Are Bunk Bed & Twin Mattresses the Same Size?

CPSC Safety Requirements

• The bunk bed's mattress must fit snugly and fill the entire width and length of the bed frame. Gaps left by mattresses that are too short or too narrow for the bed pose a strangulation hazard. To make certain your bunk beds are as safe as possible, purchase a bunk bed that was manufactured or imported into the U.S. after June 19, 2000, when the most recent safety regulations went into effect.

Twin Mattresses

• The majority of bunk beds are designed to fit a standard twin mattress, which is approximately 39 inches wide and 75 inches long. However, some bunk beds are sized for extra-long twin mattresses (39 x 80 inches), full mattresses (54 x 75 inches) and futon mattresses, which come in varied sizes, so check the bed manufacturer's specifications, or at least measure your bed before you purchase a mattress.

Full Size Mattresses

• Although most bunk beds are sized for twin mattresses, not uncommonly you will find bunk beds that require a full size mattress on bottom and a twin mattress on top (called a twin-over-full) or even a full mattress on both the top and bottom (called a full-over-full).

Futon Mattresses

• Some bunk beds feature a futon on the bottom, which can be configured as a sofa or a bed, and a full or twin bed on top. Futon mattresses are available in many sizes, from twin to king, so check your bed's specifications before purchasing a futon mattress.

Mattress Thickness

• Although the furniture industry has standardized mattress length and width, mattress thickness varies greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer and model to model. As far as bunk beds are concerned, mattress thickness is very important as the CPSC states that your top bunk guard rails must extend at least five inches above the top of your mattress. Before purchasing a mattress, measure your bunk bed to determine the mattress thickness that will leave at least five inches of guard rail extending above it.