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

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.

Choose the Right Mattress Size for Bunk Beds & Loft Beds

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.

Remember, the thicker your mattress is, the higher up you sleep, which takes away valuable inches from your top bunk’s safety rail. It's very safe for children to sleep up high when the bed and low mattress are configured correctly. We highly recommend good, low profile, 5"-8" quality kids mattresses for your bunk beds or loft beds.A quick side-note on guardrails: Front and back safety rails on the top bed or loft ensures your child stays in the bed while sleeping and moving around. Minimum regulations require that safety rails are 5” (13cm) higher than the mattress surface, but 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.Now that you know how thick your mattress should be, make sure you purchase the right length. Bunk beds and loft beds are available in many different sizes. Maxtrix offers Twin, Twin XL, Full, Full XL and even Queen size bunk beds. We recommend the 5" low profile mattress for all but the Queen, which has an 8" option.

Maximize Bottom Bunk Headspace with Low Profile Mattresses

Under-bed height is very important for the bottom bunk – so don’t go too plush there either! The thicker the mattress on the bottom bunk bed, the less headroom you will have. You want to be able to sit up tall on the bottom bunk without bumping your head on the top bunk. While you may not be too concerned about this for your child, remember that reading stories, tucking in the kids at night and kissing good-night is usually a grown up’s job. They certainly appreciate being able to sit up straight even in the lower bunk bed. Again, a low profile mattress is a great choice for bottom bunks for this very reason – depending on what quality you decide on, you don’t have to give up on comfort even on a low profile bunk bed mattress.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.

Select Bunk Bed Memory Foam Mattresses for Ultimate Comfort

Great quality foam beats springs for top bunks, especially if you have kids sleeping up high. 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. So we usually recommend a good quality memory foam or even latex mattress for top bunk mattresses, and we suggest leaving the spring mattress for the bottom bunk.Maxtrix premium memory foam mattresses are designed specifically as kids mattresses. 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. And, finally, 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.

Change Sheets with Easy Lifting Mattresses for Top Bunks

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! Get a lightweight mattress that Mom or Dad can easily lift to tuck in sheets or change bedding. We unanimously agree that a low mattress is much easier to manage, plus it's lighter to lift. So, when it comes to making that top bunk, a Maxtrix low profile mattress is the way to go to avoid difficulty and lifting a lot of weight. There's a big win for Mom & Dad!

And if you seriously dread making that top bunk bed or loft bed – consider getting a bunk bed with stairs or loft bed with stairs – it’s so much easier for adults to climb up and make the bed!

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Don't Forget Your Trundle Mattresses for Guest Accommodations

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 fit under the lower bunk – so they have to be shorter. 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.Bottom line? Don't sacrifice comfort, space, convenience or safety by choosing the wrong mattress for your elevated bed. There is clearly a lot to consider when buying the best mattresses for bunk beds or loft beds. If you are still not sure where to start, try this handy mattress buying guide and take a look at Maxtrix mattresses - just reviewed by Sleepline. It will help you select the right one for your needs. Or, contact our customer care team for assistance.