The Best Mattresses For Teens, Tested By Actual Tweens And Teens

Forbes

2 days ago

Shopping for a mattress for teens requires parents to consider different factors than if they were buying for a younger child, or even themselves. Tweens and teens are in a stage of life where they're experiencing rapid physical growth, hormonal changes that often impact sleep patterns and may now have strong preferences for a certain type of mattress feel—or a larger bed. Athletic teens may also benefit from increased pressure relief to support recovery. We enlisted tween and teen testers, including two of my own kids, as well as 15 other older kids to find the very best mattresses for teens. My top overall pick, the Avocado Eco Organic mattress, hits all those marks and more. The Bear Original is also a fantastic option for those looking for a more wallet-friendly teen mattress.
The Avocado Eco Organic is our pick for the best mattress for teens overall given its nontoxic ... More profile and comfortable feel.
'Tweens and teens can benefit from mattresses that provide adequate support tailored to their developing bodies—especially as their bodies undergo significant changes during these years,' says Dr. Steven Abelowitz, pediatrician and medical director of Ocean Pediatrics in Orange County, California. He says to consider mattresses that help support proper spinal alignment, allowing for teen bodies to grow appropriately, which is generally a medium to firm mattress.
After our testers slept on over a dozen mattresses for months and, some for years, and speaking with several pediatricians and sleep experts, I've narrowed our guide down to the models below. I leaned toward brands that used natural materials, just as we did when ranking the best mattresses for kids based on the latest research regarding the impact and concern related to certain materials on growing children. Note that all prices below are based on full mattresses, as many teens might upgrade from a twin kids mattress to a bigger bed in this new life stage.
The following is a list of all the winners from our testing process:
Avocado Green Mattress
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Mattress type: Hybrid (latex) | Firmness: Medium | Height: 10 inches| Warranty: 10 years | Trial period: 100 nights | Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Oeko-Tex 100, EWG Verified, Made Safe, Greenguard Gold, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified, Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Forest Stewardship Council latex, Certified B Corp, Certified Climate Neutral
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Tweens and teens are still developing, so the need for being conscious of what they sleep on for many hours a day, is top of mind for many parents. 'Parents should, ideally, search for mattresses that are made from mostly organic materials and take special consideration to look for a mattress that is free of toxic flame retardants, heavy metals, and formaldehyde. Instead, consider natural latex materials that tend to be more durable and breathable than synthetic alternatives,' says Abelowitz.
The Avocado Eco Organic Mattress is free of synthetic materials that could off-gas in your teen's room and combines over 800 recycled steel coils with GOLS-certified organic Dunlop latex to create a supportive sleep surface that most older kids will find comfortable, making it a versatile pick for various preferred sleep positions. Certified organic cotton and wool form a comfy topper. It's earned a laundry-list of environmental credentials, virtually more than any other mattress brand out there. This is a huge plus for our tester. 'The extensive certifications make me feel really good about the safety of this mattress for my developing tween who has pretty severe asthma and environmental allergies,' she says.
Fortunately, this mattress is as comfortable as it is sustainable. Our tester's 10-year-old back-sleeping child—who is also a multi-sport athlete—has slept on this 'really comfortable' mattress for two years and 'wouldn't trade it for anything,' even after testing out several other mattresses in between. They rated the pressure relief an 8 to 9 out of 10 saying that the mattress 'absolutely cradles all your pressure points.' She does note, however, that solely side-sleepers may feel some pressure building up over time.
The Avocado Eco Organic mattress is versatile, supportive and chemical-free.
It's definitely not inexpensive, but still comes in at a slightly lower price point than other comparable natural mattresses, and if you're buying it to last for years to come, it's a worthy investment. Unfortunately there's no in-home delivery option, so just keep in mind that it's heavy (as most natural mattresses tend to be.) Our tester did mention a 'faint natural type smell' upon opening it, but says it went away quickly.
The Avocado Green Eco Organic mattress has remained a top pick across the board: the kid version was named our best mattress for kids overall. You can also learn more about all of its finer details in this full-length review by our adult tester.
Brooklyn Bedding
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Mattress type: Hybrid (foam) | Firmness: Soft, medium or firm | Height: 12.25 inches | Warranty: Limited lifetime | Trial period: 120 nights | Flippable: No | Certifications: Greenguard Gold, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified
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Winner of our Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a versatile mattress that delivers comfort and support across age groups, making it an excellent choice for growing teens and adults alike (you can read one adult's personal review for even more insight.) This affordable mattress works for virtually any type of sleeper since parents can select from three firmness levels: soft, medium and firm. It's also one of the tallest mattresses on our list, measuring at 12.25-inches tall.
The five-layer combo of individually encased coils, two layers of foam and a moisture-wicking quilted top delivers a supportive surface that doesn't hug the body like traditional memory foam, but instead, contours around it to help relieve pressure points. Our 11-year-old tester, who is normally a back or side-sleeper, found the pressure relief on the mattress excellent, rating it a 9 out of 10, calling it 'very soft and cradling.' They also rated the 'very good' edge support an 8.
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress works well for almost every type of teen sleeper.
As far as delivery, it arrives quickly, compressed in a box that one adult can move in, despite the height being a big unwieldy. Our tester's parent says it 'unfolded and puffed up fast' and had zero odor. They also appreciated the side straps that made moving the mattress easier. It's a fantastic all-around option that won't break the bank. Your child can try it out for 120 days to decide if they like it or not, although a $99 return fee will apply if you choose to send it back.
Bear Mattress
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Mattress type: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium | Height: 10 inches | Warranty: Limited lifetime | Trial period: 120 nights | Certifications: Greenguard Gold, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified
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The Bear Original is a comfortable medium-firm mattress that provides necessary support for still growing tween and teen bodies and athletes who may require more pressure relief. Unlike traditional memory foam, your kid won't feel as if they're sinking into a pit of, well, foam. Described as 'remarkably supportive' by our tester, the Bear Original uses high-density foam as its foundation, topped with responsive layers of foam and a graphite-gel foam layer (which should help keep the sleeper cooler than traditional foam) to provide a good balance of support and comfort.
The Bear Original is firm enough to provide pressure relief for athletes.
'It was firm enough that it wouldn't move around or feel lumpy or wobbly when I laid down, but still soft enough to feel good on my joints,' says our 13-year-old athletic tester. 'I don't like soft mattresses because they sort of cave in around my body and make me hot. This mattress didn't do that.' The firmer feel is also ideal for restless sleepers who tend to shift positions throughout the night. Parents can rest assured that it's fiberglass-free. An added perk? It comes with two free pillows.
My Green Mattress
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Mattress type: Hybrid (latex) | Firmness: Medium-firm | Height: 10 inches | Warranty: 20 years | Trial period: 365 nights | Certifications: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), GreenGuard Gold, Made Safe, Formaldehyde-Free Claim Verified
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'Side-sleepers may need a mattress that offers pressure relief in areas such as the shoulders and the hips which bear more of the weight during side-sleeping,' says Abelowitz. This natural Dunlop latex mattress provides a supportive and comfortable landing pad with just enough medium-firmness that's ideal for side-sleeping older kids like my daughter. My almost 12-year-old has been using this mattress and is, for lack for a better word: obsessed. She calls it 'the most comfortable mattress ever.'
Prior to swapping to the Kiwi Organic, she'd never sleep past her alarm, and now, it's difficult to get her out of bed in the mornings, because she loves lying in her bed so much. 'I slept on the very edge a few nights and felt no bending at all,' she says. The over 1,000 pocketed coil springs provide solid lumbar support and the notably cushy feeling top has become a family favorite, fought over with by her teen sister. Having also tested out this mattress, I can attest that it's springy yet firm with no sagging or movement, such as rolling in the middle of the night—and the edge support is strong, even when sitting at the end of the bed. As a parent, I've also noted that any morning complaints of backaches have disappeared since using this mattress.
The My Green Mattress Kiwi Organic is supportive, made of clean materials and offers great edge ... More support.
The Kiwi Organic is delivered compressed in a box and there's no odor at all even when first unwrapped, which was a major plus as someone with a sensitive nose—and for my child who's prone to allergies. If your teen runs hot, you should note that it's made of GOLS-certified Dunlop latex, which while breathable, is less so than Talalay latex. The entire mattress is made in the U.S. and comes with a robust 20-year warranty and 365-night trial period.
Birch
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Mattress type: Hybrid (latex) | Firmness: Medium-firm | Height: 11 inches (Twin XL) | Warranty: Limited lifetime | Trial period: 100 nights | Certifications: GreenGuard Gold, Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), Fair Trade Certified
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The latex Birch Natural (which also made our list for Best Organic Mattress), made of hypoallergenic and certified organic materials, is a clean and sustainable option that rates high in comfort from our 12-year-old tester. Like the Avocado Eco Organic, it also uses Greenguard Gold and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) certified materials, so you can feel secure knowing it contains no dangerous chemicals or materials. Also importantly, it's supportive and comfortable for growing teen bodies.
Our tester's softball-playing 12-year-old, who is primarily a side-and stomach-sleeper, has slept on this Birch mattress for two years and says the 1,000 individually wrapped steel coils provides 'excellent' pressure relief and 'really rises up to meet your pressure points so that no pressure builds up at their shoulders or hips.' 'As soon as we switched her to this bed, she stopped complaining of waking up with various aches and pains,' she says. They did note that this mattress is 'on the softer side,' despite the brand website saying it's medium-firm, which her child really liked, but is worth noting.
The Birch Natural uses natural materials to keep teens cooler while they sleep.
A breathable organic cotton top combined with wool layers and the natural breathability of organic latex, also makes this a great option for hot sleepers. The company offers in-home setup and delivery, which is especially helpful if you're purchasing a full size or larger that is heavier and more unwieldy to take up stairs or down long hallways yourself. Even if you don't opt for the in-home setup, the bed inflates and unrolls quickly with no lingering odor, according to the tester. It's definitely on the more expensive end, but comes backed with a limited lifetime warranty and 100-night trial period, so you can likely pass it down among multiple kids (and even adults.)
Saatva
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Mattress type: Innerspring | Firmness: Firm | Height: 10 inches| Warranty: Lifetime | Trial period: 365 nights | Certifications: Greenguard Gold, CertiPUR-US Certified, Congress of Chiropractic State Association Seal of Approval, American Chiropractic Association-approved
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If your teen prefers a traditional innerspring mattress with coil support, the luxurious-feeling Saatva Classic sets a high benchmark. Earning a perfect 10 out of 10 overall rating from our tester, the mattress is available in three firmness levels (plush soft, luxury firm and firm) and two heights (11.5 inches and 14.5 inches) so you can customize the best fit for your child.
The dual layers of innerspring means there's greater airflow than in a foam mattress, making it exceptionally cool and ideal for hot sleepers. A hypoallergenic organic cotton cover on top of the cushy 3-inch Euro pillow top adds to its breathability. Our tester notes that it 'felt cool to the touch' even after a night of sleep on it. They also say the pressure relief is 'great' and their 13-year-old finds it super comfortable after months of use and 'sleeps better than he's ever slept before.' They particularly appreciate the excellent edge support and motion isolation, rating both features a 9. 'You can even sit on the edge and not have it collapse,' she says.
The Saatva Classic is a luxurious innerspring option that arrives via white glove delivery.
Instead of fiberglass or chemical-laden flame retardants, the Saatva Classic utilizes a plant-based thistle pulp as a fire-resistant layer. Free white glove delivery is included, so you won't have to worry about hauling a bulky mattress up the stairs—or figuring out how to dispose of your old one, which our tester greatly appreciated. Just select the option at checkout, and they'll remove it at no extra cost. While this is on the pricier end of our picks for teens, it comes with a lifetime warranty and 365-night trial period offering extended protection.
Amazon
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Mattress type: Hybrid (foam) | Firmness: Medium | Height: 11.5 inches| Warranty: Limited lifetime | Trial period: 100 nights | Certifications: Greenguard Gold, CertiPUR-US Certified
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If your teen is the type who flops on their back, then rolls to their side over and over again, the Helix Midnight is a great medium-firmness hybrid option that'll properly support various sleeping positions While the knit cover is already breathable to help keep teens cool, parents can choose to upgrade to a GalcioTex cooling pillow top for extra temperature regulation. The mattress is on the softer side compared to others on this list, though, so edge support isn't as robust, but it was still rated an 8 out of 10 by our tester.
Our testers two teens (ages 14 and 15) loved the Helix Midnight so much they acutally begged to go back to it after testing out several other mattresses in between—and rated it a 10 out of 10. 'Both of my teens have tested this mattress for over two years. It works perfectly for both of them, even though my son is a restless hot sleeper, while my daughter is a peaceful side sleeper,' she says. 'They find it cozy yet supportive. Soft, but not too soft.' She also appreciates the mid-range price point, that it's made in the US (assembled in Arizona, to be exact) and has no fiberglass to worry about. Our senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman, who has also personally tested the Midnight notes that 'it might be a touch too firm for strict side sleepers if they're lighter in weight,' as something for parents to keep in mind.
You can also add on in-home delivery setup and removal (or just one or the other) for an additional fee at checkout.
WinkBeds
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Mattress type: Hybrid (foam) | Firmness: Softer, luxury firm, firm or plus | Height: 13.5 inches| Warranty: Lifetime | Trial period: 120 nights | Certifications: Oeko-Tek Standard 100, CertiPUR-US
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Voted our best overall pillow top mattress of 2025, the WinkBed is a hybrid innerspring and foam mattress that let's you select the optimal firmness level for your child, including a 'Plus' option that's specifically designed to support larger bodies (250-pounds and up). A cushy quilted Euro pillow top sits beneath a eucalyptus-derived Tencel cover that's naturally moisture-wicking to keep the sleeper cool, an added bonus for sweaty (and hormonal) teen sleepers to help them get more restful sleep. The perimeter is lined with reinforced coils to provide robust edge support, so no one has to worry about rolling off the bed or sagging off when sitting on the ends.
The plush pillowtop and cooling gel-infused foam helps keep teens comfy on the WinkBed.
Our tester actually used it with multiple teens during several sleepovers and said not a single one complained of bad sleep or aches afterwards. Her own 13-year-old, who runs hot, was 'very comfortable' at night in terms of temperature and pressure relief. Another Forbes Vetted editor who has been sleeping on the WinkBed for a year says that the softer firmness level would be better for lighter teens who won't require as much firm support.
The search for the best teen mattress started with months of in-depth research. I studied competitor reviews, online customer feedback, major mattress brand sites and also utilized our own sleep team's mattress testing conclusions. I noted details such as warranty and sleep trial information, special certifications each mattress had earned from certain organizations that recognized if they were organic, sustainable and the like. I also paid attention to finer features some mattresses offered and others didn't.
I also spoke to multiple pediatricians to get their thoughts on features that were important to pay attention to, especially for teenagers whose bodies are still developing, or who may now have different sleep needs compared to younger kids
I then sought out well-known mattress brands (and a handful of newer ones) to start testing. My tween and teen personally tested several of the contenders, as well as a variety of other parents with tween and teenage children—some of whom tested their mattress over nearly two full years. Testers are still getting in new mattresses and testing them as of this writing. Each panelist then shared their insights and feedback using the following factors:
Panelists noted whether the delivery was easy or difficult, paying particular note if they lived in a multi-story building or were the only adult at home. Some companies just left a giant unwieldy mattress in a box on your doorstep while others offered white glove delivery, setting up the mattress (and hauling away the old one) before they left.
Testers noted if there was a strong odor when they first unboxed or unwrapped the mattress, and how long it took that smell to go away (if ever.)
Testers were also asked to rate the mattresses' pressure relief on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. The teens recorded whether they felt it was firm, too soft or just right. Some parents who are similarly sized to their teenagers also tried this out. Some of our testers are teens who play sports who may require greater pressure relief. 'Mattresses that offer sufficient pressure relief in specific areas that are affected from sports can help alleviate discomfort,' says Abelowitz.
While older kids aren't likely to be rolling off their beds, we still had panelists note how supportive or unsupportive the edge support felt, both with the teen on it alone, and if a sibling or parent were on the bed with them. We also had them mimic side sleeping to see if the bed slanted one way or another.
While it's not as critical for the tween/teen set who probably aren't regularly sharing a bed with another person, the testers (and their parents) were still asked to feel how much motion could be felt on the mattress in a variety of circumstances such as when a parent or sibling lays on it then rolls to the side to get off or when a restless sleeper rolls around on it.
To find the best mattress for your teen, you'll need to consider a number of factors. First and foremost, you should consider what position your tween or teen likes to sleep in: on their side, on their back, stomach or a combination of it all. Think about other details like if they're someone who rolls around a lot at night, or likes to sleep with a leg hanging off the side of the bed. This will all help determine the following details:
There are several different types of mattresses, and the kind that's best for your tween or teen may just depend on their personal preference and needs: innerspring, memory foam, latex or hybrids which are a combination of types.
How firm or soft you want the mattress to be will really depend on your child's preferred sleep position. 'Back sleepers typically require medium to firm mattresses that support the natural curvature of the spine without causing the lower back to sag,' says Abelowitz. Meanwhile, 'mattresses that allow for the hips to sink slightly may be beneficial to side-sleepers to keep their spine aligned.' Stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer mattress.
Like kids, tweens and teens bodies are still developing, so parents should be cautious of anything that could off-gas or impact their hormones. Look for products with Greenguard certification, which helps protect children from indoor air pollution,' says Los Angeles-based pediatrician Dr. Steph Lee. She cites furniture and fabrics as some major sources of indoor air pollutants, along with tobacco smoke, gas stoves, and mold. Other certifications that let you know the mattress is made of organic, sustainable or chemical-free materials include GOLS and GOTS. (Read more about mattress certifications and all they entail from our sleep experts.)
Dr. Mary Halsey Maddox, board certified sleep doctor and pediatrician at Sleep Dreams based in Alabama, also recommends airing out new mattresses for a minimum of 72 hours before sleeping on them. 'For my own child, we left the fan going, the windows cracked, and the bedroom door closed for this process,' she says.
'When puberty hits, growth spurts also will follow soon after so if you're looking for a new mattress, make sure it's something your tween can grow into as the years go by before they're off to college or move out of the house,' says Lee. As the size of the mattress increases, so does the price. Teens, however, may benefit from a larger mattress, whether that's a Twin XL so they can comfortably stretch out, or a full or queen that are larger both horizontally and vertically.
If your child is especially particular about their sleep environment or has allergies or sensitivities, it's often a good idea to select a mattress with a generous sleep trial policy with easy returns.
On the other end, if your child is a hard sleeper, be sure to check details on warranty information to see what they'll cover—and for how long.
Since most teens run hotter than adults, having built-in cooling factors—whether it's a naturally breathable fabric, cooling gel or some cooling tech—can be a nice-to-have detail. While few mattresses actually significantly cool down a body, many have better airflow than others, perhaps keeping the sleeper from getting less sweaty while they sleep. Look for details about airflow and breathability. In general, materials like latex will be more breathable than foam.
We'd be remiss not to consider the total price as a major factor. On average, quality brand name full-size mattresses run anywhere from $600 to over $1,800. A mattress is a significant investment, so you'll need to consider how long it'll be used, if it'll be passed down to younger siblings or if you'll be able to transition it to a guest bed if your teen leaves home in a few years to take advantage of its longevity.
That said, mattresses made in the US or those that use all or mostly certified organic and natural materials tend to be higher priced than their counterparts, so you'll have to weight what's most important to you—and what you're willing to shell out for.
I'm a longtime parenting journalist and product tester with a primary focus on kid and baby gear. I'm also a parent to three, including an 11-year-old and 13-year-old who has, over the past decade, tried out everything from crib mattresses to adult mattresses and everything in between. I regularly interview sleep experts and pediatricians to keep up to date on any new guidelines and safety information in regards to products that impact kids in particular.
In addition to testing products for this article along with other panelists, I also tapped several pediatricians and sleep experts to get their advice on specific features and considerations to think of when shopping for a mattress for tweens and teens:
What Is The Best Mattress For A 13-Year-Old?
'The ideal mattress for a 13-year-old depends on their unique sleep needs and sleep hygiene,' says Abelowitz. Take into consideration factors like the position they prefer to sleep in, if they tend to run hot or cold and if they tend to toss and turn a lot.
What Type Of Bed Should A 14-Year-Old Have?
'A 14-year-old should have a bed that fits their body comfortably. It should not be so small that their legs hang off the end, but they do not need a California King either," says Maddox. "Some teens are fine in a twin, others need a double or queen. If they are sharing a bed with a sibling, I recommend no smaller than a queen.'
What Firmness Is Best For Teenagers?
The ideal firmness really depends on how they prefer to sleep: on their sides, stomach, back or a combination of some or all. According to Maddox, 'Side sleepers tend to do better with a softer mattress and back sleepers tend to like more firm mattresses, but these are generalizations.' She recommends having your teen try various types of mattresses first to see what feels most comfortable before committing.