At a Glance:
The Downside of Dorm Mattresses
Sleeping Well as a College Student
Impact of Poor Sleep on Grades
How Often Should You Replace a Mattress
Can You Bring Your Own Mattress to College
Best Mattresses for College Students
Why Trust Duerden’s Appliance & Mattress
It’s that time of year again! With summer break winding down and autumn drawing near, it’s about time for college classes to begin. For those sleeping on a campus, you may be wondering about that worn down dorm mattress you’re supposed to lie on. Is it clean? Is it comfortable? Is it even a mattress?
Below, we break down the disadvantages of dorm mattresses and the importance of a good night’s sleep—especially in college. We’ll also share a list of the best mattresses for college students so you can stop sleeping on a rock and start sleeping on a cloud. Your body will thank you!
The Downside of Dorm Mattresses
Dorm mattresses provide only a basic sleeping foundation for college students. Unlike standard mattresses, dorm mattresses are constructed with lower-quality springs and materials. The majority of dorm mattresses are also overused and flimsy. Here’s a rundown of what each issue means for you or your collegiate.
Overused Dorm Mattresses
A dorm mattress is used over and over and over by college students throughout the years. This begs the question: how clean are dorm mattresses? Depending on how often dorm mattresses are used, mattresses can hold dead skin cells, stains, sweat, dust mites, and more. Properly cleaning your dorm mattress is essential and should be done frequently.
Flimsy Dorm Mattresses
Unlike standard mattresses that are around 12 inches thick on average, dorm mattresses are quite thin at only seven to eight inches thick. They don’t provide the support that standard mattresses offer. If you don’t place a thick foam cushion on top of the mattress, dorm mattresses are uncomfortable at best, and sleeping on one for an extended time can lead to body pain.
Low-Quality Dorm Mattresses
Dorm mattresses tend to be firm and made with low-quality foams or innerspring. The quality of a dorm mattress is exceptionally worse than the quality of a standard mattress because they lack the support needed for a good night’s sleep. Rather than having a plush top like most mattresses, dorm mattresses tend to have a slick plastic top. These tops are easy to clean but they do not add comfort.
Sleeping Well as a College Student
Image: https://d6y5eqdcxq8w3.cloudfront.net/assets/blog/blog_mattress/duerdens-dorm-mattress-sleeping.jpg
Everyone needs a good night’s sleep, but students need it even more so because they are actively learning almost every day. To get the right amount of sleep, it’s recommended that college students get six to eight hours of sleep each night. When students aim for sleeping this long, yet struggle because their mattress lacks support and comfort, it can be frustrating. A flimsy and unsupportive dorm mattress will result in sleepless nights with students tossing and turning to get comfortable. Without proper rest, a student’s mind struggles to operate well, and athletes struggle to play at their best.
A good night's sleep offers a plethora of benefits. Here are just a few:
- Higher energy levels
- Better mood/less anxiety and stress
- Lower blood pressure
- Regulated blood sugar
- Better concentration
- Better problem-solving/decision-making
- Strengthened immune system
Clearly, sleep is important! For the body, mind, and as you’ll see below—test grades.
Impact of Poor Sleep on Grades
It’s been repeated through the years that a lack of sleep in students leads to poor grades. Why is this? Insufficient sleep leads to trouble with focus, memory, and cognitive function. College students aren’t able to recall or retain testing materials as easily. A lack of sleep can dramatically impact a student’s grades and make academic success a lot more difficult to achieve.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), college students say sleep second-highest reason why they have difficulties with their academics. While this may be from their own doing (e.g., staying out too late), some students may not be resting well because of their dorm mattresses.
A consistent loss of sleep can also result in a weakened immune system, so students can get sick more easily. Of course, sickness can play a big part in class grades suffering if a student has to miss class until they feel better.
How Often Should You Replace a Mattress?
If you’re not sure how often you should replace your mattress, a good recommendation is every eight years. This does depend on how often the mattress is being used, the quality of the mattress, and the type of person using the mattress (size, how they sleep, etc.). If the mattress is being heavily used, like those in a dorm, the mattress may need to be replaced every five years instead of eight years.
Can You Bring Your Own Mattress to College?
Unfortunately, not every college allows students to bring their own mattresses to school. To find out if you can bring your own, contact your college’s student services department and ask what the policy is. They may say no, but it’s worth a shot to ask! If they do say no, there are some easy ways to make your current dorm mattress more comfortable. Here are a few tips:
- Add an extra thick mattress topper
- Replace your sheets for higher-quality sheets
- Add a plush comforter
- Add some comfy throw pillows
- Add a couple of cozy throw blankets
These changes won’t replace your dorm mattress, but they’ll certainly help you sleep more soundly.
Best Mattresses for College Students
Now, if you are allowed to replace your dorm mattress, do it! When searching for a replacement mattress, you’ll want to aim for the proper size. A dorm mattress size is typically a twin XL mattress. To help you find the best dorm mattress, whether you’re shopping in person or shopping for a mattress online, we’ve put together a list of good quality and comfortable mattresses. When it comes down to it, even a cheaper standard mattress will feel better and encourage a good night’s sleep than a dorm mattress.
1. Serta® iComfort® Hybrid Blue Fusion 100 Firm Twin XL Mattress
This Serta® iComfort® hyrid mattress is created with TempActiv™ Balance Fabric, which helps regulate heat and moisture. By promoting airflow through its rippling design, this mattress is perfect for college students who get hot easily when sleeping. With a firm yet comfortable feel, this mattress offers support with the Serta® Hybrid Coil™ support system.
- Model: 500822991-1020
- Height: 12 inches
- Key Features: TempActiv™ Gel Memory Foam, Serta® Balanced Support Foam
Related: Sleep Soundly: A Guide to Shopping Serta Mattresses
2. Nectar Gel Memory Foam Medium Firm Twin XL Mattress in a Box
This twin XL mattress from Nectar is a comfortable, medium-firm option ideal for college students. Sitting at 11 inches high, this Nectar gel memory foam mattress features five layers of materials that make it one of the most comfortable dorm mattresses available. A Tencel Cooling Cover helps circulate air and wick away heat from the body. Transporting and setting up this mattress is a breeze since it’s delivered in a box. Learn more from our full Nectar Mattress Review.
- Model: NectarMF-Q
- Height: 11 inches
- Key Features: 5-Layer Foam Construction, Tencel Cooling Cover, Quilted Gel Memory Foam
3. Serta® Perfect Sleeper® Nestled Night™ Gel Memory Foam Medium Firm Twin XL Mattress in a Box
At 10 inches high, this Serta Perfect Sleeper Nestled Night mattress is only a couple of inches higher than a standard dorm mattress. However, it features foam technology that helps cool, contour, and cushion the body. As a medium-firm mattress, it’s not too soft nor too firm. Finally, because it’s delivered in a box, it’s easy to transport and quickly set up.
- Model: 500086078-1020
- Height: 10 inches
- Key Features: HexCloud™ Gel Memory Foam, CradleGel™ Foam
4. Serta® Perfect Sleeper® Superior Excellence Hybrid Plush Tight Top Twin XL Mattress
A bed like this Serta Perfect Sleeper mattress is a great dorm mattress replacement for all students, including athletes and those who need pressure relief at night. Unique geometric cutouts help relieve pain from pressure points while the CoolFeel™ Fabric provides a cool-to-touch sensation from plant-derived technology.
- Model: 500301822-1020
- Height: 16 inches
- Key Features: HexCloud™ Gel Foam, CoolFeel™ Fabric
5. Serta® iComfort® Hybrid CF3000 Quilted Plush Pillow Top Twin XL Mattress
If you really want to splurge, this Serta iComfort hybrid mattress is constructed with premium cooling technology to help keep the body cool while sleeping. The Max Cold Cover and UltraCold System work together to provide a cool-to-the-touch sensation and absorb excess heat. With the 1025 iComfort® Hybrid Support System, you are supported comfortably as individually wrapped coils conform to every curve of your body.
- Model: 500800353-1020
- Height: 14.75 inches
- Key Features: iComfort® Hybrid CF3000 Quilted Plush Pillow Top, Max Cold™ Cover, 1025 iComfort® Hybrid Support™ System
6. Nectar Premier 13" Memory Foam Twin XL Mattress in a Box
Another great mattress for college students is the Nectar Premier memory foam mattress. One of the best features of this mattress is the ActiveCool HD technology that reacts to your body’s temperature as it changes throughout the night so that you can stay cool. It’s constructed with five layers of premium materials and has a comforting Gel Memory Foam top. This dorm mattress arrives in a box for easy transport and setup.
- Model: 850008309854
- Height: 13 inches
- Key Features: ActiveCool HD, 5-Layer Construction
Consider a quality mattress one more item on this college season’s checklist if you want to get the best night’s sleep and thrive during the semester. At Duerden’s Appliance & Mattress, we have plenty of other mattresses to replace a dorm mattress, whether you’re looking for an affordable replacement or a mattress that can be used throughout your entire college career. Explore our catalog today to find great deals on mattresses for college!
Why Trust Duerden’s Appliance & Mattress?
Duerden’s Appliance & Mattress has been a fixture of the Bountiful community since 1957. With name-brand appliances, exceptional customer service, and affordable prices, we know you’ll love shopping with us. Our wide selection of products is curated to match your needs and make your life easier, every single day. Whether you are remodeling your space, replacing your old appliances, or furnishing your new house, Duerden’s can help you build the home of your dreams.
Speaking of dreams, we have name-brand mattresses in every size, type, and comfort level so you and your family can get the sleep you deserve. Check out our in-store and online selections and see what makes us the first choice of all appliance stores in Bountiful, UT.
Shop Mattresses at Duerden’s
Looking for great deals? Shop mattresses online at Duerden’s Appliance & Mattress! Our friendly experts are always happy to help you replace a dorm mattress, whether you call us at 801-295-9413, email us, or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by our Duerden’s Appliance Bountiful, Utah location. Visit us today!
Learn More: What Mattress Size is Right for You?