Buying guide for best twin xl mattresses
Twin mattresses will save you money over larger styles. And they’re the perfect size for teenagers or singles looking for a comfortable sleeping option – as long as you’re of average height. For those who are taller than average or just like to have extra legroom while sleeping, a twin XL mattress is a better choice.
A twin XL mattress is a bit longer than a twin mattress, so the feet of taller people don’t hang over the edge of the bed. Bedding manufacturers commonly offer twin XL mattresses alongside popular sizes like twin, full, queen, and king. So if you’re seeking newer mattress features, such as memory foam with cooling gel, twin XL mattresses have these perks just like other popular sizes.
But with so many mattresses on the market, narrowing down your options can get confusing. Our buying guide has all the details you need to consider when shopping for a new twin XL mattress, including our picks for the best extra-long twin mattresses, which you can find in the matrix above.
Key considerations
There are three primary types of twin XL mattresses available: air mattresses, innerspring mattresses, and memory foam mattresses.
Twin XL air mattresses
A twin XL air mattress is a great choice for hosting overnight guests or for taking on camping trips. One style of air-filled mattress allows you to adjust the firmness of the mattress with a remote control. Another style involves a simple design with no remote control. If you need a mattress that you can set up quickly and then deflate later, an air twin XL mattress is a smart choice.
Twin XL innerspring mattresses
An innerspring mattress has internal metal coils that provide support for the body. To achieve the most comfortable sleeping position, you’ll want more coils. Twin XL mattresses of good quality will have about 500 to 600 coils. Some innerspring mattresses have a pillow top to provide extra comfort and softness.
Twin XL memory foam mattresses
Memory foam is a popular choice for twin XL mattresses. The foam matches your body’s contours, delivering a nice mix of softness and support. Memory foam mattresses are expensive compared to other options, however. And some people feel too hot when sleeping on memory foam. Mattress manufacturers often add a cooling gel layer to combat the heat retention of memory foam.
Expert Tip
Although two people (or you and your big dog) can sleep on a twin XL mattress together, this size of mattress is better for one person.
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Features
Size
A twin XL mattress measures 39 x 80 inches. It’s the same width as a twin mattress but a little longer. For comparison, a twin mattress measures 39 x 75 inches. A full mattress measures 54 x 75 inches, and a full XL mattress measures 54 x 80 inches. A queen mattress measures 60 x 80 inches. A king mattress measures 76 x 80 inches, while a California king measures 72 x 84 inches.
Firmness
Although the majority of sleepers prefer an average firmness in a twin XL mattress, several different firmness levels are available. Ultimately, firmness is a personal choice. If you’re unsure which firmness level works best for you, try testing some mattresses.
- Soft: Soft mattresses will compress quite a bit as you sleep on them. The surface of the mattress conforms closely to the shape of your body. Those who weigh less sometimes prefer a soft firmness level in their mattress.
- Medium soft: A medium-soft mattress allows the sleeper to sink slightly into the mattress, but it provides more support than a soft mattress.
- Medium: The majority of sleepers select a medium mattress. It provides the best mix of a soft surface and support.
- Medium firm: You’ll only sink into the surface of the mattress slightly with this style of mattress. A medium-firm mattress delivers a high level of support for the body.
- Firm: A firm mattress provides support for larger and heavier people nicely. You will not sink into the surface of this mattress.
Thickness
Twin XL mattresses are available in several different thickness levels. You’ll pay more for thicker mattresses than thinner mattresses. Standard mattresses range from six to 10 inches in thickness, although mattresses as thick as 18 inches are available. Heavier and larger people will want a thicker mattress, but the majority of people can sleep comfortably on mattresses eight to 10 inches thick.
Expert Tip
If your college dorm room comes furnished with a mattress, it will usually be a twin XL size. Always check the size of your dorm mattress before purchasing bedding.
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Twin XL mattress prices
People like the value of buying twin XL mattresses. They don’t cost much more than twin mattresses, yet you get the benefit of extra legroom with the twin XL option.
The least expensive twin XL mattresses cost $75 to $125. They are thinner mattresses that don’t have a lot of extra features, such as pillow tops.
Average twin XL mattresses cost $125 to $250. These are high-quality mattresses that will last a long time. They also may have a high-end feature or two, like odor-resistant material or an extra-thick design.
The priciest twin XL mattresses cost anywhere from $250 to $1,000. These mattresses have very thick designs, paired with multiple extra features.
Keep in mind that you will have extra expenses beyond the cost of a twin XL mattress. You may need a bed frame, a box spring, and bedding to go with your mattress. Remember that a twin XL mattress has five inches of additional length versus a twin mattress. So, if you’re currently using a twin, your bedding may not fit the twin XL mattress size.
Expert Tip
Not all bedding labeled as twin XL has the same dimensions. It’s smart to double-check the actual size of twin XL bedding compared to your mattress before purchasing.
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Tips
If you’re considering buying a twin XL mattress, you may be wondering what advantages it has over other sizes.
- A twin XL mattress provides extra legroom. With a length of 80 inches, it’s one of the longest standard mattresses available. For taller sleepers, this extra legroom is much appreciated.
- You can double-up to create a king-size mattress. You can put two twin XL mattresses side by side and create a sleeping area that’s similar in size to a king mattress. That said, two twin XL mattresses are a few inches wider than a king, so king-size bedding may not fit perfectly.
- A twin XL mattress fits oddly sized rooms nicely. If you have a bedroom that is long and narrow, a twin XL mattress is a good choice. Its shorter width works nicely in tight apartments or attic spaces.
- Twin XL mattresses are an inexpensive option. For those looking to save a bit of money, a twin XL mattress costs less than the majority of other sizes. But it’s still a good size for a single person to sleep comfortably.
Other products we considered
The products in our matrix will meet the needs of the majority of consumers. However, if you’re seeking a few particular features, here are some other twin XL mattresses we closely considered. The Vibe 12-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress includes two inches of gel memory foam to draw heat away from the body. Those seeking a pillow top twin XL mattress will like the Inofia 8-inch Hybrid Pocket Spring Foam Mattress. It combines a knitted cover layer with a firm mattress for comfort and support. The Nod by Tuft & Needle Mattress ships in a box, making it easy to set up. It has a foam design that combines softness and firmness for comfort. If you have pets who like to sleep in your twin XL bed with you, the LUCID 12-inch Hybrid Mattress can keep your bedroom smelling fresh. It uses memory foam infused with bamboo charcoal to negate odors.
FAQ
Q. Do I have to buy a new bed frame if I buy a new twin XL mattress?
A. If depends on the frame you currently own. Some bed frames are made to be adjustable. So if you owned a twin mattress previously, you may be able to adjust the bed frame rails to accommodate a longer twin XL mattress.
Q. Can I use twin bedding on a twin XL mattress?
A. Some manufacturers make bedding that’s designed to fit both twin and twin XL mattresses. Such products will be labeled for either size of bed. The majority of twin XL comforters are 90-plus inches in length, while twin comforters are 86-plus inches in length. So the twin comforter will fit the twin XL mattress. However, a twin fitted sheet will not fit a twin XL mattress.
Q. Why would I use two twin XL mattresses instead of a king mattress?
A. Using two twin XL mattresses is roughly equal in size to a king mattress. Some people prefer this setup because they can push together two twin XL mattresses with different firmness levels. This allows each person sleeping in the bed to have the firmness of their choice. Using a king mattress typically limits you to one firmness level.
Q. How do I know when it’s time to buy a new mattress?
A. New mattresses should be purchased every five to 10 years. Mattresses tend to show some wear as they age, including rips, lumps, and sagging. If you notice any of these problems, find yourself unable to sleep comfortably, or wake up with aches and pains, a new mattress is a good idea.
