Twin vs. Single: What’s the Difference? 

You might’ve heard the terms single and twin bed and wondered what the difference between them is. Well, there technically is no difference. The words twin and single both describe the same bed size. Traditionally, a twin bed was one half of a pair, while a single bed was just that: a solo mattress.

However, knowing the different names for a twin bed doesn’t do much to tell you whether or not you need one. Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Below, we discuss who should buy a twin bed and what spaces they work with best.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Couples

Twin Mattress Dimensions

Twins are the smallest bed size made for adults. They’re intended to accommodate single sleepers, hence the name single bed. Twin mattress dimensions measure 75 inches long by 38 inches wide.

These dimensions are perfect for small rooms and small people, which makes twin beds a wonderful mattress for kids.

Those who want a highly versatile bed that can please lots of different types of sleepers should consider the AS3 by Amerisleep. This twin bed will be the perfect choice for guest rooms because its medium feel can accommodate most sleep positions, and its bouncy, breathable foam will satisfy active sleepers and hot sleepers alike.

One of the best features of this mattress is Amerisleep’s proprietary Bio-Pur® foam. This plant-based memory foam is more responsive and much cooler than traditional memory foam. At the same time, it’s even more contouring to protect your pressure points and relieve pain. This means the AS3 is supportive and cushioning all at once.

Underneath the Bio-Pur® comfort layer sits the HIVE® transition layer. This layer makes the AS3 even more versatile because it offers targeted pressure relief to five different zones of the body to keep your head and feet lifted while compressing under your shoulders and hips.

Finally, the Bio-Core® ultra-dense support foam offers tons of spine aligning lift and sag resisting durability. That’s why Amerisleep offers a very generous 20-year warranty. That means you won’t be replacing this versatile twin guest room mattress for decades.

SEE ALSO: Amerisleep Mattress Review

If you’re looking for a great value twin size mattress for kids and adults alike, don’t hesitate to check out the Vaya Mattress. This affordable mattress might bring tons of value, but it doesn’t sacrifice one bit of quality.

Vaya is able to offer this high-quality, low-cost mattress by using a simple, two-layer design to cut manufacturing costs without using cheap materials or cutting corners on construction. On top, you’ll find the ultra-breathable Vaya Comfort Foam.

This open-cell memory foam is designed to allow for tons of airflow to regulate your body temperature. The Vaya Comfort Foam is also highly contouring, meaning this is a great choice for people who need tons of pressure relief, such as side sleepers or joint pain sufferers.

Below the comfort layer is the ultra-firm support layer made of Vaya Base Foam. This high-density polyfoam will keep you lifted onto the sleeping surface. It’s also strong enough to hold its shape, fighting off sagging and soft spot development for a full decade. That’s an excellent life expectancy for any mattress, especially one at this price point!

SEE ALSO: Vaya Mattress Review

Who Should Sleep on a Twin Bed

Twin size mattresses are best for single adults under six feet tall and kids who’ve outgrown toddler beds. Adults over six feet tall might find the regular single mattress is too short and winds up leaving their feet dangling over the edge.

Conversely, children who are not yet tall enough for a standard-sized bed might find the twin too large. If you want to go ahead and give your small child a twin bed to grow into, consider a platform bed. These bed frames have a very low profile, making it easier for kids to get in and out of bed.

SEE ALSO: Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds

Ideal Spaces for a Twin Bed

Twin beds can fit in some pretty smaller rooms. They’re ideal for children’s rooms, college dorm rooms, multipurpose guest rooms, daybeds, and more. Twin beds also make a good choice for multi-bed rooms because they’re so compact.

Generally speaking, you need about two feet of clearance around three sides of the bed to have enough space to move around the bed. Twin beds are just over three feet wide and a tiny bit over six feet long. That means you can get away with a room as tiny as seven by eight feet.

However, you’ll want more than 56 square feet if you’re planning to put furniture in the room. For things like a dresser, chest of drawers, nightstand, etc., plan on putting your twin in a room that’s more like seven by 10 feet.

Multi-Bed Spaces

One of the great things about the twin bed is it can go against the wall. 38-inch beds are made with only one sleeper in mind. That means you don’t have to worry about keeping both sides of the bed free because only one person will be getting in and out of it. This makes twin/twin XL beds the exception to the two feet three sides rule.

This means twin beds are fantastic options for rooms with more than one bed. If you’re going to be putting two beds into a single bedroom, you can shift things around to where you have your two feet of clearance in the space between the twin beds while each of them has a side against the wall. This allows you to have sufficient space to get in and out of bed while accommodating multiple sleepers.

To maximize space, you can get a couple of mattresses for bunk beds. That way, you can stack them on top of each other. Just make sure the mattresses aren’t too heavy or too tall, particularly for the top bunk.

SEE ALSO: Best Adjustable Bed and Mattress Combo

Average Cost of a Twin Bed

Another one of the main draws of a twin bed is their cost, making the size an excellent budget mattress. Twin mattresses are the cheapest adult-sized option. Depending on the material and construction of the mattress, you could pay anywhere from $100 to $1,500 for a twin bed.

A thinner futon mattress may be only a few inches thick, with foam and springs that keep it affordable. These are also excellent space-saving options.

However, twin mattresses that cost over $1,000 are usually built as luxury mattresses or made of expensive materials like latex. You can easily get a high-quality memory foam or hybrid twin mattress for just a few hundred dollars.

The Twin for the Tall: Twin XL

Sleepers over six feet tall don’t have to go all the way up to a queen to get sufficient length. They can still have the width of a twin without having to deal with a lack of legroom because of the twin XL mattress’s extra length.

The twin XL size mattress was designed to meet taller sleepers’ needs without sacrificing compactness. It adds five inches onto the twin mattress’s length for a total of 38 by 80 inches. This is the same length as the queen and king bed sizes. So most people over six feet tall will find the twin XL mattress is long enough to accommodate them.

The twin XL is also typically the smallest size you can find when it comes to adjustable beds. Twin size adjustable beds do exist, but they are much more challenging to find.

SEE ALSO: Twin vs. Twin XL: What’s the Difference?

Larger Bed Sizes

In addition to the twin, there are four other standard mattress sizes that could work for you, depending on your needs and room size.

Full

The full or double bed is 54 by 75 inches. Despite this bed’s name, the double bed is not all that comfortable for two people. It’s not long enough for anybody over six feet tall. And it’s not wide enough to offer most couples sufficient personal space.

Full size mattresses are better suited to single adults who want a bit more wiggle room to spread out or toss and turn at night.

SEE ALSO: Twin vs. Full: What’s the Difference?

Queen

The 60 by 80-inch queen size mattress is much more accommodating to couples than the full mattress. The queen mattress is also the most versatile of all the bed sizes. It’s large enough to accommodate most couples and most sleeper heights. It’s also large enough to fill out all but the biggest master bedrooms.

At the same time, the queen size bed is small enough to go into most guest spaces. And it even makes a good option for kids and teens, especially if they’re going to be over six feet tall.

SEE ALSO: Queen vs. Twin: What’s the Difference?

Standard King

The standard or eastern king size mattress is the largest mattress size by total surface area. At 76 by 80 inches, it’s also the widest standard bed size. This is a perfect bed for couples who like to toss and turn or spread out.

The dimensions of a king size bed offers the same exact sleeping surface as two twin XL mattresses. Incidentally, this makes the standard king bed is the easiest mattress size to split.

To make a split king mattress, all you have to do is lay two twin XL mattresses inside a regular king frame. This gives couples the option to share a bed without sharing a mattress.

SEE ALSO: King vs. Split King: What’s the Difference?

California King

The California king mattress is 72 by 84 inches. This bed is wide enough to still offer couples plenty of sleeping space, and it adds some extra length to boot! The Cal king mattress was originally designed to fill out huge master bedrooms in opulent houses.

However, the California king bed has the added benefit of being long enough to accommodate the tallest sleepers. Those who are well over six feet tall may find that even the 80 inches of length of a king size mattress aren’t enough legroom to make them comfortable. But California king beds are seven feet long. That’s long enough to accommodate just about anyone.

SEE ALSO: King vs. California King: What’s the Difference?

Specialty Sizes

Some shoppers may not be looking for one of the standard mattress sizes. For example, they may be shopping for one of the best RV mattresses, which are thinner and more compact than a regular mattress. Some of our specialty mattress size guides include:

• RV Mattress Sizes and Dimensions Guide
• Bunk Bed Mattress Sizes Guide
• Futon Mattress Sizes and Dimensions

FAQs

Can I get twin XL bunk beds?

Yes. You can get bunk beds in a variety of sizes, including twin XL. Just remember, when choosing bunk beds, you’ll need to account for the heights of anyone sleeping on them as well as your room size.

For example, you can probably stick with standard twins for a small kids’ room that’s only going to be accommodating your own children because you know their heights. However, if you’re putting bunk beds in a guest room, you might want to consider twin XL bunk beds because you might not know the height of every sleeper who’s going to be using the bed.

Is a twin the right size for a kid’s room?

That depends on a few different factors. If you want your child to grow into their bed and expect they’ll be over six feet tall, a twin XL might be a better choice than a twin. And a full size bed might be a better option for a child who loves to toss and turn all night. The wider profile of a full bed can help prevent kids from falling out of the bed.

However, if you’re not worried about your kid falling out of bed or growing too tall, a twin size bed could certainly stick with your child all the way from elementary school through their college dorm room days.

Do they make a twin variation longer than a twin XL?

The twin XL is the longest 38-inch wide bed size. While you can easily find California queen and California king size beds, there isn’t such a thing as the California twin. So if you need a compact mattress that’s longer than 80 inches, you might have to have one custom-made.

However, the California queen bed is a good alternative for single adults who need a bed longer than 80 inches. The 60 by 84-inch California queen is narrow enough to fit in many smaller bedrooms and long enough to accommodate most ultra-tall sleepers.

Is a split king made with two twin mattresses?

No. A split king requires two twin XL mattresses because a regular king is 80 inches long. So two 75-inch regular twin mattresses would be wide enough but not long enough for a king size bed frame. However, you can use any twin XL mattress you like.

Two twin XL mattresses put next to each other make a standard king size bed. Creating a split king from two twin XL mattresses gives you and your partner the option to choose your own firmness levels and materials.

Pairing two mattresses with a split king adjustable bed also gives you the ability to pick different adjustable base settings. Finally, using two different mattresses helps cut down on motion transfer as well.

Can someone over six feet tall sleep on a regular twin?

Sleeping on a regular twin can be downright uncomfortable for those over six feet tall. Twin beds are only 75 inches long. So depending on how much taller you are than six feet, you might actually be longer than your mattress when you lie down.

80-inch long twin XL mattresses are the best option for sleepers who are over six feet tall. Eighty inches translates to more than six and a half feet. So you’ve got to be well over six feet tall to be longer than this mattress size!

Bottom Line

The twin bed is one of the best mattresses for compact spaces. Those who want to put multiple beds in one room will love the twin’s slimness. Those who don’t want to spend too much on a bed for their kids will love the twin’s low cost. And those who want their guestroom to function as more than a guestroom will love how easy it is to get a twin bed out of the way.