How to choose the best memory foam mattress for kids

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This article discusses what a person should look for in a mattress for kids, safety considerations, and provides a list of mattresses suitable for kids that a person can consider.

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• Best for spinal alignment: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
• Best gel mattress: Purple Kid Mattress
• Best for choice of firmnesses: Puffin Memory Foam Kids Bed
• Best odor-reducing mattress: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Twin Mattress
• Best with washable cover: Perfect Cloud Kids Signature Mattress
• Best cooling mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Chill
• Best hypoallergenic mattress: Puffy Mattress

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.

Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Best for spinal alignment: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

Nectar offers its memory foam mattress in twin size. The mattress features a cooling, breathable memory foam in several layers for comfort and support.

The manufacturers claim that this mattress supports pressure points and spinal alignment. The medium firm feel may suit side sleepers.

Additional features include:

• a 365-day trial and a forever warranty
• minimal motion transfer
• cooling technology
• CertiPUR-US certified foam

This twin Nectar Memory Foam Mattress costs $499.

Best gel mattress: Purple Kid Mattress

Purple makes memory foam and hybrid mattresses for adults and children.

One of the key features of this mattress is the top gel grid layer. Purple states that this provides both comfort and cooling benefits. The foam and gel used in this mattress are designed for the lighter weight of toddlers, children, and teenagers, according to the company.

The materials in this mattress are Clean Air GOLD and CertiPUR-US certified, which means that they contain few or no chemicals that may be toxic to people.

The mattress includes features such as:

• a removable, washable cover
• a 100-night trial
• a 10-year warranty

Purple also offers a mattress protector, a frame, and other accessories for an additional price.

This mattress costs $699.

Best for choice of firmnesses: Puffin Memory Foam Kids Bed

Nest Bedding offers the Puffin Memory Foam Kids Bed. It uses CertiPUR-US certified foams and a non-chemical fire barrier.

The mattress is available in firm and medium support. The manufacturers recommend choosing the medium option for side sleepers.

The company writes that this mattress fits many bed frames and is suitable for use on various surfaces, including the floor.

Additional features include:

• a 30-night trial and a lifetime warranty
• mattress-in-a-box set-up
• breathable

This mattress costs $399 for the twin size.

Best odor-reducing mattress: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Twin Mattress

Zinus offers a memory foam mattress infused with green tea extract and charcoal. The manufacturer claims that this helps to absorb odors and moisture.

This mattress comes in various sizes. A person can choose from 6-, 8-, 10-, or 12-inch (in) mattresses.

The mattress contains three layers: a memory foam layer, a comfort foam layer, and a support foam layer.

Additional features include:

• CertiPUR-US certified foam
• 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial
• promotes spinal alignment

The price ranges between $118-228 for the twin. However, the price will vary depending on the thickness a person chooses.

Best with washable cover: Perfect Cloud Kids Signature Mattress

Perfect Cloud offers a twin-sized mattress for kids that comes with a free memory foam pillow and a teddy bear.

The mattress uses durable foam and is hypoallergenic. The cover is removable and washable.

Other features include:

• a 10-year warranty
• free shipping and returns
• a 30-night sleep trial

A listing on Amazon states that the mattress meets the “standards” of CertiPUR-US, but the manufacturers’ website does not specifically state that their product is CertiPUR-US certified.

The Perfect Cloud Kids Signature Mattress costs $389.

Best cooling mattress: DreamFoam Chill Memory Foam

The DreamFoam Chill Memory Foam mattress is available in a twin size. It has added cooling technology, so it may be suitable for hot sleepers. It also contains a stain-resistant top.

A person can choose between a 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, and 14-in height. Firmness varies between these heights.

Additional features include:

• 120-night trial and a 10-year warranty
• bed-in-a-box
• hypoallergenic

The company states that the foams used in its mattresses meet CertiPUR-US standards. However, Brooklyn Bedding does not claim that it holds a CertiPUR-US certification.

The price for the twin mattress is $274.

Best hypoallergenic mattress: Puffy Mattress

This memory foam mattress from Puffy is available in a twin size. The cover is hypoallergenic and the company writes that it repels dust, dust mites, and other allergens.

The company claims it is suitable for sleepers of any position. It contains a cooling gel that can help a person regulate their temperature overnight, and the high-density foam used in the mattress is designed to support the whole body.

Features include:

• 101-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
• motion isolation
• stain-resistant cover

The twin size of Puffy Mattress costs $699.

MNT chooses mattresses, sheets, pillows, and other bedding that meet the following criteria:

• Certifications: MNT will choose products that have CertiPUR-US or other certifications. This means that the products are low in pollutants and free from heavy metals and volatile organic compounds.
• Size: MNT chooses products that are available in various sizes.
• Materials and fill: MNT selects products made from different materials and fills, such as memory foam and latex, to suit a range of sleep and lifestyles.
• Budget: MNT features products to suit a wide range of budgets.
• Firmness [only applicable to some products]: MNT selects mattresses that are available in a range of firmness options to suit most people’s sleeping styles.
• Sleep trials: MNT chooses companies that offer a sleep trial.
• Shipping: Where possible, MNT will include shipping information, such as where the company delivers to and whether shipping is free.
• Warranties and return policies: MNT will include products that carry warranties and clear returns policies.

Some important considerations to make when choosing a memory foam mattress for a child include:

• the child’s age
• the durability of the materials
• the toxicity of the materials
• comfort
• support

Each child has unique sleep needs and preferences. There may be other factors to take into consideration, too, such as whether the child sleeps hot. For instance, a child who sleeps hot may benefit from a mattress with cooling layers.

Learn about cooling mattresses here.

If a child experiences night sweats or bedwetting, using waterproof covers and materials may help keep the mattress clean. For children with allergies, mattresses made using hypoallergenic materials may offer benefits.

Some other factors to consider include:

• price
• the sustainability of the materials used
• whether or not the manufacturers offer delivery and returns
• potential for odor from the new mattress
• warranties

Ultimately, decisions about what is important for the child will vary greatly. In general, it is best to consider any health requirements and preferences while searching for a new mattress.

Learn more about choosing mattresses for kids here.

A few things for a person to consider when choosing a mattress for children include:

• Sleeping position: Some mattresses are best suited to certain sleep postures. For example, side sleepers may benefit the most from a medium or softer mattress.
• Allergies: Children with allergies or sensitive skin may require a mattress that is hypoallergenic. There may also be certain materials, such as latex, that they are allergic to and should avoid. Learn more about the best nontoxic mattresses.
• Mattress type: Mattress type is a consideration. For example, memory foam mattresses may provide good support for children who move around in the night.
• Edge support: A mattress with an edge support may also be a consideration for children who may roll around a lot during sleep or sleep on the edge of the bed.
• Weight and height: A person should check the dimensions of the mattress. They should also consider if the mattress has a weight capacity or optimum weight target.
• Cost: A person should consider their budget when shopping for kids’ mattresses. There are many options to suit varying budgets.

Other mattresses made from different materials may work better for some children.

Some alternative mattress materials include:

• Latex: This provides a similar support structure to memory foam but is often all-natural and has a natural cooling effect. Learn more about latex mattresses here.
• Hybrid: This is a combination of memory foam and coils, with foam creating the comfort layer and coils forming the support layer. Learn more about hybrid mattresses here.
• Springs: These mattresses use coils for support and other materials for comfort. Learn about the differences between memory foam and spring mattresses here.

Children’s sleep needs vary by age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children need the following hours each night of sleep:

• ages 3–5 years: 10–13 hours
• ages 6–12 years: 9–12 hours
• ages 13–18 years: 8–10 hours

Learn more about sleep requirements for adults and children here.

Studies into how mattresses affect children’s sleep are lacking.

In one 2009 study, researchers discussed some of the discrepancies in data about mattresses.

For their study of adult participants, they indicated that a newer sleep system, compared with their older sleep system (greater than 5 years old), helped improve sleep quality and reduce pain. However, they did not fully specify the sleep system that each person used.

A 2015 review of studies identified several potential benefits of finding the right mattress. These include improved sleep quality, reduction of aches and pain, and better spinal alignment. The researchers indicated that a medium firm, self-adjusted mattress may be the best choice for most people.

However, these and other studies do not directly address the needs of children, which means that recommendations for this age group are difficult to make.

An older 2003 review looking into the risk of suffocation for children on different sleep surfaces found that children were at significant risk of suffocation when sleeping in adult beds when compared with cribs. This review compared data from the 1980s with the 1990s, finding that there was an increase in deaths of children sleeping in adult beds, from 152 in the 1980s to 391 in the 1990s.

Is a memory foam mattress good for a child?

Memory foam mattresses usually provide good levels of support, so are suitable for children. However, they may not be suitable for very young children, such as toddlers.

A person should ensure they are choosing a mattress made with high quality foam, such as those with CertiPUR-US certifications.

What kind of mattress should I buy for a child?

Memory foam mattresses are usually suitable as they are naturally hypoallergenic. Choosing the right firmness may depend on the child’s preferred sleeping position and overall personal preference.

Spring and latex mattresses are also good alternatives to memory foam mattresses, and have their own advantages.

What kind of mattress should a 6-year-old have?

This varies depending on the firmness, materials used, and the child’s sleeping position. However, 6-year-olds may have mattresses of any type so long as it suits their preferences and needs.

Parents and caregivers who are interested in a memory foam mattress for children should consider the child’s comfort needs, the toxicity of the materials used in the mattress, and the support the mattress will provide the child.

Other considerations should include cost, any allergies a child may have, and the cooling effects of the mattress.

There is limited research into the safety and benefits of memory foam mattresses for children. Additionally, studies involving adult participants do not typically specify the mattress type that is best for a person.