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!
The Best Mattresses for Teenagers
- Helix Dusk – Best Overall
- Nectar – Best Memory Foam Mattress for Teenagers
- DreamCloud Original – Best Twin Mattress for Teenagers
- WinkBed – Best Hybrid Mattress for Teenagers
- Bear Original – Best Mattress for Teenage Back Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Essential – Best Value Mattress for Teenagers
- Saatva – Best Innerspring Mattress for Teenagers
- Nolah Natural – Best Cooling Mattress for Teenagers
- Titan Plus – Best Mattress for Heavy Teenagers
- Birch Natural – Best Organic Mattress for Teenagers
Best Mattress for Teenagers 2024: Video Roundup
Compare the Best Mattresses for Teenagers
Helix Dusk Mattress | Nectar Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | WinkBed Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Saatva Mattress | Nolah Natural Mattress | Titan Plus | Birch Natural Mattress | |
Rating | ||||||||||
Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Soft: 6/10 | Firm: 9/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 |
Material | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Innerspring | Latex | Hybrid | Hybrid |
Cooling | -- | -- | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | -- | ✓ |
Sleep Position | Back | Combination | Back | Combination | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Combination | Back & Stomach | Back & Stomach |
How We Tested Our Top Picks
The Mattress Clarity team has reviewed over 600 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.
How We Chose Our Top Picks
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. Here’s a bit more on why factors like durability, support and edge support had an outsized impact on our selections for this list:
Support and Pressure Relief
Although some on our testing team like to joke that “I’m a growing boy/girl” when reaching for the second donut, teens are actually still growing, so it’s crucial to choose a mattress that provides proper pressure relief for their ever-expanding joints. We opted for medium-firm mattresses with pressure-relieving comfort layers within our list. These beds offer a balance of softness and firmness that can accommodate a range of sleeping positions while helping to maintain healthy posture and spinal alignment.
Durability
Next, durability was a key consideration because we know how some teenagers often spend a lot of time on their beds, be it sleeping, lounging, studying, or just hanging out. A durable mattress made from materials like memory foam, hybrid, or latex can handle frequent use without losing its shape or support. Plus, a durable enough bed might even be able to make the jump from your teen’s current living space into their adulthood dwelling.
Edge Support
Lastly, we considered edge support when selecting beds for teens, since mattress size may be limited. If you’re sleeping on a twin, twin XL, or even full-size mattress, every inch of sleep surface real estate is precious. Edges that sag way down make it harder to get comfortable and feel secure enough to drift asleep. We chose beds that mostly boast above-average edge support, and made note if testers felt a model was not as supportive on the perimeter as the others in the roundup.
Best Overall – Helix Dusk
Helix Dusk Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Helix Dusk Mattress
The Helix Dusk is a medium-firm mattress that is going to be a great fit for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Helix Dusk Mattress
The Helix Dusk is a medium-firm mattress that is going to be a great fit for back sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Best Memory Foam Mattress for Teenagers – Nectar
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Twin Mattress for Teenagers – DreamCloud Original
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
DreamCloud Original Mattress
The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Hybrid Mattress for Teenagers – WinkBed
WinkBed Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress
The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Mattress for Teenage Back Sleepers – Bear Original
Bear Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Original Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Value Mattress for Teenagers – Brooklyn Bedding Essential
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is another great value pick from Brooklyn Bedding and still offers nice support.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is another great value pick from Brooklyn Bedding and still offers nice support.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Innerspring Mattress for Teenagers – Saatva
Saatva Mattress
Material
Innerspring
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Saatva Mattress
The Saatva is an organic mattress that is both comfortable and supportive. This mattress comes in multiple firmness options to fit a variety of sleepers.
Material
Innerspring
Firmness
Multiple firmness options
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Cooling Mattress for Teenagers – Nolah Natural
Nolah Natural Mattress
Material
Latex
Trial Period
120 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Natural Mattress
The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.
Material
Latex
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nolah Natural Mattress
The Nolah Natural mattress, made entirely out of eco-friendly materials, feels both supportive and comfy. Back sleepers will especially appreciate its zoned coil system.
Material
Latex
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Mattress for Heavy Teenagers – Titan Plus
Titan Plus
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 9/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Titan Plus
The Titan Plus is Brooklyn Bedding's mattress for heavy people. It is a firm, supportive mattress that can support heavier weights.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 9/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Titan Plus
The Titan Plus is Brooklyn Bedding's mattress for heavy people. It is a firm, supportive mattress that can support heavier weights.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 9/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Best Organic Mattress for Teenagers – Birch Natural
Birch Natural Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
25-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Natural Mattress
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
25-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Birch Natural Mattress
Birch is an eco-friendly mattress-in-a-box that’s made with natural latex and organic cotton and wool. It has a base layer of individually wrapped coils and comfort layers made with chemical-free latex foam.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.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.
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.
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 mattress 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
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:
Mattress | Best For |
Helix Dusk | Best Overall |
Nectar | Best Memory Foam Mattress for Teenagers |
DreamCloud Original | Best Twin Mattress for Teenagers |
WinkBed | Best Hybrid Mattress for Teenagers |
Bear Original | Best Mattress for Back Sleepers |
Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Best Value Mattress for Teenagers |
Saatva | Best Innerspring Mattress for Teenagers |
Nolah Natural | Best Cooling Mattress for Teenagers |
Titan Plus | Best Mattress for Heavy Teenagers |
Birch Natural | Best 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.