Daybed Mattress vs. Twin Mattress: What’s the Difference?

Although daybed and twin mattresses have different names, they’re usually the same size. The biggest difference between your daybed and twin mattress is their intended purpose and the frames they’re frequently paired with. A daybed frame has armrests and a backrest, while twin size frames have a headboard and footboard.

In this article, we take a look at the subtle differences between daybed mattresses and twin mattresses along with how to choose between the two.

SEE ALSO: Most Durable Mattresses

Daybed Mattress vs. Twin Mattress

What’s a Daybed Mattress?

Daybeds are couch-bed duos—they have the appearance of a couch, but are the size of a regular mattress. Essentially, daybeds are an alternative to futon mattresses and Murphy beds.

Daybed mattresses are most commonly 39 by 75 inches, or the same dimensions as a standard twin size mattress. Some daybed frames use full or double (54 by 75 inches), twin XL (39 by 80 inches), and narrow twin (30 by 75 inches). Daybed frames are compatible with standard mattress sizes, so shopping is straightforward.

A daybed is useful for studio apartments, offices, or guest rooms because you can use them as a couch during the day and a bed at night.

Pros and Cons of Daybed Mattress

The AS3 Hybrid is our top recommendation for a daybed mattress. It possesses a buoyant medium feel that lets it comfortably double as a couch and a bed, suitable for most sleeping styles. Three layers make up the AS3 Hybrid.

The first layer is Bio-Pur® memory foam, a comfort material exclusive to Amerisleep. While the average memory foam is 100 percent synthetic, Bio-Pur® is a unique foam that contains some plant-based material. Amerisleep substitutes traditional ingredients with plant oils during Bio-Pur® foam’s production, creating a more breathable and responsive foam.

Next is the mattress’s support, a tall set of pocketed coils. By wrapping each and every coil, Amerisleep ensures that even the slightest movement won’t ripple across the mattress surface, limiting sleep disturbances.

The coils along the sides of the mattress are also thicker to provide edge support. As the term suggests, edge support firms up the sides, making it easier to sit on the edge and slide out of bed. This is helpful if the mattress is going to double as a couch in a daybed frame.

These coils all rest on a firm foam base, which is placed to increase the coils’ stability.

Amerisleep also offers the original AS3, a memory foam mattress. We choose to focus on the hybrid version because the edge support it offers can help the mattress better withstand daytime use. However, the classic AS3 can suffice if you intend for your daybed to function more as a place to sleep than a place to sit.

Like all Amerisleep mattresses, the AS3 Hybrid includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty.

What’s a Twin Mattress?

A twin mattress, also known as a single bed, measures 39 by 75 inches and is the smallest standard mattress size. Children, teens, and single adult sleepers most often use twin mattresses, but they’re also useful for guest bedrooms.

Twin mattresses work on:

• Trundle beds
• Bunk beds
• Pull-out beds
• Regular bed frames

Regular twin mattresses are short and provide little foot room for taller sleepers, but they’re also available in a longer variation called a twin XL. Twin XL mattresses are 39 by 80 inches and two of them make a split king mattress.

Pros and Cons of Twin Mattress

For many adults, choosing a twin size mattress is a matter of making the most of their budget. When it comes to saving dollars without skimping on quality, it’s difficult to top the Vaya Mattress.

This highly affordable mattress makes the most of its simple two-layer construction to deliver on its promise of pure comfort. The Vaya Mattress can provide support to any sleep position, thanks to its responsive materials.

The comfort layer is unique Vaya Comfort Foam, a material that cradles the body without growing too hot or feeling slow to respond to movements. The bottom layer is Vaya Base Foam, a sag-resistant foam. This foam promotes ideal spine alignment, keeping sleepers from waking up with a sore back.

Shoppers who are willing to invest a little more in their comfort can also consider the Vaya Hybrid. It has a structure similar to the original Vaya, with coils that add corner-to-corner edge support.

The Vaya Mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

SEE ALSO: Vaya Mattress Review

Are Daybed Mattresses and Twin Mattresses the Same Size?

Ultimately, daybed mattresses and twin mattresses are the same size. While some daybed mattresses are full sized, the standard daybed is a twin size. If you’re unsure what mattress fits your daybed, measure its dimensions or double-check the size of the daybed you’re interested in.

Daybed mattresses are usually firmer and thinner than twin mattresses, though not as thin as most futon mattresses. However, you can use whatever firmness and thickness you want so long as it meets the daybed’s weight capacity. Other than that, twin mattresses and daybed mattresses are interchangeable. When shopping for a daybed mattress, just search for twin mattresses and accessories.

The primary difference between daybeds and twin beds are their frames: there is a backrest and armrests on daybed frames, and a headboard and footboard on twin frames. The different frames contribute little comfort and support-wise, though they do affect the appearance and functionality of your bed.

You may also see twin mattresses called single beds, though this is relatively uncommon.

Choosing Between a Twin or Daybed Mattress

Since we’ve established twin and daybed mattresses are the same size, choosing between the two primarily comes down to their corresponding bed frames.

The decision might be based on preference and appearance, but you should also consider how you plan on using the bed and the amount of space you have in your home, along with whether you want a budget mattress or something more upscale.

Primary Uses

If you want to use your bed frequently, opt for a thick, (10 to 12 inches) high-quality twin mattress so it’s durable and provides adequate spinal support. Both twin frames and daybed frames work for regular use, though you might prefer a twin frame so one end of your bed isn’t blocked.

When looking for extra seating or somewhere to house guests, a daybed frame with a thinner mattress works best. A super thick mattress can make the bed too tall and awkward to sit on, so thinner is better in this case. Also, add a few extra pillows, decorative or otherwise, for extra backrest cushioning since most daybed frames are made from wood or metal.

Consider Your Room

When deciding between a daybed or a twin bed, consider where you plan on placing it. If you have an extra bedroom for your bed, both a twin bed and daybed work, but a twin bed is more traditional.

For living rooms, offices, or other rooms, a daybed is typically the better choice as it meshes well with other furniture such as desks, coffee tables, and bookshelves. You can use daybeds as a couch during the day and decoratively with a few extra pillows. A twin bed would simply look out of a place anywhere other than a bedroom, and while you can dress a twin bed to look like a daybed, it doesn’t have armrests or a backrest.

Another factor to consider is your wall space. Daybeds generally need to run the length of your wall, while twin beds require minimal wall space for the headboard.

Storage Space

Daybeds are designed to optimize your living space; after all, they’re a multifunctional couch-bed duo. They add extra sleeping space to studios, living rooms, and offices. Some daybeds are even built with storage drawers underneath, so you can use them as dressers, toy chests, or trunks for your belongings.

You can fit items under a standard twin bed frame, but they don’t always have extra space beneath them, so it’s a tight squeeze and not easily accessible without a drawer.

There are other ways to save space. For example, you can squeeze a mattress into a Murphy bed, but often that leaves you with a wall cabinet with little daytime use. So the daybed is excellent if you want to make the most of a furniture piece and not simply have it take up little space during the day.

Sleeping Position

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers need a mattress that offers a balance of support and cushioning to keep the spine aligned. Medium-firm mattresses (6) are the best option for them, as they can prevent the body from sinking while following the natural curve of the spine.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers need a mattress that provides ample pressure relief to alleviate pain in the hips and shoulders. Soft to medium mattresses (3 to 5) are the best option for them, as they can absorb pressure without causing pain.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers need a firm mattress to ensure their pelvis stays on top of the sleep surface and their spine remains aligned. The firmest mattresses (7 to 8) are the most suitable for them, as they can offer plenty of support to prevent lower back pain.

Combination Sleepers

The best mattresses for combination sleepers require a medium to medium-firm firmness level to maintain spinal alignment no matter the sleep position. This can help reduce snoring and alleviate neck strain caused by switching between different sleeping positions throughout the night.

Mattress Sizes

Saving with a New Mattress

Regardless of whether you want a mattress for a daybed or a twin bed frame, you can save quite a bit by watching for deals the big mattress brands offer during top sales days:

• Best MLK Day Mattress Sales
• Best Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Best Sleep Awareness Week Mattress Sales
• Best Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• Best 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Best Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Best Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Best Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Best Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

FAQs

Do you need a base for a daybed?

No, daybeds come with their own wooden slats or metal suspensions to support your mattress. Adding a base on top of the foundation already provided would result in an extremely tall daybed. It would probably be difficult to get in and out of bed or too tall to sit on comfortably.

Do daybeds come with mattresses?

It’s rare for daybeds to come with mattresses, and even when they do, the mattresses are typically low-quality, generic, or not removable. It’s better to purchase the daybed and mattress separately so you can choose the firmness, thickness, and materials best suited for you and ensure it’s high-quality. Also, you can replace your mattress when it ages, versus having to replace the entire daybed.

Do daybeds need special bedding?

Twin and full size bedding work perfectly fine on daybeds, depending on the size of your daybed mattress. It might be a little tricky to tuck your blankets and sheets into the backend of your daybed, but it’s not impossible and should fit fine.

Is a Twin-Size Daybed Practical for Everyday Use?

Yes, a twin-size daybed is practical for everyday use, especially in smaller living spaces. Its dual functionality as both a bed and a couch makes it ideal for frequent use. The key to everyday practicality lies in the quality of the mattress. 

A good-quality, supportive mattress can ensure that the daybed provides comfortable sleep night after night. 

Additionally, with proper styling—such as adding plenty of cushions and throws—the daybed can seamlessly transition between a cozy place to sleep and a comfortable seating area during the day.

Can I Put a Twin-Size Daybed in the Living Room?

Absolutely, a twin-size daybed can be an excellent addition to a living room. It serves as both extra seating and an additional sleeping space for guests. 

In a living room, a daybed can be styled to look like a chic sofa by adding decorative pillows and a throw blanket. This makes it blend well with other furniture like coffee tables, bookshelves, and side tables. 

The versatile design of a daybed allows it to function as a lounge area during the day and as a guest bed at night, making it a practical and stylish solution for multi-use spaces.

Do All Daybeds Have A Trundle?

Trundle beds are pop-up or sliding beds on casters and fit under another bed frame. They’re useful if you need to sleep two people, but have little space, since you can just pop out the second bed when you need it and keep it tucked away during the day. They’re a common feature in daybeds, though aren’t exclusive to them. Some daybeds have storage drawers underneath as well, but this is different from trundles.

Can You Use a Daybed As A Normal Bed?

Yes, you can sleep on your daybed regularly and put it in your bedroom. However, it’s best to use a supportive, high-quality mattress when you plan on using your daybed frequently so it doesn’t wear out or cause pain and stiffness.

You might also consider getting a full size daybed versus a twin so you have extra space, especially if you’re an adult or teen. While full size daybeds aren’t taller than twin daybeds, they have more surface area for stretching out. However, both full and twin size daybeds can be too short if you’re a taller sleeper.

Remember to check the mattress warranties offered by the manufacturer to guarantee that you are covered in case of any defects or problems that may arise with your new purchase.

Conclusion

Neither daybed mattresses nor twin mattresses are better since they’re the same size, though choosing between the two comes down to their functionality in your home. If you’re looking to save space and want multipurpose rooms, opt for a daybed frame. However, if you have extra space and want to allot an entire room for your bed, a standard twin bed frame is the superior option.