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Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. In our testing, we assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief and more.
I’ll provide an overview of the best mattresses for college students, keeping a keen eye toward both budgets and comfort.
College is an exciting time, but money is tight and moving into a dorm room or new apartment can be stressful. Plus, dorm mattresses provided by schools are often uncomfortable. Why not make it easier by buying one of the best college mattresses? If an easy set-up, cheap options, and quality materials are what you’re in search of, this roundup is for you. After testing a variety of great beds, we’ve identified which would make the best college mattress. The results are in!
Editor’s Note: Check with your dorm administrator to understand your school’s policies on swapping out mattresses.
How We Chose the Best Mattress for College Students
Our team of sleep specialists have reviewed more than 600 mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.
For this roundup, we focused on price as an additional parameter, which is why all 10 mattresses are less than $1,295 for a Queen and less than $995 for a Twin XL. Not only are these beds reasonably priced, but they’re high-quality. When looking at our overall scores for these 10 beds, nine of them scored at least a 3.4 out of 5, with many of them scoring a 4 or higher.
Best Mattress for Back Sleeping College Students – Helix Midnight
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Helix
Helix Midnight
Medium-Firm Feel
Breathability
Motion Isolation
Hybrid mattress
100-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Cyber Monday Sale – Extended
Save 20% sitewide + 2 FREE pillows with any mattress ($150+ value) See Details
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$936-$1,748 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king, RV king
Side Sleepers
Provides good pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
This mattress offers good support and body contouring for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
This bed absorbs motion well for a hybrid mattress, so couples shouldn’t notice their partner’s movements.
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
The Helix Midnight mattress is a fantastic choice for back and side sleepers. It’s a perfect medium-firm mattress that offers a lot of comfort from the foam at the top with supportive coils at the bottom.
This mattress shouldn’t trap too much heat thanks to the coils, which allow for airflow. You also have the option to add a specialized cooling cover.
Hybrid mattresses can be bouncy and disturb others who are in bed, but the Helix Midnight absorbs motion very well for this type of mattress.
Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress
This mattress is too soft to support stomach sleepers. The hips will dip into this bed over time, which can cause strain on the lower back.
While this bed absorbs motion well, it’s still a hybrid. If you don’t want that bouncy, coil feeling to your mattress, you should look for an all-foam bed.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10 years
Returns
Free returns during the trial period
The Helix Midnight is Helix’s most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It won’t trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
Our Expert’s Take
The Helix Midnight has a nice, medium-firm feel that works well for all back sleepers, regardless of body type. Plus, if you’re willing to spend a little extra money, you can upgrade to the more luxurious pillow-top Luxe version. In addition to back sleepers, the Midnight works great for side sleepers, hot sleepers, and edge-of-bed sleepers—edge support is especially a nice feature if you’re laying on a twin XL mattress. Under the weight of our 250 lbs tester, the edge only dipped 2.25″, earning the bed a 4/5 edge support score.
What the testers say: “For my body weight — which is about 250 lbs — the Helix Midnight is great for back sleeping, offering plenty of support and contouring on the top layer. I also like that the Helix Midnight sleeps cold, although If you want a bed that sleeps a smidge colder, I suggest trying the Nectar Hybrid with cooling gel. – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Helix Midnight
The Helix Midnight’s cover has a soft, stretchy feel. It’s designed to be breathable, which will help keep the top layers of the mattress from trapping body heat. Our heat gun proved this theory out, with the bed’s surface temperature rising only to 75.4 degrees F from 72 degrees F after a quick nap test.
Below the cover are three comfort layers, all made of foam. These layers work together to help the mattress contour to the shape of the sleeper’s body, which can help relieve pressure and alleviate joint pain. Plus, the individually wrapped coils that make the Helix Midnight a hybrid mattress provide support and responsiveness (rated 4/5 by testers) and increase the overall breathability of the mattress.
The Helix Midnight scored a 4/5 or higher on every one of our performance tests, a level of quality that makes it a great choice for college students who want a well-rounded mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Midnight
This mattress won’t be the best choice for some combination sleepers, as it’s not firm enough for stomach sleepers. Unless you’re a lightweight (under 130 lb) stomach sleeper, sleepers who flip front-to-back and back-to-front throughout the night should consider the Emma Hybrid Comfort instead.
Although the Helix Midnight has a pretty balanced feel overall, the bounce of the coil layer may not be to the liking of plush and slow-moving mattress fans.
Other User Reviews
Verified buyer Johnny U., whose 5-star review was one among more than 4,500, said he recommends the Helix Midnight “as a college student who needs more sleep.” The bed averages 4.5 out of 5 among 6,700 reviews in total. People did complain of a strong off-gassing chemical odor upon unfurling their mattress-in-a-box.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Nectar mattress is an all-foam mattress. It has a plush comfort layer followed by a thin layer of transition foam. At the bottom, there’s a layer of high-density base foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Nectar mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$699-$1,798 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Couples
This mattress isolates motion well, which means couples shouldn’t feel movement come over to their side of the bed.
Side Sleepers
It offers great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
The Nectar mattress offers plenty of support for most back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Pros of the Nectar Mattress
This mattress has a slow-moving feel. If you like mattresses that contour to your body, this could be a great option.
The Nectar mattress isolates motion well, which is helpful for people who share a bed with a partner or a pet.
It offers plenty of pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lb.
Cons of the Nectar Mattress
Even though it has cooling gel-infused foam, it’s not the best mattress for hot sleepers.
It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers. In this position, you may feel your hips sink out of alignment, which can lead to lower back pain.
Because it’s an all-foam bed-in-a-box mattress, it has a 48-hour off-gassing period. You’ll need to let the mattress air out for two days before sleeping on it.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Forever warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period.
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
Our Expert’s Take
The Nectar is an all-foam mattress. Although it’s technically medium-firm, it has a softer feel and is one of the most comfortable mattresses we’ve tested. It’s also in our best mattresses for the money roundup, so college students shouldn’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
What the testers say: “The Nectar is a budget mattress that suits the soft mattress lover nicely. I can’t say it’s as ideal for people like me with a heavier-set frame, but for all the light and average weight side and back sleepers, they should feel excellent pressure relief on this bed. – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar
The Nectar consists of a cover that’s literally cool to the touch, and beneath it a gel-infused memory foam comfort layer. This adds cooling to the mattress surface. A second layer of foam acts as a transition layer, guiding sleepers to the high-density support foam layer.
The Nectar should sleep at a comfortable temperature, even though it excludes special cooling features. What most impressed us was the great edge support; this is an indicator of durability. Because the Nectar has impressive edge support for an all-foam mattress, you should be able to use the bed’s full surface area.
Back sleepers who enjoy a softer feel should love the Nectar because it balances comfort and support. Lightweight sleepers should find comfort in all three sleeping positions. Average-weight side sleepers should get the pressure relief they’re looking for.
If you’re worried about testing this mattress, rest assured with Nectar’s forever warranty, 365-night sleep trial, and free shipping — a generous policy for the price.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar
For the most part, heavyweight sleepers won’t get the support they need from the Nectar. However, heavy back sleepers should find it to be a good match. Average and heavyweight stomach sleepers will need a firmer mattress as well.
Some sleepers find that they feel stuck in the Nectar’s slow-moving memory foam layers, and prefer to have a bed with more give-and-take. Typically, a type of mattress made with a bouncier material, like a latex or innerspring mattress, will be more suitable.
Other User Reviews
Verified buyer and college student Liana C. wrote she was over the moon to have a bed that was “comfortable, soft (but not too soft), kept cool and (most importantly) helped me fall asleep fast.” Another verified buyer, George V., said he purchased the Nectar for his grandson’s college dorm: “He commented that it is the most comfortable mattress he ever slept on,” he reported on Nectar’s website. The bed averages 5.7 out of 5 among a staggering 50,000-plus reviews, and bad feedback tended to report the Nectar feeling too soft.
Read our full Nectar review for more information. If you’re looking for other options check out our list of the Best Soft Mattresses.
Best Mattress for Side Sleeping College Students – Nolah Signature
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
4.1
Nolah
Nolah Signature
Medium-Firm Feel
Pressure Relief
Breathable
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Cyber Monday Sale
35% off sitewide + 2 free pillows + $150 off BedJet with mattress purchase See Details
The Nolah Signature 12″ is an all-foam mattress. This means that the bed is entirely made out of foam.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with one being the softest, we rated the Nolah Signature 12″ mattress a 6.5/10, which is the industry standard for a medium firm mattress.
Price
$1,499 – $3,198 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Provides good pressure relief for sleepers 230 lbs or less.
Back Sleepers
Medium-firm feel gives good comfort and support for sleepers 230 lbs or less
Hot Sleepers
Foam is designed to not trap heat
Pros of the Nolah Signature
This is Nolah’s specific side sleeper model. That means most side sleepers should get good pressure relief.
It’s a medium-firm bed that supports many back sleepers while still feeling very comfortable.
Nolah uses its AirFoam, which is designed to be more breathable than traditional foam. It shouldn’t trap heat.
Cons of the Nolah Signature
This is a medium-firm bed, so it won’t be supportive enough for stomach sleepers. Instead, check out our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.
While this is an all-foam bed, it won’t have that classic slow-moving feeling some may look for in foam beds.
Shipping
Trial Period
Warranty
Returns
Our Expert’s Take
Because of the increased pressure on the shoulders and hips when sleeping on your side, side sleepers may wake up with aches and pains more often than not if they’re not using the right bed. The Nolah Signature is an all-foam bed that had our testers declaring it “one of the best mattresses for side sleepers”. The mattress is a five-layered foam powerhouse of pressure relief while, according to our testers, still able to keep you cool at night.
The layers of different foam types help to create pressure relief while preventing sinkage for side sleepers, which is why it’s such an awesome choice for people who sleep on their side. Nolah has a thick 7″ layer of firm yet breathable foam at its base to create a solid foundation of support. Above the base is 1″ of firm pressure-relieving AirFoam under a 2″ supportive foam layer designed for responsiveness. The final AirFoam layer is zoned with side sleepers in mind, where it is softer around your shoulders to prevent inflammation but firmer around your back to ensure spinal support. And finally, on top is an organic cotton cover top that is super plush while helping to maintain a neutral temperature on the sleeping surface. Notably, Nolah claims its AirFoam is “100% temperature neutral,” which is unusual for foam, but our testers did experience adequate cooling on the Signature, giving it a 4/5 for temperature regulation.
While good for back sleepers, the Signature is an excellent choice for side sleepers. It provides the support and relief they need without making them fall asleep hot, thanks to Nolah’s exclusive AirFoam technology, which is intended to help dissipate heat.
What our testers say: “Switching to our sides, this is where the Nolah Signature mattress really shines. We can feel the top layer of AirFoam contouring to the pressure points in our hips and shoulders. While heavier side sleepers might experience this mattress a little differently, we would still rate this as one of the best mattresses for side sleepers.” –Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nolah Signature
The Nolah Signature is quite breathable and hot-sleeper friendly, according to testers, despite being an all-foam bed.
The organic cotton cover is super soft and cozy, with our testers referring to it as “A luxurious cooling exterior that you’ll love to lounge on.”
The zoned AirFoam layer helps to provide side-sleeper-specific pressure relief by cradling your hips and shoulders without sinkage while simultaneously delivering firm and quality lumbar support.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nolah Signature
While showing decent edge support for an all-foam bed, people who appreciate quality edge support may want to consider a hybrid or innerspring rather than the Signature.
While Nolah does offer a lifetime warranty, plus free shipping and returns, it only allows for a 120-day trial.
Other User Reviews
The Nolah Signature flaunts a 4.8/5 average score by verified customer reviews on its website. One verified buyer attests to the bed’s pressure relief, writing: “I bought this mattress hoping for some relief from hip, knee and back pain. I read reviews about this mattress, but I had my doubts that it would actually help. But with a money-back guarantee, I thought I had nothing to lose. The very first night I slept in it I had no back or knee pain and my hip is even better than what is was previously!” Nolah doesn’t, however, allow you to filter reviews to see the less glowing ones.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress. This means it has both cushioning foam and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
Multiple firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, and Firmer. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the Luxury Firm model a 7/10, which is slightly firmer than the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,149-$2,049 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers over 130 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros
It has a bouncy, responsive feel. This is great for combination sleepers who benefit from a bed that makes it easy to change positions at night.
The WinkBed features zoned support. With firmer foam at the top and bottom and more cushioning foam in the middle, this bed has excellent lumbar support.
This bed sleeps cool. Thanks to the breathable coils and gel-infused memory foam, hot sleepers can expect a cool night’s rest.
Cons
This isn’t the best option for motion isolation.
The WinkBed doesn’t have a traditional “sink-in” memory foam feel.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bed’s excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed that’s easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isn’t the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
A luxury mattress may come at a cost, but something that distinguishes a luxury bed from the rest is that it should help replicate a five-star hotel-bed sleeping experience every night in your home or dorm room. The WinkBeds Original is a luxury hybrid mattress that may be able to deliver just that. First off, the WinkBeds Original stands out for its versatility. Our testers found it suitable for all types of sleepers (back, stomach, and side), people struggling with back and hip pain, and hot sleepers. Such versatility is likely due to the bed’s strategic construction and quality of materials, plus its multiple firmness options that should help you not have to compromise when choosing the exact one for you. Beyond its versatility, making it easy for couples to both find their sweet spot on it, this mattress has been found to offer not only a luxurious sleeping experience but a restorative one. Our testers found its zoned-support design, in particular, made the WinkBeds Original “one of the best orthopedic mattresses and best mattresses for lower back pain” they’ve tested.
The WinkBeds Original has an individually wrapped zoned coil layer that helps to deliver support for your back and maintain what testers found to be “excellent edge support” (5/5). On top of this is a gel-infused quilted Euro-Pillow top for pressure relief and responsive cushioning underneath a naturally sourced Tencel cover that our testers found to help “keep the surface of the mattress cool”.Durable, pressure-relieving, multi-faceted, and therapeutic are all traits that define a luxurious bed; they are also traits that our testers discovered when putting the WinkBeds Original to the test, making it, according to them, “one of the best mattresses under $2,000.”
What our testers say: “The offer of a luxury mattress might be the perfect incentive to shake your senior of their senioritis, and the WinkBed mattress is an excellent choice among them. The bed’s zoned support helps sleepers maintain the proper spinal alignment throughout the night, and I felt really refreshed and agile coming off this bed.”–Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the WinkBeds Original
The multiple firmness options and hybrid design make it great for combination sleepers. Regardless of your sleeping patterns, you’ll likely find support and comfort on this bed.
The zoned support and orthopedic design make the bed great for people struggling with back pain or those who want a bed that will not cause back pain as they age.
Hot sleepers can enjoy the superior cooling abilities of the WinkBeds Original, as its coil system, Tencel cover, and gel-infused memory foam all work together to help regulate temperature and dissipate body heat.
What to Keep in Mind About the WinkBeds Original
One drawback our testers found was that the WinkBeds Original didn’t isolate motion very well, which could become an issue for couples who toss and turn when they sleep.
The luxurious bed comes at a price that may be out of some people’s budget.
Other User Reviews
The WinkBeds Original has well over 8,000 customer reviews on its website, averaging a score of 4.8/5. One verified buyer wrote the following: “This mattress is one of the best I’ve ever slept on. I immediately felt a difference from my aging memory foam mattress, that had me waking up feeling injured every morning. The [WinkBed] mattress FEELS high quality and healthy for my body. The only downside is, sometimes I don’t want to get out of bed!”
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
3.8
Bear
Bear Original
Medium-Firm Feel
Affordable
Lifetime Warranty
Foam mattress
120-night sleep trial
Free shipping
December Deals
Use code DEAL30 for 30% off sitewide + 2 free pillows with mattress purchase See Details
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress. It features softer foam layers for cushioning and firmer ones for support.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$786-$1,690 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Side Sleepers
Great pressure relief for side sleepers under 230 lbs.
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the Bear Original Mattress
The Bear’s gel-infused memory foam can help hot sleepers stay cool throughout the night.
It’s an affordable option. A queen-size Bear mattress is less than $1,000, even before discounts.
Bear offers a lifetime warranty on this mattress. That means if you find any covered defects or indentations during the life of your mattress, they will replace it free of charge.
Cons of the Bear Original Mattress
This bed probably isn’t a good fit for side sleepers who weigh over 230 lbs.
Stomach sleepers likely won’t find this bed firm enough to keep their spine in proper alignment.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isn’t firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Whether you run for fun, play an intramural sport, or represent your school’s team, you know the most important thing you can do for recovery is sleep. Check out the Bear mattress, specifically designed for athletes everywhere. It’s an all-foam mattress with a balanced, medium-firm construction many sleepers are sure to love. The high-quality materials have unique properties and all foams are CertiPUR-US certified, so they’re eco-friendly and natural.
What the testers say: “Back sleepers and side sleepers can get a great balance of support on the Bear, and if you want any competitive edge you can muster, I’d definitely recommend the Bear for athletes who want to collapse on a cooling surface between classes after an intense round of working out.” – Elisa, Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear
The Bear’s cover is woven with Celliant, a material that purportedly assists with brain circulation and muscle recovery. It’s also a cooling material. A graphite gel-infused foam layer provides pressure relief and additional cooling while a transition foam allows for ease of movement. The support layer is made of high-density polyfoam and assists with support and spinal alignment.
Hot sleepers should love the many cooling features. Those with late-night practices and workouts should especially enjoy this; the materials in the cover and foams help cool down your body temperature in bed. We found that this mattress has good edge support, indicating durability. It should be one of the longer-lasting mattresses on this list due to its high-quality materials.
This is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers of all body types. The balanced construction is ideal for these folks, along with those experiencing back pain. Lightweight sleepers and most average-weight side sleepers should also appreciate the comfort and support offered.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear
Heavyweight side sleepers will find this bed too firm. Heavy stomach sleepers will need something more supportive because the Bear isn’t firm enough to keep the hips elevated. Average-weight stomach sleepers will find this mattress too soft as well.
Although Bear makes bold muscle recovery claims about its Celliant cover, our sleep lab lacks the capacity to test the assertion for ourselves.
Other User Reviews
The Bear averages a 4.7 out of 5 rating based on 10614 reviews. Verified buyer Sarah S. wrote that she wanted beds to last through her childrens’ teens: “My oldest kid, who has ADHD and tends to stay awake a long time, reading and drawing, said he fell asleep immediately the first night. He loves his bed so much now!” Commenters leaving negative reviews found the bed didn’t meet their firmness expectation.
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Brooklyn Essential mattress is a hybrid, or a bed with both foam comfort layers and innerspring support coils.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 6.5/10. This is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$532 – $1,132 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers of light and average weights should feel nice support.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers of light and average weights should feel nice contouring.
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Essential
Excellent spine support for back sleepers.
Great edge support.
Super affordable.
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Essential
Subpar temperature regulation.
Not suitable for most stomach sleepers.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period. A pickup fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is an excellent no frills mattress at a bargain price for hybrid mattress lovers on a budget. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
The Brooklyn Essential differs from many of the models above (and shares a likeless with the Emma Hybrid Comfort) in that it’s a hybrid mattress, utilizing both foam and coils in its construction. It’s a 6/10 on our firmness scale, so it’s softer than average. The Brooklyn Bedding mattress manufactures beds in their own factory, so they can sell a more budget-friendly mattress. College students should like its affordability and comfortable, streamlined design. Plus, Brooklyn Bedding furnishes a student discount, a perk you won’t often see from mattress retailers.
What the testers say: “College is the time to try new things, but you may not want to buy the most expensive hybrid out there if you’ve never slept on one. Brooklyn Essential is a great ‘starter’ hybrid of sorts thanks to its excellent value, plus the bed suits a range of sleepers. Plus, you can always return to a more familiar mattress build if you don’t like the feel within the 120-night sleep trial.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Essential
The Brooklyn Essential is 10” tall. At the top of the mattress, there’s a thin, stretchy cover allowing for breathability. Beneath lies the primary comfort layer: gel-infused memory foam. This assists with cooling and provides pressure relief. Because this layer is quilted — and since the layer beneath is a responsive transition layer — you shouldn’t feel stuck. Below that, a layer of signature Ascension X coils provides structural support.
Considering the Bowery’s low cost, we were impressed with its cooling abilities. Its breathable cover, gel-infused foam, and coils provide airflow. While it’s not the most long-lasting bed, it’s made with quality foams and has good edge support. This mattress is durable for its price. If you’re still on the fence, know that Brooklyn Bedding offers a 10-year warranty, 120-night sleep trial, and free shipping and returns.
Because the mattress is on the softer side, we recommend it to lightweight sleepers under 130 lb and average-weight side sleepers. Combination sleepers of these weights should find it easy to move around on top of the mattress.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Essential
Average-weight back and stomach sleepers — along with heavyweight sleepers — won’t find adequate support on the Bowery.
This may not be the right mattress for sleepers who derive the vast majority of their comfort from a hybrid’s memory foam layer but don’t get so much out of the support and bounce of the coil layer.
Other User Reviews
One verified buyer said that after sleeping on the Brooklyn Essential for three weeks the bed had “helped with my overheating at night when I sleep” and that “for the amount I paid (student discount included), it was worth it.” Many lower ratings (although the bed only had one 1- or 2-star review) said the bed felt too soft. All in all, the Bowery received 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 553 reviews.
Best Firm Mattress for College Students – Plank Firm
Best Firm Mattress
Mattress Clarity Score
We rate each mattress on a scale from 1 to 5 to reflect its overall quality. This number is comprised of individual scores from hands-on testing of materials, firmness, pressure relief, motion transfer, cooling, responsiveness, and more.
The Plank Firm is a flippable mattress with two firmness levels on each side. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated the softer side a 8/10. The firmer side comes in at a 9/10.
Price
$749-$1,532 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, short full, full, short queen, queen, olympic queen, short king, split king, split california king, California king, RV king
Stomach Sleepers
It offers ample hip support for most stomach sleepers, especially on the firmer side.
Heavyweight Sleepers
This mattress has a thick comfort layer and sturdy coils that can handle heavier weights.
Pros of the Plank Firm
It has a flippable design, so you can easily change its firmness level by turning the mattress over.
It’s the firmest mattress we have tested, so if you need a lot of spinal support, this is a good option.
It works well for stomach sleepers because it helps keep hips elevated and in the correct alignment.
Cons of the Plank Firm
This mattress is too firm for most side sleepers.
Because it’s made entirely out of foam, it tends to trap body heat.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
You’ll receive a full refund if you return your mattress within the trial period, but after a 30-day “break-in” period.
The Plank Firm mattress is one of the most supportive mattresses on the market. It has a flippable design, with two firmness levels in one. On our firmness scale, the the softer side feels like a 8/10 and the firmer side feels like a 9/10. Both sides tend to work well for stomach sleepers, but most side sleepers won’t get enough pressure relief on this bed. Watch our video review to learn more.
Our Expert’s Take
The Plank Firm is an all-foam, flippable mattress that provides one of the firmest sleep surfaces we’ve ever tested. Does a very-firm mattress sound unappealing to you? Well, it actually might be the ideal way to sleep for you, depending on your body type and preferred sleeping position.
What the testers say: “If you sleep on a Plank mattress, you can’t necessarily just collapse onto your bed after a long day — the Plank provides real, firm pushback on each side. That said, the feeling of support is excellent, and Brooklyn Bedding has a generous student discount of 35 percent.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Plank Firm
Because of its flippable design, the Plank Firm’s construction is unique in comparison to every other mattress on this list. Each side features a layer of quilted polyfoam for a touch of softness, however, the softer side of the mattress also includes a 2” layer of comfort foam, which takes it from a 9/10 on our firmness scale to an 8/10. In between the two usable sides of the Plank Firm is a 7” layer of support foam that helps give the mattress structure.
Flippability is one of the best value-adds you can find in a mattress. You can turn the bed over for an entirely new mattress and firmness level experience, greatly increasing the chance one side of the mattress will be compatible with your body type and sleep style.
The extra-firm side works very well for stomach sleepers. It provides plenty of support and, while we were testing it, kept our hips fully elevated — a quality that stomach sleepers should look for in a mattress. As for the firm side, we found it worked best while we were on our backs, as it had just enough give for our hips to receive pressure relief.
What to Keep in Mind About the Plank Firm
Firm mattresses tend to be poor choices for lightweight people. If you fall into that category, you may want a softer mattress that allows you to sink somewhat into the surface. The Nectar will be a good option for you here.
Even for tried and true firm mattress lovers, each side of the Plank might be too intense. That’s especially true if you’re a side sleeper who needs lots of pressure relief on the hips and shoulders.
For college students who prefer a chilly sleeping environment, the Plank Firm may prove too warm. We measure the surface of the mattress using a thermal camera, and after resting on it for several minutes it had rose 4.5 degrees, leading us to give it a 3.5/5 on our temperature regulation test. If you’re interested in something that will keep you a bit cooler, we suggest the Helix Midnight.
Other User Reviews
Adam W. left feedback as a verified buyer and firm mattress fan, writing that the Plank finally offered a solution for sleep woes: “I tried out a lot of mattresses before finding the Plank so I know for sure that this is the right mattress for me. So many mattresses cater towards people who want the softest mattress that sinks or even contours as soon as you lay on it and it frustrated me to no end dealing with those in store.” Verified buyer Ching-fang H. said the Plank was “so good that I bought the second one for my daughter to take it to her dorm.” Unsurprisingly, negative reviews tended to bemoan that the mattress was too firm.
The price of any mattress depends on its size and quality of materials. A good Twin bed should cost between $300 and $500 for a memory foam construction and $350–$650 for a hybrid construction. Quality Twin XL beds are longer-lasting and therefore more expensive, so expect to pay $400–$600 for a memory foam mattress and $450–$700 for a hybrid.
Mattresses for a Great Price
Here are some of our favorite roundups featuring more reasonably-priced options:
The best times to buy a mattress are during holiday sales. Companies slash prices significantly a few weekends out of the year. Search for a bed around President’s Day (February), Memorial Day (May), Labor Day (September), Thanksgiving or Cyber Monday (November), and Christmas (December).
Coupons
If you need to buy a mattress but you can’t find a sale, check out our coupons page. There we provide exclusive deals for shoppers like you.
College Mattress Size
Twin vs Twin XL
Twin-size mattresses and Twin XL mattresses are the most common mattress sizes for college dorms. These beds are great for saving space and can easily fit on a bunk bed. What distinguishes a Twin from a Twin XL is length. A Twin has dimensions of 39”W x 75”L, whereas a Twin XL measures 39”W x 80”L. Taller students might select a Twin XL for extra legroom.
When to Buy a Larger College Mattress
If you’re moving into a house or apartment allowing for more space than a dorm room, you may want a mattress size upgrade. Moving from a Twin or Twin XL to a Full-size mattress or a Queen-size mattress is beneficial for a number of reasons. If you habitually toss and turn at night, that extra room is essential. When friends come into town, a larger mattress can accommodate for two. What’s great is you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for your bank account. There are plenty of options for affordable mattresses that are larger than that dorm Twin XL (see more below).
How to Make a College Mattress More Comfortable
Invest in a Mattress Topper
Using a topper changes the feel of a mattress. Companies sell toppers made to make your mattress softer, but others add firmness and bounce. While they’re often used to improve a mattress, they can also extend a mattress’s lifespan. For more information, check out our roundup for the best college mattress toppers.
Try a Mattress Pad
Mattress pads differ from toppers in that they add a thinner amount of padding, but are better at protecting the mattress from stains and spills. If you’re looking for something that does the best job of keeping contaminants off your mattress, try a mattress protector.
Get a New Pillow
Finding the best pillow is important because it keeps the upper part of your body aligned with the rest of your spine. If you’re waking up with neck or shoulder pain in the morning, you may need to invest in a new one. Hot sleepers may want a breathable pillow for a more restful sleep. Overall, your sleeping position can help determine what pillow is best for you. Side sleepers often need a higher lofted pillow, stomach sleepers need a low loft, and back sleepers somewhere in between.
Buy Better Sheets
If your sheets are wearing out and it starts affecting your sleep, it’s definitely time to purchase a new set. Hot sleepers should consider a set of cooling sheets. There are many different sheet materials with a number of different feels.
If you don’t want to sleep on an old dorm mattress, consider buying a mattress online. Bed-in-a-box mattresses are delivered in a compressed package, ensuring a convenient shopping experience. Some companies offer white glove delivery at varying prices, so they’ll set up your mattress for you. Contact a mattress company on their website to see their delivery policies.
Mattress Companies Offering Free Shipping
Bear
Layla
Nectar
Puffy
Brooklyn Bedding
TEMPUR-Cloud
Casper
GhostBed
Leesa
WinkBed
Purple
Not a complete list.
Mattress Companies Offering White Glove Delivery
Cocoon by Sealy (free white glove delivery)
Saatva (free white glove delivery)
Tuft & Needle ($150, plus old mattress pick-up)
Nectar (services included in $149 base fee)
DreamCloud ($149)
Leesa ($150)
GhostBed ($279)
Not a complete list.
How to Choose the Best College Mattress
With a college student budget, something easy on the bank account is crucial. However, you’ll want something high-quality, durable, and made for your individual needs.
Materials
Mattresses come in a variety of constructions, but which option is best for you?
Memory foam: These all-foambeds are known for their contouring properties, giving them a signature sinking feel. Those with sensitive joints or lower back pain should feel a lot of pressure relief on this mattress. Side sleepers should especially enjoy the way this material hugs pressure points at the shoulders and hips. Back sleepers who like a softer feel can find something to like here, but stomach sleepers will likely need the additional support of an innerspring, hybrid, or latex bed.
Innerspring: Known for their traditional, bouncy feel, innersprings excel in support, durability, and cooling. Coils are essential to the construction of these beds, and a thin layer of foam adds just enough comfort. Stomach sleepers, heavy sleepers, and back sleepers wanting a firmer feel should love the innerspring.
Hybrid: If you find memory foam beds are too soft and innersprings too firm, try the happy medium: hybrid mattresses. They’re a combination of foam and coils, but can also feature materials like latex and polyfoam. This results in each hybrid model having a distinct yet balanced feel. This is ideal for back sleepers, those with back pain, and combination sleepers.
Latex: Mattresses featuring latex can include natural or synthetic material. Many love natural latex for its cooling abilities and eco-friendliness. Synthetic latex beds tend to be much cheaper. Either way, the bouncier feel of natural and synthetic latex appeals to hot sleepers, heavy sleepers, and those wanting to avoid sinking into their mattress.
Firmness, Body Type, and Sleeping Position
The sleep industry rates mattress firmness on a scale from 1–10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. The right comfort level goes hand-in-hand with your body type and favored sleep position.
If you’re a heavier sleeper, you’ll want a firmer mattress to prevent too much sinkage. Lightweight sleepers should opt for a softer mattress for proper contouring. If you sleep on your stomach, you’re going to need a firmer option, while side sleepers need softer mattresses for pressure relief. Average-weight sleepers and back sleepers do best on medium-firm mattresses (a 6.5 on the firmness scale).
Warranty and Sleep Trial
When buying any mattress, it’s important to pay special attention to the company’s warranty and sleep trial. A warranty binds a company to repairing or replacing products sold with flaws. A sleep trial is a period where customers can test out the mattress and see if it fits their needs. Lengthy warranties and sleep trials can help determine how reliable the company you’re purchasing from is. Aim to find a company with at least a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.
How much should a college student spend on a mattress?
For a good Twin or Twin XL, college students should expect to pay around $300. Larger sizes, such as a Queen or Full, the best mattress for the money shouldn’t cost more than $1,500.
Which mattress is best for students?
While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, your body type, and your sleeping position, we think the Dreamfoam Essential is the best overall choice. This is because of its affordability, cooling properties, warranty and trial periods, multiple height options, and balanced construction.
What mattresses do colleges use?
While the exact brand varies, dorm rooms typically use Twin XL mattresses. Twin XL mattresses are 5” longer than Twin mattresses, so these space-saving beds can accommodate students taller than 6’.
Should I buy a mattress for college?
Students will often buy a new mattress to suit their own preferences. If a dorm mattress fails to align with your needs, you might experience restless sleep. It’s helpful to understand your body type, sleep position, and preferences. If you know you’re a hot sleeper, you can select a cooling mattress. If you know you like a softer mattress, you can find one with specific cushioning material.
Do I need a mattress protector for college?
While they’re not essential, mattress protectors are a highly recommended mattress accessory. They’re ideal for anyone who wants to avoid contaminants (dust mites, mold, spills) on their mattress. This is especially great for those with allergies.
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Lauren Hapgood
Performance Publisher
About Author
Lauren is a Performance Publisher at Mattress Clarity, where she writes and edits mattress content to keep readers updated on sleep products. Lauren is committed to helping readers find the best sleep products for their lifestyles and is even a Certified Sleep Science Coach! She earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Washington. When she’s not compiling lists of the best beds on the market, you can find Lauren running on a trail, reading classic novels, or napping on her favorite mattress (her best talent).
