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Best Memory Foam Mattresses for Kids: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Mattress Guides
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Kids, like adults, need sleep to function at their best. Sleep affects their academic performance, growth, and emotional stability. A comfortable mattress acts as a solid foundation on which to build a healthy lifestyle.

Generally, kids are sensitive, and sometimes even more so, to the same comfort factors as adults such as cushioning, motion transfer, and noise. Foam mattresses cushion and conform and prevent motion from bouncing across the mattress. They come in different firmness levels from soft and plush to firm and ultra-supportive. For the most part, somewhere in the middle is most comfortable and will allow your child to sleep well as he grows into a teenager.

We’ve picked five of the best memory foam mattresses for kids. All listed prices are for twin size mattresses. (Please note: We don’t recommend memory foam mattresses for children under the age of eight.) We’ve also included a shopping guide to help you know what to look for and how to narrow the best mattress for your kid’s bed.

30 Second Summary: Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids

  • Amerisleep AS2 — We suggest Amerisleep’s AS2 for kids because it has a good balance of comfort and support so it can adjust to your child’s sleeping position of choice. Plus, it contains HIVE® technology to facilitate healthy spinal alignment and prevent pain.
  • Zoma Mattress – We like the Zoma Mattress for kids because it’s built to promote faster recovery, meaning it’s well-suited to support a growing body. Plus, Zoma features gel-infused foams and full-body support technologies to deliver better sleep.
  • Vaya Mattress – We recommend the budget-friendly Vaya for combination sleepers and kiddos who love to toss and turn since it’s highly versatile and made with safe foams.

Best Memory Foam Mattresses for Kids

 MattressHighlightsPrice
as3 best mattress in a boxAmerisleep AS2Promotes healthy sleeping positions and supports a growing body through eco-friendly memory foam.
zoma sports mattress for athletesZomaFeatures dynamic full-body support and cooling memory foam for overall better sleep.
vaya mattressVayaCertiPUR-US® certified and safe for all sleepers.
bear mattress for back painBearFeatures a Celliant® cover to promote deeper, more restorative sleep.
$500
Ashley Signature Design 12-Inch Chime Express Memory Foam MattressAshley Signature Chime ExpressPhase-changing cover regulates the sleeper’s temperature by absorbing and releasing heat.
$192
Brentwood Home Cypress Memory Foam MattressBrentwood Home CypressPhase-changing cover regulates the sleeper’s temperature by absorbing and releasing heat.
$399

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids Overall: Amerisleep AS2

Amerisleep produces mattresses that beautifully cushion and adapt to the body. Their medium-firm model, the AS2, has a high-quality, washable mattress cover and durable foams like Bio-Pur®, Affinity, and Bio-Core®.

The AS2’s 2 inches of cushioning Bio-Pur®, a pressure-relieving, plant-based memory foam, cradles the sleeper ever so slightly. This layer is thick enough to offer contouring for pain points but supportive enough to keep your child lifted in healthy alignment.

Next is 3 inches of Affinity foam with HIVE® technology, a feature that creates five distinct support zones for the head, shoulders, back, hips, and feet. With HIVE®, the AS2 surface feels soft and firm as needed.

Below, there’s a Bio-Core® support layer to reinforce the memory foam above. This 12-inch mattress model combines cushioning with support for kiddos who enjoy different sleeping positions.

Amerisleep mattresses come with a 100-night sleep trial. They also provide a 20-year warranty that covers indentations over .75-inches. This is a model that’s an investment in your child’s future. With proper support and care, it will last most kids through to adulthood.

AMERISLEEP AS2

  • Plant-based Bio-Pur® foam keeps kids cool and comfortable
  • Medium firm support maintains healthy alignment no matter the sleep position
  • Pressure-relieving abilities that will accommodate children through to adulthood

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2. Zoma Mattress

zoma sports mattress for athletes
The Zoma Mattress is another great memory foam mattress for kids because it’s built with gel memory foams for temperature control and zoned support technologies to promote a healthy spine. The Zoma is a memory foam mattress designed to help athletes sleep better and recover faster, so it should be well-equipped to support a growing body. The Zoma Mattress has three layers, stands 11 inches tall, and has a medium feel.

The first layer of the Zoma is gel-infused memory foam. When you lay on the Zoma, the memory foam molds to your body for immediate comfort and pressure relief. The cooling gels within this first layer of foam wick away body heat, preventing night sweats and keeping you at a comfortable temperature. Zoma includes Triangulex™ technology within this top layer, as well. Triangulex™ offers dynamic full-body support—it’s firmer under your torso for improved back support and softer under your hips and shoulders to allow for deeper compression and better pressure relief.

Below the layer of memory foam is a 2-inch layer of Reactiv™, a latex-like poly-foam. Reactiv™ primarily acts as a buffer between the soft memory foam above and the durable poly-foam core below, but it also gives the bed a bit of bounce due to its responsive nature. Reactiv™ prevents you from ever feeling “stuck” in the mattress and makes it easier to change sleeping positions.

The third and final layer of the Zoma is a 7-inch core of Support+ foam, a durable poly-foam. Support+ reinforces the two layers (and sleeper) above and prevents sagging.

The Zoma can be bought online-only, every Zoma comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

ZOMA MATTRESS

  • Offers dynamic full-body support
  • Contains cooling gels for temperature regulation
  • Medium feel makes it comfy for side and back sleepers

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3. Vaya Mattress

vaya mattressThe affordable Vaya Mattress is another top contender for children. We love this mattress for kids because it contains safe, CertiPUR-US® certified foams, and it’s comfortable for most little ones and growing bodies.

The Vaya has a balanced medium feel, so it’s not overly firm or super soft, and its special foam blend is ultra-responsive, so the bed still has a lot of bounce despite its all-foam design—that means sleepers will never feel “stuck” or “sinking” in the Vaya.

Shopping with Vaya is easy since their bed only has two layers: a 3-inch top layer of Vaya Comfort Foam and a 9-inch base layer of Vaya Support Foam. All in all, the bed is 12 inches thick and compatible with most bed frames (including bunk beds).

Vaya Sleep is an online mattress in a box brand, so they offer a 100-night sleep trial with every purchase. And to help customers feel more confident in their purchase, they also provide a 10-year warranty with every mattress.

VAYA MATTRESS

  • CertiPUR-US® certifications mean less chance of off-gassing
  • Breathable, responsive memory foam that cradles the sleeper
  • Great pressure relief for side and back sleepers

Current Promotion

$300 Off All Mattresses

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4. Bear

bear mattress for back pain
The Bear Mattress is this company’s base medium-firm model, but it comes with more than basic comfort. This dynamic material helps maintain a neutral temperature while promoting the blood flow of the sleeper. The Bear is also Certi-PUR-US® certified, so like the Ocean Mist, it’s free of any harmful chemicals.

The Bear Mattress’s top layer is cooling graphite and gel-filled memory foam. Both the graphite and gel work together to absorb heat and move it away from the sleeping body for a cooler night’s rest. It’s supported by a layer of transition poly-foam and a high-density poly-foam support core. The combination of foams provide cushioning and back support for back sleepers but has the responsiveness to keep many a combo sleepers comfortable and supported, too.

Bear offers a 100-night sleep trial. You can return the mattress at any time during that period, but they do ask that you try it for at least 30 days. Bear provides a 10-year warranty.

Bear Highlights

  • Medium-firm feel that responds well to sleeper movement
  • Certi-PUR-US® certified foams that are free of harmful chemicals
  • Celliant® cover helps manage temperature regulation

5. Ashley Signature Chime Express

Ashley Signature Design 12-Inch Chime Express Memory Foam Mattress
The Chime Express falls into the entry-level category, which is where the bargain-priced models are found. It’s often priced for far less than regular retail and is available on Amazon. Despite the low price, it provides a comfortable sleep that’s designed for those who like a well-cushioned mattress.

The plush memory foam top layer cradles the body and relieves pressure. It’s supported by a dense support foam. Side sleepers are the ones who will enjoy sinking into its soft layers the most. All foams used in the Chime Express are CertiPUR-US® certified. This model works for smaller children who may not have the body weight for a firmer model, though they should be over eight-years-old.

Ashley does not offer a trial period with their mattresses. However, they have a 10-year warranty that covers indentations over .75 inches.

Chime Express Highlights

  • Affordable price point, especially when on sale
  • Plush feel that cushions and relieves pressure
  • Foams that are free of harmful chemicals like PBDEs, chloroform, and heavy metals

6. Brentwood Home Cypress

Brentwood Home Cypress Memory Foam Mattress
Brentwood Homes offers another affordable, yet comfortable memory foam mattress with the Cypress. This model comes in a “Classic” 11-inch or 13-inch “Luxe” model for extra cushioning.

The Classic has a cooling charcoal-infused memory foam top layer. The charcoal pulls heat away from the body and helps circulate it away from the sleeper and out of the mattress. A high-density poly-foam support core provides the structure and strength of this model. The Luxe model has an additional two-inch layer of charcoal-infused memory foam. All foams are CertiPUR-US® certified.

Brentwood Homes provides a 1-year sleep guarantee with a 30-day break-in period. If you don’t like your mattress after the first 30 days and before one year of ownership, you can return it for a full refund. Their mattresses also have a prorated 25-year warranty that covers indentations over two inches.

SEE ALSO: How Much Sleep Do Kids and Babies Need?

Cypress Highlights

  • Charcoal-infused memory foam for cooling and conforming
  • Two firmness options, including a plush, luxe model
  • Affordable price with a one-year trial period and 25-year warranty

Benefits of Memory Foam

Memory foam has unique viscoelastic properties that allow it to mold and adapt to the sleeper when under heat and pressure. It conforms to each sleeper’s unique shape and relieves pressure at the hips and shoulders while keeping the spine aligned as the body changes sleep positions.

Memory foam is also highly motion-absorbing. For children who can be restless sleepers, that means a quieter mattress and potentially fewer night wakings. However, that also means there won’t be much bouncing on the bed. Your kids may not like that, but you probably will.

Foam mattresses typically last six to eight years. However, high-quality, high-density memory foams may last well beyond that time. Foam density is measured in pounds per square foot (PCF). Memory foams with a PCF of over five are considered high-quality and highly durable. Anything under 3.5 is low-quality and may quickly lose its ability to spring back into its original shape.

Memory foam mattresses are a great option for side and back sleepers, though some firm models work for stomach sleepers as well. As we’ve already mentioned, we don’t recommend memory foam mattresses for children under eight-years-old.

Other Mattress Types to Consider

Memory foam mattresses aren’t the only option on the market. With children, you need to think about comfort and cooling, but you also have to consider durability. Some mattress types are better suited to the rigors of childhood than others.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are made of either natural latex, synthetic latex, or a blend of both. Natural latex mattresses are some of the most durable mattresses available. However, they can also be pricey. Natural latex is made from the sap of the rubber tree. Once harvested, it’s made into foam using either the Dunlop or Talalay manufacturing process. Dunlop latex has a denser, firmer feel than the lighter, springier Talalay latex.

Synthetic latex is made from petrochemicals and is less expensive to produce than natural latex. However, it lacks the durability of natural latex and breaks down faster. Blended latex has a mix of natural and synthetic latex. The ratio of synthetic to natural latex varies by manufacturer and model, so they’re generally more durable than synthetic and less durable than an all-natural latex mattress.

Latex foam is often used in place of memory foam. It’s good at relieving pressure and contouring to the body, and it adds some responsiveness and bounce to the mattress. However, you won’t get the snug fit that often comes with memory foam mattresses. Latex’s bounce and responsiveness make it a good option for sleepers who’d rather sleep on than in the mattress.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses have a very thin comfort layer over an inner coil system. Different types of coils—Bonnell, continuous, offset, pocketed—have a different feel and bring different properties to the mattress.

Bonnell coils are the traditional hourglass-shaped coils, while continuous coils are made of one long interconnected piece of metal. Offset coils look similar to a Bonnell coil, but their flattened edges at the top and bottom allow them to better conform to the body and reduce noise. The popular pocketed coils are often found in high-end mattresses. These coils aren’t interconnected, which prevents motion transfer. Instead, each coil flexes independently of the rest of the coil system for targeted pressure relief.

Coil mattresses come in all firmnesses, but they generally provide a firmer, more responsive sleep experience. They are known for developing valleys and lumps quicker than some of the other mattress types. You should expect more bounce from an innerspring bed.

Back and stomach sleepers usually find innerspring mattresses comfortable. However, side and combo sleepers may need more cushioning than the thin comfort layer an innerspring mattress provides, although the bounciness of an innerspring mattress can make it a good mattress for combination sleeping on a budget.

Hybrid Mattresses

Hybrid mattresses combine the cushioning of foam and/or latex with a coil support core. They must have at least two inches of foam in the comfort layer to be considered a hybrid. The comfort layers may be made of memory foam, latex foam, poly-foam, or a mix of foam types. The top layers conform and cushion, which makes hybrids a good choice for side and combo sleepers.

Hybrids can be more expensive than some of the other mattress types, so if you’re looking for one for your child, be sure you’re ready to make an investment.

Mattress Sizes to Consider

Most children don’t need a queen or king-size bed. Here are the most common sizes for kids, along with their pros and cons:

  • Twin: A standard twin mattress measures 38 x 74 inches. These models save on space and work well for the average size kid even when they’re in their teens. They also fit in a standard bunk bed. A twin mattress is also the least expensive model available.
  • Twin XL: For taller kids, you might want to invest in a twin XL mattress, which measures 38 x 80 inches. You’ll have to buy special sheets for these mattresses, but for taller sleepers, it might be the only way to get a good night’s rest.
  • Full: If your child has a large bedroom, you may want the extra sleep space of a full size mattress. These models measure 54 x 75 inches. They’re also a good option for restless sleepers who push the space limits of a twin.

Mattress Budget

Foam mattresses come in a wide price range. You can find some under $200 and premium models for over $2,000. Budget mattress models around $200 to $700 may be comfortable for three or four years, but chances are their low-quality foams will start to break down before the average six to eight-year mark. As long as you know you’re making a short-term investment, these models may be perfect for your needs.

In the $700 to $1,200 range, you’ll see mattresses with higher density foams and better durability. These models may have more layers, higher quality covers, and more advanced cooling technology or techniques like infusions of copper, graphite, or gel. There are also a few luxury mattresses that start around $1,000. These models have high-density foams and intricately stitched covers that make them more durable than your average mattress.

The rest of the luxury foam models start around $1,200 and may go as high as $2,500 or more. These models typically have multiple layers of high-quality foams mixed in various orders to give each a unique feel. They may have several cooling technologies like the infusion of gel along with foam layers with a convoluted or channeled structure to improve breathability.

Sleeping Position

Different sleep positions create unique comfort needs that cannot be met by every mattress. Some mattresses are simply better at supporting some sleep positions over others. Knowing your child’s preferred sleep position can help you determine the right type of mattress and ideal firmness.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers have more high-pressure areas and support needs than sleepers of other positions. Without enough pressure relief, they can develop pain points or even numbness at the shoulders or hips. At the same time, they need firmer support at the head, waist, and knees to maintain spinal alignment.

The best mattresses for side sleepers are usually medium in firmness to provide both cushioning comfort and spinal support:

  • Memory foam mattresses are an excellent choice for side sleepers because memory foam naturally adapts to pressure and heat.
  • Latex and hybrid mattresses can also provide a mix of pressure and support that side sleepers need.
  • Traditional innerspring mattresses, on the other hand, are often too firm for the average side sleeper.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers naturally keep their spine in a neutral position. However, they still require a mattress that supports the curve of the lower back and enough cushioning to meet their personal preferences.

A memory foam, latex, hybrid, or innerspring of the right firmness may be capable of all-night comfort for a back sleeper. The mattress needs to provide the support level and responsiveness that establish a most comfortable mattress to the sleeper.

Stomach Sleepers

We don’t recommend sleeping on your stomach. This position puts extra pressure on the lower back. However, for sleepers who prefer this position or happen to wake up on their stomach more often than not, a firm mattress will keep the hips from sinking too far into the mattress. Stomach sleepers should also look for a model that cushions the shoulders and even allows them to sink slightly to take the pressure off the lower back. A firm mattress of any type can work for a stomach sleeper.

Sleeping Cool and Airflow

Mattresses that promote air circulation and heat dissipation create a temperature-neutral sleep experience. Memory foam mattresses often have infusions of substances like copper, graphite, or gel that absorb or conduct heat away from the body. Some manufacturers also enhance the structure of the memory foam to increase the size of each individual cell. Larger cells allow for more air to circulate through the foam. Both memory and latex foam can be made with channeled structures or cutouts to create air pockets through which heat can escape.

Mattresses with coils or innersprings naturally have room for heat to circulate and escape after it’s passed through the comfort and transition layers.

Common Questions

Is a memory foam mattress good for a child?

A child under the age of eight shouldn’t use a memory foam mattress due to the deep contouring of some models. However, once they’ve reached that age threshold, a memory foam model can be amazingly comfortable for kids. Kids can snuggle down into the memory foam for a cozy, hug-like feel.

Memory foam mattresses are also quiet and motion absorbing. If your child is a restless sleeper, memory foam may cut down on wakefulness due to mattress-related noise or motion transference.

Best Memory Foam Mattress for Kids

Look for eco-friendly, plant-based memory foams because they reduce the chances of off-gassing. In general, the more natural materials used in the mattress, including organic cotton covers, the fewer chemicals and emissions to which your child will be exposed.

What type of mattress is best for a child?

Children’s mattress needs are similar to those of an adult. They need a firmness that keeps the spine aligned and prevents pain at pressure points. Children may have a lower body weight than adults until late into their teen years. If that’s the case, they may need a soft mattress to prevent too much pressure at the shoulders, hips, or lower back.

The cushioning of foam is a popular choice because of its adaptive comfort. However, other kids may like hybrids or innerspring models because they have more bounce. Your child may have to try a few models before either of you can determine which type he or she prefers. Take your child to a showroom or let them try your mattress or a guest room model to see what they like.

No matter what type of mattress you buy, look for a model with a washable cover. Accidents happen whether it’s body fluids or sneaking food into bed, you’ll probably need to clean your kid’s mattress more often than you’d like. A durable, washable mattress cover gives you some options if leaks make it through the mattress protector.

Do toddlers need firm or soft mattresses?

Crib mattresses should be firm to prevent the mattress from conforming to the baby’s face and posing a suffocation hazard. Young children are not as prone to these issues. However, there’s still a potential danger. While they don’t need as firm a mattress as babies, a firmer mattress should be used at least until the age of eight. After that, most children are large and mobile enough that mattress type shouldn’t pose a threat.

Children don’t weigh as much as adults, which means they don’t sink as easily into the mattress. What feels soft to an adult may feel firm to a small child. A mattress that’s rated medium to medium-firm is generally firm enough for toddlers and preschoolers.

Can a 2-year-old have a memory foam mattress?

No, memory foam mattresses pose a suffocation risk for children under eight years old. Two-year-olds are better off on firmer mattresses made of coils and other cushioning materials. You should wait until your child is at least eight-years-old or 50 pounds to buy them a memory foam bed.

How thick should a child’s mattress be?

While children can certainly get comfortable sleep on thicker mattresses, they aren’t necessary. You can save yourself some money by choosing a thinner mattress, and it won’t cause discomfort or disrupt your child’s sleep. When shopping for a mattress for a child, choose something around 5 or 6 inches thick. This should offer sufficient comfort and last you a couple of years.

Best Foam Mattresses for Kids: Bottom Line

  • A child’s sleep position can help determine the right mattress firmness level.
  • You can find foam mattresses in all price ranges. If you want a mattress that will last through your child’s teen years, look for a model with high-density foams and a warranty that extends past ten years.
  • Foam mattresses should only be used by children over the age of eight.

Children need nighttime comfort just like adults. The right mattress can help them relax and drift off to sleep easier. Either ask or take note of the sleep position your child prefers to help you narrow down your options. From there, stay middle of the road on firmness unless your child’s sleep position or preferences dictate something firmer or softer.

Stacey L. Nash is a health, fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle writer. She applies her experiences as a mother, a runner, and a former high school and college athlete towards her research.

As a Seattle-based author, Stacey also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of Puget Sound.

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