Best Mattress for Teenagers 2024

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Being a teenager can be awkward – first loves, puberty, and a myriad of changes make for a whole lot of weirdness. There’s one time of the day when teens shouldn’t feel awkward: while they’re asleep!

To make sure their teens get the best sleep possible, parents should try to find a mattress that is well suited for teenagers. Like everyone else, teens need something that will fit their body type and sleeping preferences.

So, where should parents even start looking? Right here, of course! While there are a number of bed-in-a-box mattress options out there, we have the absolute best mattresses for teenagers right here!

Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress for Teenagers?

Our expert reviewers chose the Puffy Cloud as the best mattress for teenagers since it’s got a soft foam feel, but it’s easy to move around on. The Puffy should be a great fit for teens who sleep on their backs and need comfort and support.

The Best Mattresses for Teenagers

Best Mattress for Teenagers 2024: Video Roundup

Compare the Best Mattresses for Teenagers

Puffy Cloud Mattress Helix Dusk Mattress WinkBed Mattress Nectar Mattress Nolah Natural Mattress Titan Plus Saatva Mattress Brooklyn Bedding Essential Birch Natural Mattress
Puffy Cloud Mattress Helix Dusk Mattress WinkBed Mattress Nectar Mattress Nolah Natural Mattress Titan Plus Saatva Mattress Brooklyn Bedding Essential Birch Natural Mattress
Rating
Firmness Medium-firm: 7/10 Medium-firm: 7/10 Multiple firmness options Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Soft: 6/10 Firm: 9/10 Multiple firmness options Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Medium-firm: 7/10
Material Foam Hybrid Hybrid Foam Latex Hybrid Innerspring Hybrid Hybrid
Cooling -- -- -- --
Sleep Position Back & Side Back Combination Back & Side Combination Back & Stomach Back & Stomach Back & Side Back & Stomach

How We Chose Our Top Picks

The Mattress Clarity team has reviewed over 150 mattresses, using hands-on testing and proprietary analysis. Our expert mattress reviewers assign scores to all of the beds and detail all of the important elements such as firmness, feel, motion isolation, edge support, and cooling.

Latex mattress testing in our studio

Teenagers need mattresses that feel both comfortable and supportive, but it’s also important that the beds are durable so they can sleep on them for years to come. With this information in mind, we rounded up a list of the best mattresses for teenagers.

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers – Puffy Cloud

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Puffy Cloud Mattress

Puffy is a comfortable memory foam mattress that is especially great for back and side sleepers.

Clarity Score 3.9/5

Material

Foam

Trial Period

101 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
5.0/5
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Puffy Cloud Mattress

Puffy is a comfortable memory foam mattress that is especially great for back and side sleepers.

Clarity Score 3.9/5

Material

Foam

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

101 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
5.0/5
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Puffy Cloud Mattress

Puffy is a comfortable memory foam mattress that is especially great for back and side sleepers.

Clarity Score 3.9/5

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Trial Period

101 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
5.0/5
Pros
Balanced foam feel
Cooling features
Cons
Not designed for heavyweight sleepers
Some off-gassing

Our Expert’s Take

Teens these days are more tech-savvy than adults. While parents might not have heard of Puffy, any teen who has spent more than an hour on YouTube has heard of Puffy. Their entertaining commercials are hard to forget and they promise mattresses that are truly cloud-like.

There are three Puffy mattresses, but the Puffy Cloud is going to be the best option for teenagers, especially those who sleep on their backs. The Puffy Cloud is an all-foam mattress with an excellent balance of comfort and support. Teens will feel their hips sink in just a bit, and the mattress will also hold up the rest of the body.

The Puffy Cloud also offers a bit of that memory foam feel right on top without making teens feel stuck. This is a major complaint people have with memory foam – it can make it difficult to move around at night. The Puffy Cloud is more responsive overall so, while it is comfortable, it won’t let teens sink in too far.

What the testers say: “The Puffy mattress really does make you feel like you’re ‘sleeping on a cloud.’ The slow-moving foam cushions my joints and makes me feel really comfortable when I’m back and side sleeping.” — Marten, Reviewer

What We Love About the Puffy Cloud 

  • Back sleepers should receive ample plush cushioning from its top slow-moving comfort layer and ample support from its base foam layer. 
  • Its lightweight cover is hypoallergenic and removable so it can be put in the washing machine. 
  • Puffy mattresses come with a 101-night sleep trial for you to decide if it is a good fit for you and a lifetime warranty!

What to Keep in Mind About the Puffy Cloud

  • Unless your teen weighs less than 130 lb, the Puffy Cloud won’t be supportive or firm enough for stomach sleeping. 
  • Since the Puffy Cloud has a balanced foam feel, it doesn’t have a completely slow-moving or bouncy, responsive feel. 

Other User Reviews

Over 12,000 customers have rated the Puffy Cloud 5 out of 5 stars on the Puffy website. Back sleepers and combination sleepers were fond of the Puffy Cloud’s quality construction and how comfortable it is to sleep on. 

Read the full Puffy Cloud mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Back Sleepers for more great options.

Best Twin Mattress for Teenagers – Helix Dusk

Best Twin Mattress for Teenagers

Helix Dusk Mattress

Helix Dusk Mattress Review

The Helix Dusk is a medium-firm mattress that is going to be a great fit for back sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.1/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Best Twin Mattress for Teenagers

Helix Dusk Mattress

Helix Dusk Mattress Review

The Helix Dusk is a medium-firm mattress that is going to be a great fit for back sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.1/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

100 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Helix Dusk Mattress Review
Best Twin Mattress for Teenagers

Helix Dusk Mattress

The Helix Dusk is a medium-firm mattress that is going to be a great fit for back sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.1/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Pros
Solid edge support
Firmer than average
Cons
Not ideal for side sleeping
No slow-moving feel

Our Expert’s Take

A twin size mattress is most recommended for teens, because it is an affordable size that should accommodate their sleeping needs. However, when buying a twin mattress, why not get the best? And for that, we suggest the Helix Dusk.

The Helix Dusk is a bed with a hybrid construction, which means that it includes both foam and coils. This type of mattress is ideal for teens because it should provide an excellent balance of both comfort and support. The multiple layers offer pressure relief for growing pains, and the strong coils that contribute to the mattress’ firmer construction help teenage back sleepers of all sizes to keep a proper spinal alignment.

This bed is also ideal for teenage combination sleepers. Because of its responsive foams and springy coils, it’s nice and bouncy, so as teens switch from back- to side-sleeping they shouldn’t feel like they’re getting stuck in the bed. Even on a twin size, tossing and turning should feel comfortable because the Helix Dusk’s great edge support should allow teens to make full use of the mattress surface.

What the testers say: “The Helix Dusk feels slightly firmer than average and offers excellent lumbar support. I feel great while back sleeping on this mattress, and I love its responsive feel.” — Marten, Reviewer

What We Love About the Helix Dusk 

  • Teenagers who sleep in twin size mattresses tend to sleep closer to their bed’s edge. The Helix Dusk’s reinforced edge support should allow a teen to feel completely supported when lying near its edge.
  • Hybrid mattresses like the Helix Dusk allow for plenty of airflow through its coil support layer. Check out the Helix Dusk Luxe if you’re looking for a similar mattress with even more cooling features. 
  • With the proper care, the Helix Dusk should last at least seven to 10 years and shouldn’t sag. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Dusk

  • Side sleepers looking for lots of pressure relief should look for a softer mattress. Some lightweight sleepers who don’t need a lot of plushness could find the Helix Dusk comfortable while side sleeping. 
  • Because the Helix Dusk is a bed-in-a-box, you might notice some off-gassing from the mattress after opening. 

Other User Reviews

The Helix Dusk mattress has a 4.5/5 star average customer rating from 2,420 reviews on the Helix website. Reviewers love the Helix Dusk’s balance of firm support and gentle cushioning that has made great improvements to their sleep quality. Some customers were expecting to receive a medium-firm mattress and thought the Helix Dusk was firmer than average. Our testers found the Helix Dusk slightly firmer than the industry standard for medium firmness.

Read the full Helix Dusk mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Twin Size Mattresses for more great options.

Best Hybrid Mattress for Teenagers – WinkBed

Best Hybrid Mattress for Teenagers

WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

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 and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Hybrid Mattress for Teenagers

WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

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 and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Hybrid Mattress for Teenagers

WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

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 and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
Pros
Easy to move around on
Multiple firmness options
Cons
Not budget-friendly
No slow-moving feel

Our Expert’s Take

Hybrid mattresses are a great balance for folks who want the comfort and soft, pillowy feel of a memory foam mattress, while also getting the support of an innerspring mattress, thanks to the wire coils. (And let’s not forget the extra airflow that coils provide!)

If your teen prefers a hybrid mattress, the WinkBed may be a good choice. It offers a balance of comfort and support that many hybrid lovers look for, and comes in four firmness levels: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus, which means that sleepers can likely find a firmness to match their preference, no matter their size or sleeping position. 

We tested the Luxury Firm model, which is slightly firmer than average, and we think it’d be a good fit for lightweight and average-weight sleepers who sleep in any position, and even heavier people over 250 lb may find that the WinkBed is a great fit for back sleeping.

What our testers say: “I felt a pleasant balance of comfort and support while back sleeping on the WinkBed. The zoning in this mattress offers especially great lumbar support.” Marten, Lead Reviewer

What We Love About the WinkBed

  • The WinkBed features a zoned innerspring coil system to offer extra support in the lumbar region. This can help keep your spine in proper alignment. 
  • Its pillow-top comfort layer offers great pressure relief and keeps you cool with its gel-infused foam. 
  • WinkBed’s pocketed coil layer is built with reinforced edge support. That means your teen will feel secure lying near the edge, even on a twin size mattress. 

What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBed

  • The Luxury Firm model might be too firm for lightweight side sleepers to receive any pressure relief. These sleepers should consider buying the Softer WinkBed model.
  • The WinkBed is not as budget-friendly as other mattresses on this list. However, you can wait for a holiday sale to save up to hundreds of dollars on a WinkBed mattress. 

Other User Reviews

On the WinkBed website, the WinkBed has earned an impressive 4.8/5 star rating from over 8,500 customer reviews. Customers left overwhelmingly positive reviews about how the WinkBed was comfortable, luxurious, and well-made. Some customers were unhappy with the firmness level of the WinkBed they originally bought and exchanged it for a softer or firmer model.

Read our full WinkBed mattress review, or check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Teenagers – Nectar

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Teenagers

Nectar Mattress

Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Foam

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Teenagers

Nectar Mattress

Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Foam

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

365 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Teenagers

Nectar Mattress

Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Pros
Slow-moving foam feel
Affordable
Cons
Not ideal for stomach sleeping

Our Expert’s Take

If a teen has more of an interest in a “modern” style bed, the Nectar could be just the right fit. The Nectar is a memory foam mattress that boasts that slow-moving feel many of expect from memory foam. It will really let teens sink in and feel any pressures of the day melt away.

Given that it features such fantastic pressure relief, the Nectar should be a particularly good match for teenage side sleepers. They should feel almost no pressure on their shoulders and hips when they are lying on the Nectar.

The Nectar should also work well for teenage back sleepers. They should feel their hips sink in the perfect amount while the mattress still gives them the overall support they require.

Memory foam is all the rage these days, so teens that are looking for that new hotness will love the Nectar.

What the testers say: “The Nectar mattress offers that plush, slow-moving feel that memory foam is known for. It alleviates pressure along my shoulders and hips, and it helps support my spine. Plus, thanks to its cooling materials, it doesn’t sleep hot like many other all-foam beds do!” — Marten, Reviewer

What We Love About the Nectar

  • The Nectar mattress is completely made from CertiPUR-US certified foams. That means it is made without harsh chemicals has met strict standards for low emission levels. 
  • This all-foam mattress has several cooling features like a cooling cover and gel-infused foam that prevent it from trapping heat. 
  • The Nectar comes with an impressive 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar

  • If you are a fan of a bouncy mattress with a traditional innerspring feel, the Nectar mattress won’t have what you’re looking for. 
  • Some teenagers won’t find enough support while stomach sleeping on the the Nectar. 

Other User Reviews

On the Nectar website, the Original Nectar mattress has received over 50,000 customer reviews with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Many people love how comfortable and pressure-relieving the Nectar mattress is. And many reviews mention how the Nectar helped relieve their back or hip pain. A few reviews mention that the Nectar trapped some heat and didn’t find its cooling features very effective. 

Read the full Nectar mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Memory Foam Mattresses for more great options.

Best Cooling Mattress for Teenagers – Nolah Natural

Best Cooling Mattress for Teenagers

Nolah Natural Mattress

Nolah Natural - coupon

The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.

Clarity Score 4.1/5

Material

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Best Cooling Mattress for Teenagers

Nolah Natural Mattress

Nolah Natural - coupon

The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.

Clarity Score 4.1/5

Material

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Nolah Natural - coupon
Best Cooling Mattress for Teenagers

Nolah Natural Mattress

The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.

Clarity Score 4.1/5

Material

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Pros
Made from eco-friendly materials
Ideal for side sleeping
Cons
Not budget-friendly
Not for fans of a firmer mattress

Our Expert’s Take

Let’s face it, some kids sleep really hot! And with the added stressors of life and school, it may be even more difficult for teens to keep night sweats at bay. If your child relates to this, it may be fitting to find them a mattress that will help keep them cool at night and won’t trap heat.

With the Nolah Natural, you’ll find a mattress constructed with organic cotton and wool, and Talalay latex in the cover and comfort layers. Though cotton and wool may seem like materials that keep you hot, they are actually quite breathable and help regulate body temperature. The support layer is made of coils and natural wood, which further helps promote airflow throughout the mattress.

Along with being cooling, the Nolah Natural is softer than average, making it a great fit for teenage bodies that might be smaller than average. It also works well for back and side sleepers who are average and heavy weights, meaning that your teen can have a mattress that can support them as they grow into adulthood.

What our testers say: “On the Nolah Natural I felt great resting on my back. This mattress offered plenty of lumbar support, but my hips were still able to sink into the latex comfort layer for some added pressure relief.” Elisa Regulski, Reviewer

What We Love About the Nolah Natural 

  • The Nolah Natural is made from layers of ventilated Talalay latex that stays temperature-neutral year long. Its coil support system also allows for plenty of airflow to prevent you from overheating. 
  • This mattress features Nolah’s Tri-Zone support coil system that is designed to help sleepers maintain the proper alignment throughout the night. 
  • Talalay latex gives mattresses a very bouncy feel. The Nolah Natural is easy to move around on but still offers plenty of pressure relief. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Natural

  • Since the Nolah Natural is made from high-quality, organic materials, it is sold at a higher price point than a value mattress. 
  • Fans of a slow-moving foam feel will probably find the Nolah Natural too bouncy and responsive. 

Other User Reviews

The Nolah Natural has a 4.8 out of 5 star rating based on reviews left on the Nolah website. Unfortunately, visitors to the Nolah website cannot sort or filter through its customer reviews. 

Read our full review of the Nolah Natural, or for more great options, check out our roundup of the best cooling mattresses!

Best Mattress for Heavy Teenagers – Titan Plus

Best Mattress for Heavy Teenagers

Titan Plus

The Titan Plus is Brooklyn Bedding's mattress for heavy people. It is a firm, supportive mattress that can support heavier weights.

Clarity Score 4.2/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Firm: 9/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Best Mattress for Heavy Teenagers

Titan Plus

The Titan Plus is Brooklyn Bedding's mattress for heavy people. It is a firm, supportive mattress that can support heavier weights.

Clarity Score 4.2/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Firm: 9/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Best Mattress for Heavy Teenagers

Titan Plus

The Titan Plus is Brooklyn Bedding's mattress for heavy people. It is a firm, supportive mattress that can support heavier weights.

Clarity Score 4.2/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Firm: 9/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Pros
Very supportive
Value price
Cons
Not designed for lightweight sleepers
Too firm for side sleeping

Our Expert’s Take

When shopping for a teenager’s mattress, you’ll want to consider both their current needs/preferences, and how those things might change if they continue to grow. For that reason, investing in a mattress designed to accommodate heavyweight people might not be a bad idea, especially if your kid is already on the taller/larger side. 

The Titan Plus has a firmness and construction that works specifically well for larger people, particularly those who like to sleep on their stomach. It’s very supportive, thanks in large part to the 6” layer of industrial coils that make up the bottom layer of the Titan Plus. This support allows heavyweight teens to sleep comfortably without sinking too far into the mattress.

We rated the Titan Plus a 9 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which is very high. But the top layers of the mattress provide some nice pressure relief to balance things out. 

What the testers say: “The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus is designed specifically for heavyweight sleepers and is meant to offer plenty of support and durability. It is a hybrid bed that layers quality foams over heavy-duty coils, and it’s priced lower than many other beds made for larger people.” — Marten, Reviewer

What We Love About the Titan Plus

  • Back and stomach sleepers who weigh over 230 lb will find plenty of support from the Titan Plus’ TitanCore industrial coils. 
  • Its top cover is quilted with a layer of gel-infused memory foam to keep heavyweight sleepers cool. You can also add an optional GlacioTex cooling cover for an additional price. 
  • The Titan Plus is a very durable mattress and should last at least 10 years even after consistent use.

What to Keep in Mind About the Titan Plus

  • Because the Titan Plus is designed for heavyweight sleepers, most sleepers who weigh under 200 lb won’t find it very comfortable. 
  • Sleepers looking for a mattress to offer them with ample pressure relief should look for a medium-firm or softer mattress. 

Other User Reviews

The Brooklyn Bedding Titan Plus mattress has a 4.7 out of 5 star rating on the Brooklyn Bedding website from over 2,500 customer ratings. Many heavyweight sleepers love how supportive and comfortable the Titan Plus is. But some heavyweight sleepers found the Titan Plus too firm and not pressure-relieving enough for their liking.

Read our full Titan Plus mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for Heavy People for more great options.

Best Innerspring Mattress for Teenagers – Saatva

Best Innerspring Mattress for Teenagers

Saatva Mattress

Saatva Mattress Review

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Innerspring

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

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.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Innerspring Mattress for Teenagers

Saatva Mattress

Saatva Mattress Review

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Innerspring

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

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.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Saatva Mattress Review
Best Innerspring Mattress for Teenagers

Saatva Mattress

The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Innerspring

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

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.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Pros
Great for combination sleepers
Multiple firmness options
Cons
Lacks a slow-moving feel
Not budget-friendly

Our Expert’s Take

Some teens are all about the old school – vintage Nikes, 80’s music, and 70’s jeans. Teens who want a classic mattress with tons of comfort and support are going to love the Saatva mattress.

The Saatva is an innerspring mattress that contains two sets of coils and a plush pillow top as well. Customers also have their choice of firmness: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. We reviewed the Luxury Firm model and thought it had a great balance of comfort and support.

This balance makes the Saatva mattress ideal for teenage combination sleepers. They should feel comfort and support while back sleeping and good pressure relief while they are side sleeping. They should even feel well supported when they are stomach sleeping!

Out of this list, the Saatva is one of the more luxury mattresses and looks like something we would find in a nice hotel. If your teen wants to sleep in style, take a look at the Saatva mattress!

What the testers say: “The Saatva is one of my favorite online mattresses because it’s never compressed into a cardboard box and it’s extremely durable. I love its responsive feel and sturdy coils. I feel great when I’m resting on my back and side.” — Marten, Reviewer

What We Love About the Saatva

  • Its Euro pillow top and innerspring coil layer offer zoned lumbar support to help keep your spine in proper alignment. 
  • The Saatva mattress’s construction allows for ample airflow and sleeps cool even in the hotter months.
  • It’s built with a reinforced edge support to maximize the surface area of your mattress and make it easy to get in and out of bed. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva

  • Lightweight side sleepers might not find enough pressure relief on the Luxury Firm model of the Saatva mattress. Light- and average weight side sleepers would probably feel more comfortable on the Plush Soft model. 
  • If you prefer to feel like you are sinking inside your mattress rather than sleeping on top of your mattress, the Saatva won’t be a great fit for you. 

Other User Reviews

On the Saatva website, the Saatva Classic has a 4.8/5 star rating based on nearly 3,300 customer ratings. Most customers were impressed with the Saatva’s high-quality construction and customer service and enjoy sleeping on their Saatva mattress. Some customers exchanged their mattress or added a mattress topper to achieve their ideal firmness level.

Read the full Saatva mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Innerspring Mattresses for more great options.

Best Value Mattress for Teenagers – Brooklyn Bedding Essential

Best Value Mattress for Teenagers

Brooklyn Bedding Essential

The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is another great value pick from Brooklyn Bedding and still offers nice support.

Clarity Score 3.8/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Warranty

10-year 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 Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
3.7/5
Best Value Mattress for Teenagers

Brooklyn Bedding Essential

The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is another great value pick from Brooklyn Bedding and still offers nice support.

Clarity Score 3.8/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

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 Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
3.7/5
Best Value Mattress for Teenagers

Brooklyn Bedding Essential

The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is another great value pick from Brooklyn Bedding and still offers nice support.

Clarity Score 3.8/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

10-year 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 Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
3.7/5
Pros
Affordable
Great for back sleeping
Cons
Lacks deluxe features
Doesn’t offer much pressure relief

Our Expert’s Take

So, when parents are buying a mattress for their teen, they want to make sure they are getting the best deal possible. When it comes to offering some of the best mattress deals, Brooklyn Bedding is really ahead of the pack. The company owns its own factory, so they are able to cut out the middleman and pass savings on to the customer.

One of their most affordable mattresses is the Brooklyn Bedding Essential. As a hybrid mattress, it’s going to provide you with a bouncy, innerspring feel along with some plushness from its soft pillow-top comfort layer. Its level of support and comfort makes it a great match for light- and average weight back sleepers. 

The Brooklyn Bedding Essential might not come with all the bells and whistles a high-end mattress does, but it should provide your teen with cool and comfortable rest. Parents shouldn’t break the bank on a mattress for their teen, and they can save big by choosing the Essential mattress.

What the testers say: “I felt the most comfortable resting on my back on the Brooklyn Bedding Essential. It has a nice bounce and solid edge support that makes it easy to move around on. This mattress could also work for a lightweight side sleeper who won’t compress its foam layer too much.”– Marten, Reviewer

What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Essential

  • Its hybrid construction promotes airflow through its Ascension X coil system. The Brooklyn Bedding Essential doesn’t trap too much body heat. 
  • This mattress is a great choice for shoppers on a budget. Even before sales and coupons, a queen size Essential mattress costs less than $1,000. 
  • The Essential mattress has reinforced edge support for teens to take advantage of the most surface area on their mattress. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Essential

  • Its top foam comfort layer is less than 1.5” tall, so it doesn’t feel as plush as other hybrid mattresses. It doesn’t offer a ton of pressure relief and body contouring. 
  • The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is not a particularly durable mattress. After five to seven years of consistent use, it may begin to sag. 

Other User Reviews

On Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Brooklyn Essential has a 4.8/5 star rating based on 548 customer reviews. Many customers left five star reviews agreeing the Brooklyn Essential is a great value for its affordable price. Some customers wished the Brooklyn Essential felt more supportive and firmer.

Read the full Brooklyn Bedding Essential mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Mattresses for the Money for more great options.

Best Organic Mattress for Teenagers – Birch Natural

Best Organic Mattress for Teenagers

Birch Natural Mattress

Birch mattress

Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.

Clarity Score 4.5/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Warranty

25-year 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 Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Organic Mattress for Teenagers

Birch Natural Mattress

Birch mattress

Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.

Clarity Score 4.5/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

25-year warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

100 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 Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Birch mattress
Best Organic Mattress for Teenagers

Birch Natural Mattress

Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.

Clarity Score 4.5/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty

25-year 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 Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Pros
Free of harmful chemicals
Feels breathable and cool
Cons
Not budget-friendly
Not ideal for side sleepers

Our Expert’s Take

The kids really are all right. Many youths are passionate about doing what is best for the Earth. Teens who are looking for something more organic and eco-friendly are going to spill their granola when they find about the Birch by Helix mattress.

The Birch Natural is a latex hybrid mattress that contains Talalay latex, organic cotton, and organic wool. These are naturally-sourced materials that are not treated with harmful chemicals. Teens will be sleeping on a mattress that is clean, hypoallergenic, and better for the environment.

The Birch also comes with an optional pillow top – this basically gives teens two firmness options. Without the pillow top, the mattress is firmer and a good fit for stomach sleeping. With the pillow top, it is a plusher option for side sleepers and some back sleepers. No matter what position an eco-conscious teen sleeps in, they should find what they need on the Birch by Helix.

What the testers say: “The Birch mattress is made with eco-friendly materials, and it’s super durable. I can feel lots of support from the coils at the bottom, and the responsive latex foam cushions my pressure points.” — Marten, Reviewer

What We Love About the Birch Natural

  • The Birch Natural mattress is a great fit for practically all back sleepers. Its latex-hybrid construction offers a balance of comfort and support to sleepers of all body types.
  • This mattress boasts several certifications to verify it is made with entirely natural, fair-trade materials using sustainable manufacturing processes. 
  • Its hybrid construction make the Birch a great fit for hot sleepers. The Birch Natural’s organic cotton cover also wicks away sweat and moisture and adds extra breathability. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Birch Natural

  • Latex gives mattresses a very bouncy feel. Fans of a slow-moving feel will find the Birch Natural mattress too responsive for their preference.
  • Without its additional pillow-top comfort layer, the Birch Natural mattress does not offer much pressure relief to side sleepers. 

Other User Reviews

The Birch Natural mattress has a 4.7 out of 5 star rating from nearly 2,000 customer reviews on the Birch website. Reviewers love how the Birch mattress is made with entirely natural and recycled materials and had no chemical smell after unboxing. Positive reviews mention how comfortable and supportive the Birch mattress is and how it’s improved their sleep. Some customers who sleep with a partner found that Birch mattress too bouncy and responsive to their partner’s movements. 

Read the full Birch Natural mattress review for more information. Or check out our list of Best Organic Mattresses for more great options.

How Much Sleep do Teenagers Need?

The recommended amount of sleep fluctuates a bit for different age groups. For example, babies, toddlers, and young kids require significantly more sleep than adults. Kids between the ages of three and five should get 10 to 13 hours of sleep every 24 hours, while seniors over the age of 65 are supposed to aim for seven to eight hours each night.

When it comes to teenagers’ sleep needs, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) recommends that teens between the ages of 13 and 18 should obtain eight to 10 hours of sleep every night.

In spite of these guidelines, many teens aren’t getting the sleep they need. A 2016 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 69% of the study’s 50,370 teenaged participants obtained fewer than eight hours of sleep on an average school night.

Teens might miss out on sleep for a number of reasons, such as early school start times, juggling the demands of school and extracurricular activities, spending too much time on screens before bed (which can disrupt circadian rhythms), feeling stressed, and biological shifts that push teens’ bedtimes later. No matter the cause of a teen’s sleep deprivation, it spells bad news, because quality sleep is crucial for this life stage.

Learn more about how much sleep teenagers need and how parents can help.

Why Is Sleep So Important For Teenagers?

Consistent, high-quality sleep is essential for teenagers, because they’re still growing both physically and mentally. According to Johns Hopkins, the teenage years mark a second developmental stage of cognitive maturation. Sleep supports this important stage of brain development. Additionally, teenagers go through physical growth spurts that are also supported by sound sleep. Any parent who’s had to buy their teen a new jacket every six months can attest to this!

Teens who don’t get enough sleep are at risk of all the consequences of sleep deprivation, including mood swings, risky behavior, diminished academic performance, declines in athletic performance, decreased creativity, slower reaction times, and impaired judgement and decision-making skills.

Sleep is just as important for kids, so see our list of the best mattresses for kids.

Teens use beds for lounging, so we test for that as well in our sleep lab

The Best Mattress Types for Teenagers

There are many different types of mattresses, and there’s no singular best mattress type for teenagers. Instead, each mattress type has its own pros and cons when it comes to serving this age group. Here’s a closer look at how different mattress types might suit teenagers’ needs (or not).

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses incorporate coils (aka springs) underneath a layer or two of a softer material. The coils give these mattresses a bouncy, responsive feel.

Pros of innerspring mattresses for teens:

  • They tend to sleep fairly cool, because the coils allow for plenty of airflow through the mattress
  • They’re often one of the most affordable mattress types
  • The coils make them supportive, which could work well for back and stomach sleepers and/or teens who are on the heavier side

Cons of innerspring mattresses for teens:

  • They might not provide a ton of body contouring and pressure relief
  • They could become noisy over time, which can disrupt another child’s sleep if they share a bedroom with the teen

Memory Foam Mattresses

As the name suggests, memory foam mattresses incorporate memory foam into their comfort layers. They usually feature a firmer polyfoam underneath the memory foam layer(s). Memory foam is a very pressure-relieving material that contours the body.

Pros of memory foam mattresses for teens:

  • They can relieve pressure on growing bodies
  • Because they contour the body and relieve pressure, memory foam mattresses are often well suited to side sleepers
  • They’re very quiet, which is good news for teens who share a bedroom with a sibling
  • It’s possible to find quality memory foam mattresses in a wide range of price points

Cons of memory foam mattresses for teens:

  • Memory foam often sleeps hot, so it might not be a great option for teens who are prone to overheating at night
  • All-foam beds might not be as durable as mattresses that incorporate coils or latex
  • Not all teens will like the enveloping sensation of memory foam

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are made from natural or synthetic latex that can be processed in several ways. The Dunlop method creates a dense, elastic, and supportive material that’s firmer near the bottom. Talalay latex is more evenly distributed and less dense than Dunlop latex, and it’s typically thought to be the more upscale option of the two.

Pros of latex mattresses for teens:

  • Latex is naturally cooling, so it’s an ideal material for teens who are prone to sleeping hot
  • Natural latex is hypoallergenic and more eco-friendly than conventional mattress materials — perfect for teens who want to minimize their eco-footprint
  • Latex is a durable material, so latex mattresses are usually built to last
  • Latex mattresses usually offer a balance of comfort and support in multiple sleeping positions
  • Latex is a responsive material, so teens won’t feel stuck in the bed

Cons of latex mattresses for teens:

  • They’re often on the pricier side, so the cost might not make sense relative to the number of years that a teen will use the mattress
  • Latex doesn’t conform to the body as much as foam, so it might not offer quite as much pressure relief

See our list of the best latex mattresses for more about the pros and cons.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine coils with layers of memory foam and/or latex, so they offer the perks of multiple mattress types.

Pros of hybrid mattresses for teens:

  • They tend to provide a balance of comfort and support in multiple sleep positions
  • The coils allow for airflow, so they generally sleep cooler than all-foam mattresses
  • The coils make these fairly supportive mattresses, which is ideal for heavier teens
  • The foam or latex comfort layer(s) help relieve pressure points on growing bodies

Cons of hybrid mattresses for teens:

  • Because they incorporate multiple mattress materials in one, they’re often on the pricier side

See our list of the best hybrid mattresses

What to Look for in a Mattress for Teenagers

Teenagers occupy a unique life stage, and shopping for a mattress for teenagers involves some specific considerations. Here’s what to look for in a mattress for teens.

Best Mattress Size for Teens

Teens sleep alone, so a twin size bed might adequately accommodate them. That could be good news, because Twin beds take up less space and cost less than larger beds. However, it’s important to remember that teens are actively growing.

If a teen fits a regular Twin size bed now, they might outgrow it in a couple years. For this reason, it might be worth investing in a Twin XL (which is several inches longer than a regular Twin) or a Full size mattress (especially for teens with a larger frame).

Learn more about mattress sizes

Which Mattress Firmness Is Best for Teenagers?

As with mattress types, there is no singular best mattress firmness for teenagers. Instead, the right firmness for an individual teenager will depend on the teen’s body weight and sleeping position.

Body Weight Considerations

  • Heavier-weight teenagers (over 230 pounds) will most likely require a bed that’s on the firmer side in order to feel adequately supported
  • Average-weight teens (between 135 and 230 pounds) should feel comfortable on a medium-firm mattress because it will balance comfort and support
  • Lighter-weight teens (under 135 pounds) will probably feel most comfortable on a bed that’s on the softer side

Sleeping Position Considerations

  • Side sleepers will want a softer mattress because they need plenty of pressure relief around the shoulder and hip
  • Back sleepers will probably need a mattress that’s medium-firm because this provides a balance of spinal support and pressure relief
  • Stomach sleepers will have the firmest mattress needs because this position requires a highly supportive mattress in order to keep the hips elevated and aligned with the spine

As a general rule, teenagers are likely to find a nice balance of pressure relief and spinal support on a mattress that’s medium-soft to medium-firm.

Pressure Relief

Because teenagers’ bodies are actively growing, they’re prone to growing pains and muscle aches. For this reason, it’s smart to look for a mattress that contours the body and relieves pressure around common hot spots such as the shoulders and hips.

Athletic Needs

Many teens participate in extracurricular athletics, which can lead to muscle soreness. For these teens especially, sound sleep is necessary for physical recovery.

It might be worth looking for a bed that’s designed for athletes and features a cooling design and/or materials that support athletic recovery. See our best mattresses for athletes.

Cooling Features

mattress cooling features

Even if the teen in question isn’t an athlete, they may still benefit from a mattress with cooling features. Some teens are prone to sleeping hot, which can make it harder to fall and stay asleep. To help combat this, look for a mattress that’s designed with breathability and temperature regulation in mind.

Cost

Most teens in the U.S. leave their parents’ home around the age of 18, so they might not need an extra durable mattress that lasts for a decade or more. This means it might be possible to save some money by purchasing a mattress that’s made with less durable materials. Consider how long the teen will likely use the mattress and adjust the budget accordingly. Just try not to sacrifice quality in the process!

Sleep Trial

Teens can be finicky, and their physical and emotional needs are often shifting. For this reason, it can be helpful to look for a mattress with a long sleep trial. That will give the teen in question plenty of time to determine if the mattress is a good fit for their needs as they grow.

Sleeping Tips for Teenagers

As we noted above, consistently obtaining high-quality sleep is crucial for a teenagers’ mental and physical development. Once you’ve selected the best mattress to help your teen get more comfortable sleep, you may also want to help them improve their sleep further by implementing some of these tips too.

  • Support good sleep hygiene habits. Good sleep hygiene includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day; making sure the bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet; refraining from using electronics in the bedroom; and engaging in a relaxing bedtime routine each night before climbing into bed.
  • Impose a nightly “screen curfew”. Using electronic devices before bed exposes teens to blue light, which can mess with their circadian rhythms and make it harder to fall and stay asleep. Consider imposing a “screen curfew” an hour or two before bedtime to help teens’ brains wind down.
  • Make sure teens aren’t overloaded. Stress, overwhelm, and over-scheduling are common among teenagers, and all of these issues can lead to sleep deprivation. Talk with teenagers to make sure they’re maintaining a healthy balance of academics, activities, socialization, and relaxation.
  • Encourage daytime naps. According to Johns Hopkins, napping for 35 to 45 minutes before dinner can help teens feel more rested. Maintaining this relatively short napping length means that daytime naps shouldn’t interfere with nighttime sleep.

Summary

All in all, the best mattress for teenagers is one that offers adequate support for a good night’s sleep. The exact type of mattress that’s right for your teen with vary by their individual preferences and circumstances, which we hope we’ve been able to help you navigate through this guide.

As a reminder, here are our top picks for the best beds for teens:

MattressBest For
Puffy CloudBest Mattress for Back Sleepers
Helix DuskBest Twin Mattress for Teenagers
WinkBedBest Hybrid Mattress for Teenagers
NectarBest Memory Foam Mattress for Teenagers
Nolah NaturalBest Cooling Mattress for Teenagers
Titan PlusBest Mattress for Heavy Teenagers
SaatvaBest Innerspring Mattress for Teenagers
Brooklyn Bedding EssentialBest Value Mattress for Teenagers
Birch NaturalBest Organic Mattress for Teenagers

Featured image: Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

Best Mattress for Teenagers FAQs

What type of mattress is best for teenagers?

Memory foam, latex, and innerspring mattresses can all be a good choice for a teenager. Hybrid mattresses are a great mattress type for teens because they offer a good balance of comfort, support, and cooling.

What size mattress is best for teenagers?

Most teenagers can sleep comfortably on a twin size bed, though for tall or growing teens you may want to choose a twin XL size for extra length or a full size bed for a little more space across the surface of the bed.

How expensive are mattresses for teenagers?

The price of a mattress for teenagers depends on what type of mattress you’re shopping for. A twin size memory foam mattress is an affordable option that can suit teenagers if you’re on a budget.

Marten Carlson

Marten is the Lead Reviewer at Mattress Clarity. He is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and covers the mattress industry as well as sleep science news. He is specifically interested in the connection between sleep and overall health. Marten has written for media publications like Consequence of Sound and received a master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University. He comes from Franklin, Indiana, and spends all the time he can writing, directing, and acting in films.