Best Mattress for Guest Room
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Have you ever spent the night at a friend or relative’s house, only to find yourself tossing and turning on a hard, creaky, or uncomfortable mattress? If so, you know how unpleasant an overnight visit can be, and how important it is to make visitors feel comfortable and welcome when they stay in your guest room. The right mattress can make or break your guest’s experience.
If you’re in the market for a new guest mattress, we’re here to help. We’ve explored a variety of comfortable guest bed options, from adjustable airbeds to economical foam and innerspring options. Read on for tips on choosing the best guest mattress, along with an in-depth look at our favorite models on the market right now.
The Best Mattresses for Guest Rooms
Product Details
Best Overall
Nectar Mattress
Who it’s best for:
- Customers seeking a mattress that will work with any foundation
- Most side, back, and stomach sleepers
- Couples who want to reduce motion transfer
Highlights:
- Designed to work with any foundation
- Targeted adaptive memory foam
- Suits most body types
Nectar is dedicated to producing competitively-priced mattresses and bedding that prioritize comfort. Committed to using high-quality materials and manufacturing processes, Nectar produces all-foam beds that make use of memory foams and largely plant-based polyfoams.
This five-layer, all-foam model features visco elastic memory foam, transition foam, and a 6″ support core made from polyfoam. All foams meet Certi-PUR U.S. standards for durability, emissions, and content. Each layer is strategically placed to improve spinal alignment and target pressure points like the hips, shoulders, and knees while providing a great deal of motion isolation.
Unlike many all-foam mattresses, the Nectar’s construction increases air flow and draws away body heat. It also features a breathable, removable cover made from long-staple Tencel fiber, which is known for its cooling properties.
The Nectar stands out among other brands and models for its versatility. Some models are designed to fit exclusively with proprietary foundations or box springs, while others come with warranties contingent on use with certain foundation types. The Nectar is designed for use with virtually any bed frame, from adjustable bases to traditional box springs to platforms.
The Nectar mattress comes with a 365-night sleep trial that starts after a 30-day break-in period, along with a lifetime warranty.
Read our Full Nectar Mattress Review to learn more
Best Value
Silk & Snow Mattress
Who it’s best for:
- Side sleepers up to 230 pounds
- People who enjoy the deep hug of memory foam
- Shoppers on a budget
Highlights:
- All-foam design reduces motion transfer and enhances pressure relief
- High-density comfort foam offers above-average support for an all-foam bed
- Removable cover is machine washable
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Silk & Snow mattresses
Sleepers who feel pressure points in their shoulders, lower back, and hips typically need a mattress that provides a balance of even contouring and sturdy support. The Silk & Snow Mattress is an all-foam bed that accomplishes this thanks to its medium (5) feel, making it a great option for people who wake up with stiffness or soreness. The mattress carries a very reasonable sticker price considering its strong performance.
The 10-inch mattress begins with a comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam. Our testers found that the above-average density of this layer allowed the foam to contour evenly without sinking too much. Transitional and support layers of denser polyfoam provide additional stability. The cover, which is made from a blend of polyester and spandex, can be removed and laundered in any household machine. This makes the mattress easier to keep clean than most competing models with non-removable covers.
The Silk & Snow Mattress excelled in a few performance areas during testing. The dense comfort layer combined with the mid-range firmness allowed the mattress to contour closely, alleviate pressure along the spine, and reduce a significant amount of motion transfer. Among our testers, the mattress was most popular with side sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds.
Silk & Snow provides free shipping for customers in the contiguous U.S. and provincial Canada. Each mattress is backed by a 100-night trial period with a 30-night break-in requirement and a 15-year warranty against structural defects.
Read our Full Silk & Snow Mattress Review to learn more
Most Comfortable
Nolah Signature 12
Who it’s best for:
- People who often feel too warm on foam mattresses
- Those who are easily awakened by their sleep partner's movements
- Side sleepers
Highlights:
- Proprietary AirFoam material designed to contour closely without absorbing too much heat
- Four foam layers combine for excellent motion isolation
- Buyers can opt out of sleep trial and reduce their overall cost
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Get an additional $20 off the Nolah Signature Mattress for total savings of $320 with code: SF320
The Nolah Signature 12 has a crowd-pleasing design that combines an adaptive surface with dense support layers. The mattress is considered medium (5) in terms of firmness, so sleepers should expect noticeable contouring. Deep cushioning for the shoulders and hips makes the Signature 12 especially appealing for side sleepers because the position often creates pressure buildup in these areas.
A comfort layer of AirFoam begins the mattress. This proprietary, open-cell material is designed to promote air circulation and dissipate – rather than trap – body heat. A breathable organic cotton cover provides additional cooling on the surface. The second layer is composed of durable high-resilience foam meant to add cushioning while also maintaining an even plane for your body. An AirFoam transitional layer and high-density foam support core also help stabilize the mattress.
As is the case with most all-foam models, the Signature 12 isolates motion very well and should reduce nighttime disruptions for you and your sleep partner when the other person moves around in bed. The even contouring also provides good pressure relief for people who wake up with stiffness or sore spots along the spine.
Nolah customers in the contiguous U.S. qualify for free ground shipping with their mattress purchase. The company also offers a 120-night trial period, but you can forgo the trial period and decrease the sticker price by $85 to $150 depending on the selected size. All orders are backed by a standard 10-year warranty against structural defects, and you can add stain protection coverage for an extra fee.
Read our Full Nolah Signature 12 Review to learn more
Best Pressure Relief
Bear Original
Who it’s best for:
- People who normally find memory foam mattresses too soft
- Side and back sleepers
- Shoppers who need extra time testing our their new mattress
Highlights:
- Graphite gel memory foam designed to conform to the body without trapping heat
- Firm feel ensures above-average support for an all-foam mattress
- All orders come with 120-night sleep trials and lifetime warranties
Many people think of memory foam mattresses as “soft” or “plush.” The Bear Original bucks this trend with a firm (7) feel that should appeal to people who need extra support from their sleep surface without sacrificing the close contouring and pressure relief of memory foam. Our testing found the mattress was most comfortable for side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds, back sleepers up to 230 pounds, and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds.
The Bear Original contains a comfort layer of memory foam infused with graphite gel, which is intended to reduce heat buildup and help the surface stay cool. Dense polyfoam makes up the transitional and base layers to maintain the bed’s firm, supportive feel. Another notable feature of the mattress is its cover made from Celliant Sleep Recover Technology. This proprietary fabric is designed to not only sleep cool but also help your body recover during the night.
The Bear Original’s foam layers absorb a good deal of movement to prevent nighttime disruptions for you and your partner when the other person changes positions or tosses and turns. As a firm model, the mattress also performs well in certain areas where softer models typically fall short, such as edge support and ease of movement across the surface.
The Bear Original is competitively priced and shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S. The company’s 120-night sleep trial gives you ample time to test out the mattress and reach an informed decision, and you’ll also receive a lifetime warranty against structural defects.
Read our Full Bear Original Review to learn more
Best for Side Sleepers
Layla Mattress
Who it’s best for:
- Sleepers with multiple firmness preferences
- Those who tend to overheat
- Sleepers who value pressure point relief
Highlights:
- Flippable design for multiple firmness options
- Copper-infused foam helps reduce heat retention
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Get $160 off a Layla Memory Foam Mattress + 2 free memory foam pillows with code: SLEEPFOUNDATION
The Layla Mattress is a flippable memory foam model that incorporates copper-infused memory foam and convoluted polyfoam to provide ample pressure point relief while remaining cool throughout the night. One side of the mattress has a medium soft (4) feel, while the other has a firm (7) feel, allowing this bed to perform well for a variety of body types and sleep styles.
The medium soft side of the mattress begins with a thick layer of copper-infused memory foam, which hugs and cushions the body. Beneath is a zoned transitional layer, which provides reinforcement around areas that tend to sink. Next is a support core made of dense polyfoam, followed by a thinner layer of copper-infused memory foam.
Those who prefer a firm feel can flip the bed, so that the thinner layer of memory foam sits on top. Compared to the medium soft side, the firm side has a thinner comfort layer that cushions the body without contouring too deeply. The comfort layer also rests directly on top of the support core, which enhances the firm feel. Because the two sides of the mattress feel very different, the Layla Mattress can comfortably support a wide range of sleepers, making it an ideal bed for a guest room.
Layla provides free ground shipping to customers in the contiguous United States. The Layla Mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial, though shoppers should note that there is a mandatory 2-week break-in period to qualify for a full refund. The Layla Mattress is also backed by a lifetime warranty.
Read our Full Layla Mattress Review to learn more
Best for Kids
Helix Kids
Who it’s best for:
- Kids between the ages of 3 and 12
- Children who are prone to bedwetting
- Hot sleepers
Highlights:
- Flippable design accommodates growing kids throughout their childhood
- Support coils with reinforced perimeter prevent sinkage when children get in and out of bed
- Each side is water-repellent to protect the internal layers
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
20% off sitewide + 2 free Dream Pillows with mattress purchase
Many mattresses made today are suitable for adults and children, but the Helix Kids is one of the only models specifically geared toward the latter. This thoughtfully constructed hybrid boasts a flippable design, with each side intended for a certain age group. The medium firm (6) surface provides excellent overall support to promote healthy growth and development in kids between the ages of 3 and 7, while the medium soft (4) side provides more cushioning for those ages 8 to 12.
Both surfaces feature foam comfort layers. Dense polyfoam delivers a firmer feel on the side for younger kids, while older kids receive close contouring from plush, adaptive gel-infused memory foam. A shared support core of pocketed coils is located between the foam layers, and provides sturdy reinforcement for each side. The entire mattress is encased in a water-repellent cover, so you won’t need to worry about mattress damage from liquid spills or bedwetting episodes.
During our tests, we noticed strong edge support around the entire perimeter. This can be attributed to extra coil reinforcement, which pushes back against your child’s weight and helps them get in and out of bed with ease. We were also impressed with the Helix Kids’ cooling abilities. Air circulates freely throughout the coils, and neither foam layer is thick enough to retain excessive amounts of body heat.
The Helix Kids measures 8 inches thick and is available in twin and full sizes, so it is compatible with most bunk beds sold today. Helix offers free ground shipping to all 50 states, and all orders include two free pillows at no extra cost. The mattress also comes with a 100-night sleep trial. The standard 10-year warranty protects against structural defects, and you can purchase additional coverage for physical damage up to 10 years after the purchase date.
Read our Full Helix Kids Review to learn more
Best for Seniors
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
Who it’s best for:
- Couples
- Seniors who feel acute pressure point discomfort
- Hot sleepers
Highlights:
- Three available firmness levels
- Hybrid construction blends support and pressure relief
- Higher-gauge perimeter coils increase edge support
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid delivers substantial support and top-notch pressure relief, two features many sleepers look for in a mattress. With three firmness levels to choose from, seniors with different body types and sleep preferences are likely to find this model comfortable.
While exact specifications vary between the medium soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8) versions, they all share the same basic construction that starts with a plush quilted top. The comfort system continues with memory foam and patented VariFlex polyfoam, that work together to relieve pressure by cushioning your body.
The pocketed coil core is 8 inches thick and provides strong, responsive support. The coils are wrapped individually so that each one can move independently, which helps cut down on motion transfer. The outside coils are made from higher gauge metal that enhances the mattress’ edge support.
With three firmness options to pick from, nearly every tester on our team found a model that felt comfortable. Side sleepers generally preferred the soft and medium models while stomach sleepers preferred the firmer models. Back sleepers up to 230 pounds found all three firmness options comfortable, while those over 230 pounds benefited most from the enhanced support of the firmest model.
Read our Full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Review to learn more
Best Temperature Regulating
Siena Memory Foam Mattress
Who it’s best for:
- Sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds
- Couples
- Value seekers
Highlights:
- Medium firm all-foam design ensures a comfortable balance of contouring and support
- Foam layers absorb movement and significantly reduce motion transfer
- Accessible price-point and lengthy trial period
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Siena mattresses
Some people prioritize affordability when choosing a guest room mattress while others want to invest in a high-quality model that will hold up well over time. With the Siena Memory Foam Mattress, you get both. The memory foam comfort layer creates an adaptive feel with even contouring and weight distribution, while transitional and base layers of dense polyfoam provide a sturdy support system to minimize sinkage.
A balanced medium firm (6) feel makes the Siena suitable for a wide range of sleepers. During our hands-on tests, the mattress earned especially strong ratings from side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds. Our motion isolation tests also showed the foam layers nearly eliminate transfer across the surface, so couples sleeping over at your house shouldn’t encounter movement-related sleep disturbances during the night.
Standard ground shipping is free of charge for all customers in the contiguous U.S. Your purchase comes with a generous sleep trial that allows you to test out the Siena Memory Foam Mattress for up to 180 months before deciding to return it or keep it. Should you decide on the latter, you’ll also receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
Read our Full Siena Memory Foam Mattress Review to learn more
Best Hybrid
Allswell Luxe Hybrid
Who it’s best for:
- Customers who are looking for a durable hybrid mattress at a value price point
- Heavier individuals, especially back and stomach sleepers
- Couples and those seeking additional edge support
Highlights:
- Individually wrapped coils
- Copper gel-infused memory foam
- Quilted top panel features cooling SwirlFoam
Sleep Foundation Exclusive Offer!
Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Allswell mattresses
With a support core made from individually wrapped pocketed coils, a 1-inch transition layer of high-density foam, and a 2-inch memory foam layer, the Allswell Luxe Hybrid provides plenty of bounce and support without sacrificing comfort. One unique feature is the mattress’s copper-infused foam comfort layer, which boasts antimicrobial properties and helps to disperse excess heat.
The mattress falls at a 6 on the firmness scale, and some sleepers, particularly those who weigh less than 130 pounds, found it to be a bit too hard. However, the ultra-supportive Allswell proved ideal for heavier customers, particularly those who sleep on their stomachs and backs. Its reinforced perimeter provides additional edge support, allowing sleepers to use the full surface of the mattress.
The Allswell Luxe Hybrid can be used with or without a box spring. However, the mattress comes with a 10-year limited warranty, which may be voided if used with an inappropriate foundation. Allswell offers free ground shipping on all purchases over $35, along with White Glove delivery or expedited shipping for an additional fee.
Read our Full Allswell Luxe Hybrid Review to learn moreOther Mattress Guides
If you’re still not sure you’ve found the right bed for your guest room, you can read through our recommendations below categorized by mattress price.
Mattress Guides for Specific Needs
- Best Mattress for Arthritis
- Best Mattress for Menopause
- Best Mattress for Pregnancy
- Best Mattress for Acid Reflux
- Best Mattress for Scoliosis
- Best Mattress for Fibromyalgia
- Best Mattress for Adjustable Beds
- Best Custom Mattress
- Best Mattress for Snoring
- Best Mattress That Won’t Sag
- Best Mattress for Back Pain
How to Choose a Mattress for a Guest Room
Thinking of buying a mattress for your guest room? It’s important to look for versatile options that will benefit a range of sleep styles, body types, and circumstances. We’ll detail what you need to know about some common mattress types, who they benefit most, and how you can choose an affordable guest mattress that will keep your guests happy and comfortable.
What Kind of Guests Will Use the Mattress?
The type of mattress you ultimately select depends largely on your expected guests, their preferences, and their needs. Who stays with you most frequently? Do they have any special conditions or needs? For example, if an elderly relative with joint pain often spends the night in your guest room, you may want to choose a mattress that offers targeted support. Other common things to consider include allergies, your guests’ body types, and how they like to sleep.
In some cases, however, it can be difficult to predict exactly who will be using your guest mattress, or to determine common needs between guests. If your guests have rather different sleeping needs, it may be wise to go with a versatile mattress that has wide-ranging appeal.
What to Look for in a Mattress
It can be tough to find the best mattress for a guest bedroom, with so many comfortable options available. There is also a lot of advertising and mattress jargon that can make it hard to tell what is most important when it comes to buying a new mattress. By focusing on the following key features as you compare mattresses, you can make an informed purchase that will help you and your guests sleep well for years to come.
- Price: Price is a major consideration for most consumers. Since it will be used infrequently, some shoppers prefer a cheap mattress, while others will want to pay a little more for an exceptionally durable model. You can save some money by buying a smaller size like a full mattress, but most sizes under queen tend to be insufficient for those with a co-sleeper.
- Sleeping Position: Some types of mattresses are better suited to certain sleeping positions. Side, stomach, and back sleepers all benefit from slightly different materials, models, and firmness levels. However, the best guest mattress will be able to provide most kinds of sleepers with a comfortable night’s rest.
- Mattress Type: Hybrid, innerspring, and all-foam mattresses all feature different materials and construction, and all come with different benefits and drawbacks. Some, like innerspring mattresses, generally offer greater support, while many foam models provide body-conforming comfort. A good guest mattress offers a soft yet supportive sleep surface.
- Contouring: Contouring refers to a mattress’ body-conforming qualities. While firmer mattresses tend to offer minimal contouring, softer sleep surfaces like foam mattresses provide substantial contouring, allowing the sleeper to sink further into the mattress.
- Quality Materials: Choosing a high-quality mattress is crucial if you want to offer your guests a positive, restful experience. Quality materials and construction also ensure you’ll get a durable, reliable product that’s worth the money.
- Firmness Level: Firmness is another serious aspect to consider as you shop for a guest mattress. While everyone has his or her own preferences regarding firmness level and comfort, some firmness levels are better suited to certain body types and sleeping positions than others. The best mattress for a guest bedroom offers visitors a happy medium.
- Pressure Relief: Like firmness levels, the ideal amount of pressure relief is largely subjective and depends on multiple factors, including the individual’s weight, sleeping position, and any injuries or problems they may have. Some types of mattresses offer greater pressure relief at key points like the neck and spine, while others are less supportive and more body-conforming.
- Edge Support: Mattresses without reinforced edges may sag over time, making it harder for couples to share the sleep surface, or for anyone to sit on the edge of the bed without rolling off. Typically, softer mattresses offer less edge support, while firmer models often feature a reinforced perimeter.
- Temperature Regulation: Certain materials, especially body-conforming ones such as memory foam, trap and hold body heat. In contrast, some mattresses feature construction and materials designed to offer maximum breathability, evenly distributing body heat and keeping hot sleepers cool throughout the night. Firmer models are often cooler than mattresses with a lot of sink.
- Noise: While innerspring mattresses are notorious for creaking, all-foam models are virtually noiseless, making them ideal for light sleepers and couples. Consider your guest bedroom’s location before purchasing a mattress that may squeak or creak.
What Type of Mattress is Best for a Guest Room?
From innerspring mattresses to all-foam models, consumers can choose from a host of options. Understanding the differences between mattress types is crucial to making an informed selection that benefits your wallet as well as your guests. The following section describes the main types of mattresses on the market today. Keep in mind that, while mattresses within each category share certain key features, models and brands may vary considerably in construction, quality, and cost.
Hybrid
Definition: Hybrids combine a sturdy support core made from pocketed coils with multiple comfort layers. These layers are typically made from latex, foam, fiber, or a combination of materials. Hybrids offer many of the benefits of innerspring mattresses, such as targeted support coils and increased contouring.
Balanced Features: Supportive yet soft, hybrid mattresses offer both comfort and pressure relief, avoiding many of the drawbacks of all-foam or innerspring mattresses. These mattresses typically benefit all body types and sleeping styles, making them ideal for guest rooms.
Innerspring
Definition: Once the most common type of mattress, innersprings consist of metal coils surrounded by a thin layer of fabric or foam. Innerspring mattresses are quite firm, and are becoming rarer as softer, more comfortable alternatives such as latex and memory foam are more readily available.
Cost and Customization: Innersprings are some of the most inexpensive mattresses on the market. You can also easily customize an innerspring’s firmness level and contouring by adding one or more mattress toppers.
Latex
Definition: Instead of coils, these mattresses feature a support core made entirely from latex rubber, with no other materials. While most are made from natural latex from rubber trees, some may use synthetic latex, or blended latex, which combines both types.
Supportive Contouring: Latex models mix the soft contouring often found in foam mattresses with the support of a hybrid, reducing sink and benefiting all body types.
Airbed
Definition: Using technology like smartphone apps or remote controls, airbeds let users modify the firmness of the sleep surface to their liking. These beds feature an adjustable support core made of inflatable chambers, which sleepers can fill with air or deflate as needed. Airbeds may incorporate latex, foam, wool, or any combination of materials in their comfort layers.
Adjustability: Versatile airbeds ensure a comfortable sleep surface for any user. Many allow couples to adjust opposite sides of the bed, or feature targeted air chambers for different parts of the body. Airbeds’ customizability makes them an ideal choice for guest bedrooms.
Foam
Definition: Made without coils, all-foam models layer multiple types of foam, such as polyurethane or memory foam, to create a soft, body-conforming comfort layer and support core. Different types of foam may be zoned to target pressure points and certain areas of the body.
Deep Contouring: Foam provides lighter individuals and side sleepers with extra cushioning where they need it most.
Last Things to Consider with a Mattress for the Guest Room
Ready to go mattress shopping? Now that you’ve explored your options, here are just a few more things to keep in mind before you make a final purchase.
What Kind of Mattress Will Satisfy Most Guests?
The most high tech, specialized mattress on the market isn’t always the superior choice when you have guests’ comfort in mind. The best guest mattress offers visitors a good night’s sleep, regardless of their size, shape, or sleep style. While many mattresses are built with specific populations in mind, such as people with back pain or those who prefer certain sleeping positions, your best option will typically be the model that appeals to the widest variety of individuals.
How Much of an Investment Do I Need to Make?
The amount of money you spend on a guest mattress depends on more than just your budget. How often do you entertain guests, and how often do they stay overnight? You may not want to spend a lot on a mattress that will only be used once or twice a year. However, if you frequently host overnight guests, you may want to consider investing a little more money on a more durable option.
Mattress Warranty and Other Policies
Some mattress companies offer unlimited lifetime warranties for their products, while others give customers a certain amount of time to return their purchases without incurring fees. If you’re considering a particular model, be sure you’ve read and thoroughly understand the warranty, return policies, and exchange procedures before finalizing your purchase.
Still have questions?
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Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products.
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