How to Choose the Best Mattress for Teenagers

June 26, 2024

Your Teenager's Sleep Starts with the Right Mattress – Here's How to Choose

Is your teenager more night owl than early bird? Do they roll out of bed looking like they haven’t slept a wink? As a parent, you know how crucial sleep is for their developing minds and bodies. But let’s face it, teens aren’t exactly known for prioritising a good night’s rest. That’s where choosing the best mattress for teenagers comes in.

According to The Sleep Foundation, “Consistent and high-quality sleep promotes brain function, school performance, physical health, mood, and effective decision-making.” A comfortable, supportive mattress isn’t just about luxury, then; it’s a key ingredient for their overall well-being, school performance, and yes, even a happier mood.

Choosing the perfect mattress for your teen can feel overwhelming. From bunk beds to single frames, memory foam to pocket sprung, the options are endless. At Strictly Beds and Bunks, we’ve been helping families like yours find the ideal sleep solutions for growing children and teens for decades. We understand the unique challenges and needs of this age group.

In this guide, we’ll break down the factors to consider when choosing a mattress for your teenager, so they can get the rest they need, and you can enjoy a little more peace of mind.

Why Choosing the Best Mattress for Teenagers Matters

The teenage years are a whirlwind of change. Your child is transforming into a young adult, and their sleep needs are evolving right along with them.

Growing Pains (and Bodies):

Get ready for another growth spurt! Teenagers often experience rapid changes in height and weight, which means their old mattress may no longer provide adequate support. A mattress that’s too small or unsupportive can lead to aches, pains, and restless nights.

Room Retreat:

Teenagers want more independence, so their bedroom becomes a sanctuary. It’s where they study, relax, and connect with friends. The right kind of bed (and mattress) can make all the difference in transforming their room into a space they truly love.

Study Stress:

Schoolwork ramps up in the teenage years, with increased pressure and longer hours spent studying. Quality sleep is essential for focus, concentration, and memory consolidation. A mattress that promotes deep, restful sleep can be a game-changer for academic success.

Time for a Bed Upgrade?

If your teen has outgrown their childhood bed, it might be time to consider a new one altogether.

• Loft Beds: These space-saving wonders are perfect for smaller rooms. The elevated bed creates space underneath for a desk, a seating area, or even extra storage.
• Cabin Beds: Similar to loft beds, but with a lower height, cabin beds offer a cosy, den-like feel while still making the most of available floor space.

At Strictly Beds and Bunks, we have a wide selection of loft and cabin beds designed with teenagers in mind. Our beds are not only stylish and functional, but they also prioritise comfort and support for growing bodies.

Does Your Teenager Sleep Like a Log… or a Starfish?

Now that you understand why your teenager’s mattress matters more than ever, it’s time to play detective and uncover their unique sleep style. This information will help you choose the perfect mattress to match their needs and preferences.

Sleep Positions:

• Back Sleepers – Back sleepers tend to prefer a medium-firm mattress that provides adequate support for their spine while cushioning their pressure points.
• Side Sleepers – Side sleepers need a mattress that contours to their body, providing pressure relief for their shoulders and hips. A medium or medium-soft mattress with a bit more give is often a good choice.
• Stomach Sleepers – Stomach sleepers typically need a firmer mattress to keep their spine aligned and prevent them from sinking in too deeply, which can strain their back.

Temperature Preferences:

• Hot Sleepers – If your teenager tends to get hot in bed, look for mattresses with breathable materials like natural latex, innerspring, or hybrid options that combine coils and foam. These mattresses allow for better airflow, helping to regulate body temperature throughout the night.
• Cold Sleepers – Teenagers who always sleep with a duvet, even in the summer, may prefer memory foam or other denser materials that trap body heat. Consider adding a mattress topper for extra warmth.

Movement:

• Active Sleepers – If your teen is constantly tossing and turning, a mattress with good motion isolation is important for their sleep. Memory foam and hybrid mattresses often excel in this area, minimising the transfer of movement and preventing sleep disruptions.
• Still Sleepers – For those who barely move a muscle throughout the night, the type of mattress is less critical in terms of motion isolation. However, comfort and support should still be top priorities.

Navigating the Mattress Maze - Which Type is Right for Your Teen?

Once you’ve decoded your teenager’s sleep style, you’re ready to consider your mattress options. While the choices might seem overwhelming, we’re here to simplify things and help you find the perfect fit for your teen.

Innerspring Mattresses - A Classic with a Modern Twist

Innerspring mattresses are the tried-and-true option, featuring a core of steel coils that provide support and bounce. Today’s innerspring mattresses come in a variety of comfort levels and often incorporate additional layers of foam or padding for extra cushioning. They’re a great choice for back and stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer feel, and they tend to be more affordable than other types.

Memory Foam Mattresses - Contouring Comfort

Memory foam mattresses are known for their body-hugging feel and pressure relief. They conform to your teen’s unique shape, providing excellent support and minimising motion transfer. This makes them a popular choice for side sleepers. If your teen sleeps hot, look for memory foam mattresses with cooling features like gel infusions or open-cell technology.

Hybrid Mattresses - The Best of Both Worlds

Hybrid mattresses combine the support of innerspring coils with the comfort of memory foam or latex layers. This combination offers a balanced feel that appeals to a wide range of sleepers. Hybrids are often a good choice for teenagers who change sleep positions frequently.

Mattress Shopping Made Easy - Tips for Tackling the Task with Your Teen

Ready to embark on mattress buying? Here are our top tips for a successful shopping trip with your teenager:

1. Set a Budget – Decide on a realistic budget before you get started. Mattresses come in a wide range of prices, so knowing your limits will help you narrow down your choices.
2. Do Your Research – Read reviews, compare features, and explore different brands. This will give you a good starting point when you start looking at mattresses in person or online.
3. Involve Your Teenager – Encourage your teenager to participate in the decision-making process. Talk through what they’d like, look through different options, and encourage them to talk about what they need to be comfy.
4. Test It Out – Don’t be shy about lying down on different mattresses in the store or at home (if you’re ordering online with a trial period). Spend 5-10 minutes on each mattress, testing out different sleep positions.
5. Think Long-Term – Your teenager is still growing, so get a mattress they can grow into. Choose a size that will take them through their transition from a child to an adult.

Make Your Choice With Strictly Beds and Bunks

Choosing the best mattress for teenagers is an investment in their health, well-being, and overall happiness. At Strictly Beds and Bunks, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect mattress to ensure your teen gets the restful sleep they deserve.

We have range of high-quality mattresses, perfectly sized for our single bed frames, bunk beds and loft beds. Our expert team is here to answer any questions and help you find the ideal mattress for your teenager’s unique needs.

Visit our website or contact us today to start your journey towards a better night’s sleep for your teen!