How to Choose a Kids Mattress: The Maxtrix Mattress Buying Guide

Key Takeaways

• Support matters: Kids and teens spend more time in bed than adults, and their growing bodies need proper alignment. A medium-firm mattress provides the right balance of comfort and support for healthy bone development.

• Choose the right height: Low-profile mattresses (5–8 inches) are ideal for bunk and loft beds, maximizing guardrail safety while still delivering full comfort.
  
  

• Safe & healthy sleep: Look for non-toxic, CertiPUR-US® certified foams and breathable organic cotton covers for a safer, cleaner sleep surface.
  
  

• Sized for every need: From twin to queen (and even trundle sizes), the right mattress depends on your child’s age, height, and room setup.

Searching for the perfect kids’ mattress for your child’s room? It’s not always as simple as it seems! With so many options available, mattress shopping can quickly become overwhelming.

As adults, we spend plenty of time testing mattresses before choosing the right one. But how much effort are we putting into kids’ mattresses? Children and teens spend even more time in bed than adults, and their growing bones need proper support. Plus, kids’ mattresses have to endure the occasional spills and everyday wear and tear!

That’s why choosing the right mattress for your child is such an important decision. In this guide, we’ll answer common mattress shopping questions and highlight what to consider when buying kids’ mattresses, bunk bed mattresses, and loft mattresses. 

Our Twin Mattress was even rated the #1 Best Kids’ Mattress of 2025 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.

10 Questions to Ask Before Buying A Kids' Mattress

1. What mattress firmness is best for kids?

When looking for the best mattress for your child, it’s important to consider how firm or soft you want it to be. A soft mattress will be plush and comfortable while providing a forgiving surface. On the other hand, a firm mattress will ease motion transfer and give greater lower back support. 

To get the best combination of both, we recommend purchasing a medium-firm mattress. Our Premium Memory Foam Mattresses feature medium firmness to relieve pressure points while providing the ideal balance of comfort and support, making it the perfect fit for growing bodies. 

Each mattress includes a high-density base foam layer that fits perfectly with Maxtrix bunk beds, loft beds, or single beds—delivering sturdy support without the need for a Bunkie board or box spring.

2. What mattress thickness is best for bunk beds and loft beds?

The best choice for bunk and loft beds is a low-profile mattress between 5 inches and 8 inches thick. This mattress height helps maximize the 16-inch guardrail height on your Maxtrix bed, giving kids extra safety and security on the top bunk or loft.

For a comfortable and supportive design without the bulk, our Premium Memory Foam Mattresses are the best choice for your kids bed. Packing all the comfort of a 10” mattress into a low-profile design, our mattresses feature the same cradling support and cooling comfort you love with a size that is perfect for pairing with your bunk or loft.

3. What mattresses are safe for kids?

When it comes to your child's sleep, safety should always be the top priority. The best mattress for kids will feature non-toxic foams and eco-friendly materials to create a safe sleeping surface. 

Knowing this, Maxtrix designed our Premium Memory Foam Mattresses with CertiPUR-US® certified foams made without formaldehyde, mercury, lead, or other harmful chemicals or heavy metals. Our hypoallergenic mattresses for kids are also low-VOC, so parents can feel good knowing their child is sleeping safely and soundly.

4. What mattress cover is best?

We know accidents happen, that’s part of childhood! That’s why a good waterproof mattress cover is essential: it protects against spills, keeps kids comfortable, and promotes better rest. 

Maxtrix’s waterproof mattress covers protect your child’s bed with long-lasting durability. 

And don’t worry—waterproof doesn’t mean uncomfortable! The cotton blend creates a soft, plush feel kids will love, while the design is noiseless and breathable, allowing airflow for a cooler, more comfortable sleep surface.

5. What is the best cooling mattress for kids?

As adults, we know the benefits of a cooling mattress. Sleeping hot can prohibit us from waking up feeling refreshed and ready for the day– and the same goes for kids! 

The best cooling mattresses will feature perforated foam to offer greater breathability. We’ve taken this a step further and designed our Premium Cooling Mattresses with cooling gel memory foam to help keep kids cool and comfortable all night long. 

Additionally, our cooling mattresses feature Engineered AirFlo Foam with cutout channels that move heat and humidity away from the mattress. In simple terms, the tiny channels let air circulate, helping your child stay cooler while they sleep.

6. What size mattress is best for kids?

The best mattress size for your child depends on their individual needs. Do they need a twin mattress for their bunk bed or loft bed? Or would they like a full or queen mattress for more sleeping space? 

Our Premium Memory Foam Mattresses are made to fit kids' preferences and space perfectly. Check out the quick breakdown of our mattress sizes below:

• Twin Mattress: 75 inches long by 39 inches wide. These mattresses are great for younger children, smaller rooms, bunks, and lofts. 

• Twin XL Mattress: 80 inches long by 39 inches wide. Perfect for taller kids, it’s longer than a twin but still narrow enough for smaller spaces. 

• Full Mattress: 75 inches long by 54 inches wide. These mattresses are great for older children, tweens, and teens who want more space to stretch out and snooze.

• Queen Mattress: 80 inches long by 60 inches wide. These mattresses are great for older kids, guest rooms, vacation rentals, and sleeping like royalty!
  
  

7. What size is a kids' trundle mattress?

Trundle beds are perfect for creating a quick and easy sleeping space for guests. They slide right under kids’ beds and bunk beds, but require a special trundle-size mattress that’s slightly shorter than a regular twin and about 5 inches thick.

At 72 inches long by 39 inches wide, Maxtrix trundle mattresses are available in twin size. These low-profile, foam-based designs fit perfectly in the trundle frame under your Maxtrix bed, creating a cozy and comfortable spot for overnight guests.

8. What mattress type is best?

The best mattress type for your child largely depends on their preferences. Foam, innerspring, hybrid, and latex mattresses all offer great benefits. To get the best of all of these mattress types, we recommend going with a memory foam mattress.

Our Premium Memory Foam Mattresses have the comforting feel of a foam mattress with medium-firm support comparable to an innerspring mattress. The Cooling Gel Memory Foam in our memory foam mattresses keeps you cool and comfortable, similar to a latex mattress.

9. What queen mattress is best for kids?

A queen mattress is a great choice for taller kids, guest spaces, or anyone who needs extra room to stretch out. The best queen mattress for kids combines durable support with layers of comfort for long-lasting use.

Our 8-Inch Premium Queen Memory Foam Mattress includes a thicker Cooling Gel Memory Foam layer plus 2 inches of Engineered AirFlo Foam with channel cutouts for extra breathability. The high-density base foam provides long-lasting support and durability—something both kids and parents love. 

At 8 inches tall, it’s the perfect height for Maxtrix queen bunks and loft beds, fitting safely with guardrails. Or, pair with our traditional queen beds without sacrificing headboard height!

10. What should I know about bed slats? Why is this important?

Bed slats are extremely important because they provide the foundation for your child’s mattress and overall sleep safety. Maxtrix bed slats are tested to support up to 800 lbs per bed, making them exceptionally sturdy and safe for kids—so parents can feel confident the bed will last through years of sleep, play, and growth.

Maxtrix heavy-duty slats are made from 100% natural wood. The spacing between slats allows airflow, helping the mattress ventilate and reduce moisture buildup over time. Each slat roll includes 14 cross-bars (3.5 inches wide) plus a middle support beam for full-size beds. And the best part? Every Maxtrix bed comes with a slat roll included!

All Maxtrix slats come with 14 cross-bars, each 3.5 inches wide, including an additional middle support beam for full-size beds. Learn more about how Maxtrix beds support safe and sturdy sleep on our safety standards page.

So, what mattress should I buy?

For growing kids, a Maxtrix Premium Memory Foam Mattress delivers the perfect mix of cooling comfort, proper support, and long-lasting durability. Designed to fit Maxtrix bunk, loft, and standard beds, they’re built for safer, healthier sleep at every stage. 

Explore our mattress collection today and find the perfect fit for your family!

 

FAQ:

Whats a good mattress thickness for kids?

• Kids’ mattress thickness typically ranges from 5 to 10 inches, depending on your child’s needs and bed type. For bunk and loft beds, choose a mattress that’s 8 inches or less to ensure safety and a proper fit.

Can my 3 year old sleep on a memory foam mattress?

• Yes, as long as the mattress is designed for kids and fit’s in their bed. A low-profile, medium-firm memory foam mattress provides the right balance of comfort and support for growing bodies of all ages.

Can a child have a memory foam mattress?

• Yes, memory foam is a great choice for children. Medium-firm memory foam provides plush comfort and proper alignment for growing bodies.

Should a child have a firm or soft mattress?

• An inbetween medium-firm mattress is the best option for growing bodies. It provides the right balance of comfort and support, relieving pressure points while promoting healthy bone development.

Is a spring or memory foam mattress better for kids?

• Memory foam is ideal for kids. It combines the comfort of foam with support comparable to innerspring, plus cooling gel layers for all-night comfort.