Curious about the difference between twin and twin XL mattresses? It comes down to length. A twin XL mattress is five inches longer than a twin mattress.
Here's a reference chart to help you compare:
Twin XL vs Twin: Size Chart
| Twin Mattress | Twin XL Mattress | |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 38” x 75” | 38” x 80” |
| Surface area | 2,850 square inches | 3,040 square inches |
| Best for | Single sleepers (5’11 + under) | Single sleepers (6 feet tall and over) |
| Other considerations |
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Ready to purchase your twin or twin XL mattress? The GhostBed Classic is our most popular model in those sizes.
Which Size Should You Choose?
If you’re choosing between a twin and twin XL mattress, consider your height. Sleepers under six feet tall may fit comfortably onto a twin mattress. If you’re any taller than that, you’ll want a twin XL.
Bear in mind that twin XL mattresses are common in college dorm rooms because they accommodate students of varying heights.
If you’re selecting a bed for a very small room or a room with architectural features (like an alcove) you want to fit a bed into, remember you’ll need five inches of extra space for a twin XL mattress.
Another factor to consider is that a twin XL mattress costs more money than a twin, and so too does its bedding. If you’re sticking to a budget and are under six feet tall, you may want to opt for a twin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here at GhostBed, our Sleep Experts love to answer your questions. If you want to know more about twin vs twin XL mattresses (or anything else mattress-related!), you can always get in touch.
We’ve also included answers to some frequent questions we get below.
Q: How long is a twin XL bed?
A twin XL bed is 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. It’s five inches longer than a standard twin mattress.
Q: Should I get twin or twin XL sheets?
It’s best to get sheets that match the size of your mattress–twin sheets for a twin bed and twin XL sheets for a twin XL bed–to avoid size differences that cause sheets to pop off or bunch up.
Q: Can you use twin sheets for twin XL?
We don’t recommend using twin-sized bedding for a twin XL mattress. It will be too short and won’t fit the mattress correctly.
Q: Can I put a twin XL mattress on a twin platform bed frame?
No. A twin XL mattress is too long to fit on a twin bed frame.
Q: Will full sheets fit a twin XL?
No. A full mattress is shorter and wider than a twin XL mattress, so sheets made for a full will not fit a twin XL.
Q: What size sheets fit a twin XL?
Just like any other mattress size, twin XL mattresses have corresponding sheets. Many brands that sell twin XL mattresses also sell twin XL sheets.
Q: What size bed do two twin XLs make?
If you put two twin XL mattresses together, you get the same dimensions as a king-sized mattress. This is commonly known as a “split king” bed.
Q: Are twin XL mattresses common?
While twin XL mattresses may not be sold as frequently as twin mattresses, they are still relatively common.
You may have a harder time tracking down a twin XL in premium or luxury models of some mattresses, depending on the brand you’re shopping for. (Here at GhostBed, we have a twin XL option available for all of our mattresses!)
Q: Can you put a full-size comforter on a twin XL bed?
A full-size comforter is wider and shorter than a twin XL mattress, so we don’t recommend it.
Q: Who needs a twin XL mattress?
A twin XL mattress is best suited to single sleepers who are over six feet tall or who simply prefer more room to stretch out.
Final Thoughts
Both twin and twin XL mattresses can be good choices for single sleepers. If you’re a single sleeper who would prefer a little extra legroom, opt for the twin XL.
Ready to purchase your twin mattress? Shop the collection now. Or, head straight to our most popular twin-sized mattress, the GhostBed Classic.
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