Sofa beds were invented quite some time back, in the late 1800s, to be exact. With their popularity rising, more and
more people started using them. They were also a great way to have guests over for the night. With their multi-use base, they could be used as a couch or sofa during the day, and voila, they turned into a bed at night. When they initially came to the market, they were not very comfortable. However, today, they come in a variety of models, each more comfortable than the last. Read our complete guide about the most durable futon sofa beds.
A common issue with a sofa bed is that the mattress that comes with it is usually too thin to sleep on. More often than not, you are likely to feel the bars underneath as you sleep. But, with the latest tech and designs, the mattresses can now be exchanged for better and more comfortable ones.
Through this guide, let us try to know all that we can about sofa bed mattresses. We’ll also be reviewing our top 10 picks for the best sofa bed mattresses.
Sofa beds come in basically three types. Let’s take a look at them in detail below and then move on to the types of
mattresses.
Traditional pull-outs:
These models usually come in queen size and are designed for sitting or lounging about. The mattresses that come with it are comfortable. However, you can also fit in a mattress of your choice for additional comfort. The pull-out mattresses are usually thin and don’t offer much protection against the bars underneath the bed. They are also more expensive than other models.
Futon sofa bed:
Futon sofa beds look, and feel, like a proper couch, but anytime you want to crash you can easily fold them out. They are also easy to carry around as they are quite light in weight. The mattresses are made using low-density foam which hardens over time, making such beds, not the ideal option. Naturally, they are priced lower than the pull-outs.
Daybeds:
These are more like beds than sofas. If you plan to use it more for sitting than for sleeping, you should go with one of the two options above. However, if sleeping is your main consideration, this one would serve the purpose excellently. They usually come in standard twin or full bed size, and the prices are similar as well.
Moving on to the mattresses used in these sofa beds, there are two main options for you.
Innerspring coil mattresses:
Previously, these were used, and the customers didn’t have any other option. Better options were either too expensive to afford or not widely available. But, today, we have a wide variety of mattresses in different types, like gel memory foam, latex, memory foam, and more. They are easily available and reasonably priced.
Memory foam mattresses:
These are firmer and can be used in multiple surfaces. Without a solid base, the mattress could sink between the bars. Gel foam is similar to memory foam but is a better option as it does not trap heat in the mattress as the memory foam ones do. However, if you are looking for some bouncy feel, you should go with the innerspring mattresses — the more the number of the coils, the better the quality of sleep.
Features of sofa bed mattresses
Comfort and coziness
Since your sofa bed is more likely to be used as both as a sofa and a bed, it is important to see to it that it offers the comfort level you are expecting. It is a cozy place where you can curl up during the day and relax and sleep during the night. Spending slightly more will get you a good enough sofa bed which comes with good mattresses and even long-term warranty. Not only the mattresses, but the sturdy structure of the furniture with its reliable mechanism all work towards making it a comfortable experience.
Available in a variety of shapes and sizes
Whether you want a model that will fit in limited space or one for your luxurious house, sofa beds are now available in a lot of shapes and sizes. You can go for small, single ones or choose the bigger, queen or double size ones, as per your need. Most come with pre-built cushions and mattresses with the option of removing them. You can fit in your preferred mattresses for better comfort. Before buying, look at the height, width, and the depth of the sofa. This versatile piece of furniture is a great addition to any house.
Easy and convenient to use
These sofa beds are the best thing to use, especially if you don’t want to clutter up your place. While these come in different sizes, shapes, and designs, most of them have the same underlying mechanism. They are easy to operate and don’t require much strength at all.
Buying Considerations
We all know that we get what we pay for. However, it is easy to get lost in the idea that expensive products are better than their reasonably priced counterparts. An expensive sofa bed might not be as durable and comfortable as an average-priced one. So, it is always better that you don’t keep the price as a deciding factor, except for setting the budget.
Check out what the sofa bed frame is made of. Furniture-grade plywood or kiln-dried hardwood is a good choice. Beds made using soft woods like pine is not a great idea. Also, check whether the sofa bed is easy to open and close. It needs to fold in and one easily and smoothly. If you cannot get the hang of it in the store, chances are you are going to struggle with it in your house.
Listen to any squeaks, grunts, or wobbly sounds. Ensure the edges are smooth and the sharp edges could cause harm – both to your mattress and sheets and to you. It is always better to check out the models you like in the shop and see how you can handle it. Get back home and check out the reviews from other users and customers on how their experience was. You have the internet in your hand. Use it! Never get swayed by salesmen. See if the mattress that fits the bed is of a standard size. If not, it will be a difficult job finding the right sheet for it.
Think about which one would be more comfortable for you? – A bi-fold or a tri-fold option. We think the bi-fold one will be better as it comes with fewer folds and is easier to handle. It also means that the mattress you use can be thicker. Not only this, but they are also easier to set-up and use.
Regarding the frames, hardwood is more expensive than softwood, like pine. Kiln-dried wood refers to the wood whose moisture has been completely removed. The major advantage to using a hardwood frame is that it will last you for a lifetime. The fabric used will also affect the price of the sofa bed. Choose one that has a lot of padding as it will eventually go hard over time. You can ask the shop to give you some fabric samples so that you can check for quality. It is easier to check for the quality as a piece of fabric rather than as part of a finished product.
Leggett & Platt® Consumer Products has been in this field for over four decades. They are known for producing
adjustable bed bases that are both durable and comfortable. Their beds often come with a multitude of features, each one convenient and user-friendly.
Description
The AirDream by Leggett & Platt is an inflatable hypoallergenic mattress that is designed using air-over-coil technology. It has a soft surface thanks to the use of the latest tech, without any lumps that traditional sofa mattresses are so famous for. The innerspring thickness is 0.5-inch with an 11-inch density. This model is great for guests who are staying overnight. The best part about this is that it can fit in any of the sofa beds without trouble. It is available in multiple sizes – full, twin, and queen. The AirDream comes with a handheld electric pump that is not only easy to use but also convenient and highly user-friendly. No setup is required either. Do note that you cannot use the mattress without pumping it up first. However, it is so easy to do it that it will not take more than a few minutes. The mattress can take a weight of up to 400 to 500 lbs and is extremely comfortable, according to the users.
Highlights
The AirDream sleeper sofa mattress offers complete inflation in a matter of minutes. The density of the mattress is 11-inch compared to the usual 4.5-inch. It is slightly larger than usual. You are not likely to feel the structure of the bed under you and are certain to sleep like a baby. The hand-held electrical pump that comes with this product is extremely easy and fast to use. Regarding the safety, you don’t have anything to worry about either. While it is priced high, it is worth it for the comfort it provides.
Additional Features
The Leggett & Platt AirDream Hypoallergenic Inflatable Mattress comes with a 3-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. It is perfect for sudden guests or plans. It is easy to set up for the guest and clean up in the morning and set it back to normal.
Pros
Extremely comfortable
No lumps or other unpleasant elements
Easy setup
Cons
Expensive
A bit too large
2. PlushBeds Gel Memory Foam Sofa Bed Mattress
One spends as much as 3 out of 10 years on their mattress. A statistic the company takes very seriously. That is why
they dedicate so much effort in creating the best sleep base possible. PlushBeds specialize in creating and selling luxury mattresses, designed to promote good health.
Description
This model is made in the United States of America, and you can be sure of the quality it offers. The company has a very strict quality measurement standard across its manufacturing and distribution process. The plush foam helps with better distribution of your body weight. It does so by reducing the pressure points and offering support for your back, shoulders, knees, and hips. The PlushBeds Gel Memory Foam Sofa Bed Mattress does not give out any unpleasant odors or harmful gases. It is made using the best quality materials possible. This model is also cooler thanks to the cell viscoelastic structure that lets the heat away rather than behaving like an insulator, which is what happens with memory foam. This 4-lb. Plush memory foam sofa bed mattress is perfect for any house. Thanks to the 4.5 inches of memory foam, you will no longer be troubled by the metal sofa bed frames.
Highlights
The natural latex used here helps with pressure relief. The product does not use any chemicals, dyes, or fillers. The plant-derived latex is designed not to sag or discolor. You will also be pleased to know that it is anti-microbial, mildew resistant, and Hypoallergenic. It can support a weight of up to 250 lbs and is GreenGuard Gold Certified. This certification assures the customers that the product does not use any harsh chemicals.
Additional Features
The excellent construction of this model ensures that your mattress will not sag and will also resume its original shape. It is also 25% cooler than other mattresses. This product comes with a 30-day return guarantee as well. In case you want to do so, you will have to pay the return shipping.
DHP is a company that specializes in creating products and furniture for small spaces. They design, manufacture,
and sell mattresses, beds, futons, dining tables, and more. Most of their furniture is multi-functional, making it an excellent choice for those who have tight space. Their rich experience and research show clearly on each of their products.
Description
This 8-inch futon mattress is created using high-quality foam. There is polyester layering between the covers. The microfiber cover offers a suede-like touch-and-feel experience, letting one relax in luxury. It has been specially designed to fit a full-sized futon base. It is available in multiple colors, like chocolate, charcoal, cobalt, black, tan, and Merlot. Thanks to its versatile use, one can use it as a couch during the day and a bed during the night. It’s a great option for when you overnight guests. This microfiber futon mattress is CertiPUR-US certified. It is said to offer good support thanks to it’s 522 individually wrapped coils. It is the ideal choice if you are looking for any mattress for your futon. The CertiPUR-US certification ensures that the product has been manufactured without using TDCPP, PBDEs, TCEP, ozone depletes, mercury, flame retardants, lead and heavy metals.
Highlights
This product features 15-gauge independently-encased coils, 522 to be exact! The multiple comfort sheets and the polyester layering provides comfort we all have only dreamed of. It has been constructed to fit any standard-sized futon frames. If you think the 8-inch version of this mattress is too thick for you or you don’t want to spend that much, you can also choose to go with the six-inch one.
Additional Features
The DHP 8″ Independently-Encased Coil Futon Mattress is covered by a 1-year limited warranty, which is quite a short period for a mattress. The tons of springs present do their job by offering a great couch bed for personal and as well as guest use. Do note that this product does not include the futon arms or frames. They need to be purchased separately.
Pros
Excellent comfort layer
Lots of springs
Good height
Cons
Short warranty period
4. DynastyMattress 4.5-inch Gel Memory Foam Sofa Mattress
Dynasty Mattress or DM is a popular brand that is about ten years old. Over the years, most of the customer reviews
for their products have been positive. They manufacture all sorts of bedding accessories from mattresses to pillows. While it is an American brand, most of its production is done in China.
Description
This model is 4.5 inches thick and made using HD Gel plush memory foam. The 2.5″ base foam support is great. It has been designed to ensure that it helps in alleviating back pain for the users. Do note that this product sale covers only the mattress and the sofa frame is not included. It is to be separately purchased. It is easy to set up and is perfect for small living rooms or bedrooms. The memory foam conforms perfectly to your body, helping you get a better sleep environment. This piece of furniture has two layers of gel memory foam. The top layer is designed to offer comfort and pressure relief while the bottom provides orthopedic support. It is durable and is likely to last a long time. The memory foam heats up and acts as an insulator, aligning the spine during sleep. This can also be used as a boat mattress, bunk bed mattress, or an RV mattress. It is natural that it will have some drawbacks, but for the price, it is offered at, and the warranty covered, this model is a great option.
Highlights
While many have complained that there is a powerful, unpleasant smell after unpacking, it dissipates within a day or two. DynastyMattress is also known for its versatile mattresses that can be used in other places as well. The sturdy and robust structure of the mattress will last a long time, no matter how roughly you use it.
Additional Features
This product is CertipurUS Certified which means it is not made using any harmful materials. The DynastyMattress 4.5-inch Gel Memory Foam Sofa Mattress is certified for its durability and performance. This mattress is also covered by a 5-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects.
Pros
Durable and sturdy construction
CertiPUR-US certification
5-years warranty
Designed to alleviate back pain
Cons
Powerful, unpleasant odor after unpacking
5. Nature’s Sleep 4.5″ Gel Memory Foam Sofa Sleeper Mattress
Nature’s Sleep works on its foundation that every quality they manufacture should not only be of high quality, but it
should cost less. The company is over 100 years old, and over the last 15 years, they have researched and used their experience to create the best bedding accessories you can think about.
Description
This model is that of a 4.5” thick sofa Sleeper mattress that can be folded into your sofa bed whenever you want without any trouble. It is thick enough to make your experience comfortable. The 2″ gel memory foam layer will mold according to your body, giving just the right amount of cushioning to help you relax. The 2″ high-density support foam will support your body. Do note that this is just a replacement mattress. The high-density core of the mattress ensures that the product lasts for a longer period. This mattress’ 80/20 cotton blend velour cover has zippers for easier cleaning and is anti-microbial. This replacement mattress is rightly priced and is not too much of a bother. Thanks to its thick comfort layer, you will not feel the sofa’s bar base or the frame under you while you sleep. The cooling gel in the mattress keeps the heat away, and you can sleep in comfort all night also.
Highlights
This top-notch sofa is foldable, durable, and extremely comfortable, according to the users who have used it in the past. Nature’s Sleep 4.5″ Gel Memory Foam Sofa Sleeper Mattress has multiple layers, each of which is designed to offer support, coolness, and comfort to the users. While it gives you the comfort of a bed during the night, it can easily fold and turn into a couch during the day. Gel beads are mixed with the memory foam to make its thickness better and offer a cooling effect.
Additional Features
This product is CertiPUR-US certified, which means that you will not find Mercury, Lead, Ozone depleters, Heavy Metals, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, and PBDE flame retardants in this mattress. A 5-year limited warranty also covers it.
Pros
Multi-layer structure
Antimicrobial and pressure relieving
Adjusts to the body curves
Cons
Not the most perfect fit
Expensive
6. Milliard 4.5-Inch Memory Foam Replacement Mattress
Milliard Bedding is a brand known across the globe for its premium products. All their products go through a careful
evaluation and testing process, and each model is researched, designed, and created. Their customer care has also gotten pretty good reviews over the years.
Description
For many years now customers have preferred the luxury and coziness of the Milliard 4.5-Inch Memory Foam Replacement Mattress. Because the company believes in creating products, we are in quite safe hands. This queen-sized pull-out mattress measures 72 x 58 x 4.5 inches when flat, and is compatible with most major convertible sofa brands. The zippered mattress cover is removable and machine washable which is a major plus. Most of the sofa mattress is squeaky, rigid, and stiff but with this one, you will not have to worry about that. It is fitted with two layers of high-density firm polyurethane foam base and a 1.5-inch layer of spongy medium-soft memory foam. It is soft to touch and can adapt to your body shape, giving you ample support and comfort. It can also be used in camper beds, boats, and an RV. If you are looking for something that is both comfortable and affordable, this is quite a good option. The perforated airflow vents let the air through to offer some coolness. However, it doesn’t work as great as the company claim.
Highlights
These mattresses are transported in vacuumed packaging for a safe delivery. The company makes sure that you receive it safely and in case of any issue, they troubleshoot it within 24 hours, in most cases. The cover of the mattress is so soft and relaxing that you might want to sleep on it day and night! The mattress is designed to absorb the pressure points to offer better body posture and a pain-free morning.
Additional Features
They use premium memory foam and have CertiPUR-US certification. It is made using their patented foam blend which is designed to keep its shape forever and never sag.
Classic Brands is a brand devoted to creating the best mattresses using innovative design and amazing
craftsmanship. They have been around since 1971 and started off selling waterbeds. Later, they expanded to developing memory foam and latex mattresses. Not only mattresses, but the company also deals with other bedding accessories, like pillows, etc.
Description
The memory foam sofa mattresses are made up of best quality foam having high density to give you comfort and a good night’s sleep. The mattress has a 4.5-inch memory foam to help you and your guests sleep well. It retains its original shape even when it is folded into a sofa bed. The Classic Brands 4.5-Inch Memory Foam Replacement Mattress for Sleeper Sofa Bed comes in standardized sizes and can comfortably fit into the sofa bed without any trouble. This replacement mattress for your sleeper sofa bed is anti-allergic and resistant to germs, dust, and mites. You will also be glad to know that it is certified by Certipur-US standards. The viscoelastic memory foam helps the mattress align with your body shape and alleviate back pain. This model of mattress comes in various sizes, like 33 X 72 inches, 53 X 72 inches, and 58 X 72 inches. You can replace your classic Brands memory foam with inner springs with a memory foam of 4.5 inches. The mattress offers good support to your body, and at the same time, it is resistant to dust, mites, and bacteria.
Highlights
The sofa bed mattress foam has two layers of foams, where the top one offers nice comfort and the bottom one provides support. The mattress is made in such a way that it can provide ample support to your body and helps you in moving comfortably. The mattresses can be folded up to fit the sofa and can be unfolded easily.
Additional Features
The mattresses are rolled, compressed, and then shipped to you in convenient packages. It has a warranty of 3 years. The company is also known for offering good customer after sales service.
Pros
Dust and mite resistant
Good quality foam
Cons
A little off-gassing
8. INNOMAX ForeverAire Guest and Sofa Mattress
INNOMAX is one of the premium and best sleep products manufacturing brand which sells via retail, on the
internet, and the wholesale market. This is one company which provides over 1,200 new innovative and stylish products that are popular all over the US. They are headquartered in Denver, Colorado and dedicatedly work towards creating a variety of bedroom accessories.
Description
This innovative guest and sofa mattress are fitted with Adaptable Firmness Control technology. It also has an Automatic switch to make the sleeper as comfortable as possible. This sofa sleeper mattress comes with a backup pump that controls and maintains the air pressure, even in case of a small puncture. The best part about this model is that it can be used as a couch as well. You can use it at home, for guests, or take it away on your trips. The ForeverAire™ mattress is tested and 100% leak-proof. It is likely to last for a long time without giving any trouble. It comes with silent Night Comfort Adjust Pump which shuts off automatically. You will find it in standard sizes so you will not have to worry about the sheets. It is created using soft material with body contouring 1-Beam Design.
Highlights
A pump and a plug-in power source are also provided. ForeverAire Premium Guest & Sofa Sleeper Mattress features a DuraFlex Ripstop Fabric, which offers safety to the mattresses from the day to day abuses, and wear and tear like lumps, punctures, rips, and so on. These are made of reinforced vinyl and offer much protection and strength. This model helps keep the bedsheets and the mattresses in place and is also airy. It is available in full as well as queen size.
Additional Features
The warranty for this product is one year. Free shipping is offered with a 30-day return policy. The mattress is hygienically made with antibacterial abilities. The material is easily washable and hypoallergenic.
Classic Brands was founded in 1971. Initially, they sold waterbeds. In the 1990s, they started selling mattresses
made of memory foam and latex. Their products are known for their superior craftsmanship and comfort. They also sell frames, pillows, and other similar bedding accessories.
Description
A good, soft foam mattress with a high-quality innerspring coil is necessary for any sofa bed to give its users comforts and the ability to maneuver easily. This Classic Brands 4.5 inches thickness model comes with innerspring replacement mattresses that are designed to offer full comfort. Moreover, it is easily foldable and can be carried anywhere you like as it fits into a small box. It is smaller in size when compared to the queen-sized mattresses. The product is developed from HD foam which provides the base good support and easily accepts the weight of the person sleeping on the bed. The cushion foam will protect the body from the metal base of the sofa bed and ensure a good night’s sleep. The top of the mattress has a 2-inch layer, providing the necessary to ensure comfort. Though the mattress is breathable, it may give off a temporary odor when you initially unpack it. It is likely to dissipate over time. This spring sofa mattress is an improvement over the old, original sofa bed mattress as it is manufactured using quality fiber. Its luxurious cover gives a feeling of great satisfaction.
Highlights
The foldable mattresses have innersprings which can easily fit into any standard sofa bed with ease. Since it is made of memory foam, it will always come back to its original shape after use. It has a steel coil with fiber for support and always gives comfort to the user thanks to its cushion base. While its height is 5.25 inches, it folds and fits easily. The Damask covers are dense and quite thick.
Additional Features
This product is covered by a 3-year warranty. The mattress is compressed to make it small and portable. It comes in a multi-color design and is made of silk, but you can also buy it in different materials like cotton, linen, and synthetic.
Lifetime is quite a reputed and well-known brand. They have been around for year four decades. While they have
changed with the times, indeed, staying ahead of times, they have not lost the foundation they are built on – good quality products at a reasonable price. Their products are designed to last longer, are comfortable, and extremely distinctive.
Description
If you have a sofa bed and want to buy a new mattress, then there are many mattresses available in the market for you to choose from. However, few are as good as the Sofa Sleeper Replacement Memory Foam Mattress by Lifetime. It uses foam and does not have innerspring coils. This foam is great because it is made up of high-quality material with a high density that enables you to sleep properly. You don’t have to worry about the hard bed or the uncomfortable bars of the sofa frame. The dense foam acts as a cushion to protect your body from the hard of the bed. It comes in two and a half inches thickness using memory foam as a cushion. The sofa bed mattress releases a bit of gas in the beginning. Therefore, it is a good idea to air the mattress just after unpacking it. Though the cost is on the higher side, it is affordable for the amount of comfort it offers. It occupies less space as it can be folded and can be put in a box.
Highlights
Gone are the days when you had difficulties in purchasing sofa bed foam mattresses if they were even easily available! This model has foam layers both on top and on the bottom to help you sleep better and without any discomfort. This mattress should fit a queen-size perfectly. Some have noted that the mattress is, in fact, too thick and can sometimes be annoying when you fold it.
Additional Features
It comes in various sizes and is made of high-quality foam, offering you luxury. It comes with a warranty of 3 years and is readily available in the market.
Neil Russell is a product manager at SuperComfysleep and is genuinely passionate about the latest and most premium mattresses, sleep products and gadgets. Before joining SuperComfySleep, Neil worked in product design and development for start-ups and large corporations alike. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. When he’s not working, Neil enjoys playing basketball and football.
