Best Mattress for Airbnb and Vacation Rentals in 2026

UPDATED

There is no one-size-fits-all mattress, but when furnishing an Airbnb or a vacation rental, you want one that comes close. After all, better sleep means a better guest experience and higher user reviews.

We’ll share our team’s picks for the best Airbnb and vacation rental mattresses in different categories. Then we’ll dive into more detail about what to consider when choosing a bed. For a broader look at the top beds on the market, check out our guide to the best mattress of 2025.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Mattress

Nectar Mattress

8.8/10
Nectar Mattress

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The Nectar Mattress is an all-foam model with an above-average firmness compared to other foam beds we’ve tested. Our testers recommend this bed for sleepers who love the feel of foam but also need more firmness.

Ideal for Side Sleepers
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Feel Close-Conforming Foam
Value Great Value

Most Durable Mattress

Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress

8.5/10
Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress

The Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress is a sturdy bed with supportive latex and coil layers, plus a wool layer that gently cushions pressure points. Most testers on our team gave the bed high marks regardless of sleep position, and everyone agreed the bed is excellent for hot sleepers.

Ideal for Back Sleepers
Firmness Firm (7)
Feel Durable, Supportive Latex
Value Good Value

Most Comfortable Mattress

WinkBed

8.9/10
WinkBed

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The WinkBed’s Euro-top design is a crowd-pleaser, with a generously cushioned surface for contouring and a sturdy coil base for support. The bed has four firmness options to choose from, but our testers recommend the Luxury Firm model if you need a mattress that appeals to a variety of sleepers.

Ideal for Side Sleepers
Firmness Medium Soft (4), Medium Firm (6), Firm (7), Firm (8)
Feel Plush, Supportive Surface
Value Good Value

Best Luxury Mattress

Saatva Classic

9.4/10
Saatva Classic

$300 off orders of $1,000 or more

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While most hybrids feature one coil layer, the Saatva Classic features two coil layers to enhance pushback. The sturdy construction makes this an excellent choice for sleepers who prioritize top-notch support. With two profiles and three firmness options to choose from, this bed appealed to most testers on our team.

Ideal for Back Sleepers
Firmness Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Feel Bouncy, Supportive Surface
Value Fair Value

Best Mattress for Warm Climates

Cocoon Chill

7.7/10
Cocoon Chill

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If you’re looking for a mattress with a classic foam feel, the Cocoon Chill checks off a lot of boxes. Our testers report deep contouring, excellent pressure relief, and strong motion isolation in this all-foam model.

Ideal for Hot Sleepers
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Feel Close-Conforming Foam
Value Good Value

Compare Our Top Picks

Mattress Mattress Type Ideal For Value Sleep Trial
Nectar Mattress Foam Side Sleepers Great Value 365 nights
Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress Hybrid Back Sleepers Good Value 365 nights (30-night requirement)
WinkBed Innerspring Side Sleepers Good Value 120 nights (30 night requirement)
Saatva Classic Innerspring Back Sleepers Fair Value 365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Cocoon Chill Foam Hot Sleepers Good Value 100 Nights (30-Night Requirement)

How to Shop for a Mattress for Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

Having a successful Airbnb or vacation rental property means catering to the needs of a wide range of guests. When it comes to mattresses, a balanced model that appeals to people with different body types and sleep position preferences is key.

While there are several factors to keep in mind when choosing a mattress, a good place to start is deciding which mattress type you want to purchase.

Mattress Type Pros Cons
Foam
  • Typically excels at pressure relief
  • Often carries a lower price-point
  • Quiet and resistant to motion transfer
  • Less durable than other materials
  • Prone to heat retention
  • Tends to lack responsiveness and ease of movement
Hybrid
  • Balances cushioning and responsiveness
  • Appeals to a wide range of sleepers
  • Generally provides strong edge support
  • Coils typically allow some motion transfer, which may disrupt couples
  • Often more expensive than all-foam beds
  • Heavier than their foam counterparts
Latex
  • Typically has a balanced feel that’s resistant to sinkage
  • Generally excels at temperature regulation
  • The most durable mattress type on average
  • Can be an acquired taste that may not appeal to all guests
  • Generally carries a higher price-point
  • Can be quite heavy
Airbed
  • Allows precise firmness control
  • Many models allow couples to adjust the feel on each side
  • Learning how to use the controls can be a hassle for vacation rental guests
  • Significantly more expensive than other types of beds

 

Firmness

We measure mattress firmness on a 10-point scale. The higher the number, the firmer the mattress. While a mattress’ feel is subjective and depends on the sleeper’s body type and preferences, we’ve found that mattresses rated medium firm (6) tend to satisfy the largest percentage of sleepers.

Durability

Mattress durability depends on the materials and construction, as well as frequency of use. Mattresses usually last 7 to 10 years, though some models constructed with durable materials like latex may last longer. A mattress in a vacation rental may receive less regular use than a personal mattress, which could prolong its lifespan.

Size

Mattress size is an important consideration when choosing a bed for an Airbnb or vacation rental. The mattress should accommodate the type of guests you expect and the rental space itself. For example, a roomier rental unit where you plan to host couples likely needs at least a queen size mattress, while a small studio apartment may require a smaller bed. If you plan to host families, you may want to consider furnishing a room with bunk beds or side-by-side twin mattresses.

Space-Saving Beds to Consider

If your vacation rental is on the small side, a space-saving bed can be a great way to free up some extra room.

  • Futon: Futons easily convert from a couch into a bed and back by using a simple, foldable frame. They are versatile, convenient, and easy to move, but they may not provide the same level of comfort as a separate bed and sofa. 
  • Murphy bed: Murphy beds fold up against the wall or into a custom cabinet when not in use, which frees up considerable space. They can be as comfortable as traditional beds, but they generally cost more, and opening and closing them can sometimes intimidate guests. 
  • Sofa bed: Like a futon, this piece of furniture converts from a sofa into a bed. However, the mattress is hidden under the sofa frame, and the couch cushions must be removed when it’s converted. Sofa beds are often more durable and comfortable than futons, but they also tend to be priced higher. 
  • Bunk bed: Bunk beds consist of two beds stacked on top of each other, usually with twin size mattresses. They are a popular choice for children’s rooms. 
  • Trundle bed: A trundle bed is a low-to-the-ground frame and mattress on wheels that can be stored under a larger bed. They are a great way to fit two beds in one room while freeing up floor space when not in use. 
  • Loft bed: Loft beds are single beds raised off the ground on supports so that the floor space beneath can be used for other activities. Think of a bunk bed without the lower bunk. Rooms with limited floor space and high ceilings are great candidates for loft beds. 

Tips for Caring for Your Airbnb Mattress

Regular maintenance and care can help keep your Airbnb mattress feeling new for guests and ensure that you don’t have to replace your mattress too often. 

  • Buy a mattress protector: Mattress protectors guard against spills, stains, and odors. They’re great as a general protective layer to keep the mattress clean, and they’re even more helpful if you plan to host families with young children. 
  • Rotate or flip the mattress regularly: Rotating the mattress, or flipping it if the model allows, helps spread out the area of use so that the mattress wears out less quickly. We recommend rotating a mattress at least twice a year. 
  • Properly clean the mattress: Even with a mattress protector, cleaning your mattress regularly helps maintain its condition and prevents the buildup of dust, grime, body oil, or other stains. 

Video: Mattress-Cleaning Tips

Cleaning a mattress may sound like a chore, but it’s actually relatively easy. In this video, we discuss how to clean a mattress step by step so you can give your Airbnb bed the care it needs.

How to Elevate Your Guests’ Sleeping Experience

Besides choosing the right mattress, there are a few other simple steps you can take to ensure that your guests have a pleasant sleeping experience. 

  • Invest in quality bedding: A set of comfortable sheets goes a long way in enhancing sleep comfort, as does a quality blanket, comforter, or duvet, especially in colder climates. Choosing high-quality pillows is another simple, economical way to boost guests’ comfort. 
  • Consider a mattress topper: Mattress toppers sit atop the bed and may add cushioning, support, or temperature regulation. They may also help prolong the life of the mattress. If your mattress is beginning to show signs of wear but you’re not in a position to buy a new one, a mattress topper could be a great temporary solution. 
  • Ramp up the decor: Consider what else might help your guests sleep comfortably in a new room. Options include blackout curtains for daytime naps, white noise machines to drown out noise, reading lamps and nightstands for winding down, and temperature control devices such as fans, air conditioning, and space heaters.

Discover More Mattress Solutions

If you need a mattress for personal use in addition to a guest bed, check out our testing team’s more specialized picks, including beds tailored for specific sleep positions.

More Mattress Types

How We Test

Thanks to years of testing sleep products, we have developed a rigorous and reliable product testing methodology. Our process involves extensive in-house evaluations using both objective data collection and the subjective experiences of our testers. 

To choose the best mattresses for vacation rentals, we incorporated the opinions of testers with a variety of body types and comfort preferences, with a focus on choosing models that accommodate the largest range of people.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should you spend on an Airbnb mattress?

While your budget will ultimately determine the luxuriousness of your purchase, we’ve identified a number of high-quality mattresses between $500 and $1,500 that are good fits for an Airbnb. To help keep guest ratings high, it’s worth investing in a comfortable mattress that doesn’t wear down too quickly. 

What kind of mattress is best for an Airbnb?

The best mattress for an Airbnb or vacation rental is one that accommodates the needs of a variety of sleeping positions and body types and also caters to the demands of your space. This typically means a bed that’s large enough to fit two sleepers, with a balanced feel that’s neither too soft nor too firm.

What mattress firmness is best for guests?

We’ve found that a medium firm mattress, registering around a 6 on our 10-point firmness scale, provides support and comfort for the widest range of sleep positions and body types.

What mattress size is best for an Airbnb?

The best bed size for your Airbnb or vacation rental depends on the amount of space you have and the type of guests you expect. In general, a queen mattress is a good size for couples, while a smaller size like full or twin works for children’s rooms. 

How often should an Airbnb mattress be replaced?

A typical mattress lasts 7 to 10 years, but an Airbnb mattress could potentially last longer if it’s only used for part of the year. To get the most life out of your mattress, be sure to rotate and clean it regularly and periodically inspect it for any signs of degradation. 

How do you make an Airbnb bed more comfortable?

To make an Airbnb bed more comfortable, we suggest investing in quality sheets, blankets, comforters, and pillows. You can also spring for bedroom decor and accessories like blackout curtains and white noise machines to elevate the sleep environment for guests. If your Airbnb mattress is on the older side but isn’t due for replacement yet, a mattress topper can be an affordable way to provide a comfort boost.

About the Author

Garen Glazier

Garen Glazier

Staff Writer, Product Testing Team

Position: Side sleeper

Temperature: Neutral sleeper

Chronotype: Wolf

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.

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