Best Twin XL Mattresses of 2023

Do you have a tall teenager who’s outgrown their old twin mattress or a college student who wants an upgrade for their dorm? Maybe you’re a recent graduate furnishing a small bedroom in a studio apartment. Or maybe you’re a homeowner looking to outfit your guest room with just enough mattress for the occasional overnight visitor. If any of these descriptions applies to you, you should look into a high-quality twin XL mattress.

Measuring 38″ wide and 80″ long, twin XL mattresses are a good fit for tall sleepers and tight spaces. Check out our top picks for the best twin XL mattresses, followed by our buyer’s guide to finding the right twin XL bed for you.

Best Twin XL Mattress: Our Top Picks

• Best Innerspring Twin XL Mattress – Saatva Classic
• Best Twin XL Mattress for Hot Sleepers – Helix Midnight
• Best Twin XL Mattress for Restless Sleepers – Nolah Signature 12″
• Best Twin XL Mattress for Customizable Firmness – WinkBed
• Best Twin XL Mattress for Adjustable Beds – Bear Original
• Best Twin XL Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Brooklyn Signature Hybrid
• Best Organic Twin XL Mattress – Birch Natural
• Best Twin XL Mattress for Side Sleepers – DreamCloud
• Best Flippable Twin XL Mattress – Layla
• Best Twin XL Mattress for Back Sleepers – Leesa

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Saatva Classic

What makes it a great twin XL innerspring mattress:

A luxury hybrid mattress, the Saatva Classic packs a premium level of comfort into its five layers, including a Euro pillow top, an abundance of memory foam, and two coil layers that add breathability, durability, and responsiveness. The mattress is even customizable—you can choose between plush soft, luxury firm, and firm options to get the ideal firmness level for your preferred sleep position. No matter which firmness you choose, the Saatva provides exceptional lumbar support and optimal spine alignment to combat back pain.

The company goes above and beyond to guarantee both quality and customer satisfaction, starting with the use of eco-friendly materials and extending to free white glove delivery, a 365-night sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty. The Saatva Classic’s durability and comfort help this hybrid stand out among other high-quality coil mattresses.

Read our full Saatva Classic mattress review. For more coil-layer beds, see our roundup of best innerspring mattresses.

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Helix Midnight

What makes it a great twin XL mattress for hot sleepers:

The Helix Midnight is a hybrid bed, with an inner layer of individually wrapped coils. It’s a good mattress for hot sleepers since its use of coils means it maintains good airflow and doesn’t trap heat like many all-foam mattresses. This mattress comes with a breathable cover, or you can choose to make the bed even cooler by adding a GlacioTex Cooling Cover when you check out. We gave it an above-average 8/10 for cooling in our testing, even without the addition of the bonus cooling cover.

With a medium-firm feel, the Midnight works for a variety of sleeping positions. For side sleepers and those who like a softer feel, contouring memory foam delivers a soft, pressure-relieving surface. For those who need a firmer mattress, the upper layers are made from Helix’s Dynamic Foam. It scored above average in all of our evaluations, making it a well-rounded option.

Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review. You can also check out our list of the best mattresses for hot sleepers.

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Nolah Signature 12″

What makes it the best twin XL mattress for restless sleepers:

For restless sleepers who toss and turn, a highly responsive mattress could make the difference between a restful night’s sleep and a night spent struggling against a mattress that feels like it’s trapping you. The Nolah Signature 12″, which scores an impressive 9.5/10 for responsiveness in Mattress Advisor testing, could be not only that difference-maker but a complete game-changer.

The Nolah’s responsiveness, combined with its pressure-relieving qualities, makes it a good option for side sleepers and combination sleepers. Although the twin XL size is on the pricey side ($1,199), you do get a limited lifetime warranty and a 120-night sleep trial.

Read our full Nolah Signature 12″ mattress review. You can also see our Nolah Original 10″ mattress review to check out a similar bed from the same brand.

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WinkBed

What makes it the best twin XL mattress for customizable firmness:

When it comes to firmness options, the WinkBeds mattress does Goldilocks one better. You can choose one of four firmness levels: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, or PLUS. These options should make it a lot easier to zero in on how soft or firm you like your mattress.

Results from our testing lab show that WinkBeds also has a lot to offer combination sleepers (9/10 for responsiveness) and people who sleep near the edge of the mattress (9.75/10 for edge support. However, the 7.75/10 score for pressure relief could be problematic for those who have joint pain.

Read our full WinkBeds mattress review. You can also check out our roundups of best soft mattresses and best medium-firm mattresses.

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Bear Original

What makes it the best twin XL mattress for adjustable beds:

The Bear Original mattress is a great choice for adjustable beds thanks to its all-foam design, which makes it more flexible than a spring mattress. It performed very well on our cooling test (9/10) and our responsiveness test (9/10), so it’s breathable and won’t leave you feeling stuck in the memory foam.

It’s also quite affordable, coming in at just $811 for a twin XL mattress, which is important if you’re going to be purchasing two for a split king adjustable bed. The Bear is compatible with bases of this type, and has a middle-of-the-road firmness that should appeal to both you and your partner.

Read our full Bear Original mattress review. You can also check out our roundup of best mattresses for adjustable beds.

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Brooklyn Signature Hybrid

What makes it the best twin XL mattress for combination sleepers:

The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid is Brooklyn Bedding’s most popular mattress. Because it comes in soft, medium, and firm, you can choose the best firmness feel for your sleep needs. Since the mattress has responsive transition foam and bouncy coils, all firmnesses should work well for combination sleepers. Our 8.25/10 responsiveness score for this mattress tells us that it should be easy to switch sleeping positions at night.

The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid’s quilted topper, multiple foam layers, and pocket-coil layer combine to provide the right amount of contouring and support for those who like a firm but not stiff bed. At $832 for a twin XL (regular price), this mattress offers solid value for a high-quality product.

Read our full Brooklyn Signature Hybrid mattress review. Also, see our roundup of best mattresses for combination sleepers.

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Birch Natural

What makes it the best organic twin XL mattress:

Those wanting a twin XL mattress with materials they can trust should certainly opt for the Birch Natural. You’ll find high-quality and eco-friendly materials in virtually every layer, including organic cotton, natural wool, and natural Talalay latex. The mattress has GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and eco-INSTITUT certifications to solidify its organic credentials. The Birch Natural is a wonderful option for people with sensitive skin or allergies. It’s also a pretty good choice for hot sleepers, as its breathable latex and coils earn it an 8/10 for cooling.

If you’re willing to pay for quality materials, you might not be thrown by the idea of paying over $1,400 for a twin XL Birch Natural. On the other hand, you do get a 25-year warranty that beats the industry standard.

Read our full Birch Natural mattress review. You can also compare similar beds in our roundup of best organic mattresses.

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DreamCloud

What makes it the best twin XL mattress for side sleepers:

In evaluating the best mattresses for side sleepers, we pay particular attention to pressure relief and spine alignment—two testing categories where the original DreamCloud hybrid truly shines. Our testers give the DreamCloud 9/10 scores for both pressure relief and spine alignment. They specifically note that side sleepers should feel minimal pressure in the shoulders and hips, the two most pressure-sensitive areas for the side-sleeping position. Also, the DreamCloud’s medium-firm feel (6.5/10) matches up well with most average-weight side sleepers.

The regular price for a twin XL is nearly $1,100, making the DreamCloud one of our more expensive options. Still, you should weigh the price against DreamCloud’s lifetime warranty and 365-night sleep trial in terms of overall value.

Read our full DreamCloud mattress review. Also, see our roundup of best mattresses for side sleepers.

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Layla

What makes it the best flippable twin XL mattress:

The key feature of flippable mattresses is their versatility, but the Layla memory foam mattress is simply a great product no matter which side you sleep on. It earns very high marks in testing categories including responsiveness (9.5/10) and pressure relief (9/10). The flippable design lets you choose between a medium-soft or medium-firm surface, which can come in handy if you ever need to change things up—like going firmer in the event of a back injury, for example.

The Layla is affordably priced at $849 for a twin XL, especially considering the copper gel-infused memory foam and other quality materials. You also get a lifetime warranty and a 120-night sleep trial to try out one or both sides.

Read our full Layla mattress review. You can compare more dual-sided beds in our roundup of best flippable mattresses.

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Leesa

What makes it the best twin XL mattress for back sleepers:

To help ensure comfortable support for multiple sleeping positions, including back sleepers, the designers of the original Leesa mattress literally take a layered approach. The 2″ comfort layer of breathable foam is anchored by a 2″ memory foam recovery layer and a 6″ stability layer of high-density foam. The deep stability layer can help prevent a back sleeper’s shoulders and mid-section from sinking in too deeply and throwing off spinal alignment. In fact, our testers give the Leesa a solid 9/10 spine alignment score. The medium-firm (6/10) feel should work well with back sleepers under 230 lbs.

You can currently get a twin XL Leesa for $899 regular price, not counting sales or discounts, and the mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial.

Read our full Leesa mattress review. To see more options, check out our roundup of best mattresses for back sleepers.

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Best Twin XL Mattress Buyer’s Guide

With so many options available, shopping for a new mattress can feel overwhelming. In our twin XL mattress buyer’s guide, we have sought to make the process simple.

In this guide, we’ll go over:

• What is a Twin XL Size Mattress?
• Twin XL Pros and Cons
• What to Look for in a Twin XL Mattress
• Who is Best Suited for a Twin XL Mattress?

What is a Twin XL Size Mattress?

A twin XL mattress is the second-smallest adult mattress size. It’s a variation on the shorter twin mattress, which is sometimes called a single. With their long and narrow dimensions, twin XL mattresses are a good fit for tall single sleepers between 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-8.

Mattress Size	Width	Length
Twin	38″	75″
Twin XL	38″	80”
Full	54″	75″
Queen	60″	80″
King	76″	80″

At 38” wide and 80” long, twin XL mattresses are the same width as twin mattresses but 5 inches longer. They’re the same length as queen-size and king-size mattresses, but narrower. They’re narrower but longer than full-size mattresses.

Related: Twin vs Twin XL and Twin XL vs Full

Twin XL Pros and Cons

Like any mattress size, the twin XL has advantages and disadvantages. It can fit a variety of sleepers and sleep spaces, but it’s not for everyone. Pros and cons include:

Pros

• They fit easily into small spaces, like dorm rooms, studio apartment bedrooms, or guest rooms
• They’re typically about $100 cheaper than a full and $200 cheaper than a queen mattress from the same brand
• A twin XL offers a good fit for many people taller than average (over 6’3″)

Cons

• Due to their narrow width, twin XLs are ideal for single sleepers only
• People with broad shoulders might find a twin XL too narrow for comfort
• Since it’s not the most popular size, twin XL sheets and other accessories can be harder to find

What to Look for in a Twin XL Mattress

Before you buy a twin XL, take the time to consider factors besides the size of the mattress. A good mattress needs to fit your budget and comfort needs in addition to just, well, fitting. Important considerations for mattress shoppers include:

Materials and Design

• Memory foam mattresses are made using foam that contours around the sleeper’s body. Memory foam beds offer great pressure relief, making them a good choice for side sleepers and adults with aches and pains. Another benefit to foam beds is that there are plenty of high-quality, low-cost bed-in-a-box options that can be shipped directly.
• Innerspring mattresses use an inner core of coils that deliver a bouncy, supportive feel. Most spring mattresses are medium-firm or firmer, delivering the right support for back and stomach sleepers. Because coil mattresses are incredibly breathable, they help hot sleepers sleep cool.
• Hybrid mattresses use a combination of innersprings and foam or latex layers. With one or more comfort layers above the innerspring coils, hybrid mattresses cushion pressure points better than traditional innerspring mattresses. Hybrid mattresses are usually more expensive than all-foam or spring mattresses, so they’re best for those planning to keep their mattress for a decade or more.
• Latex mattresses have a lot to offer in terms of cooling, spine alignment, and a responsive surface that provides a springy feel. Latex mattress foam can be all-natural, synthetic, or a natural-synthetic blend. Naturally derived foam has the advantage of being hypoallergenic. On the minus side, the cost of obtaining and processing latex often makes latex beds more expensive than the typical mattress.

Sleeping Position

Picking a mattress according to your sleeping position is an important factor that can affect your choices on everything from mattress materials to firmness. The reason is that each position puts a certain amount of stress on the parts of your body that make the deepest contact with your mattress.

• With side sleepers, the downward-facing shoulder and hip make deepest contact. Good pressure relief in those areas is a must.
• With stomach sleepers, the hips and midsection sink into the top layers. This positioning requires a medium-firm or firm mattress with strong spine alignment.
• Back sleepers use what’s recognized as the healthiest sleeping position, but they do need adequate firmness (medium or medium-firm) and spine alignment.
• Combination sleepers who alternate between positions need a responsive mattress that makes it easier for them to shift around.

Comfort Factors

Our mattress review process includes testing categories for pressure relief, spine alignment, and cooling. These factors heavily influence the comfort level of any given mattress.

• Pressure Relief: A good pressure-relieving mattress gently supports pressure-sensitive areas that make deep contact with the surface, including the lower back, hips, and shoulders.
• Spine Alignment: Quality mattresses help you maintain a gently curving arc from your lower back up to the base of your neck, keeping your spine in a neutral alignment.
• Cooling: Mattresses that use foam infused with semi-liquid cooling gel, breathable fabric covers, and similar features help prevent overheating and night sweats.
• Responsiveness: A mattress that responds well to movement or pressure makes it easier for you to move around on the surface, an especially important quality for combination sleepers and restless sleepers.

Firmness

Most mattresses measure their firmness on a 1-10 scale, going from softest to firmest. The general guidelines for mattress firmness are just that—general. However, most people can enjoy a good sleep experience if they keep a few things in mind.

• Soft Mattresses (4/10-5/10)—Good for side sleepers who weigh less than average
• Medium to Medium-Firm Mattresses (5-7)—Good for average-weight side sleepers and some back sleepers
• Firm Mattresses (7-8)—Good for stomach sleepers, many heavier sleepers, and people with back pain

One rule of thumb about mattress firmness is to be careful about the extremes. Too much softness and you can sink too deeply into the mattress, possibly leading to joint pain. Too much firmness and you risk waking up sore because the mattress doesn’t have enough yield in the right places. A medium or medium-firm mattress will probably be fine for most people.

Related: Choose Your Mattress Firmness by Sleeping Position

Price

Mattress prices vary widely, depending on the brand, materials, and design. With a twin XL, you can generally expect to pay somewhere in the $800-$1,000 range for a high-quality bed. The affordability of the twin XL size is one of things that make this mattress a great choice for areas like guest rooms.

Related:

• Best Mattresses Under $500
• Best Mattresses Under $1,000
• Best Budget Mattresses

Who is Best Suited for a Twin XL Mattress?

• Kids and Teenagers—Even though a twin XL can accommodate people up to 6’3″, average-height youngsters might enjoy the extra room to stretch their arms above their heads.
• College Students—Twin XL is the standard size for college dorm beds, ensuring that even tall sleepers have adequate leg room. Because dorm rooms tend to be small, a twin XL provides a good balance between sleeping room and floor space.
• Single Adults—A twin XL could be just the right size for a solo sleeper, especially if they live in a small apartment or a house with a small bedroom.
• People with Guest Rooms—In most homes, the smallest room is saved for the guest bedroom. Guest beds often need to fit into small spaces, and the narrowness of a twin XL mattress makes it a good space-saver.

Related: Get even more details on the ins and outs of choosing a mattress in our Mattress Buying Guide.

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Recap: Our Top Picks for Best Twin XL Mattress

Mattress	Award	MA Score
Saatva	Best Innerspring Mattress	9.0/10
Helix Midnight	Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers	8.7/10
Nolah Signature 12″	Best for Restless Sleepers	8.6/10
WinkBed	Best for Customizable Firmness	8.6/10
Bear Original	Best for Adjustable Beds	8.6/10
Brooklyn Signature Hybrid	Best for Combination Sleepers	8.8/10
Birch Natural	Best Organic Mattress	9.2/10
DreamCloud	Best Mattress for Side Sleepers	9.0/10
Layla	Best Flippable Mattress	8.8/10
Leesa	Best Mattress for Back Sleepers	9.1/10

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Summary

Twin XL mattresses are popular for tall teens, college students, and guest bedrooms. Their slight size is a great space saver for tight spaces like dorm rooms, guest rooms, and studio apartments. After combing through our list and buyer’s guide, we hope you’ve found the twin XL bed of your dreams—or at least, you have a better idea of what to look for.