Which mattress is best for my Airbnb?
New hosts often ask which mattress is best for their new Airbnb. This touches on one of the leading causes of a negative review–a restless night of sleep. But before you grab that old dusty mattress in Grandma's basement or blow two grand on a new Sleep Number bed, take a moment to think through the numerous options–the success of your business depends on choosing wisely! Yet there are so many considerations. Some prefer firm, while others love plush. Will a King bed fit in my space? Is a full-size big enough for two? And what about the other external factors that could wake a guest––the train whistle or rooster crowing (we have both in our neighborhood).
Through several years of fine-tuning Airbnbs through trial and error, Airbuild has developed a bullet-proof plan to create a restful environment for guests that consistently lead to 5-star reviews and occasionally to reviews that go on and on about the mattress. But believe it or not, it doesn't start with the mattress.
Care for your guests' eyes and ears
Our listings in Memphis are located in the city center and blessed with trains, planes, and automobiles at all times of day and night. For that reason we offer a sound machine and ear plugs. We have the ear plugs on Amazon's "subscribe & save" along with other amenities because guests who are light sleepers use them! Room darkening shades are an added measure to create a restful environment for those who'd like to sleep late.
Select the right mattress, linens, and pillows
We have used airbeds and traditional mattresses of different types, but after we found the Queen-sized Wayfair 10" Memory foam Mattress, we haven't looked back (we currently have 5 in use). While a King-size is nice, and appropriate for some contexts, a Queen is large enough for most couples––especially if just a few nights. The linens are less expensive and a Queen helps your bedroom to feel more spacious. In our research, less than 10" memory foam reduces comfort and while some prefer foams that are more firm or more plush, the medium density is the Goldilocks choice for most people. You may be able to find something comparable for less elsewhere, but we've been 100% satisfied with this one. And it comes rolled up in a tube delivered to your door in a couple days!
We provide 4 pillows for each queen bed. Two memory foam gel and two softer more traditional pillows in order to provide options for different preferences. The softer pillows are less expensive and wear out faster and it's very important to replace them before they become lumpy. With linens, we've learned that some microfiber sheets are just as comfy as 800 thread count Egyptian cotton (read the 3 and 4-star reviews on Amazon before making your choice). We have moved to quick dry comforters rather than the traditional fluffy kind or messing with duvet covers. Especially during the pandemic, our guests value knowing that their comforter has been laundered between stays and these can easily fit in a standard washer.
Soundproofing
If your Airbnb has a connecting wall with another unit (such as a duplex, apartment, or mother-in-law suite) improving insulation in the walls could be a game-changer. We go into more detail in the downloadable guide, but the simple advice is threefold:Sealing: Use caulk, spray foam, or insulation to minimize any cracks or openings. This includes doors and windows as well as electrical boxes, baseboards, etc. This will also help with pets and energy efficiency!
Insulating: Upgrading or adding wall insulation can do wonders. Either doubling fiberglass batts or preferably High Performance Mineral Wool. Spray Foam is not your friend here. It’s great for thermal barrier but not so hot on sound absorption.
Decoupling: In addition to sound dampening through insulation, another key aspect is removing pathways for sound to travel. Even with the best insulation between studs, some frequencies can easily travel from one wall, through the stud, to the connecting wall. A way to break this pathway is to install Resilient Bars across the studs. When sound moves from the wood stud to the metal bar, it stops dead in it’s tracks!
By following these three tips you'll be well on your way to providing 5-star stays and becoming a Superhost. For more hosting hacks, sign up for one of Airbuild's Services below.
P.S. Before inviting strangers to sleep on your new mattress make sure to get a quality waterproof mattress protector. Our favorite is the Sealy Sterling Collection Cool Comfort and a close second is one from Linenspa. And by the way, we are not paid or sponsored by any of companies listed here, but recommend them highly!