Bunk beds are a smart way to add an extra sleep surface without taking up more floor space. They usually have two mattress frames, one above the other, though different configurations are available.
These space savers are a popular choice for families with children, teens, or a guest room. They’re also often seen in hostels, dorms, barracks, and other places with limited space.
Because bunk bed frames differ from standard frames, there are additional factors to keep in mind when choosing the right mattresses, including weight, profile, and safety.
We’ll take a look at some of the best mattresses for bunk beds and weigh their pros and cons. We’ll also explain what sizes and types of mattresses are best for bunk beds, how firm they should be, and how much they cost.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Avocado Eco Organic Kids Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Avocado Eco Organic Kids Mattress is a hybrid model made with high-quality materials like organic latex, wool, and cotton. The low profile, firm support, and responsive surface make this an excellent choice for kid’s bunk beds.
Buy From Avocado
Hot Sleepers
Firm
Great Value
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS), GREENGUARD
Pros
- Latex and coils balance pressure relief and support
- Wool and cotton promote breathability
- GOLS and GOTS organic certification
Cons
- Latex produces some motion transfer
- May be too firm for kids who enjoy feeling “hugged” by their bed
The Avocado Eco Organic Kids Mattress checks a lot of boxes when it comes to kid mattresses. In addition to high-quality materials and construction, a standout feature of this model is the eco-friendly design – with certifications to back up eco-conscious claims.
Why We Like It
All the materials in the Eco Organic Kids Mattress have natural cooling properties, so this bed is a great pick for children who sleep hot. Latex has an open-cell composition that retains minimal heat, especially compared to foam. Cotton and wool are highly breathable and air circulates freely through the coil interior.
The cotton and wool have organic certification from the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and the latex has organic certification from the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). The mattress also has GREENGUARD Gold certification to show it has passed rigorous standards for chemical emissions.
How Does It Feel?
The mattress is a latex hybrid with a firm (7) feel and 7-inch profile, so it fits perfectly on bunk beds or trundle beds. The design begins with an organic cotton cover and a thin layer of organic wool, which acts as the bed’s flame retardant. Beneath is a 1-inch latex layer followed by a layer of 6-inch pocketed coils. The cotton and wool gently cushion your child’s body without too much sinkage, and the latex has a buoyant feel that gently contours but still offers ample support.
Best Value Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Kids Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The BB Kids is well-made, relatively affordable, and compatible with the vast majority of bunk beds on the market today. You can choose from three child-friendly sizes, and the thin 6-inch profile ensures the utmost safety for little ones who sleep on the top bunk.
Buy From Brooklyn Bedding
Side and Back Sleepers
Firm
Great Value
CertiPUR-US
Pros
- All-foam design has a gentle surface and sturdy base
- Cover is engineered to resist stains and liquid damage
- Available in three sizes
Cons
- Strong off-gassing smells for the first few nights
- Some kids may find the mattress too firm
The BB Kids from Brooklyn Bedding is reasonably priced and ideal for any bunk bed arrangement. Consisting of two layers built onto a 6-inch profile, the mattress should rest at least 5 inches below the bed’s guard rails — this helps ensure a safe night’s sleep for kids who use the top bunk. Twin, twin XL, and full designs are available, allowing you to mix and match if your children’s top and bottom bunks are different sizes.
Why We Like It
The BB Kids is firm (7), but not overly stiff. A memory foam top layer gives the surface a cushy feel, but the base is reinforced with high-density polyfoam to prevent your child from sinking too deeply. This balance of softness and support is key for healthy growth and development.
The BB Kids’ thoughtful design also includes a cover treated with Nano Stain Terminator, a kid-safe agent that protects the fabric from stains and liquid damage. This can be especially useful if your child sometimes wets the bed.
How Does It Feel?
BB Kids utilizes the tried-and-true combo of a memory foam comfort layer and high-density polyfoam support core — this design is found in most adult foam mattresses, as well. Since the surface is on the firmer side, your child shouldn’t sink too deeply into the memory foam. A cooling gel infusion in the top layer also helps minimize heat retention, so the mattress should stay fairly cool.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Helix Kids
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Helix Kids Mattress is a dual-sided model that offers a different firmness level on each side. Having two firmness options in one bed ensures the mattress will stay comfortable for your child throughout their growth.
Buy From Helix
Value Shoppers
Soft, Medium Firm Sides
Great Value
CertiPUR-US, GREENGUARD
Pros
- Dual-sided design offers two firmness options
- Water-repellent surface
- Breathable Tencel cover
Cons
- May not be suitable for children over age 12
- Children may notice temporary VOC odor
The Helix Kids Mattress is a hybrid model designed with children in mind. The dual-sided mattress has a medium soft (4) feel on one side and medium firm (6) feel on the other. The dual firmness options are meant to accommodate your child’s needs as they grow from toddlerhood into adolescence.
Why We Like It
While children can sleep on whichever side feels most comfortable, the medium firm side is meant for children roughly 3 to 7 years old. The softer side is aimed at children ages 8 to 12, since older children may gravitate toward beds with a softer feel. Simply flip the mattress to pick your child’s preferred firmness level.
How Does It Feel?
The bed measures 8 inches thick and features a 6-inch coil layer sandwiched between foam layers. The surface of the softer side is composed of plush memory foam while the firmer side features a denser polyfoam. The entire mattress is encased in a water-repellent cover made with breathable Tencel fabric. The water-repellent finish ensures protection for the mattress from nighttime bedwetting or accidental spills.
Best Luxury Mattress
Nolah Nurture 10
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nolah Nurture 10 is a flippable hybrid mattress made with latex, wool, and organic cotton. We recommend this model for parents who prioritize beds made with non-toxic, premium materials.
Buy From Nolah
Organic Shoppers
Soft, Firm Sides
Good Value
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), CertiPUR-US, GREENGUARD, eco-INSTITUT
Pros
- Flippable with soft and firm sides
- Made with natural materials
- Zoned support core
Cons
- Above-average price-point
- Children who enjoy feeling “hugged” by mattress may find this too bouncy
The HDMax Tri-Zone support core consists of 6-inch pocketed coils that react independently to contour to the body and isolate motion. Our testers felt minimal vibrations when we dropped a kettlebell next to them. Three firmness zones also help support good posture by limiting midsection sinkage.
Why We Like It
The Nurture Mattress and its components hold several certifications pertaining to content and sourcing, including OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS, eco-INSTITUT, and Rainforest Alliance.
This model is 10 inches high, making it versatile enough to work on either the top or bottom bunk of many frames. However, read the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the guardrails on the upper bunk are high enough and that the total weight does not surpass recommended limits.
With its kid-friendly design and high-quality materials, the Nolah Nurture is especially appropriate for families seeking natural luxury. The two built-in firmness options make the mattress adaptable to changing needs and preferences.
How Does It Feel?
Most of our testers preferred the extra support of the firm side, especially when lying on their stomachs. However, our team members under 130 pounds preferred the soft side for back and side sleeping.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team members are veterans in the field of sleep products. We base our reviews and guides on extensive research, impartial criteria, and rigorous in-house testing to provide unbiased information.
With a range of body types and preferred sleeping positions, our sleep experts personally test each mattress so we can accurately assess how a model performs for a broad range of sleepers.
