Bunk Bed Mattress

What is the best mattress for a bunk bed?

The best mattress for a bunk bed is not simply a suitable selection because it fits the space.  It is a carefully selected mattress to bring comfort and provide support.  There are multiple bunk bed mattress options.  Each mattress has its own way of meeting the bedframe requirements as well as the serving the sleeper’s comfort.  The best mattress for a bunk bed in your home may differ from which would be better for someone else.  The information provided below outlines some ways bunk bed mattresses differ and how these differences can impact your decision.

What to Look for in a Bunk Bed Mattress

The best mattress for a bunk bed will depend on a few things.  There are several bunk bed frame types; trundle beds, L-shaped bunks, sofa bed bunks, and traditional bunk bed variations.  To get into what makes a mattress the best for use on a bunk bed, frame needs are the bare minimum.  Other considerations will be more user focused.  These encompass the sleep needs and preferences of the people who will sleep on the mattress.  The following are a few main areas to explore.

• Mattress Size Needs for the Frame
• Types of Bunk Bed Mattresses Available
• How Firm or Soft is Preferred
• Length of Time Intended for Use

Bunk Bed Mattress Size

Bunk bed mattress size is actually four measurements.  Like other standard mattress sizes, length and width will be a part of whether the mattress fits the frame.  With a bunk bed, however, the weight and mattress thickness are also quite important.  Most bunk bed mattresses will be about 6-8 inches to accommodate the stacked nature of the frame style.  This is fewer inches than most other mattresses which also helps keep the overall weight of the mattresses lower.  For safety, the mattresses should be lighter so they can fit within the bed’s maximum weight capacity when occupied.

Mattress Material Type

Bunk bed mattresses can be made from memory foam, latex or using multiple materials.  No one mattress type is better for bunk beds specifically.  Rather, the type of mattress used on a bunk bed should be established around the person sleeping on it.  Some people really like the conforming, body cradling qualities of memory foam while others favor the feel of latex.  Both are valid options and which would make the best mattress for bunk beds use is really a personal decision.  Bunk bed mattresses are also made in hybrid designs, which combine these materials in a single mattress.

Memory Foam: Bunk bed mattresses made from memory foam usually use one or more foams.  The density of memory foam determines how soft or firm it is.  Generally, the foundation, or base, of the mattress will consist of higher density foam.

Latex: Latex mattresses for bunk beds can be comprised of natural latex or organic latex.  One of the highlights of latex is that it is a very durable material.  Mattresses made from latex tend to hold up well over time.

Hybrid Mattress: Many bunk bed mattresses are what is called hybrid mattresses.  These use two or more mattress materials together for effective support and comfort.  A hybrid mattress can be made with any combination of memory foam, latex, and coils.

Firmness of the Bunk Bed Mattress

Another aspect of a bunk bed mattress hinged on the sleeper rather than the frame, is the comfort level.  Comfort level conveys the firmness of a mattress.  A mattress made for bunk beds can be soft, medium or firm.  The way a person sleeps can sometimes sway their opinion on how firm a mattress should be.  For instance, people who mostly sleeps on their side will frequently opt for a medium mattress firmness.  Age and weight of the person who plans to sleep on the bunk bed mattress might also have an impact.

• Soft – Soft can be indicated differently on a memory foam versus latex bunk bed mattress. ILD is the rating identifier for latex whereas memory foam is usually marked by density.
• Medium – Medium mattresses can run true medium. They can also be soft-medium or medium-firm.  Using the density or ILD is a better estimate of firmness.
• Firm- Back and stomach sleepers lean towards firmer mattresses. Though some side sleepers do as well.  There is no definite rule for firmness, it is a matter of personal preference.

Bunk Bed Mattress Durability

A bunk bed mattress can outlive the need for the bunk bed itself.  Mattresses are constructed to last years.  Often children use bunk beds while they are growing and after a few years, they graduate to other frame types.  Bunk beds use mattresses of many different sizes so moving it to a different frame down the line is doable.  A Twin-size bunk bed mattress can be used on most Twin-size standard bed frames.  Similarly, a Full-size bunk bed mattress can be moved to a Full-size bedframe later if needed.  A quality mattress will typically last approximately eight years.

Best Bunk Bed Mattresses

8″ Kingship Comfort RV & Me Mattress Soft

The first bunk bed mattress we will explore is the Kingship Comfort 8” RV & Me.  This is a hybrid mattress.  It uses 24 IFD Dunlop latex plus 3” of cooling gel memory foam to create a soft firmness.

8″ Kingship Comfort RV & Me Mattress Medium

This is a medium bunk bed mattress that utilizes Superior Gel Memory Foam.  This upper layer contours the body to encourage good alignment of the spine during sleep.  The incorporated gel promotes temperature regulation, making it good for hot sleepers.

8″ Kingship Comfort RV & Me Mattress Firm

An all-foam mattress can be used on a bunk bed.  This one is firm thanks to its 6” base, made with high-density poly foam.  Topped with 2” of Superior Gel memory foam that contours to the body, it is highly supportive yet comfortable.

8” Opal Mattress

A second medium feel bunk bed mattress is the Opal gel mattress by Nature’s Sleep.  This medium-firm mattress option uses open-cell memory foam that is CertiPUR-US® approved.  Its antimicrobial mattress cover is able to unzip for easy removal and washing.

Bunk Bed Mattress vs Regular Mattress

Bunk bed mattresses are different from regular mattresses in mattress height.  Though some regular mattresses are short, most will be around 10-12 inches.  Bunk bed mattresses are rarely over 8” thick.  This is for a couple reasons.  First, the mattress used on a bunk bed shouldn’t be taller than the guardrails.  Second, the taller the mattress is, the less room there is between the bunks for sitting up.  Thinner mattresses also weigh less which is a factor.  Another difference between bunk bed mattresses and traditional mattresses is that they do not come in King or California King.

Are there Twin pack bunk bed mattresses?

Ordinarily bunk bed mattresses are sold individually, not as a two-pack.  However, when two Twin bunk bed mattresses are needed, sometimes it can cost less to purchase them together.  This is due mostly to combined shipping costs.  Traditional bed over bed bunk beds require two mattresses.  So, if two mattresses are needed, give us a call and we will check to see if any discount is available.  There isn’t always a discount available, but in many cases, there is when two bunk bed mattresses are purchased together.

Conclusion

Mattresses used on bunk beds are selected based on the bedframe as well as the user.  A bunk bed mattress must fit certain size specifications.  When properly fitted, it will not be too heavy or leave gaps between it and the bed’s side rails.  However, much of what makes a mattress good is from how it relates to the person who will be sleeping on it.  Aspects of the mattress influenced by individual inclinations include the comfort level as well as the mattress type.  Ultimately, the best bunk bed mattress is the one that checks all the boxes.