Before even thinking about mattress materials and design, you have to decide which size is the right fit. The perfect bed suits your space as well as your personal preferences. But how do you know which one to choose? After all, there are many to choose from.
If you find yourself deciding between a full mattress and twin mattress, you’ll want to know the details about each option. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know, from dimensions to recommended uses, to help you choose the best mattress.
What is a Twin Mattress?
A twin mattress is the smallest standard mattress size. It’s a popular choice for children as well as single adult sleepers, especially when bedroom space is limited. Twin mattresses are long enough to comfortably accommodate most adults but they’re narrower than full, queen, or king mattresses which enables them to fit in small bedrooms.
In addition to being a great fit for small spaces, twin mattresses tend to be some of the most affordable models on the market. Whether you’re buying a child their first real bed, furnishing a dorm room, or replacing an oversized bed with something that better suits the space, a twin-size mattress might be the perfect choice.
Twin Mattress Dimensions
The dimensions of a twin mattress are 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. This gives you a little over three feet of width and more than six feet of length.
Here are some of the benefits a twin-size mattress has to offer:
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Compact enough to fit in dorm rooms, guest rooms, and small bedrooms
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Spacious enough for children and single sleepers
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Long enough to comfortably accommodate the average adult
For tall sleepers, consider a twin XL which offers an extra 5 inches of length. The dimensions of a twin XL mattress are 38 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Who Are Twin Mattresses For?
A twin mattress could be a good fit for:
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Children: Twin mattresses are ideal for children and adolescents, especially as an upgrade from a childhood bed or a stepping stone before they’re ready for a full-size bed.
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Single Sleepers: Large enough to comfortably accommodate the average adult, a twin bed is a great choice for single sleepers who don’t need a lot of extra room to stretch or sprawl.
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Small Bedrooms: If you’re furnishing a child’s bedroom, a dorm room, or any other small bedroom, a twin bed provides a comfortable sleeping space without taking up too much room.
Twin Mattress Price Range
The price of a twin mattress can vary depending on the brand, material, and additional features. On average, you can expect to pay between $200 and $1,000 for a quality twin bed. Luxury models and twin XL mattresses may be more expensive while standard twin mattresses are generally more affordable.
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality twin mattress, consider exploring our twin XL mattress collection.
What is a Full Mattress?
A full mattress is a popular choice for single sleepers—especially young adults—who like having a little extra room to stretch out. It’s one of the easiest mattress sizes to find and tends to be fairly affordable as well. Full mattresses make a great upgrade from a twin mattress but they don’t take up as much space as a queen or king-size mattress.
Full-size mattresses are the perfect fit for any bedroom where floor space is limited. Whether you’re furnishing a guest room, setting up a dorm room, or upgrading from a smaller bed, a full-size mattress delivers the ideal combination of comfort and practicality.
Full Mattress Dimensions
The dimensions of a full mattress are 53 inches wide by 75 inches long. This gives you over four feet of width and more than six feet of length. A full mattress is over a foot wider than a twin bed but the same length.
Here are some of the benefits a full-size mattress has to offer:
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Plenty of room for a single sleeper to stretch out
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Spacious enough for a couple to sleep comfortably
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Compact enough to fit in smaller bedrooms
To determine whether the dimensions of a full mattress will work for your bedroom, first decide where you’d place the bed. Make sure there’s enough room to walk around the bed—there should be at least two feet between the sides and foot of the bed and the closest wall. Most bedrooms (even small ones) can easily accommodate a full-size mattress.
Who Are Full Mattresses For?
A full mattress might be the right choice for:
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Single Sleepers: If you like having space to sprawl when you sleep, a full mattress might be the perfect choice. The length of the bed is the same as a twin mattress but you’ll have an additional 15 inches of width to enjoy.
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Couples: For couples who like to cuddle (or simply don’t need a lot of extra space), a full mattress offers adequate sleeping space for two.
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Small Bedrooms: If you have limited space in the bedroom, a full mattress should work where a queen or king bed could be too large.
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Children: If your child has outgrown their twin bed (or simply wants some space to stretch out), a full-size mattress could be a good fit. It’s a bigger bed but not so large that it will make the bedroom feel cramped.
Full Mattress Price Range
The price of a full mattress varies depending on the brand, material, and design features. On average, you can expect to pay between $350 and $1,500 for a quality full-size bed. Memory foam and traditional spring mattresses tend to be more economically priced, while hybrid and luxury models may cost more.
If you’re looking for a high-quality full mattress, consider exploring our full-size mattress collection.
6 Steps to Decide Between a Full & Twin Bed
Now that you understand the difference between a full and twin bed, you’re ready to move to the next stage in the decision-making process. Follow these simple steps to finalize your decision:
1. Measure Your Bedroom
Before you start shopping, you’ll need to know how much space you have to work with. Measure the dimensions of your room and, if you like to have a visual, draw it out on a piece of graph paper. Be sure to mark the windows and doors so you can determine the best placement for your new bed while you’re at it.
A full mattress works best in rooms that measure at least 10 feet by 10 feet. Having a little extra space gives you room for additional furniture like a dresser, desk, or nightstand. For a twin bed, you’ll need at least 8 feet by 8 feet. Remember, even if you have a little extra space to work with, a large bed could make the room feel crowded.
2. Consider the Number of Sleepers
If you’re the only one using the bed regularly, either a twin or full-size mattress should work. A twin might even be large enough to accommodate an adult and a child, though a full mattress would certainly be more comfortable. For two adult sleepers, a full-size mattress will usually be better than a twin. A full mattress might even be preferable for single sleepers who like to sprawl or who have to share the bed with pets.
3. Factor in Your Sleeping Style
Some people remain in one position all night long while others move around. If you like having space to sprawl when you sleep, a full-size mattress might be more comfortable than a twin. Having that extra space means you can toss and turn as much as you like without sacrificing support. If you’re sharing the bed with pets, a full mattress ensures everyone has the space they need to get a good night’s rest.
4. Determine Your Budget
Consider a quality mattress an investment in your health and comfort. This isn’t to say you should spend outside your means, but put some serious thought into how much you’re able to spend on a mattress and find the highest quality model you can within that price range.
When determining your budget, don’t forget to factor in additional costs for the bed frame as well as linens including sheets and blankets. Fortunately, both twin and full mattresses are popular sizes, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding affordable options for these necessities.
5. Think About Your Priorities
You’re going to be spending a lot of time in your new bed, so take some time to consider your priorities. Is it important for you to have enough space in the room for other furniture, or is the bed going to be the centerpiece? Do you have trouble getting comfortable in bed and need some extra room to find that perfect position?
If saving space is your priority, a twin bed might be the best option. It gives you enough room to sleep comfortably but doesn’t take up a lot of extra space that might be put to other uses. If comfort is your priority, the larger full mattress could be a better fit—especially if you’re sharing the bed with a second sleeper.
6. Take Advantage of Trial Periods
Shopping for a mattress is one thing but sleeping on one is another. You could spend hours researching the options and narrowing down your choices only to find that, in reality, the mattress you choose just isn’t the right fit. As you start shopping for mattresses, make note of trial periods and money-back guarantees just in case you change your mind and want to try out a different model.
Our Recommended Full & Twin Mattresses
Quality materials and thoughtful design make all the difference in a mattress. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time in your new bed, so you want to make sure it’s comfortable. Don’t underestimate the importance of durability, either. A mattress is a major purchase and you want to choose one that’s going to last.
If you’ve decided which mattress size is the right fit for you, the next step is choosing a model. To help you out, we’ve rounded up three top-rated mattresses available in both sizes. Our selections take into account different budgets, sleep styles, and preferences, so check them out below.
Dawn House Hybrid Mattress
The Dawn House Hybrid Mattress features an innovative design that combines the comfort of contouring foam with the support of an advanced coil system. It’s designed to work seamlessly with Dawn House bases, delivering premium benefits including sleep data tracking and health monitoring. If you already have a bed frame, however, you can still enjoy the luxurious sleep experience the Dawn House Hybrid has to offer.
Available in four sizes ranging from Twin XL to Split King, the Dawn House Hybrid features five layers of premium materials. It’s built on a base of high resilient foam and spring pocket coils, topped with layers of memory foam to cushion your body for a comfortable, supportive sleep.
Whether you’re a side sleeper, back sleeper, or somewhere in between, this hybrid mattress is sure to be a great fit. Try it out in the comfort of your own home for a full 30 days and enjoy a generous 10-year limited warranty.
Key Features:
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Premium materials and luxury design
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Compatible with Dawn House bases
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Individually pocketed coils and memory foam
ErgoCopper Mattress
Enjoy uncompromising comfort and support with the added benefit of copper with the ErgoCopper Mattress. This mattress harnesses the myriad benefits of copper, an essential trace mineral, to boost collagen production and support healthy energy levels. Plus, it’s designed to help keep you cool overnight, so you wake up feeling rested and rejuvenated.
Available in five standard sizes ranging from Twin XL to California King, the ErgoCopper Mattress features four layers of high-quality materials. It’s constructed on an innovative Flex-Air Channel Base for breathability, topped with three layers of foam to deliver comfort and support.
If you have an adjustable base, the ErgoCopper Mattress is a great choice. No matter your sleeping style, you’re sure to love the way this mattress cushions the contours of your body, delivering a tailored degree of support all night long.
Key Features:
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Infused with copper to aid temperature regulation
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Three layers of contouring memory foam
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Flex-Air Channel Base for breathability
ErgoEssentials Mattress
The ErgoEssentials Mattress is the perfect mix of affordability and functionality. With this memory foam mattress, you can stay within your budget without compromising on quality. It’s made with premium materials and designed to deliver the kind of support you need to sleep comfortably night after night.
Available in five standard sizes ranging from Twin XL to California King, the ErgoEssentials Mattress features three layers of quality material. It’s built on an AirChannel Base to promote airflow and temperature regulation, with two layers of premium foam.
Side sleepers, back sleepers, and even stomach sleepers will enjoy the gentle cushioning of memory foam that adjusts to your position. No matter how or how long you sleep, you’ll get the support you need to wake feeling refreshed.
Key Features:
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Two layers of premium memory foam
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AirChannel Base for temperature regulation
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Removable cooling cover
Choosing the Right Mattress for You
Deciding between a full and twin mattress comes down to your answers to a few simple questions. Ask yourself the following:
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How much space do you have for a mattress?
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Are you sharing the bed with another person?
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What’s your budget range for a new mattress?
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How much space do you need to feel comfortable?
Both sizes work well for small bedrooms and single sleepers, so either one might be an appropriate choice. A twin mattress is perfect for students, single sleepers, and small bedrooms. A full mattress is great for couples and single sleepers who prefer to have a little extra space.
Ready to find your perfect fit? Explore our collection of premium full and twin mattresses today: