How to Choose a Good Mattress for a Teenager

Choose an innerspring mattress containing coils surrounded by foam or other type of cushioning. Innerspring mattresses are ideal for teenagers who have not experienced injuries or back and shoulder pain. A standard choice for most teenage and adult consumers, innerspring mattresses support the body; however, many do not target specific areas of the body for additional support. Standard sizes apply.

Choose a latex foam mattress containing foam layers. Latex form mattresses conform to the shape of the body and offer your teenager additional head, shoulder and neck pain, stress and discomfort. Ideal for active teenagers who participate in sports, latex foam mattresses cushion the body, absorb tension and stress and minimize pressure points. Standard sizes apply. As of 2009, Visco foam is a new technology that advances foam technology to match heat and body weight for added support.

Decide if a water bed mattress is best for your teenager. A relaxation mattress by some accounts, a water bed mattress offers free flow, semi-waveless, waveless and ultra waveless water options. Ranging from gentle firm support to free flow water waves, water bed mattresses are ideal for teenagers who want a smooth or strong wave effect for added relaxation. Standard sizes apply.

Choose a futon mattress. Considered a space-saver, futon mattresses are manufactured for sofas and are ideal for studio houses and trailer units. Choose your teenager’s mattress by size; standard sizes include twin, full or double, queen, eastern king, California king, full loveseat, twin loveseat, chair and ottoman. As of 2009, futon mattress types include cotton and foam (characterized by a soft cushion), cotton and polyester (characterized by an extra firm design), cotton and wool (characterized by additional cushioning), and innerspring (characterized by inner coils).

Opt for a customized or manufactured air mattress. Obtain the dimensions of your bed frame and purchase an air mattress to fit your single, twin, double, queen or king size bed. Designed to alleviate discomfort due to back or joint pain, air mattresses are ideal for active teenagers. They also serve as a convenient travel companion for teenagers who travel with sporting teams or enjoy frequent recreational trips.