The sofa bed is a great option for people who lack space within their homes or desire a little flexibility from their furniture. An alternative to the futon, sleeper sofas offer a great combination of comfort and versatility, allowing you to get the most out of your living and sleeping spaces.
What can be difficult is ensuring that you’re using the best sofa bed mattress to improve your quality of sleep and ensure you’re well rested when you wake up. We’ve made your life easier by testing a range of sleeper sofa mattresses and can now tell you which are the best ones for your personal requirements.
Find your new sofa bed mattress replacement below.
Best Sofa Bed Mattress In 2020 – Rated & Reviewed
Zinus Sleep Master Memory Foam Sleeper Sofa Mattress
Zinus’ 5 inch thick sofa mattress users 2 separate layers of foam to offer both exceptional support and cushioning.
The top layer comprises a 1 inch thick piece of memory foam that is infused with gel. Beneath, is a 4 inch thick dense polyfoam layer which provides a good amount of support while remaining comfortable to sleep on.
The inclusion of gel in the memory foam layers ensures that this sofa sleeper mattress remains cool to the touch and dissipates heat during the night. If you struggle with elevated body temperatures, this is the type of feature that will benefit you the most.
Marketed as a firm mattress, we found it to be very firm while offering good pressure relief which makes it suited to every type of sleeper, whatever your favored position.
PlushBeds Gel Memory Foam Sofa Bed Mattress
PlushBeds utilize 4.5 inches of dense foam to create a mattress they claim is as comfortable as any you will find in a hotel or spa.
And we tend to believe them as it offers a great balance between providing enough support and remaining comfortable. This is achieved by the use of a single layer of gel memory foam which is marketed as being able to support 2 people weighing 250lbs each.
It’s a unique mattress and one of the only ones that contains only memory throughout its entire construction. In reality, this makes for a soft plush sleeper sofa mattress which is better suited to side sleepers.
If you are a back or stomach sleeper, it might be a good idea to try it out first before committing to the purchase. With that said, one 200 lbs back sleeper suggested it provided more than adequate back support.
Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Sleeper Sofa Mattress
Classic Brands offers high quality products at great prices. This 4.5 inch mattress is just another example of this fact and offers a great combination of competitive pricing and high performance.
It utilizes 2 layers of foam, one memory and one high-density foam to provide a medium-firm mattress. We found it to be very comfortable in use while offering enough support to prevent aches and pain.
It relieves pressure at the shoulders and hips well and sleeps cool due to the effective gel infusion within the top foam layer. Due to the materials used, this mattress is billed as hypoallergenic and should work well to keep dust mites, mold, bacteria and other allergens at bay.
Fantastic value for money without compromising on quality.
Classic Brands Memory Foam Sofa Bed Mattress
The second Classic Brands mattress on our list omits the gel foam functionality but is otherwise the same as the gel infused version.
If you prefer to feel a little warmer when you’re sleeping, this mattress makes a great choice and is one you may prefer over the other options. It doesn’t feel cool to the touch and is marked as temperature neutral. In practice, it retains heat better which in turns provides a warmer (and to some more comfortable) sleeping surface.
At 4.5 inches thick it offers just as much support and cushioning as the gel model, making it suitable for a range of sleeping positions and types. This is likely due to the combination of memory foam and polyfoam which is marketed as being orthopedic in nature.
It contains the same hypoallergenic materials as well as the CertiPUR-US certification and provides for a sofa mattress that many people will be happy with.
A great mattress at a great price and it comes with a 3 year warranty.
Milliard Breathable Foam Pull-Out Sofa Mattress
We’re a big fan of Milliard mattresses and this one too is worth your money.
They’ve used 4.5 inches of foam which is split between 2 layers. The top layer is 1.5 inches of memory foam and the bottom is a 3 inch layer of high-density polyfoam.
They’ve also chosen to omit the inclusion of gel which makes this mattress less suitable for warm sleepers. Instead, they’ve provided a breathable cover that is also removable for easy cleaning. In practice, the cover ventilates well and provides a temperature neutral sleep.
It’s a firm but comfortable mattress that is designed to work for a variety of sleeping types and positions and should be suitable for most people unless they require something either very firm or very soft.
The Milliard is a good mattress and one we’re happy to recommend as a replacement mattress for your sofa bed.
Replacement Sofa Bed Mattress Buyer’s Guide
Shopping for a new or replacement sleeper sofa mattress can be confusing so we’ve simplified the process for you. In this guide, you’ll find all of the common terms for these products as well as the feature and specifications to look out for.
What Is A Sleeper Sofa and How Do They Work?
A sleeper sofa bed is simply a regular couch with a bed inside. They look exactly like any other sofa but can be converted into a readymade bed whenever you require.
They typically work by removing the seat cushions which then reveals a pull tab. Once this tab is pulled, the mattress underneath begins to fold out to form a full-size bed. From there, add a cushion, pillow and your blanket of choice for optimum comfort.
The conversion mechanism will vary from product to product, but they all come with a set of instructions which are easy to follow. And despite their size and weight, most people shouldn’t have an issue changing them from couch to bed and back again.
When Should the Mattress Be Replaced?
Very few mattresses will last forever and the sleep sofa bed is no exception. If your sleeper couch mattress has begun to wear and degrade and no longer performs as it used to, its time to replace it with a new mattress.
Likewise, if you simply aren’t happy with the comfort or quality of sleep provided by the existing mattress, swapping it out for a better one is a great idea and something that people do often. Many choose to upgrade with a memory foam replacement sofa bed mattress for increased comfort due to the use of better support foam.
Generally speaking, rips and tears to the mattress cover are the first sign that it needs to be replaced. If the mattress filling has become saggy or lumpy, this is another sign that its past its best.
If it looks ok and isn’t showing any signs of wear, try sleeping on it for a night or two to see how it performs. You could even ask the opinion of your overnight guests the next time they sleep over.
Types of Sofa Bed Mattress
Just as with any other type of bed, sleeper sofa mattresses are made from a common range of materials. They each have their own properties in relation to comfort and durability so it’s down to you to figure out your preference.
Foam
Polyfoam (also known as polyurethane foam) is a common mattress filling and is usually found within cheaper products. Its breathable and responsive but isn’t always as comfortable or durable as other types of mattress. Potentially a good option if you’re on a budget or rarely intend to use your pull-out couch bed.
Memory Foam
Memory foam is the step up in terms of price and performance. Memory foam provides the feeling of being cradled as you sink into it which is a sensation that many people love.
From a performance point of view, this type of foam offers a greater level of contouring and pressure relief which is going to be better for side sleepers.
One of the downsides is the heat retained by memory foam. If you get hot at night, its worth looking for a gel infused option as these are designed to keep you cooler and more comfortable.
A memory foam sofa mattress will usually cost more than their spring and polyfoam equivalents but the increase in performance is usually worth the cost.
Innersprings
Mattresses that contain springs are very common and a good option for many people. They’re well priced and usually perform well, offering a bouncy feel which some people like.
They provide adequate support for sufferers of back pain while also being responsive and feeling soft when in use due to the innerspring construction. Other benefits include a mattress that breathes better which will keep you cooler than cheaper memory foam.
Latex
Some mattresses for sofa beds even include latex. This material takes the superior properties of both foam and coil springs to provide a good compromise between the two.
They’re firm but comfortable and tend to last for a considerable amount of time without degradation. A great option for sofas that see a lot of use.
Natural latex is made from natural rubber which is an advantage for many but usually come in at a higher price point.
Typical Usage Scenarios
There are several questions you should ask yourself if you don’t already have a sleeper sofa.
They include whether or not you’ll be sleeping on it regularly. If not, who will be sleeping on it? Will it only be used for guests? How often will your guests be staying over? What type of sleeper are they?
The greatest benefit of this type of pull out bed is their versatility. They allow you to place a sofa and a bed into the same footprint and flip between how they’re used at a moments notice. This versatility is their biggest selling point but your reasons for wanting one may differ.
Temporary Bed
If you move house frequently, having one less piece of large furniture to relocate is a significant benefit. It could reduce your moving costs as well as the time taken to move between properties. They’re also a much more comfortable option than a floor mattress or the type that are designed to be folded.
Guests Staying Over
No one likes sleeping on a couch. If you don’t have a spare bedroom with a bed in it, the sleeper sofa is the next best thing and should keep most guests happy. When they’re gone, simply fold it away and continue to use it as a regular couch.
Space Saving
Modern apartments can be pretty small these days and often lack space. This is especially the case if you live in a studio apartment. Rather than cramming in a bed and somewhere to sit, the sofa bed couch makes a great alternative that provides both facilities.
If your camper van or RV has the space, you could even choose to use this type of bed as an RV bed.
Ultimate Flexibility
As versatile as the base product is, most sleeper sofa brands will allow you to drill down even further and pick the features that you will really benefit from. This includes anything from built-in side stands to higher quality materials for the bed frame and the fabric upholstery used.
The possibilities are endless and offer you a significant amount of customization.
Looking for more flexibility? Read our best air mattress for everyday use guide for more options.
Additional Considerations
Mattress Size
Sofa beds come in a rage of sizes which means their mattresses also differ in size. A 2 seat sofa bed is usually smaller than a 3 seat sofa bed which will directly impact the type and size of mattress you’ll be able to buy for it. You’ll generally be able to find full, double and queen sleeper sofa mattresses though some brands carry other sizes.
The decision is often a compromise between available floor space and how much seating and sleeping space you require. Something to keep in mind when making your decision.
Our queen size mattress guide has more information.
Our king size mattress guide has more information.
Mattress Thickness & Frame Compatibility
Unlike normal beds, you’re limited in how thick a mattress you will be able to install. A 16 inch mattress is unlikely to fit into most sleeper sofas which is why its important to buy one made with this type of use in mind.
Each sleeper sofas’ frame will differ in relation to how its constructed which can also influence the type of mattress you should buy. Mattresses of higher quality will prevent you from feeling the metal bar within the bed frame.
Other types of thin mattress are also available.
Mattress Firmness
Your sleeper sofa mattress still needs to offer you enough support to prevent back pain and offer a comfortable night’s sleep. How well it does this is based on a combination of foam density and foam type.
Firmness is therefore one of the most important considerations and one you need to get right.
If you do sleep on your back or suffer from backpain, a firm mattress will provide the most comfort.
If you sleep on your side, a medium memory foam mattress is often the best option and will provide pressure relief for your shoulders and hips.
People classed as stomach sleepers should also look for a firmer mattress to promote proper body position, spinal alignment and to assist with your breathing while you sleep.
A mattress for combination sleepers needs to be medium in firmness. This is because it needs to be comfortable for several sleeping positions.
Mattress Budget
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Sofa Bed and A Futon the Same Thing?
The simple answer is no.
The difference is in the seating and sleeping arrangement. Futon’s will use their mattress as both a seat and the sleeping surface.
Sofa beds have a separate mattress which is always hidden, meaning you sit on cushions when you have it in sofa configuration.
Final Verdict
The sofa bed is a great piece of furniture that can be placed into any room or space and offers a great deal of flexibility. Your choice of replacement mattress should reflect your personal needs and preferences so that you can maximize performance and comfort.
The sleeper sofa mattresses that we’ve chosen represent a good cross section of what’s available on the market. Simply pick the one that is the best fit for you to get the most out of this piece of furniture. The best mattress for your sofa bed while change the way you sleep.
