Our 10 Highest Rated Twin XL Beds (2024)

What is a Twin XL Mattress? 

A Twin XL mattress is a bed that’s the same width as a standard Twin-size mattress but 5 inches longer from top to bottom. A traditional Twin mattress is typically 38 inches wide and 75 inches long; a Twin XL mattress is 38 inches wide and 80 inches long (the same length as a Queen- or King-size bed).

Related: Mattress Size Guide

What to Look for in a Twin XL Mattress 

For certain sleepers, a Twin XL mattress will be a better choice than a classic twin bed. Tall people, college students, teenagers, growing kids, adults with limited bedroom space, solo sleepers, budget shoppers, and people who move frequently could be a good fit for a Twin XL mattress.

Just like shopping for any mattress, though, it’s important to know what your needs are so that you can find the right Twin XL-size bed to accommodate them.

Type of Mattress 

Innerspring Mattresses 

Innerspring beds are made of strong and durable coils that respond to and support your body weight. Many innerspring mattresses move as one unit, which doesn’t allow for the same kind of targeted support as some of their counterparts. However, with the introduction of individually wrapped coils, some innerspring mattresses can now adapt to heavier and lighter parts of the body. 

These mattresses typically offer great responsiveness and bounce. Although they are durable, those made with continuous coil construction can be susceptible to lots of motion transfer. However, since Twin XL beds are usually used by a singular sleeper, this shouldn’t be as big of an issue. 

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses take components of innerspring mattresses and combine them with parts of memory foam or latex beds. Typically this will consist of a base made of coils and upper comfort levels constructed of memory foam or latex. This allows for mattresses that combine durability and supportiveness with pressure relief, contouring, and responsiveness. 

Considering that you won’t have as much width to stretch out when you are sleeping on a Twin XL bed, hybrid mattresses may be a good choice as they can make you feel supported and comfortable. 

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses offer slow-moving and contouring that hugs and supports your body. This can make them great for side sleepers as memory foam can relieve pressure around areas that come into contact with the mattress such as the shoulders and hips. However, the slow response of memory foam may make them problematic for combination sleepers as these people may feel stuck when they are changing positions. 

Additionally, one of the complaints about memory foam mattresses is that they tend to sleep hot. However, many manufacturers have taken great strides to implement cooling technologies and many memory foam beds now offer solid temperature regulation. The affordability and ease of delivery of memory foam mattresses make them a great choice for college students who often need Twin XL mattresses. 

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses tend to have great bounce and responsiveness. This makes them an excellent choice for combination sleepers, people with limited mobility, and those who are sexually active. Plus, they are great for pressure relief. 

Latex beds are often offered in sustainable, all-natural latex that is sourced from the sap of rubber trees. Although an excellent choice on many fronts, latex mattresses are typically a more expensive choice. The smaller size of a Twin XL mattress will make it more affordable, but it will still be more expensive than other mattress types in the same size.

Other Considerations When Shopping for a Twin XL Mattress 

Sleeping Position 

Back sleepers – Sleepers who spend the majority of their time on their backs typically benefit from medium-firm mattresses that provide an even distribution of weight and a neutral spine. While most back sleepers could take advantage of almost any mattress type, those who also need some good pressure relief may prefer hybrid, latex, or memory foam options. 

Side sleepers – Side sleepers put a lot of pressure on the relatively small areas of of shoulders and the hips. These sleepers generally need a mattress that offers enough softness to provide cushioning and pressure around their joints. However, to keep heavier areas of the body from sinking too far into the mattress, side sleepers will want a mattress that is also supportive. Hybrid, memory foam, and latex mattresses can often work well for side sleepers. 

Stomach sleepers – Stomach sleepers need a bed that can support their hips. If hips are allowed to sag too far down, the lower back can curve too much, which can lead to back pain in this area. Therefore, firmer mattresses are often the best fit for these sleepers. 

Combination sleepers – These sleepers move from one position to another throughout the night. To make this as easy as possible, they will want a mattress that is responsive and provides good bounce as these characteristics will help them from feeling stuck. Latex, hybrid, and innerspring beds would be excellent choices for combination sleepers.  

Weight/Body Type of Sleepers

Given the smaller surface space of twin XL mattresses, you will want to ensure that your mattress is compatible with your body weight. Whereas most people are well-supported by medium or medium-firm beds, those on the heavier side will usually need mattresses on the firmer side, and lighter people are often best served by softer, plusher mattresses. 

Lightweight sleepers need plush mattresses to prevent pressure from building up, and those on the heavier side need a firmer bed to keep them from pushing through the comfort layers too quickly. 

Explore our picks for the Best Beds for Heavy People.

Firmness

Every type and size of mattress, including Twin XL, comes in a variety of firmness options. Although how soft or hard you like a mattress is largely determined by personal preference, a mattress’ firmness level can also factor into how well it supports your body weight and preferred sleep position. 

Most people will be comfortable and adequately supported by a medium-firm mattress. Heavier people may want more firmness as this can help keep their weight supported and their spines aligned. However, those on the lower end of the scale may like a softer bed to provide more cushioning around their joints.

When it comes to the preferred position, those who sleep on their side may want to look for a mattress that is slightly softer and will contour around their shoulders and hips. Those who sleep on their stomachs typically need the firmest mattresses because these will prevent their hips from sagging too far down in the bed, whereas those who sleep on their back generally benefit from a mattress that falls in the middle for even balance of cushioning and support. 

Cooling 

A cooler sleeping environment is key to a restful and restorative night of sleep. Although some materials and types of mattresses are more conducive to temperature regulation, many manufacturers have begun to infuse mattresses with gel and design them with other cooling materials and technologies to ensure a cooler night’s sleep. 

Of the mattress types, memory foam is naturally the warmest because the foam doesn’t allow for airflow. However, many memory foam mattress companies are addressing this by including gel infusions and perforations in the foam. 

Mattresses that are made with coils, such as innerspring and hybrid are excellent choices for staying cool in the bedroom because the coils provide great airflow which helps prevent the mattress from heating up. The open-cell structure of latex also makes these beds a fantastic choice when you want to stay cool throughout the night. 

Explore the best cooling mattresses.

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation is a mattress’s ability to keep movement, usually made by a partner or pet, from transferring from one side of the bed to the other. This won’t generally be a concern when shopping for a Twin XL bed because they aren’t designed to hold more than one person. That being said, if you plan to have a smaller pet sleep beside you, all-foam mattresses containing memory foam typically perform best for motion isolation.

Sex 

If you are sexually active, you will likely want a bed that is conducive to sex. The size of Twin XL beds may make them less than sex-friendly, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be a consideration. Therefore, you will want a bed that responds quickly like those that are made from latex or have an innerspring unit because these materials respond quickly to movement and are very buoyant. 

Read More: Best Beds for Sex

Conversely, the slow-moving nature of memory foam mattresses may make people feel like they are stuck in the bed during intimacy. 

Pressure Relief 

Sleeping is one of the best ways for us to restore and rejuvenate our bodies. However, if your bed leaves you waking with aches and pains, it is not performing one of its core duties. 

Pressure can build up from mattresses being too soft which can lead to your hips sagging too far down in the bed, putting your spine in awkward and uncomfortable positions. On the other hand, overly-firm mattresses may not provide enough cushioning, which can also lead to pressure buildup. Medium to medium-firm mattresses are often a great choice for many body types and preferred sleep positions, and they often deliver both adequate cushioning and support.

Edge Support 

Although edge support may not seem like an essential mattress feature, when you are dealing with a mattress that is not particularly wide like the Twin XL size, it becomes a pertinent characteristic. Considering that there isn’t much surface area for this size mattress, having substantial edge support can be the difference between a secure, restful night’s sleep and one where you feel as if you’re falling out of bed. 

Secure edges can also make it easier to get into and out of the bed. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses typically have great edge support, and many foam mattresses reinforce the edges with higher-density foam along the perimeter. 

Budget 

Mattresses can be a major expenditure, and as such, you will need to find one that suits both your needs and your budget. Fortunately, quality mattresses can be found at a variety of price points, and shopping online, especially around holiday deals, can save you even more money. Considering that Twin XL mattresses cost less than many other sizes, you may be able to consider several different options that still fit your budget. 

Generally speaking, memory foam and innerspring beds are going to be cheaper than hybrid and latex models, though this can vary among brands.

Related: Best Affordable Beds

Twin XL Mattress Pros

• Extra room for growing children and teens
• Additional length for tall sleepers
• Space-efficient, easier to move
• Less expensive than larger sizes

Twin XL Mattress Cons

• Can only accommodate solo sleepers
• It’s still as narrow as a regular Twin

Best Twin XL Mattress FAQs 

How much does a Twin XL mattress cost?

Twin XL mattresses are made with a variety of materials. Therefore, the cost will largely depend on the type of mattress that you select since some mattress types, such as latex and hybrid models, are often more expensive. 

In general, Twin XL can cost around 100-200 dollars more than regular Twin mattresses. Although you can find Twin XL mattresses at very low prices, expect to pay at least 600 dollars for a durable, quality-made Twin XL mattress. 

What size is a Twin XL mattress?

A Twin XL mattress measures 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. It’s 5 inches longer than a standard Twin, making it the same length as a Queen or King-size bed.

Which mattress is better: Twin or Twin XL?

Neither mattress size is objectively better — a Twin XL is just the longer of the two. It will likely be a better choice for a tall person, someone who is going or may soon go through a growth spurt, or someone who appreciates some extra legroom.

On the other hand, a standard Twin mattress will fit most small children comfortably and may be slightly easier to match with bedding and frames.

Will a Twin XL mattress fit on a Twin frame?

No, a Twin XL mattress will be too long for a bed frame built for a standard Twin. Even if you’re able to place the Twin XL on a Twin-size frame, the extra 5 inches of the mattress will protrude past the end of the frame, making for an unsteady and potentially uncomfortable sleeping experience.