Twin XL vs. Twin Mattresses: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to mattresses and the different options that are available, twin XL and twin beds are some of the smallest sizes you’ll run into.

Twin and twin XL mattresses have slight differences in sizes, but they are both recommended for single sleepers. These beds are known to offer universal comfort since they offer a comfortable space for adults and young children. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of twin and twin XL beds.

What’s a Twin Size Mattress?

A twin size mattress is the smallest amongst all standard size mattresses, measuring 38 inches wide and 74 or 75 inches long. Twin beds are most popular for their affordability and are priced around $250 to $300. Since they come at such a low cost, many parents will buy them for small children transitioning from toddler beds.

Though these beds are great for small children, many adults and growing teens will also find twin beds to be comfortable. A twin mattress can be the best size for anyone considering a budget mattress.

The Pros and Cons of a Twin Bed

Twin beds might be the perfect choice for a single adult sleeper, teen, or small child. Take a look at some of the advantages of sleeping on twin beds.

Pros

Parents love to purchase twin beds for their children, especially because they do not take up much space. It’s common for twin beds to be paired with bunk bed mattresses, which makes it easier for parents to find beds for siblings.

If you have a large bedroom, you can also place multiple beds in your room without causing any crowding. This was even the idea behind single and twin mattresses, as a twin mattress is meant to imply the bed is half of a pair while a single mattress is a standalone bed.

Twin beds are accessible for most shoppers. Plus, you’ll be able to find bedding and accessories to accommodate your mattress easily. Plus, you won’t have to break your budget to buy them.

Cons

As we mentioned above, twin beds are the smallest standard mattress size. It is only 75 inches long, and while that is sufficient in a mattress for kids, taller teens and adult sleepers might feel constricted in these beds. If a twin bed is too small for you, a twin XL might be a better option.

What’s a Twin XL Size Mattress?

Twin XL size mattresses measure 38 inches by 80 inches and offer more legroom than a standard twin bed. They are very similar to standard twin beds and will accommodate single sleepers, adults, and children. Not to mention, taller sleepers over 6 feet will have more space to sleep comfortably on twin XL beds.

If you want a simple, small mattress for a guest room that can accommodate most solo visitors, a twin XL size bed is a good choice.

The Pros and Cons of a Twin XL Bed

Twin XL mattresses are another great option for single sleepers. Let’s take a look at some of the perks of purchasing these beds.

Pros

Twin beds are the same length as queen mattresses, offering more space for single sleepers. With 5 inches of additional legroom, taller sleepers will be able to sleep on these mattresses without worrying about their legs hanging off the bed.

College students also gravitate toward these beds since they fit in most college dorm rooms. Some students will even purchase their own beds to make their sleeping experience a bit more comfy while they’re away from home. Parents can plan ahead with a mattress for teenagers by choosing one that can provide comfort when a child moves out.

Cons

Twin XL beds are a little more expensive than twin beds, and their accessories will be a little more pricey as well. Not all mattress manufacturers offer twin XL as a mattress option. So, it may be a bit more difficult to get your hands on one. With that being said, twin XL mattresses might also come with a higher price tag.

Other Mattress Sizes for Single Sleepers

Twin and twin XL beds are not the only mattress size available for single sleepers. Full and queen mattresses are also a great investment for sleepers who want a bit more sleeping space. Let’s take a closer look at the details of the queen and full beds.

Full

Full size mattresses or double mattresses are a bit wider than twin beds, measuring 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. Most sleepers will trade their twin beds out for a full bed since they offer more room for a single sleeper. They are similar to twin beds because they are compact enough to fit into small bedrooms.

However, they are not a suitable choice for couples. There will not be enough room for two single adults to sleep comfortably. Instead, couples should look at queen beds.

Queen

Queen size mattresses are the most popular mattress size because they offer comfort for single sleepers and couples. Queen beds measure 60 inches by 80 inches, offering those who sleep with a partner an equal amount of sleeping space.

Another great thing about these beds is that they are pretty affordable for the average sleeper. Queen beds are not the largest standard size, so you shouldn’t have a problem fitting them in your bedroom.

It’s usually a good idea to make sure you have 10 feet by 10 feet of space for your bed to fit comfortably. So, if you have a bedroom smaller than this, look for full and twin beds to save space.

How to Choose the Best Mattress

Before you make your purchase be sure to consider your room size and your mattress budget. Here are a few things you should look for in the best mattresses while out shopping.

Consider Room Size

Always consider the size of your bedroom before you purchase your mattress. Knowing the size of your bedroom will help prevent purchasing the incorrect mattress. Purchasing a mattress that is too large will only crowd your space and make your sleeping environment extremely uncomfortable, which could impact your sleep.

You’ll want to have a clean and clutter-free environment so that you feel relaxed before bedtime. Ideally, you want about 3 feet of space around the bed.

In the case of twin beds, you’ll want to have a room that is at least 9 feet by 9 feet. ​​A full and queen mattress often benefits from being placed in a room that’s at least 10 feet by 10 feet.

Budget

Queen, full and twin beds are all budget-friendly beds. Most sleepers can find a quality budget mattress in any of these sizes between $200 and $700. Depending on the mattress materials, your bed might be a little more expensive.

It’s not uncommon to see latex foam or memory foam mattresses cost upwards of $1,000. These beds are usually seen as a better long-term investment for sleepers since they are less likely to become damaged.

For instance, a latex mattress will last up to 15 to 20 years. Meanwhile, cheap alternatives may only last for 5 to 7 years.

Number of Sleepers

If you are a single sleeper, you’ll probably be able to sleep comfortably. But we should mention that they are not the best fit for all sleepers. Some individuals prefer beds with ample sleeping space so they can sprawl out. So, it may be a better idea to get a bigger mattress, like a full or a queen mattress.

Couples or those who are co-sleeping with small children will not feel comfortable on a twin bed. Instead, they should seek a larger mattress for couples, with the best sizes being a queen or king mattress. Twin beds are only suitable for single sleepers, and taller sleepers will probably need a twin XL mattress.

Personal Preferences

An important part of purchasing a new mattress is finding what works for your personal preferences. Mattress firmness will determine how comfortable your bed feels. Consider whether you want a soft or firm mattress.

For some sleepers, a firmer surface will be necessary to support their body type. A soft surface will usually cause sleepers over 150 pounds to sink into their beds, which can be particularly uncomfortable and ruin your sleep. Such sleepers may even wake up in pain from the lack of support.

Also, your need to determine the best support for your sleeping position. Side sleepers are usually better suited for a plush bed since this provides a soft surface to support the sensitive parts of your body, such as the neck and side. Without a softer mattress for side sleepers, tension can build up in these areas, causing aches and pains.

Meanwhile, those who sleep on their backs, stomach, or a combination of all positions will need a firm, sturdy surface to help keep their spine in its natural alignment. The exact firmness for each still varies, though:

• A mattress for back sleeping should be gently firm, with medium-firm to firm mattresses serving many sleepers well. Medium mattresses can also provide back sleepers with a mixture of softness and support.
• A mattress for stomach sleeping should have a firm feel to limit sinkage and reduce the chances of misalignment.
• A mattress for combination sleeping needs a responsive and balanced surface. Medium to medium-firm mattresses are best, and combination sleepers may want to enjoy a hybrid mattress.

FAQS

Which is better for bunk beds: twin or twin XL?

Most bunk beds will accommodate twin and twin XL beds. Most times, you can find products that accommodate either bed. Just be sure to know the dimensions of your mattress before you choose your bunk bed mattress.

Remember, twin mattresses typically measure 38 inches by 75 inches. Twin XL mattresses are 5 inches longer, so you won’t want to mix up the two. You don’t want a mattress too big for the frame or so small that it can slide around and slip out of place.

Will my kids grow out of their twin XL?

Twin XL beds accommodate sleepers who are taller than 6 feet, so your children will probably not outgrow these beds as fast as they would a twin bed. However, this is dependent on their sleeping preferences.

Some children may like a little more room to sprawl out during the night. So a full or double bed may be your best option to keep them feeling cramped.

Can twin sheets fit on a twin XL?

Twin sheets will not fit a twin XL bed. Twin XL beds are 5 inches longer than twin beds, so they will be too small. Though it may be harder to find twin XL accessories, it’s best to pair your mattress with the correct sheet size to keep them from popping off.

Is a twin or twin XL best for an adult?

Both twin and twin XL are suitable for adult sleepers. However, most adults will prefer or require extra legroom. We recommend choosing a twin XL if you are an adult since it might offer you a more comfortable sleeping surface than a twin bed.

How much should I expect to pay for a twin mattress or twin XL?

Twin beds are the smallest of the standard sizes, so you shouldn’t expect to pay too much for these beds. Quality twin beds start at about $300, which is usually within a desirable price range for most shoppers. If you are looking for a more luxurious twin bed with features like latex or gel foam, you might be spending upwards of $600 for a bed.

Conclusion

Twin sizes may be the smallest mattress type, but they often come in handy for sleepers who want an affordable mattress. Parents can find multiple beds for their children without stretching their budget.

Plus, since they are much smaller than other beds, you can easily place them in smaller bedrooms without feeling like your space is too crowded. Twin XL beds may be a better choice for adults solely because they provide more legroom, which is especially good for tall individuals.

Purchasing luxury mattresses in a twin size may definitely come with a higher price tag thanks to their materials, but it will not be as expensive as larger beds. Additionally, twin and twin XL sizes are typically about the same price, so the comfort of your bed should be the determining factor when deciding between the two.

No matter what option you choose, you should be able to find the best mattress for your sleeping comfort since twin beds are available in a number of firmness levels.