Twin Vs. Full: What’s the Difference?

Twin and full mattresses are popular choices among sleepers since they are smaller than other mattress types. As a result, you can place both mattress types in a studio apartment or a small bedroom without crowding your space.

Full beds tend to be a better option for single sleepers who like to sprawl out. On the other hand, a twin bed may be a comfy choice for college students or teens.

In this article, we’ll compare twin and full mattresses to help you choose the right fit.

What’s a Twin Size Mattress?

A twin bed measures 38 by 74 inches and is the smallest mattress among the standard sizes. Therefore, we recommended purchasing a twin bed for kids or growing teens. Twin beds are ideal for children transitioning from a crib to a bigger bed, giving them more space without crowding their bedroom.

Some adults may even find twin beds cozy, and many sleepers choose them for their budget-friendly price. Not to mention, they are perfect for studio apartments with limited space.

Twin XL mattresses are also available for taller sleepers who need more legroom. A twin XL is a bit more expensive than standard twin beds. However, they are still a more affordable choice than other mattress options.

Pros and Cons of a Twin Size Mattress

It’s important to remember twin beds are best suited for single sleepers. So, if you are a couple or someone who sleeps with pets or children, you should look for a queen or full mattress.

A twin XL mattress may accommodate taller sleepers, but some individuals may still feel a little cramped. It’s a good idea to utilize your sleep trial when you purchase a twin bed. This way, you’ll know if you can sleep without any disruptions or discomfort.

Twin beds are popular for their affordability as well as their versatility. You can use twin mattresses like bunk beds or even furnish your college dorm.

Most twin beds cost anywhere between $200 and $700. While you are shopping, you look for quality items to ensure your mattress stays in the best condition.

Easily the most popular mattress model that popular brand Amerisleep offers is their AS3. With thousands of satisfied customer reviews to its name, the AS3 has reputation for providing what most customers are looking for in a mattress. When seeking a twin mattress that packs a lot into its small dimensions, the AS3 is a solid choice.

All Amerisleep mattresses, including the AS3, ship free and are backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

How It Feels

The AS3 is engineered to be the mattress that feels “just right” to the widest possible range of sleepers. Lying on the AS3, the mattress gives a little under the body but not so much that a sleeper feels like they’re sinking deep into the bed. Instead, they’re gently cradled with enough lift to keep their spine in a healthy, neutral position.

Mattress Construction

The Amerisleep AS3 mattress is comprised of three foam layers, all of which are wrapped in a special Refresh mattress cover. Refresh is exclusive to Amerisleep and features more than just an airy weave, as the fabric contains minerals that convert body heat into infrared energy.

First is a layer of Bio-Pur® memory foam, a material produced with a mix of traditional petrochemicals and sustainable plant-derived oils. The final result is an eco-friendly foam that conforms to the body as it moves through the night, relieving pressure without unwanted sinkage. Bio-Pur® foam is also much cooler than traditional memory foam, thanks to its breathable structure.

The second layer is Affinity foam with HIVE® technology to provide a transition layer. HIVE® technology is made up of a series of hexagons cut with careful deliberation into the surface of the Affinity foam. These cutouts are placed to create a more conforming, pressure-relieving cushion in the shoulders and hips, while cutouts in the head, shoulders, and back area flex less for more support.

The third layer of foam is Bio-Core® for greater mattress durability. The sturdy structural foam was engineered to withstand years of use without sagging. Mattress owners can lie comfortably on the AS3 night after night for more than a decade without experiencing a decline in comfort.

What is a Full Size Mattress?

A standard full or double bed at 54 by 75 inches is 16 inches wider than a twin-size mattress. Compared to twin and twin XL mattresses, full beds offer more space and legroom for taller sleepers.

These beds give single adults extra space to sprawl out without causing your feet and arms to fall off the sides. Some couples sleep comfortably on full mattresses, but most prefer kings or queens size beds.

Purchasing a full mattress is a little more expensive than buying a standard twin. Most full beds are between $300 and $1500. Luxury full beds containing latex or memory foam may also come with a higher price tag. Traditional innerspring mattresses are usually cheaper, and you can purchase them for $300 to $500.

Some manufactures offer full XL mattresses as a mattress size as well. Full XL mattresses are the same size as a full, except 5 inches longer for more legroom. Prices for these beds range between $500 to $3000 for a full bed.

Pros and Cons of a Full Size Mattress

Full mattresses are another excellent option for sleepers who have small bedrooms. Their small size allows you to place bedroom decor, like dressers, nightstands without crowding your bedroom. They also are perfect for accommodating overnight visitors and an affordable way to furnish your guest rooms.

A full size mattress is often the bed of choice for people who want bigger bed that won’t cost too much money. To best fulfill that desire, we recommend choosing a high-value mattress like the Vaya Hybrid.

Budget shoppers seeking a full size mattress under $500 can also consider the classic Vaya Mattress, the company’s original foam model. The Vaya Mattress has a minimal two-layer design that keeps its costs even lower than the Vaya Hybrid’s, making it more accessible to individuals stretching their dollars.

The Vaya Hybrid is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Purchase of the Vaya Hybrid also includes free shipping and a free Vaya Pillow.

How It Feels

The Vaya Hybrid has a buoyant, adaptable surface primarily because of its pocketed coils. This feature is well-suited for sleepers who want a full size mattress for easy sprawling space and quick, simple movements. While the mattress doesn’t have a traditional transition layer, sleepers are unlikely to experience any uncomfortable bottoming out sensations thanks to the bed’s responsive cushion.

Mattress Construction

Three layers make up the Vaya Hybrid, all wrapped in a soft and breathable cover. The first layer is Vaya Comfort Foam, a material designed to stay cool better and respond faster to movements than traditional memory foam. By conforming swiftly to the body, Vaya Comfort Foam is similarly quick to relieve pressure.

Next is a layer of pocketed coils, with every coil wrapped to keep a sleeper’s movements from rippling across the mattress. The coils along the length-wise sides of the Vaya Hybrid are also thicker than the rest, creating firmer sides for edge support. While not all sleepers need edge support, it is a helpful feature for people who have difficulty moving out of bed.

The final layer is a thick foam base, providing a surface for the coils to bounce off from as they retract under a sleeper’s form. Without a durable base like this, the pocketed coils would be quicker to sag and lose support.

Which Size is Best for You?

If you’re choosing between a twin or full mattress, there are a few things to keep your eye on. Remember, double beds are 16 inches wider than twin beds. Taller sleepers or those who toss and turn at night may sleep more comfortably on a full mattress than a twin.

For those who want to maximize their sleeping space, we recommend purchasing a twin bed. Though full beds accommodate small rooms as well, twin beds will give you even more space to walk around.

A good rule of thumb is to place twin beds in rooms at least 9-by-9 feet. A full mattress is better suited for rooms measuring 10-by-12 feet. Using a full size bed in a bigger room may give you some extra space for mirrors, bed frames, and dressers.

Twin and full mattresses are both excellent options for shoppers on a tight budget. Twin beds are usually a lot cheaper since they are smaller in size. However, they may be a bit harder to find.

Other Mattress Sizes

Aside from the smaller sizes of twin, twin XL, and full, there are three other standard mattress sizes to consider. Sleepers who need more room or want to share with someone, we recommend a queen or king size mattress.

Queen

Queen size mattresses are considered the most popular mattress size for their versatility and affordability. A queen mattress can fit into a smaller bedroom or complete a larger master bedroom. It can give sleepers space to sprawl and taller sleepers room to stretch out.

King

The king size mattress is the largest standard size mattress. King mattresses are designed to provide couples with the ultimate comfort, with a sleeping surface that’s 76 inches wide and 80 inches long.

California King

A California king size mattress is the most common variation of the standard king size bed. The California king is 4 inches longer than the traditional king, with the trade-off that it’s also 4 inches narrower than a king bed.

Conclusion

Twin beds are an excellent choice for young children and teenagers, but they do not provide a lot of sleeping space. If you are a sleeper who likes to sprawl out at night, it may be better to choose a full mattress. Some couples may enjoy the coziness of a full bed, but others may sleep more comfortably on larger mattress sizes.

Both full and twin mattresses are affordable options for sleepers, and the decision will come down to what meets your personal sleep needs.