If you’ve spent a restless night on a friend’s or family member’s worn-out guest bed, you’re probably all too familiar with how uncomfortable guest sleeping arrangements can be. While it’s not always necessary to have a top-of-the-line mattress, your visitors will surely appreciate an upgrade from a lumpy sofa or bed.
If your guest bedroom is used pretty infrequently, it probably doesn’t make sense to sink a ton of money into a guest bed. With that said, there are many budget-friendly models that don’t sacrifice quality.
Mattress type, size, firmness, durability, and cost are among the most important considerations when shopping for a guest bed. We’ll highlight our picks for the best mattress for a guest room, which include a range of mattress types and price-points.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following four options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for a guest room.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Puffy Cloud Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Puffy Mattress has an all-foam design that conforms closely to your body for excellent pressure relief. The plush design earned this bed high marks from the side and back sleepers on our test team, since these sleepers need cushioning for the shoulders, hips, and spine.
Buy From Puffy
Side and Back Sleepers
Medium
Fair Value
Isolates Motion
Pros
- Standout pressure relief
- Stain-resistant polyester cover
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Stomach sleepers may find the bed too soft
- Hot sleepers may feel too warm
Why We Like It
The Puffy Mattress has an all-foam design that combines solid performance with affordability. The mattress has a medium feel that registers as a 5 on our 10-point firmness scale. While designed to accommodate all sleep styles, we found the mattress performs especially well for side sleepers under 230 pounds and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Anyone who enjoys the close hug of memory foam is likely to enjoy the Puffy Mattress.
With its medium firmness, reinforced perimeter, and durable design, we found this mattress to be a good fit for many sleeper types, making it ideal for guest rooms.
How Does It Feel?
The mattress starts with a quilted polyester cover that resists stains and rustling sounds. A 2-inch comfort layer of Cooling Cloud memory foam contours the body to alleviate tension. Gel infusions are designed to reduce heat buildup, which is often an issue with foams that provide a close hug. A transitional layer of Climate Comfort polyfoam boosts pressure relief while encouraging good sleep posture.
Stabilizing the mattress is 6 inches of Firm Core Support polyfoam. The foam’s higher density helps keep sleepers from sinking too deeply, which can throw off spinal alignment. A reinforced perimeter prevents excess sagging along the edges of the bed, which is a tendency of all-foam models. An anti-slip base cover is designed to keep the mattress firmly in place.
All the layers absorb motion well, contributing to the bed’s whisper-quiet noise rating. Given the mattress’ exceptional pressure relief, visitors are less likely to wake up with sore muscles and stiff joints. The Puffy has above-average durability, and the lifespan should be even longer when used as an occasional guest bed.
Most Comfortable Mattress
DreamCloud Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The DreamCloud Mattress offers an even balance of contouring and support that should feel comfortable for a wide range of sleepers. The cashmere-blend cover adds a nice touch of luxury for your guests.
Buy From DreamCloud
Combination Sleepers
Medium Firm
Great Value
Isolates Motion
Pros
- Soft cashmere-blend cover with plush polyfoam
- Hybrid design blends responsiveness with pressure relief
- 14 inches tall
Cons
- Some sleepers may find the bed too tall
- Only available in one firmness option
Why We Like It
The DreamCloud Mattress is a versatile hybrid that comfortably accommodates a range of body sizes and sleep positions. Featuring five distinct layers, the mattress combines a strong coiled core with plush and supportive foam layers. A majority of guests should feel comfortable on its medium firm (6) feel, which is the most widely popular firmness level.
Thanks to its hybrid construction, we found the DreamCloud to be a good fit for those who appreciate the cushioning of a foam mattress but who sleep hot on all-foam models. The plush comfort layers help prevent pressure points from forming, while the individually wrapped coils underneath allow for exceptional airflow.
How Does It Feel?
Topping the mattress is a cozy yet breathable cashmere cover. Plush polyfoam is sewn inside the cover, giving sleepers subtle pressure relief. A layer of gel-infused memory foam provides even contouring and minimizes tension along the spine. Gel infusions are designed to offset memory foam’s tendency to trap heat.
Next is a transitional layer of polyfoam that keeps sleepers from sinking too far into the plusher memory foam. By distributing body weight more evenly, the polyfoam also eases pressure points. The coiled core below gives the mattress some bounce without permitting significant motion transfer. The individually wrapped springs are engineered to increase airflow for better temperature control.
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Latex Hybrid
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Saatva Latex Hybrid has a luxurious design that combines a plush Euro-top with wool, latex, and coils zoned for extra support. This model is a crowd-pleaser for many different body types and sleep positions.
Buy From Saatva
Combination Sleepers
Medium Firm
Fair Value
Some Motion Transfer
Pros
- Zoned Talalay latex for targeted support
- Breathable cotton and wool wick away heat and moisture
- Free White Glove delivery
Cons
- Only one firmness option is available
- Side sleepers under 130 pounds may need a softer bed
Why We Like It
This Saatva model is a great option for those looking to give their guests a luxurious night of sleep, regardless of sleeper type. We found that its responsive latex subtly cradles the body, while its pocketed coils prevent sinkage and provide even support for the entire mattress.
Designed with luxury in mind, the Saatva Latex Hybrid uses premium natural and organic materials to optimize comfort and temperature regulation. The mattress performs well for all sleep positions, and its robust coiled core is supportive enough for people over 230 pounds. The five-layer design has a balanced medium firm (6) feel that should appeal to most guests.
How Does It Feel?
Measuring 12 inches thick, the mattress starts with a cushiony Euro-top. The breathable organic cotton cover is treated with Saatva’s exclusive Guardin, a botanical treatment designed to reduce bacterial growth. A layer of organic wool naturally wicks away heat and moisture while also acting as a flame retardant.
Next is 3 inches of zoned Talalay latex, which is springier and more responsive than the foams typically used in comfort systems. The zoned layout provides extra support to the back, while tiny perforations are designed to promote air circulation.
A pocketed coil support system enhances the responsiveness of the comfort layers. Each spring is encased to limit motion transfer and prevent heat buildup. The zoned configuration gives sleepers variable support, so heavier body parts receive more pushback than lighter areas. The perimeter is reinforced with stronger coils, so excess sagging along the edges shouldn’t be a problem. An organic cotton and wool base stabilizes the mattress.
Best Mattress for Restless Sleepers
Nolah Signature 12
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nolah Signature 12 is an all-foam mattress that hugs your body deeply. Our testers found the bed excelled at absorbing motion and noise, so we highly recommend the mattress for restless sleepers who frequently wake their sleep partner with nighttime movements.
Buy From Nolah
Couples
Medium
Great Value
Isolates Motion
Pros
- Substantial comfort layers provide close contouring
- Breathable organic cotton cover
- Durable 7-inch polyfoam support core
Cons
- Stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer bed
- Hot sleepers may find the foam too warm
Why We Like It
Since side sleeping is the most popular position by far, many of your guests will appreciate a mattress that sufficiently cushions the shoulders and hips. The Nolah Signature 12 is one such design, as the mattress excels for side sleepers of any weight bracket. The all-foam construction uses various polyfoam layers to ease tension while supporting spinal alignment. The mattress has a medium (5) feel on our 10-point firmness scale.
Sleeping in a new bed can be an adjustment, so guests who toss and turn will appreciate this mattress’ motion isolation and noise absorption. Its various foam layers conform to the body and relieve pressure in the shoulders and hips, making it an especially good fit for side sleepers.
How Does It Feel?
A diamond-patterned organic cotton cover is designed to draw heat and moisture away from the surface. The comfort system uses Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam, which is a type of polyfoam designed to blend responsiveness with contouring. The top 2.5-inch layer of AirFoam closely conforms to the body, while a denser polyfoam layer below prevents sleepers from collapsing into the core. A firmer and thinner layer of AirFoam rounds out the comfort system and is designed to target pressure points along the spine, hips, and shoulders.
Some all-foam models are prone to premature sagging, but the Nolah Signature 12 uses 7 inches of high-density polyfoam to offset this tendency. The polyfoam core also absorbs motion and noise, resulting in fewer nighttime disturbances. The base is covered in a knitted polyester-blend cover that helps keep the mattress from sliding around. All layers add up to 12 inches, so the mattress is an average height.
While all of the side sleepers on our testing team enjoyed the Signature 12’s medium firmness, those under 130 pounds were particularly impressed with the AirFoam’s ability to reduce motion transfer from a partner’s movements on the other side of the bed.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our goal is to provide consumers with unbiased, research-backed information that can improve sleep quality. Our testers encompass different body types and sleep styles, so our feedback is applicable to a wider population. Our team has tested and reviewed hundreds of mattresses over the years, and our top picks span a range of styles, manufacturers, and price-points.
More Mattress Options for Specific Needs
How to Choose a Mattress for a Guest Room
Given that guest beds are meant to sleep a variety of people, it makes sense to choose a mattress that will appeal to the vast majority of visitors. Among the most important factors to consider are size, type, and firmness.
While there is no one-size-fits-all model, certain features are consistently pleasing to the majority of sleepers. For example, a medium firm mattress is usually a safe bet since it’s the most universally appealing.
How Big Is Your Guest Room?
Room size is probably the most obvious consideration, but it’s one that can be easily overlooked or misjudged if not measured correctly. Most guest bedrooms have full or queen size mattresses since they comfortably sleep both individuals and couples. If your guest room is small, a larger mattress can leave visitors feeling cramped.
Before choosing a mattress, use measuring tape to determine the dimensions of your room. Just remember to factor in at least a few feet for walking space and furniture when deciding on an appropriate mattress size. While some companies feature uncommon dimensions and custom sizes, most offer the six standard mattress sizes, ranging from twin to California king.
Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
Twin | 38″ x 75″ |
Twin XL | 38″ x 80″ |
Full | 54″ x 75″ |
Queen | 60″ x 80″ |
King | 76″ x 80″ |
California King | 72″ x 84″ |
If you have the space, you might consider investing in a king size mattress that can generously accommodate couples. If your room is on the cozy side, a twin XL should work just fine for one guest, though couples will likely need at least a full size bed to sleep comfortably.
Who Will Be Using the Mattress?
If you tend to entertain a range of guests, it’s not always possible to anticipate who will be using your guest bed. But if you regularly host family members or close friends, it’s easier to determine which size, type, and firmness is most appropriate for the mattress.
If your older parents regularly visit, you might consider opting for a model that offers more support. If young nieces and nephews consistently sleep over, a twin XL or full size mattress might be a more suitable size.
While it’s impossible to find one mattress that pleases everyone, try to evaluate the needs and preferences of the majority of your future guests.
How Often Will the Mattress Be Used?
A guest mattress should, in theory, last longer than one used on a nightly basis, but durability is still a factor to consider. If you regularly host guests, opting for a more robust style like a latex or hybrid might be a wise choice. These models are typically more expensive, but their longer lifespan should save you money in the long run.
If you’re a very occasional host, durability doesn’t need to be a top priority. Periodically rotating a mattress after it’s been slept on can lengthen its lifespan.
What Type of Mattress Is Best for a Guest Room?
Mattresses come in a variety of styles to satisfy different sleepers. Knowing the pros and cons of each mattress type can help you choose the fit that will satisfy the majority of your guests.
Foam Mattresses
As the name suggests, this style of mattress is made entirely from foam and may include various types, like polyfoam and memory foam. Foam mattresses tend to offer exceptional pressure relief since they closely conform to a sleeper’s body.
Without the strength of a coiled core, some foam models develop notable surface indentations. This is less of an issue with guest beds, however, given their sporadic use. Foam mattresses are often budget-friendly, making this mattress type an attractive choice for a bedroom that’s only used occasionally.
Hybrid Mattresses
A hybrid mattress integrates a pocketed coil core with a substantial comfort system typically made from a combination of memory foam, polyfoam, or latex layers. By capitalizing on the strengths of different construction methods, hybrids offer a nice balance of contouring and support.
This mattress type generally accommodates various body sizes and sleep positions, so it’s a solid choice for a bed that’s going to be used by multiple people. One potential drawback is that hybrids tend to be pricier.
Innerspring Mattresses
The most traditional style, an innerspring mattress combines metal coils with a minimal comfort system. The terms hybrid and innerspring are often used interchangeably, but there are notable distinctions between the two.
Hybrids have much thicker comfort layers than traditional innerspring models, so they usually offer better pressure relief. Some sleepers find innerspring mattresses to be too firm, which is why they’ve been largely replaced by hybrids today.
Innersprings are usually the most economical design, so they can be a viable option for a guest bed that will only be used rarely. Just make sure you opt for a model that offers sufficient support.
Latex Mattresses
A latex mattress incorporates a dense latex support core with a softer latex comfort system. The latex can be either natural, synthetic, or a combination of both. Latex offers similar contouring to foam but is springier and more breathable.
Latex mattresses are typically quite durable, though they tend to command higher price-points. If you live in a warm or humid climate, a latex mattress can help keep your guests cool and comfortable.
What Last Things Should You Know When Buying a Bed for a Guest Room?
A mattress isn’t the only answer to accommodating overnight guests. A number of alternative sleep arrangements can also be used, and you may also want to consider other bedding products that can enhance your visitors’ stay.
Space-Saving Bed Types
Not everyone has the layout or space to have a designated guest bedroom. It might take some creativity, but small-space hacks can be useful alternatives to the traditional guest bedroom.
Futon
Futons are a convenient and space-saving solution to entertaining guests. Their foldable, compact size means they can fit in very small rooms and can be stored in the garage when not in use. A futon can also double as a couch, making it a versatile alternative to a guest bed.
Foldable Beds
If you don’t have a devoted guest bedroom, then a foldable bed can be a handy substitute. They can be discreetly stored in an office or living room, which helps keep clutter to a minimum.
Sleeper Sofas
A sleeper sofa has a mattress stored inside its frame that can be pulled out to form a flat sleeping surface. If you don’t have a guest bedroom, a sleeper sofa can function as a couch in a living area or other room.
Best Mattress Accessories for a Guest Bed
Sleep accessories like pillows and mattress toppers can be an effective complement to any guest bed. They are a relatively inexpensive way to enhance comfort, especially if your guest has specific sleep needs. To a certain extent, pillows and toppers can help compensate for a lackluster mattress.
Pillows
The loft and feel of a pillow varies based on its materials and construction method. Similar to mattress type, pillow preference largely depends on a person’s sleep style. Side sleepers typically prefer thicker pillows, while back sleepers generally fare better with mid-loft pillows and stomach sleepers usually need minimal pillow loft. Since most people prefer side sleeping, opting for two medium- to high-loft pillows with a midrange firmness is generally a safe bet.
Mattress Toppers
A mattress topper is generally 1 to 4 inches thick and is designed to rest on top of a mattress. Toppers can be made from a variety of materials, including latex, memory foam, polyfoam, feathers, down, and down alternative. A topper fine-tunes the overall feel of a mattress, so it can be a budget-friendly way to cater to the preferences of your guests. A topper can also help rejuvenate a mattress that has seen some wear.
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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