We receive free products to review and participate in affiliate programs, where we are compensated for items purchased through links from our site. See our disclosure page for more information.
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed 600+ mattresses and accessories for over seven years using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We assess each bed for support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more.
Teens need more sleep than adults, so the right mattress is key. We’ll be discussing our top picks for the best mattresses for teenagers considering factors like comfort, support, and durability.
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 Nectar as the best mattress for teenagers since it’s got a quality memory-foam construction that provides excellent pressure relief.
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. Our rigorous testing and reporting process has helped over 4,500 readers purchase the best mattress for their needs.
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.
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.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.3
Overall Score
4
Support
3.5
Cooling
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Motion Transfer
3.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
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.
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.
4.0
DreamCloud
DreamCloud Original
Firm Feel
Responsive
Affordable
Hybrid mattress
365-night sleep trial
Free shipping
Cyber Weekend Extended
Up to 50% off mattresses + spend $1,000 and save $100 See Details
The DreamCloud 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 7.5/10. This makes the mattress firmer than average.
Price
$839-$2,178 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king
Back Sleepers
Great support for back sleepers under 230 lbs.
Couples
Good balance of motion isolation and responsiveness.
Hot Sleepers
This bed’s cooling features can help keep you from overheating at night.
Pros of the DreamCloud
It is a good option for back sleepers. While it is a bit firmer than average, its balance of comfort and support will keep the spine in neutral alignment.
You shouldn’t be sleeping too hot on this mattress. The breathable cover, gel-infused foam, and airflow-promoting coils should prevent the mattress from trapping heat.
You should never feel stuck in this mattress. The DreamCloud is bouncy and responsive, so you will have no trouble moving around and changing positions.
The DreamCloud is a good value option. Hybrid mattresses can be quite pricey, but the DreamCloud is surprisingly affordable.
Cons of the DreamCloud
Side sleepers will want to find a softer mattress to give them the pressure relief they need.
Fans of the slow-moving memory foam feel won’t get that feeling on the DreamCloud.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 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 DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleepers and nice cooling for hot sleepers. Its mix of foam and coils ensures you get the right amount of support, while its breathable materials ensure you don’t sleep too hot. It is a bouncier mattress, and if you prefer more of a memory foam feel, consider the Nectar mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
4
Cooling
3
Motion Isolation
4.5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
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 DreamCloud.
Almost every layer of the DreamCloud has been designed to help promote temperature regulation. The cashmere-blend cover is quite breathable, the foam comfort layer is infused with gel that helps dissipate body heat, and the layer of individually wrapped coils allows warm air to easily pass out of the mattress. Altogether, we felt quite cool on this mattress, so it should do a good job of keeping your teen comfortable on hot nights.
One of the most appealing aspects of the DreamCloud is its price. For a twin, you’ll pay under $500. If you’re not looking to break the bank because you’re worried your teen will need to upgrade to a full or a queen in a few years, this is a great option.
What the testers say: “The DreamCloud mattress has two thin comfort layers, so when I rested on it, I felt more of the supportive coils underneath. Because of this, the DreamCloud feels more like a traditional innerspring mattress. It’s responsive and bouncy, which makes it easy to move around on top of.” — Marten, Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud Original
Our lightweight and average-weight mattress testers felt good in almost every sleeping position they tried out on the DreamCloud. This is a good indicator that the mattress will accommodate most teens, as they tend to fall somewhere in the range of light- to average-weight.
The quilted, cashmere-blend cover of the DreamCloud adds a touch of luxury to this affordable mattress. It felt nice and soft and noticeably breathable against our skin.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Original
Our heavyweight mattress tester did not feel good in any sleeping position on the DreamCloud. If your teenager is over 230 lb then you should consider a mattress that provides more support, like the Titan Plus.
DreamCloud’s lack of robust edge support could be more problematic on a twin mattress if your teen tends to drift to the bed’s perimeter.
Other User Reviews
The DreamCloud has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5, based on 8,808 reviews on the company website. Three customers who awarded the mattress five stars specifically say that they purchased this mattress for their teenage children, and it’s been very well received. No 1-star reviews mention teenagers, however, there are some unhappy customers who claim the mattress is way too firm.
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 Dusk
Firm Feel
Responsive
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 Dusk 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 7/10. This is slightly firmer than medium-firm.
Price
$936-$1,748 (before discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, RV king
Back Sleepers
This mattress should offer both comfort and support for back sleepers of all weights.
Combination Sleepers
This bed is easy to move around on, so you won’t feel stuck when you change positions.
Pros of the Helix Dusk
This bed is slightly firmer than average, but the memory foam at the top of the mattress still provides some good cushioning and body contouring that makes it a good match for back sleepers of all body types.
Due to the coils in the support layer, this mattress is springy, responsive, and easy to move around on. If you change positions frequently while you sleep, this is a good choice.
Cons of the Helix Dusk
In our experience, this wasn’t a great match for side sleeping.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Returns
Free refunds during the trial period
If you want something just a bit firmer than your typical medium-firm mattress, the Helix Dusk is a good choice. Of the brand’s two medium options, this is the mattress that works best for back sleepers. The foam offers some good body contouring, but the coils offer excellent support to keep sleepers from bottoming out of the mattress.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.1
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
4
Cooling
4
Motion Transfer
4
Durability
4.5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
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.
Best Mattress for Teenage Back Sleepers – Bear Original
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.
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.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4
Overall Rating
4
Support
3.5
Edge Support
3.5
Cooling
4.5
Motion Transfer
3
Response
3
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
You might have heard that sleeping on your back is the healthiest way to do it, as opposed to your side or your stomach. If your teen is a dedicated back sleeper, that’s great, but you’ll want to make sure their mattress accommodates this position in order for them to sleep comfortably and ache-free. The Bear Original does a great job here.
With its medium-firm feel, this mattress is right in the back sleeper’s sweet spot. While we tested it on our backs, it allowed our hips to sink in just enough to receive adequate cushioning, but not so much that our spines were thrown out of alignment.
The Bear Original 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 Bear Original is more responsive overall, so while it is comfortable, it won’t let teens sink in too far.
What the testers say: “The Bear mattress offers a great balance of comfort and support, which is great news for back sleepers. When I slept on my back, I felt my hips gently sink into the top foam layer. Thanks to the high-density support foam underneath, I got plenty of lumbar support in this sleeping position.” — Elisa Regulski, Reviewer
What We Love About the Bear Original
The Bear mattress does a very good job of isolating motion. So, if your teenager usually shares their bed with the family cat or dog, the animal’s movements shouldn’t disturb them too much throughout the night.
In addition to being a good choice for most back sleepers, this mattress also performs well for most lightweight sleepers. When our light mattress tester rested on the Bear mattress, she felt well supported in all three of the primary sleeping positions.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear Original
Both our average-weight and heavy-weight testers felt very uncomfortable on their stomachs. The Bear Original wasn’t firm enough to keep their hips from sinking uncomfortably below the mattress surface. Average-weight and heavy-weight stomach sleepers should consider the Titan Plus instead.
The materials in the Bear Original are high quality, but memory foam mattresses tend to have shorter lifespans than hybrid mattresses.
Other User Reviews
The Bear Original has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on 10,618 reviews on the company website. The majority of reviews are glowing; however, 101 customers did give the mattress 1 out of 5 stars. Many of these negative reviews revolve around the firmness of the mattress not being to the customers’ liking.
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.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Overall Rating
5
Support
5
Edge Support
4
Cooling
4.5
Response
3.5
Motion Transfer
4.5
Durability
5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
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.
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.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
3.8
Overall Rating
4
Support
4
Edge Support
3
Cooling
3.5
Motion Transfer
3
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
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.
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 Natural
Soft Feel
Eco-Friendly
Pressure Relief
Latex 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 Natural is a latex hybrid mattress. This means it has coils at the bottom and latex foam on top.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress a 6/10. For reference, 6.5/10 is the industry standard for medium-firm.
Price
$1,499-$3,398 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king, split California king
Hot Sleepers
This comfort layer is naturally breathable, and the coils help promote airflow.
Side Sleepers
The Talalay Latex comfort layer offers nice pressure relief for side sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs.
Pros
This mattress contains organic cotton and wool. Plus, the Talalay Latex is eco-friendly.
Because it’s softer than average, it cushions joints and offers nice pressure relief for many side sleepers.
This mattress doesn’t trap body heat, so it works well for people who tend to feel hot at night.
Cons
It doesn’t isolate motion well, which could be a deterrent for couples.
It lacks a slow-moving feel.
This mattress may not be supportive enough for many stomach sleepers.
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 Nolah Natural is an eco-friendly mattress that contains organic cotton, organic wool, and eco-friendly latex foam. It feels softer than average, which makes it a nice choice for many side sleepers. It’s not supportive enough for most stomach sleepers, though. It also doesn’t isolate motion well, so it may not be a good option for couples. Watch our Nolah Natural mattress review video to learn more.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.1
Overall Rating
4
Support
3.5
Edge Supoprt
4.5
Cooling
3
Motion Transfer
4.5
Durability
4
Trial Period
5
Warranty
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.
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 Titan Plus is a hybrid mattress. This means it has coils at the bottom and foam on top.
Firmness
The Titan Plus mattress is very firm. On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated it a 9/10.
Price
$699-$1,499 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split California king
Heavyweight sleepers
This mattress has a thick comfort layer and sturdy coils that can handle heavier weights.
Stomach Sleepers
It offers lots of hip support, which can help stomach sleepers maintain the correct spinal alignment.
Couples
This mattress has good edge support and motion isolation.
Pros of the Titan Plus
It works well for people who weigh 230 – 500 lb, thanks to its supportive feel.
This mattress has great edge support.
The Titan Plus mattress is breathable and cool, so it works well for hot sleepers.
Cons of the Titan Plus
Lightweight people likely won’t get enough pressure relief on this mattress.
It’s too firm for many side sleepers, who will likely need more cushioning along their shoulders and hips.
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 removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Titan Plus mattress works well for many heavyweight back and stomach sleepers. It’s quite firm, coming in at 9/10 on our firmness scale. This means that many side sleepers won’t get the pressure relief they need along their shoulders and hips. Watch our Titan Plus mattress review video to learn more.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.2
Overall Rating
4.5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4.5
Cooling
3
Motion Transfer
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
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.
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.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.2
Overall Rating
5
Support
5
Edge Support
3.5
Cooling
3
Motion Transfer
5
Response
4
Durability
5
Trial Period
4
Warranty
Our Expert’s Take
Whether your teenager is on the heavier side or tends to sleep on their stomach, it can be hard to find a bed that’s both firm and comfortable enough to support them when they rest. The Plank Firm is designed specifically for sleepers who need an extra firm surface. Moreover, the Plank uniquely offers two firmness levels in one bed. On one side, you have an 8/10 firmness, and on the other, a 9/10 firmness. This allows the sleeper to adjust their bed’s firmness by simply flipping it over to match their firmness needs as they change.
Furthermore, the Plank Firm is an all-foam mattress, which offers teenagers who love the feel of memory foam a super firm all-foam option that won’t result in posture-disrupting sinkage. On each side, the Plank Firm has a .75″ quilted sleeping surface that is treated to be cool and stitched to maintain minimal loft. Then, at its core, there is a 6″ high-density support foam and a 2″ responsive foam layer designed for enhanced body contouring. This simple yet durable foam design creates a super firm foam structure while ensuring cushioning, breathability, and pressure relief for teenagers needing extra-firm beds.
When testing it, our heavier tester (270 lbs) found exceptional orthopedic support on the Plank Firm, giving the bed a perfect 5/5 for the category, and described his experience as “sleeping on top of this bed instead of ‘in’ it.” Furthermore, the durable foam components resulted in what our testers found to be “stellar edge support,” with only a 2.5″ sag discovered when sitting on the bed’s edges and another perfect 5/5 score. Another score that stood out was the bed’s responsiveness (5/5), with testers describing the bed as super easy to move around on while still experiencing support, making it great for combination and restless sleepers.
What the testers say: “The Plank Firm is a good candidate for one of the best firm mattresses out there. The only firm mattress lovers I’d caution are side sleepers, especially those with sensitive joints, as might be the case especially for teenagers in a growth spurt.” — Marten, Reviewer
What We Love About the Plank Firm
The Plank Firm is great for heavier and stomach teenage sleepers while offering foam-based comfort (which can be hard to find).
The Plank Firm is manufactured and shipped directly from Brooklyn Bedding’s factory in Arizona, USA.
By being direct to the consumer, Brooklyn Bedding can keep the Plank Firm’s price competitively affordable compared to similar-grade beds with middle-man markups. For example, Brooklyn Bedding offers its queen-size Plank Firm model for $524.30.
The American Chiropractic Association endorses the Plank Firm.
What to Keep in Mind About the Plank Firm
Most side sleepers, especially those under 230 lbs, will likely find the Plank Firm too hard for their joints when resting and should opt for a softer mattress or bed designed more specifically for side sleeping.
Other User Reviews
The Plank Firm has 3,482 reviews at the time of writing, with an average score of 4.7/5. One verified buyer put their experience simply, saying: “Love it! My back is feeling so much better!”
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.
4.5
Birch
Birch Natural
Firm Feel
Sustainably Made
Responsive
Latex 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 Birch Natural is a latex hybrid mattress. It has both cushioning latex and supportive coil layers.
Firmness
On a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest, we rated this mattress 7/10. This is just slightly firmer than average.
Price
$1,498-$2,498 (before any discounts)
Size
Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king
Stomach Sleepers
Supportive enough for stomach 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 Birch Natural
The Birch Natural is made with sustainable materials that have earned certifications from multiple third-party organizations, including GOTS and GREENGUARD.
Thanks to the latex layer, this bed is a bouncy, responsive mattress. Combination sleepers will appreciate how easy it is to change positions on it.
Ventilated latex and individually wrapped coils make for a breathable, cool night’s rest on this bed. Hot sleepers shouldn’t have to worry about this mattress trapping heat.
Cons of the Birch Natural
This bed is likely too firm to provide the cushioning most side sleepers need.
With such a responsive surface, this mattress won’t offer much motion isolation.
Shipping
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
25-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 removal fee of $99 will be deducted from your refund.
The Birch Natural is a great option if you’re looking for a sustainable, responsive bed. It features natural latex and individually wrapped coils for comfort and support. Its firmness is best suited to back and stomach sleepers under 230 lbs, though, so side sleeepers should opt for a softer bed, like the Helix Midnight. Learn more in our video review.
Mattress Performance Ratings
Poor
Average
Excellent
1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Overall Rating
5
Support
4.5
Edge Support
4
Cooling
3
Motion Transfer
5
Response
4.5
Durability
4.5
Trial Period
5
Warranty
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.
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.
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.
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
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).
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:
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.
Subscribe to Mattress Clarity!
Get special coupons, discounts, and giveaways!
Marten Carlson
Lead Mattress Reviewer
About Author
Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.
In his role here, Marten’s reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, it’s been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. He’s especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.
Marten’s also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy night’s sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Denison University and his master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University.
