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Forbes
11-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The Best Mattress For Guest Rooms That Keep All Visitors Comfortable
Finding the most optimal mattress for your guest room means taking a universal approach that feels 'just right' for different sleeping positions and body types, since it's meant to accommodate different sleeper types. Although you may not want to splurge on this mattress as much as your own, you don't have to compromise your standards when shopping for a great value. The best mattress for a guest room is both affordable and high-quality, with a feel that helps any visitor sleep comfortably. Our top pick, the Leesa Studio Mattress, is a medium-firm memory foam option that delivers contouring pressure relief without uncomfortable sinkage. The Leesa Studio Mattress is our top pick for the best mattress for guest rooms thanks to its value ... More and versatility. ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILER As spine surgeon Dr. Ehsan Jazini says, there are 'two important criteria for guest room mattresses: versatility and support.' You want to find a mattress that a variety of guests will find comfortable, regardless of their sleeping position or body type. 'You don't have to splurge on a high-end mattress, but don't skimp either," Jazini adds. 'Sleep is how the body repairs itself, so choose something that ensures your guests wake up rested, not stiff or sore.' Read on for our top picks of the best mattresses for guest rooms. Our Top Recommendations Amazon Leesa Studio Mattress (Queen) Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium-firm | Shipping: Free (in a box) | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: Limited lifetime Pros: Suited to most sleeping types (back, side, stomach and combo) Affordable Greenguard Gold-certified Cons: Not as supportive as a mattress made with coils The best mattress for a guest room should be versatile enough to suit a variety of guests and sleeping types—without breaking the bank. The Leesa Studio Mattress ticks both of these boxes, made from responsive, supportive memory foam that's designed to reduce sinking and provide pressure point relief for back, side, stomach and combination sleepers. It also features a moisture-wicking cover cover and cooling foam that could benefit hot sleepers. Despite its affordable price tag, this mattress is made from quality materials, earning it GreenGuard Gold and Certi-Pur US certifications for being sustainably made and free from harmful additives. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty and 100-night sleep trial, which gives you time to ensure it's the right fit. One commonly reported downside is that unboxing this mattress often comes with an off-gassing smell that takes a few days to dissipate (which can be common with memory foam). Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium | Delivery: Free (in a box) | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years Pros: Ideal for side, back and combination sleepers Green tea-infused CertiPUR-US Certified Cons: May be too soft if you plan for heavyweight guests If you're shopping for mattresses for multiple guest bedrooms, you might want to avoid the priciest options—but that doesn't mean you have to compromise on quality. This memory foam mattress from Wayfair features three layers designed to relieve pressure, promote cooling airflow and reduce motion transfer. The top layer is infused with green tea to eliminate odors and promote relaxation, and the mattress is CertiPUR-US Certified. It has a medium firmness feel that's plush yet supportive for a variety of sleepers, and it has a build with a weight capacity of 800 pounds. However, it's not as sturdy or supportive as a bed like the DreamCloud Hybrid (in case you or a partner plan to ever sleep on the mattress). It's an ultra-popular pick that's earned a 4.7-star rating from over 60,000 owners, so you can be confident that your guests are very likely to sleep comfortably. Just keep in mind that it needs a few days to expand after being unboxed, so you need to have it set up well ahead of your guests' arrival. Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Soft and firm | Delivery: Free (in a box) | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime Pros: Two firmness options accommodate most sleepers Reliable motion regulation Cons: Not suited for very hot sleepers If you really want to make your guest feel right at home, this Layla Mattress features both a soft and firm side that's easy to flip to suit individual guest's preferences. Both sides are made from copper-gel memory foam that's encased in a cooling cover to help promote temperature regulation. The soft side is rated a 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale, while the firm side is a 7. While neither side is on the end of its respective side of the spectrum, there is a noticeable difference between the two that make it worth flipping for different guests, especially if they have different sleeping habits. The brand claims that the memory foam delivers uniquely supportive pressure relief, plus heat dissipation and antimicrobial protection. When we tested the Layla mattress, we found that while heat did dissipate fairly quickly, the cooling properties were still likely not enough to support sleepers who run very hot. Type: Innerspring | Firmness: Plush soft, luxury firm or firm | Delivery: Free white glove delivery | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime Pros: Supportive dual-coil design for optimal pressure relief Three firmness options Excellent edge support Cons: Falls short with motion isolation If you have parents or in-laws visiting frequently, it's worth investing in a high-quality mattress that helps keep them more comfortable and supported. We rated the Saatva Classic as the best mattress for seniors thanks to its lifted, supportive feeling that cradles the body without letting it sink. The Saatva Classic is an innerspring mattress with a dual-coil build that's designed to relieve pressure points, support the lumbar region and promote airflow for supportive, cooling rest. It also features a 3-inch Euro pillow top that's available in three different firmness levels to suit any kind of sleeper. Especially important for senior sleepers, this mattress also has excellent edge support, which makes it easy to get in and out of bed without struggle. The only downside with this bed is it that it's so responsive, so lightweight sleepers who share a bed with a partner are more likely to be disturbed. Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Medium-firm | Delivery: Free (in a box) | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime Pros: Balances soft contouring with structured support Reliable edge support and motion isolation Great value Cons: Might be too firm for guests like grandkids or young children Hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds, thanks to comforting memory that's balanced by supportive coils, making them a great pick for guest rooms that host many different sleepers. The DreamCloud Hybrid is a top pick because it comes at a great value, especially considering its quality. The build features individually wrapped coils for customized body contouring, topped with a gel memory foam for cooling cushioning and covered by a cashmere-blend quilted cover for added softness. We found that this mattress excels at both motion isolation and edge support during testing, making it a great pick for both couples and seniors that decide to stay the night. Just keep in mind that this mattress takes a few days to fully expand after shipping, so be sure to set it up ahead of company arriving. Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium-firm | Delivery: Free (in a box) | Trial: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime Pros: Wallet-friendly price Best for back, stomach and combination sleepers Excellent motion isolation Cons: Not as soft as other memory foam options Memory foam mattresses are another popular choice for guest rooms. They're known for a doughy texture that excels at cushioning joints and isolating motion for undisturbed sleep. But not all memory foam mattresses are great choices for guest rooms, as many can be too soft to suit a variety of sleeping positions and body types. The Nectar Classic delivers a medium-firm feel with its several layers of high-density, pressure-relieving memory foam. When we tested it, we found that it offers more support than expected, delivering a dense yet pressure-relieving feel that suits a variety of different sleepers. This mattress also comes at a great value, which makes it a great pick for stocking a guest room on a budget. Some owners have reported it's not as soft as anticipated, which means it may not be the best choice for devoted side sleepers or lightweight individuals. Type: Hybrid | Firmness: Soft, medium or firm | Delivery: Free (bed in a box) | Trial: 120 nights | Warranty: Limited lifetime Pros: Five active cooling properties Three firmness levels to choose from Hybrid design for versatile support Cons: May be too cool if you live in a cold region If you live in a hot climate (or just frequently have hot sleepers over), investing in a cooling mattress for your guest room makes you an excellent host. Our top pick for the best cooling mattress is the Aurora Luxe, thanks to its five active cooling features that we found delivers noticeably cool results during testing. This mattress features a GlacioTex cooling cover that attracts and disperses heat as you sleep, as well as foam that's infused with cooling fibers and a hybrid design that naturally promotes airflow. All of that resulted in our senior sleep editor Bridget Chapman—a self-proclaimed hot sleeper—sleeping much more soundly in it without sweating or overheating through the night. This mattress is available in three different firmness levels to suit sleepers' preferences. But we found the medium option offers a versatile profile that supports most side, back and stomach sleepers. Type: Hybrid latex | Firmness: Plush, medium, cushion-firm, firm, extra-firm | Delivery: Free (bed in a box) | Trial: 100 nights | Warranty: 25 years Pros: Adjustable firmness to suit different guests Naturally breathable fabrics Certified by several sustainable and environmental organizations Cons: Adjusting firmness can be laborious Investing in an organic mattress comes with the peace of mind of knowing that you're sleeping on certified natural materials that meet strict standards for cleaner rest. When it comes to finding the right pick for a guest room, the NaturePedic EOS offers unique customization that allows tweaking the feel of your mattress for each and every guest. This hybrid mattress features organic latex, cotton and wool to deliver both structure and support along with natural temperature regulation. But the feel of the bed is always customizable, thanks to the zippable design that allows you to add and remove mattress layers on each side as you please. NaturePedic offers free swapping of layers for the first 100 days, but even beyond that timeline, you can always purchase additional layers and transform the bed as needed. And even in between guest stays, you can make small adjustments as needed. Just keep in mind that this process requires effort (and likely the help of multiple people). When we tested it, we found it difficult to fit the layers inside the mattress while holding it tight enough to close to the zipper. You'll also need enough strength to shake the mattress afterwards to even it out and avoid noticeable lumps. In search of the very best mattresses on the market, the sleep team at Forbes Vetted has tested hundreds over the years, from firm mattresses to soft mattresses and everything in between. The author of this article, Monica Petrucci, is a commerce writer for Forbes Vetted who has spent hours testing mattresses and conducting research in order to provide the best recommendations for our readers. Sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon are both certified sleep science coaches who have spent years testing and researching mattresses, and they approved every product on this list. We interviewed three experts for this story. The first is Dr. Ehsan Jazini who is a spine surgeon at VSI, and he spoke to the importance of versatility in a guest room mattress when it comes to supporting spinal alignment. We also consulted Zach Smith, doctor of physical therapy and founder of Hidef Physical Therapy, as well as Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, certified sleep specialist and author of Sleeping On The Job . Both provided expertise on the features to look for when shopping for a guest room mattress, as well as recommendations that suit a variety of sleepers. who is a spine surgeon at VSI, and he spoke to the importance of versatility in a guest room mattress when it comes to supporting spinal alignment. We also consulted Zach Smith, doctor of physical therapy and founder of Hidef Physical Therapy, as well as Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, certified sleep specialist and author of . Both provided expertise on the features to look for when shopping for a guest room mattress, as well as recommendations that suit a variety of sleepers. The Forbes Vetted team is committed to providing the most relevant and updated information to our readers. This article was last updated in July 2025. We utilized a combination of hands-on testing insights and product landscape research to decide on a list of the best mattresses for guest rooms. We collected recommendations and insights from Jazini, Smith and Holliday-Bell, taking their expertise into consideration when evaluating the best mattress materials, firmness levels and price points. We consulted hands-on testing notes from the Forbes Vetted team in order to provide real world insight for some of the mattresses on this list. We prioritized mattresses that with a medium firmness feel and highlighted queen mattresses sizes, both recommended by our experts to be best suited to guest bedroom settings. We scoured through consumer reviews to ensure we only included mattresses that have proven real world performance suited to a wide audience. There are a few key features to consider when shopping for the right mattress for a guest room, especially when it comes to making sure a variety of visitors sleep comfortably. Mattress Type When deciding on the right material for your guest bedroom, Holliday-Bell has a couple of favorites. 'Memory foam and hybrids are probably the best options, as they are the most versatile for different guests,' she says. Smith echoes the latter recommendation, saying, 'a hybrid mattress is a great option because you get the best of both worlds: A soft top and support from the springs inside.' Firmness Jazini, Smith and Holliday-Bell all recommend opting for a mattress with a medium to medium-firm profile for guest rooms, since it can suit a wide range of sleeping positions and body types. 'While everybody has different needs, a medium-firm mattress is the most likely to support neutral spine alignment, maintaining that natural S-curve whether someone sleeps on their back, side or stomach,' says Jazini. He warns against mattresses that are too soft or too firm for guest rooms, as the former can make it difficult to move around—especially for seniors—and the latter can create pressure points and discomfort for certain sleepers. Price It makes sense that most people want to save money when shopping for a guest room mattress, since it gets used much less often than your own mattress. 'Of course, it's nice to have a mattress that holds up over time," Smith says. 'But this mattress just won't experience the wear and tear that a mattress that is getting nightly sleep will.' That said, Smith emphasizes that when it comes to mattresses, cost does not always match up with quality. 'What some people feel is comfortable is not always based on the cost,' he says. 'Some of the most comfortable beds I have found have been under $1,500.' In this case, it's certainly okay to aim lower when it comes to price for a guest room mattress—without sacrificing quality. What Is The Best Type Of Mattress For A Guest Bedroom? Experts recommend a medium-firm mattress for guest rooms, as it can suit a wide range of body types and sleeping positions. Opting for something too soft or firm could result in a buildup of pressure points or discomfort for certain sleepers, so it's best to stay somewhere in the middle. What Is A Good Sized Bed For A Guest Bedroom? 'If your space can accommodate it, a queen-sized mattress would likely be the best choice as it can comfortably sleep a single person or couple,' says Holliday-Bell. Smith echoes that, saying, 'It won't take up too much of your guest room, but it also allows for two sleepers to comfortably fit in the bed.' How Often Should I Replace My Guest Room Mattress? Experts commonly recommend replacing a mattress every 10 years or so, but that's typically directed toward mattresses that are slept on every night. Guest mattresses likely have a longer lifespan due to their minimized usage, but it's best to take feedback from guests to keep track of when it's becoming less comfortable.
Forbes
19-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The 6 Best Office Chairs For Back Pain To Reduce Stress On Your Spine
Research consistently shows that prolonged sitting can lead to back pain, and sitting on the wrong chair only makes the issue worse. If you're in the market for a new office chair to keep you ache-free at your desk, you need one that offers ample ergonomic support—particularly for your lumbar spine—to encourage healthy posture. Out of the best office chairs for back pain, our top recommendation is the Herman Miller Sayl Chair, thanks to its adjustable lumbar support and flexible design that helps your body maintain its natural alignment. If you're on a budget, consider the Mimoglad Ergonomic Office Chair—one Forbes Vetted writer credits its movable lumbar support and plush cushioning with reducing stiffness in her lower back. The best office chairs for back pain—including the Herman Miller Sayl—are especially effective at ... More keeping you supported and ache free. If daily aches have become your norm, investing in the right office chair is essential—especially for those who spend most of their day seated. "A poorly designed office chair encourages poor posture, which adds up over time," explains Dr. Ehsan Jazini of VSI. "When you're sitting eight hours a day, five days a week, a chair without proper spinal support can weaken your core muscles, which stabilize the spine and put pressure on the discs in your spine, which leads to back pain.' With this advice in mind, we rounded up the very best office chairs for back pain, including picks that staffers have been using for years. Herman Miller Dimensions: 24.5 x 19.8 x 34.8 inches | Materials: Nylon, elastomer, aluminum | Weight capacity: 350 pounds Herman Miller's Sayl is the best office chair we've tested, as you can easily customize it to fit your body and your style. It has an adjustable seat depth and optional lumbar support, so you can dial in exactly how much lower-back cushioning you prefer. Even the armrests give you choices: Pick fixed, height-adjustable or fully adjustable options, depending on your comfort (and your budget). And whereas most office chairs have rigid frames, the Sayl's back features a flexible elastomer design inspired by suspension bridges. The strands vary in tension to match your spine's natural curve, giving you firm support exactly where you need it without restricting movement. The Sayl also offers plenty of aesthetic variety, with six frame colors, 16 upholstery options and two caster types to suit just about any workspace. Reviews editor Anna Perling appreciates the Herman Miller Sayl's curved back, which "feels like a ... More hug," she says. What our editors say: Forbes Vetted reviews editor Anna Perling is a fan of the Sayl's adjustability and ergonomic support. 'The curved back support is somehow both firm and flexible; it feels like a hug for my back,' she says. 'Herman Miller also offers an awesome 12-year warranty, which made me feel confident in my purchase.' Amazon Dimensions: 16.5 x 21.7 x 44.9 inches | Materials: Mesh, nylon, foam | Weight capacity: 300 pounds You don't need to drop hundreds of dollars to ease your back pain while working. This top-rated pick lets you customize nearly every part of the chair, including lumbar support, headrest height, armrest positioning and even the angle of the backrest. Its breathable mesh back helps you stay cool, while the seat has four inches of cushioning for extra comfort during longer workdays. And unlike the limited color options typical for office chairs at this price, this model comes in nine different shades, from classic neutrals to more fun picks like Carrot Orange and Orchid. It's also protected by a five-year warranty, which is generous for such an affordable chair. Updates writer Alexandra Garrett, who has a history of back pain, appreciates the Mimoglad's ... More adjustable lumbar support and 4-inch cushion. What our editors say: Updates writer Alexandra Garrett, who shares that she has a history of back problems, says, 'I really appreciate the Mimoglad's adjustable lumbar support, wide headrest and 4-inch thick foam cushion. After several months, I've noticed that my lower back is less stiff at the end of the day.' branch Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 37 inches | Materials: Polyester knit, aluminum, foam, polyamide | Weight capacity: 275 pounds For those suffering from hip tightness and pain as a result of inadequate lumbar support or improper posture, the ergonomic Branch Verve Chair is a helpful option. You can adjust several of its components—including its seat height and depth, armrest height and the padded lumbar support—to make sure your spine is aligned in such a way that alleviates the strain on your hips. Specifically, you're able to move the lumbar support so your spine maintains its natural curvature, as well as adjust the seat to alleviate pressure on your hip joints. It doesn't hurt that the chair comes in an attractive, breathable knit fabric and six stylish colors. Senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold greatly appreciates how supportive the Branch Verve ... More Chair, especially for her back and hips. What our editors say: 'I love the amount of support this chair gives to my lower back and hips,' says senior home and kitchen editor Amanda Arnold, who's been using the chair for over three years. 'During the work week, I sit in it for eight hours a day and never experience any aches or pain.' Amazon Dimensions: 25.6 x 22 x 45.3 inches | Materials: Mesh, steel, nylon | Weight capacity: 280 pounds This Gabrylly chair is specifically designed to ease pressure in your neck and back, with extra attention paid to the headrest. Unlike many chairs with stiff or barely adjustable head supports, this one tilts backward up to 45 degrees and moves vertically, letting you find a comfortable angle without awkwardly craning your neck. The chair also reclines between 90 and 120 degrees, so you can lean back easily to stretch or relax. Its armrests adjust smoothly up and down with a quick button press and even flip up completely if you prefer to move freely. Another nice touch: The breathable mesh back helps prevent overheating, which is ideal if your home office tends to run warm. What our experts say: 'Fixed or improperly placed armrests can lead to poor shoulder positioning—either causing shoulder elevation or slouching—both of which contribute to neck strain and overall postural fatigue,' says Michelle Davis, PT, DPT. She recommends looking specifically for chairs with adjustable armrests and headrests to minimize tension in your upper spine and neck. STeelcase Dimensions: 47 x 21 x 22.4 inches | Materials: Polyester, plastic, metal | Weight capacity: 400 pounds Considering how much time you spend in an office chair and the impact that has on your back, it makes sense that some may want to really splash out. If you have the money to spare and durability is of the utmost importance, the Steelcase Gesture is a worthy investment—and one that comes with a 12-year warranty. Like all the best office chairs, the majority of its features are customizable, including its seat height and depth, armrests (which rotate 360 degrees), recline and headrest. It's also designed to support your spine by mimicking its full range of motion. Choose from a huge range of upholstery options, including several handsome types of premium leather. The headrest is also noteworthy in its number of available adjustments: It can move vertically, tilt and rotate 90 degrees, so you can adjust it in a way that supports proper posture and reduces pressure on your spine. Deputy editor Dave Johnson appreciates how well the Steelcase Gesture supports his back regardless ... More of how he's sitting. What our editors say: Deputy editor Dave Johnson praises his Steelcase Gesture for how comfortable it is—especially for all-day use. 'It does a great job of supporting my back no matter how I'm sitting,' he shares. 'The armrests are so easy to adjust that I find myself moving them around a lot to accommodate whatever I'm doing instead of leaving them in one place like I have done with other chairs I've owned.' x-chair Dimensions: 29 x 27.3 x 48.8 inches | Materials: Top-grain or premium leather, aluminum | Weight capacity: 275 pounds This X-Chair option is a winning pick for those in the market for a handsome leather chair that doesn't skimp on back support. To start, it comes in three top-grain leather and two premium leather upholstery choices to add sophistication to your work space. But it's more than a looker—the X4 Executive Chair features a responsive Dynamic Variable Lumbar support, which adjusts to your body and movements, 4D armrests and a supple, foam-filled seat that's height- and depth-adjustable. For an additional charge, you can also choose to upgrade to 360-degree armrests, a heated massage cushion, a wider seat, locking wheels, memory foam cushioning and a chair that arrives fully assembled. Consumer tech editor Rebecca Isaacs likes her red X4 Leather Executive Chair's plush seating, ample ... More back support and adjustable 4D armrests. What our editors say: 'The X4 Executive Chair is so nice and comfortable to sit on,' says Consumer tech editor Rebecca Isaacs shares. While she found setup to be somewhat of hassle, she says she loves 'the plush seating and the support it provides my back,' as well as the armrests. If you're thinking of upgrading the chair, she recommends adding the headrest and locking wheels. At Forbes Vetted, our home editors spend hundreds of hours each year researching, testing and reviewing furniture and office gear, focusing on products that are both well-made and comfortable. Our remote team has personally used dozens of different office chairs, in addition to testing, researching and writing about the best office chairs of 2025. To find the best office chairs for back pain, we consulted four medical experts—including a board-certified interventional spine physician, an occupational therapist and two physical therapists—and carefully researched highly rated chairs from trusted furniture brands. We also relied on our editors' real-world testing and experience using these chairs daily. There's no one-size-fits-all office chair, especially when it comes to back pain. 'Every body and spine is unique,' says Dr. Ehsan Jazini. 'Beyond looking for one specific chair, it's more so important to find a chair that best fits the contours of your individual body.' He recommends focusing on chairs that support your spine's natural curve and allow for small adjustments throughout the day, including lumbar support, adjustable seat depth and height and armrests positioned so your elbows rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle. Our top overall pick, the Herman Miller Sayl, is a great fit for most people because it includes all these key adjustments. Another excellent option is the Branch Verve, which we like specifically for its ability to ease tension in the hips and back. If you specifically struggle with lower back pain, prioritize chairs with adjustable lumbar support—ideally adjustable vertically and in depth—to closely align with your natural spinal curve. Jazini cautions that seat depth also matters: 'A seat that's too deep can push against the back of the legs or force you to sit too far forward, both of which shift the pelvis out of alignment and strain the lower back.' Chairs with a slight recline or tilt function also help reduce pressure at the spine's base. Our top recommendation for lower back pain is the X-Chair X4 Leather Executive Chair, thanks to its responsive lumbar system. For a more affordable alternative, the Mimoglad Ergonomic Office Chair also offers adjustable lumbar support. And perhaps most importantly, taking regular breaks to get out of your office chair to stretch and walk can help alleviate strain. To reduce lower back pain, position your chair so your lower spine stays fully supported, which helps you maintain a neutral posture. Dr. Pola Ham, occupational therapist and professor at Touro School of Health Sciences, explains that a chair should "have proper lumbar support that meets the curve of your lower back," and stresses the importance of adjusting seat height, back angle and armrests to help you stay in a neutral position rather than compensating. Ideally, your knees should be level with or slightly below your hips, your feet should be flat on the floor and the seat depth should be adjusted so your back comfortably touches the chair without pressure behind your knees.
