Best Twin XL Mattress

Written by Loren Bullock, Certified Sleep Science Coach

Methodology

Here at Mattress Nerd, we’ve tested hundreds of mattresses to bring you unbiased, expert reviews of the top brands. Learn more.

In This Article

We’ll share our top picks for twin Xl mattress and

»

You might be purchasing a Twin XL mattress for your growing child, or maybe you want one for your college dorm. Perhaps you’re interested in purchasing two Twin XL mattresses for your King-size adjustable bed frame. Despite not being as popular as some of the traditional mattress sizes, a lot can be done with a Twin XL.

Which is exactly why we’ve put this list together! We’re giving this unsung hero of the mattress world its due with ten of our favorite models available for online purchase.

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Twin XL Mattress?

We chose the Helix Midnight as our Nerd’s Pick because of its cooling capabilities and generous pricepoint. Not convinced? Read on for our other options.

Best Twin XL Mattresses of 2023

• Helix Midnight—Nerd’s Pick
• Saatva—Best Twin XL Mattress for Back Pain
• DreamCloud—Best Twin XL Mattress for Adjustable Bed
• Nectar—Best Memory Foam Twin XL Mattress
• WinkBed—Best Twin XL Mattress for Adults
• Leesa—Best Twin XL Mattress for Kids
• Brooklyn Titan—Best Twin XL Mattress for Heavy People
• Nolah Evolution—Best Hybrid Twin XL Mattress
• Bear—Best Twin XL Mattress for College Students
• Casper Wave Hybrid—Best Luxury Twin XL Mattress 

Nerd’s Pick – Helix Midnight

Pros of the Helix Midnight

Budget-friendly

Good motion isolation

Pretty cooling

Cons of the Helix Midnight

Not the best for heavyweight sleepers

Not super responsive

The Helix Midnight is a well-rounded, affordable Twin XL mattress that has wide appeal because of its middle-of-the-road firmness and high scores in performance factors such as pressure relief and durability. 

The Helix Midnight performed well for lightweight and average-weight sleepers, regardless of preferred sleeping position. This means that kids and many college students and adults can find comfort on the Twin XL Helix Midnight mattress.

What our testers say: “The Helix Midnight was designed for side sleepers of all weights. The middle layer of the bed supports the contours of your body, allowing the shoulders and the hips to nestle into the bed.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Other User Reviews

The Helix Midnight rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Helix website. The main negative is that reviewers tend to find it too soft for their liking and feel as though they’re sinking. But overall, users say they’re getting a great nights’ sleep and some pain relief.

See our full Helix Midnight Mattress Review to learn more! Or, for more options, take a look at our list of the best mattresses of 2023.

Best for Back Pain – Saatva

Pros of the Saatva

Great temperature control

Responsive

Good for people with back pain

Cons of the Saatva

Pricey

Not the best at motion isolation

The construction of the Saatva mattress includes two lumbar support layers, making this hybrid a good choice if you suffer from back pain. In addition to the lumbar support layers, the Saatva also includes pocketed coil layers, durable support coils, and a Euro top with an organic cotton cover. All together, the construction of this mattress provides that coveted hotel-bed feel. 

For a Twin XL, the Saatva might cost a bit more than you expected to pay, but the quality absolutely justifies the price. With perfect scores in Ease of Movement, Edge Support, Temperature Control, and Durability, this mattress has a whole lot going for it.

What our testers say: “The Saatva is an excellent mattress for back sleepers thanks to the balance of reinforced lumbar support, a lightly conforming pillow top, and a supportive double coil system. The lumbar support keeps the body’s heavier core from sinking in too far, while the top foam layer paired with durable support coils keeps the spine’s natural ‘S’ curve. ” — Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Other User Reviews

According to Saatva’s website, the Classic comes in at 4.8 out of 5 stars. Reviews are generally positive, praising the bed’s high-quality construction and comfort. Some customers complained about issues with delivery or felt the bed didn’t hold up as long as they would’ve liked.

See our full Saatva Mattress Review to learn more! Or, for more options, take a look at our list of the best mattresses for back pain.

Best for Adjustable Beds – DreamCloud

Pros of the DreamCloud

Cooling

Responsive

Good motion isolation

Cons of the DreamCloud

A bit pricey

Not the best for heavyweight stomach sleepers

Not the best pressure relief for lightweight side sleepers

An adjustable bed can be a game changer when it comes to sleep, as it enables you to change lofts at the touch of a button, which can help make you much more comfortable. If you have one of these products, it’s essential that you purchase a mattress that is compatible with it—a mattress like the DreamCloud. 

The DreamCloud has a hybrid construction that supports and comforts at the same time. It’s 6.5/10 firmness feels especially good when you’re on your back, so you can pop your adjustable frame into an elevated position and cozily watch tv in bed. The future is here.

What our testers say: “The DreamCloud has a true hybrid feel. When you first lie down, you feel cushioned by the soft memory foam top layers. The further you sink into the mattress, the more you notice the support of the coil layer. We feel more “on top” of this mattress than hugged by it.” –Becca, Mattress Tester

Other User Reviews

The DreamCloud Original scores a solid 4.7 out of 5 stars among customers on its site. Reviews are mixed on the firmness of the mattress but overall users are satisfied with the comfort and say that their sleep has improved. 

See our full DreamCloud Mattress Review for more info! 

Best Memory Foam – Nectar

Pros of the Nectar

Cooling for a foam mattress

Great motion isolation

Cons of the Nectar

Not great for stomach sleepers

Not very responsive

The Nectar mattress has a memory foam construction that provides solid motion isolation and pressure relief. It’s an especially good choice for Twin XL shoppers out there, as it can usually be purchased for right around $799, so even if you want to replace it after a few years you won’t have invested too much money in it.

But, if you fall in love with your Twin XL Nectar and want to hang onto it, you’ll be pleased to learn that each mattress comes with a generous lifetime warranty.

What our testers say: “If you experience a lot of pain in your shoulders or hips, the Nectar is a good option—it offers enough pressure relief to cushion average-weight side sleepers. Lightweight sleepers with shoulder pain may not sink deep enough into the foam to get deep body contouring, while heavier side sleepers will likely press all the way down to the firm support layer.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Other User Reviews

With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars. The majority of negative reviews found the bed too firm, too soft, or thought it started to sink too quickly. But positive reviews praise its comfort and cushioning ability.

Read the full Nectar Mattress Review to learn more! Interested in more options? Take a look at our list of the best memory foam mattresses.

Best for Adults – WinkBed

Pros of the WinkBed

Ideal for all sleeping positions and body types

Cooling

Responsive

Cons of the WinkBed

Not the best motion isolation

Some pressure buildup

Twin XL mattresses aren’t just for kids and college students. They offer an affordable, space-saving alternative to the larger size mattresses, and for some people they have plenty of surface areas to be comfortable. The WinkBed is a great option for adults looking for a high-quality, well-constructed Twin XL bed.

This mattress works well for all body types and sleeping positions, so no matter what it should make you feel comforted and supported. It also has exceptional temperature regulation abilities, meaning it can help you sleep cooler at night, even if there is a heatwave going on.

What our testers say: “We thought the WinkBed had really great edge support, meaning that the mattress doesn’t dip or slouch when you are sitting or sleeping near the edge. The WinkBed is also built with high-density foam, which can help prevent sagging.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Other User Reviews

On the WinkBeds site, the WinkBed earns a 4.8 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews focus on problems with delivery and removal. But overall, people seem satisfied and consider the bed supportive and sturdy. Read our full WinkBed mattress review! 

Best for Kids – Leesa

Pros of the Leesa

Responsive

Relatively affordable

Great for lightweight sleepers

Cons of the Leesa

Not great edge support

Not good for heavier sleepers

If your kid is starting to hit those big growth spurts, it might be time to upgrade them to a Twin XL. The Leesa is an excellent choice because it scored well for lightweight sleepers in all sleeping positions. This means that no matter how your child likes to rest, the Leesa will have their back. 

You might be reluctant to spend too much money on a new mattress for your kid, as they might outgrow their Twin XL as quickly as they outgrew their first mattress. Well, the good news is that the Leesa mattress usually sells for the (relatively) low price of $799.

What our testers say: “Most lightweight to average-weight combination sleepers will enjoy the Leesa mattress. The memory foam layers work to prevent motion transfer, and the top layer does an excellent job of responding to your movements.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

See our full Leesa Mattress Review! For more great options, check out our list of the best mattresses for kids.

Best for Heavy People – Brooklyn Titan

Pros of the Titan

Cooling

Great for back and stomach sleepers

Fairly affordable

Cons of the Titan

Too firm for lighter sleepers

Not the best motion isolation

Heavy people (above 230 lbs) need their mattress to provide plenty of support. The Brooklyn Titan was designed with this in mind. Its foam and coil construction makes for a durable, yet comfortable mattress that performs very well for large individuals.

Keep in mind, Twin XL mattresses have a 38” x 80” surface area, so you might not have a ton of room to move around. That said, if you have no choice but to go with this size mattress, then you can’t do much better than the Brooklyn Titan.

What our testers say: “Titan mattresses are good for heavier individuals–no matter their sleep position–looking for a supportive mattress. This bed is also good for people who toss and turn and those who sleep hot at night.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Other User Reviews

Users on Titan by Brooklyn Bedding’s site have given the Titan Plus a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Customers say that overall, the bed’s firmness holds up. A few complained about the lack of edge support and that their sheets sometimes slide off. Many negative reviews suggest not buying the bed frame that comes with it, but the mattress itself works great for them.

See our full Brooklyn Titan Mattress Review! For more great options, check out our list of the best mattresses for heavy people.

Best Hybrid – Nolah Evolution

Pros of the Nolah Evolution

Responsive

Cooling

Great for lightweight sleepers

Cons of the Nolah Evolution

Not the best for heavy people

Not a good option for stomach sleepers

When we talk about high-quality constructions here at Mattress Nerd, we’re usually talking about hybrid mattresses. The Nolah Evolution is one of these hybrids that we often cite as having an impressive, high-quality construction.

This impressiveness is evidenced by the fact that the Nolah Evolution scored a 4/5 or higher on every one of our performance tests, including perfect scores in both temperature regulation and durability.

What our testers say: “In our view, the Nolah Evolution lives up to the brand’s claims that it sleeps exceptionally cool. It’s packed with advanced cooling features, from the graphite-infused foam on top to the breathable support coils on the bottom. Plus, cooling fibers in the cover draw heat away from the body.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Other User Reviews

Earning a 4.9 out of 5 stars on Nolah’s website, the Nolah Evolution seems to be a hit. Negative reviews tend to focus on personal preference or regrets about ordering the wrong firmness. Overall, customers are satisfied with the feel and comfort. Many reported their aches and pains disappearing after making the switch to Nolah Evolution.

See our full Nolah Evolution Mattress Review! For more great options, check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses.

Best for College Students – Bear

Pros of the Bear

Fairly cooling

Bouncy

Good for athletes

Cons of the Bear

Poor motion isolation

Not the best for side sleepers

We get it—college dorms aren’t exactly known for their great mattresses. While most students will opt to grit their teeth and bare through a few years of discomfort, some will choose instead to bring their own mattress. If this sounds like you, we suggest you consider the Bear. 

The Twin XL Bear mattress is affordable and well-rounded, great for the college student who isn’t looking for something too fancy, but can’t imagine sleeping on their stiff dorm room bed for four whole years.

What our testers say: “Though memory foam mattresses typically aren’t very responsive, Bear’s transition layer is distinctly buoyant—even bouncy. That’s why combination sleepers should have such an easy time changing positions on the Bear mattress.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Other User Reviews

According to Bear’s website, the Bear Original scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. The majority of reviewers praise the bed’s comfortable construction and comfort after upgrading from an old mattress. Negative reviews tend to fluctuate between saying the bed was too firm or too soft, indicative of personal preference issues.

See our full Bear Mattress Review!

Best Luxury – Casper Wave Hybrid

Pros of the Casper Wave Hybrid

Great motion isolation

Cooling technology

Cons of the Casper Wave Hybrid

Expensive

May be too soft

Maybe your space calls for a Twin XL, but you want to spare no expense on the quality of the mattress. In that case, go with something luxurious like the Casper Wave Hybrid. This mattress scored exceptionally well on all of our mattress lab tests, such as ease of movement and edge support—two factors that are very important if you like to move around and use up the entire surface of the bed.

The Casper Wave Hybrid is one of the more expensive mattresses on this list, but it’s also one of the most impressive. In addition to comfort and support, the Casper also comes with a generous lifetime warranty.

What our testers say: “The Casper Wave Hybrid has everything we look for in a mattress for lightweight and average-weight combination sleepers. First, it supports every sleeping position so you’ll feel comfortable no matter how you choose to sleep each night. Next, it has a relatively responsive surface, which means lighter people can switch positions seamlessly.” –Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

See our full Casper Wave Hybrid Mattress Review! For more great options, check out our list of the best luxury mattresses.

What is a Twin XL Mattress?

A Twin XL mattress is slightly larger than a Twin mattress, and slightly smaller than a Full mattress. Think of it as the logical choice for people who want more room than a Twin provides, but don’t quite need the surface area of a Full.

Twin vs. Twin XL Mattress

A Twin mattress measures 38” x 75” while a Twin XL measures 38” x 80”, so with a Twin XL you get an extra 5” of length. This is important for taller people who like to stretch out and not worry about their feet dangling off of the end of their mattress. 

Twin XL vs. Full Mattress

The surface area of a Full mattress measures 54” x 75”, meaning it is much wider than a Twin XL and just a little bit shorter. The extra width on a Full is great if you need some extra space to roll around, but they do cost a bit more than Twin XL mattresses.

Mattress Size Guide

Who Should Buy a Twin XL Mattress?

College students and growing kids are both in situations that justify a Twin XL mattress, and the common theme between the two is that their sleep situations are temporary. Then there are people who want to make use of a dual-sided adjustable bed, for which Twin XL mattresses can come in handy.

College Students

One thing that seems consistent across college campuses is that the dorm-room mattresses leave a lot to be desired. For that reason, some students may choose to purchase their own mattress. 

Generally, the bedframes in college dorms support the Twin XL mattress size, so this is what most students will purchase if they want to up their on-campus sleep game. Plus, once they graduate, they have a nice transition mattress that can be used until they’re ready to upgrade to a Full or Queen.

Growing Kids

Because young children can grow pretty quickly, that Twin mattress of theirs may not cut it for too long. So, it may be a good idea to invest in a Twin XL. The extra five inches of length should sufficiently accommodate them until they go off to college. And, if they want, your kid can even take their Twin XL mattress to college with them. Just make sure you send them with a nice new set of Twin XL sheets as well.

Adjustable Bed Shoppers

You may not know this, but two Twin XL mattresses pushed together make one King size bed! Why is this important? Well, if you’re shopping for an adjustable King bed frame that can be customized on each side, you’ll need two separate Twin XL mattresses to get your full use out of it. It’s important that you look for Twin XL mattresses that are compatible with adjustable bed frames. On this list, we recommend the DreamCloud for this purpose.

Twin XL Mattress Considerations

Pressure Relief: This measures how well a mattress supports sensitive areas like shoulders and hips. Good pressure relief is very important if you’re prone to aches and pains.

Temperature Regulation: If staying cool at night is one of your top priorities, definitely look for a mattress with good temperature regulation. Generally, you’ll find this in hybrid mattresses.

Edge Support: This measures the strength of a bed’s perimeter. For Twin XL shoppers, you should pay close attention to this, as you might find yourself rolling to the edge of your somewhat narrow mattress.

Ease of Movement: Also referred to as responsiveness, this factor contributes to your ability to easily change sleeping positions and get in and out of bed.

Durability: If you hope to keep your mattress in top shape for many years, then you’d better look for a product with high durability. 

Best Twin XL Mattress FAQs

Which is better, a Twin XL or a Twin?

Neither one is inherently better, but it’s likely that one or the other will be better suited for your situation. Basically, a Twin XL mattress is 5 inches longer than a Twin, but a Twin will cost you less money. So you need to consider whether saving money or having extra room on your mattress is more important to you. 

Who is a Twin XL best for?

Twin XLs are generally good options for growing kids or college students, but if you’re a single adult with a small bedroom, a Twin XL can be a great option to conserve space.

What bed size is best for me?

This depends on many things! Do you sleep alone? Do you spread out when you sleep? Do you have a lot of space or are you in a cramped apartment? Check out our mattress size guide for more options.

Recap: Top Rated Full-Size Mattresses

Mattress Model	Award
Helix Midnight	Nerd’s Pick
Saatva Classic	Best Twin XL Mattress for Back Pain
DreamCloud	Best Twin XL Mattress for Adjustable Beds
Nectar Original	Best Memory Foam Twin XL Mattress
The WinkBed	Best Twin XL Mattress for Adults
Leesa	Best Twin XL Mattress for Kids
Brooklyn Titan	Best Twin XL Mattress for Heavy People
Nolah Evolution	Best Hybrid Twin XL Mattress
Bear	Best Twin XL Mattress for College Students
Casper Wave Hybrid	Best Luxury Twin XL Mattress

Loren Bullock

Certified Sleep Science Coach

About Author

Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd and a Certified Sleep Science Coach, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.

Combination Sleeper

Education & Credentials

• Certified Sleep Science Coach