Your college dorm room is your home away from home as you head off to school. Among the many changes you’ll go through at this time, you may not want to add adjusting to a new mattress to the list.

Though your dorm room may already come with a school-issued mattress, you can typically still bring your own if you’re concerned about comfort and hygiene.

In this guide, we’ll help college students find and compare the best options for their new home, answering questions like what size dorm room beds are and how to choose the best mattress for a dorm.

Why Choosing the Right Dorm Mattress Matters for College Students

There are plenty of dorm room essentials you need to pack before heading off to college. From dorm bedding to toiletries, school supplies and kitchen must-haves, possibly no item is as important as your dorm room mattress.

A good mattress can make all the difference in the world as you settle into your new home. Even if your dorm room already comes with a mattress, it may be worth upgrading to a better model for the following reasons:

• Sleep Quality: The quality and comfort of a mattress directly impact your sleep quality, influencing how well you’re able to drift off and stay asleep throughout the night.
• Academic Performance: If your bed is comfortable and allows you to get good sleep quality, you can wake up feeling more refreshed and energized, giving you more headspace to focus on your studies.
• Overall Well-Being: Sleeping on the right bed keeps you from waking up with aches and pains, supporting your overall health and well-being while you pursue a college degree. 

What Type of Mattress Is Best for a Dorm Room?

Before we discuss standard dorm mattress dimensions and our top picks, let’s take a look at some of the most common mattress types and what makes them particularly suitable for college life.

Memory Foam

College students may be drawn to memory foam mattresses for the cushiony feel and custom support they offer. These mattresses may also come in a box, which makes them easy to move into a dorm room.

However, they may not offer the same temperature regulation and breathability as hybrid or innerspring mattresses. If you’re concerned about overheating in your dorm room, you may want to consider other mattress types or a memory foam model with designated airflow or gel-infused foam for cooling.

Innerspring

Traditional innerspring mattresses are known for their durability and breathability. These features make them a good option for college students who like a firmer feel and sleep on their backs or stomachs.

But if you’re looking for a softer, more plush sleep surface, you may want to consider a hybrid or memory foam mattress instead.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses offer a blend of innerspring technology with memory foam layers for comfort, making them a good in-between model for college students.

These mattresses can be on the pricier end, so they may not be the right choice for students on a budget.

What Size Mattress Fits in a College Dorm Room?

How big are dorm beds? What is a typical mattress size in college dorms?

Most college dorm room beds are meant for an extra-long twin mattress (Twin XL). As you might be able to assume from the name, they’re a bit longer than a standard twin bed, which can fit into small spaces while still accommodating taller, college-aged students. The dimensions for this mattress size are 38” by 80”, compared to 38” by 75” for standard twin mattresses.

Some dorm rooms may be equipped with larger bed sizes or may already include a mattress. Refer to the college housing policies of your chosen school before purchasing a new mattress or any accessories, like a dorm room mattress topper.

How To Choose the Perfect Dorm Mattress: Key Features To Look For

What should you look for in a college dorm bed? The following are some key factors to consider to find a mattress with optimal comfort and sleep quality.

Firmness Level

Each student may have their own firmness preferences. However, medium-firm mattresses provide a good in-between of cushiony comfort and sturdy support. Plus, these tend to be versatile mattresses for all sleep positions.

Mattress Thickness

Dorm room mattresses are often thinner than the standard mattresses you’ll find at home. Their thinner profile helps to save space, which is especially important for a lofted bed, where there’s minimal room between the ceiling and the mattress. This also makes them more affordable than taller mattresses that have more layers of material.

At a minimum, mattresses should have a height between 6 and 8 inches to balance comfort and practicality.

Materials

The common materials found in mattresses, like memory foam, latex and innersprings, each have their pros and cons. None of these materials are necessarily “better” than the others.

Students should thoroughly consider each option alongside their personal needs and preferences to choose the right material for their dorm mattress.

Cooling Features

Consider choosing a dorm mattress that includes cooling technology and materials for optimal comfort and temperature regulation. Dorm rooms may not have the ventilation or cooling system you’re used to at home, so it may be easier to overheat in your new environment.

Select a mattress that has a cool-to-the-touch cover and phase change materials, as well as a breathable construction.

What Mattresses Should a College Student Avoid?

Not every mattress type will be the right fit for college students. The following features and characteristics are some things to avoid when choosing a college dorm mattress.

Overly Soft Mattresses

A mattress that’s too soft can lack the support needed to keep the body in proper alignment, potentially causing strain and pain in the shoulders, neck and back.

Additionally, soft mattresses may lack the durability needed in a college dorm, where students sleep, study and hang out on the bed, because of the lack of other furniture or space in their dorm rooms.

Non-Breathable Mattresses

College dorm rooms can be tight and stuffy. Especially if you’re sharing the space with a roommate, it can be more difficult to regulate your body temperature and ensure a cool and comfortable sleep environment. To help prevent overheating, you’ll want to go for mattresses made with breathable materials for proper ventilation and airflow. Again, a dense, 100% memory foam mattress may not be the right fit, as it easily absorbs and traps body heat rather than dissipating and drawing heat away as you sleep.

Bulky Mattresses

You’ll also want to avoid choosing a mattress that is too heavy or bulky. Choosing a lighter mattress that’s easier to handle can make moving in and out of the dorms a much simpler process.

Mattress Firm's Top Selection of Dorm Mattresses for 2025

The best dorm mattresses for the upcoming school year are available at Mattress Firm. We’ve selected the following mattress options as excellent choices for dorm rooms based on durability, comfort, size and affordability.

Sleepy’s Basic Innerspring Firm Mattress

What We Like

The Sleepy’s Basic Innerspring Firm Mattress is a no-frills and affordable option for college dorm rooms. Our Sleep Experts like it because it offers exceptional value at a great price point, which is an important factor when you’re potentially purchasing a mattress for temporary use in the dorms.

With a traditional innerspring construction and firm comfort level, this mattress is a good choice for back and stomach sleepers. Its more than 440 individual coils provide a sturdy base and excellent support while also including a quilted foam layer for extra cushion and comfort.

Features

• Twin/full/full XL sizes
• Firm comfort
• 8.25” mattress height
• ½” quilted foam 
• 2” conforming foam
• 1” support foam
• 440+ verti-coil springs

What Customers Are Saying

98% of customers were happy with their purchase

“Very comfortable for a standard and basic mattress and well worth the price,” – Jeremiah 

“This is a good mattress, very comfortable and great value.” – Brittany W.  

“Quite firm and comfortable, no complaints. Very soft top.” – Ella  

Sleepy’s by Sealy Memory Foam Medium Mattress

What We Like

For a more premium option, check out the Sleepy’s by Sealy Memory Foam Medium Mattress. Though it comes at a higher price point, this mattress is more versatile than some of the more budget-friendly models and includes additional features for extra comfort, like a cool-to-the-touch cover.

The mattress is suitable for all sleep positions and features layers of high-quality gel memory foam. This helps to cradle the hips and shoulders for the right balance of support and pressure point relief.

One standout feature that might be appealing to college students is that this mattress is delivered in a box. This makes it easy to transport and move the mattress into the dorms without needing extra help.

Features

• Twin/twin XL/full sizes
• Medium comfort
• 10” mattress height
• 2.5” gel Visco memory foam 
• 2.5” convoluted foam
• 5” support foam
• Stretch-knit cool-to-the-touch zippered cover

What Customers Are Saying

97% of customers were happy with their purchase

“Perfect combination of support and softness. Light and easy to transport. Easily fits any sheets.” – James

“No smell, no adjustment – was cozy and comfortable right out of the box.” – J.D. 

“Best mattress I have ever had! Super comfortable and convenient. I was not expecting how comfortable it would be.” – Ryan G. 

Beautyrest PressureSmart 2.0 Plush 11.75” Mattress

What We Like

Another top-tier college dorm mattress is the Beautyrest PressureSmart 2.0 Plush 11.75” Mattress. As a side sleeper, it’s a good match no matter what dorm bed size you’re looking for—from twin/twin XL to full/full XL.

This mattress is only available at Mattress Firm, with targeted features for pressure relief and temperature control. This plush mattress includes a CarbonBoost Foam layer, which is said to provide up to 35% more pressure relief than comparable mattresses without carbon fiber technology.

If you’re worried about overheating in your dorm room, this is the mattress for you. It includes a GelTouch Foam layer and InfiniCool Plus Surface for optimal breathability and airflow, helping to draw heat away from the body and offer a refreshing sleep environment.

Features

• Twin/twin XL/full/full XL sizes
• Plush comfort
• 11.75” mattress height
• 1000 Series Pocketed Coil Technology
• BeautyEdge
• 1” CarbonBoost Foam
• 1¼” AirFeel Foam
• ½” GelTouch Foam
• 1” Energy Foam 
• InfiniCool Plus Surface

What Customers Are Saying

93% of customers were happy with their purchase

“This mattress is perfect, plenty of support but just enough softness for your body. I mainly sleep on my side…” – J.R.G.

“Super comfortable and supportive, now I can finally sleep through the night!” – Alyssa M. 

“Comfy and supportive mattress, great for restful sleep.” – Jennifer M. 

Sleepy’s Hybrid Firm Mattress

What We Like

If you’re looking for an in-between option, you might consider the Sleepy’s Hybrid Firm Mattress for your college dorm bed. Given that it’s a firm comfort mattress, it’s best for college students who sleep on their backs or stomachs.

This hybrid mattress offers the best of both worlds—pocketed spring supports with comforting layers of memory foam. This way, you’ll get sturdy support from the coils, excellent breathability from airflow foam, and gel memory foam for pressure relief and comfort.

To top it all off, the mattress comes with a cooling stretch-knit cover to help with temperature regulation. It’s also delivered in a box for easy dorm room move-in.

Features

• Twin/twin XL/full sizes
• Firm comfort
• 11” mattress height
• ½” gel memory foam
• 1” soft comfort foam
• 2” medium air-flow foam
• 8” firm pocketed coils with edge support
• Cooling stretch-knit cover

What Customers Are Saying

95% of customers were happy with their purchase

“I’m so happy with my new bed! I sleep amazingly.” – Jamia 

“I really like how firm and steady the mattress is. I get better sleep now that I’ve gotten it.” – K.C. 

“I did not have to get used to the mattress. First night was amazing. I don’t have a sore back like I did with my other mattress.” – Sandra 

Sleepy’s Rest Medium Innerspring Mattress

What We Like

The Sleepy’s Rest Medium Innerspring Mattress is another budget-friendly option if you’re on the hunt for a college dorm room bed. It’s a good match for any sleeping position, and it comes at the right price. Plus, it’s available in the most common college mattress sizes.

The innerspring construction means the bed gets ample airflow and breathability to keep a cool and comfortable sleep surface. But it doesn’t lack comfort, either. The mattress includes two layers of plush, quilted foam for even weight distribution and long-lasting comfort.

Features

• Twin/twin XL/full sizes
• Medium comfort
• 9.5” mattress height
• Soft foam edges
• Soft stretch knit cover
• X-Firm Support Foam
• FE Verti-Coil

What Customers Are Saying

98% of customers were happy with their purchase

“So comfortable, this mattress! I also love the very fair price.” – Aleks B. 

“Loving the new bed. I’m sleeping much better every night and waking up with much more energy.” – Anonymous 

“Love my new mattress, soft, comfortable, sleeps great!!” – R. N. Dellinger 

Sleepy’s Basic Foam Mattress

What We Like

Our final choice is the Sleepy’s Basic Foam Mattress. For college students who prefer the feel and comfort of a memory foam mattress, this is an excellent choice.

This mattress won’t break the bank and offers medium-firm to firm comfort that helps you feel supported with ample pressure point relief.

Though it’s a bit thinner than some of the other dorm mattresses listed above, this makes it easy to transport and move in and out of your college dorm. If you’re looking for a bit more cushion, adding a dorm mattress pad or topper can do the trick.

Features

• Twin/full sizes
• Medium-to-medium firm comfort
• ⅞” medium comfort foam
• 5 ½” medium support form
• Woven cover

What Customers Are Saying

98% of customers were happy with their purchase

“Very comfortable and perfect for back sleepers and side.” – Tae H. 

“Very comfortable and easy on the body for a great sleep. I recommend to anyone looking for a top mattress at an affordable cost.” – Sue S. 

“Great mattress for the price. Very, very comfortable.” – Anonymous 

How To Make Your Dorm Mattress More Comfortable

Aside from choosing the right mattress, there are a few additional tips and suggestions to improve the comfort of your dorm room sleep environment.

Add a Mattress Topper

A college mattress topper can transform the feel and firmness of your sleep surface. This is a freshman dorm essential if you opt to use the school-provided mattress rather than bring your own in your first year.

The best dorm room mattress toppers are typically more affordable than an entire mattress and are much easier to move in and out of the dorm room.

Use a Supportive Pillow

Choosing a good mattress can help create a comfortable sleeping environment in your dorm room. But you shouldn’t overlook selecting a quality and supportive pillow, either.

Look for a pillow that will keep your head and spine in natural alignment, with the proper loft and firmness for your typical sleep position.

Sleep on Breathable Sheets

It’s a big deal to find stylish dorm bedding that helps your new space feel like home. While style is important, you also need to make sure you find cozy bedding that is soft and breathable to keep you from overheating.

Go for sheets made with natural materials like bamboo, cotton and linen, which will help you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. These materials allow air to pass through your sleep environment rather than get trapped near the body and cause night sweats or discomfort.

Adjust Your Sleep Position

If you still can’t get comfortable, try sleeping in a different position. For instance, if you have neck and head pain when you wake up, try sleeping on your back or side rather than your stomach.

Or, if you’re an avid side sleeper and your shoulders and hips feel achy each morning, you may want to try sleeping on your back instead.

Dorm Mattress Accessories: Toppers, Protectors & More

The right college dorm accessories can enhance mattress comfort and longevity and improve the dorm sleeping experience. Here are some of the accessories to consider grabbing while back-to-school shopping:

• Mattress Toppers: The best dorm mattress topper helps change the firmness of the sleep surface, helping students achieve their desired comfort and support
• Mattress Protectors: Helps protect the mattress from spills, dust mites, pests and allergens, which can be particularly helpful for students who are sharing a dorm room and spending a lot of time on their mattresses outside of sleeping
• Mattress Pad: Adds some extra cushion to the sleep surface, enhancing its feel and comfort level

Dorm Mattress Care Tips

Keep your college mattress in good, clean condition with the following care tips.

Regular Cleaning

No matter how busy your college schedule gets, don’t forget to clean your dorm bedding and mattress regularly. Doing so keeps your bed from developing any weird or strange smells and creates a more hygienic and allergen-free sleep environment.

Use a Mattress Protector

Putting a mattress protector on your dorm room bed keeps away any dust, pests or spills that might damage the mattress. It’s a simple way to help extend the life of the mattress without impacting its quality or feel.

Rotate Occasionally 

Whether at home or in the dorms, it’s always a good idea to rotate your mattress a few times a year. This promotes an even wear pattern on the sleep surface, helping you avoid any sagging or indentations in the area where you normally sleep.

Prevent Wear and Tear

Even though dorm rooms can be quite small, avoid placing unnecessary wear and tear on the mattress, like storing items on the bed when not in use or using it as a seating area while eating or watching TV.

It’s also important to take extra precautions when moving or handling the mattress, as improper storage and moving techniques can cause unwanted damage to the mattress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)