Best Bunk Bed Mattresses

Finding a bunk bed mattress can be even more difficult than finding a regular mattress because there are more qualities to consider. You have to look at all the typical mattress traits like size, thickness, and comfort. However, you also have to think about safety features, weight capacities, and miscellaneous details like headspace.

Don’t worry, though, we’ve got you covered. We not only give our top recommendations for the best bunk bed mattresses on the market. Our article also provides you with all the information you need to know before purchasing the best mattress for your bunk bed.

Best Bunk Bed Mattress Review

	Mattress	Highlight	Price (Twin)
	Amerisleep AS3	Plant-based memory foam provides great pressure and pain relief.	$849
	Zoma Mattress	Ventilated fabric, cooling gel, and a three-zone support comfort layer that contours for pain relief.	$499
	Vaya Mattress	Bouncy Vaya Foam provides responsive support and dissipates heat for a cool night.	$449
	DHP 6 Inch Quilted	Layers of cotton and polyester with a quilted cover provide easy cleanup and durability that will last for years.	$77
	Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex	Sweat absorbing properties and natural materials provide comfort and safety.	$595
	Tuft & Needle Original	Adaptive foam with graphite and cooling gel moves with your body.	$315
	Alwyn Home Innerspring	The pocketed coil system moves independently to adapt to your body as you adjust and sleep.	$142

Memory foam mattresses are great for bunk beds because they absorb noise, ensuring you won’t wake up every time the person above or below you rotates. Hybrids are bouncy beds that keep you on top of the mattress, with pocketed coils to muffle any movements.

One of the reasons we chose the AS3 as our top recommendation is because it’s available as both a memory foam and hybrid bed. We will focus on the memory foam mattress, though, for its affordability.

This 12-inch mattress is made up of 3 inches of Bio Pur®, 2 inches of Affinity foam, and 7 inches of Bio-Core® at the base. Bio-Pur® layer is eco-friendly and made of a breathable memory foam that provides excellent air circulation. You’ll sleep cooler with this temperature-control technology.

The Affinity layer contains HIVE® technology, which provides support to five different areas. These layers ensure your head, back, and legs get firm support while your shoulders and hips get a softer feel, allowing your spine to be properly aligned throughout the night. Lastly, the Bio-Core® base reinforces support, so you have a consistent structure while you sleep.

This mattress is best for side, back, and combination sleepers because it has a medium firmness level and high-pressure support. The HIVE® transition layer provides added support to your head, back, and legs while giving your hips and shoulders the extra cushion they need to ensure proper body alignment.

Every Amerisleep mattress includes free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial with free returns, and a 20-year warranty.

This mattress has a medium firmness, making it great for side, back, and combination sleepers.

The Zoma Mattress is 11 inches of three foam layers that provide pressure relief and comfort. With 2 inches of gel memory foam with Triangulex™ technology, 2 inches of Reactiv™ foam, and 7 inches of Support+, this mattress provides excellent support.

The gel memory foam is wrapped in ventilated AirCloth fabric, so you sleep cool all throughout the night. For those suffering from back pain, the Triangulex™ support system provides deeper support for your hips and shoulders. The Reactiv™ layer has a high response and good bounce, preventing you from feeling like you’re sinking into the bed. Finally, the Support+ base reinforces the layers above.

The gel infusions ensure the mattress’s surface feels cool to the touch. As bunk bed frames can sometimes have poor circulation of body heat, a temperature-controlled mattress will prove helpful.

The Zoma Mattress comes with free shipping, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

The mattress’s foam layers are CertiPUR-US® certified, free of dangerous materials like formaldehyde and heavy metals.

This mattress has the Vaya Comfort Foam on top, so you can feel soft, cushioning layers cradle you to sleep. But it’s not all cushion; underneath that top layer is 9 inches of stable support foam to withstand everyday wear and tear. This mattress is great for back sleepers as it has a lower firmness level.

The Vaya Mattress includes free shipping and returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

4. DHP 6 Inch Quilted

DHP 6 Inch Quilted mattress is on this list because it is affordable and made with a cotton and polyester blend, so clean up is easy. This mattress is best for stomach sleepers because it has a high firmness level and minimal cushion on top, providing you with enough support to keep your spine in a healthy alignment. With full or twin mattress sizes available, this is an easy way to top off your bunk bed and ensure any messes won’t do too much damage.

This mattress is thin enough to provide a safe amount of room between you and the bunk bed’s side guardrails. However, it still gives you the support and comfort you need to get a good night’s sleep.

The mattress has a base of individual coils, evenly distributing weight, adapting to your body as it moves, and providing pressure relief. The spring coils offer consistent support and balance, and the polyester material ensures your mattress retains its shape for years.

This mattress will bring you comfort and safety from harsh chemicals with imported microfibers, cotton twill, and a Greenguard Gold certification.

5. Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex

Sleep On Latex Pure Green Natural Latex mattress, as the name suggests, is made entirely of latex, which provides a durable, bouncy feel without a deep sink.

Sleep On Latex also offers two choices of firmness levels, medium and firm, so you can choose which one works better for you. If you’re a stomach sleeper, we recommend going with the firm option, but if you typically sleep on your sides or back, the medium option should be perfect for you.

With 8 inches of natural latex foam, organic cotton fiber, and organic wool, this bed will guarantee long-lasting support in an environmentally friendly way. The natural latex is durable, the organic cotton is soft yet strong, and the organic wool is temperature regulating. Don’t forget, it’s free of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.

With a 10-year warranty and 100-night sleep trial, you can try before you buy to ensure this mattress works for you.

6. Tuft & Needle Original

Tuft & Needle Original mattress contains their unique Adaptive® foam, which provides pressure relief as you move. With 6.5 inches of support foam and 3 inches of graphite and cooling gel foam, this mattress gives you comfort and ensures you won’t sleep hot. This mattress is especially great for back, side, and combination sleepers because it has a medium firmness level and even support throughout the mattress.

With cooling gels and a breathable cover, this mattress provides excellent air circulation. If you sleep in multiple positions or toss and turn a lot, this mattress will provide you with the support you need in every position.

The Tuft & Needle mattress comes with free shipping and returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

7. Alwyn Home Innerspring

Alwyn Home Innerspring mattress made this list because of its affordability and lightweight feel. This mattress consists of layers of memory foam and innerspring, creating a comfortable, supportive bed that prevents motion transfer.

It has a medium feel, which is great for side and back sleepers, and provides a bouncy touch and good responsiveness. The coils move independently, allowing the mattress to adapt to your body and isolate motion. The mattress also has a low-motion transfer construction, making it suitable to share with a partner.

The Alwyn Home Innerspring comes with free shipping and a 100-night sleep trial. You can choose to add on a 10-year protection plan for $38.99.

What to Consider When Buying the Right Bunk Bed Mattress

As we mentioned above, you must consider many different aspects when you’re looking for a bunk bed mattress, such as weight capacities and headspace. In these next sections, we review everything you need to know when buying the right bunk bed mattress.

Mattress Size

Contrary to popular belief, bunk bed can be designed to fit any standard size mattress. However, the most common twin, twin XL, and full size mattresses.

It is important to think about who the mattress is for when buying a bunk bed. If you’re looking for a bunk bed for small children, a twin or full is probably the right way to go, but if you’re looking for someone who is off to college, a larger size like a queen might be more fitting.

Thickness

The ideal thickness for a bunk bed mattress depends on whether it’ll be for the top or bottom bunk. Mattresses on the bottom bunk can be just as thick as a mattress you’d use with any other standard bed frame. However, mattresses on the top bunk need to be thin enough so the sleeper can sit up without hitting their head on the ceiling. A thinner mattress also ensures that the guard rail provides adequate protection.

Sometimes, top bunk mattresses are as thin as 5 or 6 inches. Don’t worry, thin mattresses can still provide quality comfort.

Weight Capacity

Bunk beds have lower weight capacity limits than other mattresses. These weight limits must include not only the sleepers but the mattresses as well. Typically, the weight limit on bunk beds is around 200 pounds for the bottom bunk and 175 pounds for the top bunk. However, higher weight capacities are available.

Firmness

Bunk beds have firmness levels ranging from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest. Most bunk beds are between levels 3 and 8, and the firmness of your bunk bed depends on your personal preference, sleeping position, and bodyweight.

Softer mattresses are better for side sleepers and those under 130 pounds because they conform to your sleeping position. Firmer mattresses are better for back and stomach sleepers who weigh more because they won’t cause you to sink too low.

Safety/Guardrails

Having a guardrail is extremely important for the top bunk of a bunk bed, regardless of a sleeper’s age, because they allow you to roll and move in your sleep without the fear of falling. Guardrails should be at least 5 inches higher than the top of the mattress.

When searching for a bunk bed, a warranty is a good indicator that it is a safe bed. Make sure you read all the information regarding things like assembly, mattress size, and weight capacity.

Headroom

Something you don’t normally consider when buying other beds is how much headroom you would have when sitting up. It’s important to think about that before purchasing a bunk bed.

Headspace isn’t as critical to consider for bottom bunk mattresses, but it’s still something to consider when choosing both the bottom and top bunk bed mattresses. You want at least enough room to sit up in bed, as this will allow you to do activities such as reading or watching TV. Adequate headspace also helps you avoid feelings of claustrophobia.

Even if you are buying the bed for children, think about when you need to make the bed or when you want to tell bedtime stories. You’ll want enough space for you too.

Fabric

Because bunk beds are somewhat of an enclosed space, you’ll want to find a mattress with light, breathable fabric for better air circulation. It might be best to get a mattress protector or a cover with an easily cleaned fabric, especially if you’re getting the bed for young kids.

Choosing the Best Bunk Bed Mattress for Your Sleeping Position

There are three sleeping positions: back, side, and stomach, and everyone has a unique way they like to sleep. Some people even sleep in multiple different positions. But did you know the position you sleep in determines the level of mattress firmness you should buy? Find your favorite sleeping position below to learn what firmness best suits you.

Back Sleepers

For many years now, doctors have said sleeping on your back with your arms at your side is the healthiest sleeping position because it allows your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position, meaning no one area is feeling too much pressure. The problem, however, is that many people don’t find back sleeping comfortable, likely because they aren’t using the right mattress. We recommend a medium firmness level between 5 and 7 when shopping for the right mattress for back sleepers.

Side Sleepers

Side sleeping is sometimes speculated to cause back pain and long-term problems in the future because it constricts deep breathing in the ribcage and creates a strain on the neck. Other experts recommend side sleeping to deal with sleep apnea and snoring because the position prevents soft tissues in the throat from collapsing under gravity and blocking a person’s airway.

No matter what, the right mattress can help a side sleeper rest well and pain-free. Side sleeping creates many gaps between your body and sleep surface that a mattress will need to fill. A mattress for side sleeping should cradle your body and provide support for your hips and shoulders. We recommend a soft to medium firmness level between 3 and 7 for side sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping is the unhealthiest position for sleeping and is not recommended because it adds extra weight and strain on the middle of your body that you wouldn’t get in other sleeping positions. However, the right mattress can still help minimize the damages. The best mattresses for stomach sleepers are firm, supportive mattress with little to no comfort layer. We recommend a mattress with a firmness level between 7 and 10.

Combination Sleepers

Most people fall into the combination sleepers category because they move into multiple positions throughout the night. However, this could make finding the right mattress a little more difficult.

Think about what position you spend most of the night in. Keep the position in mind but don’t revolve your decision around it.

For example, if you sleep on your side a lot but sometimes move to your back, you should get a mattress with a medium firmness level. As a rule of thumb, we recommend medium firmness levels for combination sleepers.

Some mattresses have a transition layer between the top and support layers, which can be beneficial to combination sleepers because it provides more support to your head, back and feet, and more cushion to your shoulders and hips. Combination sleepers should also consider the mattress’s responsiveness and motion transfer to ensure they don’t get stuck in the bed or disturb a partner’s rest.

Types of Bunk Bed Mattresses

As you can see, there are many different choices and possibilities when buying a bunk bed. You didn’t think we’d leave you hanging, did you? Like picking a regular mattress, picking a bunk bed mattress depends on personal preference. Check out all the different types of bunk bed mattresses you have to choose from and consider.

Memory Foam

Memory foam mattresses are great for pressure point relief as they conform to your body. They cradle your body for a deeper sleep than what you would get with other mattresses. Memory foam mattresses ensure you won’t wake up every time someone shifts or moves because of their no-motion transfer. Memory foam mattresses are soft and comfortable while still providing support.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses have at least 2 inches of foam in the comfort layer and a pocketed coil system as the base. These mattresses are typically more breathable than others because the coils don’t retain heat, and they can provide motion isolation depending on which coils are used, meaning you’ll sleep cool and move less often. Hybrid mattresses are most often described as providing a weightless feeling because of their bouncy and adaptable layers.

Latex

Latex mattresses are bouncier than memory foam and provide pressure relief without causing you to sink too deep into the mattress. Latex is the most durable type of mattress. Natural latex can provide good air circulation as you sleep and is generally a breathable material. These mattresses are great for pain relief because they contour to the heavier parts of your body, like your hips and shoulders.

Innerspring

These mattresses have a thin layer of cushioning materials and an innerspring coil system. They are the most popular kind of bunk bed mattress because they are typically the most affordable. Innerspring mattresses have reinforced edges and tend to stay cool because the coils don’t retain heat.

These mattresses are best known for their responsiveness, ensuring you feel like you’re sleeping on the bed and not in it. However, some innerspring mattress owners have complained their mattresses didn’t provide enough pressure relief for a good night’s rest.

Types of Bunk Bed Foundations

Once you find a mattress you like, the next step is to find a bunk bed foundation that works with your bedroom layout and preferences. Though two beds stacked on top of each other may be the most common image of bunk beds, there are actually many different kinds. So, let’s figure out which one works best for you!

Standard

A standard bunk bed is two bunks of the same size stacked directly on top of each other. This type of bunk bed saves tons of space and may be changed to fit your liking as time goes on. For example, the beds may detach, allowing you to move from one shared room to two as kids get older.

Triple

The triple bunk bed foundation is just like the standard with a third bed. This is great if you have more than two children or if you want an extra bed for sleepovers and guests.

Do note that the mattresses on a triple bunk bed tend to be thinner. Plus, you’ll need to make sure you have high enough ceilings before buying one of these bed frames. However, these frames can also detach and be used as three separate beds, or one standard bunk bed and one individual bed.

Standard Loft

A loft bed is a single bed raised high up, with open space underneath for things like a workspace, dresser, or sofa. There is usually 3 to 4 feet of space under these beds, allowing for easy storage. It is easier to find a standard loft in bigger bed sizes than a standard or triple bunk bed.

Twin Over Full

Just as the name suggests, this style has a smaller bed size on top and a bigger bed size on the bottom. While it is typical to have a twin on top and a full on the bottom, you could do this type of foundation with any two sizes. For example, the bed frame may have space for a full mattress on top and a queen bed on the bottom.

These are perfect for people of two different ages, heights, or body weights, such as siblings sharing a room where one needs more bed space than the other. This is also a popular alternative to the triple bunk bed, as two people can share the bottom bunk. However, we must note that while two small children may comfortably share a full size mattress, we do not recommend full mattresses for two adults interested in sharing a bed.

Benefits of Bunk Bed Mattresses

Bunk beds have proven useful in situations like:

• Fitting everything into a tiny dorm room or bedroom.
• Building a guest room for visitors.
• Being near someone you’re taking care of because of health conditions, such as an elderly parent or grandparent.

There are multiple other perks to owning and sleeping on a bunk bed, such as saving space, saving money, promoting bonding, and flexibility.

Space-Saving

Possibly the most common reason to opt for bunk beds is to save space. Beds are usually the largest item in a room and thus take up the most space. Especially if two or more people share a single room, bunk beds can create room for things like dressers, desks, or open play areas.

Budget-Friendly

Bunk beds remove the need for add-on expenses like headboards and box springs. They also allow you to buy a house with fewer rooms or design the other rooms to better fit your preferences, like an office or craft room. Even without these added perks, bunk beds themselves are relatively inexpensive, particularly if you pick them up during one of the best mattress sales.

Promote Sibling Bonding

When siblings share a room, they spend more time together and get to know each other better, creating a close bond. Bunk beds can bring your kids closer together and create a family feeling throughout the whole house.

Allow for Flexibility

Bunk beds are versatile and can be changed to fit your personal preference. You can:

• Stack them on top of one another for young children
• Side by side for your guest room
• Set up loft-style for an added workspace

This is “can-do-it-all” design is especially appealing when you have children whose tastes may change when they get older.

SEE ALSO: The Best Place to Buy a Mattress & 7 In-Store Myths

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should a mattress be for a bunk bed?

Low-profile mattresses 6 to 7 inches thick are best for bunk beds. You can use thinner mattresses on the top bunk and thicker ones on the bottom, but bunk bed mattresses are thinner than other mattresses because of safety concerns. Ideally, you want a thick enough mattress for a supportive and comfortable night’s sleep, but thin enough to prevent you from rolling over the guard rails.

Can you use a bunk bed mattress on a regular bed?

As long as the mattress is the correct size, you can use it on a regular bed. Bunk bed mattresses tend to be cheaper than regular mattresses because of their low thickness. Since bunk bed mattresses are relatively thin, you may want to invest in a standard mattress for greater support and comfort.

Are bunk beds safe for adults?

Bunk beds come with safety handbooks that outline everything you need to know, but the most important concern is the weight capacity. As long as you don’t go over the weight limit (including the mattress and bedding), bunk beds can be safe for adults. In fact, there are many reasons an adult would want a bunk bed, such as in a college dorm or when taking care of an elderly parent.

How can I make my bunk bed more comfortable?

Just because bunk bed mattresses are thin doesn’t mean they have to be uncomfortable. The specific mattress types listed above all have excellent customer reviews and are made to provide comfort and support. Some extra padding, fluffy pillows, or soft bedding can bring your bunk bed to the next level. Adding coverings to the ladder can also help your bunk bed feel more comfortable and homey.

Do you use a box spring on bunk beds?

Box springs are not necessary for bunk beds. They are too big, bulky, and they can cause safety concerns as they would put you over the safety rails. One of the major benefits of getting a bunk bed is eliminating the need for box springs.

What is a trundle bed used for?

A trundle bed is often bundled into the bottom half of a bunk bed. It’s a third mattress that pulls out from under the bottom bunk, providing an extra bed for guests. Typically, trundle beds have thinner mattresses that aren’t comfortable enough to sleep on long-term.

If you have a bunk bed in your kids’ room, a trundle bed makes it easier for them to let a friend sleepover. A trundle bed also provides a good mattress for a guest room.

Conclusion

With so many different choices for a bunk bed and comfortable mattresses, you’re sure to find one that fits your preferences. We know this is a lot of information, so here’s a quick and concise rundown. Choosing the right bunk bed mattress is just like choosing any other mattress. Think about your sleeping position and personal preferences.