Best Mattresses for Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals: A Buyer’s Guide

Best Mattresses for Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals: A Buyer’s Guide

Discover top-rated short-term rental mattresses at unbeatable prices with Minoan. Partnered with leading brands, we offer quality and comfort for every budget.

When it comes to short-term rentals, the quality of the mattress is a game-changer for guest satisfaction. A comfortable mattress means restful sleep, leading to glowing reviews and repeat bookings. 

On the flip side, a bad mattress can lead to complaints and poor ratings. 

So, investing in a top-notch mattress isn't just about comfort—it's smart business. In a crowded market, standout features like a premium mattress can make your listing shine. Plus, a durable mattress means fewer replacements, saving you money over time.

What is a good mattress for Airbnb?

A good Airbnb mattress should strike the right balance of comfort, durability, firmness, and value for price. 

Here are our 8 top picks for Airbnb mattresses:

  1. Brooklyn Bedding Minoan Exclusive Dreamfoam Hybrid 10”
  2. Wayfair 12” Medium Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress 
  3. Leesa Studio Chill Hybrid Mattress 
  4. Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress 
  5. Tuft & Needle Essential T&N Original Mattress
  6. Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress
  7. Casper The One
  8. Purple Mattress 

How many inch mattress is best for Airbnb?

10-12 inches.

A 10- to 12-inch thick mattress will provide maximum comfort and resist sagging longer. 

A mattress thinner than 10 inches won’t photograph as well in your listing pictures and could turn guests off from booking at all. And guests who do book a stay may immediately assume it’s uncomfortable, no matter how comfy it really is.

How to choose the best mattress for your Airbnb

With so many types, materials, and sizes available, how do you know which mattress to get for your vacation rental? Let’s break down some of the most common elements of mattresses to help you determine which one is best for your Airbnb.

Type of mattress

There are four primary mattress types to choose from:

  1. Innerspring: The most traditional style, innerspring mattresses contain a metal coil system. The coils vary in shape, design, gauge, and number from mattress to mattress. While innerspring mattresses tend to offer strong edge support and good bounce, they also tend to lack motion isolation and pressure relief.
  2. Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are made from polyurethane, a synthetic material that molds to your body shape. As such, they tend to be soft and durable because they sink and bounce according to how you move. Memory foam mattresses may help regulate body temperature and typically offer motion isolation.
  3. Hybrid: If you can’t choose between an innerspring and a memory foam mattress, consider a hybrid! Hybrid mattresses typically have a top layer of memory foam, a secondary layer of dense poly foam underneath, and a coil system base. Because hybrid mattresses tend to offer the most benefits that sleepers seek, they also tend to be the most expensive.
  4. Latex: Finally, latex mattresses are an alternative to memory foam mattresses. Made of latex foam, these mattresses are usually bouncy yet supportive, offering solid temperature regulation and pressure relief. Latex mattresses tend to be durable but may be more expensive than other types of mattresses. 

Mattress size

The mattress size you select for your vacation rental should align with the guests you expect to accommodate. If the majority of your guests are solo travelers, a Queen size bed should do the trick. But if families or couples flock to your Airbnb, consider opting for a King bed and multiple Twin or Full beds.

Match mattress size to the size of the bedroom, too. A bed that doesn’t fit well in the space will be a turnoff no matter how comfy it is. For example, before purchasing a King bed, make sure you’ll still have enough floor and storage space in the room.

Pro tip: To maximize versatility, consider opting for Twin XL beds instead of Twins if space allows. This way, tall adults can use the Twin XL bed if needed!

Firmness

When purchasing a mattress for an Airbnb or vacation rental, opt for a medium-firm mattress to appeal to the most guests. Everyone has different mattress preferences so you won’t be able to please everyone, but medium-firm is a good middle-ground compromise.

Pro tip: Consider providing an optional mattress topper that is softer or firmer than the mattress to delight guests with different preferences.

Features to look for in an Airbnb mattress

  • Durability
  • Comfort
  • Easy maintenance
  • Minimal noise
  • A good warranty

Durability

Durability is crucial when selecting the best mattress for a vacation rental. Purchasing a durable mattress that can withstand frequent use and different types of sleepers will provide the most bang for your buck by ensuring it remains in good condition for several years.

Mattresses made from materials like high-density foam or innerspring mattresses with a robust coil system are excellent choices for durability.

Additionally, mattresses with reinforced edges and high-quality stitching can further enhance longevity. These features prevent sagging and maintain the mattress's shape over time.

Comfort

Comfort is paramount when choosing a mattress for your short-term rental. 

A mattress that offers the right balance between softness and support will cater to the widest range of sleepers. Memory foam mattresses are particularly popular because they conform to the body's shape, providing personalized comfort. Hybrid mattresses, which combine innerspring and foam, offer both support and cushioning, making them a versatile choice.

Pro tip: Consider upgrading to mattresses with cooling technology, like gel-infused foam, to maximize comfort. This is especially handy in warmer climates and during those hot summer months.

Easy maintenance

You’ll need your Airbnb mattress to be easy to maintain.

Consider adding a washable mattress protector for hassle-free cleaning and efficient turnovers. This is especially handy in busy vacation rentals. Also look for mattresses with antimicrobial and hypoallergenic features to help reduce allergies and boost overall hygiene, ensuring a great experience for your guests.

Opting for a stain and spill-resistant mattress can save you from potential damages and pricey replacements. Some mattresses even come with protective layers that repel liquids, making them perfect for rentals that host families or pets. Easy maintenance extends the life of your mattress and ensures every guest enjoys a clean, fresh sleeping environment.

Minimal noise

No one wants a squeaky mattress!

A noisy mattress is especially a no-no for rental properties that cater to families or large groups where people are sharing rooms. 

The noisiest beds tend to be innerspring mattresses whose coils may squeak as you move around on the bed. Your best bet for minimizing noise is a latex or memory foam mattress. 

A good warranty

A mattress is a significant purchase, so make sure your investment is protected with a warranty that offers great coverage. If something goes wrong with the mattress, your warranty might cover repair or replacement, saving you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Don’t forget to read the fine print. Some warranties won’t apply to mattresses used in commercial spaces like short-term rentals. Some warranty coverage changes over time, too.

Our top picks for the best Airbnb mattresses

At Minoan, we make it easier for you to invest in quality without breaking the bank. We've partnered with top brands to bring you the best mattresses at unbeatable prices. 

Whether you're furnishing an Airbnb, setting up a vacation rental, or updating your short-term rental bedding, our exclusive discounts ensure you get premium products at a fraction of the cost.

Here are our top mattress recommendations, priced for a Queen size and categorized by budget to fit your specific needs.

Best budget mattresses

$250 -$500 (Queen)

Not a Minoan member?Join today to unlock discounts on Brooklyn Bedding

Brooklyn Bedding Minoan Exclusive Dreamfoam Hybrid 10”

Hybrid mattresses offer the best qualities of innerspring and memory foam mattresses, and Brooklyn Bedding’s Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress is no exception. 

Topped with an ultra-soft quilted top, this mattress has a 2.5” gel memory foam layer that delivers optimal pressure relief and responsiveness as well as a base layer of individually encased coils for additional support and added motion isolation.

The hybrid design also boasts open-cell technology in both the foam layers and the inner coils, maximizing airflow and ensuring great breathability.

Pros:

  • Free shipping
  • 10.25” thickness is a great choice for Airbnbs
  • Supports as much as 950 lbs
  • Designed and made in the USA
  • Medium firmness

Cons:

  • Some reviewers have mentioned that the mattress sinks in the middle with multiple people
Wayfair mattress for Airbnb
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Wayfair 12” Medium Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Crafted with 4 thick layers of hypoallergenic gel memory foam, this Wayfair cooling mattress offers unbeatable breathability. 

Your guests will enjoy refreshing, temperature-regulated sleep thanks to the cooling gel and green-tea infused memory foam. And with high-density foam at the base, this mattress can withstand any kind of sleeper who stays at your Airbnb.

Reviewers say that the mattress is the perfect firmness — firm with a soft top — which is a perfect middle-ground for short-term rentals.

Pros:

  • 12-inch thickness 
  • Hypoallergenic gel memory foam
  • CertiPUR-US Certified
  • 10-year limited warranty
  • Free delivery

Cons:

  • Maximum weight of 500 lbs
  • Some reviewers note a lack of adequate edge support 
Leesa mattress for Airbnb
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Leesa Studio Chill Hybrid Mattress

The Leesa Studio Chill Hybrid mattress offers great value for STR hosts seeking a comfortable mattress their guests will love. This 12” thick mattress is durable and comfortable, catering to a wide variety of sleepers.

The Studio Chill mattress has an 8" base layer of individually wrapped, zoned springs under 1” of copper-infused memory foam and 1” of high-performance comfort foam. All that is finished off with a tailored quilt top that’s infused with heat-wicking fibers.

Pros:

  • Helps regulate temperature to keep you cool while you sleep
  • Provides extra hip and edge support with individually wrapped springs in the most important places
  • Designed and assembled in the US
  • 10-year limited warranty
  • Medium-firm

Cons:

  • As with any innerspring mattress, there’s a slight risk of noise from the coils

Best mid-tier mattresses

$500 - $1,000 (Queen)

Leesa mattress for Airbnb
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Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress

Leesa’s Sapira Chill Hybrid Mattress is the pinnacle of sophistication and luxury at an exceptional price. Layers of premium foams and zoned springs make this mattress durable and comfortable, with great edge support and pressure relief. 

To maximize comfort and regulate temperature, this mattress is constructed with 7 layers:

  1. Cooling cover
  2. 2” quilt foam
  3. 1.5” high-performance comfort foam
  4. 1” responsive high performance foam
  5. 1” transition core support foam
  6. 8” individually wrapped spring system
  7. 0.75” high-density base support foam

And at 14” thick, this mattress resists sagging to last you for years to come. 

Pros:

  • Choose your firmness - soft, medium, or firm
  • CertiPUR-US® certified
  • Hybrid design provides the best qualities of innerspring and memory foam mattresses
  • Provides unbeatable support for sleepers with back or hip pain
  • 14” thickness 
  • Designed and assembled in the US

Cons:

  • As with any innerspring mattress, there’s a slight risk of noise from the coils
Tuft & Needle mattress for Airbnb
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Tuft & Needle Essential T&N Original Mattress

Tuft & Needle’s Essential T&N Original mattress is a great pick for Airbnbs because of its medium firmness, substantial support, and motion control qualities.

The company’s proprietary Adaptive foam is super breathable thanks to its open-cell structure that responds and adjusts to your body. Designed to regulate temperature and draw body heat away from the sleeper, the T&N Original will delight Airbnb guests in any climate.

Pros:

  • 100-night trial to see if you like the mattress
  • Free shipping and returns
  • Infused with cooling gel and heat-conducting graphite for maximum temperature regulations
  • Winner of U.S. News “Best Mattresses of 2023: Best Memory Foam Mattress”
  • Designed to reduce motion transfer
  • GREENGUARD Gold Certified and CertiPUR-US® Certified

Cons:

  • Made for back and stomach sleepers, this mattress might not be ideal for side sleepers
  • At 9.5” thick, this is on the smaller side — which could affect durability and longevity

Best luxury mattresses

$1,000+ (Queen)

Bear mattress for Airbnb
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Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress

If you’re looking for the best hybrid mattress that money can buy, look no further than the Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress.

This hybrid mattress features individually encased spring coils that conform to the sleeper’s body to provide unbeatable support. Coils are installed edge-to-edge to further maximize support and durability. On top of the spring coil system, the Elite Hybrid offers layers of copper-infused memory foam, which provides natural antiviral and antibacterial qualities.

To boost sleep quality, Bear also offers optional Celliant in its fabrics. Celliant is a fiber material that uses natural minerals to transform body heat into waves of energy, which are reflected back through the fibers to promote better-quality sleep.

Pros:

  • 14” thickness to maximize comfort and impress guests
  • 120-night sleep trial
  • Free shipping and returns
  • Lifetime warranty 
  • Customizable firmness — choose from soft, medium, or firm
  • Optional celliant-infused cover

Cons:

  • Expensive 
  • Designed for side sleepers, so it might not be the perfect fit for back or stomach sleepers
Casper mattress for Airbnb
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Casper The One Premium Foam Mattress

Casper’s “The One” is an 11” all-foam mattress with a responsive yet supportive medium firmness. It’s an all-around crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for Airbnbs that cater to all kinds of sleepers.

Casper The One is built with four layers:

  1. Breathe flex foam with open cells to promote airflow 
  2. Align memory foam that sculpts to the shape of your body
  3. Casper Core, the company’s long-lasting, sag-resistant base
  4. A soft knit cover on top of everything 

Pros:

  • 11” thickness
  • Medium firm, making it ideal for STRs
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • Free delivery and returns
  • 10-year limited warranty

Cons:

  • Designed for back and stomach sleepers, not side sleepers
  • No specific cooling gel layer could mean this mattress isn’t as good at regulating temperature as others
Purple mattress for Airbnb
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Purple Mattress

Give your guests the best sleep of their lives on the Purple Mattress, a medium-firm foam mattress with incredible pressure relief and temperature-balancing capabilities.

Purple is known for its proprietary GelFlex grid, which helps its mattresses instantly adapt to each unique body shape to relieve pressure. This mattress’s innovative materials also help with temperature balancing by dissipating heat.

The Purple Mattress is built with 5 layers to maximize comfort:

  1. SoftFlex cover for coziness
  2. GelFlex grid that dissipates heat and relieves pressure
  3. Edge support foam that increases durability and makes it easy to get in and out of bed
  4. Comfort foam that conforms to the body’s natural shape
  5. Base support foam that stabilizes and supports with less bounce

Pros:

  • Free shipping and returns
  • 10-year warranty
  • 100-night sleep trial
  • Medium-firm feel to maximize comfort for the widest range of sleepers
  • Hypoallergenic and made of non-toxic materials 

Cons:

  • Expensive 
  • Designed primarily for back sleepers
  • 9.25” thickness means it’s thinner than the ideal mattress size for Airbnbs

Why your Airbnb mattress matters

Investing in a top-notch mattress for your Airbnb isn't just about providing comfort for your guests — it's smart business. 

In crowded markets, standout features like a premium mattress can make your listing shine. If a guest gets a great night’s sleep at your property, they’ll likely mention that in their review. Prospective guests who read those reviews will be drawn to your listing and may choose it over others solely for its great bed!

Plus, a durable mattress means fewer replacements, which saves you money over time.

Build the perfect Airbnb bed

A mattress isn’t the only part of the perfect Airbnb bed.

You’ll also have to invest in:

  • Bed frames
  • Headboards
  • Bed sheets
  • Comforters/duvets

Just as you’ve done your research to purchase the best Airbnb mattress for your property, make sure you adequately assess the other bed accessories you’ll need before purchasing. Using Minoan is a great way to find the best products and get great deals!

How do I make my Airbnb bed more comfortable?

A comfortable bed starts with the right mattress!

For an Airbnb, opt for a mattress that is:

  • Medium-firm
  • Ideal for multiple types of sleepers (back, side, and stomach)
  • Built with durable materials that provide good support, pressure relief, and motion control

Of course, soft, high-quality sheets, linens, and blankets make all the difference, too.

Ready to start shopping smarter for your vacation rental?

Now that you know what to look for in an Airbnb mattress and which products will give your guests the best sleep, it’s time to start shopping!

Join Minoan today at no cost and access incredible deals on mattresses and other essential pieces for your short-term rental.