5 Best Twin Mattresses for Adults

Best for Motion Absorption - Nolah Original

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.

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:

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!