The Best Mattress for Airbnb Guests under $500

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Shopping for the right mattress can be overwhelming, as so many options are on the market. When buying a mattress to host guests, you want to ensure that it can provide them with comfort and support throughout their stay.

People spend up to one-third of their lives sleeping, so having the best mattress will help ensure your guests have a good night’s sleep and wake up refreshed every morning.

With that in mind, you don’t have to overspend and splurge on an expensive mattress to please your guests. Ensuring that the mattress offers maximum comfort and sufficient support for your guests should always be a priority, but you don’t have to sacrifice your budget to do so.

A variety of mattresses are available at a reasonable price that utilize high-quality construction materials and offer the same high-end features as premium luxury brands. In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the best mattresses for Airbnb under $500, as well as other factors to consider before making a purchase.

Top Mattress Picks for Airbnb

Here is a quick look at the best mattresses for Airbnb:

• Best Overall – Zinus 12″ Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress 
• Best Hybrid – Lucid 12” Hybrid Mattress

Best Mattress for Airbnb

Linenspa 10” Hybrid Mattress

The Linenspa 10” Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid mattress offers a medium feel that is not too soft or hard. It combines the best of both worlds, featuring a thick layer of memory foam to provide your guests with comfort and support.

It is perfect for guests of all body types and has 6 inches of high-quality springs to align your spine. It is also compressed and rolled in a box for easy delivery and setup. Best of all, it comes with a 10-year warranty, making it one of the best mattresses for short-term rentals.

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Lucid 12” Hybrid Mattress

The Lucid 12-inch Bamboo Charcoal and Aloe Vera Hybrid Mattress is the ideal choice for an Airbnb host seeking to provide their guests with a comfortable, breathable mattress that won’t break the bank. This mattress combines bamboo charcoal, which helps to ward off odors, with a self-ventilating design that cools as you sleep.

This mattress is designed with a balanced combination of firmness and plushness, and all topped off with a classy circular knit cover. If you’re searching for the best affordable mattress for your Airbnb rentals, this mattress won’t disappoint! It offers a balance between budget and a quality sleep experience.

Spa Sensations by Zinus Serenity 12″ Memory Foam Mattress

The Spa Sensations by Zinus 12″ Serenity Memory Foam Mattress is an excellent choice for vacation rentals. It features a top layer of memory foam that contours to your body, relieving pressure points and promoting relaxation. It also comes in four other mattress heights – 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches.

We have this particular bed in one of our properties, and one guest wrote in a public review that “The beds, pillows & comforters were extremely comfortable!” 

When choosing a mattress for your Airbnb rental, memory foam is a good option. It is affordable, long-lasting, and comfortable. They are particularly well-suited for side sleepers and couples who share a bed, thanks to their contouring, motion isolation, and generally comfortable design.

The pricing ranges from $249- $400. Additionally, it comes with a 10-year warranty and can be returned within 100 days if you change your mind. Overall, it is an excellent mattress that strikes a good balance between value and comfort.

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Zinus 12″ Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress 

If you like the Zinus brand and are looking for something a bit firmer, then the Zinus 12″ Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is an excellent option. Many Airbnb Superhosts praise this one, and I must admit that we love it, too. 

Its antioxidant-rich green tea keeps the mattress fresh, while ActivCharcoal microparticles block moisture and odors. The foams provide support and alignment to your spine and have open-air pockets in the middle layer to help promote airflow.

To top it off, it is backed with a 10-year worry-free warranty, ensuring that any issues with it can be addressed quickly and easily. With the sleep-enhancing properties of natural ingredients, this plush mattress is designed to provide a comfortable and restful night’s sleep. No wonder it is a top pick for many Airbnb hosts.

Pricing starts at approximately $254 and increases from there.

The Allswell 10″ Bed in a Box Hybrid Mattress

The Allswell 10-inch Bed in a Box Hybrid Mattress is a good option for vacation rentals. It features individually wrapped coils that help minimize motion transfer, as well as a layer of copper gel-infused memory foam that absorbs and dissipates heat away from the body.

The mattress also has edge support around its perimeter, making it easy to do all your bedtime activities. Additionally, with its 10-inch height, this mattress provides high-end comfort without breaking the bank.

This hybrid is an excellent choice for Airbnb hosts seeking the ideal mattress. Hybrid mattresses provide excellent support and comfort, appealing to all sleepers, regardless of their preferred sleeping position. They are made with springs and foam to provide superior pressure relief and contouring for exceptional comfort and support.

The starting price for a queen-size is $349 and up.

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Sleep Innovations Marley 10 Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress

For Airbnb hosts seeking the perfect mattress to offer guests a comfortable, restful sleep, the Sleep Innovations Marley 10 Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress is an ideal option.

This triple-layer mattress features a top layer of cooling gel memory foam and a supportive middle layer with built-in airflow channels, providing superior comfort and support. The hypoallergenic cover and robust base ensure lasting durability.

Memory foam offers pressure point relief and motion-reducing properties, making it ideal for any sleep position. Additionally, the Marley Mattress arrives in a vacuum-sealed bag and expands quickly, making for a quick setup. It is an absolute bargain!

The price for a standard queen-sized bed starts at around $299.

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Novilla 10-inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Novilla’s 10-inch memory foam mattress is the perfect option for an Airbnb rental. It features multiple layers of foam that provide superior motion isolation and a customized fit for maximum comfort. Additionally, it’s infused with cooling gel to enhance cooling further and provide the perfect level of support.

Furthermore, it features a hypoallergenic rayon cover that provides a soft touch and is certified by CertiPUR-US, ensuring it is free from formaldehyde and other harmful off-gassing materials. With all these features combined, the Novilla 10-inch memory foam mattress will surely deliver the best value for your budget.

A standard queen-size starts at $286.

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Factors to Consider When Shopping for an Airbnb Mattress

Not all mattresses are equally suitable for Airbnb or short-term rentals. It is unlikely that you will make every guest happy, but the goal is to strive to make as many of them as comfortable as possible. Some factors you should take into account when selecting the best mattress for vacation rental include the following:

Price – Unless you have a bottomless bank account, the price will always matter when making such a large purchase for your mid-term and short-term rental properties. While you don’t have to break the bank or spend thousands of dollars on a mattress, it’s essential to invest in a high-quality mattress that is both comfortable and durable, yet affordable.

Many great mattresses are available at various price points, offering your guests excellent comfort and a restful night’s sleep.

Durability – When shopping for the best mattress for their rental, Airbnb hosts should look for mattresses with superior durability and long-term quality.

As different guests use the mattress regularly, it’s important for it to not only remain comfortable but also retain its original condition over time. You want to make sure you have a mattress that won’t sag or become damaged after a few uses.

Firmness Level – When finding the perfect mattress for Airbnb vacation rentals, aim for one that will please a majority of tenants. The idea is to find a mattress that’s neither too hard nor too soft, but rather one that falls somewhere in the middle, providing a comfortable sleep experience for most people.

Contouring – A mattress with moderate contouring will be comfortable for most guests, neither too soft nor too firm, making it a great all-around choice.

Warranty coverage or trial periods – Look for a mattress that offers an extended warranty or trial period, so if guests don’t like it or there is a defect or major damage, you will have the option to return or exchange it.

Make sure that there are no special terms covering mattresses used in commercial settings and that any applicable warranty claims are reasonable and within your budget. Taking these precautionary steps will ensure you have a product that will last.

Size – When purchasing a mattress for your Airbnb, size matters. Most people prefer queen or king-size beds. However, a twin- or full-sized mattress offers plenty of space for children or solo travelers, while queen and king-size beds provide sufficient room for couples or larger groups.

Ease of Shipping and Setup – Ensure it is easy to transport and set up. Most online mattress vendors offer free ground shipping, so you don’t have to worry about transporting a bulky mattress.

Two people may be required to bring the mattress in and set it up correctly. Still, some companies offer White Glove delivery, where a technician comes directly to your home and takes care of bed installation as well as removes the old mattress (if necessary).

Long-Term Use – With guests constantly checking in and out, it’s important to invest in a mattress that can stand the test of time. Be sure to perform periodic checks on your mattress by lying in it for at least 10-15 minutes to ensure there are no signs of premature sagging or other deformation.

Motion Isolation – Mattresses with thick comfort layers are typically best at minimizing motion transfer when someone moves in bed. Similarly, hybrid mattresses that incorporate pocketed coils also help limit movement across the sleeping surface, making for a more restful sleep. You’ll want one that won’t disrupt sleep when someone moves in bed.

Temperature Regulation – Opt for a mattress made of breathable, ventilated fabric and featuring cooling layers that allow air to flow through easily, keeping the sleeper’s body temperature regulated and cool throughout the night.

Once you know your key criteria, you can narrow down the selection process to make choosing a mattress even easier! Take the time to research properly, compare pricing, and read customer reviews to help you find the best mattress for your Airbnb.

What are the different types of materials used in mattresses?

Foam – All-foam mattresses are constructed with layers of polyfoam, memory foam, and latex, offering superior pressure relief compared to other models. Memory foam mattresses are also more affordable than other types of mattresses, making them a good option for those looking for a quality mattress without breaking the bank.

Foam mattresses offer excellent back support due to their contouring properties, and they are also quiet, which is ideal for guests who want to sleep undisturbed.

Hybrid – Hybrid mattresses feature a support core of innerspring coils and an ample comfort system made of foam or other similar materials. Throughout the night, these features work together to provide stability, dependability, superior support, and comfort for guests. Hybrid mattresses offer broad appeal for all sleepers, making them a perfect fit for a cozy guest room.

Innerspring – Innerspring mattresses don’t score very high in terms of comfort and pressure relief, but they are a great option for rental property owners looking to keep costs down. You can add a mattress topper to make it more comfortable and provide contouring support.

Latex – Latex mattresses combine responsive comfort with outstanding durability. The material is made from natural tree sap or synthetic latex and is designed to provide support while relieving pressure, ensuring a good night’s sleep.

What type of mattress do my guests prefer?

Shopping for the best mattress for short-term rental guests can be tricky. What might be perfect for you may not be what other people seek.

When selecting a mattress, look for one that appeals to a variety of sleepers, such as a medium-firm mattress with ample contouring and good breathability. That way, different types of people will have more pleasant sleeping experiences on the same bed!

Most importantly, you’ll want to find a mattress that meets your budget and comfort requirements. You’ll want to strike a balance between comfort and affordability. This way, most guests will be satisfied with their stay, and you won’t put too much strain on your budget.

Consider the demographic you serve: will there be families or young partygoers? Consider how quickly the mattress may wear due to activities like going to the beach and bringing back sand. When selecting a mattress, consider the type that best suits your rental’s unique style, so it appeals to your desired guests.

Select a mattress that accommodates the diverse sleeping preferences and needs of most people.

Should I use a mattress topper?

The short answer is it depends. Adding a mattress topper to your Airbnb mattress can enhance the bed’s comfort, support, and longevity. Mattress toppers are available in various materials, including memory foam, latex, and wool.

They provide extra cushioning while protecting against allergens, dust mites, and other irritants affecting sleep quality. Mattress toppers are an investment that can offer numerous benefits to your guests, such as improved sleep, over the long term. However, some mattresses already come fully cushioned and comfy.

Is a mattress protector needed for the Airbnb mattress?

Absolutely! A mattress protector is an important step in ensuring your mattress lasts longer and remains clean and fresh for each new guest. A mattress protector can help protect against damage from spills or stains.

Is a box spring required for the mattress?

Depending on the type of mattress you have, a box spring may or may not be necessary. Innerspring mattresses and hybrid mattresses generally require the support of a box spring.

However, foam, latex, and air mattresses can be easily supported with a platform bed frame or another solid orthopedic foundation. Most platform-style beds do not require a box spring to be placed underneath the mattress.

Choosing the right mattress for your Airbnb can give a lasting impression of your space, so it’s essential to choose wisely. The best Airbnb mattresses will appeal to most guests. With this in mind, you’ll be able to find the best Airbnb mattresses without overspending.

Other Airbnb hosting ideas you might like:

• Best Coffee Makers for Airbnb
• Best Pots and Pans for your Airbnb Kitchen
• Best Towels for Airbnb that Guests Will Love
• The Best Sheets for Airbnb and Short-Term Rentals
• Best Pillows for Airbnb

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