6 Best Twin Mattresses for Adults

Best Budget Pick – Vaya

Next, I would love to share one of the best Twin mattresses for adults who need to (or choose to) shop on a budget. The Vaya is one of the most affordable foam mattresses on the market, so you don’t have to strain your budget to sleep comfortably. This is a simple two-layer model, but don’t underestimate the Vaya. It does not sacrifice quality for affordability. Plus, it’s very comfortable. When sleeping on the Vaya mattress, I even forgot that it had only two layers under its cover.

It’s also worth noting that the Vaya uses its proprietary foam that has an open-cell structure. Thanks to that, the mattress doesn’t sleep hot. For instance, I did not experience any discomfort (temperature-wise) even when sleeping on one side and enjoying a deeper hug.

Best for Combo Sleepers – Zoma

Now, if you are a combination sleeper who appreciates the cradling feel of memory foam but doesn’t want to feel stuck in their bed, the Zoma might be what you’ve been looking for. Being among the best Twin mattresses for adults, this model is comfortable but doesn’t have that quicksand feeling. Instead, the Zoma uses a responsive transition layer to prevent sleepers from feeling stuck. And it does work, as I tested it sleeping on one side and on my back. I was able to change positions effortlessly, which allowed me to stay relaxed all through the night.

Another handy characteristic the Zoma can boast of is its cooling properties. This mattress uses gel-infused foam and a ventilated cover. Combine that with its “anti-quicksand” design, and you get a temperature-neutral sleeping environment. I didn’t experience night sweats even when sleeping on one side and sinking deeper into the comfort layer.

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.

Edge Support

Twin is not a common choice among adults as this size does not offer that much legroom. That’s why sturdy edges can be super important when looking for a good Twin mattress, especially if you are a larger adult (or like the starfish sleep position). Now, in most cases, spring and hybrid mattresses perform the best when it comes to edge support. Firm and extra-firm foam mattresses can sometimes have reliable edges too, but keep in mind that this firmness level might not work for all sleeping styles (on one side, for example).

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, as for my personal favorite, I would love to recommend the Signature Hybrid by Brooklyn Bedding. This mattress can easily win you over with its reliable build, comfort variety, and smart construction. The Brooklyn Hybrid uses sturdy coils to deliver proper support and multiple foam layers to help your body relax and release tension. Plus, it is rather reasonably priced, which means you don’t have to strain your budget to enjoy heavenly comfortable sleep.

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!