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Headshot of author Daniel Noyed
By Daniel Noyed
Why Trust Sleep Foundation

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 Mattress Deals of the Week

In-Depth Reviews

The Helix Midnight’s versatile, crowd-pleasing design features plush foam layers and supportive coils. Our tests suggest most of your overnight guests will feel comfortable on this mattress no matter what they weigh or which sleep position they prefer.

  • Pros

    1. Adaptive foam layers isolate most movement transfer

    2. Memory foam top layer closely contours to the body to relieve pressure

    3. Perimeter reinforcement limits sinkage when you get in and out of bed

  • Cons

    1. Strong initial off-gassing may occur

    2. Foam layers may hinder movements across the surface

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$749 – $1,399

Trial Period

100 nights (30-night requirement)

The Helix Midnight is a well-rounded mattress that suits a wide variety of sleepers, making it a great fit for guest rooms. The thick foam comfort system cushions the body while the coil system offers decent bounce that should prevent most houseguests from sinking in too deep.

The Midnight’s comfort system begins with an adaptive memory foam layer that reduces pressure buildup. Underneath is a polyfoam transitional layer that acts as a buffer between your body and the coils. The support core features pocketed coils that prevent uncomfortable sagging. Meanwhile, perimeter reinforcement makes the mattress feel stable when you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed.

The Helix Midnight is specifically geared toward side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, thanks to the adaptive foam layers and the supportive medium firm (6) feel. Our side-sleeping testers noted significant contouring for their shoulders and hips without sinking excessively. Back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds also found the mattress supportive and comfortable, but stomach sleepers and those weighing more than 230 pounds may sink too deeply. Steady airflow through the coils earned the Midnight higher-than-average ratings in our temperature control tests compared to other mattresses with foam layers.

The Midnight is one of Helix’s more affordable models, and shipping is free to all 50 states. Each purchase is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

The all-foam Nectar provides a balanced medium firm feel with close, even contouring and above-average support. The mattress has proven especially popular with side sleepers, couples, and people who frequently experience pain and pressure buildup.

  • Pros

    1. Designed to work with any foundation

    2. Excellent motion isolation for couples

    3. All orders include a 365-night trial

  • Cons

    1. Off-gassing smells may linger up to 48 hours after unboxing

    2. Edges may buckle and sag when weight is applied

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$359 – $1,098

Trial Period

365 nights

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.

The all-foam Silk & Snow Mattress offers exceptional value thanks to its strong, well-rounded performance and approachable pricing. A close, even contour and ample cushioning for sore spots should help your overnight guests feel refreshed each morning.

  • Pros

    1. All-foam design reduces motion transfer and enhances pressure relief

    2. High-density comfort foam offers above-average support for an all-foam bed

    3. Removable cover is machine washable

  • Cons

    1. People over 230 pounds may sink excessively

    2. Edge support is fairly limited

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium (5)

Price Range

$600 – $900

Trial Period

100 nights (30-night requirement)

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.

Leesa’s Sapira Hybrid is a great choice for co-sleepers thanks to its sturdy perimeter, light bounce, and consistent cooling. We recommend this mattress if you plan to host couples in your guest room.

  • Pros

    1. Adaptive foams contour evenly to align the spine and reduce pressure points

    2. Top layer is aerated to promote airflow directly beneath the surface

    3. Reinforced perimeter coils stabilize the edges and minimize sinkage

  • Cons

    1. Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may not receive enough support

    2. Foam layers may emit strong off-gassing for the first couple nights

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Firm (6)

Price Range

$1,349 – $2,299

Trial Period

100 nights (30 night requirement)

The Leesa Sapira Hybrid is a solid guest room option if you foresee hosting couples in the future. A medium firm (6) foam hybrid, the Sapira nicely toes the line between close cushioning and sturdy support. Above-average cooling, robust perimeter reinforcement, and decent motion isolation also make the mattress great for co-sleepers, and your purchase includes two Leesa pillows at no extra cost.

The Sapira Hybrid’s topmost layer is made of adaptive polyfoam, creating an invitingly plush feel when you get into bed. This layer is aerated, allowing air to circulate beneath your body and keep the mattress cool. Additional polyfoam and memory foam layers add extra cushioning, but these materials are denser to push back against your weight and keep you on an even plane. Pocketed coils with a reinforced perimeter and sense base foam make up the support core.

Side sleepers on our team weighing at least 130 pounds felt comfortable on the Sapira Hybrid. The gentle cushioning and solid support helped ensure reduced pressure buildup along the spine and minimal sinkage beneath the midsection. Our back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds also gave the mattress favorable ratings. All three foam layers absorb movement to decrease motion transfer, but there’s enough bounce from the coils to help your guests move across the surface without feeling stuck in the mattress.

The Sapira Hybrid is competitively priced, and Leesa offers free ground delivery to shoppers in all 50 states. Each purchase comes with a 120-night sleep trial, during which you may return the mattress for a full refund and Leesa covers the associated shipping charges. If you decide to keep your Sapira Hybrid, it’s covered under a manufacturer’s warranty for up to 10 years.

The budget-friendly Signature Hybrid from Brooklyn Bedding showcases the reliable combination of cushy foam layers over sturdy pocketed coils. The ultra-supportive design can benefit your overnight guests with frequent or chronic back pain — seniors in particular.

  • Pros

    1. Available in three firmness levels

    2. Hybrid construction blends support and pressure relief

    3. Thicker perimeter coils increase edge support

  • Cons

    1. Foam layers may emit off-gassing odor for the first 48 hours

    2. Firmness exchanges are not allowed during the trial period

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Price Range

$499 – $1,199

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night requirement)

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.

The flippable Layla Memory Foam Mattress features a distinct firmness on each side. One surface is cushy and pressure-relieving, while the other is firm and highly supportive — and both sleep exceptionally cool thanks to the use of breathable, copper-infused open-cell foams.

  • Pros

    1. Flippable design with two firmness options

    2. Copper-infused foam helps reduce heat retention

    3. Backed by a lifetime warranty

  • Cons

    1. Initial off-gassing smells can be fairly strong

    2. Those seeking a true medium firm feel may not feel comfortable on either side

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium Soft (4), Firm (7)

Price Range

$749 – $1,249

Trial Period

120 nights

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. The whole mattress is encased in a breathable polyester, rayon, viscose, and poly-lycra blend.

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.

Bear’s Elite Hybrid pairs plush foam layers with robust, multi-zone coils that deliver targeted support to heavier areas of the body. This balanced construction results in an even surface that can be ideal for people with persistent aches, pains, and pressure points.

  • Pros

    1. Copper-infused memory foam designed to conform to the body without trapping heat

    2. Zoned transitional polyfoam and coil system offer targeted support to the midsection

    3. All orders come with 120-night sleep trials

  • Cons

    1. Limited options for those seeking a soft to medium soft mattress

    2. Foam layers release off-gassing smells for the first 48 hours after unboxing

Mattress Type

Hybrid

Firmness Options

Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)

Price Range

$1,231 – $2,548

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night break-in period)

Mattresses with thick foam layers often trap more heat since they adapt so closely to the body, but this isn’t the case for the Bear Elite Hybrid. This mattress is a foam hybrid with a breathable cover, strong internal airflow through its coil system, and cooling technology that help offset the foam’s heat-retaining properties. Hot sleepers on our team felt comfortable throughout testing.

The Bear Elite Hybrid contains a comfort layer of memory foam infused with copper, which is intended to reduce heat buildup and help the surface stay cool. Zoned transitional polyfoam offers a firmer feel under heavier areas of the body to prevent excessive sinkage, especially in the midsection. 

Pocketed coils reinforce the sleep surface to keep your body on an even plane. The coils rest on a polyfoam base layer for additional stability. Another notable feature of the mattress is its cover made from Celliant Sleep Recover Technology. This proprietary fabric is designed to sleep cool and help your body recover during the night.

Three firmnesses are available, medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8), which appealed to many of our testers.  Our testing found the softest model best suited for side and back sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds who enjoyed the extra cushioning. The medium firm model was the most versatile, appealing to side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds and back sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds. Our side and back sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds and stomach sleepers who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds appreciated the firmest model’s support. 

The Elite Hybrid foam layers absorb most movement to prevent nighttime disruptions for you and your partner when the other person changes positions or tosses and turns. The foam layers also earned the mattress high marks in our pressure relief tests, significantly reducing pressure buildup in our testers’ joints.

Shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S. Bear’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.

The Nolah Signature 12 is composed of plush, adaptive foam layers that cushion the shoulders and hips without sinking too much. These qualities make the mattress a great match for side sleepers — especially those weighing up to 230 pounds.

  • Pros

    1. Proprietary AirFoam material designed to contour closely without absorbing too much heat

    2. Four foam layers combine for excellent motion isolation

    3. Buyers can opt out of sleep trial and reduce their overall cost

  • Cons

    1. Side sleepers over 230 pounds may need more support

    2. Limited edge support can lead to sinkage along the perimeter

Mattress Type

Foam

Firmness Options

Medium (5)

Price Range

$870 – $1,875

Trial Period

120 nights (30-night requirement)

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.

Dive Deeper – In-Depth 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.

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?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market.

Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Learn more about our Editorial Team

Trouble sleeping?

Answer these 5 easy questions to discover your perfect mattress

Trouble sleeping?

Answer these 5 easy questions to discover your perfect mattress

What position do you sleep in?

Side icon

Side

Side icon
Back icon

Back

Back icon
Stomach icon

Stomach

Stomach icon

Do you experience any pain while sleeping?

Back and/or side pain icon

Back and/or side pain

Back and/or side pain icon
Neck and/or shoulder pain icon

Neck and/or shoulder pain

Neck and/or shoulder pain icon
Little to no pain icon

Little to no pain

Little to no pain icon

Do you have any material preferences?

Innerspring icon

Innerspring

Innerspring icon
Foam icon

Foam

Foam icon
No preference/ Other icon

No preference/ Other

Do you sleep hot?

Yes icon

Yes

Yes icon
No icon

No

No icon

Do you sleep with a partner?

Yes icon

Yes

Yes icon
No icon

No

No icon

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