What is a Twin Mattress?
A twin mattress is the smallest of all mattress sizes. Twin mattresses are available in 3 sizes or types: Youth (33” wide by 66” long), standard (38” wide by 75” long), and Twin XL (38” wide by 80” long).
Yes, a twin mattress is the same as a single. However, a twin size mattress is not the same as a double (also known as a full). With a width of 53”, a full size mattress is around 15” wider than a standard twin.
Types of Twin Mattresses and their Uses
#1: Youth Size
A youth size mattress is the smallest of twin mattresses. Youth twin mattresses are 33” wide and 66” long, making them just a few inches bigger than baby crib mattresses that are mostly 27.5” wide and 52” long. Owing to the little extra sleeping surface that they offer compared to a crib, youth size twin mattresses are not popular. Most parents prefer getting a standard twin instead.
Common uses: a natural choice for still-growing young children.
#2: Standard Size
Standard twin mattresses (also commonly called single mattresses) are the most popular for obvious reasons. They are compact but not quickly outgrown compared to youth size twin mattresses. A standard size twin mattress is 38” wide and 75” long.
Common uses: kids bedrooms when they are transitioning from a crib, teen bedrooms, day beds, hideaways, and trundle beds.
#3: Twin XL Size
These are extra-long versions of twin mattresses. At 38”, a twin XL mattress has the same width as a standard size twin. However, a twin XL is 5 inches longer than a standard twin at 80”.
Thanks to this extra length, the best twin xl mattresses will accommodate a growing teen, so you won’t need to replace it as you’d do with a standard size mattress. Additionally, this extra length makes twin xl mattresses more comfortable for taller-than-average adults.
Common uses of a twin mattress: two twin xl mattresses are combined to make a split-king mattress. Also, twin size mattresses are commonly preferred for guest bedrooms and boarding school and college dorms.