The Best Twin Mattresses Are as Comfortable as a Luxurious King

Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

Of all the mattress sizes to choose from, twins are among the smallest—but that doesn’t make this shopping decision any less important (or them any less versatile). Typically no wider than 38 inches, these are foundational resting spots for those in-between moments of life, whether you’re easing a little one from the crib to their first big-kid bed; learning how to live in a place as small as a college dorm (or studio apartment, where every square inch is essential!); or maximizing space to crash by outfitting a guesthouse or vacation home with a bunch of bunk beds. 

The best twin mattresses can be a serious sleeping upgrade. We rounded up our favorite brands that are every bit as luxurious as their king and queen counterparts (because, really, the only difference is the dimensions). 

Our Favorites 

• Best value: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
• Best hybrid: Casper Original Hybrid Mattress
• Best foam: Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
• Best for kids: Saatva Youth Mattress
• Best for trundles: Naturepedic Verse Mattress

Best Value: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

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Sleep trial: 365 nights | Main material: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium-soft 

Why we chose it: All-around quality (squishy yet supportive layers of foam that come with a lifetime warranty) and affordability make it hard to beat.

Nectar’s memory foam mattress provides incredible value, not least because of its 365-night trial period and lifetime warranty. While $500 is certainly not cheap, Nectar checks all the boxes of a quality mattress, offering 12 inches full of fluffy, supportive foam. Equipped with a quilted poly-blend cover that wicks away heat and moisture quickly, this design has become well known for its temperature responsiveness to the different stages of sleep and its adaptive layers of cozy yet supportive foam that are not too firm and not too soft, conforming to the contours of your body no matter how small or tall. 

Best Hybrid: Casper Original Hybrid Mattress

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Sleep trial: 180 nights | Main material: Latex foam | Firmness: Medium-firm 

Why we chose it: The best of both worlds, so you never have to  deal with choice paralysis again. 

As the O.G. of new-wave mattresses, Casper’s hybrid still boasts one of the most supportive styles out there. Its proprietary construction is engineered to support and align the spine; promotes airflow to keep sleepers cool; uses premium, CertiPUR-U.S. certified foam that conforms to the body to relieve pressure; and is bolstered by springs to prevent sinking, all while keeping you cool with its perforated design. It purposely feels softer around the shoulders and upper body, and firmer around the hips, waist, and lower back. 

Best Foam: Tuft & Needle Original Mattress

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Sleep trial: 100 nights | Main material: Polyester | Firmness: Medium-firm

Why we chose it: Can’t seem to get comfortable? Try Tuft & Needle to settle your sleep.   

A sound night of sleep is one that doesn’t involve much tossing and turning. If you can’t seem to stay settled on your mattress, Tuft & Needle’s is a one-stop destination, thanks to its adaptive foam technology that suits both back and stomach sleepers. Constructed with two layers of the brand’s patented foam blend, with heat-conducting graphite infused into the material, this mattress conforms to the body and pulls body heat away to ensure a cooler sleep. In other words, it’s accommodating to your movements, adjusting as you flip-flop (or don’t). Whatever sleep position you choose at night, this mattress will move with it and keep motion transfer to a minimum. 

Best for Kids: Saatva Youth Mattress

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Sleep trial: 180 nights | Main material: Cotton | Firmness: Medium-firm 

Why we chose it: Minimize growing pains with luxurious support. 

Saavta’s Youth Mattress may not be the most affordable, but its winning combination of a supportive foam side for younger bodies and a firmer, springier side designed to be flipped around your young one’s 8th birthday will have it lasting for years. The hypoallergenic mattress’s center is enhanced with inner wires where body weight concentrates, what the brand describes as the lumbar support zone, and patented quilting that supports spinal alignment. Plus its Certi-PUR-U.S. certification and nontoxic thistle flame barrier means it’s great for children and the planet. 

Best for Trundles: Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Mattress

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Sleep trial: 100 nights | Main material: Cotton | Firmness: Medium-firm 

Why we chose it: A trundle-specific size means you’ll always have a place for unexpected guests to stay. 

Need an extra mattress for that daybed that doubles as a trundle? This specific mattress size will ensure your unexpected visitors won’t have to sleep on a glorified cot. Boasting a mix of premium innersprings, organic cotton fabric, and fill procured from USDA-certified sources (paired with a plant-based PLA synthetic fiber made from non-GMO sugarcane for added resilience), this mattress is ideal if the philosophy of “going organic” extends to the guest bedroom. Best of all, this two-in-one mattress features a comfy, quilted side that’s bolstered by a built-in waterproof layer (applied using heat instead of adhesives) to safeguard against accidents, and a firmer springy side that will support growing bones. 

How We Chose These Products

In terms of how mattresses are made, we’ve really come a long way. Using natural and hypoallergenic materials has thankfully become the norm, with many brands boasting natural materials and eco-friendly certifications, so that everyone can rest easy. And while we always prioritize good design, products that reflect your personal style should never fall short on form and function. Our list is a compilation of designer and industry-expert recommendations that has been narrowed down based on durability, maintenance, price, and comfort. 

Our Shopping Checklist

Mattress Materials

While innerspring mattresses are the most traditional and affordable and known for their bounce factor, today’s modern memory foam mattresses offer a host of benefits. Some designs are infused with gel (which helps to regulate body temperature while offering ergonomic support), exhibit open-cell structures for added breathability, and feature multiple layers of foam in different densities that help avoid that sinking quicksand feel. Hybrid mattresses are a sandwich of springs and foam, offering the best of both worlds. Ready to jump in yet?

Thickness

Apart from a thicker mattress being more supportive and hence more comfortable, mattress height should be a key consideration if you already have a bed frame, especially if it’s a trundle platform or bunk bed. Most bunk beds can only safely accommodate low-profile mattresses—the sweet spot tends to be between 7 or 8 inches high—and kids’ mattresses can run from 6 inches (thin) to 12 inches (lofty), so be sure to do your due diligence and match the mattress height to the depth of your selected frame. 

Trials and Warranties

Most brands now boast generous trial periods to help ensure you are happy with your purchase. So 100 nights risk-free has become the norm among both leading and niche brands, with some companies going beyond this, like Saatva, which offers a 180-night trial, and Nectar, which provides a one-year trial period. Make full use of that time to figure out if the chosen mattress is right for your family. Returns are often hassle-free, and some companies like Casper and Tuft & Needle will donate mattresses returned within the time period to charity or communities in need. 

A long warranty period usually indicates that the mattress is of superior quality. A 10-year warranty has become a great benchmark across the board, with Nectar offering a whopping lifetime warranty that covers most physical flaws and defects as long as it has been used and maintained properly. Most mattresses are thankfully built to last, and a solid warranty period is a good indication that the materials match what’s described on the label.

Ask Domino

Q: What are the average dimensions of a twin mattress? 

A typical twin mattress measures 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. A twin XL (a dorm-room standard), however, offers more length at 80 inches. Both sizes range between 6 and 12 inches in height, so make sure to check the dimensions of your bed frame, trundle, or bunk bed before pulling the trigger. 

Q: Do two twin mattresses make a king? 

Almost. Two twin mattresses form the width of a typical king, but they fall a little short in length. Choose two twin XL mattresses to form a true king—they’ll fit your king-size bed frame perfectly.

Q: If I’m buying a twin bed for my child, is there a firmness level that’s best?

Unsurprisingly, mattresses with a medium firmness will suit growing children best. Because children weigh much less than adults, soft mattresses will probably feel more comfortable to them. However, as they mature, a firmer one will provide more support and pressure relief if they ever experience growing pains. If you’re planning to use the same mattress as your child hurtles toward their teenage years, a medium-firm option will see you through. 

Q: Do I need to use a box spring with a twin mattress?

Not necessarily. As long as you have a solid foundation for your mattress, like a slatted frame or one of the best platform beds, this will help prolong the longevity and integrity of your mattress. 

The Last Word 

The best twin mattresses are an upgrade you’ll want—they’re a resting destination that can last all the way from toddler to teen years, or held in safekeeping until you’re moving your child into their college dorm. In other words, don’t underestimate a twin mattress, which can be equally great in first apartments, guest rooms, or Airbnbs and other vacation destinations.