Best Mattresses for Bunk Beds and Loft Beds: 5 Expert Tips

Updated: 09/16/2025

Key Takeaways:

• Choose the right height: Low-profile mattresses (5–8") are best for bunk and loft beds to keep guardrails high and kids safe.
  

• Think about space: A thinner mattress on the bottom bunk gives kids (and parents) more headroom for sitting up comfortably.
  

• Pick the right type: Memory foam is safer than springs for elevated beds—less bounce, more comfort, and better support.
  

• Keep it lightweight: Low-profile mattresses are easier to lift, making sheet changes on top bunks and lofts much simpler for parents.

Bunk and loft beds are super popular for kids’ rooms, adding both functionality and fun! But once you’ve found the perfect elevated bed, choosing the best mattress is just as important…and not always as straightforward as you might think.

What size should you get? How thick should it be? What type works best for bunks and lofts? It can feel overwhelming with so many factors to consider, but Maxtrix is here to help. We’ve gathered our top tips to make the decision easier.

Maxtrix mattresses are designed specifically for bunks and lofts. Our Twin Mattress was even rated the #1 Best Kids’ Mattress of 2023 by Sleepline, so you can feel confident you’re choosing a top-rated option for your family. Learn more about the 2025 Best Twin Mattress by Maxtrix as rated #1 by Sleepline.

5 Factors for Choosing The Best Mattress for Bunk and Loft Beds

1. Mattress Size for Top Bunk and Lofts

When choosing a mattress, height is one of the most important factors for your child’s safety and comfort. Elevated sleep surfaces can be safe for kids, but only if the mattress size allows guardrails to do their job. 

For bunk and loft beds, we recommend a low-profile kids’ mattress that’s 5–8 inches tall. Thicker mattresses raise the sleep surface and reduce the height of the top bunk’s safety rail. While most kids’ mattresses are 10 inches or more, a low-profile design is safe and still offers the same comfort and support in a slimmer profile.

Many thick mattresses use low-quality “filler” materials to add height, while Maxtrix mattresses use only high-quality layers to give kids the support they need—without the extra bulk.

Minimum regulations require that safety rails be 5” (13cm) higher than the mattress surface. Still, we strongly recommend you look for a bed and mattress combination that exceeds this limit. Maxtrix® Bunks and Lofts come with a 16” (41cm) rail height, one of the tallest in the industry. Learn more about Maxtrix quality & safety standards.

Finally, make sure you choose the right mattress length. Bunk and loft beds come in many sizes, and Maxtrix offers Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL, and even Queen. We recommend the 5" low-profile mattress for all sizes except Queen, which has an 8" option.

2. Bottom Bunk Mattress Size

Under-bed height is very important for the bottom bunk – so a low-profile mattress is a great idea! The thicker the mattress on the bottom bunk, the less headroom kids will have. You want to be able to sit up tall on the bottom bunk without bumping your head. 

While you may not be too concerned about this for your child, remember that reading stories, tucking in the kids at night, and kissing them goodnight is usually a grown-up’s job. We parents certainly appreciate being able to sit up straight, even in the lower bunk bed. That’s why a low-profile mattress is such a smart pick for bottom bunks—and with a quality design, you’ll still get all the comfort you need.

Remember that Maxtrix bunk beds and loft beds are available in low, mid and high heights. To help maximize your headspace between your bunks even more, select the right bed height as this will increase headspace. 

3. Mattress Types for Ultimate Comfort

Memory foam is better than a spring mattress for bunks and lofts. A bouncy mattress encourages kids to... well... bounce! In contrast, a foam mattress helps your body sink into it and creates a less “springy” surface. 

If you are thinking about mattresses for bunk beds or loft beds – i.e. elevated sleeping surfaces – these details matter! We all know that kids will play in and on these beds, so the more we can contribute to a safe environment, the better.

Maxtrix premium memory foam mattresses are designed specifically for kids. The perforated cooling gel cradles the body while keeping kids cool and comfortable all night long. As a medium-firm mattress, they are designed with proper spinal alignment in mind, helping to distribute weight evenly. The high-density base foam reduces pressure points while providing the ideal balance of comfort and support.  

Additionally, for those looking for a safe, eco-friendly option, Maxtrix memory foam mattresses are hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and CertiPUR-US® certified, as they are made without the use of formaldehyde, mercury, or other harmful chemicals or heavy metals. 

4. Mattress Weight and Bed Accessibility 

Who will make the beds? Yup – it’s likely going to be Mom or Dad. And, have you ever tried to change the sheets on that extra plush mattress in the master bedroom? There is quite a bit of maneuvering involved. Now imagine that suspended on a ladder, 4 feet up in the air – yes, not such a great idea! 

Parents can easily lift a lightweight, low-profile mattress to tuck in sheets or change bedding. Easier to manage and lighter to lift, Maxtrix low-profile mattresses make loft and top bunk bed-making simple, no heavy lifting required. That’s a big win for Mom and Dad!

For easy-peasy bedroom setup, explore our mattress two packs. These bundles deliver serious comfort for kiddos and a little less work for parents. If you seriously dread making that top bunk bed or loft bed – consider getting a bunk bed with stairs or loft bed with stairs. Staircases so much easier for adults to climb up and make the bed! 

5. Add a Trundle Mattress

Adding a trundle bed under your bunk bed? Be careful about measurements! Most trundle bed frames do not fit regular mattresses, as they have to be shorter to fit under the lower bunk. Make sure you are getting a specific trundle-sized mattress that is slightly shorter than a regular length, and not as plush as a regular mattress so it easily tucks under your bottom bunk bed.

So, What Mattress is Best for Bunks and Lofts?

Bottom line: don’t compromise on comfort, safety, or space by picking the wrong mattress for an elevated bed. There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right fit for bunk or loft beds.

Not sure where to start? Check out our mattress buying guide and mattress collection to find the perfect match for you and your family. Our customer care team is also here to help if you’d like extra guidance! Contact our team, and we'll help you find the perfect bed! 

With a safety-first design, plush comfort, and long-lasting durability, you can't go around with a Maxtrix mattress! 

 

FAQ:

What type of mattress is best for bunk beds?

• -A low-profile memory foam mattress, 5–8 inches tall, is best for bunk beds because it maximizes guardrail safety and provides proper comfort and support.

Do bunk beds need special mattresses?

• -Yes, bunk beds work best with low-profile mattresses designed for safety and easier bed-making, unlike thicker standard mattresses.

What size mattresses go in bunk beds?

• -Depending on the bed frame, bunk beds can fit twin, twin XL, full, full XL, or queen mattresses. We recommend a low-profile mattress of 5” to 8” in thickness for guardrail safety and headroom.

What is the difference between a bunk mattress and a regular mattress?

• -A bunk mattress is thinner (5–8 inches) to allow for safety rail clearance, while a regular kids’ mattress is usually 10 inches or more in thickness.