Why Do You Need A Special Mattress For A Bunk Bed
Not many people consider this when buying a bunk bed, but buying a mattress for a bunk bed is an entirely different process than buying a traditional mattress. You need to take several things into account that you wouldnt otherwise, and also disregard some factors that you might give more weight to if you were shopping for a traditional mattress. Most notably, youll want to make sure that you get the correct size for your bunk bed mattress. Bunk beds are thinner both in height and width to fit into a standard bunk bed. The reason that you need a thinner mattress for a bunk bed is that there are often height restrictions when using a bunk bed. You want to leave as much space as possible between you and the next bunk up or the ceiling. Having a mattress that is too tall can limit that space and make getting in and out of the bed cumbersome or even dangerous late at night when theres a hazard of hitting your head. Youll also need to make sure that you get the correct size bed. Most bunk beds or camper beds have twin-sized mattresses, but you still need to check the specifications to see if you need something that is a custom size. Having a mattress that is the incorrect size for the frame can be uncomfortable and defeat the purpose altogether. In summary, bunk beds are much different than traditional mattresses and these are the things that you should consider when choosing the best bunk bed mattress.
Different Types Of Bunk Beds
Bunk beds are generally designed for children, so the range of bunk mattress sizes is limited to the smaller end of the spectrum. Most bunk beds use twin mattresses, but theyre not the only kind available:
- Two twins A standard bunk bed will fit two twin mattresses, each measuring 38 inches wide and 75 inches long.
- Two twin XLs Some bunk beds are specifically designed to fit twin XL mattresses, which have the same width as a standard twin mattress but five additional inches of length 38 inches by 80 inches making them as long as a king or queen size bed. When comparing a twin vs twin xl mattress, twin xl mattresses are usually the better option for taller people.
- Two fulls Full size bunk beds are less popular than the other two, but are becoming increasingly common for teenagers and even college students sharing a room. Full mattresses measure 53 inches by 75 inches. If you compare a full vs twin, theyre the same length but a full has an extra 15 inches of room side-to-side.
- One twin, one full This is another fairly common configuration, especially for children of various ages sharing a room. The upper bunk is a twin, while the lower bunk is a full. This gives more room to the sleeper below .
There are also loft beds that have open space underneath for a desk, futon, or storage area. The top is essentially the same as the top of a bunk bed, with a twin, twin XL, or full mattress.
How To Make A Bunk Bed
- Determine the height of the stairs. Before I started construction, I determined the height of the stairs.
- Make a side rail for the stairs. First I cut two 62″ long 1×4 pieces with a 15 degree angle on each end.
- Add sports to the stairs. Using a table saw I cut a 1 x 6 to 4 inch wide piece. Then cut it into five pieces, 15 inches long.
- Fill in the holes and color them in. After the ladder was built, I filled in all the holes with wood putty.
Recommended Reading: Can You Use A Box Spring With A Purple Mattress
Do Bunk Beds Need Box Springs
Box springs arent required for bunk beds because theyre too tall and, as weve noted, too tall of a bed is dangerous for top bunks. Also, a box spring only works for an innerspring mattress, and nowadays, most people prefer a latex, hybrid, or memory foam mattress.
Rather than adding a base to a bunk bed, most bunk beds have slats or a bunkie board to support the mattress.
Do Bunk Beds Need Special Mattresses
Necessarily bunk beds dont require special mattresses that are only manufactured for bunk beds.
So, if you want you can choose a regular mattress to place on bunk beds too. But in this special case, you must choose a twin-sized regular mattress with the exact thickness and made of the right material which would fit a bunk bed.
However, it would always be best if you consider using a mattress made only for bunk beds.
Recommended Reading: Purple Mattress Bed Bugs
Different Types/sizes Of Bunk Beds
It is important that you purchase the correct mattress size for your bunk bed. Because they are usually intended for use by children, bunk beds generally come with added concern for safety. Buying the incorrect mattress size can lead to:
- A mattress that extends above the guardrails
- A gap between the guardrails and the bedding
These are two issues that you want to avoid. To ensure you get the right mattress size, you need to pay attention to the type of bunk bed you get. The size of a bunk bed mattress is determined by the size of the bunks bed frames. Bunk beds come in a variety of types and sizes, but most often remain on the smaller end of the mattress size spectrum. Most bunk beds use twin size mattresses, but some are built to accommodate slightly larger sizes. Here is a summarized list of the most common bunk bed mattress sizes:
Although king or queen size bunk beds are rare, they still are available:
- Queen size mattress: 60 inches wide and 80 inches long
- King size mattress: 76 inches wide and 80 inches long
Are They Too Small For Teens
Bunk bed mattresses are usually somewhere around 6 inches thick, which may be too small for a rapidly growing teen. Youll want to consider weight limits for both the mattress and the overall structure of the frame when you are deciding if a teen has outgrown their bunk bed days. Height may also be a factor, and no teen wants to sleep with their feet hanging over the top bunk.
If you are looking to upgrade your teens sleep experience, youll want to pick a bed and a frame that can allow them to comfortably transition into their adult size and shape, and the correct investment could even follow them off to college. Look for versatility and durability when shopping for growing children, and youre likely to see a better return on your investment.
View Our Complete Guide:Best Mattresses for Teenagers
Don’t Miss: Where To Buy Wyoming King Mattress
Should The Bed Have Stairs
Whether the bed should have stairs is a matter of preference. However, one thing is certain: Stairs certainly can make things easier!
Actual stairs take up more space than a ladder but can be safer and easier for younger childrenor parents while making the bed. However, children who are a bit older are more than capable of using a ladder, which does save space.
Some dont have stairs or a ladder and, rather, have slotted ends that can be used to climb up. Whatever the method is, as long as there is a safe way to get onto the top bed, then it doesnt matter. Try looking at different bunk bed styles and just pick the one that you and your kids are most comfortable with!
Make Sure Your Bunk Bed Is Safe
The federal government has specific laws that dictate what a bunk bed is and the rules that must be followed for bunk bed safety. You should make sure the bunk bed you purchase complies with the standards and requirements under federal law. You should also determine that the bunk bed is certified with a Childrens Product Certificate.
Bunk bed rules are in place for a reason, mainly to ensure that children will not be injured or killed by falling out of the top bunk, trapped between the upper bunk and the wall, or choked within the guardrails or openings at the ends of the bunk bed. There are bunk bed requirements for both adult and child bunk beds, and a synopsis is below:
- The top bunk must have two guardrails on each side, and the guardrail next to the wall or on the opposite side of the ladder must run nonstop from each end of the bed.
- The top of the guardrails for the top bunk must be at least five inches over the top of the mattress.
- The guard rail away from the wall does not need to run continuously across the bed like the top one. However, it cannot be more than 15 inches in distance from either end of the bed.
- The fasteners that attach the guardrails must be able to be removed before you can remove the guardrails.
- The lower bunk mattress foundations must be 30 inches or less from the floor.
Don’t Miss: Casper Mattress Foundation
Bunk Bed Mattress Sizes A Quick Guide
Youve bought or are thinking of buying a bunk bed. And now you want to invest in a couple of high-quality bunk bed mattresses. But, youve realized that you need more information. Why? Because bunk beds come with an added concern for safety.
Getting the incorrect mattress size could lead to:
- A mattress that pops over the rails
- A loose-fitting mattress that leaves gaps between the guardrails and the bedding
Twin, Twin XL, and Full are typical bunk bed mattress sizes. The mattress for the top bunk should be approximately 6 inches thick whereas the bottom bunk can utilize any thickness. Most bunk beds use a twin mattress on the top bunk and a twin mattress on the bottom bunk as well. There are varieties of bunk beds that utilize full or queen mattresses on the bottom bunk.
In this post, we will look at the different bunk bed mattress sizes so you can buy the right fit for your bunk bed.
Are Bunk Beds With Stairs Safer
Most bunk beds have a small ladder attached to it so you can get to and from the top bunk easily. However, an increasing number of bunk beds have stairs in place of a ladder. Bunk beds with stairs and handrails make it easier and safer to access the top bunk, especially for young children.
Bunk beds with stairs take up more space and are generally pricier than bunk beds with ladders. However, the stairs sometimes double as storage drawers, so this can make up for the space they take up and the added cost.
Read Also: Wyoming King Bed Price
Whats The Size Of A Bunk Bed Guide To Sizes Of Different Types Of Bunk Beds
A bunk bed is a type of bed configuration wherein one bed is stacked or placed over another. The bunk bed design is most commonly used to create two functional beds however it is possible for three beds to occupy a single floor space when it is properly reinforced and secured in place. There are also unconventional bunk beds where at least one of the multiple beds is attached perpendicularly in an L-shape instead of just being stacked flush on top of another. Some bunk beds even have a third bed called a trundle bed hidden inside a drawer underneath the bottom. Instead of a trundle bed, other bunk beds may have a set of drawers for clothes. Even though there are slight variations in the aesthetic features incorporated, the basic structural design remains unchanged.
So, for a quick answer
The size of a Standard, Single or Twin bunk bed is 75 in. x 39 in. x 65 in. The size of a Full bunk bed or Double bunk bed is 75 in. x 54 in. x 65 in. Other sizes of bunk beds also exist such as short bunk beds, triple bunk beds, and bunk beds with trundles. Queen and King bunk beds are rare.
Dimensions of a simple twin over full bunk bed. Most bunk beds have either twin or full sized mattresses on the top bunk. Image from KFStores.com.
What Size Is The Bunk Bed Mattress
A bunk bed frame rests on another one. It allows for more than a bed to occupy floor space.
Using a bunk bed helps to economize space. You can find bunk beds on ships, in hostels, and in dormitories.
Bunk bed mattresses today are designed for individual bed styles.
Bunk bed mattress come in the following sizes:
- Full size
- Twin size
- Twin XL size
You need to find out the mattress size first. Then, you can go ahead to make a purchase.
Typically, most bunk beds come with guard rails. Guard rails prevent sleepers from falling off. So, it is better to get a mattress that is 9 inches thick or less.
Recommended Reading: How Long For Casper Mattress To Inflate
Twin Xl Bunk Bed Mattress
Taller adults or teens are better off going with a twin XL mattress. This mattress measures 38 inches by 80 inches. Place your twin XL bunk bed in a room that measures 9 feet 6 inches by 10 feet 6 inches.
Debating between a twin or twin XL? Our twin vs twin XL mattress guide compares the two in-depth.
Can You Use A Bunk Bed Mattress On A Regular Bed
Its fine to use bunk bed mattresses on regular bed frames so long as the bunk bed mattress and the bed frame are the same sizes. So, if you have a twin bunk bed mattress and a twin bed frame or something similar, that works fine. Since bunk bed mattresses come in standard mattress sizes, it is easy to transfer them to another bed frame.
Something to remember when putting your bunk bed mattress onto a regular bed is bunk bed mattresses are generally thinner than the average bed to maximize overhead clearance and avoid exceeding the bunks weight capacity. Regular mattresses are thicker for comforts sake, so it may be worth looking into a regular mattress.
Don’t Miss: Wyoming King Dimensions
What Kind Of Mattress Do I Need For Bunk Beds
In many cases, a single mattress is just what a bunk bed needs. When it comes to the typical bunk bed where both mattresses are the same size, most manufacturers will settle for a bunk bed with a standard single mattress.
Minimum Space Between Bunk BedsWhat is the standard height between the bunk beds?Leave a distance of at least 60 cm between the bunk bed and the roof to avoid collisions. Although sleepers heights vary, the average sleeper is typically between 5 1/2 and 6 feet tall.And how much space do you need for a bunk bed?The standing height of the bunk bed is simply the space between the lower and lower tiers of the upper bunk bed. The average height in a bunk bed is 33. A headroom of 33 allows an
Does A Twin Mattress Fit A Bunk Bed
There is no difference between a twin mattress and a single mattress so a twin mattress fits a bunk in the most right way too just like a single mattress. In fact, a twin twin-sized mattress is precisely that one mattress size what most of the bunk beds require.
Its because all typical bunk beds that come with two same size bunks require both the mattresses to be in the same size. So most manufacturing companies manufacture twin-sized mattresses that will fit the standard sized bunk beds.
You May Like: Purple Mattress Payments
My Green Mattress Kiwi Bunk Bed Mattress
Price: $$$
This innerspring mattress is bunk bed-friendly at 8 inches high. It gives medium-firm to firm support.
The quilted cover is made from GOTS certified organic cotton and GOTS certified organic wool. It contains sustainably sourced organic Dunlop latex thats OEKO-TEX certified.
Customers report no off-gassing smell.
Considerations
Since this mattress uses natural latex, it may not be appropriate for someone with a latex allergy.
Military discounts are available when buying direct from My Green Mattress.
Nod By Tuft & Needle Adaptive Foam 8
Price: $
This memory foam mattress is Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified. It comes in all standard sizes and gives medium support.
Most reviewers of the twin and twin XL praised how comfortable and supportive it is for them.
Considerations
This mattress can take up to 3 days to fully expand.
Some users mention that it has a smell for around 2 to 3 days.
At 24 pounds for the twin size, it may be heavy for some people to install onto a top bunk.
Also Check: Does The Casper Mattress Need A Boxspring
Is A Bunk Bed A Good Idea
Bunk beds are a fun, space-saving bed frame if you live in a small home or apartment or have a small bedroom. After all, you can fit two, even three people in the space of one as long as your ceilings are tall enough. Some bunk beds come with storage options as well so you can maximize your space.
A bunk bed is a good choice for a guest room, a kids room, vacation homes, and cabins. While many of us only associate bunk beds with childrens rooms or dorms, they come in all shapes in sizes to fit single adults and couples as well.
What Size Bed Is Smaller Than A Twin Bed
Which bed is smaller than a single bed? Double/Twin beds are 15 wider than a room with two single beds, but when two people share the bed, each offers only 27 personal space, which is much less than a room with two single beds! A double bed is 6 times wider than a double bed, which gives more space for each person, but still 9 less than a double bed.
Don’t Miss: Mattress Firm Cancellation Policy
