What should you look for in a teenager's mattress?
A teenager needs the same things from a mattress as an adult: even support, breathability, and enough cushion at the shoulders and hips to keep them comfortable through the night. The main differences are size, durability and budget. A teenager will outgrow furniture they don't outgrow themselves, and most parents are reluctant to spend at the top of the market on a mattress that may be moved out within a few years.
What support tension is right?
For most teenagers, a medium or medium firm tension is the safest choice. It cushions the shoulders and hips for side sleepers (most teenagers will sleep in every position over the course of a night) while still supporting the spine in a healthy posture. Avoid very firm mattresses unless your teen specifically asks for one, and avoid very soft mattresses, which won't give a developing spine the support it needs.
Single, small double or double?
A single mattress (90 x 190cm) is the standard for a teenager's room and fits almost any single bed frame. A small double (120 x 190cm) gives a bit more space without taking up a full double's footprint. A double (135 x 190cm) is increasingly common in older teens' rooms where space allows, and lasts well into adulthood.
Which mattress types work well?
Most of our teenagers' mattresses are pocket sprung or open coil, often with a layer of memory foam or fibre fillings for added comfort. Sprung mattresses tend to be more breathable, which matters because teenagers can sleep hot, particularly during exam season. If your teenager has specific issues like allergies, an anti-allergy mattress can help.
How long should a teenager's mattress last?
A decent mattress should last seven to ten years with normal use, which means a mattress bought at 14 will see them through to early adulthood. Look after it by rotating it every few months (or flipping it, if it's double-sided), using a mattress protector, and not letting it bear weights it wasn't designed for: bouncing on it, sitting along one edge, that sort of thing.
Free next-day delivery and sleep trials
Most of our teenagers' mattresses are in stock and eligible for free next-working-day delivery when ordered before 4pm. Every mattress also qualifies for our 60-night sleep trial if purchased alongside a mattress protector. If you're not sure which option suits, our sleep experts can talk you through the differences on 0333 577 5773.
