In This Article:
Quick Answers
What is a hybrid mattress? A hybrid has pocketed coils on the bottom with foam layers on top. The coils give you support and airflow; the foam handles comfort and pressure relief. Most of our customers end up choosing hybrids.
Are they worth the money? In our experience, yes. Hybrids last longer than all-foam (8-10 years vs 5-7), they sleep cooler, and they work for more body types. The extra cost usually makes sense.
Which hybrid helps with back pain? Look for medium-firm with zoned support - firmer where your lower back sits, softer at the shoulders. We can show you a few options in store.
Setting Up a Guest Room People Actually Sleep Well In
When family visits, you want them to rest well. A comfortable guest room means happier visitors, better visits, and guests who don't leave exhausted. But guest rooms are tricky. You're buying for people with different bodies and preferences than your own.
Here's how to set up a guest room that works for almost anyone.
The Guest Room Mattress Decision
Your guest room mattress needs to work for different body types and sleep preferences. The best approach:
Go Medium
A medium-firm mattress suits the widest range of sleepers. It's supportive enough for back and stomach sleepers, cushioned enough for side sleepers. You won't please everyone perfectly, but you won't make anyone miserable either.
Consider Size
If you have the space, a queen is better than a double. Couples sharing a double mattress have a hard time getting comfortable, especially if they're used to a larger bed at home. A queen also works for single guests who like to spread out.
Don't Cheap Out Too Much
The cheapest mattresses feel like it. Your guests will notice. You don't need to spend what you'd spend on your own bed, but aim for quality construction that will hold up over time. A mid-range mattress from a good manufacturer will last years and provide decent comfort.
Budget-Friendly Options That Work
If you don't have many overnight guests and can't justify a high-end mattress:
- Foam mattresses offer good value. They compress for shipping, which reduces cost, and provide decent support.
- A quality mattress topper can upgrade a basic mattress significantly. Memory foam or latex toppers add cushion and make a firm mattress more accommodating.
- Futons or sofa beds work for occasional use if space is limited. Look for ones with real mattresses rather than thin fold-out pads.
Beyond the Mattress
A good mattress is just the start. Guest room comfort includes:
Pillows (Multiple Options)
Provide at least two pillows per sleeper, one firmer and one softer. Different people need different support. Having options lets guests adjust to their preference.
Quality Bedding
Fresh, clean sheets in breathable cotton or bamboo. A duvet or comforter appropriate for the season. Extra blankets in the closet for guests who run cold.
Temperature Control
If the guest room has its own vent or thermostat control, make sure guests know how to use it. If not, provide a fan and extra blankets so they can adjust.
Light Blocking
Blackout curtains help guests sleep past sunrise. Eye masks are a nice backup option to leave in the nightstand.
Quiet
If your guest room shares a wall with a noisy space (TV room, street side), a white noise machine helps. So do thick curtains and rugs that absorb sound.
The Little Touches
Small details make guests feel welcome and sleep better:
- An empty drawer or closet space for their clothes
- A lamp that's easy to reach from bed
- A phone charger on the nightstand
- A clock (many people don't travel with alarm clocks)
- A carafe of water and a glass
- Earplugs in the nightstand drawer
Holiday Hosting Considerations
If you're hosting family for the holidays, you might need more sleeping capacity than usual:
Air Mattresses
A decent air mattress with a built-in pump works for overflow guests. The key is getting one that's thick enough and doesn't lose air overnight. Test it yourself before guests arrive.
Kids' Sleeping Arrangements
Children are usually more adaptable. A twin mattress, trundle bed, or even a quality sleeping pad on the floor works fine for most kids.
Elderly Guests
Older visitors may need extra support. If your guest mattress is soft and saggy, a firm mattress topper helps. Also consider bed height. Getting in and out of a low bed can be difficult for seniors.
Maintaining Your Guest Room
Even if the room sits empty most of the year:
- Air it out regularly
- Flip or rotate the mattress according to manufacturer guidelines
- Wash bedding before guests arrive (it absorbs dust sitting in storage)
- Check for musty smells or dampness
Finding the Right Guest Mattress
If you're setting up a guest room or upgrading what you have, come see us. We have options at various price points, and we can help you find something that will work for different types of guests.
We're at 441½ West Street in Brantford. Same-day delivery available, which is handy if you have guests coming soon.
Mattress Miracle has been helping Brantford families host comfortable guests since 1987.