If space is at a premium in your home, then you want to ensure that you choose furniture that fits both your design aesthetic and your available space. A full-size mattress is compact enough to fit into smaller bedrooms, but still gives you enough space to stretch out for a good night's sleep. They're particularly well suited for teenagers who don't quite fit in a twin anymore, but don't have the space for a queen. With so many options available, it may seem impossible to choose, but we've put together this handy list to help you decide which full-size mattress will work best for your household.
Zinus green tea memory foam mattress
So fresh and so clean
If you're shopping for a teenager especially, you'll want to consider the Zinus green tea mattress. Even avid sports players and sweaty sleepers can snooze peacefully on this green tea-infused style because the botanical extracts within it repel bacteria, moisture, and unpleasant odors.
Pros:
- Green tea extracts repel bacteria and unpleasant smells
- Memory foam is famously comfortable to sleep on
- It's a full 12-inches thick
Cons:
- Strong chemical smell for the first few days
Anyone who has ever slept on memory foam knows that the soft yet supportive material is a lovely place to rest. Add that to the fact that this mattress has green tea extracts and charcoal infused into the foam to repel bacteria and odors, and you have a wonderful, long-lasting sleep solution. This is an excellent choice for athletes, sweaty sleepers, and kids in general.
PrimaSleep Wave gel-infused memory foam mattress
Temperature-regulating gel
Another memory foam option, the Wave Mattress by PrimaSleep, is infused with heat-diffusing gel to create a more breathable, temperature-regulated design.
Pros:
- Gel provides temperature regulation
- Memory foam base
- Three-layer construction provides support
Cons:
- Flame-retardant fiberglass coating may irritate sensitive skin
You won't have to worry about hot spots with this heat-diffusing gel mattress. The memory foam is self-supporting as well, making for a comfy sleeping surface. This one has multiple layers to ensure longevity and long-lasting support.
Pure Green natural latex mattress
Best for the planet
Constructed of all-natural, plant-based latex, this mattress is GOLS-Certified organic, so you can feel good about your planet-friendly purchase. It's also lined with a blend of organic cotton and wool for soft comfort.
Pros:
- Organic and eco-friendly
- Firm and supportive
- Durable, high-quality construction
Cons:
- It's only 8-inches thick
Although it's thinner than some options on this list, the Pure Green natural latex mattress is an excellent choice for stomach sleepers or anyone that has back pain. The firm surface is extra supportive. The best part? It's an environmentally friendly choice that you can feel good about for years to come.
Tuft & Needle Mint full mattress
Best for allergies
With built-in antimicrobial protection and chemical-free construction, the Tuft & Needle Mint mattress is a great choice for anyone with allergies or sensitive skin. There are no harmful chemicals or materials used inside or out.
Pros:
- Free of harmful chemicals
- Antimicrobial protection
Cons:
- May be too soft for those with back pain
Along with its gentle, chemical-free construction, this mattress comes with a 100-day free trial, so you can return it with no questions asked if you don't love it. It's extra soft and cushy, so kids will love it. The adaptive foam supports your body weight and stays cool even on hot nights.
Signature Design by Ashley full mattress
Best for back pain
This is a foam mattress with three levels to provide more lift. It is firmer than most memory foam mattresses for better support.
Pros:
- Firm foam support
- Helpful for people with back pain
- Three foam layers
Cons:
- May feel too firm for the average person
If you love memory foam, but it seems a bit too soft for you, this mattress is a great hybrid of three different types of foam for more firmness. The top layer is memory foam, with two additional layers of foam underneath to add support. It's a full 12-inches thick and constructed of hypoallergenic materials.
Linenspa 6-inch innerspring mattress
A small mattress for small people
Here's a thinner, more affordable mattress that's great for small children. It's a traditional spring mattress that's soft and comfortable.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Soft spring mattress
- Lightweight and compact
Cons:
- Only 6-inches thick
Although this compact mattress may not provide support for heavier adults, it's a great option for smaller children and teens. It's a traditional spring mattress with a foam and felt layer for comfort. This is the most affordable option on our list!
TEMPUR‐Cloud Prima medium-soft mattress
Best of the best
Temper-Pedic is famous for producing the highest quality mattresses and beds. The Tempur-Cloud Prima is no exception.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Smart-Climate system keeps it cool
- Distributes body weight evenly
Cons:
- It's expensive
Although this option is definitely pricier than the rest, users of Temper-Pedic beds swear by its superior comfort and durability. The Smart-Climate technology draws away moisture and maintains a cool temperature despite the temperature. It also promises to distribute body weight evenly for better comfort and longevity.
The right type of mattress for you
I don't know about you, but I'm a side sleeper. That means I need a specific mattress firmness to make sure I don't hurt myself. There are a lot of different firmness options, but the mains ones are:
Medium Soft: This is great for side sleepers (under 230 pounds) and smaller back sleepers. It helps cushion those points that extend past your body, like your hips and shoulders.
Medium-Firm: Medium-firm mattresses are great for back sleepers and the bigger side sleepers. Having a firmer mattress when you sleep on your back keeps your spine from curving too much as you sleep.
Firm: Firm mattresses are great for stomach sleepers and back sleepers. You put a lot of pressure on your lower back when you sleep on your stomach, so a firm mattress helps reduce that pressure.
Make sure you choose the right firmness when choosing your full-size mattress; it'll be worth the extra time.
Sweet dreams
Why you can trust Real Homes
Still not sure which is the best full-size mattress for you? We would go with the Zinus green tea memory foam mattress because it offers excellent quality for the cost. The soft memory foam is comfortable and supportive, and the infused green tea extracts promise to keep smelly odors away.
If you're looking for a high-end option, the TEMPUR‐Cloud Prima mattress is constructed with the latest active cooling and weight distribution technology. This one is not cheap, but it promises to last even longer than its ten-year guarantee. Any of these full-size mattresses will make a great choice, so just look for the one that best suits you and your family's sleep needs.
Why trust us?
At Real Homes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.
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Jaclyn is a content writer at Future. She has a flair for creating (written works, design, photos; you name it!) on her devices. When she’s not churning out new things, Jaclyn loves exploring the world, playing with her kids, and good old-fashioned baking.
- Jen KarnerStaff Writer