Three stars.
That single review knocked my listing down in search. Future guests did not read the compliments. They saw “uncomfortable bed” and kept scrolling. That was the day I stopped treating the mattress like a basic purchase and started treating it like a profit lever.
As an Airbnb Superhost, I now look at every bed in every listing as revenue protection. One great sleep equals a 5 star review and more bookings. One bad night can cost you thousands over the year.The good news: you do not need a $2,000 luxury mattress.
The good news: you do not need a $2,000 luxury mattress.
You need a mattress in a box that is:
- Comfortable for almost everyone
- Tough enough for constant turnover
- Cheap enough to replace if a guest destroys it
- Fast enough to arrive before your photographer shows up
Over time, I have tested the big Amazon best sellers, paid attention to what guests say in reviews, and narrowed it down to a short list that works.
If you want the quick answer:
- Best budget mattress for Airbnb: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam
- Most durable budget hybrid: Linenspa 8 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid
- Best “brand name” upgrade for premium listings: Tuft & Needle Original
- Heavy duty hybrid for bigger guests and constant use: a tall coil and foam hybrid such as DreamCloud
Below I will walk through how I choose, the exact models I use, and where each one fits in a real Airbnb strategy.
What Makes a Mattress “Airbnb Proof”?
Here is the short version of what actually matters for a vacation rental.
1. Medium firm feel
Most of my guests are happiest on a medium firm mattress. Softer beds cause back complaints. Extra firm beds make side sleepers miserable. When I buy, I look for “medium” or “medium firm” on the product page.
2. Enough height to look “hotel grade”
Thin six inch mattresses look cheap in photos. For main beds, I aim for 10 to 12 inches. I only use eight inch profiles in kids’ bunk rooms or trundles.
3. Motion isolation for couples
Many bookings are couples. I want one person to be able to roll over without waking the other. Foam or foam heavy hybrids usually handle this well.
4. Edge support that does not collapse
Guests sit on the edge to put on shoes, repack suitcases, or work on a laptop. If the edge crushes down, the mattress looks worn long before it actually is. Hybrids tend to hold their shape better here.
5. Safety and easy cleaning
I look for clear information about fire barriers and avoid mattresses that make it easy for fiberglass to escape if someone opens the cover. Then I add an encasement and a waterproof protector so accidents do not reach the foam.
Once you keep those simple rules in mind, choosing a product becomes much easier.
As a Superhost, I don’t buy mattresses for my taste, I buy for my reviews. If a bed can turn strangers into 5‑star guests at a profit, it earns its spot in my listing.
My Top Mattress Picks for Airbnb
These are the mattresses that either are on my beds right now or have been rotated through my listings.
I will keep each review simple: who it is for, what I like, what I do not like, and my host verdict.
1: Best Budget Mattress for Airbnb
Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
👉 View the Zinus Green Tea mattress on Amazon
If you are furnishing your first place or trying to keep setup costs under control, this is usually where I start.
Why I use it
- It is one of the most popular mattresses on Amazon.
- It is very affordable, often less than 2 nights of revenue for a queen.
- The thicker versions look great in photos and feel much more expensive than they are.
I use the 10 or 12 inch profile in primary bedrooms. The 8 inch works for bunks or secondary spaces, but it does not have the same presence in photos.
Over and over I see guests leave comments like “bed was very comfortable” on listings with this mattress. That is all I need at this price point.
Pros
- Price: Fantastic value for budget and mid tier listings.
- Comfort: Soft, pressure relieving feel that side sleepers love.
- Options: Multiple thicknesses, so you can upgrade the look easily.
- Convenience: Comes compressed in a box, easy to move up stairs and through tight doors.
Cons
- All foam design can feel warm in hot climates if the room does not have strong air conditioning.
- Edge support on the thinner versions is not great. Guests who sit on the edge a lot can wear it faster.
- Very heavy guests may prefer a hybrid with coils underneath.
Three stars.
Host Verdict
If I were launching a new listing tomorrow under $150 per night, my default choice would be Zinus Green Tea in 10 or 12 inches. It is a comfortable affordable mattress that pays for itself quickly and does not scare your accountant.
2: Most Durable Budget Hybrid
Linenspa 8 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid
👉 View the Linenspa 8 Inch Hybrid on Amazon
When I want something that feels like a classic hotel bed and can take a bit more punishment, I reach for this hybrid.
Why I use it
- The coil system gives the mattress more “bounce” and support over time.
- The foam layer on top softens the feel so it is not a hard spring bed.
- It sleeps cooler than many all foam mattresses, which my summer guests appreciate.
This is my go to for rooms that see heavy use: city one bedrooms that are booked most of the month, kid friendly homes, and places where guests might flop onto the bed after a night out.
Pros
- Durability: Coils help resist long term sagging better than very cheap foam only beds.
- Cooling: Air moves through the spring layer, so guests who run hot tend to be happier.
- Familiar feel: Many guests grew up on coil mattresses and find hybrids more natural.
- Value: Price is still in the budget range, especially for an 8 or 10 inch profile.
Cons
- The model uses a fiberglass fire barrier inside the cover. That means the cover should never be removed and you must add an encasement to keep everything sealed.
- Edge support is decent but not as strong as more expensive hybrids.
- The 8 inch profile can look a bit thin as a main bed in a master suite.
Host Verdict
I treat Linenspa 8 Inch Hybrid as my workhorse mattress for high traffic listings. I always add a full encasement plus a waterproof protector. With that setup, it handles rougher use than a lot of foam only options at a similar price.
3: Best Brand Name Upgrade
Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
👉 View the Tuft & Needle Original on Amazon
Once your nightly rate starts to climb, the mattress becomes part of your marketing. That is where Tuft & Needle comes in.
Why I use it
- Guests actually recognise the name, which adds a sense of quality.
- The feel is a balanced medium firm that works for back, side, and stomach sleepers.
- It uses a responsive foam that does not trap you in one spot, which many guests prefer to very slow memory foam.
- The brand is clear about using a fiberglass free fire barrier.
On my higher end listings, I mention the mattress in the description. I often see that echoed back in guest reviews. When guests repeat your selling points, you know the product choice is working.
Pros
- Feel: Supportive without being rock hard, comfortable for almost everyone.
- Reputation: Recognised brand that signals you did not cheap out on the bed.
- Safety: Fiberglass free construction with a documented fire barrier.
- Policies: When bought direct, it comes with a trial period and long warranty that show the company stands behind it.
Cons
- Price is higher than Zinus or Linenspa. This is not the mattress I buy for bunk beds.
- It is still a foam mattress, so extremely heavy guests might do better on a thick hybrid.
- Some very soft mattress lovers may find it a little firm.
Host Verdict
If your listing charges $150 per night or more, I strongly recommend Tuft & Needle Original for at least your primary bedroom. It feels like a proper modern mattress, and the brand name in your listing description can help conversion.
4: Heavy Duty Hybrid For Bigger Guests
DreamCloud Classic 12" Hybrid Mattress (Heavy Duty Pick)
👉 DreamCloud Classic 12" Queen Mattress on Amazon
For a heavy duty, DreamCloud‑style hybrid that can handle bigger guests and constant use.
Why I use it
- The bed is the main money maker in the listing.
- I expect a lot of adult groups, couples, and longer stays.
- I want a mattress that can handle higher weights without collapsing or looking tired after a year.
It is a 12 inch hybrid with gel memory foam on top and individually wrapped coils underneath, rated to support up to 800 lbs for a queen.
Pros
- Heavy duty support: The coil system and 800 lb rating make it a better fit for larger bodies than most budget foam beds.
- Hotel style feel: There is a cushioned top with underlying firmness, so guests often describe it as “hotel like” in reviews.
- Motion isolation: For a hybrid, it does a solid job of dampening partner movement.
- Good for your brand: “DreamCloud hybrid mattress” looks strong in a listing description.
Cons
- Price: This is a $$ mattress. I would not put it in a bunk room or a pullout.
- Weight: It is heavier than budget foam, so moving it for deep cleaning takes two people.
- Firmness for very light guests: A few lighter side sleepers may find it firmer than they like, though most guests adapt quickly.
Host Verdict
If your nightly rate supports it and you want a heavy duty workhorse for your main bedroom, the DreamCloud Classic 12" Hybrid is the one I would buy on Amazon. It is strong enough for heavier guests, soft enough for most average sleepers, and polished enough to justify a higher price per night.
Sleep Accessories I Never Skip
The mattress is not enough on its own. If you stop here, you are leaving money on the table and inviting expensive damage.
In every one of my Airbnbs, I treat the following as mandatory, not optional.
The cheapest ‘upgrade’ I’ve ever made is adding a full encasement and waterproof protector to every bed. That one decision has saved me from replacing mattresses after spills, accidents, and long stays more times than I can count.
1. Six sided mattress encasement (the base layer of protection)
First, I put a full encasement on every mattress, under everything else. This is what actually protects the investment.
My go to choice:
SafeRest Zippered Mattress Encasement, Queen
👉 SafeRest Zippered Mattress Protector on Amazon
Why I use it
- It completely wraps the mattress on all six sides.
- The micro zipper and velcro flap are designed to block bed bugs and keep the cover sealed.
- It is waterproof, so if a guest manages to soak through the top protector, the encasement is still there as a second line of defense.
Practically, this means:
- Spills do not reach the actual mattress fabric.
- Any internal fire barrier or foam is kept fully sealed.
- If there is ever a pest issue in the building, the mattress is far easier to save.
I put this on once, zip it, and only remove it for rare deep maintenance. Everything else gets washed on normal turnovers.
2. Waterproof mattress protector on top (the daily shield)
On top of the encasement, I always add a fitted waterproof protector that comes off with the sheets after every stay.
My preferred pick:
SafeRest Waterproof Queen Mattress Protector
👉 SafeRest Waterproof Queen Mattress Protector on Amazon
Why I like it for hosting:
- It looks and feels like a thin fitted sheet.
- The membrane blocks liquids like sweat, urine, and wine, while still allowing the bed to breathe.
- It is machine washable and quiet, so guests do not feel like they are sleeping on a tarp.
This is the layer that saves you when:
- A child has an accident.
- Someone spills red wine or coffee in bed.
- Long stays slowly soak the mattress with sweat over weeks.
I also protect the pillows the same way.
SafeRest Premium Zippered Pillow Protector
👉 SafeRest Zippered Pillow Protector on Amazon
These keep sweat, makeup, and oils out of the pillow fill, and they add a barrier against dust mites and bed bugs.
With that setup, I am replacing far fewer pillows each year, and guests with allergies are much happier.
3. Heavy duty platform frame (quiet, strong, no box spring)
The frame that has proven itself over and over in my listings is:
ZINUS SmartBase Heavy Duty Mattress Foundation, 14 Inch, Queen
👉 ZINUS SmartBase Heavy Duty 14" Metal Platform Bed Frame on Amazon
The last part of my standard stack is a simple, strong platform frame. I want:
- No box spring
- Minimal noise
- High weight capacity
- Easy assembly
Why I keep buying it:
- It is all steel, rated to support up to 3,000 lbs, which pairs perfectly with heavier hybrids like DreamCloud and Titan.
- There is no box spring to sag, squeak, or replace.
- Underbed storage helps guests in small spaces and makes cleaning faster.
A broken bed frame in the middle of a weekend booking is the kind of emergency that wrecks reviews. Spending a bit more on a heavy duty frame is cheap insurance.
How I layer everything in my Airbnbs
For every serious bed in my listings, the stack looks like this:
- ZINUS SmartBase Heavy Duty frame
- Mattress (Zinus, Linenspa, Tuft & Needle, DreamCloud, or Titan depending on the room)
- SafeRest zippered mattress encasement
- SafeRest waterproof fitted mattress protector
- Sheet set
- Pillows with SafeRest zippered pillow protectors
- Pillowcases
With this setup, I am not guessing. I know that if a guest is rough on the bed, I am replacing a protector, not a thousand dollar mattress. That is the kind of quiet system that keeps profit where it belongs: in your bank account, not in emergency bedding orders.
Most hosts treat the mattress as a line item; I treat it as a headline. When you can honestly write ‘new hybrid mattress with hotel‑level comfort’ in your listing, guests arrive expecting a great sleep, and your reviews start to reflect it.
FAQs
What Are the Best Mattresses for Airbnbs and Vacation Rental Properties?
Choosing the right mattress for your Airbnb or vacation rental can transform guest experiences, driving higher ratings and repeat bookings. Hosts prioritize durable, comfortable options that withstand heavy use while delivering restorative sleep for diverse travelers. Based on extensive analysis of user feedback, sales data, and expert evaluations, here are the top 10 most popular mattresses on Amazon, ranked by highest star ratings, deal for short-term rentals due to their affordability, ease of setup, and proven longevity.
- Zinus 12 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
- Tuft & Needle Original Mattress
- Nectar Premier Memory Foam Mattress
- Lucid 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress
- Linenspa 8 Inch Hybrid Mattress
- Vibe Gel Memory Foam Mattress
- Novilla Bliss Memory Foam Mattress
- Amazon Basics 12 Inch Memory Foam Mattress
- Casper Sleep Element Mattress
- Helix Midnight Hybrid Mattress
What Type of Mattress is Best for Airbnb?
For Airbnb hosts aiming to delight guests and boost five-star reviews, hybrid mattresses strike the ideal balance of support and comfort in short-term rentals. These beds combine responsive coils with foam layers for durability that withstands frequent use, outlasting basic innerspring options by up to 50% in high-traffic setups. Opt for medium-firm hybrids to accommodate diverse sleepers, ensuring your vacation rental stands out in competitive markets.
Should You Buy Firm or Soft Mattress for Airbnb?
Neither extreme wins for Airbnb properties—medium-firm mattresses, rated around 6-7 on a 10-point scale, satisfy 80% of guests by offering spinal alignment without the sinking plushness of soft beds. Firm options suit heavier travelers but risk complaints from lighter guests who toss and turn, while soft ones may feel too enveloping for active vacationers. Prioritize this versatile firmness to minimize negative feedback and elevate your host ranking.
How Much Should You Spend on Airbnb Mattress?
Budget $300 to $800 per queen-size mattress for Airbnb setups, where affordable hybrids like those from Zinus deliver guest-approved comfort without eroding your ROI. Splurging beyond $1,000 rarely pays off in short-term rentals, as durability trumps luxury for properties hosting 100+ nights annually. Focus on value-driven picks with 10-year warranties to protect your investment while keeping overhead low.
Is Memory Foam or Hybrid Better for Airbnb?
Hybrids edge out memory foam for Airbnb hosts due to superior breathability and edge support, preventing the "stuck" sensation that frustrates hot sleepers in humid destinations. Memory foam excels in motion isolation for couples but can retain heat and sag faster under rental wear, lasting 7-8 years versus hybrids' 10+. Choose hybrids for versatile, low-maintenance performance that keeps your short-term rental reviews glowing.
What Size Mattress for Airbnb Bedrooms?
Queen-size mattresses dominate Airbnb bedrooms, fitting 90% of couples and solo travelers while maximizing space in standard 10x12-foot rooms. Reserve kings for primary suites if your layout allows, as they command premium pricing but complicate sheet sourcing. For secondary spaces, twin XLs suit families or budget-conscious guests, ensuring flexible configurations that appeal to diverse booking demographics.
What Kind of Mattress Do 5-Star Hotels Use?
Luxury five-star hotels favor hybrid mattresses with plush pillow tops, blending innerspring cores for bounce and foam layers for contouring that mimics cloud-like indulgence. Brands like Serta and Sealy dominate, engineered for medium-firm support to cradle all body types during extended stays. Emulate this setup in your Airbnb for that elite hotel vibe, turning one-night bookings into raving testimonials.
Final Thoughts
When I step back and look at my best performing listings, the pattern is simple: the mattress strategy matches the nightly rate and guest profile. Budget friendly units get Zinus Green Tea or Linenspa hybrids, my “wow” primary bedrooms get Tuft & Needle or a heavy duty hybrid like DreamCloud, and every single one is wrapped in a SafeRest encasement and protector. That mix lets me protect reviews, reduce replacements, and justify higher prices without overbuying for low tier rooms.
If you are not sure where to start, upgrade your main bed first, add full protection, and then use guest reviews as feedback on whether to adjust firmness or brand in other rooms. Rotate mattresses twice a year, check for early sagging when you do deep cleans, and use “new hybrid mattress with full waterproof protection” as selling language in your listing. Over time, your goal is simple: turn every bed into a silent asset that keeps guests sleeping, rating, and rebooking without you having to think about it.