Best Mattresses for Teenagers

Written by Loren Bullock, Certified Sleep Science Coach

Methodology

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed hundreds of mattresses and sleep products for over eight years using hands-on testing. We assess each sleep product for comfort, support, cooling, firmness, pressure relief, and more. Learn more.

In This Article

We’re rounding up our top picks for the best mattress for teenagers on the market. Here’s what you need to know about each one.

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Finding the best bed for your growing teenager is essential to their health and wellbeing. The departure from childhood into adolescence is accompanied by exponential physical growth, busy days balancing school, sports, work, and extracurricular activities, and many other changes. This lifestyle coupled with the aches and pains that may come with physical growth makes adequate sleep all the more important for teens.

As such, choosing a mattress for a teenager requires unique considerations to ensure you purchase a bed that’s going to help them achieve seven to nine hours of sleep every night. In this article, we’re sharing our top picks for the best beds for teenagers sold today. From memory foam styles to innerspring mattresses, we share our choices, details about each mattress, and who they’re best for. We’ve also included a helpful Buyer’s Guide where you’ll find advice for teen mattress shopping, which should serve as a crash course on finding the best mattress for your teen.

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Mattress for Teenagers?

The Nerd’s pick for the best mattress for teenagers is the Nectar Original Mattress because it is a great option for multiple types of sleepers and it is great for couples.

Chosen by Experts and Advocates

Our team at Mattress Nerd consists of sleep enthusiasts who, believe it or not, all used to be teenagers. As such, we understand the unique mattress needs of adolescent individuals. The mattresses on this list were chosen because they accommodate things like growing pains, restlessness, and small budgets. To learn more, check out our review process.

Disclosure: By clicking on the product links in this article, Mattress Nerd may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read full disclosure statement.

Watch Our Roundup

The Best Mattress for Teenagers in 2024

• Nectar—Most Comfortable Mattress for Teens
• WinkBed—Best Luxury Mattress for Teens
• Cocoon Chill—Best Cooling Mattress for Teens
• DreamCloud—Best Mattress for Growing Pains
• Brooklyn Bedding Bowery—Best Hybrid Mattress
• Helix Midnight—Best Mattress for Teenage Side Sleepers
• Leesa Legend— Best Mattress for Restless Teens
• Bear—Best Mattress for Athletic Teens
• Saatva—Best Mattress for Teenage Back Sleepers
• Nolah Original — Best Mattress for Lightweight Teenagers

Nectar – Most Comfortable Mattress for Teens

Pros of the Nectar Original Mattress

Great option for couples

Good for average-weight back and side sleepers

Pressure relief

Pros of the Nectar Original Mattress

Not designed for lightweight or heavyweight sleepers

Poor edge support

The Nectar is a bed-in-a-box foam mattress that’s constructed with a top layer of quilted gel memory foam, the second layer of gel memory foam, a high-density memory foam transitional layer, and a support core of high-density polyfoam. It also has a removable cover that’s washing-machine and dryer-friendly, which parents will appreciate.

The Nectar’s thick comfort layers provide the deep, cradling memory foam feel that many sleepers, especially growing teens, love. It works well for side sleepers, back sleepers, and stomach sleepers in almost any weight category, although exceptionally lightweight teens may find the medium-firm feel a little too firm.

Nectar Sleep advertises the Nectar Mattress as “plush but supportive,” which we think is an accurate description of the bed. The top layers create the cradling effect on the body, but the dense core ensures that the bed isn’t so soft that the spine is thrown out of alignment in any sleeping position. The Nectar comes with a 1-year sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, both of which are longer than average for a mattress in this price category.

What our testers say: “The Nectar mattress is a little heavier than some other bed-in-a-box brands, but with the extra weight comes extra layers of comfort from the taller profile.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nectar Original Mattress

• Back sleepers
• Side sleepers
• Couples
• Hot sleepers who still want a memory foam mattress

Who Might Not Like the Nectar Original Mattress

• Lightweight sleepers
• Heavyweight sleepers
• Children or seniors due to poor edge support

What Users Say:

On the Nectar website, this mattress scored a 4.7 out of 5 stars, from 5,560 reviews. Praise is given to the back support this mattress provides and extreme satisfaction with their sleep. The negative reviews on the site had to deal with their customer service and experience.

See our full Nectar Mattress Review to learn more. Or, you can visit our guide for the most comfortable mattresses to check out other beds.

WinkBed – Best Luxury Mattress for Teens

Pros of the WinkBed Mattress

Sleeps cool

Good for a variety of sleepers

Responsive

Cons of the WinkBed Mattress

Not the best motion isolation

The WinkBed—our Best Luxury mattress for teenagers—is a hybrid mattress that comes in four firmness options, has excellent edge support, and features a zoned pocketed coil support system and cotton lumbar pad that provide spinal support and pressure relief for sleepers of all sizes and sleeping positions.

If you’re interested in purchasing a luxury mattress for your teen, the WinkBed has it all. It features a breathable, stretch-knit cover that sleeps cool and wicks heat, a two-part Euro-pillow top (depending on the firmness level you choose) that give the bed a responsive yet conforming feel, and a 7.5-inch pocketed coil support system that’s zoned for targeted lower back support.

The most appealing aspect of the WinkBed is the option to choose between four firmness levels—this bed can suit teens of all shapes, sizes, and sleeping positions. The WinkBed comes with a 120-night sleep trial, free shipping to the contiguous U.S., and a lifetime warranty, which is almost unheard of in the mattress industry, even for luxury products.

If you’ve been suffering from fibromyalgia for some time and have the budget to invest in a mattress that’s bound to alleviate pain and move you one step closer to a great night’s sleep, you’ll enjoy sleeping on the WinkBed. It also comes with a 120-night trial and a generous lifetime warranty, so you should have plenty of time to make sure that this is truly a good mattress for your needs.

What our testers say: “Some of the WinkBed’s best features include temperature regulation, strong edge support, and responsive materials. In addition, the mattress is available in four different firmness options, making the WinkBed a good option for a wide variety of sleepers.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the WinkBed Mattress

• Hot sleepers as the gel-infused memory foam and breathable layering keeps you cool
• Combination sleepers as it can support a variety of sleeping positions
• All sizes of sleepers with its support and firmness

Who Might Not Like the WinkBed Mattress

• Memory foam purists as it has coils in the mattress to promote airflow
• Light sleepers due to its low performance in motion isolation

What Users Say

On the WinkBeds site, this mattress received a 4.8 out of 5 stars, from 8,414 reviews. The areas to note were the customer service and the mattress’s ability to support all types of sleeping positions. However, there were complaints that it was either “too soft” or “too firm,” resulting in pain in some customers.

Read our WinkBeds Review for more information. Or, you can visit our guide for the best luxury mattresses to check out other beds.

Cocoon – Best Cooling Mattress for Teens

Pros of the Cocoon Chill Hybrid Mattress

Sleeps cool

Great for couples

Pressure-Relieving Memory Foam

Cons of the Cocoon Chill Hybrid Mattress

Not as responsive as other hybrids

Not for Heavyweight Stomach Sleepers

Not for People Who Like a Firm Feel

The Cocoon is specifically engineered to improve temperature regulation and keep the sleeper cool. The stretch-knit cover includes phase changing material that absorbs and removes heat away from the sleeper and mattress. Teens with different sleeping positions can choose between firmness options to make sure their growing bodies are being supported.

The Cocoon Chill Hybrid is a medium-firm option, and this balanced feel is ideal for back sleeping and side sleeping. If you order this online mattress, you’ll receive free shipping, along with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty. There’s plenty of time to decide if this is the bed-in-a-box for you.

What our testers say: “The Cocoon mattress is more supportive than your average bed. Its memory foam comfort layers are made from foam that’s slightly denser than normal, which helps to resist body impressions.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Cocoon Chill Hybrid Mattress

• People who sleep hot as the phase change material is designed to absorb heat from the body and move it away
• Couples and those who co-sleep as it minimizes motion transfer
• Back sleepers due to its pressure relief

Who Might Not Like the Cocoon Chill Hybrid Mattress

• Heavyweight stomach sleepers as it doesn’t have the level of support needed by stomach sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds
• People who toss and turn as it is not the most responsive
• Lightweight side sleepers as it may be too firm for adequate pressure relief

What Users Say

On the Cocoon by Sealy website, this mattress scored a 4.7 out of 5 stars, from 8,263 reviews. Praise is given to the cooling technology and materials in this bed, providing customers with a cool night of sleep. There were some complaints that the materials broke down too early and the construction was not sufficient.

See our full Cocoon by Sealy Mattress Review to learn more. Or, you can visit our guide for the best cooling mattresses to check out other beds.

DreamCloud – Best Mattress for Growing Pains

Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress

Sleeps cool

Good edge support

Good responsiveness

Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress

Not budget friendly

Difficult to set up

Not the best choice for side sleepers

The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that excels in several important areas for teenagers. Because of it’s high scores in ease of movement and pressure relief, teenagers with growing pains should find the DreamCloud especially accommodating. 

If you experienced growing pains when you were younger then you likely remember how much discomfort they can cause. Getting comfortable can be challenging, and you may need to do quite a bit of shifting and stretching until you’re able to rest without aches. Thankfully, the DreamCloud, with its springy feel and high adaptiveness, makes switching positions a breeze.

Then, once you have settled into a new position, the DreamCloud’s pressure relieving abilities will support and comfort sensitive areas, which can help to reduce existing pain and even prevent new pain. 

If all of that isn’t enough to entice you, the DreamCloud comes with a generous lifetime warranty. 

What our Testers Say:

“The DreamCloud mattress brings a high-quality, hotel-like feel to the bed-in-a-box market. It performed well in all of our tests, and while it’s not a perfect fit for every sleeper, it’s a great option for a lot of people. Specifically, we recommend it to couples, back sleepers, stomach sleepers under 230 lbs, and hot sleepers.” – Becca Fair, Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the DreamCloud Mattress

• Couples
• Hot sleepers
• Shoppers wanting a hotel-like bed
• Combination and back sleepers

Who Might Not Like the DreamCloud Mattress

• Budget shoppers
• Lightweight side sleepers
• Heavyweight stomach sleepers

What Users Say:

On the DreamCloud website, this mattress scored a 4.7 out of 5 stars, from 7,367 reviews. Reviews showcase the satisfaction many customers feel with this choice due to comfort and firmness levels. However, there are complaints of people waking up with back pain and the edges not staying in their original shape.

Check out our DreamCloud Mattress Review to learn more.

Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid – Best Hybrid Mattress for Teens

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress

Responsive feel for sleepers who toss and turn

Great price point

Breathable for sleepers who sleep hot

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress

May lack contouring for those who sleep on their sides

Responsive feel doesn’t isolation well

Lacking in pressure relief, which may be an issue with bigger sleepers

The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is a medium firmness hybrid mattress that’s our best hybrid mattress for teenagers pick for several reasons. It’s highly affordable, has a thick comfort system that conforms closely to teens’ bodies, and provides a high-density polyfoam support core to maintain a healthy spinal alignment in any sleeping position.

The conforming nature of this bed’s comfort system should help alleviate aches and pains associated with growth, and the bed’s cotton cover and gel-infused foams will help regulate the temperature of teens who sleep hot at night.

The Bowery also isolates motion exceptionally well, helping ensure teens who sleep light can stay asleep throughout the night. The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial, a non-prorated 10-year warranty, and free shipping in the contiguous U.S.

The Bowery’s thick comfort layers provide an exceptionally soft feel that provides amazing pressure relief for fibromyalgia patients who sleep on their side or back. We recommend the Bowery for average weight and heavyweight sleepers, especially those who sleep on their back or stomach. The Brooklyn Bowery comes with free shipping, a 120-night trial, and a 10-year warranty.

What our testers say: “The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Hybrid is one of the best budget-friendly hybrid mattresses that we’ve tested. It’s responsive, cool, and incredibly supportive.” — Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress

• Shoppers on a budget
• Hot sleepers
• Back and stomach sleepers

Who Might Not Like the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress

• Side sleepers
• Those with hip or shoulder pain
• Couples concerned about motion transfer

What Users Say:

On the Brooklyn Bedding website, this mattress scored a 4.8 out of 5 stars, from 527 reviews. Praise is given to the great quality and comfort of this mattress and for a great price. There were some complaints about the mattress wearing down quickly in areas where sleepers lay.

Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Mattress Review for more information. Or, you can visit our guide for the best hybrid mattresses to check out other beds.

Helix Midnight – Best Mattress for Teenage Side Sleepers

Pros for the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

Sleeps cool

Good edge support

Little motion transfer

Pros for the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

Poor responsiveness

Off-gassing smell

May be too firm for some

The Helix Midnight is a medium-firm hybrid mattress that uses a combination of strong coils and soft memory foam, accomplishing a nice balance of comfort and support. 

We think that when it comes to teens, side sleepers of all shapes and sizes should feel especially comfortable on this bed. The Helix Midnight does a fantastic job of contouring to the body, which is ideal for side sleepers, because it helps relieve pressure on the shoulders and hips. And because this mattress is supportive, it promotes great spinal alignment, something that is key for a good side-sleeping mattress.

Helix is one of the top brands in the business, and one of the primary reasons for that is their wide selection of mattress models. Even if the Helix Midnight may not be for you, there are five other mattresses to choose from, so chances are one will be an excellent match. Feel free to check out our reviews for all of the Helix models, so you can find what best suits your needs.

What our Testers Say:

“The Helix Midnight mattress works best for lightweight to average-weight back and side sleepers. Some stomach sleepers may crave a firmer feel, but it should adequately support those under 230 lbs. Heavyweight sleepers should try the Helix Plus. Couples are likely to appreciate the excellent edge support and motion isolation.” – Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

• Side sleepers of all body types—lightweight (< 130 lbs), average-weight (130–230 lbs), and heavyweight (> 230 lbs)
• Couples
• Memory foam lovers concerned about overheating
• Value shoppers

Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress

• Heavyweight back sleepers and stomach sleepers
• Combination sleepers
• Fans of extra soft or extra firm mattresses

What Users Say:

On the Helix website, this mattress received a 4.5 out of 5 stars, from 6,241 reviews. Praise is given to the comfort levels experienced by users of this mattress, claiming it was worth the price for the quality of materials. There were some complaints about the slow response time and mounds forming in the mattress.

Or, you can visit our guide for the best mattresses for side sleepers to check out other beds.

Leesa – Best Mattress for Restless Teens

Pros of the Leesa Mattress

Sleeps cool

Great motion isolation

Good pressure relief

Cons of the Leesa Mattress

Expensive

Not good option for stomach sleepers

Whether they have a big test coming up, can’t stop thinking about college admissions, or simply have trouble getting comfortable, restlessness is plenty common in teenagers. This restlessness leads to tossing and turning, which, if not supported by their mattress, can make it difficult for your teenager to fall asleep.

The Leesa Legend, with a very impressive responsiveness score of 4.5/5, does not restrict movement. Instead, its bounciness makes switching from one position to another an absolute breeze.

The Leesa Legend’s responsiveness can be attributed in large part to its hybrid construction, which also aids in temperature regulation. So not only will it be easier for your teenager to toss and turn, but they’ll also stay nice and cool while doing so!

What Our Testers Say:

“The Legend is one of Leesa’s luxury hybrid mattresses capable of delivering strong pressure relief for side and back sleepers, along with exceptional edge support to create a durable mattress that’s great for couples. While we found the mattress to be less plush than advertised—more of a bouncy spring feel than a memory foam hug—the Legend’s ability to accommodate multiple sleeping positions makes it a great option for a variety of sleepers.” – Loren Bullock, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Leeesa Mattress

• Side sleepers
• Couples
• Those prone to back pain or arthritis
• Back sleepers
• Hot sleepers

Who Might Not Like the Leesa Mattress

• Strict stomach sleepers
• Budget shoppers
• Heavyweight sleepers

What Users Say:

On the Leesa website, this mattress scored a 4.4 out of 5 stars, from 172 reviews. The motion isolation and cooling features of this mattress are referenced in the comments as great features users love. There were a few negative comments a from side sleepers, who said it didn’t meet their needs.

If you want more information about this model, feel free to check out our full Leesa Legend review. Or, you can visit our guide for the best mattresses for combination sleepers to check out other beds.

Bear – Best Mattress for Athletic Teens

Pros of the Bear Original Mattress

Great for lightweight and average-weight sleepers

Relieves pressure very well

Easy to move around on

Cons of the Bear Original Mattress

Retains heat

Poor motion isolation

If, like many teenagers, your kid participates in organized athletics, or even just likes to be active on their own time, then they’re likely familiar with soreness and fatigue. While these are normal, healthy aspects of staying fit, a good mattress can help mitigate the discomfort that might be caused by them. The Bear mattress was designed specifically with these things in mind, and so earns the spot of best mattress for athletic teenagers.

The Bear’s Celliant cover supposedly converts body heat into infrared light that your body then absorbs, resulting in healthier blood flow which can expedite muscle recovery. Beyond this high-tech cover, the mattress uses graphite-gel memory foam, transition foam, and support foam to create a comfortable sleep experience overall.

What our testers say: “The Bear mattress should be great if you’ve had a hard workout or long hike and need a little extra care for your bones and tissues.” Rachel, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Bear Original Mattress

• Back and stomach sleepers
• Combination sleepers
• People with active lifestyles

Who Might Not Like the Bear Original Mattress

• Heavyweight sleepers
• Hot sleepers
• Couples

What Users Say:

On the Bear website, this mattress score approximately a 4.4 out of 5 stars, from 10,116 reviews. Praise is given to the firmness level of this mattress and the satisfaction of users for restful nights of sleep. However, there were complaints of poor edge support, leading the sagging of the mattress. 

If you want more information about this model, feel free to check out our full Bear mattress review. Or, you can visit our guide for the best mattresses for athletes to check out other beds.

Saatva – Best Mattress for Teenage Back Sleepers

Pros of the Saatva Mattress

Great edge support

Several firmness options

Sleeps cool

Cons of the Saatva Mattress

Expensive

The Saatva is a classic innerspring mattress, complete with memory foam lumbar support and  active wire lumbar support. The overall construction and durability of this mattress makes it a great choice for teenage back sleepers.

With the aforementioned lumbar support this mattress provides, the Saatva prevents sagging, keeping the body’s core from sinking too far into the bed. To top it off, there’s a layer of durable memory foam that’s great for contouring. The two of these features combine to help maintain that “S” curve that is so important for spinal alignment. 

Saatva is also known for their firmness level variety. The beds come in Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. However, for lightweight and average-weight back sleepers, we recommend either the Luxury Firm or Firm versions. If you’re a heavyweight back sleeper, we think you will prefer the Firm model for some additional support.

What our testers say: “The two layers of lumbar support make the Saatva Classic a great mattress for people with back pain. With three firmness options, it can accommodate almost every sleeping position and body type, too.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Saatva Classic Mattress

• Hot sleepers as it has temperature regulation technology and materials to keep you cool
• People with back pain due to its firmness and ability to help align neck and spine

Who Might Not Like the Saatva Classic Mattress

• Couples easily disturbed by movement because this mattress is not the best at motion isolation
• Shoppers on a tight budget as this mattress is not the cheapest

What Users Say

On the Saatva website, the Saatva Classic mattress scored a 4.8 out of 5 stars from 2, 898 reviews. The reviews praise the customer support and comfort levels of the mattress. However, complaints callout sagging in the mattress after only a year and the need for early replacement.

See our full Saatva mattress review to learn more. Still unsure about the Saatva? Check out the best mattresses for back sleepers to get your perfect night’s sleep.

Nolah – Best Mattress for Lightweight Teens

Pros of the Nolah Original Mattress

Great for lightweight sleepers

Reasonably priced

Good for couples

Cons of the Nolah Original Mattress

Poor edge support

Bad for heavyweight (over 230 lbs) back and stomach sleepers

Bodyweight is an important factor to consider when choosing a mattress for your teenager. A mattress that may work fantastically for a large person may not be all that great for someone on the lighter side. In the case of the Nolah, lightweight teens should find it perfectly comfortable.

Constructed with medium-firm foam, the Nolah allows people who weigh 130 lbs or less to sink into the mattress just enough for their pressure points (hips, shoulders) to be supported and their spines to stay aligned.

Not to mention, the Nolah is quite affordable, so even if your teen does eventually grow out of it you shouldn’t feel too bad about having spent the money.

What our testers say: “Stomach sleepers need a mattress to contour to their shoulders, stomach, and hips. However, if the mattress is too soft, your hips will dip too far forward and your spine will suffer. Therefore, stomach sleepers should focus on both firmness and materials when shopping for a mattress. Lightweight stomach sleepers are often very comfortable with a medium firmness level like the Nolah Original.” Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nolah Original Mattress

• Side sleepers
• Sleepers with back pain
• People who sleep hot

Who Might Not Like the Nolah Original Mattress

• Heavyweight sleepers
• Innerspring mattress lovers
• Side sleepers with sensitive joints

What Users Say:

On the Nolah website, this mattress scored a 4.7 out of 5 stars. Reviews said that this mattress is the perfect balance between support and softness.

If you want more information about this model, feel free to check out our full Nolah mattress review.

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Best Beds for Teenager Buying Guide

Choosing the best mattress for your growing teenager requires special considerations. They are growing much more quickly than average, have busy schedules that are often both mentally and physically demanding, and may experience growing pains or injuries from sports and extracurricular activities.

The best mattress for teens should also suit your needs as their parent or guardian. Investing in an expensive mattress for a teen may not always be the best option, as teens are likely to outgrow the mattress by the time they reach adulthood.

To help you balance and incorporate all the relevant concerns for your teen and yourself in your mattress purchase, we’ve created this buyer’s guide. In it, you’ll learn the basics of teenage sleep, the various mattress types that work well for teens, and important shopping considerations to keep in mind as you decide on the best mattress.

If you happen to have younger children, you might want to check out our roundup for the best mattresses for kids.

Teenagers & Sleep

Regardless of whether we’re infants, toddlers, adolescents, teens, adults, or the elderly, getting enough sleep on a nightly basis is essential to health and wellbeing. However, most sleep experts recommend more sleep for teenagers than adults. The typical lifestyle of the American teenager, which may involve school, extracurricular activities, social commitments, homework, sports, blue light exposure, and a job, can prevent them from achieving adequate sleep on a regular basis. Here are the factors that play a role in sleep disruption for teenagers.

• Physiological changes—Teenagers’ bodies grow and develop at a rapid rate during these years, and this growth can lead to growing pains throughout the body. Growing pains are thought to occur due to bones growing at a faster rate than the surrounding ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Although more common in younger teens, growing pains with growth spurts can occur at any point during adolescence and the right mattress that can provide adequate support and conforming around sensitive areas can help alleviate these pains at night.
• Schedules—Many middle and high schools begin classes at or before 8:30 a.m. Early school start times require that teens wake up earlier than their natural circadian rhythms would prefer. Teens are already naturally inclined to stay up later at night and sleep in, which is why you’ll find most teens in their beds at 11:00 a.m. on any given Saturday. A mattress that encourages deep REM sleep, regardless of the amount of time they’re in bed on a weeknight, will help your teen mitigate the impact of an early school schedule.
• Sleep position—Our sleeping position changes throughout our lives, but teens may change positions more frequently than average to alleviate growing pains. Prior to purchasing a new mattress for your teen, make sure to ask them what sleeping position they find themselves in most often. Side sleepers tend to do well on soft mattresses that conform around the hips and shoulders. Stomach sleepers and back sleepers require slightly firmer mattresses that will prevent the hips and shoulders from sagging. Combination sleepers do well on mattresses with more responsive top layers that make changing positions throughout the night a little easier. 
• Sleep habits—Healthy sleep habits, or sleep hygiene behaviors, are proactive actions that can improve the quality of a night’s sleep. In today’s day and age, most teenagers don’t practice healthy sleep habits. The most obvious and common complication is blue light exposure from smartphones and laptops. Teens that scroll or work at night are exposed to blue light, which greatly impacts sleep quality. Other hygiene factors include substance use (alcohol and tobacco, including vaping), mental health issues like depression and anxiety, and mood swings.

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What Mattress Type is Best for Teens?

Type of Mattress	Pros and Cons for Teens
Innerspring	Made with a coil base layer and a thin foam comfort layer Thin comfort layers may not alleviate growing pains Tend to be the most inexpensive mattress type on the market More breathable than other mattress types thanks to airflow through the innerspring layer Use steel coils and can provide adequate support for teens who prefer firm mattresses Some models feature thicker-than-average comfort layers to improve conforming, but these types tend to be more costly. See: Best Innerspring Mattresses
Memory Foam	Made with layers of memory foam, polyfoam and other foams in varying densities Prized for superior conforming, pressure point relief, and comfort Provide a hugging sensation that teens may or may not enjoy May trap body heat in the foam layers Not as durable as innerspring or hybrid models. See: Best Memory Foam Mattresses
Latex	Vary in conforming, so you’ll be able to find a plush or firm mattress based on your teen’s preferences Among the most durable mattress types Tend to be antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and dust-mite resistant, making them a great choice for teens with allergies or asthma Natural latex beds can be very expensive. See Best Latex Mattresses
Hybrid	Combine the best of both worlds from innerspring and foam mattresses Improve breathability with a pocketed coil design and foams infused with cooling elements—great for teens who sleep hot Provide a nice balance of conforming and support Tend to be more expensive. See Best Hybrid Mattresses
Airbed	Provide adjustable support via the inflation or deflation of air chambers Customizable firmness levels Big investment for what may be a transitional bed

Firmness

Your teen’s preference for firmness setting will be influenced by their body weight, sleeping position, height, and any acute areas of aches and pains. Heavy teenagers tend to prefer firmer mattresses that will conform to their bodies without too much sinking. Average weight teens tend to do well on mid-range firmness levels (5 to 7) that balance firmness and softness. Lightweight teens prefer softer mattresses that will compress under their body weight.

Mattress Size

Size	Dimensions	Appropriateness for Teenagers
Twin Size	39” W x 75” L	The smallest mattress size available, Twin mattresses work best for petite teens
Twin XL Size	39” W x 80” L	Slightly longer than a Twin, Twin XL mattresses are suitable for lightweight and average weight teens who are slightly taller than average
Full Size	54” W x 75” L	Our Teen bed size recommendation if you plan to purchase another mattress as your teen enters adulthood
Queen Size	60” W x 80” L	The Queen size is our recommendation if you want to keep the bed once the teen moves out of your home, as this can accommodate most adults
King Size	76” W x 80” L	This size is more appropriate for couples and master bedrooms but can work for exceptionally tall or heavyweight teen individuals
California King Size	72” W x 84” L	This size is more appropriate for couples and master bedrooms but can work for exceptionally tall or heavyweight teen individuals

Conforming

Conforming refers to a mattress’ ability to conform around the sleeper’s body, particularly in areas where aches and pains occur. For example, side sleepers require deeper conforming into the top layers of the mattress around the hips and shoulders.

Teens, who are more susceptible to growing pains, require a mattress that conforms to the right extent for their sleeping position and body type. Mattress qualities that impact conforming most are the comfort layers and the mattress type.

Sleep Trial and Policies

Almost all online mattresses sold today come with a sleep trial, warranty, and free shipping and returns. Mattresses are a significant investment, and these policies provide protection against the purchase of a mattress that isn’t the right fit for your teen’s body type or sleeping position.

Durability

The average mattress will last roughly seven years before it needs to be replaced. The “teenage years” last just under a decade, so it’s important to purchase a mattress that will last for the full length of the teen’s growing period. Mattresses are made from a variety of materials that impact the bed’s longevity.

Relief for Growing Pains

Teens are much more susceptible to aches and pains as they develop. While these pains may come and go throughout their teenage years, selecting a mattress that can address them when they do occur can help your teen achieve a good night’s sleep year after year.

Our number one recommendation is to look for foam layers that will cradle your teen’s body in their preferred sleeping position. Other sleep-related tips for growing pains include:

• Finding a pillow that will support healthy spinal alignment for your teen’s sleep position and body size. See: Best Pillow Guide
• Sleeping at cooler temperatures
• Providing a body pillow to place underneath the knees for back sleepers and between the legs for side sleepers
• Encouraging your teen to sleep on their side or back rather than their stomach, which can exacerbate aches and pains in the hips, low back, and neck

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Recap of The Best Mattresses for Teenager

Mattress	Best…	Firmness
Nectar	Most Comfortable for Teens	6/10
WinkBed	Best Luxury Mattress for Teens	Varies
Cocoon Chill	Best Cooling Mattress for Teens	Varies
DreamCloud	Best for Growing Pains	6.5/10
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery	Best Memory Foam	6/10
Helix Midnight	Best Mattress for Teenage Side Sleepers	6/10
Leesa Legend	Best Mattress for Restless Teens	5.5-6/10
Bear	Best Mattress for Athletic Teens	7/10
Saatva	Best Mattress for Teenage Back Sleepers	Varies
Nolah Original	Best Mattress for Lightweight Teens	6/10

Conclusion 

 Choosing the best bed for your teenager should take all the considerations we’ve listed into account, and we recommend setting a budget before anything else. Your teen is likely to outgrow their bed by the time they’re ready to go to college or start working, so spending an arm and a leg on a new mattress might not be for every parent.

Once you’ve chosen a budget you feel comfortable with, check in with your teen to learn about their sleeping style, position preferences, and any sleep troubles they may be experiencing. From there, work with your teen to choose the best mattress for their lifestyle. We recommend reviewing the list of our top mattresses for teens to see if there’s a pick that suits their unique needs and your budget.