The Best Mattresses for Teens

Size

• Moving from a twin mattress to a larger mattress marks a rite of passage for a teen and makes her feel more grown-up. While the cost and size of a twin mattress appeals to parents, most teens need to move up to a larger mattress. A taller teen will not sleep well on a regular twin-sized mattress and should upgrade to a twin XL, such as those found in many college dorm rooms, a full-size or queen bed.

Comfort

• Mattresses come in a variety of comfort levels, from feather soft to very firm. Bring your teen mattress shopping with you and allow him to try mattresses at a variety of comfort levels to determine which he prefers. In addition to trying out mattresses, watch how your teen sleeps at night. A stomach or back sleeper may prefer a firm mattress, while a teen who sleeps on his side or moves around a lot will do better with a softer mattress.

Materials

• The composition of a mattress often determines its cost and comfort level. Memory foam and air mattresses remove pressure from key points on the body, making them ideal for a teen athlete. The motion of a waterbed may also relieve stress in the muscles after a big game or rough practice. Teens with allergies will benefit from a hypoallergenic latex mattress. A traditional innerspring mattress suits a non-athlete or teen without allergies.

Mattress Use

• Your teen's mattress use should play a role in mattress selection. A futon mattress works well for a teen with a smaller room because it functions as a couch and a bed. Choose a futon for a teen who uses her mattress as a place for sitting, eating and socializing. However, inexpensive futon mattresses do not provide enough support for a growing teen, so choose a high-quality futon mattress such as one made from memory foam or with innerspring coils that will provide more support than the traditional cotton or foam futon mattress. Choose a full or queen-sized mattress for a teen who frequently has friends over for sleepovers to accommodate more than one person.