Why Buy a Twin Size Mattress?
Most people grow up with a twin size mattress, and some people keep on using a twin mattress long after they’ve moved out of their parents’ home for convenience and affordability.
College students, young adults, and anyone who sleeps alone can all benefit from a twin size mattress. Twin size mattresses are also practical in small apartments, RVs, boats, or guest rooms. Some couples or hotels may also opt to use two twin beds side by side.
That being said, a twin size mattress is not for everybody. Taller people may need the extra 5 inches provided by a twin XL mattress, and we recommend at least a full size mattress for people who share the bed. Many people also just feel more comfortable and more able to spread out on a bigger mattress.
What to Consider When Buying a Twin Mattress
Just as with any mattress, twin size mattress shoppers have a range of options to choose from. Here are some considerations to think about when shopping for a twin size mattress.
Material
Foam
Polyfoam and memory foam mattresses are some of the cheapest builds, and they come in a variety of styles. They are virtually silent when bearing weight. Memory foam in particular is known for its ability to contour closely to the body and eliminate pressure points, making the material well suited to lightweight sleepers and side sleepers.
Expected lifespan: 5 to 6 years
Innerspring
Innerspring mattresses have a coil support core and firm surface perfect for stomach sleepers or heavier individuals. Strong edge support increases the usable sleep surface and makes it possible to sit on the edges. The coils help the mattress sleep cool and provide a responsive surface perfect for sex. Innerspring mattresses tend to be quite affordable.
Expected lifespan: 4 to 6 years
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses combine the advantages of innerspring and foam mattresses. Foam or latex comfort layers offer conforming pressure relief, while pocketed coils provide enough support for all weight groups. Hybrid mattresses sleep cooler than foam mattresses and make less noise than innerspring mattresses. Responsiveness and edge support are almost on a par with innerspring mattresses.
Expected lifespan: 6 to 7 years
Latex
Latex mattresses conform almost as closely as memory foam, providing pressure relief and a silent sleep surface. Latex is breathable and bouncy, making it better for combination sleepers and people who sleep hot. Natural latex models are very durable and popular with allergy sufferers and eco-conscious consumers, but these usually come with a higher price tag.
Expected lifespan: 7 to 8 years
Airbed
Today’s airbed models feature sophisticated mechanisms that allow users to pump more or less air into a built-in air chamber to adjust the mattress firmness. Airbeds usually have foam comfort layers to provide some initial contouring. These mattresses are very durable and can be customized exactly to each sleeper’s firmness preference.
Expected lifespan: 7 to 9 years
Firmness and Feel
The firmness of a mattress refers to how soft or hard it feels, usually described as “plush” vs. “firm” in the mattress industry. This affects not only the initial sensation when a person lies down in the bed, but also the extent to which the mattress cradles the sleeper and allows the body to sink down into the different mattress layers.
The firmness of a mattress is usually assigned a number between 1 and 10 on the subjective mattress firmness scale, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Mattress firmness is a matter of personal preference, although the vast majority of sleepers prefer a mattress that measures between 5 and 7 on the firmness scale, or medium-firm.
Generally, lightweight people and side sleepers prefer plusher mattresses that cradle the body, while heavier people and stomach sleepers prefer a firm surface that prevents excessive sagging. Back sleepers and average weight sleepers tend to favor a balance of support and pressure relief.
Bedding and Bed Frames
Once you’ve found a twin mattress, it’s time to consider bedding, pillows, and a bed frame or box spring. These often-overlooked accessories affect spinal alignment, sleep temperature, and other factors, can make a big difference to the quality of your sleep.
Twin vs. Twin XL
Taller people might prefer a twin XL mattress, which has the same width as a twin mattress but is five inches longer.
How To Find a Cheap Twin Size Mattress
Whether kids, students, or people with small apartments, most people in the market for a twin mattress are looking for a budget-friendly option.
Many online mattress brands offer twin mattresses at extremely affordable prices. We offer exclusive discounts for many of the biggest brands, and you can often find further discounts and bundled items on holidays like Black Friday.
Keep an eye out for coupon codes even on regular days, and don’t be afraid to ask via online chat. Some retailers also offer discounts for veterans. If you do decide to buy your twin mattress online, choosing a mattress that comes with free shipping and returns can save a couple hundred dollars.
Buying a twin mattress online offers many advantages, but we understand that some people still prefer to test out the mattress in-store. To get the lowest price, look for holidays or blowout sales. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the salesperson to get a lower price, and keep an eye out for coupons in the local paper.