That pull-out sofa bed is a lifesaver for hosting guests, but the mattress it came with? Often, it leaves much to be desired. A thin, lumpy, or springy mattress can turn a guest room into a place of discomfort, ensuring your visitors are counting the minutes until morning instead of catching restful sleep. Fortunately, you don’t have to settle for the subpar mattress that came with your sleeper sofa.
Upgrading to a dedicated sofa bed mattress or a high-quality topper can make a world of difference. From advanced memory foam options that contour to the body to innovative inflatable designs, there is a perfect solution to transform your sofa bed into a genuinely comfortable sleeping space. This guide reviews ten of the best options to help you and your guests enjoy a better night’s rest.
Our Top Picks for Sofa Bed Mattresses
- Leggett & Platt AirDream Hypoallergenic Inflatable Mattress
- Heyward Premium Memory Foam Sofa Bed Replacement Mattress
- Milliard 4.5 Inch Memory Foam Replacement Mattress
- ZINUS Sleeper Sofa Mattress, Queen
- ViscoSoft 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper Queen
- LUCID 4 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
- Milliard Trifold Mattress, Full Size, 6 inch
- D&D Futon Furniture Traditional Japanese Floor Futon
- Jamdok 6″ Full Size Pillow Top Futon Mattress
- Linenspa 3 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Futon Mattress
Leggett & Platt AirDream Hypoallergenic Inflatable Mattress
For those seeking a modern alternative to traditional sofa bed mattresses, the Leggett & Platt AirDream offers a unique solution. Its patented air-over-coil technology combines the support of internal coils with the customizable firmness of an air mattress. This design aims to provide a sleep experience that rivals a standard bed, making it an excellent upgrade for frequent guests.
The mattress is hypoallergenic, a benefit for those with sensitivities, and includes a convenient handheld electric pump for easy setup and adjustment. You can quickly inflate it to your desired firmness level, ensuring every guest gets their perfect sleep setting. As a queen-sized option, it fits most standard sleeper sofa frames.
Heyward Premium Memory Foam Sofa Bed Replacement Mattress
The Heyward Premium Memory Foam Mattress is designed specifically to replace the often uncomfortable mattress that comes with a pull-out sofa. Its 4.5-inch profile is constructed with dual-layer foam to provide substantial support and comfort, helping to alleviate pressure points in the back, neck, and joints for a more restful sleep.
This mattress uses CertiPUR-US certified memory foam, ensuring it is made without harmful chemicals. The knitted mattress cover is super-soft, helps regulate temperature, and is easily removable for machine washing, making maintenance simple. The non-slip base helps keep the mattress securely in place on the metal frame of your sleeper sofa.
Milliard 4.5 Inch Memory Foam Replacement Mattress
Milliard offers a popular bi-layered memory foam option that effectively replaces the old, uncomfortable mattress in your sleeper sofa. The combination of a 3-inch firm polyurethane foam base and a 1.5-inch soft memory foam top layer works to conform to your body while providing a stable, supportive foundation. This design is compatible with most folding couch bed frames.
Included with the mattress is a jacquard waterproof cover that is both soft to the touch and ventilated to dissipate body heat. The cover’s comfort level is so high that you might consider using it without a sheet, though it is still easy to clean and maintain for long-term freshness.
ZINUS Sleeper Sofa Mattress, Queen
ZINUS is known for its quality foam products, and this queen-sized sleeper sofa mattress is no exception. The 5-inch thick mattress features 1 inch of gel-infused memory foam on top of 4 inches of high-density base support foam. This combination offers a balanced feel with both contouring comfort and firm support.
The foam is CertiPUR-US Certified for durability, performance, and content, giving you confidence in the product’s quality and safety. Backed by a 5-year limited warranty, this mattress is a reliable and straightforward replacement designed to fit standard queen-sized sleeper sofas.
ViscoSoft 3 Inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper
If a full mattress replacement isn’t necessary, the ViscoSoft Mattress Topper is an excellent way to add significant comfort to your existing sofa bed. With a high-density memory foam core over 3 lbs per cubic foot, this topper provides a medium-firm feel that is ideal for enhancing support and relieving pressure points.
It is particularly beneficial for those dealing with chronic pain, as it can help with spinal alignment and increase circulation. The gel-infused memory foam is engineered to be breathable, drawing heat away from the body to ensure a cooler night’s sleep compared to traditional memory foam.
LUCID 4 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
The LUCID 4-inch Gel Memory Foam Topper adds a thick, plush layer of comfort to any sleeper sofa. The gel infusion is a key feature, as it works to capture and dissipate heat, addressing a common concern with memory foam by providing a cooler sleep experience.
Its ventilated design further improves airflow, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout the night. The memory foam gently conforms to your body, cradling pressure points for a more supportive and restful sleep without the feeling of sinking too deeply.
Milliard Trifold Mattress, Full Size, 6 inch
For ultimate versatility, the Milliard Trifold Mattress serves as both a sofa bed replacement and a portable guest bed. This 6-inch thick full-size mattress is made with high-density memory foam that contours to the body for pressure relief and full support. Its tri-folding design allows it to be set up or stored away in seconds.
It’s an ideal solution not only for sleeper sofas but also for dorm rooms, RVs, camping, and unexpected guests. The included cover is soft, removable, and machine washable, making it easy to keep clean and fresh for every use.
D&D Futon Furniture Traditional Japanese Floor Futon
This traditional Japanese-style floor futon from D&D Futon Furniture offers a minimalist and versatile sleeping solution. It can be used directly on the floor, on a tatami mat, or placed on a futon frame. At 3 inches thick, it is filled with cotton battings, a fiber batting, and a center layer of foam for balanced comfort and support.
Made in the USA, this shiki futon is easy to roll up and store, making it perfect for small spaces or as a spare bed for guests. Its simple, solid-color design fits seamlessly into any room decor.
Jamdok 6″ Full Size Pillow Top Futon Mattress
The Jamdok Futon Mattress features a unique dual-firmness design, offering a softer side for use as a backrest and a firmer side for sitting or sleeping. This 6-inch thick, full-size mattress is an excellent replacement for most standard futon frames, providing enhanced comfort for both seating and sleeping functions.
Its pillow-top cover is filled with plush fiber and features anti-slip granules on the bottom to prevent shifting on the frame. Best of all, the entire cover is removable and machine washable, simplifying cleanup and maintenance.
Linenspa 3 Inch Gel Infused Memory Foam Futon Mattress
The Linenspa Gel Infused Memory Foam Futon Mattress is a 3-inch thick option designed to bring comfort to futon frames. The gel infusion in the memory foam helps to regulate temperature by dissipating body heat, which can lead to a more comfortable and uninterrupted sleep.
This mattress provides a comfortable layer of support that can make a significant difference on a firm or worn-out futon. Its relatively slim profile ensures it will work well with most standard futon frames without being too bulky when folded into a sofa position.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the 10 Best Sofa Bed Mattresses
I have spent a lot of time trying to find a sofa bed mattress that does not feel like a medieval torture device. The standard mattress that comes with most sofa beds is often a thin, lumpy afterthought. Replacing it is one of the best home upgrades you can make, but you need to know what you are looking for. Here is my guide to picking the perfect one.
First, and most importantly, you need to get the size right. This sounds obvious, but it is the most common mistake. You cannot just assume a “full” size mattress will fit your “full” size sofa bed. You must measure the interior frame of your sofa bed when it is fully extended and flat. Note the exact length, width, and also the depth of the space. A mattress that is too thick might prevent the sofa from closing, and one that is too long or wide will not fit at all. Keep these measurements handy when you shop.
Next, consider the thickness and material. Thickness is a big factor for comfort. A 4 to 5-inch mattress is a decent starting point for occasional use, but for regular sleeping, I would look for something 6 inches or thicker. For materials, memory foam is a popular choice because it contours to your body and relieves pressure points. It is also great for minimizing motion transfer if you sleep with a partner. High-density foam is another solid option that provides firm support without the sinking feeling. Innerspring mattresses can be good but make sure they are flexible enough to fold without damaging the coils.
Think about the feel you want. Do you prefer a firm, supportive surface or a soft, plush one? This is personal, but remember that a sofa bed frame offers little inherent support, so a mattress that is too soft might not provide enough structure for your back. A medium-firm option is often a safe bet for most sleepers.
Finally, do not forget about practical features. A mattress with a removable, machine-washable cover is a lifesaver for keeping things clean, especially if you have guests or pets. Some mattresses are also designed with a tri-fold or bi-fold pattern to make folding easier and prevent awkward creases. Investing in one of the 10 best sofa bed mattresses can completely change your guest experience, turning a reluctant offer into a genuine comfort.
FAQ
Can I use a regular mattress on my sofa bed?
I would not recommend it. Regular mattresses are not designed to be folded and can be damaged quickly. They are also usually too thick and rigid, which will prevent your sofa bed from closing properly. Sofa bed mattresses are specifically engineered to be flexible and to fit within the unique dimensions of a sofa bed frame.
How thick should a sofa bed mattress be?
From my experience, a thickness of 5 to 6 inches is a good sweet spot. It provides enough cushioning for comfort without being so bulky that it causes problems with the sofa bed mechanism. If you plan on using it very frequently, you might want to go for a 7 or 8-inch mattress for more substantial support, but always double-check that your sofa bed can accommodate the extra depth when closed.
What is the best material for a sofa bed mattress?
This depends on your preference, but I find high-quality memory foam or high-density polyurethane foam to be the best choices. Memory foam is excellent for pressure relief and conforms to your body shape. High-density foam is durable and offers firm, consistent support. Both materials are flexible enough for the folding action of a sofa bed.
How do I clean a sofa bed mattress?
The easiest way is to choose a mattress that comes with a removable, machine-washable cover. This allows you to simply unzip it and toss it in the washing machine. For spot cleaning the mattress itself, use a mild detergent and cold water, and make sure it is completely dry before you put the cover back on or fold the bed away to prevent mold and mildew.
Are there specific mattresses for different sofa bed brands?
While there are not usually “brand-specific” mattresses, the fit is entirely specific to your model’s frame. The key is your precise measurements, not the brand name. Some companies do make replacement mattresses marketed for certain popular brands like IKEA, but you still need to verify the dimensions match your specific IKEA sofa bed model, as they are not all the same. Doing your research on the 10 best sofa bed mattresses will help you find a quality option that fits your needs.