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If you’re limited on space, looking to buy a new bed for the kids, or furnishing your spare bedroom, you could be happy with a good twin mattress.

Choosing a mattress is a pretty personal affair, and everyone has their preference — whether you’re going for firmness, durability, or budget-friendliness.

And let’s be honest: If you’re looking to change your mattress, there’s a heck of a lot of choices out there, most of them looking similar, making it harder to distinguish one from another.

With that in mind, we’ve whipped up a handy-dandy list of the best twin mattresses of 2022 to make your decision a little simpler.

  1. Best overall: Casper Original
  2. Best for budget: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam
  3. Best cooling mattress: Sleep Innovations Marley
  4. Best for comfort: Casper Sleep Snug
  5. Best for kids: Helix Kids
  6. Best firm mattress: Bear Original
  7. Best air mattress: EnerPlex Twin Air Mattress
  8. Best mattress in a box: Puffy Mattress
  9. Best organic mattress: Avocado Green Mattress

Intrigued? Let’s stuff these twin mattresses under a microscope.

Even though there are plenty of mattresses that excel in certain areas, we’ve hand-selected the ones which are solid all-around when it comes to:

Comfort. Sure, we could tip you off as to what the most cost-friendly products are out there… but if it’s not comfortable, what’s the point? We made sure that our picks will have you sleeping like a baby.

Quality. Similarly, you want to make sure you’re getting good quality for your money. We stuck with proven, trustworthy brands so you can place your order, and sit back with that all-important peace of mind.

Consistent reviews. You don’t want to get your mattress, and find out that it’s not as good as you were hoping — why didn’t anyone warn you?! Don’t worry, we picked mattresses that consistently landed good reviews from multiple sources.

Value. Whether you’re going for the budget choice or picking the most luxurious mattress out there, you want to get what you’re paying for. No overhyped, overpriced options here: just the best value for the amount of cash you’re parting with!

Okay, let’s get to the deets, and check out our fabulous winners! Assume that all these mattresses tick the right boxes, but use this as a guide to see where each one really excels.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $500
  • $$ = $500–$800
  • $$$ = over $800

1. Best overall twin mattress

Casper Original

Highlights

  • price: $$$
  • a ton of features for a supportive, cool sleep
  • trusted brand
  • literally thousands of great reviews

You probably guessed that a Casper mattress was going to be at the top of our list. Yes, you pay a little more, but in exchange, you get a floofy sleep-pad from one of the world’s most trusted brands. Casper knows how to make a good product, and it shows in the reviews. Most reviewers claim that it’s giving them the best sleep they’ve ever had, with the right mix of comfort and support.

Innovations like Zoned Support and AirScape help with giving your spine a much-needed rest while keeping you cool. And with foams that are CertiPUR-US certified (aka no chemical nasties), the Casper Original promises all-night comfort.

2. Best budget twin mattress

Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam

Highlights

  • price: $
  • infused with green tea for a refreshing sleep
  • pressure-relieving foam

Who says that budget has to be basic? The Zinus Green Tea mattress is, yes, infused with green tea extract! This helps to keep your mattress fresh, rather than tired and smelly, helping you to get the refreshing sleep you so richly deserve. Many reviewers also say that it’s massively helped with back pain, as the foam gives excellent support.

Some customers have noted that it can have a bit of a strong smell at first, so if that’s something you’re sensitive to, you may want to air it out for a few days before using it. Another possible catch is that the foam doesn’t seem to last as long as some other mattresses. But if you’re looking for an affordable, short-term choice, this could be the one.

3. Best cooling twin mattress

Sleep Innovations Marley

Highlights

  • price: $
  • 2-inch layer of cooling gel
  • established brand
  • medium-firm support

Sleep Innovations claims to be the company that first devised the popular mattress in a box, so you’d expect them to come up with some, well, innovative ideas. And by Jove, they’ve done it again with this mattress that promises to keep you cool at night, thanks to a 2-inch layer of cooling gel.

Customers freakin’ love that it provides decent support and doesn’t give off a strong smell during the expansion process — meaning that it’s good to go as soon as you’ve given it the requisite time to fully form. Customers also love that it doesn’t break your budget. Will it last as long as a Casper? Maybe not. Is it going to give you a good few years of use, and provide good value for money? Yep!

4. Best twin mattress for comfort

Casper Sleep Snug

Highlights

  • price: $
  • great brand at a great price
  • breathable foam for coolness
  • perfect for guest rooms

What’s this — top mattress brand Casper selling a twin mattress at an outrageously affordable price? And it’s super comfortable? Yes! While it might not be as comfy as the Casper Original, the Snug absolutely lives up to its name, giving Casper quality and comfort at a much lower price point. Reviewers love how breathable it is, meaning that you get a cool, comfortable night’s sleep.

Be aware that it’s a thinner mattress than most, and while that might not bother some people (especially those who don’t mind being a little closer to the ground), you might find yourself sinking further into the mattress base than you’re used to. But if you prefer sleeping on your side or back, this might be the comfiest choice out there.

5. Best twin mattress for children

Helix Kids

Highlights

  • price: $$
  • firmness adapts to your kids as they grow
  • water repellant and stain resistant
  • hypoallergenic

If you’re looking to buy a mattress for the rugrat(s) in your life, what better choice than one that’s specifically designed for kids? Helix is renowned as one of the world’s leading mattress makers, and the Helix Kids has it all. Firmer on one side for younger tots, but softer and comfier on the other side, meaning you can flip it over as your child grows. Plus it’s water-repellant, stain-resistant, and odor-fighting because accidents happen.

Nippers report that their new beds are super-comfy, and parents report that the little scamps tend to have longer, more restful sleeps, which means better-rested parents — win-win!

6. Best firm twin mattress

Bear Original Twin

Highlights

  • price: $$
  • brilliant for relieving pressure
  • long-lasting and durable
  • year-long trial period

If you experience problems with your back, hips, or joints, it’s generally accepted that a medium-to-firm mattress is going to be your best bet. And that’s exactly what Bear Original offers; it’s even won awards for being the best firm mattress on the market! Reviewers report a reduction in back pain after sleeping on this baby and praise it for having a great mix of comfort and support.

You also get good value for the money — the Bear Original is constructed from quality, durable materials, so you should get a good many years of sleep from your purchase. It’s also GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning that it’s been made under the most rigorous standards for protecting the environment. That should have you sleeping a little more soundly, right?

7. Best air twin mattress

EnerPlex twin air mattress

Highlights

  • price: $
  • easy to use
  • comfy flocked surface
  • bargain price

What if you need to quickly convert a sleeping area for guests? Or you just want to go super Gucci on your camping trips? In that case, air mattresses might be the way to go and the EnerPlex is the best in its class. Reviewers note that it’s super easy to inflate and deflate (and comes with a nifty storage bag), and gives your guests a comfy night’s sleep.

Like any air mattresses, you run the risk of air leakage over time, making you feel like you’re sleeping on the saddest sponge. But, good news: EnerPlex is confident in the product they make, and this mattress comes with a 2-year warranty. Any issues and their customer support will get you sorted!

8. Best twin mattress in a box

Puffy Mattress

Highlights

  • price = $$
  • lifetime warranty
  • made in the USA
  • super easy to get started

Why struggle with transporting a heavy and cumbersome fully-laid-out mattress when you can just have one delivered in a box? The Puffy Mattress is legendary amongst furniture aficionados for being easy to set up: just release it from its box, stand back, and watch the magic happen.

Reviewers really love these mattresses, not only for the good back support and comfy feel but because of the peace of mind. Worried about ordering a mattress sight-unseen? Don’t be. Puffy offers a generous 3-month trial period and a lifetime warranty, meaning that if your new mattress doesn’t quite suit your taste, you won’t have sleepless nights filled with regret.

9. Best organic twin mattress

Avocado Green Mattress

Highlights

  • price: $$$
  • hypoallergenic
  • environmentally friendly

If you’re environmentally conscious or your skin doesn’t agree with the chemicals that can be used to treat most mattresses, you might want to try an organic option. They can be a little harder to find, and you’ll inevitably pay more than you would for your average twin mattress, but they’ll pay you back in peace of mind… and a comfy night’s sleep.

Avocado is one of the leading organic mattress companies out there, and guarantee that their products are completely organic, using natural materials such as cotton and wool — some of the materials even come from their own farms! Reviewers love that they tend to be on the firmer side, meaning that back and hip pain is a thing of the past (although you can use a topper if you like things a little softer), and report that the customer service team are great.

Getting a good night’s sleep is obviously important — failure to do so is linked with hypertension and probs with your heart, disruption to your immune system, and even mental health concerns. No thank you.

With that said, mattress type and quality might matter more than mattress size. However, the size itself is the big reason to go with a twin mattress specifically. The small size of a twin mattress means that they tend to cost less, take up less space (great if you’re in a small dorm, or making the most of a guest room), and sheet sets are also at the lowest price point. And there’s no dip in quality: you’ll find just as much back support in a simple twin as you would with a larger mattress.

On the downside: yup, they’re smaller. So, if you’re shopping for an adult, they likely won’t be sleeping with a partner, despite the “twin” in its name.

Pros

  • small, and space-efficient
  • cheaper than larger mattresses
  • just as comfy as larger sizes
  • lightweight
  • sheet sets are cheaper

Cons

  • will likely only fit one person
  • less room, for sleepers who like to spread out
  • can be outgrown quickly
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Even with our list of sublime mattresses steering you in the right direction, there’s still going to be some things to consider before you hit the purchase button. Remember the following while shopping:

Budget. Although twin mattresses tend to be cheaper than larger sizes, they can still carry a hefty price tag, especially if you’re tempted to go organic or buy from the bigger brands. Always check if it’s in your budget.

Sleeping habits. Does the one who will be using the mattress tend to get warm at night? Cold? Move around in their sleep? Knowing these details will help you to choose whether to buy a cooling mattress, or even if you should get a twin mattress at all.

Individual needs. Mattresses can make all the difference if you experience back or hip pain, and you might want to make sure you’re buying one that’s firm, and is going to stay that way. Check the reviews!

Frequency of use. Sure, it’s tempting to get carried away with those fabulous-looking mattresses but does it fit the situation you need it for? Do you need the high-end brand if it’s going to be in a guest room and only being used a couple of times a year?

Twin mattresses still got you dazed and confused, and possibly in need of a lie down? We’ve laid out some common questions about these babies and tried to clear some things up.

Is a twin bed the same as a single?

Sure is! Don’t be fooled by the name, and think that “twin” = big enough for two people. A twin mattress is definitely for a single sleeper, unless you’re cool with spooning.

Do twin mattresses come in different sizes?

There’s two main types: the twin, and the twin XL. The latter is usually longer by about 5 inches, making them ideal for taller peeps. But that’s as far as the size range goes.

How deep is a standard twin mattress?

It depends on the manufacturer (check the specs before you buy), but most twin mattresses are between 9 and 16 inches deep.

How tall is a twin mattress?

Most twin mattresses are 75 inches in length (that’s 6 feet and 3 inches), and about 38 inches wide.

Why are they called twin mattresses, anyway?

You know when you go to a hotel and book a twin room, there’s two single beds separated by a nightstand? That’s the origin — you essentially have one half of a twin pair. It started in hotels, and has gained popularity ever since!

Twin mattresses have some brilliant, versatile uses. If you need a sleeping space in a smaller room, want to make the most of the space you have, or get Junior their first proper bed, they’re hard to beat. With a range of big name brands offering quality mattresses at a fraction of the price of larger sizes, the value is certainly there as well.

Just make sure that a twin mattress is going to be best for you. If you sleep with a partner regularly, they’re probably not the best investment. And if you generally need more sleeping space, you might also find that a twin’s smaller dimensions can cause some problems.

But if you remember your needs and your budget, you can find the best twin mattresses for you, and start enjoying those peaceful, comfy snoozes!