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Most people associate twin mattresses with children’s beds. But who said this size can’t make a good fit for an adult room as well?
In fact, for some rooms, a twin mattress might be the only possible fit. Whatever the case, your number one task is to choose the right one.
Luckily, you have this list of 5 best twin mattresses for adults and some recommendations on how to make a choice based on your needs. Enjoy!
A Quick Preview
![]() | Best Overall Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress | Check Current Price on Amazon Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Targeted Support Zoma Mattress | Check Current Price on ZomaSleep.com Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Firm Feel Zinus Ultima | Check Current Price on Amazon Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Pressure Relief LUCID | Check Current Price on Amazon Read more about this mattress |
![]() | Best for Motion Absorption Nolah Original | Check Current Price on NolahMattress.com Read more about this mattress |
Our Reviews of 5 Best Twin Mattresses for Adults
Best Overall - Editor’s Pick - Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
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Highlights
- comfort layer infused with green tea and charcoal for fresher sleep;
- safe and chemical-free BioFoam, suited even for allergy-prone users;
- airflow enhancing transition layer for cooler sleep.
This model certainly deserves to be among the best Twin mattresses. The Zinus combines everything you might look for in a good mattress: comfort, pressure-relieving materials, supportive construction, and reasonable pricing.
Now, the comfort layer uses foam infused with green tea and charcoal. The charcoal component serves to help with moisture absorption and fights odors. The green tea is rich in antioxidants and works to keep the mattress fresh, creating a pleasant sleeping environment for you.
The transition layer has an open-air structure with tiny pockets for improved air circulation. It nicely balances out the hugging foam on top and makes the mattress more temperature-neutral.
As for the base layer, it uses high-density foam to deliver study, reliable support. It will help distribute your body weight evenly, allowing you to feel relaxed and tension-free.
The mattress comes in 4 thickness variations, with the tallest one being the plushiest. This means the Zinus would work for different types of users and all sleeping positions.
Recommended for:
- Sleepers seeking instant pressure relief. The hugging comfort layer of this mattress effectively contours to one’s body, providing muscle relaxation and minimizing the pressure points.
- Shoppers on a budget. The Zinus is affordable and offers great value for money given its quality materials and smart construction.
- All sleeping positions. If you are a side sleeper, you can simply choose a thicker Zinus for more cradling for your shoulders and hips. If you are a back sleeper, you can pick an 8- or a 10-inch model, as those have the medium feel suited for this sleeping position. And stomach sleepers can buy the 6-inch Zinus that has the firmest feel, ideal for support in this case.
Cons:
- initial off-gassing is possible upon arriving;
- might take quite some time to expand fully, especially around the corners.
Best for Targeted Support - Zoma
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Highlights
- zoned comfort layer;
- breathable perforated cover fabric;
- responsive to your body.
The Zoma mattress truly deserves its place on my list because even though it has a pretty simple design, it never fails to deliver you shut-eye worthy of those luxurious hotel beds. The Zoma is packed with proprietary materials from top to bottom and will satisfy the needs even of the pickiest sleeper.
So, the top layer of this three-layer pie is designed to bring you comfort and pressure relief. It’s made of the Triangulex foam and is divided into three equal zones. The top and bottom zones feature convoluted design and conform to your shoulders, hips, and lower back to ensure proper positioning and relaxation. The middle zone is solid and contours your natural spine curves, so you can get that recovery.
The whole mattress construction is temperature neutral. It’s encased in the elastic breathable cover that promotes airflow within the mattress layers and under your body and effectively dissipates heat into the air.
Finally, Zoma has great edge support, which is a rare thing in foam mattresses. A dense foam base will ensure that you use the whole mattress area, which is crucial if you sleep on a twin bed.
If excellent pressure-relieving effects and temperature-neutral construction are what you need, definitely go for this mattress.
Recommended for:
- Kids. Kids depend on restorative sleep even more than adults. So if you want your little one to feel energized and thriving every day, be sure to get the Zoma in their bedroom.
- Sleepers with a demanding lifestyle. The Zoma is specifically designed for those who have a demanding lifestyle to help them with fast muscle recovery. As an athlete, or someone with a tough physical job, the Zoma can assist with better performance through a deep and restful sleep thanks to its three-zone Triangulex™ gel memory foam.
- Mixed sleeping. The medium feel of the Zoma and its well-made design can support your spinal health and adjust to almost any sleeping position you prefer.
Cons:
- fans of the traditional memory foam feel might find the Zoma a bit springy;
- has a slight off-gassing at the beginning.
Best for Firm Feel - Zinus Ultima
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Highlights
- anti-sagging design with sturdy edges;
- doesn’t make you sleep hot;
- low-profile design for higher bed frames.
Moving further down this list of twin beds for adults, and here’s the Zinus Ultima model. It’s a low-profile innerspring mattress with a firm feel that can offer uniform support even to individuals with different back pain issues.
So, the construction is pretty simple. You get a polyester jacquard cover quilted with soft microfiber, and a layer of foam is right under it for additional comfort. All of this sits on a coil block. Since the coils are individually wrapped, you can expect targeted pressure relief and sturdy perimeter.
Also, as an innerspring, the Zinus Ultima doesn’t sleep hot. The coil system promotes airflow and heat removal more effectively than foams, so you can rest assured you will get cool sleep throughout the year.
Overall, this is a great mattress for the fans of twin firmer beds and heavy sleepers. It’s pretty sturdy and can offer you great support even on a narrow bunk bed.
Recommended for:
- Heavy sleepers. The Zinus Ultima is firm, so it can withstand larger weight even despite the low-profile construction.
- Back and stomach sleepers. If you’re an average-weight back or stomach sleeper, this firm mattress may help maintain natural spine curves in your favorite position.
- Those who want a thinner mattress. If you use a high-profile bed frame or just want your bed to be low, this model by Zinus is perfect for that.
Cons:
- can take some time to expand properly;
- may feel too firm for some.
Best for Pressure Relief - LUCID
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Check current price Read our detailed review
Click the button below to check current price
Check current price Read our detailed review
Highlights
- soft and cushioning;
- very durable;
- low motion transfer.
Recommended for:
- Mixed sleepers. The LUCID has a soft to medium feel and, which is comfortable enough for those who switch between positions through the night.
- Those who are prone to allergies. Graphite-infused foam, aside from trapping less heat, also has great resistance to mold and mildew and hence, can ward off these allergens of your bed more effectively.
- Those who like a softer feel. The LUCID is very cradling and offers generous sinkage, so it will be a good choice if you like to be hugged by the mattress.
Cons:
- may retain some heat and make you hot;
- has a slight off-gassing due to foam infusions.
Best for Motion Absorption - Nolah Original
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Highlights
- great motion absorption;
- good edge support;
- sleeps neutral.
And the last option in this list of the best twin mattresses for adults is designed by Nolah. It has made it here thanks to its smart construction and awesome performance in terms of motion absorption.
The Nolah Original is an all-foam bed, and this explains its great shock-absorbing properties. Foam doesn’t transfer movements, so if you’re a restless sleeper and may wake up because of the bed’s responsiveness to your own motion during the night, this mattress is a solution.
Aside from that, the manufacturer uses its proprietary Nolah Airfoam as a comfort layer, so the bed generally sleeps neutral and won’t make you drown in your sweat even if you’re a heavy side sleeper.
Also, the Nolah mattress seems pretty durable. Thanks to the dense foam base the edges are pretty sturdy, so you can easily utilize the whole mattress surface during sleep.
The Nolah Original is recommended to those who love twin foam mattresses for their decent hug and want something that will calm their inner restless sleeper.
Recommended for:
- Side and back sleepers. The medium-firm feel of Nolah offers a good balance between soft cradling and firm support, which may work best for those who prefer sleeping on their side or back.
- Active sleepers. If you toss and turn a lot in your sleep, the Holah will help you mask the movements, making your sleep less interrupted.
- Those who sleep hot on memory foam beds. The proprietary Nolah AirFoam has an open-cell structure and traps less heat than traditional memory foam, so you can sleep cooler.
Cons:
- might feel a bit firm for small sleepers;
- offers a significant sinkage, which can be a turn down for some.
When Is It a Good Idea to Use a Twin Mattress?
A twin mattress is the smallest mattress size — for an adult, that you can find on the US market today (1).
It measures 39 x 75 inches and has enough space to accommodate a single person.
Even though queen-sized beds are a more popular choice, there are some situations in which a twin bed can make a better option:
- Guest room. If you have friends over occasionally, chances are they might want to stay overnight. A twin mattress is often a more affordable and comfortable way to accommodate your guests than a floor mattress or a couch in the living room.
- Dorms. twin mattresses are commonly used in dormitories, hostels, and other places around the United States with bunk beds for adults. That’s because they perfectly fit into bunk beds. So, if you’re a student, you may want to invest in a twin bed to make your sleep in the dorm more comfortable.
- Small apartments. Some bedrooms just aren’t big or wide enough to fit a queen bed or a sofa bed. In this case, a twin bed will help you arrange a suitable sleeping spot without sacrificing the space in your room.
A twin XL mattress measures 39″ x 80″, so it’s five inches longer than a standard twin bed (39” X 75”). It can suit tall people or those who love to stretch in bed.
Types of Twin Mattresses You Can Find Today
Now, to choose a suitable twin mattress, you need to familiarize yourself with the main mattress types.
And I can gladly help you with that.
Innerspring Mattresses
Traditional innerspring beds are still pretty common today. These mattresses feature great edge support that allows you to utilize the whole surface of your twin mattress. They usually have little give, so they are perfect for those of you who love a firmer feel.
The main problem, however, is that coils are more prone to squeaking, which can turn into a major sleep-disrupting factor.
Foam Mattresses
Mattresses in this category may use memory foam, polyfoam, or other innovative foams, either separately or combined as layers of one mattress.
Despite the differences in the manufacturing process, all foam materials have similar properties. They cradle your body and can remove additional weight from your pressure points. However, their main drawback is poor thermoregulation. They accumulate heat and might sleep hot (2).
Latex Mattresses
Latex is basically a vulcanized sap of rubber trees, so it also has a foam-like structure. But unlike synthetic foams, latex is breathable and sleeps cool. Also, latex mattresses are naturally resistant to mold and bed bugs, which is a plus if you’re buying a mattress for a dorm room, where the sanitation situation might be unsatisfactory.
The main downside of latex is its price. However, since a twin is smaller and requires fewer materials, many people are still able to afford it. If you’re on a tight budget, you can always pair a cheaper mattress with a latex topper to still enjoy the benefits of latex.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrids combine springs, different types of foam, latex, and other less-popular materials in different variations. Generally, these beds have the most balanced feel and adapt quickly to your body shape. Also, the coil block promotes air circulation between layers and helps remove some of your body heat.
The main issue with hybrids is the inconsistency in mattress characteristics. Some materials used for making these mattresses are relatively new on the market — not to mention they can be combined in multiple configurations — which can make it hard to predict their lifespan and durability.
Final checks to Make Before Purchasing a Twin Mattress
Finally, let’s outline the main details you need to take into consideration if you want to choose a suitable twin mattress for an adult:
Firmness
Firmness is a subjective characteristic that defines how comfortable your mattress will feel for you personally.
But here’s the deal:
Choosing the proper firmness is tied to your weight and preferred sleeping position.
Here are some general guidelines for each of the three main firmness levels:
- Soft. Soft mattresses offer a generous give, so they can cradle your pressure points properly. Typically, they would make the best pick for side sleepers, who tend to sink deeper into the mattress layers and hence, may have lots of pressure on their hips and shoulders. Petite sleepers are recommended to choose a soft bed as well. It won’t create too much resistance with their body, offering just the right amount of comfort.
- Medium/Medium-firm. These levels often feel pretty much the same and are considered universally comfortable. They can cradle your body and support spine alignment in different positions. No wonder they are considered a better pick for back pain relief and sleep quality than the firmer beds (3).
- Firm. Firm beds make you float atop the mattress rather than sink into its layers. They’re the most uniform and less prone to sagging. Typically, firm beds are suitable for heavier sleepers, as they don’t give in under the weight of their body, and hence, don’t put the spine out of alignment. For the same reason, they’re also preferable for stomach sleepers.
Spine Support
We’ve already determined that your weight can impact the choice of your preferred firmness level.
But there’s something else you should know:
Heavier and obese sleepers typically have excess weight concentrated in the lower abdomen and hip areas. So, their spine is more prone to going out of alignment in these regions, which can cause hip and lower back pain, especially if they sleep on their side.
To avoid this issue, try to find twin mattresses with zoned support. They’re designed specifically to keep your spine aligned and the pressure reduced. These models may feature either a zoned coil unit for targeted contouring or an additional foam pad in the lumbar area.
Durability
With a queen mattress, single sleepers can switch sides of the bed to prevent sagging.
But a twin mattress won’t allow you to do that, so you have to invest in a durable mattress to begin with.
Choose mattresses with denser foams, natural latex layers, or thicker coils, depending on the type of mattress you prefer.
Also, consider models with a higher profile, as thin beds often wear out faster.
Thermoregulation
Hot sleeping is an issue that can wreck even the most comfortable slumber. Some beds, such as those with an all-foam construction, are more prone to trapping heat. Mattresses with coil layers, on the other hand, allow for some airflow inside the layers, so they may sleep cooler.
To choose a cooler bed, follow these tips:
- Give preference to natural materials. Latex is the king of breathability. If you cannot afford an all-latex mattress, try to find models that have at least one latex layer — this will still give you a cooler sleep than a traditional memory foam bed.
- Avoid overly soft foams. Softer foams can make you sink deeper, thereby increasing the area of contact between your body and the mattress. Thus, you’ll be more likely to sleep hot even if the foam is infused with cooling particles.
- Look for a breathable mattress cover. The difference between synthetic jacquard and quality-made cotton really shows. Opting for a more breathable cover is crucial because the cover can promote additional airflow and wick away moisture from your body, contributing to your comfort.
Note that very cheap twin mattresses are often made of low-quality foam and tend to sleep really hot. So, be careful when considering more affordable options.
One more important tip for you:
Read the actual mattress reviews with real photos and detailed experience.
You may also want to find reviewers with similar demands so that you can get a better idea of how a particular model may perform in your particular situation.
FAQ:
How long is a Twin mattress in feet?
A Twin mattress is 6.25 feet long, which should be enough for any individual smaller than 6 feet.
How thick is a standard Twin mattress?
The thickness of a standard Twin mattress may vary from 8 to 13 inches, but it’s always possible to find thinner and thicker models.
Wrapping Up
Even though twin-sized beds today are mostly used in children’s bedrooms, they still have a place in the adult world. A twin mattress makes a great pick for small spaces or guest rooms, as well as for those who are looking for something more budget-friendly. Be sure to choose models with sturdy edges — because you'll need the whole mattress surface — and consider your firmness preferences and health issues to make the right pick.
Now, I would recommend my personal favorite, the Zinus Green Tea foam mattress. This model has everything you might need for restful sleep. It nicely contours the body and offers good pressure relief while keeping the spine supported properly. Plus, it gives users the freedom to choose among multiple firmness and thickness options, which makes the Zinus suitable for all sleeping positions.
So, why are you looking for a twin mattress? Do you plan to use it for your guest room or to sleep on it yourself? Feel free to share below!
References
- Twin Bed Dimensions: How Big is a Twin Bed? (2019, September 5) Retrieved from https://purple.com/blog/twin-bed-dimensions
- Amber Merton (n.d.) Top 10 Memory Foam Mattress Complaints. Retrieved from https://www.plushbeds.com/blog/mattress/top-10-memory-foam-mattress-complaints/
- Ahmed Radwan (2015, October 19) Effect of Different Mattress Designs on Promoting Sleep Quality, Pain Reduction, and Spinal Alignment in Adults With or Without Back Pain; Systematic Review of Controlled Trials. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29073401/
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