Best Mattresses For Guest Bedrooms

Best Mattresses For Guest Bedrooms - UK (2024)

Last updated: 31.10.2023 Reading time: 4 Min.

You don’t necessarily have to splurge on the most expensive mattress for a guest bedroom. But you still want your family and friends visiting to sleep comfortably.

So what should you pay attention to when buying a mattress for a spare or guest bedroom?

There are dozens of mattresses you could choose, ranging from a simply cheaper mattress to inflatable and foldable mattresses.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the best mattresses for your guest bedroom and share some tips and tricks to make your visitors more comfortable in your home.

best mattresses for guest bedrooms

The best mattresses for guest bedrooms in the UK

Sleep Hero Favourite

Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress

The Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress is made with temperature regulation technology.
  • ThermoSync foam, memory foam, & pocket springs
  • 25 cm (10 inches)
  • Medium-firm

Tell me more about the Emma Luxe Cooling Mattress

Emma Sleep's most advanced Luxe Cooling mattress combines six layers of foam and springs for medium-firm support.

It ensures optimal spinal alignment with targeted support and sufficient push-back to prevent excessive sinking.

The mattress offers exceptional edge support, a standout feature not common in bed-in-a-box options.

It features enhanced temperature regulation technologies, so you won't feel as hot and clammy on this mattress as you may feel on other Emma memory foam mattresses.

The machine-washable cover is ideal for allergy sufferers and hygiene maintenance.

Delivered compactly rolled in a box, though it is notably heavy for easy manoeuvring.

Reasons to buy

200-night trial 

10-year guarantee

Excellent edge support 

Reasons to avoid

The foams retain some heat and feel warmer than non-memory foam products

We experienced some delivery issues during testing 

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40% OFF EMMA LUXE COOLING MATTRESS

Best Guarantee

Nectar Premier Hybrid

The Nectar Premier Hybrid combines pocket springs, micro springs, and memory foam.
  • Memory foam, micro springs & full-size pocket springs
  • 28 cm (11 inches)
  • Medium-firm support 

Tell me more about the Nectar Premier Hybrid

The Nectar Premier Hybrid mattress is one of Nectar's best-selling medium-firm mattresses, designed for superior comfort and support for all body types. 

This mattress has been designed with enhanced cooling in mind, wicking away moisture and allowing for greater air circulation. ❄️

This helps keep the mattress cooler and more comfortable, making it better suited to hot sleepers or those who sweat easily. 

The combination of up to 2,462  micro springs and full-size pocket springs also aids support and gives you a more stable sleeping surface.

It also comes with a risk-free 365-day trial, giving you the chance to try the product in the comfort of your own home.

Reasons to buy

365-day trial

Lifetime guarantee

Free named-day delivery

Reasons to avoid

Not the best edge support

Value For Money

Hypnia Essential Hybrid Mattress

The Hypnia Essential Hybrid is as comfortable as top-rated competitors.
  • Pocket springs, Cloud-zoned foam layer & memory foam layer
  • 25 cm (10")
  • Medium-firm

Tell me more about the Hypnia Essential Hybrid mattress

The standout feature of the Hypnia Essential Hybrid mattress is its unique blend of layers, which provide excellent comfort and support.

The mattress is composed of pocket springs with 5 support zones, offering targeted support and effective motion absorption.

It also has a Cloud-zoned and memory foam layer for body-contouring support that adapts to pressure points.

The Hypnia Hybrid is comfortable in most sleeping positions, but particularly for side and back sleepers.

It also offers low-motion transfer, so we'd recommend it to couples and restless sleepers. 

One downside is the non-removable cover, though using a mattress protector can help extend its lifespan and cleanliness.

Reasons to buy

200-night trial period 

15-year guarantee

Just as comfy as pricier competitors 

Reasons to avoid

The cover is not removable 

Not the best delivery experience 

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Memory Foam Comfort

Eve Wunderflip Memory Foam

The Wunderflip Memory Foam mattress is made with 3 layers of cushiony foam.
  • Memory foam 
  • Firm/extra firm 
  • 24 cm (9.44 inches)

Tell me more about the Wunderflip Memory Foam Mattress

The Eve Wunderflip memory foam mattress is made up of three layers of high-quality foam.

The mattress has a high point elasticity and provides great support, promoting optimal spinal alignment and reducing pressure points.

It has a firm feel on one side and a medium feel on the other, so you can decide on how you sleep. 

It's also 5 times more breathable than standard memory foam. 

The memory foam contains drill holes, which help to encourage airflow and adapt to the shape of your body. 

The removable cover is treated with Purotex+, which is certified by Allergy UK. 

Reasons to buy

200-night trial period 

10-year guarantee

Adaptable firm & extra firm side 

Reasons to avoid

The cover is not washable 

It may be too firm for some sleepers 

Budget-Friendly

Happy Beds Majestic 1000 Pocket Sprung Orthopaedic Mattress

The Happy Beds Majestic 1000 Pocket Sprung Orthopaedic Mattress is a hand-tufted pocket spring mattress.
  • Pocket springs 
  • Medium-firm 
  • 25 cm (9.8 inches)

Tell me more about the Happy Beds Majestic Mattress

The Happy Beds Majestic 1000 Pocket Sprung Orthopaedic Mattress is one of the most budget-friendly adult pocket sprung mattresses on the market. 🇬🇧 

It features an average of 1000 individually-wrapped pocket coils for superior orthopaedic support and comfort.

It also features air vents that improve breathability, allowing you to enjoy a cooler and more comfortable sleep.

The mattress is hand-tufted with elegant damask fabric. 

It should be flipped and rotated every six weeks. 

Reasons to buy

5-year guarantee

Breathable design 

Budget-friendly 

Reasons to avoid

No trial period 

The cover is not removable 

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Criteria for choosing a mattress for a guest bedroom

As with all mattress choices, there are a certain number of criteria you may wish to consider when choosing a mattress for your guest bedroom.

Comfort

Of course, the mattress in your guest bedroom should be comfortable. You wouldn’t want your family or friends sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress!

So our general rule of thumb is that you should find the mattress comfortable yourself. Try it for a night — if you don’t like it, it’s probably not a good choice.

You don’t have to buy a luxury mattress, like a Tempur, but, still, pay attention to the quality and comfort level of the mattress you decide on.

Many online retailers offer risk-free trial periods, which give you the chance to try the mattress to see if it’s right.

Universality

Since the people visiting you will all have different bodies, needs, and sleeping preferences, it’s important to choose a mattress that’s universal enough to work for a wide range of people and sleeping positions.

Choose a medium-firm mattress of the universal kind that’s neither too firm nor too soft.

Size

Not everyone is blessed with luxuriously large guest bedrooms. It’s likely that your guest bedroom is small, so it’s important that you have a mattress that’s space-savvy. The UK Double Mattress (135 x 190 cm) is a good space-saving option.

If you don’t have a guest bedroom but still need a guest mattress, then you can also consider camping beds.

Foldable beds and air mattresses can be set up easily and stored in a cupboard, but they’re not ideal for sleeping in the long term.

You can also choose a futon, a sofa that folds out into a bed.

Price

While you certainly can splurge on a mattress for a guest bedroom, your spare mattress does not have to be expensive.

There are many high-quality mattresses available at very affordable prices.

Why would you choose an inflatable mattress?

Inflatable mattresses are great as they’re very space-efficient. You can pack them away if you don’t need them and easily set them up if you have visitors.

Before buying an inflatable mattress, though, you should think about the size and the height of the mattress as well as the inflation technique.

You’d want something that’s quick and easy to set up to accommodate overnight visitors and something that’s very comfortable.

Why would you choose a foldable mattress?

Foldable mattresses are often very thin but can be quite comfortable.

They’re also very space-efficient and can be stored away quite easily. Foldable mattresses can be made of a variety of materials.

Converting a small room into a guest bedroom

You don’t need a large space to create a beautiful guest bedroom. If done right, even a small area can be optimised.

If the room is very small, don’t bother installing cupboards or a dressing table — these just take up unnecessary space. You could install a clothing rail, if you wish, or add in a chair and small table.

If a bed and mattress fit, then you’re in luck. If not, you may consider using a futon, which can be folded back into a sofa during the day, or making use of a foldable or inflatable mattress.

For decorating, we’d recommend using neutral or soft colours. White or beige walls tend to lighten up the room and enhance the space.

To create a cosy room, dress the mattress with sheets, a duvet, and cushions. This will turn even the smallest space into a comfortable bedroom.

Take a look at the best beds for small rooms to help you get the best frame for your mattress.

Conclusion

There are dozens of mattresses you can choose for your guest room.

If you’re struggling with space, then a futon, inflatable, or foldable mattress are good options. But if you do have space for a full bed and mattress, no matter what size, then it’s always worth investing in a high-quality mattress at a reasonable price.

Many of the mattresses in our mattress reviews will be suitable, including the best-selling Emma Original and Eve Original, but if you’re really looking for the best value for money, then you can’t do better than the Eve Lighter Hybrid.

Nicky

Nicky Peters

Editor & Certified Sleep Therapist

Nicky is an experienced writer and editor with BA, BA(Hons), and MA qualifications. As a certified sleep coach, her interests lie in understanding how sleep problems arise from hormonal and environmental issues, particularly as part of stress and anxiety management.

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