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Written by
Daniel Noyed, Certified Sleep Coach
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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.
Best Overall
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.
Best Value
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.
Most Comfortable
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.
Best Pressure Relief
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.
Best for Side Sleepers
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.
Best for Kids
The Leesa Studio is an all-foam mattress with a balanced medium (5) feel that should appeal to a wide range of sleepers, as well as an affordable price-point. A memory foam comfort layer contours closely yet evenly. Side sleepers should receive ample cushioning around the shoulders and hips – two common areas of pressure buildup for people who favor this position – while back and stomach sleepers can rest comfortably without excessive sinkage around the midsection. Our testing found most people who weigh 230 pounds or less receive adequate support from the Studio.
The mattress also contains transitional and base layers of dense polyfoam that stabilizes the sleep surface. All three foam layers absorb movement quite well, so you shouldn’t experience sleep disturbances when your partner moves in bed and vice versa. At the same time, the polyfoam layers add some responsiveness to the design to help you move across the surface without feeling stuck inside the mattress – a common issue with memory foam models.
In addition to a budget-friendly sticker price, the Leesa Studio qualifies for free ground delivery throughout the contiguous U.S. You’ll receive a sleep trial that allows you to test out the mattress for up to 100 nights, as well as a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty should you decide to keep it.
Best Cooling
Save 35% on a Cocoon Chill Mattress and get free pillows and sheets with this code: SLEEPFOUND35
The Cocoon Chill is one of two mattress-in-a-box options from industry leader Sealy. Unlike the brand’s hybrid option, this model features an all-foam construction. The mattress rates a medium firm 6 on our 10-point firmness scale, delivering balanced cushion and support for guests.
While dense foam can trap heat, Sealy utilizes lower-density memory foam in its comfort layer to pull heat away from your body. This layer is also engineered to accommodate the unique shape of your spine for supportive comfort. A transitional layer of polyfoam prevents sleepers from sinking into the support core. This layer is somewhat firm and responsive, which improves the mattress’ ease of movement.
High-density polyfoam makes up the support core. Designed with heavier foam, this supportive layer is engineered to promote durability and endurance. A standout feature of the Cocoon Chill is its stretch-knit cover. Sealy infuses the fabric with phase change material to regulate temperature. The material is designed to absorb and release your body heat while you sleep.
The Cocoon Chill’s price-point is about average compared to similar all-foam mattresses. Sealy provides free shipping for customers in the contiguous U.S. The company also offers a 100-night sleep trial with a 30-night requirement. The Cocoon Chill includes a 10-year limited warranty.
Best Hybrid
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.
Best for Seniors
SleepFoundation readers save 30% on the Tempur-Cloud mattress with this code: SF30
The TEMPUR-Cloud is Tempur-Pedic’s only mattress-in-a-box model shipped directly to customers. While the mattress features the same premium materials and luxurious design as other models in the Tempur-Pedic lineup, its price-point is much more approachable. The soft feel of this model makes it well suited to seniors, especially those experiencing painful pressure buildup in arthritic joints.
The TEMPUR-Cloud’s comfort and transitional layers are both made from TEMPUR, a proprietary memory foam with a dense composition. The foam contours closely to the body, but TEMPUR is designed to resist sagging and other forms of wear and tear. The support core contains high-density polyfoam, and a polyester cover encases the mattress. Measuring 10 inches thick, the TEMPUR-Cloud is considered a medium-profile model.
In addition to the all-foam design, customers can select a hybrid option for their TEMPUR-Cloud. The hybrid contains pocketed coils in its support core, rather than base foam, but the comfort layer, transitional layer, and cover material are identical. You should consider the hybrid if you need a little extra support from your mattress or tend to overheat on traditional memory foam beds.
The TEMPUR-Cloud has a medium (5) feel, so sleepers should expect close contouring from this mattress. The side sleepers on our team who weigh up to 230 pounds awarded very favorable ratings to the mattress, and back sleepers in this weight range also felt comfortable. Other performance areas where the TEMPUR-Cloud excelled include motion isolation for co-sleepers and pressure relief.
Ground shipping is free within the contiguous U.S., and each order comes with a 90-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Certified Sleep Coach
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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