As we've discussed previously, when it comes to short-term rentals, a great night’s sleep can make or break a guest’s experience—and your reviews, which are key to your property's overall success. The right mattress isn’t just about comfort; it’s about durability, ease of maintenance, and broad appeal to different sleep preferences. Whether you’re furnishing a boutique Airbnb or upgrading a high-turnover rental, choosing the perfect mattress is an investment in your property’s success!

 

We’ve teamed up with an expert in all things mattress, Ted Weil from Southern Lady Manufacturing, an amazing family-owned and operated business based in Charleston, SC, to bring to you his 8 tips to finding the perfect mattress.

"From our family’s experience of making mattresses since 1914, these are the key factors to consider as a B&B or property owner today."

- Ted Weil, Southern Lady

 

 

Discover Ted's 8 Tips for Finding The Right Mattress:

1. Comfort Level

Firmness: 

Medium-firm mattresses are often the best choice as they cater to a wider range of sleeping preferences.

Build: 

Memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses each offer different levels of support and comfort. Memory foam is a bit polarizing for sleepers as it conducts heat, which your hot sleepers will not like. A hybrid mattress with a more breathable foam or true innerspring mattresses tend to perform better in hospitality.

Edge Support: 

Edge support is specifically important in a mattress but especially in hospitality. The very first experience of a traveler on your bed is likely to be on the side of it, to take off their shoes, watch TV, or settle down from the travel day. Edge Support is also critical for the elderly and disabled demographics, as it helps them get into and out of bed.

Looking for inspiration? Check out this cozy bedding from Hayden Haven.

 

 

2. Durability

Warranty:

A longer warranty can be a sign of quality and provides peace of mind. Beware of a company that has a 10 year warranty but hasn’t been around 10 years!

The Flip:

Many mattress companies are moving away from flip mattresses because they prefer to put more comfort on one side of the bed for the same price. Many of them would also love to see you buy another mattress in 5 years instead of 10. There is no question that flipping a mattress will extend its comfort life, but if you don’t want to go through this extra step of housekeeping every 3-6 months and are ok buying mattresses more frequently, there are dozens of great one-sided mattress options on the market.

The Turn:

A 5th generation mattress maker, Ted is always surprised when people have never heard to turn their mattress (from head to foot). Whether you have a flip mattress or not, this will extend the life of your mattress. This is especially valuable in a couple’s home when the heavier sleeper is always on the same side.

3. Size

Room Size:

Ensure the mattress fits well in the room without overwhelming the space. Consider a queen or king size for more flexibility and comfort.

Guest Capacity:

Think about the maximum number of guests you expect to accommodate. Also don’t be afraid to find creative ways to get that extra bed! A sofa sleeper is a game changer with a good mattress, and Murphy Beds create a fun twist to any travel experience.

 

Pro Tip:  Consider trundle beds to maximize your guest count without overwhelming the space. They’re a smart way to add sleeping capacity while keeping the room functional and stylish. Check out these cool bunks from The Tulsa Manor for inspiration!

4. Maintenance

Ease of Cleaning:

Consider mattresses with removable, washable covers or those that are stain-resistant.

Protectors:

Investing in mattress protectors can extend the life of the mattress and keep it clean (and free of bed bugs). 

PWD Recommendation: Check out these pillow protectors, and mattress covers we've used for our projects!*

 

5. Price Point

Budget:

Balance quality and affordability. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a good mattress can lead to better reviews and higher occupancy rates.

Replacement:

Much of your budget decision comes from the timeline that you plan to replace your mattresses. If you have 5+ rooms, the shipping of new mattresses needs to be a consideration. If you start getting complaints about a mattress in one room, are you going to replace one at a time, or are you going to put in a your budget for a new truckload?

 

Example: Check out this recent Pink Wall Designs project in San Antonio, Texas! Part of this revamp project involved upgrading this guest bedroom from a queen mattress to a king to improve the guest experience and improve the performance of this Airbnb.

 

6. Guest Preferences

Target Audience:

Consider who your typical guests are. Families, couples, and solo travelers may have different preferences. 

Feedback:

If you already have guests, ask for feedback on the mattress. This can guide your decision.

 

7. Bed Height

 

8. Reviews and Recommendations

Research:

Look for mattresses that have good reviews specifically for rental properties. You can also ask other Airbnb hosts for their recommendations.

 

A Note From PWD: 

Thank you, Ted, for sharing your insights with our community, and for all of your contributions to the short term rental space! We encourage anyone in the Charleston area to learn more about this incredible business, and shop their commercial products here: Southern Lady Mattresses.

If you're not in the short term rental or boutique hotel business, but are interested in shopping their impressive lineup for yourself, you can also check out the Boutique for Home Collection here. 

You Might Also Like: 

• The Secret to Luxurious Sleep for Guests: Durable, Quality Sheets
• Our Top Tips For Bed Sheets in Short-Term Rentals
• Airbnb Re-Design: Utah Mansion
• Airbnb Backyard Re-Design: Richardson, Texas

 

*Amazon Affiliate Links