How to Buy Mattress for Bunk Beds

Picking out the perfect mattress for bunk beds is one of the most important decisions you can make for your home- after all, it is the key to a good night's sleep- but the amount of options when you shop can make it seem daunting.

When we hear the word bunk bed, we imagine the standard twin over twin bunk bed with mattress. However, bunk beds come in all sorts of sizes, from the typical twin all the way up to a king.

Plus, navigating through the wide range of materials and marketing lingo, sorting through all of the sizes and specs, and figuring out how much you should spend, all this can be downright daunting if you are not aware of the basics.

Before you dive into the guide, keep in mind: There is not one best mattress that will work for everyone. It is important to consider your personal needs first!

Types of Mattresses

Latex: Unlike memory foam, latex mattress is more resilient, responsive, and soft and will last for years, and never off-gas. Natural latex, a 100% biodegradable mattress which offers excellent support and weight redistribution, is an ideal choice for eco-conscious shoppers.

Innerspring: These coil-based support systems are great for anyone who wants uniform support. These are designed in a Firm and plush option and have limited motion isolation.

Coil Mattress: These hybrid mattresses have become more popular in recent years. Typically, these are excellent for anyone who wants a top-quality mattress that provides individual support. The coils are wrapped separately to work on your body, that is, coils sit on the bottom for support, while foam sits on top for pressure relief.

Memory foam: This mattress is pleasantly soft, best for pressure relief can be used as an everyday mattress for both adults and children. These mattresses are especially ideal for side sleepers or anyone with back pain because they conform to your body and take the weight off pressure points.

Sleep Concerns of Users

Whether you shop for a twin or a full mattress, you should also take into account any specific needs. For instance, some may like a medium-feel firm while some might need a temperature-neutral mattress. So, here are some common issues and what to look for with each:

Hot Sleepers: A temperature-neutral mattress can help you stay at a comfortable temperature throughout the night, especially if you become sweaty while asleep.

Not all mattresses are built the same, you need to take note of the features of your mattress, like breathable constructions of latex mattresses will allow for more airflow than all-foam mattresses.

Back pain: The best bunk bed mattress here would be a coil mattress as they have the least foam and a medium firmness level to work with your body and create a better spinal alignment.

Back pain can be because of an underlying issue, but choosing the right mattress can be one step in alleviating discomfort. If body aches and pain are a concern for you, research also suggests that the surface you sleep on makes a difference in your comfort.

Organic Materials: For anyone who prefers an eco-friendly and hypoallergenic alternative to most other mattresses, it is important to make sure your organic or natural mattresses follow strict organic standards and not just one component.

By this, we mean that there are some brands out there with box mattresses using organic covers and labeling them as organic. To be sure, check for these standards, including:

GOTS certified: For fabrics like wool and cotton, this certification provides a standard to ensure the entire manufacturing process follows strict requirements.

GOLS certified: It is similar to GOTS, setting standards for the entire production process, but it's for the latex component.

Note that, you might come across other certifications like Greenguard, which may be used for beds with green claims.

What Size Mattress should I use for Bunk Beds?

Before you buy a natural bunk bed mattress for your twin bunk beds it is essential to check your manufacturer's guidelines for guidance on the right size. The actual fit is the most important consideration for comfort and safety, especially for the top bunk.

While standard bunk beds are usually built to hold Twin mattresses, some designs may come with special dimensions to equip a larger bed size on the bottom bunk. Here is a brief look into some bunk bed mattress sizes and variations you can find:

Twin Bunk Bed Mattress Size: Most bunk beds hold twin-sized mattresses, measuring 75 inches long and 38 inches wide, and work well on both top and bottom beds.

Full Bunk Bed Mattress Size: These are typically used on the bottom bunk, however with full over full bunks, they can be used on the top bunk as well, measuring 75 inches long and 54 inches wide. These mattresses can technically fit two people and also work well for single sleepers who need a lot of sleeping room.

Queen Bunk Bed Mattress Size: If you accommodate a bunk bed with a queen bottom and a twin XL on top in your master bedroom, you will need these 80 inches long and 60 inches wide mattress which fits two people.

King Bunk Bed Mattress Size: A super-sized bunk bed needs a king-size mattress measuring 80 inches long and 76 inches wide which is usually placed on the bottom bunk only while the top bunk will likely be a twin or twin XL.

Consider the Mattress Height for the Top Bunk

Another thing is mattress height. For the top bunk, you will need to leave at least five inches of space between the top of the mattress and the top of the guardrails. For instance, choose a mattress that is between 5" to 8" high to maximize guardrail safe on the top bunk and provide the most headspace on the top bunk.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the guardrails on the top bunk need to be 5 inches higher than the top of the mattress. The average top bunk guard rail is built to accommodate a mattress of 8 inches. Ask for extra safety guardrails, at least 13 inches high from the attachment point.

Tips for the Long-life of Your Mattress

• Mattresses are designed specifically for certain sleepers, choose the one that offers the right set of features.
• Wear and tear are significant factors. To get value for money look for warranties.
• For safety as well as a product like, make sure your bunk bed's mattress base is durable and sturdy.

The Takeaway

You will likely come across a wide variety of bunk beds available in different sizes. Some mattresses will be better for your bunk bed than others. In order to find the best, the mattress should meet a certain size, weight, and thickness. Other variables include support, comfort, and durability.