The Container StoreStorage for every budget, style, and space
Bed Bath & BeyondDesigner brands & home goods at the lowest prices online
Kirkland’sHome decor and uniquely distinctive gifts
Skip to main content
Free Shipping Over $49.99*Details
Free Shipping* with welcome rewards+Learn More
Arrow Left
Back to Living Room Guides

How to Make a Pull Out Sofa Bed More Comfortable

Pull-out Sofa Bed

A pull-out sofa bed, also called a sleeper sofa, is a couch with a foldable mattress stored inside the frame that can be pulled out for sleeping. To make a pull-out sofa bed more comfortable, add a mattress topper, replace the mattress with a thicker one, fill gaps with pillows, use quality bedding, and keep the mattress clean.

A sofa bed offers an extra bed for guests and convenient seating for those who live in the household. The kids love a sleeper sofa for sleepovers, and they are perfect for sick days when cuddling up in front of the television with warm soup helps to heal. Though a pull-out sofa bed comes with many benefits, it usually lacks in the comfort department. Find out how to create a comfortable sleeper sofa your household and overnight guests love to sleep on.

Quick Tips for a More Comfortable Sofa Bed:

  1. Add a mattress topper (at least 2–3 inches thick)
  2. Replace the mattress with a thicker model (5–6 inches)
  3. Fill gaps with pillows
  4. Use quality bedding that fits properly
  5. Keep the mattress clean
  6. Sleep on a duvet for extra cushioning
Shop Sofa Beds

Add a Mattress Topper

Mattress Pad

The easiest way to improve the comfort of a sleeper sofa is to add a mattress topper. Choose a mattress topper that is at least 2–3 inches thick for noticeable comfort improvement. The extra padding helps to make it easier on the back and more comfortable to sleep on. Both memory foam and down mattress toppers exist for sleeper sofa mattresses, along with toppers made of other materials. Memory foam toppers with a density of 3–4 lb/ft³ provide optimal support for sofa bed mattresses. The material is simply a matter of preference; as long as it provides adequate thickness, it adds more comfort to the base mattress.

Shop Mattress Toppers

Buy a New Mattress

Futon Bed

Another way to improve the comfort of a pull out couch is to buy a new mattress. Most mattresses for sofa beds range in width from 4 to 5 inches. Opt for a sofa bed mattress that is 5–6 inches thick rather than the standard 4–5 inch mattress for better support. Thicker mattresses are more comfortable. Replace the original mattress with a new sofa bed mattress to make a world of difference in terms of comfort.

Shop Sofa Bed Mattresses

Fill in Gaps With Pillows

Futon with Pillows

Another way to improve the comfort level of a sofa bed is to fill any gaps with pillows. This gives the sleeper more room to spread out while sleeping, thus making it more comfortable. Additionally, filling up the gap with a second pillow can keep the sleeping pillow in place and give you a better night's sleep.

Shop Pillows

Sleep on Quality Bedding

Pull Out Sofa Bed with Bedding

The comfort level on a sleeper sofa is directly related to the quality of the bedding. Comfortable bedding can significantly improve the quality of sleep you get. Most pull-out sofa beds are full-size, but other sizes are on the market, too. Shop for bedding that specifically matches the size of your sofa bed, and consider buying mattress clips to keep the sheets in place, especially if you do not plan to use a topper on the mattress.

Shop Bedding

Keep the Mattress Clean

Cleaning a Mattress

Keeping the sleeper sofa mattress clean also helps to ensure a good night's sleep. Clean the mattress with a vacuum; a small handheld unit is perfect for this task, since the space of a sofa bed tends to be fairly small. Additionally, a handheld vacuum is portable, so you can reach the middle of the bed with ease. If you have a down mattress on the sofa bed, fluff it in the dryer with a dryer sheet following each use to bring more comfort and add a pleasant scent.

Shop Handheld Vacuums

Sleep on a Duvet

Folded Duvet Cover

If you need a solution for a more comfortable sleeper sofa in a pinch, consider sleeping on a duvet instead of using it to cover yourself. Most duvets are thick enough to offer extra support and comfort where you need it. Duvets also add an opportunity for more warmth, especially if made of a material such as down.

Shop Duvet Covers

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the best mattress topper for a sofa bed? Memory foam toppers with a density of 3–4 lb/ft³ and a thickness of 2–3 inches are generally considered the best option for sofa beds, as they provide excellent support and cushioning while conforming to the body.

How often should you replace a sleeper sofa mattress? Sleeper sofa mattresses should typically be replaced every 5–7 years, or sooner if you notice sagging, lumps, or decreased comfort. Frequent use may require earlier replacement.

That’s it! Enjoy a good night’s sleep on your perfectly primed sofa bed. When closing the sofa bed, it is best to remove the bedding instead of folding it up with the mattress. Instead, store the bedding in a wardrobe, armoire or another cabinet when you fold the bed away. This helps to ensure clean sheets with every use, and helps to keep your sofa bed sheets in one central location.