Daybed Mattress vs. Twin Mattress: What’s the Difference?

Although daybed and twin mattresses have different names, they’re usually the same size. The biggest difference between your daybed and twin mattress is their intended purpose and the frames they’re frequently paired with. A daybed frame has armrests and a backrest, while twin size frames have a headboard and footboard.

In this article, we take a look at the subtle differences between daybed mattresses and twin mattresses along with how to choose between the two.

What’s a Daybed Mattress?

Daybeds are couch-bed duos—they have the appearance of a couch, but are the size of a regular mattress. Essentially, daybeds are an alternative to futon mattresses and Murphy beds.

Daybed mattresses are most commonly 39 by 75 inches, or the same dimensions as a standard twin size mattress. Some daybed frames use full or double (54 by 75 inches), twin XL (39 by 80 inches), and narrow twin (30 by 75 inches). Daybed frames are compatible with standard mattress sizes, so shopping is straightforward.

A daybed is useful for studio apartments, offices, or guest rooms because you can use them as a couch during the day and a bed at night.

What’s a Twin Mattress?

A twin mattress, also known as a single bed, measures 39 by 75 inches and is the smallest standard mattress size. Children, teens, and single adult sleepers most often use twin mattresses, but they’re also useful for guest bedrooms.

Twin mattresses work on:

• Trundle beds
• Bunk beds
• Pull-out beds
• Regular bed frames

Regular twin mattresses are short and provide little foot room for taller sleepers, but they’re also available in a longer variation called a twin XL. Twin XL mattresses are 39 by 80 inches and two of them make a split king mattress.

Are Daybed Mattresses and Twin Mattresses the Same Size?

Ultimately, daybed mattresses and twin mattresses are the same size. While some daybed mattresses are full sized, the standard daybed is a twin size. If you’re unsure what mattress fits your daybed, measure its dimensions or double-check the size of the daybed you’re interested in.

Daybed mattresses are usually firmer and thinner than twin mattresses, but you can use whatever firmness and thickness you want so long as it meets the daybed’s weight capacity. Other than that, twin mattresses and daybed mattresses are interchangeable. When shopping for a daybed mattress, just search for twin mattresses and accessories.

The primary difference between daybeds and twin beds are their frames: there is a backrest and armrests on daybed frames, and a headboard and footboard on twin frames. The different frames contribute little comfort and support-wise, though they do affect the appearance and functionality of your bed.

Choosing Between a Twin or Daybed Mattress

Since we’ve established twin and daybed mattresses are the same size, choosing between the two primarily comes down to their corresponding bed frames. The decision might be based on preference and appearance, but you should also consider how you plan on using the bed and the amount of space you have in your home.

Primary Uses

If you want to use your bed frequently, opt for a thick, (10 to 12 inches) high-quality twin mattress so it’s durable and provides adequate spinal support. Both twin frames and daybed frames work for regular use, though you might prefer a twin frame so one end of your bed isn’t blocked.

When looking for extra seating or somewhere to house guests, a daybed frame with a thinner mattress works best. A super thick mattress can make the bed too tall and awkward to sit on, so thinner is better in this case. Also, add a few extra pillows, decorative or otherwise, for extra backrest cushioning since most daybed frames are made from wood or metal.

Consider Your Room

When deciding between a daybed or a twin bed, consider where you plan on placing it. If you have an extra bedroom for your bed, both a twin bed and daybed work, but a twin bed is more traditional.

For living rooms, offices, or other rooms, a daybed is typically the better choice as it meshes well with other furniture such as desks, coffee tables, and bookshelves. You can use daybeds as a couch during the day and decoratively with a few extra pillows. A twin bed would simply look out of a place anywhere other than a bedroom, and while you can dress a twin bed to look like a daybed, it doesn’t have armrests or a backrest.

Another factor to consider is your wall space. Daybeds generally need to run the length of your wall, while twin beds require minimal wall space for the headboard.

Storage Space

Daybeds are designed to optimize your living space; after all, they’re a multifunctional couch-bed duo. They add extra sleeping space to studios, living rooms, and offices. Some daybeds are even built with storage drawers underneath, so you can use them as dressers, toy chests, or trunks for your belongings.

You can fit items under a standard twin bed frame, but they don’t always have extra space beneath them, so it’s a tight squeeze and not easily accessible without a drawer.

FAQs

Do you need a base for a daybed?

No, daybeds come with their own wooden slats or metal suspensions to support your mattress. Adding a base on top of the foundation already provided would result in an extremely tall daybed. It would probably be difficult to get in and out of bed or too tall to sit on comfortably.

Do daybeds come with mattresses?

It’s rare for daybeds to come with mattresses, and even when they do, the mattresses are typically low-quality, generic, or not removable. It’s better to purchase the daybed and mattress separately so you can choose the firmness, thickness, and materials best suited for you and ensure it’s high-quality. Also, you can replace your mattress when it ages, versus having to replace the entire daybed.

Do daybeds need special bedding?

Twin and full size bedding work perfectly fine on daybeds, depending on the size of your daybed mattress. It might be a little tricky to tuck your blankets and sheets into the backend of your daybed, but it’s not impossible and should fit fine.

Do all daybeds have a trundle?

Trundle beds are pop-up or sliding beds on casters and fit under another bed frame. They’re useful if you need to sleep two people, but have little space, since you can just pop out the second bed when you need it and keep it tucked away during the day. They’re a common feature in daybeds, though aren’t exclusive to them. Some daybeds have storage drawers underneath as well, but this is different from trundles.

Can you use a daybed as a normal bed?

Yes, you can sleep on your daybed regularly and put it in your bedroom. However, it’s best to use a supportive, high-quality mattress when you plan on using your daybed frequently so it doesn’t wear out or cause pain and stiffness.

You might also consider getting a full size daybed versus a twin so you have extra space, especially if you’re an adult or teen. While full size daybeds aren’t taller than twin daybeds, they have more surface area for stretching out. However, both full and twin size daybeds can be too short if you’re a taller sleeper.

Conclusion

Neither daybed mattresses nor twin mattresses are better since they’re the same size, though choosing between the two comes down to their functionality in your home. If you’re looking to save space and want multipurpose rooms, opt for a daybed frame. However, if you have extra space and want to allot an entire room for your bed, a standard twin bed frame is the superior option.