Choosing the best mattress for bunk beds isn’t quite the same thing as choosing a mattress for a standard bed. You’ll still need to think about firmness and support, of course, but the loft element means you’ll also be considering safety, headroom, and more. Whether you have kids or frequently host out-of-town guests, you’ll want to ensure that your bunk bed set-up is as comfortable as it is space-efficient.
Calling on our extensive experience in the sleep industry, we’ve gathered a few mattresses we think work excellently when stacked. Read on for our top products and tips for choosing the best mattress for your bunk beds.
Best Bunk Bed Mattress Picks
- Nolah Natural – Best Hypoallergenic Bunk Bed Mattress
- Saatva Youth – Best Luxury Bunk Bed Mattress
- Siena – Best Memory Foam Bunk Bed Mattress
- Dreamfoam Essential – Best Bunk Bed Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Bowery – Best Affordable Bunk Bed Mattress
- Tuft & Needle Original – Best Bunk Bed Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nolah Natural Mattress | Saatva Youth Mattress | Siena Mattress | Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress | Tuft & Needle Mattress | |
Rating | ||||||
Firmness | Soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Soft: 5/10 |
Material | Latex | Innerspring | Foam | Foam | Foam | Foam |
Cooling | — | — | — | — | ||
Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year limited warranty |
Shipping | Free shipping | Free white glove delivery | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping minus HI and AK |
Trial Period | 120 Nights | 365 nights | 180 Nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights |
Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers, Back Pain | Kids, Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Kids | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Stomach Sleepers, Back Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers |
Sleep Advisor’s Testing Methodology
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs. We look at features that are valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, bounce, edge support, and motion isolation.
We also evaluate mattress performance for back, side, and stomach sleeping. Lying in different positions lets us know how supportive the bed is and if it’s good at relieving pressure.
We then take all the information we’ve gathered to rate the bed in specific categories. These results allow us to help our readers find the right mattress for their needs.
The Best Bunk Bed Mattresses, Reviewed
Nolah Natural Mattress
Nolah’s Natural Latex Hybrid is crafted from high-quality natural and organic materials, serving as a luxurious option for eco-friendly shoppers.
Read Nolah Natural Mattress ReviewMaterial
Latex
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Natural Mattress
Nolah’s Natural Latex Hybrid is crafted from high-quality natural and organic materials, serving as a luxurious option for eco-friendly shoppers.
Read Nolah Natural Mattress ReviewMaterial
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Natural Mattress
Nolah’s Natural Latex Hybrid is crafted from high-quality natural and organic materials, serving as a luxurious option for eco-friendly shoppers.
Read Nolah Natural Mattress ReviewMaterial
Latex
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
People who are prone to allergies (or who often host allergy-prone guests) may want to consider a hypoallergenic mattress for their bunk beds. The Nolah Natural features eco-friendly and hypoallergenic Talalay latex wrapped in an organic cotton cover. The bed also has layers of GOTS-certified organic wool.
The Nolah Natural is 11 inches tall, featuring foam, latex, and Tri-Zone™ coils. The coils provide targeted support while allowing airflow to prevent the foam from overheating. Latex is already unlikely to overheat on its own, making this bed a good option for hot sleepers.
What stands out?
- Nolah offers free shipping, a 120-night trial, and a lifetime warranty with this latex mattress.
- Wool layers and the organic cotton cover provide breathability and cooling in addition to their hypoallergenic properties.
Customer Reviews of the Nolah Natural
On Nolah’s website, the Nolah Natural gets a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Nolah Natural mattress for its eco-friendly materials and pressure relief, but some have reported a minimal initial off-gassing odor upon setup.
Want to see more? Check out our full Nolah Natural mattress review or find the best mattresses for allergies here.
Saatva Youth Mattress
A dual-sided kids’ mattress that’s designed to see children through the ages of 3 to 12.
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
A dual-sided kids’ mattress that’s designed to see children through the ages of 3 to 12.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Youth Mattress
A dual-sided kids’ mattress that’s designed to see children through the ages of 3 to 12.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Saatva Youth is made specifically for children with an innovative flippable design. One side is for kids between the ages of 3 and 7, while the other is for ages 8 to 12. Both sides are rated as 6.5/10 on our firmness scale.
Both sides also have an organic cotton cover, but they differ in their composition. The 3-to-7-year-old side has a 5-zone support layer that’s firmer in the center to encourage proper spinal alignment. The other side has a layer of high-density comfort foam for pressure relief and breathability. One caveat: Because this mattress is meant for relatively small frames, anyone weighing close to 230 pounds probably won’t find the support they need.
What stands out?
- The Saatva Youth mattress comes in three sizes, all of which should fit bunk beds (depending on the size of the bed).
Customer Reviews of the Saatva Youth
On the Saatva website, this mattress is rated 5 out of 5 stars. The Saatva Youth mattress offers excellent durability and support for young customers; however, some customers may find it relatively expensive compared to other youth mattresses on the market.
Want to learn more? Read our Saatva Youth mattress review or explore our picks for the best luxury mattresses.
Siena Mattress
The Siena is a memory foam bed aimed at providing sleepers with the right combination of support and comfort.
Read Siena Mattress ReviewMaterial
Foam
Trial Period
180 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Siena Mattress
The Siena is a memory foam bed aimed at providing sleepers with the right combination of support and comfort.
Read Siena Mattress ReviewMaterial
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
180 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Siena Mattress
The Siena is a memory foam bed aimed at providing sleepers with the right combination of support and comfort.
Read Siena Mattress ReviewMaterial
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
180 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Siena balances an approachable price with a high-quality all-foam design, and should suit most bunk bed arrangements. Its five layers begin with a velvety, breathable cover atop a layer memory foam, which molds to the pressure points on your body to encourage deep relaxation.
Beneath the memory foam, two additional foam layers provide further comfort and support. A lower cover holds the entire construction together and keeps it stable on both the upper and lower bunk. Its 10-inch height is also a nice fit for most bunk bed frames.
What else should you know?
- The foams in this bed have a couple cooling mechanisms going for them, including gel infusions and pockets of air between the layers.
- Motion has a tough time traveling very far through the foams in this bed, and it isn’t super springy. These qualities make for an ideal bunk-bed experience.
Customer Reviews of the Siena
On the Siena website, this mattress scored approximately a 4.2 out of 5 stars, from 1279 reviews. The Siena Memory Foam mattress, a favorite among customers for its plush comfort, may not suit those seeking a firmer sleeping surface, as per customer feedback.
Want to learn more? Explore our picks for the best memory foam mattresses.
Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
The Dreamfoam Essential is a versatile mattress that brings everything we love about all-foam models, making it a great option for value and comfort seekers.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
The Dreamfoam Essential is a versatile mattress that brings everything we love about all-foam models, making it a great option for value and comfort seekers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
The Dreamfoam Essential is a versatile mattress that brings everything we love about all-foam models, making it a great option for value and comfort seekers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Back sleepers should appreciate how the layers in the Dreamfoam Essential distribute weight to prevent pressure build-up in the lower back area. This mattress is available in multiple sizes, including a twin size that should fit most bunk beds.
The Dreamfoam Essential offers mid-range firmness, but you can choose between five height options for the twin size. There’s a top layer of gel swirl memory foam to cool hot sleepers and respond to movement, and the base layer gives the bed stability while preventing the upper layers from sagging under pressure.
What stands out?
- The Dreamfoam Essential is a memory foam mattress with a CertiPUR-US® certification, which means it’s free of harmful substances such as heavy metals.
- You can choose between multiple sizes and heights based on your sleeping preferences and the size of your bunk bed.
Customer Reviews of the Dreamfoam Essential
On DreamFoam’s website, the DreamFoam Essential ranks 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers noted a potential downside of the DreamFoam Essential mattress is that it may not be as durable as some higher-end mattresses, but it offers an affordable option with decent comfort and support.
Want to know more? Dive deeper with our full Dreamfoam Essential mattress review or explore the best mattresses for back sleepers.
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid is a luxury mattress at an affordable price, and we think most sleepers will enjoy the comfort it offers.
Read Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress ReviewMaterial
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid is a luxury mattress at an affordable price, and we think most sleepers will enjoy the comfort it offers.
Read Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress ReviewMaterial
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid is a luxury mattress at an affordable price, and we think most sleepers will enjoy the comfort it offers.
Read Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress ReviewMaterial
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Brooklyn Bowery is an affordable hybrid mattress available in three firmness options. The mattress comes in seven sizes, three of which should fit a bunk bed.
The construction of the Brooklyn Bowery starts with a stretchy cotton cover quilted to an inch of memory foam for a contoured, hug-like feel. The first layer is a 2-inch comfort foam, which provides cozy cushioning on top of the coils. The 6-inch coil layer features 1,032 individually wrapped coils to cradle the body, support the spine, and relieve pressure on the shoulders and back. The base of the bed features an inch of high-density poly foam for stability and durability.
What stands out about it?
- The Brooklyn Bowery comes at an affordable price, and you have 120 days to decide if this is the right mattress for your bunk beds.
Want to learn more? Check out our full Bowery mattress review or check out our picks for the best budget mattresses.
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Tuft & Needle Mattress
This model should be a great option for most bargain shoppers who value quality.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping minus HI and AK
Price Range
$$$$$
The Tuft & Needle Original is only 9.5 inches tall—an ideal height for a bunk bed mattress—but its support is robust enough for side sleepers. The top layer is a 3-inch proprietary T&N Adaptive® Foam that mimics memory foam and latex but should run a bit cooler. The base layer is a 6.5-inch poly foam, which gives the mattress its shape and keeps it from sinking in under pressure.
Overall, it’s a simple bed designed to last long. The company offers a 10-year warranty, which says a lot about the quality of the mattress, and you have 100 nights to decide if this is the right choice for your child. It comes in six sizes, including a twin and a twin XL that should fit standard bunk bed designs, as well as a full for bunk beds that can accommodate a bigger mattress on the bottom.
What stands out?
- The Tuft & Needle Original cradles the body, preventing the pressure from building up in a side sleeping position.
Customer Reviews of the Tuft & Needle
On the Tuft & Needle website, this mattress is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Tuft & Needle mattress for its affordable price and good overall comfort, but some report that it lacks the longevity and durability of more expensive options.
Want to learn more? Read our full Tuft & Needle mattress review or discover our picks for the best mattresses for side sleepers.
What to Look for in a Mattress for Bunk Beds
The design of the bunk bed makes them unique. The stacked construction is a great way to utilize a smaller guest room or just create a fun bedroom for your kids. As with any mattress, you’ll want to consider not only the type of mattress but also the needs of the people using the bunk bed mattresses.
Type of Mattress
Innerspring Mattresses
Innerspring beds remain popular, in large part, because of their durability. Innerspring mattresses typically offer great responsiveness, bounce, airflow, and support from the strong coils that make up their base. One issue with these beds, though, is that traditional innerspring models made with a continuous coil construction can begin to sag, and they often don’t have sufficient comfort layers for pressure relief.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine coils found in innerspring mattresses with latex or memory foam. The hybrid construction provides a bed with a durable and supportive base with upper layers that provide pressure relief and contouring. While hybrids have a lot of advantages, they typically cost more due to their advanced design.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses offer slow-moving and cozy contouring that hugs your body. When it comes to bunk beds, low-profile memory foam mattresses can be a good choice because of their affordability and how well they absorb motion.
Side sleepers often enjoy memory foam because the contouring nature can relieve pressure around the shoulders and hips. On the other hand, those who change positions throughout the night may find that the materials don’t allow them to reposition as easily.
Latex Mattresses
Latex mattresses are an excellent eco-conscious choice that provides top-notch pressure relief, durability, and responsiveness. Unlike memory foam, these mattresses quickly bounce back to their original shape, but they also still offer pressure-relieving properties.
These mattresses have a host of pros, but when it comes to beds that are often for children or occasional guests, they are typically the most expensive choice. However, the smaller sizes associated with bunk beds should offset the total cost.
Other Considerations When Shopping for a Mattress for Bunk Beds
Sleeping Position
Back sleepers often enjoy beds with a medium-firm feel that can evenly distribute their weight, delivering ample lower back support and pressure relief.
Side sleepers’ shoulders and hips are where weight concentrates in this position, which puts added pressure on these areas. Slightly softer mattresses can offer pressure-relieving comfort. Bed containing memory foam or latex with a soft to medium firmness can be good for side sleepers because they can both cradle and support the sleeper.
Arguably, the most important aspect of a mattress for stomach sleepers is proper support for their hips so they don’t sag as this could lead to lower back pain. Firmer, highly supportive mattresses can provide the support that these sleepers need.
People who change position throughout the night are known as combination sleepers. In order to make repositioning easier for combination sleepers, they need a mattress that is quick-responding and buoyant. In this case, latex, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses, combined with a versatile medium-firm feel, are helpful for combination sleepers.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
The safety concerns of bunk beds make the sleeper’s weight a top concern. You will want to first ensure that the mattress and frame can safely support the sleepers using the bunk bed before making any purchases.
When it comes to comfort based on weight and body type, medium or medium-firm mattresses work well for most people. However, those who are heavier usually prefer a firmer feel to help keep their spines aligned, whereas lighter folks typically enjoy plush beds that can help relieve pressure.
Size
Most bunk bed frames are built to accommodate two Twin mattresses in a Twin-over-Twin design, measuring 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. They’re the narrowest standard mattress size available, so they accomplish wonders when it comes to saving space. A Twin XL bunk bed mattress measures 38 inches wide by 80 inches long and is a popular choice for tall or growing children and teens.
Larger bunk bed frames will fit two Full-size mattresses. This mattress size — 54 inches wide by 75 inches long — enables single sleepers to really spread out, but these will take up a lot more room than narrower models. You can even stack two Queen mattresses on top of one another with the proper bunk bed frame, which typically measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Lastly, you can find bunk beds that combine almost every variety of the mattress sizes mentioned above, including Twin-over-Full, Full-over-Queen, and more. Safe bunk bed designs that mix sizes will always position the smaller mattress size as the top bunk and the larger size as the lower bunk.
Mattress Height
The height of the bunk bed mattress, especially the top one, is extremely important. Low-profile mattresses, ones that are 7 inches tall or less, are recommended for top bunk beds. If the top bunk mattress is taller than this, it could sit above the guard rail, which would put a child or guest more at risk of rolling out of bed.
The height of the bottom bunk isn’t as important when it comes to safety, but a taller mattress will create less clearance for the person sleeping on the bottom.
Firmness
Medium-firm mattresses are typically a safe bet if you’re opting to order your bunk bed mattress online. If kids will be using the bunk bed, it might be helpful to take a trip to a mattress store and have them try out a few different mattress models to see what firmness level feels best for them.
Many online mattress brands offer extended sleep trial periods, some as long as a year. With a long trial period, this gives you ample time to test out the mattress at home, and if it’s not a good fit, you can get your money back.
Learn More: Mattress Firmness Guide
Cooling
A bunk bed mattress with modern cooling features will keep kids and guests at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.
Look for foams with gel infusions, aerated structures, and other specialized cooling technologies. Innerspring and hybrid beds also provide airflow from the coils.
The mattress cover can also make a noticeable difference when it comes to distributing body heat. You’ll want to prioritize breathable fabrics, such as cotton, and keep an eye out for proprietary cover designs with fibers that maximize temperature regulation.
Motion Isolation
If your sleep is disturbed by a restless partner, your mattress probably allows motion transfer. Although bunk beds aren’t typically shared, there could be instances when they are, such as if you have a Full-size bottom bunk, and for that, you will want to consider mattresses that have good motion isolation.
Memory foam beds typically do a great job at absorbing motion, and fortunately, they are usually suitable for most bunk bed setups.
Pressure Relief
Waking up free of pain is a widespread goal of sleepers. To achieve this goal, sleepers will want to choose a bunk bed mattress that relieves pressure that builds up throughout the night.
Medium to medium-firm mattresses with latex or memory foam are often a great choice for many body types and preferred sleep positions, and they should provide enough support and contouring for adequate pressure relief.
Edge Support
Good edge support can be particularly important for the top bunk of bunk beds. Although all top bunks need guardrails, having a supportive perimeter can provide an extra level of security. As for the bottom mattress, good edge support can help those with mobility issues get in and out of bed more easily.
Innerspring and hybrid mattresses typically have excellent edge support, and many foam mattresses reinforce the edges with higher-density foam.
Budget
Budget is important when purchasing a mattress, but considering that you’re usually buying two mattresses for bunk beds it will be particularly important to get the best mattresses that fit in your budget. Fortunately, quality mattresses can be found at more affordable prices thanks to the rise in direct-to-consumer online shopping. Although you may be buying two mattresses, they’ll be in a smaller size, which should help balance out the overall cost.
Bunk Bed Safety Tips
Federal law requires that bunk beds comply with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act1 of 2008. These standards and regulations have improved the safety of bunk beds by ensuring that all top bunks have guardrails on both sides. The use of guardrails extends to lower bunks that are more than 30 inches off the floor.
Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics2 offers extra tips for bunk bed safety.
- No one under six years of age should be allowed on the top bunk
- Place bunk beds in the corner of the bedroom
- Guardrails on the top bunk should be at least 5 inches higher than the mattress
- Avoid gaps between the bottom of the mattress and the guardrail that exceed 3.5 inches
- Provide extra slats to the top bunk for added stability
- Remind kids to only use the stairs or ladder to get in and out of bed
- If there’s a ladder, make sure it’s secure
- Do not permit kids to roughhouse on bunk beds
- Remove any dangerous objects from bunk beds
- Avoid hanging items of clothing or sporting equipment from the top bunk as this can create strangulation risks
- Use a night light so that those sleeping on the top bunk can get down safely when it is dark
Along with the above-mentioned tips, we recommend the following:
- Ensure the bunk bed is securely assembled before use
- Use the right size mattress on the top and bottom bunks
- Only one person should sleep in the top bunk
Best Mattress for Bunk Beds FAQs
Can an adult sleep on a bunk bed?
Yes, adults can sleep on bunk beds. However, it is important that they are not over the weight limit requirements if they are sleeping on the top bunk. When sleeping on the bottom bunk, adults will want to make sure that they have head clearance so that they can avoid injury when getting in and out of bed.
Do bunk beds require a specific mattress?
Yes and no. There aren’t bunk bed-specific mattresses, but you will want to make sure that you always use the correct corresponding mattress size with the dimensions of the frame.
What’s the difference between bunk beds and loft beds?
A loft bed is a single raised bed, allowing you to use the floor and wall below for a myriad of purposes. In essence, loft beds are bunk beds with no bottom bunk. This setup still gives sleepers the fun “high-up” feeling while conserving even more space.
The best loft beds tend to incorporate a storage area, desk, or play space. If your loft bed is a simple, bare-bones raised bed, you can still make the most out of that space. Pick out a desk to create a study space beneath or attach curtains to block off the space for storage or a hideaway play area.
The principles for finding a loft bed mattress are similar to that of bunk beds. This means you’ll want to follow the same rules for considering the loft bed mattress size. Also, be sure to follow the same considerations for mattress height for bunk beds.
Read Our Full Guide: Best Rated Loft Beds
Is it safe to sleep on the top bunk?
Yes, if you are investing in a well-built bed that is constructed from high-quality, safe materials, then your little one should be safe to sleep in a top bunk. Be sure that the mattress isn’t so high that it exceeds the height of the guardrail, and for added protection, consider a higher guardrail.
Should bunk beds have stairs or a ladder?
Whether the bed should have stairs is a matter of preference. However, stairs could make things easier and safer overall.
Some don’t have stairs or a ladder and instead, have slotted ends that can be used to climb up. Whatever the method is, as long as there is a safe way to get onto the top bed, then it doesn’t matter. Try looking at different bunk bed styles and pick the one that you and your kids are most comfortable with.
Are bunk beds safe for toddlers?
A good general rule of thumb is not to let children under six years old use the top bunk2. However, if you have two children of different ages, in which one is older than six, the elder sibling can use the top bunk while the younger one is on the bottom bunk. If both of your children are under six years old, though, it’s best to tell them to wait until they are a bit older.
Get More Info: Are Bunk Beds Safe For Kids?
Are bunk beds too small for teens?
Bunk bed mattresses are usually somewhere around 6 inches thick, which may be too small for a rapidly growing teen. You’ll want to consider weight limits for both the mattress and the overall structure of the frame when you are deciding if a teen has outgrown their bunk bed days. Height may also be a factor, and no teen wants to sleep with their feet hanging over the top bunk.
If you are looking to upgrade your teen’s sleep experience, you’ll want to pick a bed and a frame that can allow them to comfortably transition into their adult size and shape, and the correct investment could even follow them off to college. Look for versatility and durability when shopping for growing children, and you’re likely to see a better return on your investment.
View Our Complete Guide: Best Mattresses for Teenagers
Should you get a memory foam mattress for bunk beds?
The two most common mattress types for bunk beds are innerspring and memory foam.
Memory foam allows the sleeper to sink into the material as it conforms to the body, delivering ample pressure relief and support.
Innerspring mattresses, on the other hand, are a standard option that provides optimal support, but they might have a shorter lifespan, depending on the materials. While this type might be appealing to kids because of the springs that make it bouncy, if you want the safest option, then it could be better to opt for memory foam.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many great options out there to choose from—and there’s no one-size-fits-all bunk bed mattress that will fit everyone’s preferences. Whether you’re looking for something firm or soft, and depending on what size you are after, your perfect fit may be very different from someone else’s.
However, with a little bit of dedicated research, you should be able to find the best bunk bed mattress —and hopefully, our top 5 picks have helped you narrow down your decision!
Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen Size) | Review |
Nolah Natural | Hypoallergenic | $1,199 | Nolah Natural Mattress Review |
Saatva Youth | Luxury | $999 | Saatva Youth Mattress Review |
Siena | Memory Foam | $699 | Siena Mattress Review |
Dreamfoam Essential | Back Sleepers | $524 | Dreamfoam Essential Mattress Review |
Bowery | Affordable | $699 | Bowery Mattress Review |
Tuft & Needle Original | Side Sleepers | $895 | Tuft & Needle Original Mattress Review |
Rachael Gilpin
Content Writer
About Author
Rachael is a content writer for Sleep Advisor who loves combining her enthusiasm for writing and wellness. She’s had a passion for writing since she was a kid when she wrote awful poetry. She’s honed her craft quite a bit since then and considers herself a lucky duck to get paid to do what she loves.
Back Sleeper
References:
- “Bunk Beds Business Guidance”. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Webpage accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.cpsc.gov/Business–Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Bunk-Beds.
- Rasch, Hilary. “Rest easy with these bunk bed safety tips”. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/article/33/7/22/9937/Rest-easy-with-these-bunk-bed-safety-tips?autologincheck=redirected. 2012.