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Cultivating the perfect sleep environment for your vacation rental can set you apart from the crowd and help you maximize your positive reviews. But it can be challenging to pick the right mattress for yourself, let alone choosing a mattress for strangers.
We’ll highlight our top picks for the best Airbnb mattresses, exploring each model’s materials, construction, and performance. We’ll teach you how to choose a mattress that fits your clientele as well as your space. You’ll also learn which constructions and firmness levels work the best for the most people, and which materials you may want to avoid.
The Sleep Doctor's Picks
Best Overall
Nectar Mattress
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
Price Range: $399 – $1,138
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- All-foam construction isolates motion
- Midrange firmness level provides excellent support for a wide range of sleepers
- Memory foam comfort system cushions pressure points
Ideal For
- Back, stomach, and side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds
- Value seekers
- Shoppers looking for a blend of pressure relief and motion isolation
The medium firm (6) Nectar Mattress is a well-rounded model, making it an excellent pick for vacation rentals. Its firmness level sits squarely in the range that most sleepers find comfortable, and our testers reported that it offers significant support without feeling too firm. Additionally, adding this model to your Airbnb won’t break the bank, as its price-point is quite affordable compared to other luxury mattresses.
While the Nectar Mattress doesn’t regulate temperature as well as a hybrid or innerspring model, its poly-blend mattress cover features proprietary cooling fibers designed to wick away heat and moisture.
The Nectar Mattress has an all-foam design that incorporates polyfoam and memory foam into its three layers. The comfort system features gel-infused memory foam that hugs your body to evenly disperse your weight and relieve pressure point discomfort. The gel infusion is designed to prevent heat retention, which helps this model sleep cool.
The polyfoam transitional layer creates a barrier that prevents you from sinking too deeply into the mattress.This means you’re likely to feel like you’re sleeping “on” rather than “in” the mattress. The high-density polyfoam support core is firm enough to provide proper spinal alignment for back, stomach, and side sleepers up to 230 pounds. Additionally, the Nectar’s thick foam layers successfully absorb motion, ensuring that couples can each move on their side of the bed without disturbing their partner.
Nectar offers shoppers a 365-night sleep trial, a definite bonus for those wondering if it’s a good fit for their rental property. The mattress carries a limited lifetime warranty and ships for free within the contiguous U.S.
The Nectar Mattress is a good choice for your Airbnb if you’re looking for a mattress that can serve a wide variety of guests with different sleep styles and body types. It provides good pressure relief and can help ensure that vacationing co-sleepers don’t disturb each other when they move during the night.
Most Durable
Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress
Details
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Firm (7)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,398 – $2,198
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Dunlop latex resists wear and tear for long-lasting cushioning and support
- Organic cotton and wool cover helps maintain a cool sleep surface
- Year-long sleep trial
Ideal For
- People who dislike the hug of foam
- Hot sleepers
- Shoppers looking for a model with a lengthy sleep trial
Those who want to invest in a durable mattress for their rental property should consider a latex hybrid. Latex doesn’t tend to wear out as quickly as foam, and the steel coils in the support core of a hybrid latex mattress help create a supportive sleep surface even after years of continuous use.
The Awara Natural Hybrid is a prime example of a durable latex hybrid. It features a comfort layer of Dunlop latex, a naturally dense and long-lasting material that cushions the body while preventing you from sinking in too deeply. A firm (7) feel and thick coil system further ensure that this mattress will hold up well.
The hybrid’s cover is composed of breathable organic cotton, and it has organic New Zealand wool batting sewn to the cover to serve as a natural fire barrier. This material also has moisture-wicking properties to keep you dry and comfortable on humid nights. Dunlop latex retains minimal body heat, and the coils promote steady airflow, so the mattress is a great option for hot sleepers and people who reside in exceptionally warm locations.
The Awara Natural Hybrid earned excellent ratings from the back and stomach sleepers on our team who weigh at least 130 pounds. The dense latex and robust coil support help the mattress maintain an even sleep surface without sinking too deeply – a common source of discomfort for back and stomach sleepers. Based on our tests, side sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds should also find the mattress comfortable.
The latex used in this mattress has received certifications from the Forest Stewardship Council and the Rainforest Alliance, both of which indicate that the rubber trees used to produce the latex are sustainably grown and harvested.
Awara provides free ground shipping throughout the contiguous U.S. Your purchase includes a year-long sleep trial, so you’ll have plenty of time to test out the mattress and decide if it’s right for you. The mattress is also backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
Airbnb owners looking for a durable latex mattress are likely to appreciate the Awara Natural Hybrid. While latex can make a mattress heavier and harder to move, our tests showed that the Natural Hybrid sleeps cool and provides good pressure relief, which could be a good trade-off for some hosts.
Most Comfortable
WinkBed
Details
Type: Innerspring
Firmness: Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $1,149 – $2,049
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Available in four firmness levels
- Euro-top helps relieve pressure point discomfort
- Reinforced perimeter heightens edge support
Ideal For
- Airbnb hosts in hot climates
- Sleepers who prefer a responsive bed
- Those who rent their home to couples
The WinkBed successfully blends the responsiveness of an innerspring mattress with the pressure relief of a foam mattress. It’s available in four firmness levels, so shoppers have their pick of several different sleep surfaces. Vacation rental hosts looking to appeal to the widest range of sleepers should consider the Luxury Firm or Firm models, which have medium firm (6) and firm (7) feels, respectively. The Softer or Plus models offer medium soft (4) and firm (8) feels. The latter is specifically designed for people who weigh more than 230 pounds.
Though each model’s composition varies slightly, they all share the same basic design, beginning with a Euro-top. The gel-infused polyfoam quilted directly into the surface cushions joints and pressure points without absorbing too much body heat. Another layer of polyfoam separates the Euro-top and support core to reinforce the mattress’ construction. In the Plus, the second foam layer is swapped out for a layer of responsive, supportive latex.
The WinkBed’s support core boasts hundreds of individually wrapped coils that are split into distinct zones. Each section compresses differently to keep your spine evenly supported without allowing pressure build up. Higher gauge coils run around the mattress’ perimeter to increase edge support and ensure you can use the whole surface.
The WinkBed excelled in many categories during our sleep lab testing, with especially high marks for temperature control, durability, pressure relief, and edge support. The coils provide good support, while the foam layers enhance comfort and cushioning. Though this model has a slightly above-average price-point, it’s well-made and likely to last.
The WinkBed carries a generous limited lifetime warranty and a 120-night sleep trial. Those who live in the contiguous U.S. receive free shipping.
Airbnb hosts who want to purchase a comfortable mattress that will appeal to a wide range of sleepers are likely to find what they need among the WinkBed’s many firmness options. Additionally, our tests showed that the WinkBed is a good fit for couples and those who sleep hot.
Best Luxury
Saatva Classic
Details
Type: Innerspring
Firmness: Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King, Split California King
Price Range: $995 – $2,710
Warranty: Lifetime, Limited
Highlights
- Three firmness levels to choose between
- Increased lower back support
- Responsive coil-on-coil design
Ideal For
- Vacation rental hosts looking for a high-end mattress
- Those willing to spend a bit more for a luxe option
- Sleepers who want a balance of cushioning and bounce
The Saatva Classic delivers a strong blend of support and cushioning that works well for a wide range of sleepers. Shoppers can choose from three firmness levels: soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8). While any of these options would fit well in a vacation rental, the medium firm’s balanced feel will likely appeal to the most people. Though this model has a luxury price-point, it’s a worthwhile choice for shoppers who want a high-end mattress to complement their rental.
The three Saatva Classic models share the same design, though exact specifications differ slightly between them. They start with a plush Euro-top that uses polyfoam to soften the mattress’ surface. We found that this added padding cushions and absorbs impact, alleviating buildup beneath pressure points. A memory foam lumbar pad further enhances pressure relief and increases lower back support.
Between the foam and support core, there’s a layer of pocketed microcoils to heighten support under your midsection. This layer and the pocketed coil support core below provide top-notch spinal alignment. There’s also an extra layer of high-density polyfoam around the edges to provide strong support across the entire mattress.
You can choose between 11.5-inch and 14.5-inch profiles, though shoppers should note that the thicker model may require a low-profile foundation and deep-pocket sheets. Regardless of which profile and firmness level you choose, you should find that the Saatva Classic successfully controls temperature and relieves pressure points while remaining quite responsive.
Saatva provides free White Glove delivery and old mattress removal for shoppers in the contiguous U.S. You can try the Saatva Classic for up to 365 nights, though returned mattresses incur a $99 fee. The lifetime warranty covers various defects and mattress replacement options.
The Saatva Classic provides luxury and comfort to any Airbnb rental. Its multiple profiles and firmness levels, not to mention its solid pressure relief and edge support, make it a good fit for a wide variety of guests.
Best for Warm Climates
Cocoon Chill
Details
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium Firm (6)
Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
Price Range: $769 – $1,539
Warranty: 10 Year, Limited
Highlights
- Phase change material captures and dissipates body heat
- Memory foam contours evenly to distribute weight and alleviate pressure
- Excellent motion isolation and no noise
Ideal For
- Those who own property in hot or humid locations
- Couples
- Sleepers who experience frequent pain or pressure along the spine
If your Airbnb rental property is located in a place subject to exceptionally warm or humid conditions, you should consider a mattress that sleeps cool. Foam mattresses aren’t known for their strong temperature control, but the Cocoon Chill is a rare exception. This all-foam model lives up to its name thanks to a cover made of phase change material, which is engineered to release heat from the surface and feel cool to the touch at all times. Your overnight guests can benefit from the comfortable contouring and pressure relief of memory foam without overheating while they sleep.
The Chill’s three-layer design begins with memory foam, followed by transitional polyfoam and robust base foam. Each layer is progressively denser from top to bottom, so you’ll notice a bit of plushness when you get into bed but even support as your body settles. The mattress is medium firm (6). Our hands-on tests show the Chill is best suited to side sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds.
Motion isolation is a major strength. We asked two testers to lie side by side on the Chill, and neither felt any motion transfer when the other person changed sleep positions or got on and off the mattress. Pressure relief was another highlight during our tests. We monitor pressure with body-mapping technology, and our sensors revealed little to no pressure buildup for most of our testers.
The Chill is affordably priced and Cocoon frequently offers discounts that reduce the up-front cost by a considerable margin. Shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. Your order includes a 100-night trial period. If you aren’t satisfied with the mattress, you may return it for free, but those who keep their Chill receive a 10-year warranty against structural defects.
The Cocoon Chill achieves the rare feat of sleeping cool despite an all-foam design. A phase change cover does most of the heavy lifting by dissipating body heat on contact, but the Chill’s medium firm feel also ensures most people won’t sink too much and lose their surface airflow. Other standout qualities of this mattress include excellent motion isolation and consistent pressure relief.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team of sleep product experts has reviewed hundreds of mattresses over the years, examining how each one stacks up when it’s put through a series of performance tests. Much like the general population, our testers have different body weights, sleep styles, and habits. This diversity allows us to provide insights that can help a wide range of sleepers.
Our strategy is particularly helpful for reviewing vacation rental mattresses, as the best mattress for an Airbnb is one with wide-ranging appeal. In addition to trying each model out in person, we also put them to the test using techniques such as infrared thermometers and body mapping technology to determine how well each model does in a variety of categories. We take particular care to inspect mattress quality and durability, two important factors to consider when outfitting a vacation home.
What Should You Know About Buying a Mattress for Your Airbnb and Vacation Rental Property?
The first steps for buying an Airbnb mattress are very similar to choosing one for yourself – you should consider your ideal mattress design, materials, and budget. However, you’ll also need to anticipate your guests’ needs and tailor your purchase accordingly.
Find the Right Type of Mattress
Each type of mattress has its pros and cons. It’s important to think about your non-negotiables and find a mattress construction that addresses them. Once you have your preferences narrowed down to a few designs, it will be much less overwhelming to choose between brands and models.
Choose a Mattress With Wide Appeal
Chances are you’ll host people with many different body types and sleep preferences. A mattress that’s very soft or firm may wow a small percentage of your guests, but it won’t please the masses. A mattress that has midrange firmness and above-average performance across many categories is a better option than a model with outstanding performance in just one or two.
You Can’t Go Wrong with Good Pillows
The best pillows can enhance your mattress and add a luxe touch. Conversely, flat or lumpy pillows may ruin an otherwise exceptional sleep experience. When shopping for pillows, the same rules apply – make sure to choose models that stomach, back, and side sleepers can all find comfortable.
Long-Term Care for Your Vacation Rental Mattress
A waterproof, antimicrobial mattress cover can be especially useful when it comes to protecting the longevity of your mattress. You should also occasionally rotate the mattress 180 degrees to prevent excessive wear and tear. If you have a flippable mattress, consider swapping sides periodically.
Best Mattress Types for Airbnb and Vacation Rental Properties
All sleepers need a mattress that keeps their spine evenly and comfortably supported. Every type of mattress construction targets these needs, though they each approach them differently.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses have a blended construction that can vary widely depending on the manufacturer and model. Generally, hybrids use a multilayered design with a comfort system that rests on a pocketed coil support core. Most often, these comfort layers incorporate memory foam, polyfoam, wool, or latex. The coil support cores offer even spinal alignment, while the comfort systems have designs that target different needs.
Hybrids with midrange firmness levels are an excellent choice for vacation rentals, as they often provide a combination of support and cushioning that appeals to many sleepers. However, they tend to be more expensive than all-foam mattresses.
What About Innerspring Beds?
Some companies use the terms innerspring and hybrid interchangeably because both kinds of mattresses have coil support cores. Historically, innersprings had far less of a comfort system than hybrids. Today, however, innerspring designs are often quite similar to hybrids and may include built-in comfort options like a Euro-top or pillow-top that provides additional cushioning.
Many well-made innersprings have an excellent balance of plushness and support, though you should check that a model has adequate padding on top of the coil system. If an innerspring lacks a pillow-top or Euro-top, you may be able to feel the springs when lying down.
Foam Mattresses
All-foam mattresses layer different types of foams on top of one another to create a surface that both supports and cushions. Polyfoam and memory foam are the most popular options, and many manufacturers combine the two. The best foam mattresses are famous for their exceptional pressure relief and motion isolation. However, they tend to trap more heat than innersprings and hybrids.
All-foam mattresses can be quite affordable, and they ship easily.
Does Memory Foam Make a Good Mattress for an Airbnb?
Memory foam can be a good option for an Airbnb mattress, but some hosts may prefer a hybrid that incorporates memory foam instead of an all-foam model. While memory foam compresses easily to relieve pressure points and offer a full-body hug, this effect will not appeal to everyone.
Memory foam doesn’t have as much structure as springs do, which can make getting in and out of a memory foam mattress tricky for some. If your rental caters to older guests or people with limited mobility, a memory foam mattress might not have enough edge support for their needs.
Memory foam also tends to trap body heat because it doesn’t allow for much airflow. Gel and copper infusions aim to reduce excess warmth, but hybrid and innerspring mattresses are inherently cooler than all-foam models. If your home is in a warm climate, your guests may find themselves too hot on a memory foam mattress.
Memory foam and polyfoam tend to be very lightweight, so they do give hosts an advantage when it comes to situations that involve moving the mattress. Hybrid and innerspring mattresses may require help from a partner, and latex mattresses are the heaviest and most unwieldy type of mattress to move.
Though memory foam may have its drawbacks, choosing a hybrid model with a memory foam comfort system can give your guests the best of both worlds by providing edge support, temperature control, and pressure relief all in one mattress.
Latex Mattresses
Latex is made from the sap of rubber trees and has the same resilient and responsive qualities as rubber. It alleviates pressure well without compressing significantly, which makes it appealing for sleepers who need both strong support and pressure relief. It also sleeps cooler than foam because its internal structure allows for increased airflow. However, latex can be heavy and expensive on its own. Choosing a hybrid mattress with a latex layer can be a good compromise.
Choose a Mattress With Wider Appeal
The best bed for an Airbnb is one that provides support and comfort to the greatest number of people. Firmness level is one of the most important factors to consider when looking for a mattress that will appeal to a large range of sleepers.
We measure firmness on a 10-point scale. The higher the number, the firmer the mattress. We’ve found that medium (5) and medium firm (6) mattresses provide a combination of support and cushioning that’s adequate for most sleepers, especially when it’s for just a few nights.
Though sleep preferences can change depending on weight and sleeping position, side sleepers and people weighing under 130 pounds tend to favor softer models, as a mattress with significant cushioning is less likely to cause them pressure point discomfort. Stomach sleepers and people who weigh more than 230 pounds need the most support. A mattress that’s too soft allows their spines to curve uncomfortably. Back sleepers and people who weigh between 130 pounds and 230 pounds often prefer a mattress with midrange firmness.
Customer demographics vary depending on the type of rental you offer and your target audience, so choosing a mattress can be tricky. The average adult weighs under 230 pounds and sleeps on their back or side, so consider purchasing a mattress that appeals to this group. A medium firm (6) model offers the most versatility. You can always soften a mattress by adding a topper, but it’s much tougher to increase its firmness level.
What is the Best Size Mattress for Your Vacation Rental?
Queen size mattresses offer the most versatility, since they comfortably fit one to two adults, and most rooms can accommodate their dimensions. Before purchasing, take stock of your space and determine what mattress sizes will fit in it. You can use a murphy bed if you have limited floor space, or you can add a king if you’ve got the room.
The type of rental can also inform what size bed to buy. Airbnbs that house families typically have different needs than couples, so purchase beds accordingly.
What if You’re Cramped for Space?
If you need to maximize limited space, twin XL and full beds are worthwhile options. Though they aren’t wide enough for two people, twin XLs are as long as queen and king beds, so most adults can use one comfortably. They’re also excellent options for rooms meant to accommodate kids, as you can sleep multiple people in a room without taking up too much floor space. If you need a bed that sleeps one to two people, but you don’t have the room for a queen, a full is the next best option. Full mattresses are 6 inches narrower than a queen, so they can fit in smaller spaces.
How to Pick the Right Pillows for Your Guests
It’s important to buy pillows that a range of sleepers find comfortable. Pillows come in multiple lofts, or heights, and each suits a different sleeper type. Stomach sleepers usually enjoy pillows with low loft that keeps their neck at a comfortable angle, while side sleepers like high-loft pillows that keep their necks evenly supported. Medium-loft pillows bridge the gap between the two, though you can also buy pillows with adjustable lofts.
Pillows have many types of fill, from classic down to latex and shredded memory foam. Choosing a fill material that’s unlikely to cause allergies may be prudent, as latex, down, and wool can irritate some sleepers. Down alternative fibers, memory foam, polyfoam, and polyfill are all comfortable, supportive options that are available at many price-points.
Extending the Lifespan of Your Vacation Rental Mattress
If you want to maximize your profits, it pays to protect your mattress. A waterproof cover that fully encases your mattress is an excellent addition to any rental home. It’s an inexpensive way to safeguard against spills and general wear and tear. It also makes mattress cleaning much simpler and ensures that each of your guests has a fresh sleep surface.
Though there are a few exceptions, most contemporary mattresses don’t need to be flipped. If you don’t have a flippable model, you can still rotate your mattress 180 degrees to prevent sagging and indentations in the surface.
When Is It Time to Replace the Mattress in Your Airbnb?
Determining when to replace your Airbnb mattress will depend on a lot of factors. Most mattresses last between five and seven years, though this number will depend on the mattress’ composition and how frequently it’s used. If your vacation rental only gets seasonal use, you may be able to push how long you can go between mattress purchases.
You can ensure your guests have a comfortable night’s sleep by periodically using the mattress yourself. Take note of how it feels compared to when you first purchased it, and make sure to check for cracks, lumps, sagging, stains, and odors. Adding a topper may extend a mattress’ lifespan, and taking a close look at the mattress’ warranty is also important. Many models have comprehensive warranties that cover sagging, cracks, and manufacturer defects.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- Position: Side Sleeper
- Temperature: Neutral Sleeper
- Chronotype: Wolf
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