The 9 Best Bunk Bed Mattresses of 2023

Best Overall

Zinus 6-inch Foam and Spring Mattress

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The Zinus 6-Inch Foam and Spring Mattress is our top choice for a bunk bed mattress because it’s built to fit less traditional bed frames and styles. It has the ideal dimensions to fit most bunk bed frames and can be ordered as a standard twin or in specialty sizes if your bunk bed requires it—like Narrow Twin or Twin XL. Plus, this foam hybrid mattress is made using CertiPUR-US foam, which ensures its materials meet established standards for content, emissions, and durability. It also carries a 10-year warranty, which is impressive given the affordable price tag.

This hybrid Zinus mattress is popular for its value and comfort, especially for children or adults with petite to average body sizes (it has a maximum weight rating of 250 pounds). The 6-inch mattress is constructed with a 5-inch heavy-duty steel coil system topped by a 1-inch high-density foam layer. It has a firm feel but is softened by the presence of the foam top layer. If you have a deeper bunk bed frame or want more comfort, you can also order an 8-inch version to boost the height of the coil system and thickness of the foam comfort layer. 

You’ll receive this bunk bed mattress right on your doorstep, tightly compressed in a box. Once removed from the packaging, it expands to its full size in 24 to 72 hours, which is typical for most foam or hybrid mattresses. Some odor is to be expected as the mattress off-gasses, but it’s minimal in the opinion of most people.

Price at time of publish: $119 for a Twin

_{Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Firm, plush | Sizes: Narrow Twin, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen}

Best Budget

Linenspa 6-Inch Spring Mattress

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Basic but budget-friendly, it’s hard to beat the Linenspa 6-Inch Innerspring Mattress. This option is affordable for a twin-size mattress, but other specialty sizes are available too—like a Narrow Twin, Twin XL, or Full XL. The 6-inch profile of this Linenspa innerspring mattress means it fits most bunk bed frames. And it offers solid support, too, thanks to the layer of 5-inch continuous steel coils. This is topped by a 1-inch foam layer to keep the sleeping surface comfortable. 

Together, the coils and foam create a firm feel that’s fine for most children but may be too hard for older teens or adults. While the manufacturer says it may take up to 72 hours for the mattress to fully expand, most people found it expanded to full-size very quickly, likely because of the limited amount of foam topping this mattress. Although it’s not the most comfort-enhancing mattress, it’s one that’s well-suited for budget shoppers and the primary bunk bed users: young kids!

Price at time of publish: $100 for a Twin

_{Type: Inner spring | Firmness: Firm | Sizes: Narrow Twin, Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King}

Best Splurge

Casper Sleep Element Mattress

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While a budget bunk bed mattress may be fine for occasional use, you’ll want to invest in something more long-lasting and comfortable if it’s what you or your kids are using for regular, nightly use. The Casper Element Mattress can deliver on these two key factors wonderfully. This bunk bed mattress offers two layers of foam to provide support and comfort and stands out for enhanced breathability, thanks to perforations in the top layer of foam. At 10 inches thick, it offers more support and comfort compared to thinner mattresses (although it could be too tall for some bunk bed frames). 

With a higher price, it’s definitely a splurge compared to some other options. However, Casper has designed this mattress to offer softness and support in one package. It’s described as firm by the manufacturer, yet it’s frequently praised for being comfortable and pressure-relieving. The breathability of this all-foam mattress keeps most sleepers sweat-free, but temperature-regulation can be dependent on many factors. The off-gassing odor is one thing frequently noted as a downside to this bunk bed mattress. Plan to give the mattress time to air out, which you’ll have to do anyway as you wait 24 to 72 hours for the mattress to fully expand.

Price at time of publish: $495 for a Twin

_{Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King}

Best Hybrid

Linenspa 8-Inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

4.3

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A hybrid mattress combines the advantages of a memory foam and innerspring mattress into one package. It offers coil support with comfort foam for a sleeping surface that offers pressure-relief without the sinking feeling sometimes associated with all-foam mattresses. The Linenspa 8-inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress is one of the most popular picks in this category, and we particularly like its low-profile height for bunk beds. It makes for a seamless fit, but its combination of coils and foam work together to offer a solid level of support, particularly on those pressure points that may need extra relief.

This hybrid mattress uses a 6-inch continuous coil system, topped by 1.5 inches of comfort foam and a 0.5 inch memory foam pillow-top layer. The result is a medium-firm feel that’s recommended for a child or light sleeper, since heavier bodies may feel the coil support layer more easily. Regardless of what size bunk bed mattress you need, you’ll likely find a match among the sizes offered by Linenspa, which includes sizes like a Twin XL, Full, and Short Queen. 

Price at time of publish: $130 for a Twin

_{Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King, Cal King}

Best for Adults

Nod by Tuft & Needle 8-Inch Twin Mattress

4.9

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Bunk beds aren’t just for kids–but to make one work for adults, you’ll need a mattress that offers enough support and comfort. The Tuft & Needle Nod mattress is a great option if you’re looking to enhance the comfort of a bunk bed for adults. It has a low-profile height of 8 inches but is made of two foam layers for pressure relief and long-lasting support. This mattress is designed with simplicity and comfort in mind, and it works with a wide range of bed styles, including bunk bed frames that accommodate an 8-inch thick mattress (but a 6-inch version is available, too). 

The support layer of this mattress is made of open-cell foam for breathability, helping to minimize the heat-trapping effect that foam mattresses are sometimes known for. The pressure-relieving polyfoam on top of the mattress softens as you lay on it, relieving pressure points along your shoulders, hips, and knees. It’s more responsive than memory foam, but offers similar motion isolation. The foam used for this mattress is GreenGuard Gold certified and meets the standards for CertiPUR-US foam, so it contains no harmful emissions or chemicals. However, you should still expect some off-gassing after unpacking the mattress.

The Nod is described as a firm mattress by Tuft & Needle, which is especially true for heavier bodies that may compress the upper foam layer and wind up sleeping on the support foam underneath. However, many reviews agree that this mattress offers a medium firmness level for light to average-weight sleepers. If you’re on the fence about firmness, take comfort in knowing that Tuft & Needle offers a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty for this mattress.

Price at time of publish: $349 for a Twin

_{Type: Foam | Firmness: Firm | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King}

Best for Kids

Saatva Youth Mattress

4.5

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It can be hard to keep up with the needs of growing kids, so stretch your spend on a bunk bed mattress by choosing a version that will transition as your child grows older: the Saatva Youth Mattress. This is a dual-sided mattress that’s suitable for use by children ranging from ages 3 to 12. It costs as much as many adult mattresses, making it a pricey pick, but it’s constructed with high-quality materials and pays special attention to supporting a growing child’s spine. This mattress is also hypoallergenic and protected against mold and bacteria growth with an antimicrobial treatment. It’s made with CertiPUR-US certified foam and organic cotton.

This is the ultimate bunk bed mattress for kids, thanks to its flippable design that accommodates two different life stages. One side of the mattress is designed for younger kids, ages 3 to 7. It has a five-zone support foam layer to help maintain spinal alignment. For older kids, ages 8 to 12, turn the mattress over. This side features a comfort foam layer with a softer feel. However, it doesn’t neglect support; in the lumbar zone, the coil layer is enhanced to support the alignment of the spine where it’s needed most. Both sides of the mattress are finished with an organic cotton cover that includes a waterproof barrier to protect against spills or accidents. 

Just note that this bunk bed mattress for kids is 10 inches high and only available in Twin, Twin XL, and Full sizes. Fortunately, that covers most of the most common bunk bed sizes, but the depth is something to keep in mind if you’re shopping for a mattress for a top bunk bed.

Price at time of publish: $795 for a Twin

_{Type: Innerspring | Firmness: Not listed | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full}

Most Eco-Friendly

Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Bunk Mattress

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The Naturepedic 2-in-1 Organic Bunk Mattress is the best option for shoppers looking for an organic and eco-friendly choice. Why opt for organic? Mattresses made of organic materials prioritize sustainability or meet independent health and safety standards. With this in mind, Bridget suggests shoppers look for mattresses that are certified to be made of nontoxic materials. She specifically mentions the following certifications: Greenguard Gold Certified, CertiPUR-US certified, and GOTS certified. This Naturepedic mattress carries all three of these independent certifications, meaning it’s a low-emissions product that doesn’t off-gas chemicals or VOCs that are considered harmful. It’s also free of conventional flame retardants.

This organic bunk bed mattress relies on a 7-inch innerspring coil unit for support. The open coil design facilitates airflow and prevents the mattress from holding heat. An organic cotton cover provides a soft sleeping surface on either side of the mattress. For parents of young children, it’s worth noting that one side of the mattress features a waterproof coating to protect the mattress against accidents.

This eco-friendly bunk bed mattress has a firm feel. It’s designed to provide children with an option that transitions from a crib or toddler bed into a bunk bed or loft bed. That being said, there’s no reason an adult searching for a high-quality mattress wouldn’t be satisfied with this option, either. Just take note it’s only available in Twin or Full sizes and it carries a significant price premium over many other bunk bed mattresses.

Price at time of publish: $799 for a Twin

_{Type: Spring | Firmness: Extra firm | Sizes: Twin, Full}

Best Low-Profile

Lucid 5-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress

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Need a thin mattress but don’t want to sacrifice comfort? The Lucid 5-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress measures only 5 inches thick but provides a firm and supportive sleeping surface. You can expect comfort and breathability from this low-profile bunk bed mattress, thanks to the ventilated top layer of comfort foam, infused with gel for heat capture. 

Lucid’s memory foam mattress is available in a variety of sizes to fit your bunk bed configuration, including Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, and Short Queen. Regardless of which size mattress you need, the low-profile height shouldn’t pose a problem when paired with most bunk bed railings. Other features to appreciate about this mattress include a removable, washable cover that assists in keeping the sleeping surface of the mattress clean and fresh. In addition, the base foam of this mattress is infused with charcoal to combat odors. Just keep in mind that there aren’t multiple firmness choices available; if a firm sleeping surface won’t work for you, you may need a more customizable alternative.

Price at time of publish: $120 for a Twin

_{Type: Gel memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen}