The Dimensions of a Twin-XL Mattress

Dimensions

• A twin-XL mattress is 39 inches wide and 80 long. This is the same width as a standard twin mattress but 5 inches longer. While the furniture industry has standardized mattress length and width, they have not done so with thickness. A plush pillow-top mattresses might reach 22 inches thick, while a foam pad, which can be considered a mattress, might only be a few inches thick.

Benefits

• Taller teens and adults may find a standard twin bed too short to sleep in comfortably. A twin-XL bed is a smart solution because it gives an additional 5 inches of head room and/or foot room, yet its slim width takes up as little space as possible. Because dormitory rooms are usually quite small and their inhabitants are adults, most colleges and universities furnish their dorm rooms with twin-XL beds.

Bedding

• If you decide to purchase a twin-XL mattress, know that you'll also need to purchase correctly sized bedding. Because a twin-XL mattress is 5 inches longer than a standard one, any standard twin bedding you already own will not fit properly, especially fitted sheets and mattress pads. Check bed and bath stores, mass merchandisers or online retailers. You may be able to find a more plentiful selection during the back-to-school shopping season.

Beds

• Just as a twin-XL mattress won't fit properly your standard twin bedding, neither will it fit properly on a standard twin bed frame. Like twin-XL bedding, you may have to search to find a twin-XL bed frame. Check with local and online furniture retailers. If they do not have any in stock, chances are they can special order one for you.