A “long twin” size bed technically is a twin bed which accommodates a mattress that is 39 inches wide and 80 inches long. That’s 5 inches longer than most regular size twin beds. That means extra room for your feed, and that can really make a difference in comfort for taller people.
Most people encounter extra long twin mattresses when they go off to college. If you’re buying sheets for your dorm room bed, chances are you’ll have to get long twin size sheets and accessories. **Warning!** You cannot use regular size twin sheets on a twin XL bed! They won’t fit — they’re too small. You’ll need to get a bed set specially made for long twin beds. These are available pretty much everywhere you can buy sheets. You can buy them online from Amazon or Overstock, or try your local Bed, Bath, and Beyond, department store, or even Wal-Mart.
Although you’ll need to buy a new mattress cover, fitted sheet, regular sheet, comforter, and optionally bed skirt, you can certainly use your existing pillows on your new bed.
Luckily, twin xl sheets and covers are available in a wide range of styles, colors, and textures. The selection is about the same as for other sizes. You can even get your favorite college team on your sheets!
