Best Mattress for Teenagers (2024): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Parents can feel overwhelmed when searching for a new mattress for their teenager. Growth spurts caused by a rapidly changing body can be a recipe for back pains and aches, and while a teenager might fit comfortably on a twin xl mattress one day, they may need a full or queen-sized mattress the next!

Finding the best mattress for a growing teen doesn’t have to be a frustrating process. We’ve created this in-depth guide to help customers understand the different types of mattresses, sleeping positions, and budgetary restrictions that factor into choosing a great mattress.

In addition to these valuable morsels of information, this guide features some of our favorite mattresses for teenagers, making browsing a breeze.

Best Mattresses for Teenagers

The Zoma Mattress is a good fit for teenagers who like a soft feel, or teenagers who need a mattress that helps them sleep longer without interruption. For example, a teenager who’s a dedicated school athlete can benefit from a mattress like the Zoma.

The Zoma Mattress comes with a risk-free 100-night sleep trial, a 10-year warranty, and free shipping anywhere in the contiguous United States.

The Zoma Mattress uses zoned support in the top layer. The top layer is also made of gel-infused memory foam. Gel-infused memory foam helps keep air from collecting and “trapping” in the mattress, so it reduces the chance of you sleep hot throughout the night.

Beneath the soft memory foam, Zoma also uses a transition layer called Reactiv+. The Reactiv+ layer is a little firmer than the top layer (but softer than the bottom layer) and helps give the mattress an extra bounce, so you don’t sink in.

Teenagers are often still growing. So when shopping for a mattress that can fit their adjusting needs, we recommend those with a medium firmness. From their line of advanced mattresses, Amerisleep’s AS3 has the most universal comfort level, perfect for teenagers experiencing a growth spurt.

The 3-inch comfort layer of the AS3 features Amerisleep’s proprietary plant-based foam, Bio-Pur®. This foam responds to pressure immediately, so teens stay cushioned and supported even as they change positions throughout the night. Since this foam is made with plant-based oils, it is eco-friendly, non-toxic, and doesn’t retain heat the way most mattress foams do. 

The transition layer of the AS3 features their Affinity Foam with HIVE® technology. Hundreds of cutouts across the surface of this foam respond to different levels of pressure, keeping the joints cushioned and the spine resting in a healthy position. Warm air also passes through these cutouts quickly, allowing the mattress to remain cool and inviting. 

The layers of the AS3 are supported by Amerisleep’s durable foam, Bio-Core®. This base ensures the soft foam layers above do not develop sags and indents that could affect the comfort and support of the mattress. 

Each Amerisleep mattress comes with a 100-night risk-free, sleep trial, so it is easy for teens to test out the mattress and make it’s right for them. The AS3 also comes with a 20-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects, such as sagging greater than .75 inches.

The Vaya Mattress is an affordable, all-foam mattress with a medium firmness. This bed offers adequate support for most body types and sleep position, including back, side, and combination sleepers.

Although it only has two layers of foam, the top layer provides both contouring and support. The latex-like bounce of this material promotes spinal alignment so teens wake with fewer aches and pains.

The supportive base of the Vaya is made with a strong, durable foam to ensure the soft top layer doesn’t develop sagging or indentations. If the bed does develop any indents greater than .75 inches, Vaya will repair or replace the mattress at no cost to you.

It has the same supportive yet comfortable top layer to keep teens resting soundly throughout the night. The gel-infusion in this material helps pull heat and moisture away from the surface of the bed to reduce sleep disruptions. The triangular cutouts embedded in this foam also promote a neutral spine and pressure relief.

Reactiv™ foam sits in the middle of the Zoma Hybrid to prevent over sinking and the feeling of becoming stuck in the mattress. This material ensures the hips and shoulders remain lifted and aligned.

The base of the Zoma Hybrid is made of hundreds of individually wrapped spring coils. Unlike traditional innerspring beds, the coils in the Zoma Hybrid are not interconnected. Instead, they move independently of one another for more accurate contouring and motion isolation. 

The Zoma Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial, giving teens plenty of time to test out the mattress and make sure it’s right for their body type and sleep position.

The soft Vaya foam in the top layer cradles the body to reduce pressure points. However, the responsiveness of this foam ensures a neutral spine, ideal for teens who are still growing.

Pocketed spring coils make up the base of the Vaya Hybrid. Each coil is wrapped for added comfort and durability. Warm air can also pass through this material quickly to prevent night sweats and overheating.

Like their original model, the Vaya Hybrid comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

Heavier teens need a mattress that can provide even weight distribution to alleviate any pressure on the spine. However, they also need adequate contouring to prevent painful pressure points, especially if they are a side sleeper.

Soft mattresses also often cause too much sinkage, which can force the spine to bow. To combat this, Amerisleep’s AS5 Hybrid has a responsive transition foam called Active Flex. This latex-like material gently lifts the hips to ensure proper alignment. 

The base of the AS5 Hybrid features hundreds of pocketed spring coils that move independently of one another for more accurate contouring. This foundation is also reinforced with edge support to reduce motion transfer and to make getting out of bed more comfortable.

Like all Amerisleep mattresses, the AS5 Hybrid comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night sleep trial.

SEE ALSO: Most Comfortable Mattress

7. Nolah 10″

The next mattress on this list is the Nolah 10″, a bed that’s actually been designed specifically for supportive sleep, perfect for growing teenagers. Nolah has even labeled their original mattress as their “most supportive” model.

The Nolah is an all-foam mattress, and in their beds, they use their proprietary Nolah AirFoam™ instead of memory or latex foam. Let’s talk about what makes this bed stand out.

To begin, Nolah’s AirFoam™ is designed to be four times more pressure relieving than other foams, and pressure-relief is arguably the most important thing people suffering from chronic pains should look for in a mattress. When you lay on the Nolah, it’ll cradle your hips and shoulders and relieve tension instead of feeling firm like some memory foams. Additionally, Nolah’s AirFoam™ is 100% temperature neutral, so it contributes to temperature regulation and shouldn’t trap heat.

Overall, the Nolah is relatively thin, standing only 10 inches tall. The design of the bed is simple, too, with only three layers: 2 inches of AirFoam™, a transition layer of poly-foam, and a core layer of poly-foam. On the website, they rate their mattress a 5-6 out of 10 in regards to firmness, so it’s right there at a medium feel.

When you shop with Nolah their bed comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. Parents can remove the sleep trial before checkout to save a little more on a Nolah mattress.

8. Purple Mattress

Sporting two layers of high-density foam in addition to a pressure-absorbing grid, the Purple Mattress could be both a convenient and novel option for teenagers. With free nationwide shipping in 48 states and speedy delivery, the Purple Mattress arrives in a neat zippered bag, ready to be unrolled and used within only a few hours.

Unlike thick foam mattresses, the Purple Mattress stays cool and fresh with its internal open-cell chambers, which allow for plenty of ventilation. The topmost grid layer conforms to nearly any body shape, providing gentle support that is ideal for growing bodies of all sizes.

Because the flexible grid absorbs pressure while still providing a little give, it can be a comfortable choice for sleepers of all types. The Purple Mattress is medium-firm, and the distinctive design ensures that weight is distributed equally across the body of the mattress, lessening the chance of sleepers developing neck or back pain.

Buyers can enjoy a 100-night sleep trial when they purchase a Purple Mattress. Also, each mattress comes with a 10-year warranty that covers and cracks, deep indentations, or flaws in workmanship. The Purple Mattress zippered cover is protected for two years under this warranty.

9. Luxi 3-in-1 Adjustable Mattress

The teenage years can be rough, as growing bodies often have changing needs. The Luxi 3-in-1 Adjustable Mattress anticipates these changes by allowing sleepers to choose between three firmness levels. Users can enjoy a firm, medium, or soft mattress without spending an exorbitant amount of money to acquire multiple mattresses.

The Luxi 3-in-1 Adjustable Mattress features a columnar grid layer that supports sleepers while also allowing for plenty of ventilation. The soft-to-the-touch cover ensures that users can experience tactile comfort, no matter what level of firmness the mattress is set to.

The internal structure not only ensures increased airflow. It also increases motion isolation, creating a stable environment that minimizes tossing and turning. Each side of the Luxi 3-in-1 Adjustable Mattress adjusts to a separate firmness, allowing teens to quickly and easily go from resting on a soft, sinking surface, to being supported by a firm surface.

Customers aren’t offered an explicit trial period but included in the purchase of a Luxi 3-in-1 Adjustable Mattress is a 1000 Night Pledge, which allows sleepers to communicate with Luxi sleep experts in the event of an unsatisfactory sleeping experience. In addition to this customer service support, each Luxi mattress comes with a 10-year warranty.

10. Bear Mattress

Designed to meet the needs of athletes, the Bear Mattress is a rugged option that may be ideal for customers looking for an affordable mattress that can withstand constant use. Comprised of three layers of memory foam and a top layer of breathable fabric, the Bear Mattress can help any teen get a good night’s sleep.

The bottom layer of the Bear Mattress consists of thick, high-density memory foam that provides the main brunt of support. The uppermost layer of memory foam is infused with a graphite gel for greater temperature regulation, a must-have feature for hot or sweaty sleepers.

The thinner memory foam layers of the Bear Mattress contour around a sleeper’s body, while the base layer relieves pressure points and keeps the spine properly aligned. This mattress has a medium to medium-firm feel, making it an excellent option for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Side sleepers may also enjoy this bed, although it is not as soft and pliable as comparable models.

The included 100-night trial period ensures that buyers are comfortable with their mattress purchase. The Bear Mattress ships for free, and should sleepers find the mattress unsatisfactory, they can return it free of charge. Each mattress comes with a 10-year warranty that protects users from mattress sagging, tears, and physical flaws that result from a manufacturing error.

Mattress Types to Consider

A mattress can be built of many different types of materials, and these materials ultimately define several mattress traits. Longevity, comfort, and capability are defined by a mattress’s type.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam mattresses typically combine several layers of memory foam to provide equal support to all parts of the body. While some memory foam mattresses may also contain springs, many of them do not.

The thick foam tends to soften when introduced to heat, allowing it to conform around a sleeper’s body. This contouring often provides an improved amount of comfort for the sleeper, as the mattress adjusts to their specific body shape and size.

While early memory foam mattresses tended to retain heat, contemporary models often feature cooling layers infused with graphite, copper, and gels that absorb heat and transfer it away from the body.

Memory foam is one of the most hygienic materials used in modern mattresses, as it is naturally antimicrobial. However, the foams do contain odorous chemicals that may need to off-gas. Buyers that receive a new memory foam mattress will likely need to let the gasses dissipate before using their mattress.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses have increased in popularity as more consumers strive to make environmentally-conscious purchasing decisions. Natural latex is derived from the sap of rubber trees, and while it is often chemically synthesized into foams, it contains far fewer chemicals than memory foam.

Because of its natural origins, latex foam is often used to create organic mattresses that may consist of additional natural materials such as cotton or wool. Latex mattresses provide a level of full-body support and comfort comparable to that of memory foam, but for a higher price.

Latex is naturally springy and flexible, while allows it to retain its form, better than memory foam. However, this elasticity also increases overall mattress motion transfer, making any late-night tosses or turns far bouncier than they would be on a memory foam mattress.

However, because latex mattresses typically contain very few chemicals, they do not create a strong off-gassing effect, which may be preferable to those with sensitive respiratory systems or an inclination against strong, rubbery odors.

Additionally, latex is a naturally hypoallergenic material that can help keep allergy symptoms to a minimum.

Innerspring Mattresses

The most traditional of mattress types, the innerspring mattress has been in use since the 1870s. Comprised of coiled metal springs, a layer of padding, and a fabric covering, these mattresses vary greatly in terms of comfort and longevity.

Innerspring mattresses work by absorbing pressure and gently pushing back. It’s important to note that the type, frequency, and amount of spring a mattress contains greatly influences its ability to support a sleeper. The fewer the springs, the more likely the mattress is to develop sags, indentations, and rips.

There have been many improvements made to the original innerspring design since its creation, including a pillow-top covering for additional comfort and foam coverings for an increased amount of support and pain relief.

Innerspring mattresses can be made from a wide variety of materials and fabrics. When properly maintained and kept in good condition, an innerspring mattress can last between seven and ten years. The longevity of latex and memory foam mattress is far greater.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine multiple types of support materials to achieve a balanced effect. Often, a hybrid mattress consists of an innerspring component and a memory foam layer. Hybrid mattresses are often considered to be transitory mattresses, as they allow users to enjoy the feel of a traditional innerspring mattress while experiencing the benefits of modern memory foam.

The innerspring part of a hybrid mattress responds to a user’s body, contouring slightly to provide gentle support of the spine. The memory foam material adds additional support, ensuring that the user doesn’t sink into the mattress.

Mattress Budget

A new mattress can cost anywhere between $100 and $10,000. Pricier models tend to exhibit a variety of advanced features such as temperature or firmness control, while more affordable models provide a base level of support and comfort.

A quality mattress can last up to fifteen years when properly maintained, making a new mattress a worthwhile investment. Moderately-priced mattresses that may initially seem over-budget could be acquired with a smart financing plan, ensuring that buyers don’t overpay for a great night’s sleep.

$100-$300

Mattresses belonging in this price range are affordable, but they can be poorly manufactured or located overseas, resulting in a belabored delivery time. Before purchasing a mattress in this price range, it is critical to be aware of the shipping costs and ETA as well as the quality of the mattress. What may initially seem like a good deal could turn out to be a real pain.

$300-$700

In the low-to-mid-range, customers can find both affordable, traditional innerspring mattresses and more complex hybrid or foam models. These budget mattresses tend to offer additional support via extra foam layers or pillow-top padding. While still a budget-friendly option, mattresses belonging to this price range often feature attractive materials and fabrics.

$700-$1,200

There’s a myriad of mattresses available both online and in-store that fall into this price range. Memory foam mattresses, hybrid models, and some latex mattresses all fall under this scope. Because buyers have access to such a wide variety of quality mattresses at this price, prospective customers often set their mattress budget limit at about $1,000.

Over $1,200

Often infused with technologically advanced components or rare fabrics and materials, mattresses that cost over $1,200 can become more than just a comfortable spot to sleep. There are several smart mattresses that fall beneath this price range. Many smart mattresses can change temperature, record sleeping patterns, and biometric data, and even wake sleepers up with a personalized alarm.

Sleeping Position

No two people are the same, and this is reflected in the way we sleep. There are three common types of sleeping positions that people tend to adopt.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers prefer to sleep on their sides, which can sometimes cause spinal misalignment, back, and neck pain. To remedy this, the best mattress for side sleepers should contours to the shape of their body without reducing support to the spine. Memory foam or hybrid mattresses may be an excellent option for side sleepers.

An important aspect for side sleepers to consider is the strength of their mattress’s edges. Because many side sleepers find themselves at the edges of their bed, they need a mattress with strong edge support that does not droop or sag over time.

Back Sleepers

Those who prefer to sleep on their backs are known as back sleepers, and back sleepers need a firm mattress that supports their body weight while gently cradling the spine.

The ideal mattress for back sleepers is medium-firm, allowing just enough give the ensure that the spine is properly aligned. Memory foam and latex mattresses are often a popular choice among back sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to support body weight and ensure proper spinal alignment. While an over-firm mattress may not be very comfortable, most mattresses feature a soft, contouring upper layer that helps to make a firm mattress more enjoyable. Overall, stomach sleepers require some of the firmest mattresses.

Sleeping Cool and Airflow

Proper ventilation and airflow are crucial to achieving a restful slumber. A high-density foam bed often sports shafts or chambers that allow air to penetrate the heat-absorbing substance, ensuring that sleepers don’t overheat and sweat the night away.

Other common cooling technologies come in the form of complex foam layers, often infused with antibacterial or conductive materials like copper, graphite, or cooling gel. Organic fabrics such as cotton or wool are regularly used to absorb moisture and dissipate body heat, and plant-based materials and fabrics are known to breathe better than their synthetic counterparts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is memory foam mattress good for teenagers?

Yes, a memory foam mattress can be an excellent option for growing teenagers. The high-density base foam can support and keep the spine properly aligned while the soft, low-density foam top can conform to a body’s unique shape, providing gentle relief from pressure points.

Because a teenager’s body is constantly changing, it’s best to get a memory foam mattress that can adapt and change with the child. Models that have adjustable firmness levels may be a wise option to consider.

What is the best size bed for a teenager?

Personal preference plays a large role as to which sized bed works best for any given teen. Some teenagers may prefer to remain in a twin mattress, while others may prefer a different mattress that gives them more space. Mattress size preferences are bound to vary.

However, a larger mattress may be better suited to growing bodies, as it allows a person to stretch, twist, and turn in multiple directions without constraint, which may result in a higher quality of slumber.

Should a child sleep on a firm mattress?

The recommended firmness level for a child’s mattress is medium-firm. A mattress that is too soft is likely to sag in the middle, leading to lower back pain. However, a mattress that is too firm may be uncomfortable, causing a child to lose sleep.

The best thing a parent can do when purchasing a new mattress for their child is to avoid either extreme. Medium-firm is almost always the most appropriate option.

Which is the most comfortable mattress?

Because comfort differs from person to person, there is no single type of mattress that is more comfortable than another type. Innovations in mattress design have improved overall quality, comfort, and supportiveness in all types of mattresses.

However, memory foam and latex mattresses tend to offer high levels of comfort in tandem with high levels of support, making them a popular choice for buyers seeking the most comfortable mattress.

Is a foam or spring mattress better?

Foam mattresses, such as memory foam or latex, are very different from innerspring mattresses, which makes comparing them a little tricky. These different types of mattresses often cater to different types of sleepers, so an individual’s specific preferences will determine which type of mattress is best.

However, foam mattresses are known to be more comfortable and more supportive than traditional innerspring mattresses. Hybrid mattresses that have internal coil or springs but that also feature foam components may be an ideal option for those seeking the conventional feel of an innerspring mattress, but with additional support.

How do I choose a mattress for my child?

Parents in search of the perfect mattress for their child should consider purchasing a medium-firm mattress. A mattress that is significantly softer or firmer may be unsuitable for the child.

An important aspect to consider before purchasing a mattress for a child is the child’s age. If they are very young, they are likely to grow out of their mattress and bed set within the span of a few years. Teenagers are closer to their final adult size, so investing in a long-lived mattress makes financial and practical sense.

No matter what size, type, or firmness of mattress you choose for your child, it’s important to be sure that they are comfortable using it. Otherwise, the child may begin to suffer from sleeping difficulties, and parents will need to order a replacement mattress.

Conclusion

There are many wonderful mattresses designed to fit the needs of a teenager. Most models offer varying levels of firmness, are hypoallergenic and easy to clean, and feature cooling technology to prevent nightly overheating.

The best mattress for a teenager depends on that teenager’s specific preferences and needs, and careful consideration should be taken before making a final purchasing decision. Many companies do offer sleep trials that give buyers the chance to decide if they want to keep the new mattress or return it. However, some do not, so it’s important to check that your preferred model offers this option, especially if you have a very particular teenager.

Some of the best mattresses for teenagers also come with lifetime warranties, ensuring that the mattress is in tip-top shape as your teen continues to grow.