Best Mattress for a Guest Room 2023

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It’s so fun to have house guests — they hog the bathroom, leave dishes in the sink, and eat the very last cookie. Still, everyone wants to be a good host and ensure guests are as comfortable as possible. One way to do that is to find the best mattress for a guest room.

Finding a comfortable mattress for the guest room can go a long way, but what should people be looking for when they are shopping? Well, we have a list of mattresses that should be a fantastic fit for many types of sleepers. Whether it’s a mother-in-law coming for an extra-long stay or an old friend from college who just needs to crash on their way cross country, we’ve got them covered.

Our Verdict: What’s the Best Mattress for a Guest Room?

Our expert reviewers chose the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery as the best mattress for a guest room based on its affordability with quality materials, versatile uses, and durability.

Our Top Picks for the Best Mattress for Guest Rooms

Best Mattress for a Guest Room 2023: Our Video Roundup

Compare the Best Mattresses for a Guest Room

Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress Helix Midnight Mattress Nectar Mattress DreamCloud Original Mattress Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid WinkBed Mattress Nolah Original 10 Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress Helix Midnight Mattress Nectar Mattress DreamCloud Original Mattress Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid WinkBed Mattress Nolah Original 10" Mattress Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
Rating
Firmness Soft: 6/10 Medium-firm: 7/10 Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Firm: 7.5/10 Medium-firm: 7/10 Multiple firmness options Medium-firm: 6.5/10 Multiple firmness options
Material Foam Hybrid Foam Hybrid Hybrid Hybrid Foam Hybrid
Cooling -- -- -- -- -- --
Sleep Position Back & Stomach Back & Side Back & Side Back Back & Stomach Combination Back & Side Back & Side

How We Chose Our Top Picks

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed hundreds of mattresses, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to establish easy-to-understand scores. In addition to an overall score, we measure subscores for support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty.

Latex mattress testing in our studio
Hands-on mattress testing in our sleep lab

Guest beds need to be versatile enough to accommodate a variety of sleepers, so we chose medium-firm mattresses with enough support and durability for sustained use by a variety of sleepers. They also needed to be affordable enough to accommodate the purchase of an additional mattress for the household.

Best Affordable Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress

The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is an affordable mattress that a lot of people will like because of its value and the pressure relief it provides.

Clarity Score 4.2/5

Material

Foam

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$499 - $2449

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Best Affordable Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress

The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is an affordable mattress that a lot of people will like because of its value and the pressure relief it provides.

Clarity Score 4.2/5

Material

Foam

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$499 - $2449

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Best Affordable Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress

The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is an affordable mattress that a lot of people will like because of its value and the pressure relief it provides.

Clarity Score 4.2/5

Material

Foam

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$499 - $2449

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5

Our Expert’s Take

Luxury is great and all, but some people are looking for the best deal possible on a guest room mattress. And when it comes to value, Brooklyn Bedding is hard to beat. The company owns its own factory, so all of its beds are priced competitively. Their most affordable mattress option is the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery, a streamlined, all-foam mattress. Before sales and discounts, it sits under $900, which is an incredible price for such a quality brand.

The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery consists of three foam layers — a comfort layer, a transition layer, and a base layer. The comfort layer contains Energex foam, a bouncier and more breathable alternative to memory foam. Guests shouldn’t feel like they are getting stuck in the mattress, and they shouldn’t be sleeping particularly hot.

The Bowery is going to be an excellent fit for lightweight sleepers such as teenagers and children. Lighter side sleepers should also experience some exceptional pressure relief on the Bowery.

What our testers say: “The Bowery mattress is a good choice for guest rooms because it’s affordable, but durable. It has sturdy coils that make it nice and bouncy. I liked using the Bowery for side sleeping thanks to this being a softer mattress.” – Joe Auer, Reviewer

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery mattress

  • It’s very affordable
  • Soft enough for side sleepers
  • Should last a while

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery mattress

  • Not the best for stomach sleeping
  • Not ideal for all-foam fans

Read our full Bowery mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Brooklyn Bedding Bowery mattress, check out our list of the best affordable mattresses for more great options.

Best for the Money

Helix Midnight Mattress

The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.1/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best for the Money

Helix Midnight Mattress

The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.1/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best for the Money

Helix Midnight Mattress

The Helix Midnight is the brand's most popular model. It has a balance of comfort and support and should be an excellent match for back sleepers.

Clarity Score 4.1/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Watch Our Video Review

Our Expert’s Take

Saying a bed is the best mattress for the money can mean a few different things. It can be something that will last you a long time, something that’s fairly affordable, or just an investment that works for just about anyone. In the case of the Helix Midnight, it checks all the boxes.

The Helix Midnight is a standout amongst the six models by Helix because it’s just a universal mattress. It works best for side sleepers, thanks to the presence of memory foam in the comfort layer. But the springs at the bottom mean you won’t feel stuck in the layers.

The Midnight won’t trap too much heat, due to a breathable cover and coils for airflow. It’s fairly affordable, coming in a little over $1,000 for a queen.

What our testers say: “The Helix Midnight makes many of our lists, and for good reason. It’s a great choice for side sleepers thanks to the foam comfort layer. But I still felt really supported on my back thanks to the coils.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer

Pros of the Helix Midnight mattress

  • It’s a long lasting bed
  • It’s relatively affordable
  • Works well for back and side sleepers

Cons of the Helix Midnight mattress

  • Won’t support all stomach sleepers

Read our full Helix Midnight mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Helix Midnight mattress, check out our list of the best mattresses for the money for more great options.

Best Memory Foam Mattress

Nectar Mattress

Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Foam

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$599 - $1538

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
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.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Memory Foam Mattress

Nectar Mattress

Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Foam

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

365 nights

Price Range

$599 - $1538

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
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.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Memory Foam Mattress

Nectar Mattress

Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.

Clarity Score 4.3/5

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$599 - $1538

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
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.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

Our Expert’s Take

Today, many people are fans of memory foam mattresses. This type of material offers great pressure relief, contouring, and an overall comfortable feel. Those who think a memory foam mattress would be a good match for their guests should consider the Nectar.

The Nectar features 2″ of gel memory foam over a transition layer and base layer, allowing the mattress to exhibit that slow-moving feel that many expect from a memory foam mattress. Lying on the Nectar, house guests should feel themselves slowly sink into the mattress and feel it conform to the body.

The 3″ of soft memory foam makes the Nectar a very good match for side sleepers; guests should feel almost no pressure on their shoulders and hips in this position. At the same time, they should be able to switch to their back and get some good support and contouring.

Finally, the Nectar is quite affordable for a memory foam mattress; a Queen size is currently around $999.00.

What our testers say: “If you and your guests love memory foam, the Nectar is a great choice to consider. It’s full of that slow-moving memory foam. I love it for side sleeping because it provides great pressure relief.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer

Pros of the Nectar mattress

  • Has that slow-moving foam feel
  • An affordable pick for guest rooms
  • Great for side sleepers

Cons of the Nectar mattress

  • Not great for extremely hot sleepers
  • Not bouncy and responsive

Read our full Nectar mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Nectar mattress, check out our list of the best memory foam mattresses for more great options.

Best Hybrid Mattress

DreamCloud Original Mattress

The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.

Clarity Score 4.0/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$839 - $1669

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.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Best Hybrid Mattress

DreamCloud Original Mattress

The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.

Clarity Score 4.0/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

365 nights

Price Range

$839 - $1669

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.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Best Hybrid Mattress

DreamCloud Original Mattress

The DreamCloud is a high-quality hybrid mattress that is sold for a value price.

Clarity Score 4.0/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Firm: 7.5/10

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$839 - $1669

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.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5

Our Expert’s Take

The majority of people who need a mattress for a guest room are seeking out the best deal possible. But what about those who want to splurge a bit and buy a luxury mattress for their house guests? That is why I added the DreamCloud to this list. It’s a luxury hybrid mattress that should make guests feel like they are truly sleeping in style.

The DreamCloud is a great hybrid mattress that contains individually wrapped coils, a comfort layer of soft memory foam, and a cover made of a cashmere blend. The cover is even quilted with a bit of foam for some softness.

The mattress’s hybrid construction provides the mattress with an excellent balance of comfort and support. In terms of firmness, the DreamCloud is a 7.5/10, meaning that it sleeps firmer than the average bed. The coils are quite supportive and the memory foam provides excellent pressure relief.

What our testers say: “The DreamCloud mattress is a great choice for guests who love firm beds. When I tested it, it provided some good support for me while I was sleeping on my back. And thanks to its hybrid design and a lot of breathable materials, guests won’t sleep hot.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer

Pros of the DreamCloud mattress

  • It’s very durable and affordable
  • Won’t trap heat
  • Good for back and stomach sleepers

Cons of the DreamCloud mattress

  • Too firm for side sleepers

Read our full DreamCloud mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the DreamCloud mattress, check out our list of the best hybrid mattresses for more great options.

Most Comfortable Mattress for Guest Room

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

With a quilted pillow top and plush comfort layer, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress works well for most back and side sleepers. And, like all Saatva mattresses, this one doesn't arrive compressed inside a cardboard box!

Clarity Score 4.6/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

365 Nights

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Price Range

$925 - $2630

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Most Comfortable Mattress for Guest Room

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

With a quilted pillow top and plush comfort layer, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress works well for most back and side sleepers. And, like all Saatva mattresses, this one doesn't arrive compressed inside a cardboard box!

Clarity Score 4.6/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

Trial Period

365 Nights

Price Range

$925 - $2630

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Most Comfortable Mattress for Guest Room

Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

With a quilted pillow top and plush comfort layer, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress works well for most back and side sleepers. And, like all Saatva mattresses, this one doesn't arrive compressed inside a cardboard box!

Clarity Score 4.6/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Trial Period

365 Nights

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Shipping Method

Free white glove delivery

Price Range

$925 - $2630

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5

Our Expert’s Take

One of the best ways for a brand to increase the comfort of a mattress is to outfit it with a pillow-top. Pillow-tops are often cushy, contouring, and create a luxurious sleeping experience. That’s exactly why we think the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is one of the most comfortable mattresses for a guest room out there.

Not only is its pillow-top ultra-plush — it’s also zoned, meaning that it has different levels of softness to cater to different parts of your body. Additionally, it has built-in lumbar support, which makes it a great fit for any back sleepers staying in your guest room. It should also be an excellent fit for any sleepers experiencing back pain.

Underneath the pillow-top is a comfort layer of gel-infused memory foam for added pressure relief. And at the bottom of the mattress is a layer of pocketed coils that add some nice support and responsiveness. When combined, these different materials make the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid slightly firmer than medium firm. There’s definitely a lot of support here, but the pillow-top and memory foam give you a lot of comfort, too.

What our testers say: “What I loved about the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid was that it’s the best of both worlds. You’ve got lovely plush foam on the top, with supportive coils at the bottom. Guests who are back and side combination sleepers will love this mattress.” – Elisa Regulski, Reviewer

Pros of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

  • Full of durable, organic materials
  • Good for back and side sleepers
  • Soft, but responsive

Cons of the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid

  • Pricey for just a guest room
  • Not supportive for stomach sleepers

Read our full Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Saatva Memory Foam mattress, check out our list of the most comfortable mattresses for more great options.

Best Luxury Mattress

WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Luxury Mattress

WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

Lifetime warranty

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Luxury Mattress

WinkBed Mattress

The WinkBed is a mattress that offers an excellent balance of comfort and support.

Clarity Score 4.6/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Watch Our Video Review

Our Expert’s Take

If you want to treat your house guests to a luxurious sleeping experience, we recommend that you outfit your guest room with the WinkBed. With its traditional innerspring feel, this mattress is similar to one you would find in a high-end hotel. The bulk of the mattress is made of a tall layer of coils that conform to your body, capped off by a Euro-style pillow-top for pressure relief.

Your guests should also have no problem staying cool on the WinkBed, as its springs have lots of space between them for air to flow the mattress. Additionally, an infusion of gel in the foam helps keep a low temperature.

What our testers say: “If you have guests staying over who love innerspring mattresses, the WinkBed mattress is one of the best choices. I love that the coils are zoned, which means this mattress provides really great back support.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer

Pros of the WinkBed mattress

  • Bouncy and responsive
  • Provides amazing back support
  • Won’t trap heat

Cons of the WinkBed mattress

  • Too firm for side sleepers
  • Might be pricey

Read our full WinkBeds mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the WinkBed, check out our list of the best luxury mattresses for more great options.

Best Queen Mattress for a Guest Room

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.

Clarity Score 4.2/5

Material

Foam

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:

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Best Queen Mattress for a Guest Room

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.

Clarity Score 4.2/5

Material

Foam

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:

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Best Queen Mattress for a Guest Room

Nolah Original 10" Mattress

The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.

Clarity Score 4.2/5

Material

Foam

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:

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.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5

Our Expert’s Take

If you want your guests to spread out on a queen-sized mattress in your guest room, then the Nolah Original is a great option. It’s an all-foam bed made of Nolah’s proprietary AirFoam.

The AirFoam has been optimized for cooling and breathability, meaning this mattress won’t trap heat, unlike so many other all-foam mattresses. Plus, this material is very durable and should last you a long time. Nolah even offers a lifetime warranty on this mattress.

And of course, like many mattresses on this list, it’s a good option if you’re shopping with a budget in mind, as a queen will come in below $1,000 with a discount.

What our testers say: “If you want a foam bed for your guests, but don’t want them to feel trapped, Nolah is great for that. I love its responsive foam feel. It’s very easy to move around on.” – Marten Carlson, Lead Reviewer

Pros of the Nolah Original mattress

  • Made of foam, but easy to move on
  • Affordable
  • Good for side sleepers

Cons of the Nolah Original mattress

  • Not the best for stomach sleepers
  • Not supportive for heavier people

Read our full Nolah Original mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Nolah Original mattress, check out our list of the best queen mattresses for more great options.

Best Soft Mattress for a Guest Room

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

With a zoned support system, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a great fit for those with back pain.

Clarity Score 4.5/5

Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Best Soft Mattress for a Guest Room

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

With a zoned support system, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a great fit for those with back pain.

Clarity Score 4.5/5

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Best Soft Mattress for a Guest Room

Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

With a zoned support system, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a great fit for those with back pain.

Clarity Score 4.5/5

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Multiple firmness options

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

Lifetime Warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5

Our Expert’s Take

If you’re looking for maximum comfort and pressure relief for your guest room, the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress is a perfect choice. While there is a Medium and Firm version for this bed, we love how cushioning the Soft model is. It should offer pressure relief for many side-sleeping guests and support for some back sleepers. while its Soft model includes a hand-quilted cover and a thick foam comfort layer, there are also coils at the base to support the sleeper.

The Bear Elite Hybrid mattress has also been designed for cooling. In the cover, there’s a breathable Celliant material that can help you recharge and recover from the day. Right under that, there’s a layer of cooling copper-infused foam that will pull heat away from your body. And being a hybrid, the coils will allow air to flow through very easily.

And despite being a hybrid, if you have a couple over, this bed handles motion isolation very well. So, your guests should sleep through the night without waking up from each other’s movements.

What our testers say: “The Bear Elite Hybrid comes in multiple firmnesses, but the Soft model is the plushest. It offered great pressure relief for side sleeping when I reviewed.” – Elisa, Reviewer

Pros of the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress

  • Good for back sleepers
  • Won’t trap heat
  • Bouncy and responsive

Cons of the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress

  • Not ideal for budget shoppers
  • Stomach sleepers may find this bed to be too soft (we recommend one of the Bear Elite Hybrid’s other firmness options)

Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review to learn more. If you aren’t interested in the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress, check out our list of the best soft mattresses for more great options.

Heavyweight Sleepers – Over 230 lb

If someone is looking for a mattress for their guest room, they should consider the size of their guests. For instance, if they have a larger family member who comes to visit quite often, they should make sure that the mattress can support the additional weight. Because of this, I asked one of our team members Marten, who weighs 250 lb, to try out these nine mattresses and recommend which — if any — would be a good match for a heavier house guest like him.

Nolah Original - Side Sleeping
Marten testing the Nolah Original mattress

Out of these nine mattresses, two should be a decent match for someone of my size. First off, the Bear Star Hybrid features both coils and pressure-relieving comfort foam, so the mattress is supportive enough for me when I am back-sleeping and soft enough for side-sleeping.

While the Nectar does not contain coils, I do feel satisfactory support when I am back-sleeping. I sink into the soft memory foam and feel it conform to the shape of my body. I also feel some exceptional pressure relief when I am side-sleeping.

How to Find the Best Mattress for a Guest Room

If someone is looking for a mattress for a guest room, there are a few things they should be considering – think about the following while mattress shopping, and it shouldn’t be difficult to choose!

  • Find a medium-firm mattress. It is important to find a mattress that will work for a wide variety of sleepers. A firm mattress might be good for some people, but what if a guest likes something softer? That is why it’s a good idea to choose a mattress that is close to medium-firm – a medium-firm mattress will be an excellent match for multiple sleeping positions, and most guests should find enough comfort and support.
  • Seek out a good value mattress. Mattresses are an investment; if one has already spent a significant amount of money on their own mattress, they don’t want to break the bank on a high priced guest room mattress. They should find a mattress with quality components that aren’t accompanied by a ridiculous price tag – customers should also attempt to buy a guest room mattress around holidays like the Fourth of July or Memorial Day when many mattress companies offer some pretty fantastic deals on their products. If you’re in a pinch to find the right mattress, there are many great mattresses online to choose from!
  • Consider the preferences of guests who visit often. If one’s in-laws come to visit often, it might be an excellent idea to choose a mattress that will work for them. If they need the best mattress for stomach sleepers, a firm mattress might be a better choice. If they are side sleepers, a soft mattress might be more ideal.
  • Cooling properties. Sleeping hot is an issue that many people deal with, and it is smart to find a mattress with cooling properties so that house guests aren’t overheating at night – memory foam mattresses are known for sleeping hot, but many now contain gel, graphite, or some other cooling materials – spring or hybrid mattresses are usually the best cooling mattresses because the coils promote airflow throughout the mattress.

Final Thoughts

Here’s a recap of our top picks for the best guest room mattresses:

MattressBest For
Brooklyn Bedding BoweryBest Affordable Mattress
Helix MidnightBest Mattress for the Money
NectarBest Memory Foam Mattress
DreamCloudBest Hybrid Mattress
Saatva Memory Foam HybridMost Comfortable Mattress
WinkBedsBest Luxury Mattress
NolahBest Queen-Size Mattress
Bear Elite HybridBest Soft Mattress

RELATED: Best Full Size Mattress

Guest Room Mattresses FAQs

What type of mattress is best for a guest room?

Any type of mattress can work in a guest room, from a traditional innerspring mattress to an all-foam mattress. The type of mattress is not the most important consideration — it’s more about finding a mattress that will work a variety of people. Those who need a mattress for a guest room should choose something medium-firm that exhibits a balance of comfort and support; this should make it an exceptional fit for guests who sleep in any position.

What type of mattresses do hotels use?

While it does depend on the hotel, the majority of hotels have some type of innerspring mattress with a pillow top. Most of these mattresses will be close to medium-firm so that they will work for hotel guests who sleep on their back, side, or stomach. An excellent example of this type of mattress is the Saatva, which has two sets of coils and a Euro-style pillow top.

What is the best cheap mattress for a guest room?

People who need a cheap mattress for their guest room have a few options. If they want something with coils that provides good support, the Allswell could be an excellent choice. If they are seeking something with more of that memory foam feel, they should take a look at the Dreamfoam Essential mattress.

Featured image: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

Joe Auer

Joe Auer

Joe Auer is the editor of Mattress Clarity. He mainly focuses on mattress reviews and oversees the content across the site. He likes things simple and takes a straightforward, objective approach to his reviews. Joe has personally tested nearly 250 mattresses and always recommends people do their research before buying a new bed. He has been testing mattresses for over 5 years now, so he knows a thing or two when it comes to mattress selection. He has been cited as an authority in the industry by a number of large publications. When he isn't testing sleep products, he enjoys working out, reading both fiction and non-fiction, and playing classical piano. He enjoys traveling as well, and not just to test out hotel mattresses! Joe has an undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University and an MBA from Columbia University.