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

Both twin and twin XL mattresses are small and compact, perfect for limited sleeping spaces. Twin and twin XL mattresses are excellent options for single adults living on their own in studio apartments. They’re also perfect for children who’ve grown out of their crib mattresses.

In our article, we review the similarities and differences between twin and twin XL mattresses. We also include differences in price and recommended room size for both twin and twin XLs to help you find the best mattress.

What’s a Twin Size Mattress?

A twin size mattress is 38 inches by 75 inches. Twin size beds are budget-friendly options and easy to move because of their compact size. Twin mattresses are best for children’s rooms and single adults with limited living space.

Originally, twin mattress referred to a bed that was part of a pair, while single mattress was used for a standalone mattress with the same dimensions of a twin bed. However, that distinction has been largely lost, and you may see twin and single mattress used interchangeably.

If you have more than one child, we suggest pairing twin beds with a bunk bed to save space. Bunk beds can accommodate twin, twin XL, or full mattresses (depending on the brand), allowing two sleepers to share a room without feeling cramped.

Pricing

The price for a standard twin mattress depends on included sleep technologies, like phase change material and zoned support systems, and materials, ranging between $100 to $1500. For example, a traditional memory foam mattress with two layers will cost less than a gel memory foam mattress with more layers.

Recommended Room Space

For the best fit for the dimensions of a twin bed, the room size should be at least 7 feet by 10 feet—leaving space for furniture and room to walk for a better aesthetic feel.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Perfect for kids
• Bunk bed compatible
• Easy to move

Cons

• Too small for some sleepers
• Not for couples

The Vaya Mattress is one of the best twin mattresses due to its low cost and high-quality build. It’s hard to deny the great value of the Vaya Mattress. With its medium feel, it works well for all types of sleepers, including children and teens!

Inside the Vaya Mattress is 3 inches of Vaya Comfort Foam and 9 inches of Vaya Base Foam. Although the Vaya may have a simple build, it makes up for it with its excellent feel and durability.

The Vaya Comfort Foam is cushiony, but not overly soft that you’ll sink into bed or feel unable to move. The Vaya Base Foam is durable and resistant to sagging and soft spots. If you prefer a bed with more bounce, consider the Vaya Hybrid, the Vaya Mattress’s hybrid counterpart. Rather than support foam, it contains pocketed coils and thin base foam.

Vaya mattresses come with free shipping and returns, a 100-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty.

What’s a Twin XL Size Mattress?

A twin XL size mattress has the same width as a standard twin but is five inches longer, enabling more legroom for tall sleepers. Twin XL beds are standard in college dorm rooms to accommodate different size sleepers.

Pricing

Twin XL mattresses cost between $100 to $2000, roughly the same price as a twin. Special features, like cooling gel and natural cotton mattress covers, and more than two mattress layers will affect the price.

Recommended Room Space

Bedrooms measuring 7 feet by 10 feet are best for twin XL size mattresses, leaving extra space for furniture and movement. A crowded bedroom may cause undue stress to a person, leading to disrupted sleep.

Pros

• Perfect for tall sleepers
• Similar price as a twin
• Extra legroom
• Easy to transport

Cons

• Too small for couples

When it comes to twin XL beds, the Amerisleep AS2 is one of the best out there. It has a medium-firm feel, which works well for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. Firmer beds are also a great choice for children who are transitioning into their first big kid bed!

Inside the AS2 is 2 inches of Bio-Pur® memory foam, 3 inches of Affinity foam, and 7 inches of Bio-Core® support foam. This foam design translates to a sturdy, reliable bed that isn’t uncomfortably firm.

The Bio-Pur® layer adds cushioning and softness to the AS2, but not so much that you’ll sink into your bed or throw your spine out of alignment. Instead, it protects your lower back from pressure build-up or pain. The Affinity foam provides extra support to your head, back, and legs, further promoting alignment.

The standard AS2’s Bio-Core® base aligns your back while also remaining durable to wear. But, Amerisleep also offers a hybrid variation of the AS2 Hybrid. The AS2 Hybrid contains pocketed coils rather than Bio-Core® so the bed is more responsive and stays extra-cool while you sleep!

The Amerisleep AS2 comes with free shipping, free returns, a 100-night trial, and a 20-year warranty.

Other Mattress Dimensions

For potential shoppers looking for a larger bed, other mattress sizes, like full, queen, king, and California king, might be better.

Full Mattress

Full size mattresses measure 54 inches by 75 inches—wider than a twin mattress with more room to stretch out, especially for combination sleepers who regularly toss and turn each night. Full beds are best for single sleepers, while couples will find the full size too small.

Queen Mattress

Queen size mattresses are 60 inches by 80 inches, the most popular mattress size among single sleepers because of the luxurious amount of space they provide. Queen beds allow solo sleepers more room to stretch and move without fear of falling off the bed.

King Mattress

King size mattresses are the largest standard size and commonly used in master bedrooms. King size beds are best for couples, allowing 38 inches of personal space.

King beds are also available as a split king option—two twin XL beds placed side by side make up a split king mattress. Split king beds provide customized comfort and support to each sleeper without having to compromise. Plus, they’re excellent mattresses for adjustable bed frames—split kings allow each sleeper to adjust their side of the base without disturbing their partner.

California King Mattress

California king size mattresses measure 72 inches by 84 inches— longer and narrower than a standard king size, with less personal space, but providing extra length to accommodate taller couples. Though not as widely available, split California king sizes are available, depending on the brand.

Other Things to Consider

Can twin sheets fit on a twin XL?

No, twin sheets won’t fit a twin XL mattress because a twin XL bed is 5 inches longer than a twin. Before purchasing, check the product’s description and ask the company if their twin sheet set fits a twin XL. Twin XL sheets are available online and in-store.

How long is a twin XL bed?

A twin XL bed is 80 inches long—5 inches longer than a regular twin mattress. Twin XL beds are best for tall sleepers, providing more legroom, and commonly found in college dorm rooms to accommodate sleepers of all heights.

Do two twin XL beds make a California king?

No, two twin XL beds form a standard king mattress. A twin XL mattress measures 38 inches by 80 inches—doubling the width equals 76 inches, the same width as a king mattress. A California king mattress is narrower and longer than a king at 72 inches by 84 inches.

Are bunk beds twin or twin XL?

You can find bunk beds with twin, twin XL, and even full size frames. Some frames have a full size on the bottom and a twin size on top. Single sleepers might enjoy the lofted variant, where you climb up a ladder to a bunk while the bottom half is a built-in desk or set of drawers for space efficiency.

How do you keep two twin XL mattresses together?

A split king bed frame or adjustable base should have a non-skid surface to prevent your mattresses from moving. If not, you can try using mattress grips and non-slip pads. You can also attach straps with fasteners to your mattresses’ undersides. Just connect one end to the edge of the mattress, then connect the other end to the opposite side.

Conclusion

Twin and twin XL mattresses are very similar in size—the only difference is a twin XL mattress is 5 extra inches long, providing more sleeping space for taller sleepers to ensure better comfort. We hope this guide steers you in the right direction in finding the best mattress for a good night’s sleep.