Leesa Legend
Best twin XL mattress for side sleepers
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A lot of folks think they need a queen or king mattress to be truly comfortable, but you can save money and space by opting for a twin-size bed. In fact, as we’ve been researching mattresses, we’ve found that some of our favorite picks also come in a twin size. These beds are great for people who live in smaller homes or have a guest bedroom, or who need a bed for their child or their new collegian’s dorm room. Whatever your reason for wanting a twin, we’re here to help you upgrade to a new bed.
What’s the best overall twin mattress?
The Tuft and Needle Nod is the best overall twin size because it’s a simple, comfortable mattress that won’t break the bank. It’s the entry-level model of one of the internet’s most popular beds, the Tuft and Needle, with the same signature feel that so many people sleep soundly on.
Mattress price scale:
$ = Budget: $799 and below
$$ = Average: $800 to $1,699
$$$ = Premium: $1,700 and up
These reflect MSRP or list prices. Sales might make a mattress less expensive, but are always changing.
Type Poly foam mattressFirmness medium or 5Trial 100 nightsWarranty 10-year limited warranty Price $
Why we chose the Tuft and Needle Nod: If you’re looking for the best twin mattress, you likely want something simple that’ll get the job done. You don’t need any fancy bells or whistles and generally want something comfortable. The Tuft and Needle Nod is an Amazon-exclusive mattress that delivers the same neutral and soft foam feel you get from the original Tuft and Needle. You can get the eight-inch twin-size Nod model for less than $400.
It has a medium firmness level, great for almost any sleeping position because it offers a good balance between soft and firm. It’s great for kids, young adults, people under 230 pounds and anyone who wants a generally inexpensive bed. If you have a heavier body type, I recommend the Tuft and Needle Nod Hybrid.
Pros:
- It’s an ultra-affordable bed
- Its medium firmness level suits all sleeping positions
Cons:
- The foam model isn’t ideal for heavier sleepers
- Small children may want a softer bed
Tuft and Needle Nod
Type Memory foam mattressFirmness 5 or mediumTrial 365 nightsWarranty Forever warranty Price $$
Why we chose the Nectar Premier: The Nectar Premier mattress is the replacement for the discontinued Nectar Lush bed. Although it’s a little different from the Lush model in terms of plushness, we still think it’s a comfortable memory foam mattress that’s suited for a wide range of sleeper types, which is why it tops our list of the best twin-size beds.
The Nectar Premier is 13 inches thick, and this mattress type is entirely made of foam. All the brand’s beds have a dense memory foam feel, and we weren’t surprised to find that this model is no different. When you lay down on the mattress, it’ll take a few seconds for the foam to mold to your body shape. Once it does, you can feel the bed gently hug your pressure points, and it provides really nice relief to your joints. It comes topped with a nice, poly-blend cooling cover, but there isn’t a noticeable cooling sensation when you lie down. Most people, unless they sleep hot, will think it’s more temperature-neutral.
Pros:
- Suits back, stomach and combination sleepers
- One of the thicker, more durable foam beds on our list
- Impressive trial and warranty policy
Cons:
- Heavier sleepers may want a hybrid model
- It’s a little more expensive than the other beds we’ve mentioned
Editor’s note: If you happen to already have a larger Nectar Premier mattress, you should be aware that in April 2022, the US Product Safety Commission posted a recall notice for certain Nectar Premier king- and queen-size mattresses because they pose a fire hazard. The affected mattresses, about 700 according to the agency, were manufactured on Sept. 24 and 27, 2021. To find out if your mattress is among those recalled, take a look at the information in the commission’s recall notice and on this page of the Nectar website.
Nectar Premier