Today we are going to be taking a closer look at what makes a suitable mattress for teenagers. As someone who has reviewed countless mattresses over the years, I've learned that different age groups have different needs when it comes to finding the perfect mattress and so let’s begin by discussing what characteristics are important for a teenager's mattress. When I’m testing mattresses, I always start by pressing into the top layers and lying in a few typical teen positions (starfish included) to see how quickly the surface settles and supports.
First and foremost, a teenager's mattress needs to be comfortable. During this age, sleep is crucial for both physical and mental development resulting in longer and deeper sleep. So, it's essential to provide a comfortable sleeping surface that promotes good sleep. A comfortable mattress should have a balanced level of support and softness to ensure that the body is properly aligned while also providing pressure relief, the result means that a medium tension will likely suit many teens. That said, if your teen is a lighter side sleeper, medium can still feel a bit firm around the shoulder, so it’s worth keeping an eye on that.
Secondly, teenagers tend to be more active, tossing and turning a lot which can result in sweating during sleep. To that end it's essential to consider a mattress with proper ventilation and temperature regulation that uses good breathable materials. A mattress that traps heat and doesn't allow air circulation can lead to an uncomfortable and restless sleep, which can affect a teenager's performance during the day. When I lie on warmer foam-heavy mattresses for 10 minutes or so, I can feel the heat build up around my back, so if your teen runs hot you’ll want to be a bit picky here.
Thirdly, a teenager's mattress should also be both durable and able to withstand the wear and tear of an active lifestyle. A durable mattress will last longer and provide consistent support for a more extended period. A high-quality mattress will ensure that the user gets the most value for their investment, as such you should look to avoid the budget lineup of products sold with a lacklustre guarantee and inner components. I also find that cheaper open-coil and low-density foam options can start to feel a bit tired quicker, especially if the mattress is getting sat on a lot for gaming or homework.
Lastly, it's important to consider the size of the mattress. As teenagers tend to experience growth spurts, a single sized mattress may not be sufficient. It's important thereby to consider a mattress that can accommodate the growth and changes of a teenager's body. The result is that, if space allows, you may wish to consider a double size or larger to give the ability to truly spread out. One thing I’d say though, a bigger mattress is only helpful if the bed frame and room layout can actually take it without feeling cramped.
In summary, a suitable mattress for teenagers should be comfortable, have proper ventilation and temperature regulation, be durable, and appropriately sized to accommodate growth. Investing in a high-quality medium tension mattress that meets these criteria will ensure a teenager gets the restorative sleep they need for optimal physical and mental development.
