’s rated nontoxic. In general, this mattress emphasizes green materials throughout.
Product Specs
- Recommended sleeping position: Back sleepers
- Type: Cotton and memory foam
- Firmness: Medium
Pros
- Easy setup; simply unroll onto the bed frame and allow it to flatten
- Made with 100 percent natural organic materials; suitable for the eco-conscious consumer
- Green foam certified, nontoxic foam construction is safe to use as a mattress for kids
Cons
- Not ideal for those who prefer soft mattresses
Get the Oliver & Smith twin mattress for kids at Amazon or Oliver and Smith.
Best for Toddlers
Graco Premium Foam Crib u0026 Toddler Mattress
A child’s rest and well-being are at the top of many parents’ minds. This toddler mattress from Graco is Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, ensuring that the bed was screened for more than 10,000 chemicals and volatile organic compounds and made with zero heavy metals.
The breathable foam mattress fits the recommended firmness for an infant’s safe sleep, and the JPMA certification confirms independent laboratories tested it for safety. The mattress comes with a removable and machine-washable cover.
Product Specs
- Recommended sleeping position: Back sleepers
- Type: Foam
- Firmness: Recommended firmness for infants
Pros
- Easy setup; can be laid into most childrens’ cribs upon arrival
- Water-resistant cover is perfect for leaks while sleeping
- Recipient of the Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval
- Winner of the National Parenting Product Award
Cons
- Might not fit all toddler beds; measuring is recommended before purchase
Get the Graco toddler mattress at Amazon, Wayfair, Target, or Graco Baby.
Best for Bunk Beds
Zinus 6-Inch Foam and Spring Twin Mattress 2 Piece
The Zinus mattress set includes two innerspring and foam mattresses at an affordable price. Each hybrid mattress has 5-inch supportive steel coils topped with 1 inch of high-density foam. This design makes these mattresses an excellent choice for stomach sleepers.
The foam layer is CertiPUR-US certified, so users can be confident that it’s a safe sleep environment for a child. The mattresses are compressed and packed in a box. Just roll them out, give them 72 hours to fully expand, and they’ll be ready to use.
Product Specs
- Recommended sleeping position: Stomach sleepers
- Type: Foam
- Firmness: Medium
Pros
- Easy setup; simply roll the bed onto the bed frame and wait for it to flatten
- No disturbance during a sleepover; divides motion evenly
- CertiPUR-US certified; safe to use as a mattress for kids and toddlers
- Perfect choice for stomach sleepers
Cons
- Good for petite individuals, but no room for growth
- Only 6 inches thick; may not provide a lot of support
Get the Zinus twin mattresses for kids at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Also Consider
Coolvie 10-Inch Memory Foam Twin Mattress
Back sleepers favor medium-firm mattresses to align the spine and support their hips and shoulders properly. This medium-firm twin mattress from Coolvie has a comfortable layer of memory foam with a layer of high-performance independently encased coils.
The combination of foam and coils offers edge-to-edge support and heat dissipation. It also helps to relieve pressure points along the neck, shoulders, back, and hips. The mattress adapts to the size, weight, and shape of the body for the perfect level of support. The fabric cover is made from natural materials for a soft and smooth touch, while the cooling memory foam helps dissipate heat from the body.
Product Specs
- Recommended sleeping position: Back sleepers
- Type: Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium
Pros
- Easy setup; simply roll out and leave the mattress to flatten
- No disturbance during a sleepover; localized bounce to prevent disturbing others
- Breathable knitted fabric cover keeps sleepers cool all night
Cons
- Not ideal for those who prefer soft mattresses
- Need to allow 72 hours before first use; may take some time to fully lay flat
Get the Coolvie twin mattress for kids at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Twin Mattress for Kids
When searching for a child’s mattress, there are many things to consider, including the child’s age, mattress quality, and whether the mattress will age well as your child grows. Also, consider the height of the adults in the family, since the size of the mattress will matter as your child grows.
What sleep positions does your child find comfortable, and what mattress firmness do you need based on those positions? Ultimately, the best children’s mattress choice will be based on some or all of the factors below and provide the rest your kids need for their growing bodies.
Types of Mattresses
One of the biggest decisions to make before purchasing a quality mattress is the type, since each is best suited to different sleepers’ needs. There are five main mattress varieties to consider for a child.
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses feature a core designed with steel coils. The coils are covered with foam, such as memory foam or polyfoam, to provide cushioning and comfort. Innerspring is typically a firm mattress option preferred by many back and stomach sleepers.
These mattresses are springier, more responsive, and less contouring than most other mattress types. Innerspring mattresses with individually wrapped coils can limit motion transfer from one side of the bed to the other and offer more targeted pressure relief for sleepers.
Foam
Foam mattresses are designed with layers of memory foam or polyfoam. Additional layers of support from a denser foam typically help make up these mattresses. A foam mattress is highly contouring and can offer relief from pressure for all individuals, especially those who sleep on their side. Foam mattresses can be effective at limiting motion transfer.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine features from different mattress types. They typically have a pocketed-coil support core along with other layers made from materials such as memory foam, polyfoam, and latex. A hybrid mattress is supportive but also offers pressure relief and body-conforming properties.
The coil design of these mattresses allows for sufficient airflow to regulate the temperature. Since hybrid mattresses often feature individually wrapped coils plus have a layer of memory foam, they can be a good option for those looking for a mattress to limit motion transfer.
Latex
Made from rubber tree sap and chemical fillers, latex is responsive and offers some contouring properties. Unlike memory foam that sinks in too much for some users, latex mattresses prevent individuals from sinking too deep into the mattress.
Latex is more breathable than memory foam and other foam types, so it allows for a cooler sleep space. The elasticity of a latex mattress that allows it to conform to an individual’s body also reduces the transfer of motion from one side to the other.
Pillow Top
Pillow-top mattresses typically feature an innerspring base with an additional top layer of padding. This padded top layer is usually between 2 and 4 inches thick and may be made from memory foam, latex, wool, gel, fiberfill, or other plush materials.
Pillow-top mattresses are popular with side sleepers since their plush top can be very conforming and take pressure off the joints. The design of the mattress beneath the pillow-top layer will affect how effective this mattress type is at limiting motion transfer.
Size and Thickness
Twin mattresses come in three sizes: twin, twin XL, and narrow twin. Each size serves a specific purpose.
- Twin mattresses are the most popular size. They are 38 inches wide and 75 inches long and are ideal for younger kids. But as kids grow older, a twin mattress that’s 75 inches long may not work for taller teenagers. And they might find their feet dangling off the edge of the bed.
- Twin XL mattresses provide the same amount of room in width but offer 5 extra inches in length. At 80 inches long, a twin XL mattress suits taller teenagers and adults.
- Narrow twin mattresses are 30 inches wide and 75 inches long. These thin mattresses are great for cots, RVs, and bunk beds, where space is limited. A narrow mattress is usually about 6 inches thick.
Standard mattresses are between 8 and 12 inches thick. Mattresses for different sleeping positions are often made in the following thicknesses:
- Back sleepers: 10 to 12 inches
- Stomach sleepers: 10 inches
- Side sleepers: 12 to 14 inches
- Combination sleepers: 12 inches
Firmness Level
Manufacturers typically indicate the firmness level of a mattress using a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being a very soft mattress and 10 being a very firm mattress. Mattresses on the softer end of the range (with a firmness between 1 and 3) are plusher and allow the body to sink relatively deep into the mattress for a more cradled feeling.
On the firm end of the scale (between 7 and 10), mattresses are quite the opposite; they offer more support and less contouring around the body. Firm mattresses provide the most spinal alignment, though they might feel uncomfortable for some sleepers.
Mattresses with a medium firmness (between 4 and 6) are a middle ground between plush and firm; these offer more support than soft mattresses while feeling less solid than mattresses on the higher end of the scale.
Age and Sleeping Position
The four most common sleeping positions for kids are back, stomach, fetal position, and side. Kids will typically sleep equally on their side, back, and stomach, but as they grow older, most will eventually gravitate to side sleeping—probably with one arm overhead, since this is the most common sleeping position. The best sleeping position for babies and toddlers and children from birth to age 5 is lying on the back.
Your child’s sleeping position will help determine the type of mattress best suited for them. For example, side sleepers will feel comfier when their hips and shoulders sink into the bed, so they may prefer a soft mattress. On the other hand, back sleepers usually want support in their midsections and might prefer a firmer mattress. Kids who move around a lot at night might sleep best on a combination mattress.
Temperature Regulation
Cooling mattresses often feature breathable materials that allow for more air circulation and prevent the mattress from retaining heat. If your child is a hot sleeper, consider a mattress with coils that promote airflow, or look for foam infused with cooling gel or activated charcoal. Gel absorbs heat and keeps the mattress’s temperature from getting too warm, while charcoal is a naturally cool substance.
Cooling materials may also be integrated into the cover of a mattress to make it more breathable. For instance, Tencel is a very breathable fabric that can wick away moisture. Some cooling mattresses have phase change material (PCM) integrated into the cover, which absorbs body heat. These fabrics can then release the heat back if the body cools down too much.
Edge Support
The edge support on a mattress can affect how easy or how challenging it is for your child to get in and out of bed. Mattresses with weaker edge support are softer around the edges and may sink down when individuals sit on the edge of the bed. A mattress with firmer edge support won’t sink down as much, which simplifies the task of getting in or out of bed.
Edge support can also affect the usable sleeping space on the top of the mattress. It is possible to sleep right up to the edge of a mattress with firm edge support, but it’s not as easy to do so on a mattress with weaker edge support.
FAQs
There are many factors to consider when purchasing a mattress for your child, and some new questions may be popping up. For more information about the best twin mattresses for kids, check out these answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If additional concerns arise about a specific product, contact the manufacturer.
Q. What is the standard size of a twin mattress?
Standard twin mattresses are 38 inches wide by 75 inches long to accommodate small children or adults. Twin XL sizing is roughly 80 inches long by 38 inches wide for those who are more than 6 feet tall. Though the thickness varies from brand to brand, most twin mattresses are between 6 and 12 inches thick.
Q. Is a memory-foam mattress good for a child?
Yes. Memory-foam mattresses offer comfort, support, and pressure relief for troubled sleepers and provide enough edge support to keep them from falling off the bed.
However, some parents may want to take caution in giving their child a memory-foam bed if they are not yet old enough. To make sure your chosen bed is right for your child, ensure it has a CertiPUR-US certification.
Q. Which is better for a toddler, a foam or a spring mattress?
Both foam and innerspring mattresses are OK for a toddler. With either option, though, you will want to look for a firm mattress. When choosing the best mattress for your child, consider that foam mattresses are thinner than spring varieties and may not provide a lot of support.
However, spring mattresses are thick with multiple layers of support that may help a child sleep more comfortably.
Q. Can you steam-clean a mattress?
Yes, you can steam-clean a mattress to remove unwanted odors or stains without having to pay a professional cleaning service. Ensure that the steam machine you use is capable of reaching 212 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate all dirt, dust mites, and bacteria. If you do not have a steamer, a household iron can also do the trick.
Q. How long should a mattress last?
Depending upon their usage, a mattress can last between 7 and 10 years. The optimal way to know how long your mattress should last will depend on the manufacturer and construction of the mattress as well as typical sleeping habits and usage.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.