Twin XL mattresses are found inside almost every college dorm room, but there’s a lot more to this mattress size than that. While the best twin XL mattress provides ample room for growing kids and teens, they can also comfortably fit an adult when space is at a premium. Some even prefer to purchase two twin XL mattresses to create a split king, allowing couples a level of individual customization you don’t often see with a shared mattress. Our top choice is the Helix Midnight Luxe for its supportive feel and heat-wicking properties.
The Nolah Original 10 Mattress is one of our favorite picks for side sleepers looking for the best … [+] twin XL mattress.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER
No matter the mattress size, the right choice “can have drastic improvements on your health,” given that it can impact factors like back and neck pain, as well as how comfortably you sleep, says Andy Fata-Chan, PT, DPT, a New York-based physical therapist at Moment Physical Therapy & Performance. “Quality sleep is associated with improved overall wellbeing, mental performance, physical performance, decreased musculoskeletal issues and more,” he adds. Below, we highlight our top choices for the best twin XL mattresses that accommodate different sleeping positions, budgets and other common needs.
Type: Hybrid| Firmness: Medium | Delivery: Free, compressed and rolled in box | Trial: 100 nights| Warranty: 15 years
Pros:
Moderate firmness works for most sleep styles
Optinal upgrade to a cooling cover
Breathable, heat-wicking properties
Cons:
May not provide enough support for stomach sleepers
The Helix Midnight Luxe has a sleep surface that provides a delicate balance of support and softness, cushioning pressure points while promoting proper spinal alignment. The hybrid mattress combines a plush pillow top, copper gel-infused memory foam and individually wrapped and zoned coils for enhanced lumbar and edge support. Together, these layers offer the kind of cushioning comfort that most sleeping styles seem to appreciate–it’s firm enough for back and combination sleepers and plush enough for side sleepers.
The mattress comes with a breathable Tencel cover, but hot sleepers also have the option to upgrade to a cool-to-the-touch GlacioTex cover. It’s designed to actively wick heat to help you stay comfortable all night, and reviewers note that it really does keep them cooler. The Midnight Luxe ships free, and the company offers 100 nights to test it out. See more in our Helix Midnight Luxe review.
What the editors say: Forbes Vetted sleep and mattress editor McKenzie Dillon says, “The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is a bed straight from the pages of a home style magazine. Its plush, airy pillow top combined with its comfortable top layers make it a haven for side sleepers, while the pocketed coil layer in its base keeps the bed feeling supportive and responsive.” She recommends the Helix Midnight Luxe to anyone who wants a premium, “safe” pick that most people find comfortable.
Type: Hybrid| Firmness: Medium | Delivery: Ships free, arrives in a box | Trial: 120 nights| Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
Superior pressure relief that’s ideal for side sleepers
Extra cushy and relieving under the shoulders
Available in foam version, too
Cons:
Edge support is lacking
May be too soft for stomach sleepers
Side sleepers need a mattress that’s supportive enough to keep their spine straight, but soft enough to cushion the hips and shoulders to avoid aches and pains come morning. It’s a fine balance, but the Nolah Original 10 got it right. This mattress offers a medium firmness, making it an ideal choice for side sleepers, along with microscopic air bubbles to distribute body weight to create less pressure at the hips, shoulders and back. Plus, the top layer is perforated around the shoulders to offer more give and pressure relief where side sleepers need it most.
While the Nolah Original 10 doesn’t have explicit cooling elements, its AirFoam is designed to dissipate heat 20% faster than standard memory foam. As a result, it helps prevent heat from getting trapped in the mattress. Our testing also revealed this mattress has superior motion isolation. While motion transfer is often less of an issue with a twin XL, it’s a helpful feature in case you decide to sleep with a pet.
What the writer says: Forbes Vetted contributor and seasoned mattress tester Korin Miller finds that the Nolah Original 10 is one of the most comfortable sleep surfaces she’s tried as a side sleeper. “It feels just plush enough, without interfering with your ability to move around comfortably,” she says. Miller also gives this mattress the thumbs up for its temperature-neutral and pressure-relieving properties.
Type: Memory foam| Firmness: Soft or firm | Delivery: Ships free, arrived compressed and in a box | Trial: 120 nights| Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
Flippable design suits most sleep positions
Copper-infused for temperature regulation
Can accommodate a growing child
Cons:
Not as supportive as a hybrid mattress
A flippable mattress essentially provides two beds in one, accommodating a range of sleepers. The Layla memory foam mattress has very clear soft (rated 4 out of 10) and firm (7 out of 10) sides, making it easy to select and flip between firmness levels on demand. That makes this mattress ideal for a guest room or sleeper who isn’t sure of the right firmness for them.
The Layla mattress has a copper-gel memory foam layer on both sides for cooling and body heat transfer, although our testing found it may not be enough for overly hot sleepers. The mattress offers excellent motion isolation, as well as ease of movement for sleepers. The Layla mattress’ cover zips off and is washable, too. Layla offers a lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship, for the just-in-case. See more in our Layla Mattress review.
What the writer says: Forbes Vetted contributor Jamie Ueda says the Layla mattress’ soft side doesn’t feel “overwhelmingly soft, and it still has good support.” The firm side feels “firm, but not like a board,” she says. Ueda adds, “On both sides of the mattress, there was some give, but it feels more like you’re lying on top of the mattress rather than sinking into it and having it mold to your body.”
The Saatva Classic is a wildly popular luxury hybrid innerspring mattress. Part of the appeal is the range of options, which include three firmness levels, two heights and sizes ranging from twin to split Cal king. That makes it possible for sleepers of all sizes, shapes and preferences to customize the mattress to their needs. The Saava Classic is a well-designed mattress that minimizes heat retention, delivers enhanced lumbar support and offers stable edge support. That’s true in a twin XL size, too. It boasts two coil layers for maximum spinal reinforcements, a plush zoned pillow top for enhanced alignment and memory foam comfort layers.
Saatva offers a generous 365-night home trial, so you have plenty of time to test it out. All Saatva mattresses also come with free in-room delivery and set up, as well as a lifetime warranty. See more in our Saatva Classic Mattress review.
What the writers say: Forbes Vetted contributor Lindsay Vickers praises the Saatva Original for its pain-minimizing features. “It was supportive enough that I never woke up with pain in my lower back,” she says. Vickers also gives this mattress the thumbs up for edge support. “Sitting and lying on the side of the mattress is no problem—the Saatva Classic handles both with ease,” she says.
Type: Memory foam| Firmness: Medium-firm | Delivery: Free, compressed and rolled in box | Trial: 365 nights| Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
Affordable pricing
Lengthy trial and lifetime warranty
Cooling cover for temperature regulation
Cons:
Not as supportive as the hybrid model
May be too firm for side sleepers
In any size, the Nectar is a great option for those looking for a bed in a box, thanks to its free delivery and compressed package. It also solves one of the major drawbacks of memory foam—heat retention—and delivers on all the benefits. The Nectar is made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, which are gel infused to help diffuse heat. That’s in addition to the temperature regulating cover and its heat-wicking polyethylene fibers.
The Nectar Mattress has the signature marshmallow-y feel of memory foam, which responds to heat and pressure to gently contour around your body for support and pressure relief in any sleep position. But our editors found the newer Nectar models (recently released in late 2024) are more responsive and easier to switch positions on. The mattress also has a comfortable middle-of-the-road firmness that accommodates a wide range of sleepers, except side sleepers who want a more plush bed. At less than $550 for a twin XL, the Nectar mattress is reasonably priced as well. The company offers free shipping and returns, a 365-night trial and a lifetime warranty.
What the editors say: Dillon says, “The Nectar mattress is the perfect dupe to Tempur-Pedic, and it’s a fraction of the price. After a few moments the curves of your body become nestled into the bed’s memory foam layers. At the same time, its firmer profile helps prevent spine misalignment.”
Type: Hybrid| Firmness: Soft and firm | Delivery: Free, compressed and rolled in a box, white glove for additional $225 fee | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Pros:
Flippable design means it can suit a range of sleepers
Organic cotton cover
Accident protection is less than $1
Cons:
Only designed for kids up to age 15
White glove upgrade is half the cost of the mattress
The Nolah Nurture was made with growing kids in mind. It comes in twin, twin XL and full sizes only, and it has a dual-construction to accommodate different stages of development. On one side, the hybrid mattress has a firm, responsive layer of foam that Nolah describes as a 6 or 7 on the firmness 10-scale. It’s easy to move around on, so it’s a great option for younger, more active sleepers. Flip it over, and the cushioning gel memory foam is softer, about a 4 or 5 on the firmness scale. In between is a six-inch layer of individually wrapped steel coils for spinal support. Both sides of the mattress are finished with GOTS-certified organic wool layers that are temperature regulating and naturally flame retardant, while an organic cotton cover adds breathability and softness. The mattress is also Greenguard Gold certified.
In addition to a lifetime warranty that protects against manufacturer defects, the Nolah Nurture comes with optional kid-friendly accident protection for $.99, which covers the mattress in the event of things like rips, punctures, food stains and pet or kid accidents.
What the writers say: I actually purchased the Nolah Nurture for our youngest daughter and it’s been fantastic.We’ve had it for a few years, and she transitioned from the firmer side to the softer side about a year ago. She loves how it feels, and I appreciate its list of safety certifications.
Type: Hybrid| Firmness: Medium-firm | Delivery: Free, compressed and rolled in box | Trial: 100 nights| Warranty: 10 years Pros:
Affordable price tag
Suits a range of body types
Ideal for back, stomach and combination sleepers
Cons:
Too firm for side sleepers
Some say it needs to off-gas before use
It’s no secret that mattresses can get pricey, with some costing $1,000 or more. The Allswell Luxe is perfect for people looking to maximize value—it provides a supportive feel and hybrid construction without sacrificing on comfort or quality. The hybrid mattress uses responsive memory foam layered on top of individually wrapped coils for a firmness that’s comfortable for a range of sleepers, especially back stomach and combination.
The top layer of the mattress is infused with copper for enhanced breathability and temperature regulation—a helpful feature for those who tend to sleep warm. The mattress also provides a 90-day trial period and 10-year limited warranty. While that’s not as much time as you can expect with higher-priced competitors, it’s still impressive for this price tag.
What the editors say: Dillon calls the Allswell Luxe a “great value,” noting that it has quality motion isolation. She also praises the mattress for its “ample pressure relief for side sleepers,” noting that there is “no ‘sink in’ feel here.” Dillon notes that the feel of the mattress is “bouncier” than traditional memory foam with a “balanced profile that lands somewhere around a medium-firm.”
Type: Memory foam| Firmness: Medium | Delivery: Free, compressed and rolled in a box | Trial: 100 days| Warranty: Protection plan available for purchase
Pros:
Inexpensive
Available on Amazon Prime with quick shipping
Ideal for a range of sleeping positions (back, side and combination)
Cons:
Warranty costs extra
Not as supportive as a hybrid
May be a little too soft for a stomach sleepers
Thanks to its budget-friendly price tag and cooling memory foam layers, the Forbes Vetted team called the Vibe the best mattress overall on Amazon. Gel infusions and open-cell foam make it a more breathable option than standard foam mattresses, while still delivering the signature contouring support and pressure relief of memory foam. The CertiPur-US certified mattress is also resistant to mold, dust mites, bacteria and allergens.
The mattress has a medium feel that veers to the plush side, so expect the sink-in sensation of cushioning memory foam. A twin XL is priced under $450, making it a great value. It’s eligible for a return or refund for 100 days, and a 10-year protection plan is available for an additional $50.
What the reviews say:The majority of over 56,000 reviews for the Vibe mattress are five stars. One customer calls it the best value in memory foam beds. Another, who says they have never slept better, writes “The only thing that could make this bed better is if it was just a smidgen softer, but for the price, I would definitely pick this bed again.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team has extensive experience in the sleep space, as evidenced by the many dozens of sleep and mattress stories we’ve researched and written, including the best mattresses for side sleepers and mattresses for stomach sleepers.
We consulted with Andy Fata-Chan, PT, DPT, a New York-based physical therapist at Moment Physical Therapy & Performance and Benjamin Devaud, PT, DPT, clinic director at ATI Physical Therapy in Everett, WA, for their insight on important features to look for in a twin XL mattress.
This story is regularly updated and was last edited in September 2024 to add new selections.
How We Chose The Best Twin XL Mattresses
We selected the best twin XL mattresses based on research and firsthand testing with these sleep surfaces.
To begin our search, we looked at popular mattress brands and narrowed the list to focus on twin XL mattresses with quality materials that suited a variety of sleep styles.
Using advice from our experts, we factored elements like supportive features and cooling elements, along with policies like sleep trials and warranties.
We also tapped into our own testing with many of these mattress to ensure they were quality selections.
We analyzed reviews from real customers, making sure to only include options with excellent feedback and an average rating of four or more stars.
Finally, we checked for reasonable trial windows and made sure that our recommendations included a good range of price points.
What To Look For In The Best Twin XL Mattresses
Shopping for a twin XL mattress really isn’t any different than shopping for a queen or a king. Regardless of size, the best mattress needs to accommodate your needs and preferences. That means factoring for firmness, sleep position, materials, construction and price point.
Firmness And Sleep Position
Your typical sleep position can help you figure out the ideal mattress firmness. Stomach and side sleepers usually need a firmer sleep surface to ensure adequate support beneath the hips and a neutral spine. Otherwise, you run the risk of waking up with an aching back. Side sleepers generally need a mattress with a little more cushioning to prevent pressure point pain from developing around the hips and shoulders.
Remember that body type also affects how firm a mattress feels. The more weight you have, the more you sink into the top layers of a mattress and the softer it feels. That’s why heavyweight sleepers often do better with firmer mattresses, while lightweight sleepers benefit from softer sleep surfaces.
“The type of sleeper you are is important,” says Devaud. He notes that back sleepers often prefer medium to medium-firm mattresses, while side sleepers tend to do better with softer mattresses. For stomach sleepers, a firmer mattress is often best, Devaud says.
Materials And Construction
You can find twin XL mattresses in all the same materials and constructions as their bigger counterparts, from latex and memory foam to innersprings and hybrids. Personal preferences for comfort, support, durability and value can steer you in the right direction.
Memory foam is a soft material that responds to heat and pressure. It contours closely around the body with a signature “hugged” sensation, and it offers exceptional pressure relief and spinal alignment. Hot sleepers should prioritize memory foam with gel infusions or perforations, which help minimize heat retention.
Latex foam mattresses are made from a sustainable material derived from rubber trees. It has a springier sensation than memory foam but similar pressure relief. It’s also temperature neutral and incredibly durable.
Hybrid mattresses combine comfort layers of foam with support layers made from innersprings.
Body Type
Your body type can influence how comfortable a mattress feels to you. “If you’re broad and prefer to sleep on your side, then it may make sense for you to try a mattress that is a little softer in order to keep yourself in a more neutral position,” Fata-Chan says. “Neutral does not necessarily mean it will be more comfortable, but it’s a good place to start from when making decisions.” Keep in mind that your weight oftens influence how much you sink into a mattress. If you’re on the heavier side (over 250 pounds), you may sink more into a mattress than lighter counterparts, which makes mattresses feel softer than they would to an mid-weight or lightweight individual.
Price Point
One of the biggest selling points of the twin XL mattress, besides its compact footprint, is the cost. Because it’s smaller and uses fewer materials, the price is much less than it is for the same mattress in a bigger size. Twin XL mattresses come in a range of price points, from several hundred dollars to well over one thousand, depending on the quality of materials used and how it’s made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Needs A Twin XL Mattress?
This mattress size can also be a good choice for growing kids and is often found in dorm rooms. Pairing two twin XL mattresses side by side also gives you the equivalent of a standard king, but it’s a lot easier to maneuver two separate mattresses through tight spaces. And with two twin XLs, you and your partner don’t have to compromise on what’s comfortable.
Are Two Twin XL Mattresses The Same As A Queen?
No. Two twin XL mattresses are the same as a standard king size mattress. A twin XL measures 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. A king is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, while a queen measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Do College Dorms Use Twin XL Mattresses?
Dorm rooms at the majority of universities and colleges use a twin XL mattress. That’s likely because this mattress size is well suited to students who are close to or at their full height, and offers a more economic price point.
