Running a Rental Business

How Often Should You Replace the Mattresses in Your Vacation Rental?

As a vacation rental host, while you’re working to boost positive online reviews, retain guests, and stay competitive, you must also consider maintaining health and safety in your property. This includes replacing the mattresses in your short-term rental. Learn how long a mattress should last, when to replace it, and our recommendations for the best mattress for an Airbnb.

By Mia Pimentel

Last updated: December 13, 2021

How Long Should a Mattress Last?

According to Sleep Foundation, a mattress lasts around 6 to 8 years depending on its type and quality.

Keep in mind that there are numerous factors that influence the lifespan of your mattress, including the materials it’s made out of, the quality of its development, the number and weight of those who have used the mattress, and how well the mattress has been cleaned and taken care of.

A mattress that is in prime condition will generate great comfort for your guests. Comfort is the most important factor in affecting sleep quality — and without sleep, your guests may leave your Airbnb feeling that they didn’t enjoy their stay.

With that said, it is important to know when to replace your Airbnb mattresses to promote the utmost comfort and cleanliness for your guests.

How to Know When to Replace the Mattress in Your Airbnb

You should consider replacing the mattress in your vacation rental when you:

1. Spot signs of wear and tear.

If you start to notice signs of wear and tear, it’s an indication that it is time to replace your mattress. This includes small stains and broken springs.

Keep in mind that sweat marks are considered to be wear and tear, as they occur under the natural conditions of using the mattress. Furthermore, broken springs poking out of the mattress can’t be removed or replaced. Once you start to feel springs through your mattress, it is time to replace it.

Observe rips, holes, crumbling, or cracking in the mattress as well, as they are also obvious indications of wear and tear.

2. Start hearing squeaky or noisy springs.

A sign of a sagging mattress includes squeaking noises and screeching metal sounds when the springs are worn out.

Springs are made to support the cushion and the coziness of the mattress without making noise. When you start hearing squeaky sounds coming from your mattress, that is a sign that the coils are starting to deteriorate. You should not ignore this, as your guests are no longer getting the support they need for restful vacation.

3. Keep tossing and turning in your sleep.

Another sign that you should replace your mattress is if guests toss and turn in their sleep to find a comfortable position. This is a common occurrence when the mattress has become asymmetrical and lumpy.

To find out if this is an issue, spend a night or two at your Airbnb and observe whether you’re quickly able to find a comfortable sleeping position.

4. Experience increased allergies.

A study conducted by researchers at the National University of Singapore found that the highest concentrations of dust mites in homes are found in mattresses.

Mattresses absorb body moisture and accumulate dead skin over time, which attract dust mites and trigger allergy symptoms. Even if you clean and vacuum your Airbnb mattress often, it is almost impossible to keep it dust-mite free.

If you spend a night or two on your Airbnb mattress and notice allergy symptoms, it is an indication that it is time to replace the mattress.

5. Wake up with body aching and stiffness.

If you or other guests keep waking up with an unexplained neck, shoulder, or back ache, it is likely time to replace your Airbnb mattress. Keep in mind that sleeping on a high-quality mattress supports your overall health, especially the alignment of your spine.

Airbnb Mattresses: Clean vs Replace

Now that you know when to replace your Airbnb mattress, it is also important to maintain the cleanliness of your mattress by vacuuming, deodorizing, and flipping and moving it around after every guest. Not only is this a sanitary thing to do, it is also helpful in prolonging the life of your mattress.

It is best to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and directions to protect the materials of your mattress and to maintain the validity of the warranty. Additionally, check the manufacturer recommendations to see if it’s advised to rotate and flip the mattress seasonally to aid their longevity.

What About Linens and Pillows?

To optimize the comfort and quality of sleep for your guests, it is also important to provide clean and well taken care of linens and pillows.

In addition to changing the sheets and pillowcases after every guest, pillows and linens should be replaced every 1 to 2 years, depending on the quality and type of materials, as well as the frequency of bookings at your property.

Best Mattress for an Airbnb

When considering changing your Airbnb mattress, make sure you replace it with a high-quality option. The best mattress is considered comfortable, affordable, and created to last a long time.

Here, we have listed a few of the best mattresses for your Airbnb at reasonable prices that you can choose from.

Nectar

According to Sleep Foundation, Nectar is the best mattress for an Airbnb. It is known to be made with materials that relieve pressure points and maintain a cool and dry surface, which helps the mattress last.

Price = $499 to $1,099

DreamCloud

DreamCloud is similar to Nectar mattresses in quality and rank but at a slightly higher price. It is known for its thicker comfort system and support layer, made out of high-quality materials. It’s also said to provide a cloud-like bounce motion with pressure relief.

Price = $1,198 to $1,798

GhostBed

If your vacation rental property is located in a warm climate, you might want to consider a mattress that has a built-in temperature cooling control system. A GhostBed mattress will help keep your guests cool throughout the night while providing relief for pressure points.

Price = $845 to $1,990

Well-Rested Guests Are Happy Guests

Even though buying a mattress is typically costly, losing guests because of uncomfortable or unsanitary mattresses comes at a higher price. By providing your guests with the best mattresses in the market, you will notice that well-rested guests are happy guests.

If you wish to find more tips to keep guests happy, check out our other resources.