When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Products or services may be offered by an affiliated entity. Learn more.
Best Twin XL Mattress of 2024
Tried and Tested by Experts
The twin XL mattress bridges the gap between standard twin and full size mattresses. It’s a versatile bed size that works well for children and solo adult sleepers because of its extra length. You can often find twin XL mattresses at budget-friendly prices, making them excellent options for guests and college dorm rooms.
Since the twin XL size is designed for one person, our picks for the best twin XL mattresses prioritize qualities often prized by solo sleepers, including pressure relief, edge support, and overall value. We’ll provide our testing team’s take on each bed, then give a rundown on other factors to consider when mattress shopping.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is available in three firmness options that each gave a well-rounded performance in our sleep lab. Nearly every sleeper type can find a Signature Hybrid model to satisfy their needs. Plus, it costs significantly less than many competing hybrids.
The Best Twin XL Mattresses
- Best Overall Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best Value Mattress – Nectar Mattress
- Most Comfortable Mattress – WinkBed
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Helix Midnight
- Best Mattress for Back Pain – Bear Elite Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Kids – Nolah Nurture Kids
- Best Mattress for Pressure Relief – Layla Hybrid
- Best Luxury Mattress – Saatva Classic
- Best Cooling Mattress – Birch Mattress
In-Depth Reviews
Best Overall Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Save 25% sitewide at Brooklyn Bedding
$999 at Brooklyn Bedding“The Brooklyn Bedding Signature may not have all the bells and whistles of fancier hybrids, but its foam-over-coils design is both dependable and affordably priced. Multiple firmness levels make the mattress appealing to a wide range of sleeper types.” – Danny Noyed, Senior Product Editor
-
Pros
-
Foam comfort system relieves pressure point discomfort
-
Three firmness levels to choose between
-
Comfortable blend of responsiveness and contouring
-
-
Cons
-
Softer models lack significant edge support
-
$99 fee for returns
-
Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
Whether you’re twin XL mattress shopping for your child or yourself, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a solid pick that won’t break the bank. Dense foam layers over a pocketed coil system ensure a stable design that cushions and supports in equal measure, and you can choose from three firmness options to align with your body weight, sleep position, and general preferences as a sleeper.
What It’s Made of
The Signature Hybrid begins with a comfort layer of TitanFlex polyfoam. This material feels responsive while cushioning the body for a surface that combines the best qualities of foam and latex without heavy bounce or excessive sink. A cooling gel infusion helps offset heat retention from the foam to help you stay cool. If you’re an exceptionally hot sleeper, we recommend upgrading to include the “Cooling Pillow Top” — an additional foam layer encased in heat-dissipating phase change fabric.
Transitional polyfoam, pocketed coils, and high-density base foam make the Signature Hybrid feel sturdy. That said, how supportive the mattress feels depends on which firmness you select. You can choose from medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8) designs. Brooklyn Bedding does not allow firmness exchanges during your sleep trial, so you’ll need to return the original model and re-order the mattress if you aren’t satisfied with your first choice.
How It Performed
During our hands-on tests, the medium soft Signature Hybrid earned rave reviews from side sleepers up to 230 pounds and back sleepers under 130 pounds. This model conforms very closely to alleviate pressure for people who meet this criteria. For maximum support, we recommend the firm design — it received high marks from our back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds. The medium firm option should hit the sweet spot if you’re looking for a bit of cushioning and solid reinforcement.
All three versions of the mattress performed well during our temperature control tests, even without the Cooling Pillow Top — though the additional layer does make the mattress feel noticeably more breathable. Other qualities our testers noted include strong edge support, a helpful bounce when moving across the surface, and decent motion isolation for a hybrid.
Brooklyn Bedding offers free ground shipping to shoppers in the contiguous U.S. Each Signature Hybrid order includes a 120-night trial, during which you can test the mattress at home and return it for a full refund after the 30-night break-in period has elapsed. Those who keep their mattress receive a warranty covering structural defects for up to 10 years.
“Thanks to its medium firm feel, the Nectar is a solid pick for anyone who normally finds all-foam models too soft. One of our field testers has used the mattress for about 3 years, and their experience night after night has been defined by even support and little to no pressure buildup.” – Logan Foley, Managing Editor
-
Pros
-
Memory foam provides standout pressure relief
-
Competitive price-point
-
Comfortable and supportive for most types of sleepers
-
-
Cons
-
Sleepers over 230 pounds may sink too deeply into the comfort layers
-
Memory foam layer restricts movement
-
Mattress Type
Foam
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Trial Period
365 nights
Product Details
The Nectar is a memory foam mattress with a medium firm (6) feel, resulting in a firmer and more supportive design compared to the average memory foam model. An approachable price and extra-long sleep trial provide additional incentive for shoppers on a budget.
What It’s Made of
The mattress includes a memory foam comfort layer that contours evenly, creating a cradle for your body. While it also adds to the Nectar’s conforming feel, a polyfoam transitional layer also prevents you from sinking too deeply into the mattress. The support core is constructed from high-density polyfoam.
How It Performed
The Nectar has a medium firm feel, so it is best for people who prefer a balance of contouring and support. Side sleepers should feel enough cushioning beneath their shoulders and hips to experience even spinal alignment and feel less pressure in their most sensitive areas.
The Nectar is also suitable for back and stomach sleepers, thanks to its transitional and base foams that minimize sinkage beneath heavier areas of the body. Additionally, the Nectar is silent when bearing weight. Sleepers won’t need to worry about sleep disruptions due to squeaks, creaks, and other common mattress noises.
The Nectar has a very affordable price-point for a memory foam mattress. On top of this, Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial – one of the longest trials available from a major mattress brand – and a lifetime warranty for added peace of mind. Shipping is free for all customers in the contiguous U.S.
“The WinkBed was popular among our in-house team and field testers alike. You can choose from four firmness levels, but the beauty of this mattress is that all of them deliver a balance of cushioning and zoned support. Finding your ideal design may take some trial and error, but thankfully you can exchange your first choice for a softer or firmer model at no extra cost. ” – Danny Noyed, Senior Product Editor
-
Pros
-
Hybrid construction regulates temperature and sleeps cool
-
Zoned support system and Euro-top blend pushback and cushioning
-
Available in four firmness levels
-
-
Cons
-
Decent but not exceptional pressure relief
-
Softest model may inhibit ease of movement
-
Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Trial Period
120 nights (30 night requirement)
Product Details
People with back pain often benefit from a mattress that balances cushion along the spine with a robust support core to promote spinal alignment. The WinkBed exemplifies this balance with a thick foam comfort system and a robust coil system. You can also choose from four different firmness levels, each one distinct from the others. WinkBeds’ generous return policy allows you to exchange the mattress for a model with different firmness if you aren’t satisfied with your initial choice.
What It’s Made of
The WinkBed features a Euro-top surface with a layer of adaptive polyfoam quilted into the cover. This creates an invitingly plush feel when you get into bed. The next layer depends on which firmness you choose. The Softer WinkBed (4), Luxury Firm WinkBed (6), and Firmer WinkBed (7) contain a polyfoam transitional layer that simultaneously adds cushioning and prevents your body from sinking too deeply. The WinkBed Plus (8) – specifically designed for people over 230 pounds – has a latex transitional layer that makes the surface feel more responsive and supportive.
All versions of the WinkBed include a pocketed coil support core. The coils are divided into different zones to ensure extra support for your torso and hips and gentler cradling for lighter areas of your body. Stronger coils along the perimeter also reduce sinkage when you sleep near or sit along the edges. A cover made of breathable, moisture-wicking Tencel encases the entire mattress.
How It Performed
Our team tested each of the WinkBed’s four firmness levels. The side sleepers on our team enjoyed the close contouring and deep cushioning of the Softer model, and those weighing 130 pounds or more also found the Luxury Firm model comfortable. Our back and stomach sleepers preferred the stronger support of the Luxury Firm and Firmer WinkBeds. The testers who weighed more than 230 pounds also received adequate support from the WinkBed Plus.
Excellent cooling was a shared strength of all four designs during our temperature control tests. The breathable cover and steady airflow through the coils help the mattress maintain a comfortable temperature for sleeping. We also found the WinkBed easy to move across and stable around the perimeter. Both of these qualities can be attributed to the zoned coil system.
The WinkBed qualifies for free ground shipping anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Each mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial. If you choose to exchange your mattress for a model with a different firmness level, you’ll receive free return shipping and a 60-night trial for the replacement. All WinkBeds are covered under a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
“The Helix Midnight may be designed specifically for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, but our tests show the mattress carries a lot of appeal across different weight and position groups. A plush surface, sturdy coil support, and light surface bounce add up to a nicely balanced design.” – Jackson Lindeke, Director of Product Experience
-
Pros
-
Above-average pressure relief thanks to its memory foam comfort layer
-
Strong support and cushioning for side sleepers under 230 pounds
-
Reasonably priced
-
-
Cons
-
Cooling cover costs extra
-
May be a bit too soft for sleepers over 230 pounds
-
Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Details
Comfort is completely subjective. A mattress that feels perfectly comfortable for one sleeper will feel too soft or too firm for another. Helix Sleep offers an extensive line of hybrid mattresses and the Midnight is one of the most balanced options that should feel comfortable for a wide variety of sleepers. A premium design and approachable price-point also make this mattress an attractive option for twin XL shoppers.
What It’s Made of
The Midnight is constructed with a comfort layer of adaptive memory foam that closely contours to the body to relieve pressure buildup in the joints. Next is a polyfoam transitional layer that acts as a cushion between the memory foam top layer and the coil support core. This layer also limits excessive sinkage and helps evenly distribute weight.
The support core is composed of pocketed coils that provide targeted pushback to reduce sagging. A polyester cover encases the entire mattress. The Midnight has a medium firm (6) feel.
How It Performed
You shouldn’t sink too deeply into the Midnight if you weigh up to 230 pounds, but the memory foam still conforms closely to the body to provide support for the spine. The transitional polyfoam and coils also give the Midnight a somewhat responsive surface feel.
The mattress is particularly well suited to side sleepers because the foam offers ample padding for the shoulders and hips, resulting in even spinal alignment and pressure relief throughout the body. The sturdy support system also provides even support with minimal sagging for back sleepers, as well as stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds. Thanks to steady airflow through the coil layer, the mattress is also a good choice for hot sleepers, while the adaptive comfort layer ensures better-than-average motion isolation compared to other hybrids.
The Helix Midnight comes at a very reasonable price-point for a memory foam hybrid. You can also upgrade to the Helix Midnight Luxe, which contains two memory foam layers and zoned coils for more enhanced support. Helix offers free shipping to addresses in the contiguous U.S., and the mattress comes with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty.
Best Mattress for Back Pain
Bear Elite Hybrid
35% off + 2 free pillows at Bear. Code: SF35
$1,499 at Bear“The Bear Elite Hybrid’s balanced hybrid design and generous firmness range made it popular among our team. The addition of cooling technology made it even more appealing to our hot sleepers, who felt comfortable throughout testing.” – Brad Nehring, Product Expert
-
Pros
-
Zoned pocketed coil system provides extra lower back support
-
Foam infusions and hybrid construction are designed for enhanced temperature control
-
Three firmness levels support a range of sleeper types
-
-
Cons
-
Some motion transfer on firmer versions
-
Softest model restricts movement
-
Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Price Range
$1,231 – $2,548
Trial Period
120 nights (30-night break-in period)
Product Details
The Bear Elite Hybrid’s balanced foam-over-coil design ensures cushioning to alleviate pressure and robust support to keep your body from sinking too deeply. The three firmness levels also offered a comfortable option for most of our testers across different body types and sleeping positions.
What It’s Made of
A comfort layer of adaptive memory foam closely contours to the body to alleviate aches and pains. This layer is also infused with copper gel engineered to conduct heat away from the body. Zoned transitional polyfoam acts as a buffer between your body and the coils while preventing your midsection from sinking too deeply.
Pocketed coils in the support core offer targeted pushback to prevent uncomfortable sagging and spinal misalignment. Perimeter reinforcement reduces sinkage when you sit or lie near the edges. The coils rest on a polyfoam base layer for extra stability, and a cover made from a Celliant-blend fabric encases the mattress. Celliant is meant to absorb your body heat and confer it back to you as infrared energy, which can aid in recovery.
How It Performed
Medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8) models are available. Our testing found the softest model best for side and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds, who enjoyed the bed’s extra cushioning. The medium firm version was the most versatile, appealing to our side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Our side and back sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds and stomach sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds enjoyed the firmest model’s supportive feel.
The Bear Elite Hybrid excelled in a few of our performance categories, namely temperature control and pressure relief. The mattress keeps exceptionally cool thanks to airflow through the coil system and a breathable cover. Our hot sleepers and heat guns noted minimal heat buildup on the surface. People with sharp pressure points on our team also enjoyed the mattress. The foam layers offer generous cushioning for sore spots, while the coil system kept our bodies on an even plane.
Bear ships free to customers living in the contiguous U.S. The Elite Hybrid is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
Best Mattress for Kids
Nolah Nurture Kids
35% off mattresses + 2 free pillows at Nolah
$597 at Nolah Sleep“If you’re shopping for a kid-friendly twin XL mattress, the Nolah Nurture covers a wide range of sleep preferences. The flippable design consists of soft and firm sides, but both feature adaptive foam comfort layers to ensure pressure relief and gentle cradling.” – Jeremy Klein, Senior Product Expert
-
Pros
-
Flippable construction is designed to support both toddlers and preteens
-
8-inch height works with bunk beds and other low-profile frames
-
Organic cotton cover helps the mattress stay cool
-
-
Cons
-
Foam layers produce some off-gassing odors after unboxing
-
Costs $99 to return
-
Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Trial Period
120 nights
Product Details
The Nolah Nurture is a flippable hybrid mattress that caters to toddlers and teens alike. The dual-sided design offers two firmness levels that should accommodate the needs of children whose sleep preferences change over time.
What It’s Made of
The Nurture offers two firmness levels to choose from. One side of the bed has a medium soft (4) feel while the other is firm (7). The soft side features followed by a memory foam comfort layer, while the opposite side has a layer of adaptive polyfoam with a firmer feel.
Both sides share a support core of pocketed coils that are zoned to provide enhanced support to areas of the body that need it. The entire mattress is encased in an organic cotton cover with an organic, moisture-wicking fire barrier.
How It Performed
The soft side has a very plush feel and contours closely to a child’s body. While this firmness level may appeal to any age, many younger children especially enjoy the deep hug of the well-cushioned surface. This side is also a good fit for side or back sleepers who experience uncomfortable pressure buildup in the hips, shoulders, or spine. The firmer side is ideal for older children who need a supportive bed with moderate cushioning on the surface.
Nolah offers a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Mattresses ship free to the contiguous U.S.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
Layla Hybrid
$220 off + 2 free pillows at Layla. Use code: Sleepy20
$1,499 at Layla“Multiple field testers have slept on the Layla Hybrid for at least 1 year, and all share the same takeaway: this mattress offers exceptional pressure relief. Side sleepers on our in-house team enjoyed the deep contouring of the softer side and gentle cushioning of the firm side, whereas our back and stomach sleepers collectively preferred the latter.” – Tom Ryan, Director of Product Testing
-
Pros
-
Memory foam and zoned polyfoam excel at pressure relief
-
Flippable design has two distinct firmness levels
-
Removable cover is easy to clean
-
-
Cons
-
Doesn’t have a mid-range firmness option
-
Mattress is heavy and may require two people to flip
-
Mattress Type
Hybrid
Firmness Options
Reversible: Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)
Trial Period
120 nights
Product Details
The Layla Hybrid is a quintessential hybrid with a flippable design. The reversible construction makes the mattress an appealing option for sleepers across different body types and preferred positions, but its pressure-relieving foam layers make it a particularly strong choice for side sleepers.
What It’s Made of
Both sides are constructed with foam comfort systems, with the medium soft (4) side featuring thicker layers and the firm (7) side including thinner ones. Memory foam in the top layer contours closely to the body to relieve pressure, and the foam is infused with copper designed to combat heat retention. Underneath is transitional polyfoam that prevents you from sinking too deeply into the surface. The shared support core is made of pocketed coils, which reinforce the sleep surface and keep your body on an even plane. A breathable polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra blend cover encases the mattress.
How It Performed
The medium soft side features thicker foam layers that conform closely, making it ideal for many side sleepers and people who weigh less than 130 pounds. Meanwhile, the firm side’s comfort system is thinner. You’ll feel very moderate conforming and much stronger support on this surface, resulting in even contouring and minimal sinkage for back and stomach sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds.
Cooling infusions and steady airflow through the coil system helped the Layla Hybrid keep a comfortable temperature throughout testing. Particularly hot sleepers may prefer the firmer side, which sleeps a bit cooler than the softer one since it doesn’t adapt as closely to the body. The firmer side also offers stronger edge support, while less sinkage makes the surface easier to move across. We recommend the softer surface for people with sharp pressure points in their joints or lower back, as well as couples who prioritize motion isolation.
Given the Layla Hybrid’s reversible design and premium materials, its price-point is very affordable. Shipping is free if you reside in the contiguous U.S., with reasonable added fees for shipping to Alaska and Hawaii. The mattress is backed by a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
“The Saatva Classic pairs the robust coils of a traditional innerspring with a plush Euro-top and adaptive comfort layers. This hybrid design is the best of both worlds for a lot of sleepers, and you can choose from three firmness levels to further nail down your ideal sleep surface.” – Lauren Fountain, Senior Editor
-
Pros
-
High-quality design with top-notch materials
-
Excellent balance between pushback and cushioning
-
Free White Glove delivery
-
-
Cons
-
Premium price-point
-
Returns incur a $99 charge
-
Mattress Type
Innerspring
Firmness Options
Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Trial Period
365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Product Details
Shoppers who opt for the high-end Saatva Classic have their choice of firmness levels. You can choose between soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8) sleep surfaces that each feature slightly different constructions but similar performance. The Classic is ideal for couples seeking a split king size – which is merely two twin XL beds paired together. Saatva allows you to pick twin XLs with different firmness levels, which means you and your co-sleeper can choose beds that best suit your individual preferences.
What It’s Made of
In addition to three firmness levels, you can also pick between two different profile options that measure 11.5 inches and 14.5 inches. All models begin with a plush quilted polyfoam Euro-top that’s firmer beneath your midsection to provide increased pushback. Patented Lumbar Zone Active Spinal Wire and high-density memory foam rest under your lower back to combat pain.
Beneath the foam are two sets of coils. Pocketed microcoils respond to your movement without transferring motion, while strategically compressing to increase support where it’s needed. The base coil unit is designed with longevity in mind, and our in-house testing confirmed that this model is highly durable. High-density foam around the support core’s perimeter ensures that you can sleep on the mattress’ edge without it sagging.
How It Performed
The Saatva Classic has an average price-point compared to other hybrids, with excellent performance in numerous categories. It offers the edge support and ease of movement that many couples enjoy for sex, but it doesn’t sacrifice responsiveness for pressure relief. The Saatva Classic’s innerspring support core also keeps the bed quite cool. Air circulates easily around the coils and the polyfoam doesn’t absorb too much heat.
Saatva offers free White Glove delivery and old mattress removal to shoppers who live in the contiguous U.S. The company offers a 365-night sleep trial but charges a $99 fee for mattress pickup. The lifetime warranty covers workmanship and material defects.
“Birch has delivered us a bouncy, supportive, and breathable hybrid that should appeal to a lot of sleepers — especially those seeking an alternative to foam. Back and stomach sleepers on our team were particularly impressed with how sturdy and robust this mattress felt.” – Tom Ryan, Director of Product Testing
-
Pros
-
Breathable materials and excellent temperature regulation
-
Sustainably sourced materials and numerous eco-friendly certifications
-
Excellent ease of movement
-
-
Cons
-
Natural materials command an above-average price tag
-
Lacks the strong pressure relief of more conforming models
-
Mattress Type
Latex Hybrid
Firmness Options
Medium Firm (6)
Trial Period
100 nights (30-night requirement)
Product Description
The Birch Mattress is a high-quality latex hybrid that should appeal to anyone who prefers to buy natural, sustainably made products. The mattress has earned certifications from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Rainforest Alliance, and eco-INSTITUT. In addition to being eco-friendly, the Birch Mattress is both durable and responsive enough to help sleepers maintain spinal alignment. We recommend the Birch to anyone who finds foam beds uncomfortable.
What It’s Made of
The Birch is encased in a GOTS-certified organic cotton cover quilted with a layer of wool batting that acts as a fire barrier. Both of these materials are naturally breathable, and the wool has moisture-wicking properties, so the surface should remain cool and comfortable. A comfort layer of Talalay latex provides cushioning for the body and also gives the surface a light bounce, which should help you move across the mattress with relative ease.
The support core contains pocketed coils designed to move independently from one another, resulting in strong support without the excessive motion transfer associated with traditional innerspring coils. This layer is zoned with thicker coils along the perimeter, which offered generous pushback with very little sinkage during our edge support tests. The Birch Mattress has a medium firm (6) feel and measures 11 inches thick.
How It Performed
The balanced medium firm feel earned the Birch Mattress excellent ratings from many of our testers. Those who found the mattress most comfortable include side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds. Based on these results, we recommend the Birch to anyone in the range of 130 to 230 pounds across sleep positions.
Cooling is another area where the Birch excelled during our tests. The breathable cover, moisture-wicking wool batting, ventilated latex, and air-circulating coil system all contribute to the above-average temperature control of this mattress. Since latex is a naturally durable material that resists indentations and impressions, we’ve also awarded the Birch strong ratings for expected longevity.
The Birch has an approachable price-point compared to other latex hybrids, and shipping is free to customers in all 50 states. Each order includes two free pillows at no extra charge. The mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial, and you’ll also receive a 25-year warranty if you decide to keep it.
How to Choose a Twin XL Mattress
You can find twin XL mattresses in all the most popular constructions, including foam, latex, hybrid, and innerspring. Some manufacturers also make twin XL airbeds.
The materials that make up each of these mattress types can affect not only how your bed performs, but also how long it lasts. If you need a twin XL mattress to properly support a toddler through adolescence, it may be worth purchasing a high-quality model that costs a bit more but is also more durable.
Sleeping Position and Firmness
Our team measures firmness on a 10-point scale that gives firmer mattresses higher numbers. Your weight and favorite sleeping position can help you determine which firmness level you need.
Watch Video: How to Buy a Mattress – Why Your Sleeping Position Is Important
Watch our video below to learn more about choosing the right mattress for your sleeping position.
Support
A supportive mattress keeps your spine on an even plane. One without adequate support can cause stress on the back or neck or create pressure points in the hips and shoulders.
If you like the feeling of a soft mattress but need firmer support for your spine, look for a cushioning model with strong support beneath its comfort system. If you sleep on a twin XL, a model with robust edge support helps ensure adequate surface area to sleep.
Who Is a Twin XL Mattress Best For?
Because they have a bit more length than a standard twin bed, twin XLs are more versatile and are a good option for growing kids and adults who sleep solo.
Who’s a good fit for a twin XL mattress:
- Children and teens: A twin XL can be a practical choice to support a child as they grow during their teenage years.
- College students: Most college dorm rooms have twin XL beds for students. If the school permits, swapping the existing mattress for a higher-quality model can increase comfort.
- People with limited space: Because they’re narrower than larger mattresses, twin XLs work well for people who live in studio apartments or other areas with space restrictions.
- Those with bunk beds or Murphy beds: You can find bunk beds and Murphy beds with frames designed for twin XL mattresses. Both options are worth considering for guest rooms or multipurpose spaces.
- Shoppers on a budget: Twin XL mattresses are typically quite affordable because they don’t require as many materials as larger mattresses.
- Co-sleepers who want a split king: Split king mattresses are essentially two twin XL mattresses placed next to each other, so co-sleepers may be able to get a different twin XL mattress than their partner but still share the bed.
Who’s not a good fit for a twin XL mattress:
- Very tall individuals: Though twin XL mattresses are as long as king and queen beds, people whose feet dangle off the end of these sizes when fully stretched out may prefer a California king’s additional 4 inches of length.
- Couples: A twin XL mattress is not wide enough for most couples to use comfortably.
- Active sleepers: If you tend to toss and turn while you sleep, you may prefer a mattress with more width.
What Is the Difference Between a Twin and a Twin XL Mattress?
At 80 inches long, a twin XL mattress is 5 inches longer than a standard twin, though both share a 38-inch width. If you’re choosing between a twin and twin XL, consider whether you actually need the extra length.
Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides
As one of the six standard mattress sizes, most manufacturers offer their beds in twin XL. To explore more options, check out some of our other mattress buying guides.
Best Mattresses by Construction
Data-Driven Results You Can Trust
We’ve tested over 1,000 mattresses in our in-house Test Lab. We examine each model’s construction and performance across multiple tests and ensure that every mattress is evaluated by testers with diverse body types and sleep preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Though models may vary by an inch in either direction, most twin XL mattresses measure 38 inches wide by 80 inches long. They are 5 inches longer than standard twin and full mattresses and 16 inches narrower than full size beds.
The average mid-range twin XL model costs about $700. You can find budget-friendly beds for less than $200 or spend well over $1,000 for a luxury twin XL mattress.
Twin XL mattresses typically weigh between 50 and 100 pounds, with all-foam mattresses weighing the least on average. Models containing latex and steel coils tend to be heavier. Though twin XLs are lighter than queens and kings, you may still need a partner to move the bed.
Many bunk bed frames are built to accommodate twin XL mattresses and are weight-rated for children, teens, or adults. However, some models are only long enough for standard twins, so double-check your bed frame dimensions before purchasing a mattress.
Still have questions?
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.
Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.