<p>I got 2" for my D, but it depends on how much “comfort” you child needs. Some kids have sensitive/bad backs so they need something close to 4". But I think the 2" plus a mattress pad that goes over it and the mattress should be sufficient for most kids. And IMHO, it isn’t necessary to get an XLong - since it is just a 4" difference I don’t think it matters on the foam topper.</p>
<p>The one we found online is 3.5 in thick (she saw it in the store and said it’s nice, but they didn’t have the right size so we ordered it online). We like the Costco ones, but they don’t have Twin XL and that is what she needs. Either way, this was much less $$$ than the ones at Costco. I think the website said the sale is going on through the 4th. I never would have looked there if it wasn’t for a poster here mentioning the deals. Now if I could only find a good discount at LL Bean for some winter gear. </p>
<p>Thanks for the advice! My d isn’t too picky, but I think I’m getting the 3.5" since it fits like a mattress pad, which seems like it will stay on better. </p>
<p>That’s what I thought, too. The ones we have at home fit like that and they stay put. </p>
<p>There is a twin XL 3" 4 lb topper on Amazon that is all the rage for $102.48. 4.5 stars and 2215 reviews</p>
<p>Have any of you considered buying a new mattress for your kids? I’m just wondering the condition of some school mattresses and if we should consider buying new. A twin mattress is pretty cheap, even for a decent quality one. Am I sounding crazy for thinking this and is it even allowed? </p>
<p>I went with the 3.5 inch topper, but my D had a compression fracture in her spine from volleyball two years ago. @jennie11, yes I have had the same thought about a new mattress, but wondering if they would allow. Dorm mattresses I’ve seen generally remind me of camp mattresses - old and iffy!</p>
<p>My D will be attending college across the country. I just think it would be tough to deal with a mattress on top of all the other things that will need to be stored over the summer. But I do agree that most college ones are questionable at best… that’s why we will put the foam topper on it.</p>
<p>The Amazon one looks nice, but very heavy! I ordered the 3.5" from Macy’s ($71). Hope it isn’t too heavy to transport.</p>
<p>I doubt you would be allowed to replace the mattress, but some of the toppers are so thick, they are even advertised to be useful as a mattress on their own! I bought a twin mattress topper on clearance, thinking it wouldn’t matter if her mattress is actually an XL, but then got it home and it dawned on me that it is one of the mattress pad styles…that go on like a fitted sheet, so…not sure…it says it fits up to an 18 inch thick mattress…so it might fit anyway! I double checked and made a list of all the possible schools and what type of beds they have…I thought they were more consistent, but one has twin, a couple have twin XL, one has full XL (hadn’t heard of that!)…some have a variety depending on what dorm you get.<br>
We did decide that no matter what dorm/where, she will need towels, so she found one she liked…I say ONE, because there was literally one on the shelf at Target. (or course, not on sale),I figured Id just get a couple more online, but they didn’t even exist online! Today I went to another Target and they also had ONE on the shelf…grabbed it, and they did have the hand towels, so got 2 of those. I was thinking 3 towels?..one clean, one being used, one dirty?</p>
<p>You can use whatever mattress you want but it’s usually on you to store theirs and put it back when you move.</p>
<p>At the very least, a mattress cover (Twin XL at most schools) is a very good idea. Don’t even WANT to think about the cooties on mattresses that are reused at colleges…</p>
<p>Just checking in to say hello and hope you all did or are enjoying the holidays! D has 2 apps left to go. She hasn’t started either one, but heck, there are still 3 whole more days to go! :)</p>
<p>We’re going to have to wait for the mattress topper unfortunately. D doesn’t know where she will be going to school. Right now the front runner is across the country, so we will probably buy everything locally. If she ends up closer and we can drive, then that will change the equation. Hopefully there will be sales later :-bd </p>
<p>^There are always back-to-college sales in July and early August.</p>
<p>I know 3 of the colleges we visited discussed topics such as textbooks and specific college “supplies” such as mattress toppers, towel sets, fridge, microwave, etc. Many local stores, including Target, Walmart, offer deep discounts to local colleges. My D recently attended an accepted student day and was given coupons to local stores, including local big retailers At the parent meeting, we were informed that we can “preorder” some needed things and they can be delivered the week before move in. Once my D decides on final school, we will look into this I think.</p>
<p>All. Apps. Submitted. … 
</p>
<p>@suzy100: I feel your pain. </p>
<p>D started her break with a nasty bout of the flu. Apparently I never did get her in for that shot. Ugh. Poor kid couldn’t get out of bed. She was well enough to enjoy Christmas. And now, with 4 apps due on the first and hoping to have plans on New Years, she is furiously writing supplements. She is in pretty good shape. A couple of the why us types can use the same basic format. And a couple ask her to elaborate on an EC. But then there are those that are more, shall we say, creative. It must take a special person to read these essays. I’m tired of reading my own kid’s! She has the last bunch of apps due the 15th but since that coincides with the end of the semester, she has to have them done by the time she goes back to school on Monday. Plus she has some school work to do. So the weekend is devoted to work. Not much of a break this year but next year she can sleep the whole time if she wants!</p>
<p>And is anybody else’s kid convinced there is a perfect school out there that she has missed? I keep reminding her that she was thoughtful in putting together her list and that what she does with the opportunities at the school is more important than the school itself but the grass is always greener on some other quad.</p>
<p>@LeftofPisa wrote:
Agree on the essay fatigue!</p>
<p>So it looks like D will be going down to the wire with her last few schools. This is my 3rd kid and I was determined for this not to happen, but history repeats itself.</p>