It’s a wonderful feeling when you have the space to host friends or family visiting from out of town or who just need a place to crash for the night.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a guest room in your home, you probably want your loved ones to sleep comfortably, right?
We've tested the best mattresses available and these are our top picks for the best beds for guest rooms.
Best Guest Room Mattresses
- Helix Midnight – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Nolah Original – Best Queen-Size for a Guest Room
- WinkBed – Best Mattress for Couples in a Guest Room
- Bear Star Hybrid– Best Hybrid Mattress for a Guest Room
- Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid – Most Comfortable Mattress for a Guest Room
- Siena Original – Best Mattress Under $500 for Guest Room
- Brooklyn Bedding Bowery – Best Affordable Mattress for a Guest Room
- Dreamfoam Essential – Best Memory Foam Mattress for a Guest Room
- Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Breeze – Best Cooling Mattress for a Guest Room
If you’re in the market for a new guest room mattress, you’ll find a wide variety of products to choose from, which can make the decision of which one is best for your needs a difficult task.
Would memory foam work best? What about coils? How do you know which product will be high-quality without breaking the bank?
In this guide, we’ll share our recommendations for the best mattress for a guest room.
We have to warn you though, we’ve chosen some really good ones, so don’t be surprised if your visitors decide they don’t want to leave!
Shopping Recommendation:
Are you confident that a mattress for a guest room is the perfect option for you? If so, continue exploring this page!
If you're unsure or want to learn about more great mattress options available then we recommend you check out the best mattress choices for 2023. It is a great starting place for most mattress shoppers because it includes a diverse list of mattress picks based on various preferences, styles, and needs. It also includes links to an additional 60+ best mattress pages from Sleep Advisor (example: best mattress for couples).
Top 10 Mattresses for Guest Rooms, Reviewed
Helix Midnight Mattress

Helix really has thought of everything with their customized line of mattresses delvering best sleep using a proprietary sleep quiz.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Helix Midnight Mattress

Helix really has thought of everything with their customized line of mattresses delvering best sleep using a proprietary sleep quiz.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.

Helix Midnight Mattress
Helix really has thought of everything with their customized line of mattresses delvering best sleep using a proprietary sleep quiz.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Side sleepers need to be careful when it comes to mattress firmness because most of their weight is concentrated across a narrow surface. In most cases, improper mattress firmness results in pressure buildup and pain for guests who like sleeping on their side. This is where the Helix Midnight can help, as it has carefully selected foams in multiple layers for gentle contouring and pressure relief.
The Midnight is a hybrid mattress that delivers the best of both worlds. The two foam layers allow pressure relief, cushioning, and support, preventing you also from feeling the coils underneath. In addition, the bed has hundreds of individually wrapped coils for added comfort and motion isolation.
What stands out:
- Side sleepers who sleep hot can choose the optional GlacioTex cooling cover with ultimate cooling tech designed to draw the heat away from the body. The standard cover included is also breathable but not as cool to the touch.
Want to read more? Check out our Helix Midnight review or discover to top picks for the best mattresses for side sleepers.
Nolah Original 10" Mattress

Nolah delivers ultimate pressure-relieving features in this all-foam mattress specifically designed for side sleepers.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Nolah Original 10" Mattress

Nolah delivers ultimate pressure-relieving features in this all-foam mattress specifically designed for side sleepers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$

Nolah Original 10" Mattress
Nolah delivers ultimate pressure-relieving features in this all-foam mattress specifically designed for side sleepers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
The Nolah Original mattress is a great option if you want your guests to sleep on a Queen-size bed. The mattress is rated 5-6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which is best for side sleepers as it prevents pressure build-up.
The construction of the Nolah Original starts with a Tencel™ Cellulosic cover that’s gentle to the touch. Under the cover is the Cooling Nolah AirFoam™ that helps keep the sleepers cool even during the hottest of nights. The third layer is a high-resilience foam that gives a bit of bounce for better responsiveness and easy repositioning. The Nolah Original has a 7-inch base layer that supports the upper layers and helps them follow the body’s curves.
Why we think you’ll like it
- The Nolah Original is made entirely of foam but is unlikely to overheat thanks to the Cooling Nolah AirFoam™ layer and Tencel™ Cellulosic cover.
Want more details? Check out our complete guide for Nolah Brand or explore our top picks for the best Queen-size mattresses.
WinkBed Mattress

WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
WinkBed Mattress

WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.

WinkBed Mattress
WinkBed is a luxury hybrid bed with a variety of comfort features that should make it a versatile pick for most sleeping positions.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The WinkBed should prove to be an especially memorable mattress for any couple that stays in your guest room. It’s a hybrid bed with layers of cozy foams on top of individually wrapped coils, and its signature features make it a good pick for sleepers with different preferences and bedtime habits.
Firstly, its SleepCalm™ motion isolation technology—which consists of a layer of gel foam on top of the coils—keeps nighttime disturbances to a minimum. The mattress also has palpable edge support, so couples can use its entire surface area without fear of rolling off to the side.
Why else is it a good fit for a guest room?
- A lifetime warranty and impressively durable materials mean that this bed should hold up to years of usage by couples you’re hosting in your home.
- The WinkBed comes in four firmness options: Softer, Luxury Firm, Firmer, and Plus, the latter of which is designed for larger bodies.
Want more details? Read our comprehensive WinkBed review or check out our best mattresses for couples.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress

The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Star Hybrid Mattress

The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.

Bear Star Hybrid Mattress
The Bear Hybrid is an appealing product because it should cater to a wide variety of sleepers.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If your guests prefer hybrid mattresses, you may want to consider this Bear model as one of the best hybrid options for a guest room. The Bear Star Hybrid is excellent for back and side sleepers as it’s rated 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale. This firmness should provide ample support for back sleepers and enough cushioning for those who prefer sleeping on their side.
The cover is cool to the touch thanks to the HydroCool® technology that allows cooling and fast drying. In addition, the bed also has copper-infused memory foam for more cooling for those guests who usually sleep hot.
What you should know
- The Bear Star Hybrid has edge-to-edge coils that provide excellent edge support, allowing you to sit and sleep near the edge without feeling like you could roll off.
This mattress has CertiPUR-US® and GREENGUARD Gold certifications, meaning that it’s suitable for sensitive and allergy-prone sleepers.
Want to read more? Check out our Bear Star Hybrid review or check out our best hybrid mattress picks here.
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

This mattress from Saatva combines the pressure relief of memory foam and the support of springs for a cooling and restful night’s sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 Nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

This mattress from Saatva combines the pressure relief of memory foam and the support of springs for a cooling and restful night’s sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
365 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
This mattress from Saatva combines the pressure relief of memory foam and the support of springs for a cooling and restful night’s sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
365 Nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is a comfortable mattress your guests will love sleeping on when they visit. The premium foam layers in this mattress contour the body while the coils foster easy repositioning, breathability, and support. The bed has multiple cooling features, including a breathable cover and gel-infused memory foam to prevent sweating and overheating.
The Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid promotes good spine support with the gel memory foam lumbar crown that works with the patented Lumbar Zone® Quilting. Therefore, this bed should be an excellent match for back sleepers, delivering support and pressure relief, with an extra focus on lower back comfort.
Why should you consider it?
- This hybrid is compatible with box springs, bed frames, platform beds, and adjustable bases.
- The mattress has a CertiPUR-US® certification and is made in the United States.
- Saatva offers complimentary white glove delivery with your purchase, which means no heavy lifting on your part.
Looking for more options? Check out our Most Comfortable Mattresses.
Siena Mattress

The Siena is a memory foam bed aimed at providing sleepers with the right combination of support and comfort.
Read Full ReviewMaterial
Foam
Trial Period
180 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Siena Mattress

The Siena is a memory foam bed aimed at providing sleepers with the right combination of support and comfort.
Read Full ReviewMaterial
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
180 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$

Siena Mattress
The Siena is a memory foam bed aimed at providing sleepers with the right combination of support and comfort.
Read Full ReviewMaterial
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
180 Nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
A comfortable bed doesn’t have to be expensive, as this Siena Original mattress proves so well. This is a memory foam bed with multiple foam layers making up its 10-inch construction. The construction starts with a soft-to-the-touch cover, followed by responsive memory foam, a body-supporting layer, fundational foam, and a shift-resistant lower cover.
The foam cushions your body, allowing just the right balance of support and comfort needed for most sleep positions, depending on weight. Guests who prefer sleeping on the side and back may like the 6.5/10 firmness level as it offers enough cushioning for pressure relief and support for proper spine alignment.
What stands out:
- The Siena Original is an affordable mattress under $500, proving you don’t have to spend too much on a comfortable bed. Plus, it’s a durable one, so it’s suitable even for folks who have guests staying longer and more often.
- The company offers a 180-night trial, a 10-year warranty, free shipping, and easy returns.
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress

Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid is a luxury mattress at an affordable price, and we think most sleepers will enjoy the comfort it offers.
Read Full ReviewMaterial
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress

Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid is a luxury mattress at an affordable price, and we think most sleepers will enjoy the comfort it offers.
Read Full ReviewMaterial
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$

Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid is a luxury mattress at an affordable price, and we think most sleepers will enjoy the comfort it offers.
Read Full ReviewMaterial
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
This Brooklyn hybrid is a good choice if you don’t want to spend too much on a mattress for a guest room. The bed has multiple firmness options and will fit if you rarely have guests who stay longer than a few days.
The Brooklyn Bowery mattress has a stretchy cotton cover and a 1-inch memory foam right under it. The next is a 2-inch foam that cushions the body, preventing you from feeling the coils underneath. The brand’s Ascension™ coils are individually wrapped to respond separately, allowing good motion isolation and easy repositioning. Below the coil unit is a layer of high-density polyfoam that supports the upper layers.
What stands out?
- The Brooklyn Bowery mattress is affordable, so you don’t have to spend too much on a bed your guests won’t use every day.
- You can choose between three firmness options, depending on the preferences of your guests.
Looking for more options? Check out our Best Budget Mattresses.
Want to learn more? Read our in-depth review for Brooklyn Bowery.
Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress

The Dreamfoam Essential is a versatile mattress that brings everything we love about all-foam models, making it a great option for value and comfort seekers.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress

The Dreamfoam Essential is a versatile mattress that brings everything we love about all-foam models, making it a great option for value and comfort seekers.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$

Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress
The Dreamfoam Essential is a versatile mattress that brings everything we love about all-foam models, making it a great option for value and comfort seekers.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Memory foam mattresses are a good option for a guest room because it’s versatile, offering plenty of support and some cushioning to fit a range of sleepers. The Dreamfoam Essential is even more versatile as it comes in multiple firmness options, making it easy to find what suits your guests the most.
The Dreamfoam Essential is available in five heights and a range of sizes to fit everyone’s needs. The construction features two or three layers of carefully selected foam that cushions the body and prevents pressure build-up regardless of the sleep position.
Why we like it:
- The Dreamfoam Essential is a high-quality memory foam mattress with open-cell technology in each foam layer. This helps with airflow and breathability so that the bed doesn’t overheat even if your guests sleep hot.
- The company allows up to 120 nights for you to test the mattress. If you don’t like it, you can return it for a full refund.
Want to read more? Check out our DreamFoam Essential review.
TEMPUR-Breeze Mattress

The TEMPUR-Breeze® takes the pressure-relieving capabilities of the Tempur-Pedic design and adds onto it by providing enhanced cooling.
Read Full ReviewMaterial
Foam
Trial Period
90 nights
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
TEMPUR-Breeze Mattress

The TEMPUR-Breeze® takes the pressure-relieving capabilities of the Tempur-Pedic design and adds onto it by providing enhanced cooling.
Read Full ReviewMaterial
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Trial Period
90 nights
Price Range
$$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.

TEMPUR-Breeze Mattress
The TEMPUR-Breeze® takes the pressure-relieving capabilities of the Tempur-Pedic design and adds onto it by providing enhanced cooling.
Read Full ReviewMaterial
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
90 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free white glove delivery
Price Range
$$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you want your guests to have the best sleeping experience, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Breeze is the right mattress to deliver just that. This bed has multiple feel options, but you can also choose between memory foam and hybrid. The memory foam models are soft, medium, and firm, while the hybrid model is available in medium only.
Although memory foam tends to overheat, Tempur-Pedic found a way to battle this by including cooling properties. The TEMPUR-Breeze is up to 3 degrees cooler than other models from this brand. On top of that, there’s also the Luxe version of TEMPUR-Breeze, which is up to 8 degrees cooler.
What you should know:
- The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Breeze is a luxury mattress, so you can be sure your guests will sleep well. The bed features unique materials and technologies like the SmartClimate® cover, PureCool+™ Technology, Tempur-CM+ material, and Tempur-APR+® material, all of which help with cooling and breathability.
Read more in our Tempur-Breeze review or explore our top picks for the best cooling mattresses.
Guest Bed Buying Considerations
How Often Will It Get Used?
This is the first question you should ask yourself because the answer will dictate how important quality and durability will be in your decision.
For example, you already know that more expensive products are going to be built with better materials and last longer. As beds age, they tend to sag, so if you sleep on a bed nightly, this process is accelerated.
Many people find that bed feels comfortable the first few nights they sleep on it. However, over time low density foams and cheaply made coils lose their structural integrity, and you can be left with a bed that gifts you with a sore, achy back every morning when you get up.
So, if you don’t plan on having visitors over frequently, it can be cost-efficient to get a bed that has a lower price tag and immediate comfort. Yes, it can sag over time, but considering that even the cheapest mattress takes several months for this to happen, you can expect a lightly used guest bed to last for years.
Get More Info: How Long Do Mattresses Last?
Choosing a Firmness Level
For a guest room, a medium-firm mattress is usually a good bet. This firmness level works for firm mattress lovers, but also provides soft mattress lovers with a little more cushion.
Need more help? Check our complete guide to Mattress Firmness Scale.

Choosing the Best Size Bed
If you want more bang for your buck, consider sizing down from a Queen to a Full. If you tend to host individuals, you can even get away with a twin-size or twin-XL mattress. You may be able to save $100 or more just by downsizing to a Full.
And to put things in perspective, it’s not much smaller. You’ll lose about five inches in length and seven inches across. For most individuals and couples, there will be plenty of room left over. Take a moment to think about the types of guests you’re hosting and decide if it would matter if you got a smaller size.
Check Out Our Comparison: Full vs. Queen Bed
Durability and Value
As you seek out low mattress prices, it can be easy to forget the importance of durability and value. Before you jump on the chance to buy something cheap, you’ll want to ask yourself how long it will last and whether you’re getting a good-quality mattress for the price. This might mean you’ll end up paying slightly more, but it will be worth it to have a longer-lasting mattress that performs well.
When we describe a durable mattress, we’re talking about one that will not fall apart under regular wear and tear and one that will last a long time. Various mattress types have different lifespans. For example, one of the most durable types of mattresses is natural latex mattresses, lasting up to 15 or 20 years. Most mattresses, like innerspring, hybrid, and memory foam beds, last an average of seven years.
By shopping online, you are privy to tons of online sales and deals year-round, so you can find a well-made mattress for a lower price. Plus, there are holiday sales throughout the year, mostly on federal holidays, but also on days like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day.
Keep in mind, when you buy a mattress for the lowest possible amount of money, you will not be getting some of the perks of a slightly more expensive or luxury mattress, like an extended or even lifetime warranty. You also might not get the benefit of a free, at-home trial. Consider things like warranties and free trials as part of the overall value of the mattress
Consider a Sleeper’s Needs
This is easy to do if you have the same guests each time, but a little more challenging if you host different groups of people.
Here are some things to consider about your guests’ preferences:
- Cooling and airflow: If you live in a warmer climate or are hosting people that tend to feel hot, you’ll want a mattress that has either temperature-neutral or cooling properties. Coil and latex beds naturally sleep cool, but if you’re set on memory foam, look for a product that has either gel or copper infused in the top layer. Gel has cooling properties and copper draws heat away from the body, so both of these materials will help your guests stay comfortable.
- Motion isolation: If you’re hosting couples, opt for a bed that has excellent motion isolation, meaning that if one person moves around or gets up, their partner won’t feel disrupted. Want to spoil your guests? Browse the best hotel mattresses, inspired by mattresses found in luxury hotels.
This is an especially important feature because we don’t tend to sleep as soundly when we’re in a new or strange place. The last thing your guest needs is to be kept awake by a restless sleeping mate.
Memory foam performs best here, hands-down.
- Ease of movement: If your guests need to be able to move freely around the bed or they have health challenges that make it more difficult to get up, look for something that doesn’t cause the body to sink in. So, in short, avoid memory foam and seek out something like latex or coils.
- Support and spine alignment: If you’ve ever slept in a guest room or hotel and woken up with a stiff neck or an achy lower back, it means that the mattress didn’t provide proper support and alignment for your back.
The ideal bed will offer the perfect balance of comfort, pressure relief, and support to allow the body to remain in a neutral. alignment. Higher-density memory foams and hybrid beds tend to perform best here.
- Edge Support: Edge support is the amount of reinforcement around the outside of the mattress, or, the edges. This is what prevents the bed from sinking at the edges so that you can use the entire surface of the bed when you’re sleeping. Without good edge support, it will be more difficult to get out of bed, and you may even hurt your back trying to sleep on a mattress that sinks at the edges.Edge support will be important for those who are sharing a bed with someone else or taller sleepers who need more room to spread out.
Some mattress types, like hybrid and innerspring beds, have inherently supportive edges, so they may not need additional edge support. Be sure to look for additional edge support, though, if you’re shopping for a memory foam or latex mattress, which won’t be naturally firm around the edges.

What Type of Mattress is Best for a Guest Room?
The ideal mattress for your guest bedroom will depend on your budget and the preferences and needs of your guests. In this section, we’ll outline the different options you can choose. If you’re like most people who have houseguests only a handful of times per year, you may be better off buying a budget-friendly mattress, so we’ll share ideas on how you can get a great product at a more reasonable price.

Memory Foam
Memory foam has universal appeal because it contours the shape of a sleeper’s body. There’s a wide range of prices within this category, so here are some things to look out for:
- Temperature – Memory foam sinks into the mattress, which can make some people hot. To help prevent this, some brands offer infusions of gel or copper material that conduct heat away from the body. If you live in a warm climate or will have people over who might complain about this issue, look for something that can keep your guests cool.
- Support – Although memory foam gets top points for comfort, lower-quality foams don’t offer the necessary support. This mostly has to do with the foam’s density, so look for a product that has either a high-density support layer or a medium-density comfort layer.
Ideally, the top layer’s density should be at least 1.8 pounds per cubic foot (PCF), and the support layer should be around 3.5 PCF or higher. If you’re looking at a mattress that’s a single layer, try to stick with something that’s over 2.5 PCF. The product description on the company’s website should readily have these specs available for you to review or you can contact their customer support team to get this information.
Check Out Our Guide: Best Memory Foam Mattresses
Latex
Latex has a look and feel similar to memory foam but with a few notable differences.
- The makeup and manufacturing process of latex usually results in a greener product than memory foam. This principle only applies if you get natural latex, which is sourced from the sap of a rubber tree. Latex is pricier but also more durable (though that might not be the most important thing for you).
- Though it provides a similar type of pressure relief as memory foam, it is more responsive.
There’s more bounce in this type of mattress, so if your guests are older or need help repositioning, this is a feature they’ll appreciate.
View Our Full Guide: Top Rated Latex Mattress
Coil
Also called innerspring, coil mattresses consist of springy coils as the primary support unit with a thin comfort layer on top. There are several types of coils available, but individually pocketed coils have some major benefits. The reason is that each coil will perform independently, allowing your body to sink into the mattress where it needs to.
A continuous coil system provides a flatter surface, which can feel overly firm when the bed is new and then over time, it can sag in all the wrong places. Plus, beds with continuous coils have more motion transfer because they move as one.
Hybrid
Most people consider these beds a great solution if they can’t decide between all-foam and traditional innerspring models. A hybrid will have a combination of materials, blending coils, memory foam, and latex, usually two of the three but sometimes all of them.
Within this category, some brands even offer customization options. For example, if you want something that’s medium-firm with some bounce and you’re a heavier individual, the company’s automated system will build a custom bed that meets your preferences.
Hybrids can be more expensive than other models, but not always, so it is good to do your research to get the best bed at the best price.
Read Our Complete Guide: Best Hybrid Beds
Airbed
For households on a budget or those with limited spaces, airbeds are a perfectly good choice, especially if you follow our recommendations.
As the name suggests, these inflate, but they’ve come a long way in the past several years. There are models that self-inflate by plugging them into a wall outlet, meaning you don’t need special equipment like a compressor to put the air in.
Some models are thicker, so they better mimic the look and feel of a traditional mattress. The best part is that if your guest room serves another purpose other than housing sleeping visitors, you can deflate the air mattress when it’s not in use and store it out of sight.

Tips for a Better Guest Bed Experience
Consider a Great Mattress Topper
If you’ve already got a bed in the guestroom, but it’s getting kind of tired, you can revive it with a mattress topper. These range from 20 dollars to more than 100 dollars, but even if you get one that’s top of the line, it’s still way cheaper than getting a whole new bed.
Toppers can be incredibly helpful in softening up a too-firm mattress or evening out the surface of a sagging one.
Use Mattress Protectors to Increase Lifespan
Having guests, especially children, can expose your mattress to accidents or spills. Having a waterproof mattress protector will create a barrier to damaging materials and help keep your mattress looking new.
Also, if you have a warranty issue, most of the time it will be voided if there are any stains on the mattress, so getting one can help create a safer investment.
Rotate the Mattress
Rotating the surface of the bed will help prolong its life. Since people tend to sleep in the same general area, that localized part of the bed experiences the most wear and tear. By flipping or rotating your mattress, you can balance the wear throughout the mattress.
We will warn you though; rotating a mattress is a bit of a hassle, and it’s not a necessary exercise for everyone. However, if you’ve got an aging or heavily-used sleeping surface, you might be able to extend its life by a couple of years.
What If You Do Not Have Enough Space?
Consider Portable or Foldable Beds
If your guest room also functions as a sewing room, office, or workout space, you might not have room for a bulky piece of furniture.
A portable mattress for guests can provide ample comfort but be stowed away when not in use. Typically, a bed that folds and has wheels at the base of the frame is especially handy, so you can roll it into the closet when you don’t need it.
This type of bed is reminiscent of the cots that you get at hotels, but some are much more comfortable.
Read Our Full Guide: Best Rollaway Bed

Consider Using an Airbed
Airbeds can serve a variety of functions other than just a guest bed. They’re ideal for camping, too, though if you get one for outdoor use, you might need to look for different features than you would for something in the bedroom. This option is ideal as a temporary sleeping solution but is not recommended for long-term, everyday use.
Since you’re probably storing it when not in use, getting something that’s easy to inflate is probably a top priority. Choose something that has the ability to auto-inflate or at least a brand that comes with a portable compressor.
Or a Japanese Futon
Futons are the most basic form of bedding, usually consisting of just a relatively thin, no-frills mattress on a foldable base. We appreciate futons for their versatility. If you only need a temporary bed for guests and plan on using the spare room for other purposes, a Japanese futon bed can serve double duty as a sofa.
Over the years, companies have made a concerted effort to make them more comfortable and better simulate the experience of sleeping on a traditional bed. The only word of caution here is that these tend to be firmer than a regular mattress. If you have houseguests with medical or pain conditions, this might not be the best choice for them.

FAQ about Mattresses for Guest Room
Should you keep sheets on a guest bed?
The answer to this question is a matter of preference, and it is a hotly debated issue in online forums.
There are two schools of thought, which we’ll explain.
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Some say that it makes no sense to leave a bed naked when it would look so much nicer being fully made. They suggest that since no one is sleeping on the bed and it will be covered in a bedspread, the sheets won’t get dirty or dusty.
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Others say that the sheets do indeed collect dust and grow stale over time. They strongly believe in keeping sheets off the bed until it’s time for a guest to come over.
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Sheets can get dusty and lose their feeling of freshness if they’re kept on the bed for weeks or months. Therefore, you can cover your bare mattresses with a washable bedspread, and then a day or two before guests arrive, wash the bedspread and put fresh sheets on the bed.
Regardless of preference on this topic, it can be good to make sure the bed is made when your guests arrive, especially if they come over late at night.
For more information: Our list of Top Rated Sheets
How durable does it have to be?
Unless you have a permanent guest, you can save a lot of money by compromising a little bit on durability.
That being said, you should still make sure that the bed you buy is of decent quality, so your guests can get a restful night of sleep. A good rule of thumb is to buy a bed with a long, risk-free trial and warranty period of several years. Brands with generous policies like that tend to stand behind their products, and you should find some reasonably priced beds with some of the best policies around.
What is a good bed for guests?
The answer to this question largely depends on your budget and how much space you have. If you have a dedicated “guest room” with a space for a bed, we’d recommend going ahead and investing in a good, quality bed (rather than a futon or air mattress).
Since this isn’t specifically a bed for one particular person, you might want to consider getting at least a Full or a Queen Sized bed, so that various people (including couples who are visiting) will sleep comfortably. Along those same lines, you’ll want a medium-firm bed, so that various people, no matter their size, sleeping position, or preference, will sleep well while they’re staying with you.
If you’re unsure of the type of bed to get, hybrids and memory foam beds can be great options for guest sleepers.
How much money should I spend on a guest bed?
The answer to this depends. How often will somebody be using this bed? Will the same person be sleeping in this bed regularly or different occasional guests?
In general, if the bed is not your own and likely won’t be used full-time, you probably won’t want to spend an exorbitant amount on the mattress – at least, not more than you spent on your own bed.
The beds we’ve reviewed above range from around 800 dollars to 1,400 dollars; anything more than that might feel too luxurious for an occasionally-used bed, and anything less might not be the best quality.
As well as considering the sticker price, keep in mind the warranty and the trial period as these also add to the bed’s value. A good rule of thumb is to find a long, risk-free trial and a warranty of several years.
What is the best affordable mattress for a guest room?
The guest room mattress is unique in that it needs to work for a variety of people, so it needs to be a very “middle ground” type of mattress, or if you like the Goldilocks metaphor, it needs to be “just right.”
That said, look for a foam or hybrid mattress that is medium-firm, since this will suit most sleepers well. In general, foam and hybrid mattresses are affordable (you can find a variety of them for less than 1,000 dollars). If you want extra savings, make sure you’re shopping online or during holiday sales.
What size bed should go in a guest room?
You’ll need to ask yourself, who is going to be using this bed? If the answer is almost always individuals, you might be able to get away with buying a Twin bed and saving a lot of money.
However, most people will have some variety of guests, which include couples. If that’s the case for you, you’ll want to invest in a Queen or at least a Full. If you do decide to downsize from a Queen to a Full, it might mean saving 100 dollars or more, and the difference in size is not much. Again, though, picture the people who will be using the bed and determine how much space they’ll need.
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you choose the perfect mattress for your guest bedroom. Remember, the most important factors to consider are how often the mattress will be slept on and your guests’ preferences. Once you have this information in hand, you’ll be able to use our helpful tips to get the most value for your budget.
Jill Zwarensteyn is the editor for Sleep Advisor and a certified sleep science coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.
Based in Los Angeles, she is an experienced writer and journalist who enjoys spending her free time at the beach, hiking, reading, or exploring new places around town.
She’s also an avid traveler who has a personal goal of being able to successfully sleep on an airplane someday.