Twin Xl mattresses measure 39 x 80 inches. These extra long mattresses are commonly used in dorm rooms where students need extra room. The specially sized XL Twin beds used in the dorm rooms are made with the 39" x 90" mattress so for things like sheeting, mattress pads and feather beds you will need to buy the XL Twin size.

Colleges like to offer the Twin XL size because the students not only use them as beds – but also as a couch and hang out zone and occasional dinner table. The extra 5 inches does not sound like much but that extra long space becomes invaluable in cramped dorm life.

Because twin xl is such a specific size many students are not prepared when dorm move in day comes and they have to scramble for the extra long pieces of bedding. The most important thing needed is to have Twin XL fitted sheets. Some students don’t use or like the top flat sheet but at a minimum they want to cover the awful mattresses they will sleep on.

Because college students can be rough on their Twin XL beds – the universities like to use specially covered mattresses that are waterproof and stain proof. However these easy care mattresses don’t feel good and can be stiff, hot and cause sleeping issues. It is a great idea to add a buffer between the student and the dorm bed – whether a twin xl mattress pad or a twin xl feather bed.

Some students maybe have a twin comforter they want to bring for home and in some cases this is acceptable. The official Twin XL size comforter is 68 x 92 – but if your comforter measures 66 x 86 – is that good enough – probably. However, the extra length gives you more coverage and for a messy college student – being able to cover their disheveled bed is not a bad thing.

Because dorm mattresses are so stiff – we recommend adding a Twin XL feather bed to provide ‘at home’ like softness and support. A little known fact is that feather beds can actually help more air to move due to the loose feather filling. This compares to the vinyl covered dorm mattresses which can leave students with a warm night’s sleep due to the air that cannot move with the thick vinyl covering they have.

If a student wanted extra support but not as much as a feather bed they can use a XL Twin mattress pad which usually has a fitted skirt that covers the side of the mattress and a top layer with some buffering material to soften a mattress.

Sometimes college students know that their beds are not going to be stacked and can consider using a full size comforter. You will not be able to use a full size sheet set or more specifically the full size fitted sheet with a twin xl bed. You may be able to use the full size flat sheet but will have excess fabric.