Uncomfortable Bed in Guest bedroom

[HappyKite2067]

We bought a bed over a year ago for our guest bedroom. I felt the mattress was too hard when trying at the store, I prefer soft-medium and this one was advertised as medium (I’m guessing a little more on the firm side).

My DH convinced me to buy, as it is a good mattress and he prefers firmer. Our guest which stays most often has said it is quite uncomfortable and too firm (I was hoping it would soften).

I personally can’t sleep in it. Would you sell and buy a softer one, or just expect guests to put up with it- as it is only for a few nights maximum? I feel awful providing something uncomfortable and it was not a cheap mattress!

Could you just get a mattress topper in the first instance and try that?

I agree, go with a mattress topper to begin with. You can get down toppers or memory foam ones.

Try a topper first before you bin it altogether, a gel, latex or wool one would probably get it to a level that it’s half decent..

As someone who thinks a firm mattress is an instrument of torture, I would be inclined to buy a softer mattress or experiment with mattress toppers.

I'd just put up with it. I would never buy a secondhand mattress because I'm a bit paranoid about bedbugs. I assumed a lot of people were the same. So imagine you won't get a lot for it.

People have different preferences with mattresses. You aren't a 5 star hotel with a pillow menu I am guessing. So no need to feel "awful" about not providing everyone staying at your house for free (?) with their ideal mattress firmness

I am the same! I should have trusted my gut instinct at the store but DH feels a soft mattress is equal torture! I am wondering if it just needs breaking in a bit more…

I do agree…but I genuinely hate the feel of it and I don’t remember hating any bed before- so I do think it’s very uncomfortable! Definitely staying for free but also I don’t like hearing that it’s hurting people’s backs!

I'm.on the "try a mattress topper" team

Get a mattress topper.
A firm mattress will last longer and put off guests from outstaying their welcome. It’s quite rude to complain about your bed when you’re being hosted.

As a back sufferer I favour a firm mattress and would venture it's the safest overall bet.

If a visitor had the audacity to complain about a new but firm mattress whilst a guest in my home and accepting my hospitality, I'd sympathise but signpost to the nearest Holiday/Premier Inn.

What you describe is not comparable to someone offering a 40 year old, clapped out bed as mother does and complains when I book an hotel yet refuses to let me buy a new bed

IME, a firm mattress is always firm; it might get worn down with age, but it'll still be firm.

I think worst thing about them is no matter how many times you change position to try and get comfortable, it's only a matter of minutes before your hips and shoulders can't take it any more. (We once stayed in a B&B where the mattress was so hard that we took the duvet out of its cover to use as makeshift topper.)

Who is your guest? I can't imagine complaining to my host that the bed was uncomfortable.
You can always make a hard mattress softer with a topper or even duvets but you can't make a soft mattress harder.

I wouldn’t change the mattress but I would buy a mattress topper.

As someone who hates soft mattresses, I'm with your DH on this one!
A mattress topper will probably help those wanting a softer bed and not appeal to those preferring a firmer one. You cant please everyone all of the time!

tbh an uncomfortable guest bed makes for shorter stays. and that is a good thing imo.
unless the guest is needed for regular inpaid childcare...

💯

Def go for a memory foam topper - I was sceptical but so glad I did & saved myself the cost of a new mattress & retained the quality of what I’d bought & firmness of original mattress with a much more forgiving, comfortable, cloud like feel too - which is perfect for me.
I looked on here for best toppers & Panda was given unanimously top marks. It’s memory foam but I don’t notice a huge heat difference (as it can make you hotter as is not breathable & not had this in the past so was a bit wary). It doesn’t slide or move around under you as has a non slip underside & elasticated straps to hold onto your mattress. I’ve got a bamboo protector for mine that keeps it clean (& wicks away heat but I don’t notice this especially). Purchased on line so blind but really pleased I did & very reasonably priced too. Would be ideal for a guest room but I use mine on my main bed & it’s been a year & no issues. I want to put them on all my other beds because it just makes everything so much more comfortable! I don’t work for Panda btw & def not on any commission!

Plus, getting a topper means guests can choose according to preference.

We bought a mattress a few years ago that was too hard. My husband wanted a firmer mattress and I wanted medium, then as soon as we got it home he said it was too hard to sleep on!
I bought a wool thick mattress topper…and the bed became the “comfiest bed ever!”

Oh I didn't know you could get wool toppers! I like that idea.

Thank you for the topper advice! I didn’t even think of that, we have always had our mattress with an attached topper! Yes I’ll get a topper.

I have never realised the obvious until this thread, that a hard mattress can be made softer with a topper, but a soft mattress can never be made harder. On that basis definitely keep it and invest in a good topper.

A soft bed really hurts my back. A mattress topper sounds the best idea then everybody’s needs can be accommodated.

Topper is the best idea. I’ve got a dodgy back and a soft mattress is a nightmare for me so the topper would give me the opportunity to remove it and sleep on a properly firm bed. Equally allows people who prefer soft to have that too.

I would also recommend trying a topper to soften it slightly, they can make a huge difference.

I have osteoarthritis amongst other skeletal issues and hard mattresses really leave me in pain and affect my mobility - not all back problems need a firm mattress, some are aggravated by overly firm mattresses just as much as by very soft mattresses.

If you were buying I’d go for medium firm as the compromise option but in your case try a topper first if the bed feels too hard to you.