Key Takeaways
- Size Matters: When choosing a mattress, start by determining the right size for your bedroom. Consider factors like available space for furniture and walking room. For single sleepers, options like the twin and twin XL mattresses are compact and fit well in smaller rooms, making them suitable for studio apartments.
- Twin vs. Twin XL: Understand the differences between twin and twin XL mattresses. Twin size (38 inches by 74 inches) is ideal for children’s rooms and guest beds. It’s also a budget-friendly choice. Twin XL size (38 inches by 80 inches) offers an additional 6 inches in length, making it suitable for taller individuals, college dorms, and guest rooms.
- Other Mattress Sizes: If twin or twin XL mattresses feel too small, consider larger options like full, queen, king, or California king, depending on your needs and available space. Each size has its own advantages and suitability for different sleepers and room configurations.
In looking for the best mattress, before deciding between a memory foam and innerspring mattress, first decide on the right size. The best mattress will fit the bedroom while leaving extra space for furniture and room to walk.
For single sleepers, a twin or twin XL mattress could be the best option—their small size fits any bedroom and could be an excellent choice for studio bedroom apartments.
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In our article, we go over the differences between a twin and twin XL mattress, including the pros and cons of each mattress size.
What’s a Twin Size Mattress?
A twin size mattress, also known as a single bed, measures 38 inches by 74 inches. The twin size mattress is the smallest, compact standard size available on the market today. Twin size beds are perfect for children’s rooms—for families with more than one child, parents may find bunk beds a great option, leaving extra space for playing.
Twin or single size beds are also good options for guest beds and adults with limited living spaces, like studio apartments.
Pricing
Pricing for a twin size mattress ranges between $100 to $1500. High-end mattress options cost more because they include exclusive sleep technologies and organic materials.
Below, we offer a breakdown of our Amerisleep mattresses in twin size.
| Mattress | Price |
|---|---|
| Amerisleep AS1 | $649 |
| Amerisleep AS2 | $849 |
| Amerisleep AS3 | $1049 |
| Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid | $1249 |
| Amerisleep AS4 | $1049 |
| Amerisleep AS5 | $1649 |
| Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid | $1949 |
| Amerisleep Organica | $1049 |
Recommended Room Space
The best bedroom space for a twin size mattress should be at least 7 feet by 10 feet to accommodate space for furniture and room to walk. An evenly-spaced bedroom may also improve sleep in reducing stress from cramped quarters.
Pros
- Perfect for kids
- Small, compact size easy to move
- Bunk bed compatible
- Most affordable size
Cons
- Too small for couples
- Not ideal for restless, or combination sleepers
- Not enough sleeping space for some adults
What’s a Twin XL Size Mattress?
A twin XL mattress is 38 inches by 80 inches—about the same size as a twin bed, but 6 inches longer. The extra length makes it a great choice both for children and adults who are taller, giving them more legroom.
Twin XL beds are also good options for guest rooms and studio apartments, and commonly found in college dorm rooms.
Pricing
Twin XL mattresses range between $300 to over $2000 for high-end models. These luxury beds cost more because they may include more layers and unique sleep technologies not widely available.
Below, we offer a breakdown of our Amerisleep mattresses in twin XL size.
| Mattress | Price |
|---|---|
| Amerisleep AS1 | $699 |
| Amerisleep AS2 | $899 |
| Amerisleep AS3 | $1099 |
| Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid | $1299 |
| Amerisleep AS4 | $1099 |
| Amerisleep AS5 | $1699 |
| Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid | $1999 |
| Amerisleep Organica | $1099 |
Recommended Room Space
The best area for a twin XL mattress is bedrooms 7 feet by 10 feet, enabling room for furniture and walking space.
Pros
- Extra-long twin for more legroom
- Great for bedrooms, studio apartments, and college dorms
- Affordable price
Cons
- Too small for couples
- Not enough room for some adults
Twin vs. Twin XL Dimensions
| Twin | Twin XL |
|---|---|
| 38 inches wide | 38 inches wide |
| 74 inches long | 80 inches long |
When comparing the length and width of a twin and a twin XL bed, the primary difference is their lengths since both twin and twin XL size mattresses are 38 inches wide. Twin mattresses are 74 inches long, while twin XLs are 80 inches. While the 6-inch difference might not feel drastic, the extra legroom makes excellent mattresses for taller sleepers.
Other Mattress Sizes
If a twin or twin XL mattress feels too small, different mattress sizes, including full, queen, king, and California king, might be better options, especially for master bedrooms.
Full Size
Full size mattresses measure 54 inches by 75 inches, giving more space, both in width and length, to stretch out. Full size beds are excellent options for both teenagers and college students. They’re also suitable for single adults on their own with a tight budget and limited living space.
Queen Size
Queen mattresses are 60 inches by 80 inches, and one of the most popular mattress options for single adults. Queen beds give lots of room to stretch out and are great options for restless, or combination sleepers. Queen size mattresses are also good options for couples, though not as spacious as a king size.
King Size
King size mattresses measure 76 inches by 80 inches and are the largest standard mattress size available. King beds are perfect for couples, leaving room for personal space.
King beds also have the same dimensions as two twin XL mattresses placed side by side. This design choice is known as a split king mattress and is available for couples who prefer a mattress catered to their personal needs.
See also twin XL vs split king mattresses.
California King Size
A California king size mattress has the same area as a king bed, except a Cal king mattress is longer, measuring 72 inches by 84 inches. California king beds are another excellent option for couples, particularly those who like to sleep close together. Though not as widely available as a split king, split California king options are available to accommodate personal preferences.
FAQs
How wide is a twin bed?
Twin and twin XL mattresses are each 38 inches wide. What makes a twin XL an “XL” size is its extra length, it measures 80 inches long. (So how long is a twin bed? Twins are only 74 inches long.)
Can a twin fitted sheet fit on a twin XL?
Because a twin XL mattress has five extra inches in length, regular twin sheet sets may not fit a twin XL bed—the sheets may come up short.
Do two twin beds make a California king?
No, two twin mattresses don’t make a California king size mattress. A twin size bed is 38 inches by 80 inches, while a California king bed is 72 inches by 84 inches. Two twin XL mattresses do make a king size, though.
How much bigger is a full than a twin XL?
A twin XL mattress may have five extra inches in length compared to a standard twin, but a full has 16 inches of extra width. Full size beds might be better options for single sleepers who toss and turn at night.
Is a Twin or Twin XL Mattress Right for You?
Twin and twin XL mattresses are great options for kids, teenagers, and single adults. They’re the perfect length and width to accommodate any room size, especially for children’s bedrooms and studio apartments.
About the author
Geoff McKinnen is a writer focusing mainly on the healthcare industry and has written articles on everything from foods to help you lose weight to the connection between Alzheimer’s and sleep. Geoff’s passionate about helping readers improve their well-being to lead happier lives. Outside of work, Geoff enjoys cycling and hiking and believes that by leading a healthy lifestyle, he can help others do the same.
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